“Yes,” Hiroko said. “Everyone in the class is invited, even new students.”
“We should get ready for class,” Umiko said. “If we are late, sensei makes us do push-ups. I hate doing push-ups.”
“I don’t mind the push-ups,” Cain said. “But I agree with you about not being late.”
Umiko handed him the protective gear. “Since this is your first class, you can borrow this equipment. But you’re going to want to buy your own soon. Unless you like putting on sweaty bogu.”
Cain burst out laughing. “Bogu? I’m not sure if I like mine sweaty or not yet.”
Umiko giggled.
“I’ll buy my own—that is, if I make it past this class without getting killed.”
“I’ve seen you in action. This class might be boring for you.”
“I’m never bored when I’m with you.” He smiled, and she blushed.
The class lasted an hour, and Cain enjoyed it. It’s more than just a workout, he thought. It requires strategy.
Because the sensei was a Zen priest, at the end of class, he provided a Zen quote for the students to ponder until their next class. All the students bowed in unison and profusely thanked the instructor. They then bowed to one another and gave thanks to their classmates for allowing them to train with one another to get better.
“What did the sensei say?” Cain asked Umiko.
“He gave us a quote from Buddha. He said, ‘Just as the snake sheds its skin over and over, we must shed our past.’ Sensei said that is the secret to mushin.”
“Mushin,” Cain repeated. “I remember that word. No mind. That’s deep. I thought we were here to learn how to sword fight.”
Umiko giggled again.
“Well, at least you get my sense of humor. Sometimes it goes over Tanaka’s head.”
“Tanaka needs a girlfriend,” Umiko said with light humor.
“I think he found one last night,” Cain joked.
“Really?”
“I’ll tell you about it over dinner.”
“It’s not too late for you? You always work very early.”
“I rarely sleep. So, no. It’s not too late for me. Is it too late for you?”
“No, I would like to have dinner with you.”
“Great! An old navy buddy told me about a place in Yokosuka called Nawlins. They have barbecue and other Louisiana foods.”
“Louisiana foods?” Her eyes widened. “I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans for that famous festival. Um. Um.” She put her hand to her forehead as she thought. “What is it called?”
“Mardi Gras.”
“Oui. Le mardi gras. It looks like so much fun.”
Cain laughed. “It’s a hoot! That’s for sure. This restaurant should be a mild introduction for you.”
“Do I look okay to go to this restaurant?”
“You look perfect, Umi,” Cain said with a warm smile, using her nickname. She always looks perfect, he thought. He wasn’t sure if she considered this a date, but he did.
Chapter 52
The train ride from Yokohama Station to Yokosuka was about forty-five minutes. Talking on public transportation was frowned upon in Japanese culture, but Cain couldn’t help it. They whispered back and forth to each other during the ride.
“Thank you for translating the kendo class for me,” Cain said.
“There were some words the sensei said that I will need to look up in the dictionary. I don’t know the English word for some of the kendo techniques.”
“Nah,” Cain replied. “Your English is remarkable. You learned in Canada, right?”
She smiled and nodded.
“I gotta ask. Why did you choose to study in Canada instead of the United States?”
“I wanted to study in California, but my parents are very traditional, and I’m an only child. The Japanese news says America has lots of problems with racism and gun violence. My parents were afraid to let me go to the United States. They thought I might get shot.”
Cain knew from personal experience how the media could overdramatize a situation. “I was raised with guns and have carried one professionally for years. I’ve never shot anyone, and I’ve never been shot.”
“Thank goodness,” Umiko replied.
Nawlins BBQ was situated in a back alley, near the military base. Its storefront had a large window where customers walking by could see people inside enjoying Southern cuisine and drinking craft beer on tap at the tall wooden bar.
The restaurant’s walls were lined with Mardi Gras masks and beads and pictures of the New Orleans Saints football team.
“I’ve never been to the United States,” Umiko began. “I really only know what I’ve seen in movies.”
“Well, what kind of movies have you been watching?”
Umiko placed her finger on her chin as she thought. “One of my favorite American movies is Pretty Woman. I also like