Taishō Era — Hashira Training

What was done with pity became a habit for Genya, just as Master Himejima felt pity for the poor children and also deeply sorry for the poor kittens abandoned on the street. The young man offered, with a trembling hand, the small, shy cat hiding behind the lamppost. A sad smile appeared on the boy's face, of someone who had disappointed someone else. He placed the food on the ground and walked away; the cat immediately approached the food the moment Genya walked away. His sad expression remained; there was sadness, but also determination in his eyes. Just as he was determined to make peace with his brother, he was determined to befriend that kitten.

The days passed quickly; it was a sunny afternoon again. People came and went: women in their colorful kimonos, each with their own color, men with their wares, carts, food stalls, and sweets. Throughout the afternoon, Genya walked back and forth, feeding cats he encountered along the way, some calm and others skittish. At least he managed to feed them all... Not all; there was still that kitten that barely came near him, only moving when Genya moved away. But today he was confident; he would win that kitten over.

The minutes passed, a search through the alleys and behind the streetlights. It was an endless search, until he heard a familiar meow. He quickly approached, closing his eyes in relief after finally finding the cat. But to his surprise, when he opened his eyes, a girl was there, offering food to the cat... He could feel his face flush, burning from his neck to his ears. A cheerful, gentle smile on her face, crouched near the kitten, while it ate calmly from her hand. Her hair, with a few loose strands, swayed along with her kimono in the calm afternoon wind. That was what he saw; the world seemed to slow down. Slowly, people passed by him, until someone accidentally tapped him on the shoulder, breaking him out of his reverie. But his eyes never left her.

Love at first sight