Yamazakura, The Cherry Tree in the Hills (山桜)

You're early.

Is it that season already?

I could not visit on the anniversary this year, so...

Oh, she must be so happy

to have you visit every year.

Aunt Fusa was always alone,

so at the very least we should visit her.

Let me snap it for you.

Is around here okay?

Thank you.

You are Urai Noe-dono.

Forgive me, you are now a member of the Isomura family.

You have probably forgotten.

I am Tezuka.

Tezuka Yaichiro.

Ah...

It seems like you've remembered.

Back then.

Forgive me for my rudeness.

I did not think I would meet you in a place like this.

It's almost as if nothing has changed since then.

Since then?

It's nothing,

I've bothered you long enough.

Excuse me,

Where are you heading?

I was just on my way to visit my father's grave. Today is the anniversary.

Oh, I see.

Well then,

have you found happiness in your life now?

...Yes.

I see.

I was worried, so I am glad to hear that.

I'm back.

Welcome back.

Welcome back.

Oh, Sakura!

Yes.

Is this okay?

Thank you Setsu.

Sister.

Did something good happen?

Why?

This morning when you came from the Isomura house,

you looked somewhat sad.

Nothing happened.

The sakura really is pretty!

Yes.

Mother.

Huh?

Do you remember Tezuka-sama?

Tezuka-sama?

Tezuka Yaichiro.

The man who talked to us before I married into the Isomura family.

Ah, the story that Kana-sama from Saiki came and told us.

Did something happen to Tezuka-sama?

I wonder if he was ever able to find a good partner.

What brings this up suddenly?

Now that you mention it, just a while ago,

when I met Kana-sama, we talked about this.

It seems that Tezuka-sama still does not have a wife.

I wonder why.

Eh?

Why is Tezuka-sama still single?

It must be because the family is a single mother raising a single child.

He was also quite disheartened about you it seems.

Cut that branch.

It will be much neater that way.

Thank you for your patronage. I hope to see you again.

Thank you.

Here you are.

I'm sorry to have you prepare this for me all the time.

It's become quite late hasn't it?

Please give our regards to Mrs. Isomura.

Yes.

Well then.

Sister!

Were you together?

Yes, on my way back from school, I bumped into father.

Father, it's been a long time.

Let me see you off.

0K.

Shinnosuke, you've become quite dependable since last time I saw you.

Yes, because of Tezuka-sama's training.

Tezuka-sama?

Yes, Tezuka Yaichiro-sama.

He's teaching swordsmanship at the school's dojo right now.

Oh, that's how it is.

Where is Tezuka-sama employed now?

It should still be somewhere near Gougata.

Oh.

When he asked if he could marry Noe,

it was right around the time that I was transferred to Edo

and began working in my current position.

I hear he practices an uncommon kyosui sword style

and is quite the swordsman.

People also say he is an earnest man...

But it was because his dad died early,

leaving only his mother to take care of the family.

For a girl, there would be much to worry about in such a family.

Then is there nothing to worry about in her family now?

Why did you reject Tezuka-sama's offer?

My previous husband, who passed away, had a friend

who was called an expert swordsman.

His manner of speech was rough and rude.

When I saw what reckless behavior he had when he drank.

I thought I could never be a wife of someone who used a sword.

Tezuka-sama is not that kind of person!

It seems like he knew of you from very early on.

Before you married the late Tsuda-sama,

didn't you used to go all the way to Kougai city to study tea ceremony?

Yes.

From a dojo you pass on the way there,

Tezuka-sama was always watching you it seems..

At our school's dojo,

I heard a colleague joking about it.

Noe arranged these before she left.

Noe.

What if you came back to live with us?

Eh?

You mean like aunt Fusa?

Not like that.

Shinnosuke.

You will also be getting married in two to three years.

If I'm at home, I will hurt your chances at marriage.

I don't care about that.

The other party will care.

Thanks, I'm fine from here.

Make sure you study hard, okay.

So long.

Have you found happiness in your life now?

Don't you get it?

It's already past the deadline!

Forgive me!

If I could have three more days...

Tomorrow.

Even if you have to sell your daughter, bring it tomorrow.

Father, I've returned.

Welcome back.

Hello Genkichi.

Welcome back.

Hello.

Mother, sorry for returning so late.

You certainly took your time. Looks like you got carried away chatting.

This is from my mom.

She sends you her regards.

Don't we already have enough of these?

Well, they always give the same thing.

Taka.

Yes.

Please make some tea.

Yes.

How much longer are you going to make us wait for dinner?

I'm sorry.

She said to have you make dinner once you got back.

It's okay.

More.

Yes.

Here.

Oh.

So Shouzaemon, what kind of return is there every month?

Normally, there it is about eight percent, but.

I immediately discussed it with father and got an answer.

You will never lose any money on it,

so you can rest assured.

I look forward to it.

Wonderful.

No no, not something like that.

Because it's for you, Okazaki-sama, 10 more days, no...

Let's wait half a month.

I am so grateful for this!

It's nothing.

The master has returned.

Welcome back.

Father! Father!

Suwa-sama told me that, depending on the interest,

he would be willing to deposit a large sum of money.

Good work Shouzaemon!

Then, how much interest should we put on it?

What do you think, father?

What's with that look?

You still refuse me?

Do you care so much that.

I was laughing about your former husband who passed away.

It looks like you went back home today.

Mother finally gave me permission to, so.

Is it that important to visit the grave of your aunt?

It is matters of the Urai family...

Are you trying to say that your family is a higher class?

I'm not saying anything like that.

Well, compared to a judge's 120-koku,

we money lenders have a mere 65-koku.

But don't forget, we have more money than your dad.

It seems Suwa-sama...

has taken a liking to me.

If I can stay in his favor like this

good things will be coming my way.

Just watch, my stipend will go up.

I still have things to do...

I told you to quit it with that look! Or you can go back home!