The Masculine Mutant Man: Usagi Yojimbo

I've always had a thing for rabbits, I'll admit it. Something about their ears, those cute little fluffy tails... I hope that's not insensitive to say! Regardless, I was very excited to do this photo shoot with the man who gave his name as Usagi Yojimbo. He lives in Vermont on a large piece of property where he helps run a home for war veterans. It took me the better part of a day to drive up to meet with him, and it was nearly evening when I arrived.

He met me at the door of a large three story house, it kinda reminded me of one of those big old places from 'Gone With the Wind' or something. He wore a simple dark blue kimono, with his ears tied up almost resembling a topknot. At his left side he wore a pair of swords. It was definitely... a memorable look. He looked just like a samurai stepping right out of feudal Japan. Instead of a handshake, he bowed when we met, so I did the same. 

"Usagi Yojimbo?" I asked. "It's good to meet you in person. Um, about your name, doesn't it literally mean 'rabbit bodyguard?'"

He smiled slightly under his neatly trimmed mustache. "You understand Japanese, I am impressed. Yes it does, or you may call me Miyamoto Usagi if you prefer." He said with an obvious accent.

"I'm learning some Japanese lately from a tutor." I beamed. "And what can you tell me about this place? It's very impressive."

"A wealthy older man owns this property, a survivor from a mostly-forgotten war. Instead of wasting his money however, he turned this place into a home for war survivors who have no other place to go. As a veteran of old wars myself, I was very moved by the notion, so I volunteer my time as caretaker."

"Oh, that's, very admirable." I said seriously. "May I ask, what wars did you fight in?"

He grew silent for several moments. "It was a lifetime ago, in another place, and time."

I thought he might say something more, so when he didn't I simply asked where he wanted to do the photo shoot.

He led me around the large house to a stretch of green fields extending far behind the manor. We walked about a mile out, nearing a coniferous treeline where he drew his weapons, two black katanas with gold inlaid in the hilts. They were beautiful blades. I took a shallow gulp. I didn't know this fellow very well, and I had the briefest sense of alarm, but then Usagi began to move.

A light breeze blew in from above, stirring the grasses as it came, and when it reached the swordsman, he began to move with it, slicing through the air and stepping carefully, yet effortlessly. It was entrancing, so I took several pictures. Even if they didn't get used for The Masculine Mutant Man series, they were beautiful and captivating. Presently he became still and looked to me.

"Are you getting many good images?" He asked.

"Oh, yes, plenty! And many more once you shed some clothes." I answered and smiled.

He blinked at me. "Shed my clothes?" He questioned.

"Well, it's better when the subject is nude for a naked shoot." I grinned.

He cocked his head. "I thought this was to display the power and grace of mutant men? I was hoping to use these pictures in advertisements for the Kendo dojo I plan to open."

"Um, I thought the article calling for interested models was pretty clear... I'm sorry if it wasn't." I said, embarrassed at the misunderstanding. I wondered if I had used slang which might have confused a non-native English speaker. "How about this, I'll let you have all of the clothed photos I've taken for your ad, and you strip down to give me some for my project? Does that seem fair?" I asked.

He considered my proposal briefly. "You did drive all this way, and it seems it was I who did not understand your intent." 

He began to untie his sash, after carefully sheathing his swords and placing them down on the soft grass. Soon he stood before me wearing only his fundoshi and sandals.  He paused.

"Your underwear too, if you please." I said. I certainly didn't want to make him uncomfortable with the request, but my eagerness to see the muscular, handsome rabbit in the buff also helped guide my words!

He pulled down his loincloth, revealing a soft pink cock in the waning light, and he appeared to be half hard too! I wasted no time in bringing my camera up.

"You have a wonderful body Usagi." I said gently. "Pick up your swords again when you're ready, I really think we can get some great shots."

Nimbly he took up the katanas and drew them swiftly from their scabbards to resume his motions from earlier. Even now, though I had expected him to show signs of hesitance, he came alive, performing his deadly dance with intensity and purpose. I instinctively kept some distance but tried to move with him, taking images from all angles. I found Usagi to be mesmerizing, the blades merely extensions of his own body as he flowed around the field wielding them. His furry sack bounced between his strong legs when he shifted position, his round rump flexed with each step. His body became hypnotic to me as I watched him.

All too soon the dance was done and the full moon had risen high overhead. I realized it had grown quite chilly in the early spring night air, and unlike my companion, I was wearing clothes! I told Miyamoto Usagi to please dress and we could head back to the house. I also thanked him and apologized again for the misunderstanding. He waved my apology away, explaining that he rather liked the idea that others might enjoy seeing his body, and that gave him a strong sense of pride. I assured him they would, I added that I was already one person who thought so. He regarded me thoughtfully. 

Back at the manor house he suggested I stay in one of the vacant rooms and have breakfast in the morning, since it was already quite late. I gratefully accepted the offer and we headed up the front steps together. 

"Usagi?" I asked as we went inside.

"Yes?"

"How long would you say it takes to become as skilled as you with a sword?"

"Only a lifetime." He said and smiled.

-Fido