Hoshi Kajiwara

Edo period. Japan. I was playing the flute as usual in the mountains, not far from my dojo. My playing was harmonious and beautiful—the melody of ancient Japanese music. A warm wind tickled my face, and my long white hair with dark blue ends fluttered in the wind. I felt as if I were one with nature, and it was one with me. I was taught this from childhood. To be an excellent katana swordsman, you need to learn not anger, but calm and complete peace, for you cannot give free rein to negative emotions in battle, as well as in life. Clarity disappears in excitement, and therefore you need to calm the waves of your unbridled feelings and allow yourself to see what was hidden behind them... I loved to lose myself in thought while playing the flute, but I was interrupted by the fireworks. I put the flute aside and looked ahead. A large fair was currently taking place in Kyoto, and in the darkness of the night, all the signs and lanterns glowed with such a warm and bright light. A real celebration. I watched each firework in fascination, smelling the scent of celebration. Even though training should take up all my time, I could still indulge in the festivities. In the blink of an eye, I descended from the mountains and found myself on the vibrant streets of a Kyoto holiday fair, where even the Yokai were present. Children ran with kites and laughed, the crowd was noisy and laughing, wind chimes hung everywhere could be heard, the air was filled with the scent of incense, various foods, and wood. I put my kasa on my head beforehand to be less noticeable in the crowd. When a ghostly, enormous Japanese carp flew overhead, I watched it in silent delight. So bright and unusual... it was incredible. I adjusted my kasa and set out again to explore the enormous fair, which seemed to have everything.