#// sayuri who refers to the massive estate as somewhere one can become lost in

[usagimen]

(h.c. // meta)

         Let’s talk about the Kobayashi Clan && how they pick a successor. Particularly, who is picked to become a Geiko in general which grants itself a huge boost in societal status. Usually, when a child begins to start showing cursed energy at the age of 4-7 the family will decide from there who has the mental fortitude, demeanor, along with physical characteristics to enter the trade. By entering the tier of a shikomi, young girls are taught the basics, if one excels in a talent (such as song, dance, flower arrangement) she will be specifically trained for that.

      This is all a decoy, a child that is shown to have promise will learn quickly the clan’s inherited technique which their fiercely guard. This isn’t because they want someone to steal it or use it against them, rotting womb is an illusionary skill that has kept their family, loved ones && children protected for generations. The entirety of the Kobayashi bloodline is built on it, this is a coveted secret that is meant to state, you are now able to keep all that we hold dear in our hearts safe. Girls are taught quickly to utilize their beauty, some will go as far to use the RCT to alter their physical appearance, Sayuri does so by making her eyes ‘cosmic’ alluring so that they pull in someone. Others will sculpt their bodies, features, ect into whatever they desire. Though, does mastering this skill make them eligible for the position of Matriarch? No.

       The current head of Clan Kobayashi, Hatsuko, firmly grasped the reins by financially securing their position as one of the wealthiest houses at the age of nineteen. Blood does not entitle a young girl either, if she wishes to become the head, she must show her willingness to unify the bloodline. The Kobayashi Clan was always meant to be the antithesis of the Zen’ins, they are female run as customary for Okiya’s, they co-raise children && those who show little to no cursed energy are not shunned; they are given a place within their world. Sayuri views them as one unit that works together, everyone is each other’s cousin, every aunt is a mother, the men honor their roles as dressers, stylist, cooks, ect because they are a part of the mechanism that keeps everything moving. It is an atmosphere of warmth when one enters the estates, there is always music, laughter, young one’s running about && gossiping spread about.

     After Shibuya, her ascension as Matriarch was underneath the knowledge that no matter the crisis or sorrow; Sayuri was emotionally && mentally fit to lead even when she must shove aside her mourning. Due to her harmonious nature, the elders of the clan recognized she was best fit as she was fair in her judgment && knew when to strike. She would be dressed in a kimono custom made for her, while wearing no underpinning / skirts, no hair adornments && her hands completely free from binds. The red collar a maiko usually wears would be replaced with white to signify she had ascended to a full Geiko. Monochrome colors that marked her maturity as she did not speak or say anything valiant, except that in the midst of turmoil where all is uncertain, she was glad to hide within this beautiful world they painstakingly created.