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It was rare for an orphan to feel attached to traditional holidays, the ones when families usually gathered together.
Even though Ichiban had never really felt like one, he had always been fortunate enough to live a life full of people he considered his own family. Still, he had to admit that he had always confirmed the rule.
Not that Christmas was particularly celebrated among families in Japan. It was more of a couples’ thing… and who had ever had a girlfriend, before Saeko!
But things had radically changed over the last few years, since that fateful 2019.
Now he not only had friends he considered family – he had even found his mother again! – but he also had a fantastic wife, and together they had built their own family.
Yes, Kasuga Ichiban was now a married man and proud father of a beautiful little girl, who was ready for her first adventure!
“It’s your first Christmas, Masako!” He announced enthusiastically to his little girl.
“Dada!” His very intelligent daughter raised her small adorable arms toward him and replied, clearly understanding him.
“Technically…” Saeko objected, despite the soft smile she could never hide in certain situations.
“I know, she was already there last year. But she was only a few months old, this is the first one she understands! Now she’s looking curiously at all the decorations and the little lights!”
Saeko hated having to admit he was right, so she limited herself to nodding and moving closer to the baby to wrap a little scarf snugly around her neck.
“Don’t let her catch a cold.” When she turned to her husband, she flashed her familiar threatening smile.
“Don’t worry-”
“No, Ichi. If she gets sick again, I’ll make you remember this Christmas for the rest of your life, but not for what you’re hoping.”
“… Yes ma’am!”
“Good.” Satisfied, Saeko cast him one last meaningful look before bending down to hug the baby. “Then have fun!”
Ichiban lifted the little one onto his shoulders, greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek, and headed for the door.
“Let’s go, Masako! Adventure awaits!”
-
“Dad has planned a top-notch action plan!”
“Dada!”
“Yes, that’s right, me! First we’ll look at the street decorations of our beautiful city, then we’ll go visit some special people!”
“Masa-chaaan!”
Ichiban and Masako both turned around, smiles already on their faces, when they heard that familiar voice.
“Chichiii!” Masako flailed her arms and leaned backward.
“Hey—careful!” Fortunately Ichiban was strong— and being used to it— so he held her steady without effort, then let her happily and safely leap into the arms of the man who had run toward them.
“Yay! Uncle Chichi, here I am!” Adachi welcomed his favorite little niece into his arms, with that high-pitched voice he used only with her.
“We haven’t seen each other in so long! I missed you!” He cheered, laughing happily while the child pulled his hair as usual.
“But you saw each other on Friday…” Ichiban sighed, resigned to the fact that his friend wouldn’t listen.
“Exactly!” The uncle’s tone changed abruptly as he turned to Ichiban with a stern look, his deep voice returning. “You were so cruel to take her away from me all weekend…”
“We went to visit Saeko’s family, do you want to take it up with her?”
“…No, no! That’s perfectly fine, you had a great idea!”
“See, that’s what I thought.”
“Where are you taking this young lady?” Adachi’s tone softened again as he addressed the child, a proud uncle’s light shining in his eyes .
“To look at the Christmas lights! Want to come with us?”
“Well, I’d really love to… but uncle’s on his way to work. Let me cuddle her a bit, it gives me the the energy to get through the day!”
“Chichi!” Masako agreed to be fussed over by her uncle, giggling as his beard tickled her.
-
After recharging Adachi with his niece’s affection, they continued along the illuminated streets.
Ichiban and Saeko were lucky to have friends like him and the others. They were all fantastic uncles, always ready to lend a hand with the baby; like when mom and dad had trouble juggling commitments and work, or they just needed a free evening for themselves.
In fact, they were all far too enthusiastic about spending time with her and winning her affection, to the point of competing with one another… the risk was that they might spoil her a little too much.
“Mom and I are really lucky to have your uncles. But don’t take advantage of it, okay?”
“Nana!” Masako replied. She really was that good; before you knew it, she had already learned how to talk!
“Yes, like Uncle Nanba.”
“Nana! Nana!” The child insisted, pointing straight ahead with her tiny finger.
“Oh! Hey, Nanba!” Spotting his friend coming out of a shop, Ichiban joined his daughter in waving a hand to get his attention.
Noticing them, Nanba jolted and hid a large bag behind his back, with little success.
“What are you hiding there?” Ichiban asked, obviously curious, when they reached him.
“Shhh! Idiot! I bought a present for the little one… but it’s too big and it sticks out of the bag, don’t let her see it!” His friend shot him a dirty look and spoke in a low voice, trying to be heard and understood only by him.
In fact, now that he knew, Ichiban could recognize the paw of a giant teddy bear sticking out of the bag… ah, so much for not spoiling her.
“Nana!” Masako called for her uncle’s attention, annoyed at being ignored.
“Hi, Masako! Uncle really has to go now! See you soon, okay?” Struggling to manage the bag behind his back with just one hand, Nanba reached out with the other to pat the child’s head, then hurriedly said goodbye and made a quick getaway.
“Nana…” Masako watched him go, disheartened.
“Don’t be sad, I promise he’ll make it up to you!”
-
“You’re so lucky to have Saeko, Masako is such a beautiful child.” Seonhee commented.
“That’s true, luckily she got everything from her mom.” Joon-gi agreed.
It had been a long time since Ichiban had seen them; the last time, Masako had just been born. Now he was so euphoric about the chance encounter that it took him a moment to realize the veiled insult he had just received.
“Hey! What are you trying to say?” He huffed belatedly, prompting a knowing look and mocking smirks between the two of them.
“Relax, I’m sure she has plenty of your other great qualities too.”
-
“And this is our city’s Chinatown! Look at all those lanterns!”
“Waah!”
“And this is your friend Zhao!” A familiar voice added behind him.
“Hey! How’s it going?” Ichiban turned and greeted his friend with a smile, while Masako immediately leaned toward the familiar face.
“Great-” Zhao started to reply, but was interrupted by Masako’s little hands aiming straight for his glasses, which he had to defend by quickly dodging aside.
“Oi- I can’t give you these, but I can offer you something good! How’s weaning going?”
“Eh, we’re having a bit of trouble. Kids these days are so spoiled…” Ichiban admitted, making sure to keep his daughter’s little hands in check as they kept targeting the other man’s glasses.
“Ichi, she’s one year old… the problem is definitely what you prepare for her.”
“Ga!” The timing with which Masako seemed to want to confirm Zhao’s words caught them both off guard.
“I know you’re very busy, but I could give you cooking lessons. And remember not to hesitate to ask for help. After everything you’ve done for others, it’s the least.” His friend reminded him, with a pat on the shoulder.
“Zhao… thank you.”
Yes… maybe he would gladly take a few cooking lessons, for the good of his family.
-
“This is our last stop, the most important one.”
Ichiban made sure to lower his voice as they crossed the cemetery gates.
Earlier, they had stopped by the flower shop; he had two bulky bouquets to carry with one arm, so they walked at Masako’s little pace, her hand firmly clasped in his.
When he stopped in front of the Arakawa family grave, he carefully set down the bouquets.
“One for my father and one for my brother. One day I’ll tell you about them.” He explained, bending down beside the child who was watching him with curiosity.
Normally he would have taken care of the grave himself, but it wasn’t necessary. As almost always, it was in excellent condition: clean, with offerings of sake and fresh flowers.
Jo Sawashiro passed by whenever he could; it had often happened that their paths crossed during their visits.
Ichiban had never minded seeing him, not as one might have expected. Somehow, that man was all that remained of his past life and the only person who shared his pain over losing Masumi and Masato Arakawa. They had a strange but inevitable bond.
“Ichi.”
Indeed, even this time, Ichiban was not surprised to hear the familiar voice of his old captain.
“Kashira.” He greeted him with his stubbornly enduring habits, turning to look at him.
The other man held incense sticks in his hand; he must have gone to get them to complete his rituals. But he didn’t approach the grave to light them when he saw them.
He stopped to stare at the child as Masako turned curiously to study the newcomer.
In fact, although they had kept in touch for their shared goal of fulfilling Masumi Arakawa’s dream, Sawashiro had never seen his daughter. He knew she had been born and had offered his customary congratulations, but hadn’t gone further.
After all, neither of them had ever dared to enter the other’s private life.
Ichiban wondered if he had been wrong not to try to involve the old captain, judging by the way the man was looking at the little girl. He could imagine what the man was thinking, or at least what he was feeling.
Masako was the granddaughter of the man Sawashiro had loved and served for most of his life. She also had his eyes, that same gentle gaze with which she was staring at the man unknown to her.
Ichiban had noticed it the very day his daughter had opened those eyes, and the fact that it became more evident as she grew was one of his greatest sources of pride.
“Ga!” Masako broke the moment of stillness, attracted by the incense sticks.
“Ah- no, Masako, those aren’t for playing!” He scolded her, taking her little hand to stop her from trying to grab the incense from the captain’s hands.
“You’ve given her a lovely name.” Sawashiro remarked, pulling himself from his thoughts.
“Thank you.” Even though the other man had his usual stiff expression, Ichiban couldn’t help but smile at him.
Sawashiro seemed to think for a moment longer before speaking again.
“Ichi. I know I have no right to ask anything of you, but… allow me to offer my protection to your family. If you ever need it, I would be willing to give my life for you. It’s the least I can do to repay him.” He finally said. As he spoke, the old captain bowed his head in a brief nod, directed at the little girl.
Ichiban sighed and shook his head. As much as he appreciated the spirit behind the offer, he would never ask anyone to risk their life. And above all…
“My family doesn’t need protection; for them, I just want a peaceful life. But… there’s always room for an uncle who wants to spend time with a niece.” He said, guiding his daughter toward him in an encouraging gesture.
“Masako, he’s an old friend of your grandfather.” Ichiban explained to the little girl, who approached with a mix of curiosity and caution. The frown on Sawashiro’s face wasn’t encouraging to anyone, Ichiban could understand it.
Sawashiro stared at him with an unreadable expression, at a loss for words. Finally, he knelt in front of the child in a deep bow.
“Pleasure to meet you, Masako.”
“Oi- you really don’t have to!”
Masako decided not to be afraid and took the opportunity to snatch the incense sticks from her old uncle Jo’s hands.
-
“Well, that was an intense day! Shall we go back to Mom?”
“Mamaaa!”
On the way home, Ichiban bounced the little one a bit on his shoulders, making her laugh uncontrollably and drawing the tender glances from passersby.
“So, what do you think, do you like Christmas?”
“Ya!”
“Yay!”