After the Flowers

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Hana no Ato

After the Flowers.

Emperor Saga was the one

that adopted this custom.

Cherry blossom viewing.

was originally a custom, limited

to the elite of the Imperial Court.

Cherry blossoms along the river was

such a wonderful sight to behold.

Although sake was prohibited,

it was still pleasant.

Having lunch amidst the blossoms.

You'll hear people enjoying

with cheer and laughter.

Gives one comfort and tranquility.

However...

that is not all.

Blossoms not only mesmerizes

women and children.

But transcends hierarchy and

caste systems.

So that everyone can

appreciate it's full glory.

It is said that His Majesty once came to view

the blossoms dressed as an unknown warrior.

Looked for a bride amidst

the blossoming flowers.

Whether it's story holds any

truth is beyond me.

However as this rumor

became prevalent.

Whenever Cherry blossoms, families

insisted elegance in kimonos attire.

But my grandmother do

not care for such.

She was interested in

sword fighting craft.

She didn't care how

others view her much.

This is a story of more

than 50 years ago.

Lady Ito.

We'll settle down here.

Yes.

Lady Ito?

Lady Tusue is here.

You're here.

Yes. I'm here.

You can lay down here as well.

The cherry blossoms here

are wonderful in full bloom.

I'm afraid not.

With you here. Other men

might not approach.

What?

News have spread.

That you were victorious

in Hagai dojo.

The dojo is now infamous.

Because none of the

men can beat you.

I see.

Like the saying goes for anyone who's

had an achievement in martial arts.

You are a difficult person

to get near to.

I'll say my farewell then.

She is so realistic.

Regardless that you're sisters.

We'll never find another

similar relative like her.

Well. As the eldest daughter

of the Clan elder.

I guess it's inevitable.

Well, it's time we return.

Why are we leaving so early?

If we were to leave late.

There's gonna be a crowd

returning to the city,

Your father will not approve

of us returning late.

C'mon.

Yes.

Most unfortunate.

The blooms are only fleeting.

Excuse me?

Forgive me if I am wrong.

Are you the daughter of

Clan Elder Mr. Terai?

Yes.

I'm from Hagai Dojo.

I've heard of your abilities.

Unfortunate that I was

unable to attend.

Oh! Are you Eguchi ?

I am Eguchi, Magoshiro.

Pity I had missed the chance.

So do I.

I've hear that you have

excellent sword skills.

No.

I have learned a lot myself.

I consider myself lucky to have won.

You're too modest.

I would like the opportunity to

have a friendly duel with you.

I would like the chance

to learn from you.

Lady Ito. It's time.

I'm sorry to have

taken your time.

Until the next time.

Til the next time then.

You shouldn't talk to him.

You know nothing of him.

And he looks of a lower caste.

I'm not sure.

Eguchi is the top swordsman

of the Hagai Dojo.

When father took me to

look at him practice.

No one could beat him.

No matter.

Even if you were just talking

about sword play.

You still have to be aware of

who you converse with in public.

Don't over react, Osa.

Anyway, we just talked

about swordplay.

In any case,

Don't tell mom about this.

She'll be unhappy,

if she learns about this.

Osa? Please keep this to yourself.

Is this a tale of young love?

Take a guess.

Unrequited love.

A love story unlike another.

That's full of sweet joy.

We can say that the heart

suffers bitter in love.

Listen carefully to what

I am about to reveal.

- With a little sesame.

- Yes.

- Are they finishing work?

- Yes.

Lady Ito's home!

- That is all.

- Yes.

Sorry for being late.

Welcome home.

How was this year's

cherry blossoms?

Very beautiful. Just

like last year.

I see.

Father?

Come in.

What is it?

I have a request.

Eguchi have requested

for a friendly duel.

Eguchi?

Eguchi, Magoshiro from

Hagai Dojo.

I happened to run into

him a few days ago.

When I was viewing

the cherry blossoms.

Heard Lady Sai's betrothed

to the Shiraiyino family.

At last it's our turn.

Is that so.

Marriages are all arranged.

Speaking of.

When's Saisuke returning from Edo?

Soon...

The Abbot's here.

Tomorrow.

Eguchi will come over tomorrow.

Eguchi?

Prepare yourself.

Yes.

Excuse me? I'm Eguchi, Magoshiro!

You're early?

Yes. Is this inappropriate?

Are you in a rush?

No. I'm not in any urgency.

I've long heard of

the Clan Elders' home.

Thought I'll come early for a tour.

Hope I'm not being too intrusive.

But before that. Let's

finish the duel.

Yes. Let's proceed to

the inner courtyard.

My father would be the judge.

Most honored.

Ready! Begin.

End of competition.

Marvelous.

As you now realize.

You still have much to learn.

No. She has done well.

Give Eguchi a tour

of our home.

Yes.

I will take my leave.

Yes.

Thank you for the

lesson today.

The honors mine.

Please hold for a while.

I've never had someone

appreciate my skills.

Beyond my femininity.

You must be feeling overwhelmed.

Towards Eguchi, Magoshiro.

Promise you'll never

see him again.

Lest you forget you

have been betrothed.

Yes.

Heard that Eguchi is also engaged.

Let's start practicing

the tea ceremony.

Let's start off with

napkin etiquette.

Is Saisuke not back yet?

Yes...

Hasn't it been 4 years?

I think so.

Hope he doesn't have

learning disabilities.

Stop saying such things.

Maybe he chose to stay in Edo.

Maybe...

He has gone to a

reputable private school.

Or something else

is holding him there.

Being a adult may not

make him a wise man.

Excuse me.

Please accept my apologies.

Due to the recent happenings.

Thus was unable to perform

ceremonial practice at home.

It's been some time since

we have acquainted.

A good move.

She has the Abbot eating

outta her hand.

She have her way with men.

- Heard that the marriage was hasten.

- What...

Lady Kayo made the

marriage proposal herself?

Yes.

Heard her father's health isn't well.

The family have placed a great

effort in the wedding.

Everythings settled.

Marrying into a family

she knows nothing of.

Didn't they communicate before.

No, they didn't.

About a year ago in small town,

in a tea house called Aoyagi.

Lady Kayo was seen colluding

with Lord Fujii, Kageyu.

Sneaking around in the

lateness of night.

- Well, she's already 15.

- No.

She won't know

if she won't try.

Lady Kayo.

Numerous men have fallen

for her looks and schemes.

I see.

I do pity Eguchi's family.

Eguchi?

Yes.

Heard Kayo's getting married

to the 3rd son, Eguchi.

Family's name is Magoshiro.

Do you know him?

No.

He must not have heard

rumors about Kayo's past.

Even heard that,

Lady Kayo's marriage with the Naito

family is for the sake of political influence.

For generations, Naito's family had the prestige of

taking charge of the lord's business and dealings.

And Eguchi's the head

swordsman of Nagai Dojo.

A marriage of convenience.

Even a fool knows.

How about this?

Texture and lining is

refine and elegant.

Yes, I see.

Then how about this?

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