Chapter 73 - Blindness

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Chapter 73: Everything's Going to Be Okay

 

 

Finally, the day of the Kanto performance arrived.

 

Today marked the final day of the Tokyo tour, and the following morning, Suno would take the bullet train back to Kyoto.

 

The swelling in Suno's ankle had subsided, and he could dance as usual when completing gentler routines. Though the program had required some adjustments, Suno felt confident he could perform a dance that would captivate the keen eyes of the audience, so he decided to take the stage as planned.

 

Today was also the first public appearance for some of his younger disciples. Although they had been practicing intensively for this day, their nerves were evident, as this was their debut in an unfamiliar place. Since morning, they had been restless, unable to fully settle down.

 

"Sensei, the shamisen master would like to confirm the program with you."

 

Sanami, who had once stood in as Suno's substitute at the Shindo family's performance, approached him as he was fitting his costume. Since her impressive performance that day, Sanami had grown in confidence and now appeared much calmer and more composed.

 

"Oh, could you ask Arisugawa about it? I'm tied up adjusting the costume changes."

 

"Understood. Um… Sensei*?"

 

[T/N: "Sensei" (先生) is a Japanese term that means "teacher" or "instructor," but its usage extends beyond just educators in schools. It is a title of respect for someone who has expertise, knowledge, or skill in a particular field, such as martial arts, music, medicine, or any profession requiring a high level of training. It can also be used to refer to someone in a position of authority or respect, such as a mentor or guide.]

 

"Hm?"

 

Sanami paused, peeking into the mirror to study Suno's face.

 

"Did something good happen to you?"

 

"Huh? Why?"

 

"Well… you seem much happier than usual…"

 

"Do I?"

 

"Yes. You were even humming just now."

 

"What?! Well… I guess with all these familiar faces attending our Kanto tour, I'm a little excited."

 

"Oh, I see."

 

"So keep your focus and do your best, Sanami."

 

"Yes, I will!"

 

Sanami smiled sweetly and left with a lighter step. Suno sighed softly, surprised at himself for humming without even realizing it.

 

"Am I really… that excited?"

 

Today, he had reserved the best seats for the Shindo and Kunishiro families. Naturally, Kotaro would be coming.

 

He recalled the brief message from Kotaro that morning, saying, "Looking forward to it." Suno smiled. There was some nervousness about performing in front of Kotaro, yet above all, he was thrilled to show Kotaro firsthand the world he lived in. For the first time, Suno felt as if his spirit was soaring, like a bright summer sky. His ankle wasn't fully healed, but his body felt light, and he was eager to take the stage.

 

—It's my first time feeling this good right before a performance.

 

Suno slipped the black kimono from his shoulders, revealing a simple white layer beneath. His expression in the mirror was soft, his complexion unusually bright. It was no wonder Sanami had noticed his change.

 

"Well, no matter what, I'll give it my all as always."

 

Murmuring to himself, Suno clasped his fists lightly at his chest.

 

*

 

And then, the time for the performance arrived.

 

Suno stood alone at the center of the darkened stage, the curtains still drawn. In the darkness, he sensed the steady presence of the backstage crew behind him and felt inspired by the anticipation of the audience beyond the curtain.

 

His breathing was calm, his mind clear.

 

As the rhythmic sound of the wooden clappers* echoed, signaling the start of the performance, Sudou slowly opened his eyes.

 

[T/N: The clappers (called hyoshigi in Japanese) are traditional wooden instruments used in Japanese theater, particularly in Noh and Kabuki performances. They are made of two wooden blocks that are struck together to produce a sharp, resonant sound. In the context of theater performances, clappers are used to mark the beginning or transitions of a performance, as well as to keep rhythm during certain parts of the show.]

 

The curtain began to rise slowly, and as it reached the top, a dazzling spotlight illuminated him.

 

As the notes of the shamisen began to flow, Suno raised his eyes, gazing directly into the white light.

 

From the audience came a thunderous applause, along with a familiar call of "Our 26th generation head!" Suno smiled faintly, encouraged by the thought of his loyal patrons in attendance.

 

Suno gracefully bent his knees and drew a folding fan from his kimono. As he slowly opened it in front of his chest, the light from the spotlight cast a shimmering golden glow across the stage.

 

The first dance was a seductive female dance, Midare-Gami*.

 

[T/N: Midaregami (乱れ髪) literally translates to "Tangled Hair." This type of performance typically involves a dancer portraying a woman who is emotionally overwhelmed or troubled, symbolized by her disordered, flowing hair. The performance is often elegant and expressive, with the dancer's movements conveying deep emotion and the turmoil of the character. In traditional Japanese theater, such dances are rich in symbolism, using both physical movement and visual elements like the costume and hair to enhance the storytelling.]

 

Lightly powdered, with crimson around his eyes, Suno wore a vivid red kimono that exuded charm and grace. His black hair, styled high with a floral hairpin, revealed his delicate white nape beneath the elegantly pulled collar. The trailing hem of his kimono swayed, and his feet were clad in pristine white tabi socks.

 

Suno moved with a gentle flick of the fan, his body flowing gracefully through the dance. Skillfully managing the kimono's hem, he turned and looked back, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.

 

At that moment, he spotted Kotaro in the center of the audience. Though the theater had three levels and over nine hundred seats, making it difficult to clearly see each face from the stage, Kotaro's figure seemed to stand out to him in sharp relief.

 

Beside the beaming Kantaro Shindo, who was applauding with a proud smile, Kotaro watched Suno's dance with an intense, focused expression. Leaning slightly forward, his gaze fixed unwaveringly, Kotaro's eyes followed Suno's every move, as if he were too captivated to even blink.

 

Such an earnest gaze, so pure and bright, warmed Suno's heart.

 

—He's watching me… with all his heart…

 

Kotaro's look of devotion was endearing, and a smile graced Suno's painted lips. As he moved in tune with the music, he felt his spirit lift, as if he were soaring.

 

A fresh energy filled his fingertips and toes as he danced, and Suno found himself utterly entranced, moving in harmony with the rhythm.

 

—My heart feels so light, and the music seeps deeper than ever… ah, it feels wonderful…

 

Just having Kotaro there, watching over him, filled Suno with unlimited fuel.

 

He remembered the strong, broad back that had stood up to protect him, the endearing expression of vulnerability in their first embrace, and Kotaro's determined spirit that faced fate head-on. Thinking of these moments, Suno's heart raced with excitement.

 

If it was a future shared with Kotaro, it would surely be filled with happiness. The thought brought a calmness and joy that spread through his heart.

 

With a soft twist of his sleeve, Suno knelt down, tilting his head and extending his fingers as if reaching out from the stage, his gaze set into the distance. The seasoned audience knew this was the final pose. Even before the music fully faded, applause burst forth, filling the hall.

 

Suno placed the fan on the floor, brought his hands together, and bowed deeply.

 

As the applause began to settle, Suno raised his head and looked directly at Kotaro, offering him a warm smile. He saw Kotaro shift slightly, then glance down and scratch the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.

 

—He's really so adorable...

 

As much as he wished to keep watching Kotaro, Suno knew he was still on stage. After another respectful bow, he confidently addressed the audience in a clear, resonant voice.

 

"Thank you all for coming today. It is truly an honor to perform here again at the Kanto theater, and I am deeply grateful for the continued support for the Suno school. Though I am still inexperienced, today marks the third year since my official succession, and I am profoundly humbled. I am still far from matching my predecessor, the late Kashu Suno, but I will continue to work diligently alongside the Suno school. I humbly ask for your continued warm support."

 

With his declaration complete, Suno bowed deeply once more. The hall once again filled with applause and spirited calls of "Well done, our 26th head!" and "Splendid!"

 

Suno lifted his head and caught Kotaro's gaze. Unlike Kantaro beside him, who clapped with grand gestures, Kotaro sat quietly, a proud smile on his lips, his gaze still firmly on Suno.

 

He then cast his gaze toward familiar faces nearby: Ren, Mikado, Aoi, and Yuto. Meeting each of their eyes in turn, Suno smiled once more.

 

—Yes… I'll be okay now.

 

Somehow, he knew this to be true.

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