The Beginning
“Today, gloriously drunk, we no longer know the meaning of unhappiness” — Zen hermit-monk-poet Ryokan
Takeshi takes a deep pull from the flask of sake slung around his neck as he takes a break from lifting the heavy casks of sake in his storeroom.
As the sake drains down his throat so does the bitterness that seems to brew inside of him. The sake, he finds brings him back to life, allowing him to be more social and outgoing, possibly even nice, and charitable. Without it, the brooding and bitterness seem to grow inside of him.
He was not always like this, getting drunk day after day and then pushing that feeling into the evening until he passes out only to repeat the process again the next.
Life used to be good and full of promise. Once he was trim and happy. Married with a simple life ahead of him. But all that changed 3 years ago when his wife was murdered.
Having always been ambitious, Takeshi worked hard to improve the quality of his family’s sake while reducing costs. Part of his cost cutting measures required a bit of 'outsourcing'. Takeshi's primary rice supply came from the Jito's rice patties. However, the insane tax that he was required to pay really burned him. Thus, Takeshi starting spending time talking to the ‘merchants’ down in Umugi Cove.
Being very liberal in sharing his sake, Takeshi ended up meeting some Chinese 'merchants' that would be able to supply him rice from Korea at a FRACTION of what he was paying. The deal was simple... at first... The 'merchant' would bring over rice and Takeshi would simply pay him for it. This arrangement proved to be VERY profitable for both parties as long as everyone kept their mouth shut.
As Takeshi's wealth grew, so did his local celebrity. Often dressed in garments above his station, he could often be seen walking the market happily buzzed with sake while interacting with the other merchants.
While unnoticed by the Lord Shimura, his accumulation of wealth was noticed by his 'partners'. Takeshi had noticed that lately his dealings with his partners began to get more bitter.
One day, dressed in wealthy attire, Takeshi went down to the dock to inspect his latest delivery of rice when he was approached by his partners. They demanded that the terms of their arrangement be changed.
"I made you! You work for me or I will find someone else!" Takeshi said arrogantly.
"You better rethink that" threatened the leader "or else…"
With that, Takeshi left. These idiots needed to remember who filled their coffers he thought. They are nothing by simple sailors. If anything, HE should be changing the deal on them. Yes, that’s what he should do. He should remind them how much they should be in gratitude to him.
With that, Takeshi went to look for Goro, another smuggler he had befriended. Maybe diversifying would be a good thing.
A few weeks passed. Takeshi was still getting his rice from his Chinese partners but was now having Goro handle his exporting.
One day, walking back from the market, Takeshi was thinking over his latest interaction with his Chinese partners. Every time lately he dealt with them, they seemed to be getting more and more hostile. They always took his copper and they always provided good product but they always mentioned that Takeshi needed to 'make things right.. Or else..'
While every time he visited Goro, he was always pleased and honored to see him. Goro gives me the respect I deserve. Takeshi thought. I should give him a larger slice of the pie.
Feeling very pleased with himself and with the sake swirling in his head, he decided he wanted to celebrate his genius with his young wife. Entering the home, he called to her and could not find her.
Hmm, maybe she went to the market he thought. I didn’t think I saw her but he was half drunk so who knows.. Looking out the windows he noticed the door to the distillery ajar. That was odd. Perhaps she went in there to check on something.
Making his way over and calling for her, Takeshi hears nothing but the simmering of the rice steamer used in the distillation process.
That’s not right he thought, the new batch was not ready for that yet.
Walking in he found her. A rope had been tied to the rafters and the other end to her ankles. Her entire body, except for her ankles, was submerged in the slowly boiling steamer. She had been boiled alive.
The crudely written note pinned to the vat made no guess that it was his Chinese 'friends' that had done this… Falling to his knees he cried.
After a time had passed, Takeshi lusted for vengeance and retribution. He worked up the courage to speak to the Jito. Knowing all too well the questions that would be asked in return, Takeshi did everything he could to make this entire incident look like a random killing. Approaching the Jito on his appointed court date he explained how some Chinese pirates had wanted to extort him and when he did not agree they killed his wife.
The Jito listened, unmoved by Takeshi’s dramatic tale. He looked at Takeshi straight in the eyes and said "Cause brings results. Your actions are what brought tragedy to your home.”
Lord Shimura looked to his guards. “Have this ‘merchant’ flogged. One strike for each year of his underhanded dealings.”
Several guards grabbed Takeshi, dragged him into the courtyard, tied him to a pole and flogged him publicly. Once done, they untied him and let him go……..
While several years have passed, the Chinese pirates never did make another appearance at Umugi Cove. Takeshi, continued his import/export side hustle with Goro, albeit much more subtly.
However, in the moments of quiet, where his mind could churn, unencumbered by his sake, his bitterness and anger would grow. How could the Jito not care?! How could he let this deed go unpunished?!
All this money he made, was of no real use if he continued to stay a 'peasant'. He needed to raise his station in life. He would find a way. Somehow, someway.
The Tale of Takeshi Sake's origins. Written by Alan.
