This morning, as every morning, Sayuri had been visiting her parents. The house they lived in belonged to the Hisakawa family for eight generations. It is safe to say that the Hisakawa family was one of the most respected families among the Retainers of the Matsudaira. Her father, his father before him, and their fathers had always served the Matsudaira faithfully and with honor. It was a modest but respectable home adorned with mementos of different battles and campaigns along with several racks of fine clothing that her mother made. It was settled in the northern end of the city center on a slight hill right next to a Shinto shrine. It was also one of the few houses with it's own wall. Inside the walls of the Hisakawa household was a garden maintained by the two servants afforded to their family. One was an elderly woman by the name of Setsuko, the other was a young girl about 16 years old named Rio. Setsuko had served their family since her early twenties and had cared for Sayuri when she was a child. Rio had only recently come to work as a servant due to the loss of her family to bandit raids. 

In the common room of the house sat two figures drinking tea and looking out to the gardens. One an elderly man of about 50. Looking at him now one might never have guessed that he was once called the Sword of Justice. There was a time when men feared the very sight of him but time had taken it's toll. Even now he was very intimidating despite his physical condition but a chronic and incurable stomach illness has left him weak and unable to wield a sword. Next to the old man was a young and beautiful woman, Sayuri. Her silk black hair and fair complexion were gifts that she carried with grace. Were it not for the Daisho on her Obi one would not think of her as a warrior. She had been training her entire life to use them with skill. A Naginata lay next to her on the floor. Both of them were Samurai and followed Bushido, although in their own home the formalities often stayed behind at the door. They looked upon the gardens as they spoke. 

[b]Sayuri: "It's quite cold today, Father. Wouldn't you rather be inside?"[/b]
Ichitosen: Why? So your Mother can fawn over me like I'm a sick dog? Ever since I resigned she has been this way. I understand that I am weak and the Doctor says I should rest more I cannot help but feel restless."
[b]Sayuri: "I worry for you, Father."[/b]
Ichitosen: "I know. I suppose I have become a burden now that I am old and weak. It makes me think of your future."
[b]Sayuri: "My future?"[/b]
Ichitosen: "Yes, I often wonder who would be a suitable husband for you. The Hisakawa family ends with you now. Were I gifted a son by the heavens it would be a different matter. I have given it much thought this past year, he should be a man worthy of you and wealthy enough that I do not have to worry."
[b]Sayuri: "Am I to marry a rich and fat Merchant then?"[/b]
Ichitosen: "HAHA! I would not be so cruel as to give you away to a slob, no. I have someone else in mind. We have served the Matsudaira clan for six, no seven generations now. I think it is appropriate that you should be affiliated with their family."
[b]Sayuri: "Even so, Daimyo Matsudaira would do much better to marry Young Lord Kishinro to someone else."[/b]
Ichitosen: "Not him, though if I could that would be a great blessing. No, I speak of the other boy."
[b]Sayuri: "Kaito-kun..."[/b]
Ichitosen: "I know you are fond of him already. You used to play together as children. So many years ago."
[b]Sayuri: "It would be a great honor. Have you spoken to Lord Matsudaira?"[/b]
Ichitosen: "I have already sent a letter to be delivered asking permission, though I've yet to inform the boy. I Know it's a bit unorthodox but I thought you might like to tell him yourself."
[b]Sayuri: "I see..."[/b]
Ichitosen: "When this goes through I can die in peace knowing you will carry our honor, although you will not carry our name. This is enough for me."
[b]Sayuri: "Father..."[/b]