Removed – Chapter 27

As we finish up our curry dinner with Aunt Lomo, the doorbell chimes, and the read-out says it’s Mark Sakai. Aunt Kimie sighs before putting on a smile and opening the door.

Sakai is not alone. He’s brought two men with him so completely different from each other it’s comical. They stand behind him minding their own business as if this is all routine.

“Kimie, may we come in? You don’t hate me anymore, do you?”

Aunt Kimie backs away. “Of course not, Mark. Please come in.”

“I need to ask these gentlemen in from the hall, if you don’t mind.” He motions to them as he kicks off his shoes.

The first enters, and everyone backs away to let this behemoth of a man into our tiny apartment. He must be close to 130 kilos (I barely weigh fifty) and over 185 centimeters tall. He is so large he actually has to step sideways to make it in the door. But he has a kind face, and when he bows to us, a thick crop of hair covers the top of his head. Sakai reaches up (Sakai is minuscule next to him… I’m trying not to laugh) and clasps this man on the shoulder.

“Sanaa, this is Oyama.” A fitting name. Yama means mountain, and he is a mountain of a man.

“Hello,” I say, craning my next to look up at him.

The other man joins him. He can’t be more than twenty-six years old and has opted for the shaved head of a monk. He’s lean with a square jaw and piercing eyes that search the room even as he kicks off his shoes next to Sakai. When he stops and stands next to Oyama, they both bow to me.

“And this is his brother, Usagi.”

“Usagi?” Rabbit? Really?

“Yes, ma’am,” he says.

“I’m too young to be called ma’am, please.”

“Then, miss.” And he is silent. I glance around the bulk of Oyama, and they’re both carrying swords in their belts. Usagi closes the door quietly behind him. Did Sakai just say they are brothers? How the hell does that happen?

We all sit down except for Oyama and Usagi, and sitting down, I’m a tiny, little bug next to Oyama, but he smiles down at me, and I smile back. He’s not frightening, just large.

“Kimie, you remember everything we discussed eighteen years ago when we fixed Sanaa’s identity?”

Aunt Kimie nods and brings her hand to her lips. “I do. Do we have to start tonight?”

“I want to get her settled in before anyone else figures it out. Sanaa, you now know the truth, the truth of what you are, and what you have to do with your life. Did you watch the video your mother made for you?”

“Yeah. Have you seen it?”

“No. Junko told me she made it. She told me what she said so hopefully that’s enough.” He doesn’t want to see the video. I don’t blame him. “I’m afraid you can’t stay here anymore. This apartment is not safe for you nor your aunts. Oyama and Usagi will be in charge of your safety, but they are going to be two of many people.”

Aunt Kimie stares at the floor off to the side, not objecting. I want her to object but she’s not saying a word. Object! I’m not ready for my life to change this drastically. But this was all decided when I was two.

“I’ve spent most of this day rearranging the living quarters in Koichi and Mariko’s building, the one they live in not the one with the dōjō…”

“They own both buildings?” Wow, they must be more well-off than I thought.

“The family owns them. We have several. Your family owns a lot of property in Nishikyō as well. Kimie has been managing it all for years.”

Even more secrets. We must be rich, and I never had any idea. I wonder how much time Aunt Kimie spends at her administrative job in Ku 2, and how much is really spent doing these other things.

“We have about fifteen minutes before my staff shows up to help you pack. You will have your own apartment tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll discuss next steps for you.”

Sakai is being deliberately vague with my aunts, and I know why. Jiro lives in that same building, and I’m not going to say a word. This is the best thing that could possibly have happened tonight. But looking at both Aunt Kimie and Lomo’s sad faces, I realize they’ll miss me, and I’ll miss seeing them every day even if I’m seeing someone else I love instead. I wanted my own place, and I was even thinking I wanted to live in Ku 6. Now, I have both and mixed feelings.

“Kimie and Lomo, you will need to move, too. Either here in Ku 9 or back to Ku 5, if you like. I know you won’t go back to Ku 6.”

Aunt Kimie and Lomo hold hands and nod. “After this morning, Lomo and I had a long talk. We’re willing to move back to Ku 5. We had a happy life there, and we’ll only be one ward away from Sanaa. I would like to be close so it’s easier for her to come and visit us.”

“Did you know we’d all be moving?” I look from one face to another in this quiet room. Sakai meets my eyes straight on. Aunt Lomo stares into her wine glass. Aunt Kimie watches Sakai. Oyama and Usagi mind their own business. “Aunt Kimie, did you know?”

“I knew. I’ve always known that the day you found out, everything would be changed. This is why I let you be the person you wanted to be growing up. You had freedom, the freedom to make the choices you wanted to make. Your mother never had freedom. We always told you she was a chemist, but no, this was her life instead. Both our parents groomed her for her role from the day she was born. She was ruled by it. At least you had the chance to be free…”

“Before my life is taken away from me.” My temper and anger are nonexistent. Now, it’s all just logical. Did I expect my life to continue like it was no big deal, like nothing has changed?

“Don’t be sad, Sanaa,” Sakai says, leaning forward. “You will still be you. You will just be doing something completely different. Trust me. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

I sit on my bed with my tablet while two girls in their mid twenties named Risa and Beni pack up everything in my room. They told me they didn’t need any help, but I’m hesitant to let strangers touch my personal things, so I’m sitting in here while Sakai, Aunt Kimie, and Lomo all socialize in the other room. Oyama moved back out to the hallway after Risa and Beni arrived, and Usagi is standing outside my door.

After about ten minutes of watching these girls pack, though, I think I can count on them. They’re careful with everything, neat and orderly. Risa, with her wavy hair and red nails, wraps up every little thing I have and places each one securely in boxes. Beni, the opposite of Risa with her chin length hair and casual demeanor, is pulling all of my clothes out of my wall drawers, folding them neatly, and making piles to be boxed as well. They won’t be long. I don’t have many belongings.

When I take my tablet out of silent mode, more news awaits me. First, another message from Chad. He sounds desperate. I’ve ignored him for far too long. I’ll flag it and write him back tomorrow.

Then there’s a message from Miko: “I wanted to tell you in person, but Yoichi and I are engaged! He asked me this morning, and I said yes. Did you ever think you’d see the day? I’m so stupidly happy, it’s embarrassing, but I know that you approve, right? Tomorrow night, 7pm at the izakaya. We’re closing up and having a private party to celebrate. Please come! You and Jiro, of course, and your aunts. Everyone will be there. Love you. XO.”

While my life was being turned upside down so was Miko’s.

“Are you all right, Sanaa?” I’m in tears for the billionth time today, and Beni has seen me wipe them away.

“I’m fine, Beni. Happy news for once.”

Risa ignores my tears and continues to pack which is fine by me. I send Miko my congratulations and assure her we’ll come, though I feel I have no say in such matters anymore. Still, this is family, and I doubt I’ll be kept from this party just because of what happened today.

I check my chat status, and Jiro is online.

“Do you know what’s going on over here?” I type.

“I was wondering if you’d be online soon. No. What’s happening?”

“I’m being moved. Two girls are here packing up my belongings.”

“Let me guess. You’re moving here?”

“How did you know?”

“I came home after dropping you off and half the building was in chaos. A few family members moved out and more security staff moved in. It wasn’t a stretch.”

“You’re so observant.”

“Yes, I also noticed today you have the sweetest three little dots on your inner right thigh.”

Ha! He is sex messaging me with two strange girls in my room. If I start laughing, they’re going to think I’m crazy.

“Save that for later. I don’t intend on sleeping alone tonight after all.”

“Good. The apartment across the hall is completely empty. I’m hoping you’ll be there. Did you see the other news today?”

“Miko and Yoichi? Yes. I’m so happy for them. I’m wondering if we’ve had enough surprises for one day, though.”

“I think we have. See you soon. Message me when you’re leaving. I’ll meet you here.”

Damn, I’m tired. This day is ten years long.

“Sanaa, this fell out of your sock drawer. I think you may want to keep it.” Beni hands me a small slip of paper, my omikuji, from New Year’s Eve — the small blessing for moving residence. I remember Jiro’s was a blessing in love.

A chill comes over me and causes the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. The gods have been watching out for us.

On the train to my new apartment, Usagi sticks close to Sakai and me while Oyama stands across the car from us.

“So these two are to follow me everywhere?” I hate the idea of losing what’s left of my private life.

“Yes, and they will both be living on either side of you. Usagi, and Jiro I might add, are for personal protection. Should you need to eat, you will always ask Oyama to either get you food or buy the ingredients to make it yourself. When we are out, you must always ask him to eat first. He is a trained dokumiyaku.”

“Uh… I don’t know this word, but I think I understand the concept. Is this really necessary?”

No wonder Oyama is so large; he’s a food-taster.

“Do you want to take the chance? Besides Oyama’s been waiting for this day for years, haven’t you?”

“Indeed I have, miss.” It’s the first time I’ve heard him talk, and he has a low, sweet baritone voice.

“That is a crazy career choice, Mark,” I whisper.

“He has a discerning palate,” Sakai whispers back. “Was born to do this. And he likes food and pretty girls, so this job is perfect for him.”

Oyama smiles and bows again, and all I can do is shake my head.

I had messaged Jiro before we left, and, when we arrive at his building, he waits for us in the downstairs lobby. “I saw Beni and Risa standing outside the apartment across the hall from me. Are you doing what I think you’re doing?”

“Yes, I am. Usagi and Oyama will be on either side, you and Yoichi are across the hall. This seemed like the best place for Sanaa to live.”

“I agree, though I wish you would tell me about these things ahead of time.”

Sakai stops and looks straight at Jiro. “You were taking care of Sanaa all afternoon while I was taking care of this. What would you rather have been doing?”

Jiro gulps and stiffens. “Nothing but that, Sakai. I apologize.”

I’ve never seen Sakai come close to dressing down Jiro, and I’m hoping that’s as harsh as he gets. Being in the middle of this is uncomfortable. I shift back and forth on my feet until Sakai nods and heads up the stairs, all of us following in his wake.

I’m led to the second floor, and, halfway down the hall, Beni and Risa wait outside a door for us with all my boxes. I assume everyone is waiting outside because Sakai has keyed this door to only respond to me so, without even asking, I head straight for the scanner and palm the apartment open. Usagi checks every room, every corner, and Risa and Beni start unpacking.

My new home is a basic one bedroom apartment, renovated recently. I love the rice paper light fixtures on the walls, and everything in the kitchen and bathroom is brand new. The bedroom has a double bed with wall drawers, a desk, and a standing closet. A plush, cushy couch and chair are along one wall in the living area with a coffee table. A small dining table with chairs sits close to the kitchen that shares space with the living area. The apartment is quite modern, loft-like, and much bigger and nicer than the small efficiency I was hoping for.

Not bad for my first place, though I’m about to complain about the lack of windows when I realize, of course, there are no windows. Wouldn’t want assassins coming in through them.

“I really don’t need all this space. You could have chosen a small apartment for me.”

Sakai’s eyes widen. “This is the smallest apartment in the building, and I’m ashamed it was the only secure one for you. If I could, I’d give you mine which is ten times this size.”

“Really, Mark…” I wave my hand at him, embarrassed by the attention he’s bringing on me.

“Stop. You’ll be spending a lot of time here. Dozens of people will visit you in this room. It will get crowded. Trust me.”

I nod, just wanting to end the conversation before he gets angry with me, and I sit next to Jiro on the couch while Risa and Beni unpack in the bedroom.

“I’ll be back in the morning,” Sakai says, after he has surveyed my new space. “I hope you sleep well tonight. If you need to leave for anything, please let Usagi know. He’s in the apartment closer to the stairs.” He motions to both Oyama and Usagi and all three depart.

I rest my head on Jiro’s shoulder with a sigh and reach over to hold his hand.

“How are you doing?”

“Jiro, I want to go to bed.”

He gets up and goes to the bedroom. I hear him talking quietly with the girls, but I close my eyes and just sit.

“Good night, Sanaa. We’ll come back tomorrow and finish up. Let us know if you need anything else,” says Beni, as they both cross the room to leave. Beni exits with a smile, and Risa holds open the door.

“Are you coming, Jiro?” Risa asks.

“He’s not going anywhere, thank you, Risa.”

You’re dismissed, Risa. You’re not, Jiro.

Jiro smiles at me. “Should I go get something to wear to bed?”

I’m tired but not that tired.

“Don’t bother,” I say with a smile.

He smiles back.