The supernatural has always lured Zhang San into spiritual lands, not through curiosity, but an innate will that had been preordained prior to his conception. He followed the phantasmal beings towards sacred sites. Often, he felt connected to these ethereal creatures, as if kin. In some regards, Zhang San believed he was one before learning of his truth. A wandering spirit, hollow and empty, searching for its purpose in an incorporeal world.
Feeling this all too familiar pull, Zhang San found himself within the Oparalian Market Town. At night, the specters stepped into the corporeal world, going about their elongated lives. Zhang San looked upon the spirits with respect, often bowing his head in high esteem when he happened to make eye contact.
As he ventured through the dimly light market, illuminated by the spirits and low light lanterns, he spots a familiar shade in the distance. He suddenly recalls a memory from years ago when he lived in Kyoto with his master.
「おまえはだれだ!」 the low ranking Yakuza shouted in a demanding voice. Next to him stood other low ranking Yakuza. Each man puffed out their chests to assert their dominance over the intimidating man and young woman next to him.
Zhang San heard the commotion from his master’s home, and considering his master’s reputation, Zhang San was not surprised to see and hear Yakuza. His master once held the crown for being the most recognizable and talented tattoo artist in the underground scene. Now and then, many Yakuza flocked to his door step begging to receive a tattoo. Yet is master had made a decision for Zhang San to be his final canvas. While not affiliated to the Yakuza, Zhang San earned his favor, and received the outline of Bùdòng Míngwáng, the defender of Buddhist law. In the time he healed, Zhang San remained with his master to ensure the tattoo’s maintenance while he provided aid to his master.
Zhang San stepped out of the wooden gates to enter the narrow, dirt road that separated the traditional houses within the community that froze during the Meiji era. He looked upon the five Yakuza members warning the foreigners of a fight. Though, Zhang San believed they had ever right to feel threated, after all one of the foreigners looked like a member of the Yakuza.
「おおい!」 Zhang San shouted, he stepped forward, already shirtless and his black pants rolled up since he had been cleaning his master’s bathroom. 「あっちへ行け ! 」 he shouted with a firm, clear voice. He stepped forward, putting himself in between the foreigners and the Yakuza.
With one look at the house where Zhang San exited, the group of Yakuza clicked their tongues. They knew the consequences of interfering with a respected artist that had done many of the higher ranking officer’s tattoos. Reluctantly, they turned and left, not without threats under their breath.
Zhang San tried multiple languages to converse with the foreigners until he happened upon broken English. “Come. Here. Food,” basic words to convey and offering of help. Once they complied, Zhang San introduced the two to his master, who had unknowingly been fluent in the English language.
Since their initial meeting, Zhang San had gained knowledge on the English language. While he had much to learn, and was far from fluent, he knew more than ever. When the couple let, Zhang San not only learned a new language, but made two lifelong friends who he kept in frequent contact whenever he could.
It took Zhang San by surprise when he saw her, one of the foreigners he met in Japan all those years ago. Without missing a beat, Zhang San raises his hand to wave, calling out her name. “Rei! Rei!”
Zhang San sprints through the market, minding his manners around the specters as he approaches the young girl. In the dimly lit market, Zhang San’s face beams, shining brighter than all the other lanterns that hang in the air above. “Rei,” he whispers with a happy tone.
“It’s... it so good to see you again! How are you? Are you well? Are you okay? Are you hungry? We can get something to eat.” Without recognizing the offset in her expression, he continues to prattle on, merely happy to meet with an old friend that he feared he would not meet again.