#843 Plum-Cherry Blossom War

Well then.

Here begins the grand showdown of spring flowers, Plum vs. Cherry Blossom.

Phrasing it that way might cause a stir among other flowers, but let’s just make sure the current contenders (if we can call them that) are satisfied. We don’t want to overcomplicate or escalate the story.

I intend to keep it to a straightforward duel.

“Go for it! Annihilate them! Prove that the plum is the mightiest of all spring flowers by trouncing the gaudy cherry blossoms!!!”

Next to me is the curse god Sugawara no Michizane, getting increasingly psyched.

His envy and resentment towards cherry blossoms have grown to rival that of his political enemies who exiled him during his lifetime. 

I’m hoping we can settle this peacefully before he turns into a vengeful spirit again.

Such is the rivalry of the plum and cherry blossom.

What kind of contest will unfold between them?

“Cher-ry, cherry, cher-ry... The very thought that a plum blossom could rival me, the cherry blossom, is foolish. To even consider yourself my equal is presumptuous.”

The cherry tree speaks with a strange chuckle.

“The cherry blossoms: beloved for over a thousand years. Can the plum compete with the immense floral power I display each spring?”

It flaunts its myriad blossoms, breathing life into its branches.

Despite the millions of flower species in the world, I wonder if any are as recklessly abundant in blooming as the cherry blossom.

The branches are densely packed with flowers.

The number of petals is staggering. 

I’ve even heard, true or not, of someone who counted over half a million petals on a single tree.

That’s why there’s talk of chopping them down because cleaning up the fallen petals in spring is just too bothersome.

In contrast, plum blossoms are indeed beautiful but sparse on the branches. 

Next to the cherry blossoms, the visibility of the bare branches is a bit disappointing.

Ultimately, in the spring spotlight competition, the plum seems to lose out due to this sheer difference in numbers. But how will the plum overcome this deficit?!

“I agree that the flamboyance of cherry blossoms is unparalleled… I’ll concede that much-bai...!” 

“Don’t lose heart, plum tree! You have me, the god of learning, on your side!!!”

This third-party god sure is noisy.

“But being at a disadvantage means I must call in a powerful ally-bai! Let’s summon them!”

A plum tree that can perform summoning spells?

As if in response, a bird descends from the heavens and perches on the plum, singing a clear, melodious note.

“Ho-hokekyo,” it sings.

“A bush warbler?”

“That’s right! The traditional pairing of plum and warbler has been celebrated for ages! It’s a perfect marriage! The plum tree delights not just the eyes but also the ears with this avian partner-bai!”

The plum gains an advantage with its feathered helper.

“Now, do you have such a formidable ally-bai? Maybe just a caterpillar in summer-bai?”

“Ha! The cherry blossom needs no partners or pairings. Its beauty is sufficient for appreciation alone!”

However, the opponent is formidable.

Lacking picturesque pairings, the solitary cherry blossom still manages to counter magnificently with an imperial attitude.

“Hmm… What about a taste contest then-bai?”

“Taste?!”

“As you know, pickled plum, or umeboshi, is a beloved nutritional food enjoyed by many. Not only is the flower beautiful, but the fruit is delicious, too. Can you, a cherry blossom, compete with the plum’s complete package-bai?!”

“And here I thought you were about to say something new for change! Do you think you’re the only fruit-bearing flower? You must be aware that this cherry blossom, in fact, is affectionately known by the nickname ‘sakuranbo,’ which means cherry!”

True that.

Cherries preserved in sugar or syrup are popular sweets among children.

The contrast between the plum’s salty pickles and the cherry’s sweet preserves is quite remarkable.

There’s even a popular belief that tying a cherry stem with your tongue indicates kissing skills. 

A testament to its popularity.

“Ugh, a draw in taste-bai...!”

“But in visual appeal, my victory is undeniable! It’s clear that the cherry blossoms, boasting an overwhelming advantage with their main appeal - the visual splendor - are destined for an undisputed victory! Indeed, it seems the throne of spring flowers rightfully belongs to me!!!”

“Nghhhh...!”

Is the plum truly unable to rival the cherry?

As the competition reaches a climax, the surrounding area is filled with cheerful flower viewing.

The farm residents, having endured the long winter, are thoroughly enjoying the warmth of spring.

“This year’s flower viewing is even more colorful with the plum blossoms.”

“Another cup of sake, please.”

“Sakura mochi tastes amazing while viewing the cherry blossoms.”

“And plum wine while gazing at plum blossoms is something else…!”

Everyone enjoys the flower viewing in their own way.

“By the way, why are the plum and cherry blossom trees at each other’s throats?”

“You’d think they’d both be content, being so beautiful.”

Then, the conversation shifts to a more fundamental issue.

Right? If they’re both beautiful and impressive, that’s good enough. There’s no need to force a decision on which is best.

“Maybe it’s a sort of contest where they each show off their stories and legends?”

“That would make for a fine diversion, wouldn’t it?”

This interpretation was received quite positively...

“I knowww.”

Suddenly, a voice declares its presence.

His name is Junior.

My son.

This year, he finally turned four.

Junior shuffles over to the plum and cherry blossom trees.

Everyone watches, wondering what he’s up to...

“Huh? What’s up, little guy? ...Gah!”

“Stupid breaking cherry, dumb not breaking plummm.”

Junior, wielding a massive club he procured from who knows where, takes a swing at the plum tree.

This sudden act of violence left even Michizane, who adored the plum tree, utterly dumbstruck.

“Whyyyyyyyyyyyyy?!”

A fool breaks the cherry tree, and a bigger fool for not breaking the plum.

The more accurate proverb is “A fool cuts the cherry, a bigger fool doesn’t cut the plum,” a teaching among gardeners. It refers to how cherry blossom trees can die if pruned or cut improperly, while plum trees, vigorously growing, need regular trimming.

It reminds us that various techniques are required for cultivating different trees... 

But, son, was it really necessary to bring up that tale right now?

“Saaaakurakurakurakura...! To be bested by a toddler, such is the fate of a plum tree. This proves once and for all that cherry blossoms are the supreme flowers of spring...”

“...”

“...What?”

The cherry blossom tree, feeling an indescribable sense of dread, crept towards Junior.

Its voice is tense with caution.

“Wh-What’s wrong, Junior?”

“...George.”

George?

Who’s he suddenly talking about?

George LaRoche?

...No, that’s not it!

Washington!

He must mean George Washington, the first President of the United States!

He, too, has his own cherry blossom tale to tell! 

As a child, he boldly snapped a cherry tree with an axe and was praised for his honesty!

“I will be honest too and get praisedddd.”

How my son, born in another world, learned about an American president’s anecdote remains a mystery, as does his uncanny ability to gather information.

But even as he confesses, I, his father, have witnessed the whole scene. 

Is this really okay, son?

“Stupid cherry tooooo.”

“Hyaaaaaaah! Help meeeee!”

The cherry blossom tree, now faced with my suddenly serial killer-like son, bubbles with panic and tries to flee.

Being able to move due to a spirit’s possession seems an advantage now.

However, the true reason for Junior’s violent spree surely isn’t to show off his knowledge of past tales.

Both parties are to blame.

This is the lesson: pointless conflicts should be avoided, as taught by the innocent act of a child.

The cherry blossom tree, in its frantic escape, was eventually caught and unceremoniously brought down by Junior’s decisive full swing.

Having completed his task, Junior returned...

“I snapped itttt.”

His report sounded more like announcing a victory than confessing a crime.

Thus, the first big conflict of spring ended in the most tragic way possible, with the instigator’s total destruction.

Truly, it was as if the flowers themselves had scattered.