The Brush

Oku shook frustrated, clenching his fists in anger.  “What does that… that pompous, diplomatic CRANE know of my art?” Oku said thinking it was in his head alone.

“What could he know?” said the voice behind him.  Oku turned to face the shugenja, Kuni Yori, smiling from under his thick neatly-groomed mustache. 

“Lord Yori,” Oku began to bow but Yori interrupted him with a hand on Oku’s shoulder.  Oku felt awkward.  He knew that the Daimyo of the Kuni family to be an admirer of his artwork but until now they had never met.  The worst part was yet to come.  Most heard rumors of how dangerous Kuni Yori really is.

“Oku-san, do not let the ways of the court and public affairs disturb you.  When I look at your works, I see the desperation and struggles in the characters as much as in the artist.  Even the highest Crane sees this to be true although his tongue says otherwise.  In the end, he only discredits himself.”  Yori tilted his head down and looked into Oku’s eyes with that same smile.  “Now, now.  I hope that you can rest well knowing your friends love your art…and I am a friend Oku-san.  See?  I have a gift as an admirer.”

Kuni Yori produced a flat wooden box from his sleeve and opened it before Oku.  Inside was a brush of magnificent quality.  The intricate woven pattern of the jade stem and the smooth unused dark brown bristles invited Oku’s touch.  Oku felt compelled to touch it although his logic told him otherwise.  It was a moot point.  Oku could not refuse this gift.  Still, he had to try.

“Arigato, Lord Yori.  I am honored but not worthy…”

Kuni Yori raised his hand.  “It only has one master.”  Yori lifted the brush and placed it in Oku’s hand informally.  “Here is its home.”  Yori handed the box to Oku’s other hand.

“It seems innocent enough.  Yes, it isn’t so bad,” Oku thought this time.  Oku and Yori stood in the empty hall smiling at each other with the painting displaying the daring retaking of the Kuni lands behind them.  “Yes, it is a superb gift.”