Chapter 2

"You go out to buy fish and bring me a dying man?" Nana shouted, indifferent to the sleeping body on the bed.

Mamoru looked at the old woman and smiled happily.

"Isn't he the most beautiful creature you've ever seen? I'm just delighted, I could look at it forever."

They were in one of the innumerable rooms in the house. The boy slept exhausted and oblivious to what was happening. It had been seven days since he was aware of his reality, when, in a golden opportunity, his brother had sold him to three boys at the same time. He was so abused and mistreated, that his strength drained before the three were even finished. When he was returned to Satoshi, he was unable to walk and was thrown into the cart, awaiting death.

"Tell me he's not perfect for being a taikomochi [10] and I send him away now."

The old woman approached the bed. She was amazed at the young kid's beautiful appearance but kept his frown.

"We are at war and you bring me one more mouth to eat "persevered.

"The boy won't eat for free. It will work!"

"Because of the state of his ass, if sleep with any other man, will tear yourself permanently. "

Aiko laughed sadly. It was quite true that during the bath that Nana and he had given the boy, they realized that he had been used with brutally diseased for quite a long time. But he also knew that a time of abstinence would restore his shape.

"I'm not going to sell it," he said decisively.

The old woman was irritated.

"It was just what we needed! What will you do with this brat? Is it fair for him to eat without helping to compare food?"

"I told you, he's going to work. But not with sex. We will teach you how to dance."

"To dance? You went crazy."

Mamoru stood behind the woman and hugged her, lovingly. Then he kissed her on the cheek and continued:

"You were the most attractive and wonderful bitch that ever danced in this world, Nana " he softened the words with affection in his gray hair. " If anyone can teach this boy to dance, it's you. And think about it. Imagine him as a taikomochi wearing a black kimono with white flowers, and swaying to the sound of small drums, wildly, in a kabuki[11] ."

Nana looked interested, but she soon shook her face.

"It's insane."

"Crazy, but imagine how much it will attract attention. It will be in this mystery, the most beautiful jewel that we will have, our differential."

The woman made a low snort, and Mamoru knew he had managed to bend her. He turned back to the futon, and sat down next to him, watching the boy. How had the brother even said it was his name before he left without looking back?

Kazaki? Kazama?

"Kazue ..." he remembered, instantly.

As if called a nightmare, the almond-shaped eyes opened and faced the young courtier. There was a mixture of apprehension and despair, but Mamoru soon calmed him down, with his famous angelic smile.

"Kazue, right? " he asked, friendly.

The boy tried to sit up, but severe pain in his hips made him lie down again.

"Stay calm, Kazue," he asked. "Is among friends. I am Mamoru Aiko and this " pointed out the old woman " is Nana. I am the owner of this house, and you are welcome to it."

The boy looked confused, but then he opened his mouth for the first time, shocking Aiko with his gentle and delicate tone.

"Thank you, Aiko-san. But what is the price of your generosity?"

Question consistent, know. Kazue, for sure, had never been given a warm place to rest without having to pay a high price for it.

"You will eat " Aiko indicated a plate of fish next to the futon. "And go to sleep. I want you to rest. When it's better, let's talk."

However, it did not succeed in leaving him in ignorance. He saw the panic and fear in the beautiful almond-shaped eyes and held his hands.

"Kazue ..." he called gently. "When it gets better, we'll teach you how to dance," he smiled. " Have you ever danced?"

The boy denied it.

"Nana will teach you and you will earn your living like that, okay? Do not worry. because we are good people and we are not going to hurt you or abuse your trust."

Then it was gone.

That day, Kazue Shiromiya believed he was an angel. And, it was fortunate that it was being welcomed in its wings.

***

The smell of fish woke him up again. Shiromiya was still weak and fragile, but the hunger was greater than anything. He opened his eyes and looked at the tray next to the futon. Fish, bread, and onion rings. Shiromiya had never seen anything more appetizing in my life.

He was already sneaking towards the plate when a fat cat appeared before his eyes.

"Hello," he joked, delighted by the beautiful animal.

It was mottled, the colors orange, white and black merging as if in a pot of fresh paint. The huge green eyes stared at him curiously, until he turned to the plate.

"Not!" the boy shouted but was unsuccessful in preventing the cat from stealing his piece of fish.

Didn't think much when the animal ran off with its food in its mouth. Weakness was forgotten and his hunger-driven need gave him strength. Standing, he ran after him, out of the room and into the hall. The sight made him dizzy for a few seconds.

House Ai was a set of small wooden houses on a huge plot, full of trees, a beautiful garden, and a clean water source. It was almost a little paradise and, for Shiromiya, used to filth and poverty, it served as a mood.

However, the snoring in his stomach reminded him of things more urgent than the admiration for the place.

"Kitty!" He called. " Come here!"

He was just a few feet from the animal when a female voice alerted him.

"Don't touch the cat!"

He turned back. Two beautiful and young women looked at him with interest. He looked down, startled and nervous.

"How beautiful ..." the youngest of them approached and held her face, measuring it. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Nana commented that Mamoru will make him a taikomochi " the other noticed her. " What do you think?" She asked her friend.

"I think it will be a difficult mission to leave customers away from him. "

They laughed softly.

"I'm Keiko." The biggest one showed up. "And this is Midori," pointed out the other. "We are part of House of Love " she seemed to be honored. " And who are you?"

"Shiromiya Kazue," he said, simply.

"Wow, what a big name. It's not great, Mi-chan[12] ?" turned to her friend.

"No doubt."

"Let's call him Shiro," she said. "Only Shiro."

The boy agreed. What choice did he have?

"Nice to meet you " was sincere. " But, excuse me, because now I'm going to try to get my lunch back."

"Forget your lunch," Keiko ordered. "Go to the kitchen and catch another fish. Leave that damned cat alone."

"Damn you?"

"It's Sakamoto Shin's cat."

The two looked at each other with contempt.

"Sakamoto Shin?"

"He is related to the Emperor and a friend of our chief Mamoru. But, believe me, everything good that exists in Aiko is missing in Shin. I don't understand how they can get along so well."

Shiro was confused, but both were already chattering about stopping and he didn't find a hook to interrupt them.

"Prevent Shin from seeing you," Midori warned. "He sleeps with men too and if he sees him, he'll want to take him to bed. I warn you that it will be the worst experience of your life."

Worse than the others? Shiro doubts.

"Is he too ugly?"

"He is one of the most beautiful men ever born in Japan. He is big, has rigid skin, and an ass capable of driving anyone crazy. But he treats all the women and men he lies with just like holes where he sticks his stick."

Shiro was startled by the words but preferred to refrain from giving his opinion.

"And never touch his cat." The woman continued, pointing to the cat that was already delighted with the fish. "The cat is probably the only thing he loves and respects in the whole world."

"The cat, the Emperor, Ryo-san[13] and Mamoru-san" Keiko completed.

The sound of heavy footsteps made them turn back.

"Two grafted matrons. Go get ready and get out of my sight" Nana screamed, causing them to jump and run towards their beautiful rooms.

The old woman looked surprised to see him standing, but as soon as her eyes rested on the cat she was eating, she understood.

"Let's go to the kitchen and I'll give you more food," she said. "That hellcat steals our food and walks around like he's a king," muttered. "I heard what they said to you, and take those words as good advice: Shin Sakamoto is not the person you would want as a friend or lover."

Shiro wanted neither friends nor lovers.

"And the bastard will still come that night!" she scolded as if the boy was able to understand his outbreak. "I hate Mamoru for accepting him in this house. Doesn't he just realize that Shin Sakamoto is the devil himself?"

The boy sat at the table. He had already met many demons, sweaty and fetid men who forced themselves into him while covering his lips with dirty hands so that he would not scream.

She gave him a bowl of soup and a plate of fish. While tasting the food, Shiromiya smiled. He feared nothing and no one with a full stomach.

***

The night was warm, despite the cold that afternoon. Small insects beat against the lights, causing a dry, momentary noise. Ai House opened its doors and Mamoru stood at the entrance to greet the arriving customers. Anxious to see Shin's face, he looked away, but there was no sign. Instead of looking frustrated, however, he opened his striking and habitual smile for everyone who crossed his path, completing the reception with formal greetings and brief comments on the weather. The rest of the routine oversaw the women 's seductive smiles, as soon as the men entered the room.

"Good night, Aiko-san."

The greeting sent him out of his torpor. Aiko looked at his former client, Kenzo, with a smile that was more than friendly.

"How long have I not seen you? I believe that the last time you were here, the house was still run by my mother."

The man, about fifty years old, looked at the young man and returned the smile.

"I heard what happened to the beautiful Masami" he gave condolences. "An irreparable loss," he whispered. "Good people shouldn't die."

Aiko lowered her face.

"It is true. "

Mamoru held up his fingers, calling one of the girls, Keiko, to keep the man company.

"Where have you been?"

There was a brief thought, but soon the answer came, timidly.

"In China."

So the man had been called to fight in China? Mamoru decided not to continue the dialogue, because only the mention gave him chills. Pretending his best carefree look, he turned to the beautiful prostitute:

"Take good care of Mr. Kenzo, Keiko," he asked. "He's a national hero."

The man bowed his forehead, looking guilty. But then he entered.

Aiko closed his eyes, tired of it all. Maybe Nana was right and he needed to quit the job. If he were to live in a house in the countryside, maybe your burden would not be so heavy. Who would suspect a simple peasant?

"It will always be worth returning, if the image I will have on each lap, it will be yours with your eyes closed, waiting for me ..."

Shin's light breath made Mamoru laugh.

"Want a kiss? " Sakamoto joked.

The other opened his eyes, staring at him. He was even more handsome, stronger, and more determined. His eyes were still intense, his skin was slightly tanned, and his generous lips looked a little dry. Unlike the rest of humanity, the war seemed to be doing Shin very well, as his face shone with absurd contentment.

"I don't want your kisses " Aiko pestered him. " You kiss anyone."

"Lie," Shin snapped his eyes. "I sleep with anyone. I ease my male uneasiness with anyone. But kissing is just you."

A clearing of the throat made them turn their attention to the man who accompanied Sakamoto.

"Don't worry about Shin's catchphrases, Takako-san," Mamoru said to the other army officer. " He likes to tease, you know!"

"We are just friends " Shin followed his line of thought, facing Takako.

And that was real. Mamoru couldn't say that he resented the fact. Shin devoted the purest and loyal friend to him, the young courtier being known for being the only one whom Sakamoto treated with consideration and respect.

Even so, seeing him run towards the women, cut his heart. He watched in the distance as he hugged Yuki and smelled Rika's neck. They laughed softly, as if they were loving it, which Aiko did not doubt.

He sighed.

He loved Sakamoto since he was a child. He wouldn't know exactly when started falling in love, but from his earliest memories, he knew that Shin was his choice. However, the ironic fate wanted that Shin not only did not respond but as if he slept with anyone who interested him: men or women.

Anyone ... except for Mamoru.

"When will we have new meat in the house?" Shin appeared again at his side, wrapping his waist.

Aiko wanted to shout that he was new meat, that he was there at his disposal, but all he did was shrug.

" It's not my fault if you've slept with all the prostitutes in town."

"That sounds jealous" the brunette pestered him.

Aiko closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Then he looked at him.

"Sorry, I'm exhausted."

"War bothers you more than it should, Aiko," Shin observed. "There is no need to fear because I am at your side and nothing will happen to you. It is our lot to be winners."

Aiko nodded, his head bowed. Despite his longing, he pursed his lips to keep from saying the last sentence. God only knew how much he prayed at night for the end of that war and the defeat of Japan.

"I made the herbal tea you like," he said. "I prepared the leaves during the afternoon, do you want me to serve you now?"

"Yes, but first I want to see Minikui – sama[14] ."

Mamoru laughed softly, amused by the seriousness in Sakamoto's voice when talking about the cat. The spotted cat had been delivered to his hands when they were both teenagers. He would never forget the day they found the abandoned puppy in a cardboard box near the river. Shin took him in his arms, his eyes shining with contentment, instant love.

"You will take care of him" " he said to Mamoru. "He is mine, but you are the one who will create him."

Accustomed to obeying without question, the minor brought the cat home and raised it with all the treats that his possibilities allowed. As adults, he once questioned Sakamoto about the decision, and the answer made his heartbeat quickly for days.

"He's our link. So, no matter what happens in our lives, you will always have to accept me around, because Minikui is mine ".

" Minikui was sleeping in my room just now. Wants to go there?"

Shin denied it.

"Then I will see you, now that I have a drink and enjoy your company."

Once again, young Mamoru's heart rejoiced at the thoughtless words.

"Tomorrow I will travel again inland to check resources. I can't waste a second, can I?"

***

"Have you heard of the Department of Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification?"

Mamoru smiled as he poured tea for the two men.

"It's in northeastern China, isn't it?" Shin asked Takako, but his eyes were fixed on Mamoru. He smiled when the cup was filled, and his hands patted his friend's shoulder in mute thanks.

"They say it's not a peaceful department," Takako smiled, his teeth white."

"There is no shortage of rumors and fudge in this time of war, " Shin said.

The sound of boots on the polished wood on the floor made them both turn towards the approaching man. Kenzo was flushed, his eyes haunted and agonized, his mouth ajar, as if all the truths in the world could escape him, bringing chaos.

"You believe too much in the integrity of the army, Shin Sakamoto," he faced him angrily.

Mamoru rose quickly, placing himself among the men. His hands began to shake uncontrollably, as he pushed Kenzo back slightly.

"You have drunk too much, my dear," his words were fraught with implications. "I'm sure your lady is looking forward to it at home."

But the man did not let himself be carried away. It was firm, rigid, stuck in place.

"Before drooling over your cowardly army, try to find out about unit 731."

Aiko started to raise her hands in a theatrical position.

"Please, let's not talk about the war here," he asked. " We are in a loving house! Our girls want to be loved and not disturbed by the things that happen out there."

However, it was as if his voice was just a breeze that blew, without disturbing anyone.

"I was away for a whole week," Shin commented nonchalantly. " I came back and my only intention is to be close to my friend. So, collect your insignificant existence!" The tone increased, and soon the young man was on his feet. " Worm! " swore. " Get out of my sight before I lose the rest of my patience! " he said. " And in case I know that you are spreading lies and malicious insinuations about our sacred army, I will order your death as an example!"

Mamoru was startled by the cry but tried to remain calm. Shin was like that, impetuous. However, he was not in the habit of carrying out threats, so he imagined that the next morning everything would be fine for Kenzo if the man remained silent. Turning to him, he smiled reassuringly and was already indicating the exit door when the man's voice rose, towards Sakamoto.

"Damn brat! I've been there since 37, I saw with my eyes atrocities that you don't even dream of happening. I saw prisoners being seated naked under the ice and left to die. I saw little Chinese children stuck in deep holes and being buried alive. I saw men being placed in tiny cameras and being burned just so that the army could have fun " The voice dropped, haunted. "I saw women being raped by huge groups of men ... Wooden stakes being driven into their genitals ..."

Kenzo looked at Mamoru. Aiko 's eyes were soaked, but there was something greater in her brilliance than amazement. It was fear.

"I don't fear Kempeitai," he went on. "Nothing they do to me can be worse than what happens to the Chinese. I saw hell, and I will never be able to forget it, even if I die trying."

His speech was heard by everyone. Some of the prostitutes were moved, while others smiled contemptuously. On the contrary, men showed no feeling in their faces. Shin's seriousness scared even more Aiko. Before however, the young officer said anything, Kenzo turned his back and left. Aiko's relief was so great that he almost sighed.

"Please, ignore it," he asked his friend. " Kenzo-san has been very upset since he returned from China."

But there was an absurd coldness in Shin that aroused the pimp's despair.

"Please, Shin-chan," he pleaded. "As you said yourself, you spent a week away and tomorrow you will travel again. Do not waste our little time with someone who is not in good health and mental.

Shin looked at him. Calmly, he raised both hands of Aiko and placed a devoted kiss on each of them.

And then he left.

***

Aiko knocked hard on the wooden door. He heard footsteps and was irritated by the delay of the person who was there. He hit again, this time with more force and kicks.

The door opened. Kenzo was wearing a cotton kimono, while his wife stood behind him, curious.

"Run! " Mamoru said, in distress. " Get your things and run now. Kempeitai will arrive at any time."

"I do not fear them, young Aiko."

"Realize that you won't see daylight if you stay here," he explained. "I know a person in the countryside who can shelter you for a while. Quickly pack up and go!"

The man patted his shoulder.

"Dying will be a relief, boy," he was sincere. "I can't take it anymore, Aiko-san. I haven't slept in years; I hear the voices of the children who asked for mercy while I dropped the icy land on them. I became a demon under the orders of the Empire. I prefer death to live with that certainty."

The police car sounded. Aiko was startled, turning towards the street.

"Thank you, Aiko-san" Kenzo squeezed his shoulders. "You are a good man, but leave before Shin Sakamoto realizes that he tried to help me. Don't think he will pity you when he knows the truth."

"Truth?

"We both know the truth, Aiko-san," Kenzo said, mysteriously. "However, your secret will die with me."

There was no time for anything else. Mamoru hid behind a bush, so the police stopped in front of the small wooden house. In camouflage, he watched the Kempeitai men get out of the car, next to the imposing Shin. He heard the screams of the woman, who knelt before young Sakamoto.

From where he was, the accusations read on paper were said seriously by the police, as if they were on trial. Betrayal of the Empire, attempt to denigrate the army's image, public disorder, among other things, looked like swords cutting through man's flesh.

Kenzo knelt on the floor at the final moment. Mamoru averted his eyes and covered his ears. Still, the sound of the shot remained in his mind, like a cursed disease, an infinite mark of war.