Geisha (Shinobi Saga) by Batto Sessha

Author:Batto, Sessha [Batto, Sessha]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2013-04-09T16:00:00+00:00

***

Yoshi waited with the other maiko, hidden off stage as the audience gathered. Several of the girls peeked out at the crowd, rushing to tell the others about the various dignitaries visible in the front rows. “I’m sure to find a rich patron after tonight,” Tsubaki squealed. “I have what every man is looking for.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Momoko shot back. “Who’s going to even notice you in the back row? Ama’s the one everyone will be watching.”

The shadow wolf raised his hands in appeasement. “I’d just as soon not be here at all. I’ll be happy to trade spots with you.”

“There will be no changes.” The dance mistress had been listening to the chatter and decided to cut short any plans to sabotage her carefully choreographed presentation. “Ama is in the front because she earned it. Work harder and, perhaps, next year will be your turn.”

“I hate you,” Tsubaki hissed as they lined up for the first number. “I wish you never came to the okiya. You've ruined everything.”

“It wasn't my idea,” Yoshi muttered. “I'll gladly trade places with you. I doubt you'd enjoy the attentions of a cruel old tyrant. Be careful what you wish for.”

After the dancing was finished all the maiko passed out into the hall to mingle with the audience while the stage was reset for the music performances. The shadow wolf lagged behind the others, unwilling to expose his disguise to further scrutiny. As soon as he emerged, a familiar face caught his eye. “Orders for you,” the Kobayashi ninja explained as he slipped a note into Yoshi's frozen hand. “You're to report back to headquarters within the week.”

“Thank you,” the startled shadow wolf murmured. “Travel safely.”

“Do you need extraction?”

“Not necessary. I will report as ordered.” Yoshi contemplated slipping away before the rest of the evening's program, but decided discretion outweighed the lure of an immediate escape. His heart lifted and a smile graced his face as he wandered through the crowd in a daze, mind already working to plan a smooth exit.

Thankfully, the shadow wolf was scheduled last in the music section. Despite her initial disappointment, the music mistress had been thrilled with his progress once an instrument had been selected. Since the yokobue was such a startling departure from the usual program she turned it into a show piece, the only solo performance of the evening.

While the other maiko took the stage, Yoshi took the opportunity to study the details of his next assignment. After a nearly eight month stint as the Mochizuki no Shuhan's toy, an assassination struck him as the perfect opportunity to work off some of his pent up frustration. He looked forward to shedding his disguise and flexing his formidable skills before they decayed from disuse.

At the end of his performance the crowd surged forward, anxious to congratulate the maiko on a successful evening. In the confusion Yoshi easily slipped away. He knew his guard was not expecting him to be free for several more hours, the shadow

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