Umeji nodded yet again as Mother Yan spoke of Inoue's approaching Mizuage. She would definitely follow the advice that she was given, only wanting to produce one of the most beautiful flowers, by her own hands. Sure, Mother Yan had a say in what they did, but most mothers of Okiyas were concerned about the money. Umeji brought as much revenue as she could to the Okiya. She had been very excited to undertake a little sister, knowing that she could create something spectacular. But of course, there were many obstacles that have occurred throughout the process of training and debuting Inoue. She bowed her head as Mother Yan left, knowing that she would have to wait a little longer for Inoue's Mizuage.<br/><br/>That certainly gave her time to find more potential bidders. When Hatsuyuki returned with the scroll, she moved closer to it, making sure she memorized the details of the list today. The older woman looked over at Inoue. "Please fill your stomach; we have a very busy schedule today. After out meal, we shall go to the Onsen and wash ourselves. We must look our best for our appointments." Inoue then nodded, picking up her chopsticks and eating the spread that Mother Yan had so generously laid out for them. Umeji picked at her food, her mind consumed with all the potential bidders that they would be coming across.<br/><br/>Of course, the girls at the Nanahatsu Okiya would be busy as well. If she saw them out in public she would be civil like she had always been. There was no way that she would allow their rivalry to tarnish her personality. After their meal was finished and both women were full, she looked at her other sisters. Umeji stood up gracefully, bowing her head. "I hope that all of your appointments shower fortune upon you. The best of luck sisters," she said with a gentle smile. She glanced over at Inoue motioning for her to follow. They exited to the courtyard and towards the Onsen. They shed their yukata, getting into the steaming water. Umeji scrubbed Inoue's skin with a net pouch, making sure all of the dead skin came off. Inoue returned the favor.<br/><br/>Once they had washed their bodies, they climbed up the stairs of the Okiya, getting ready for the day. Inoue and Umeji knelt down as they began to put on their make-up, Inoue leaving two lines around her hairline unpainted, while Umeji left the area around her hairline and ears unpainted. They sponged away the excess water and blended the white foundation better. Drawing their eyebrows and painting their lips, they were ready to be dressed. One of the Shikomi of the Okiya helped them into their kimono. Inoue was placed within a bright purple kimono, her red collar peeking out in the back. Bright red, yellow, and white flowers dance across the purple fabric, going across the sleeves and swirling up from the hem of the skirt. A pale pink Obi was tied around her waist, hanging down further than Umeji's Obi.<br/><br/>Umeji's kimono was less extravagant than Inoue's, as Maiko had the luxury of wearing loud and bright colors while undergoing their training. She wore a pale blue kimono, with cranes and waves rolling across the bottom of the skirt. The cranes flew across her back and sleeves, her white collar hanging higher than Inoue's, since she has already experienced her Eri-kae. A deep emerald Obi with gold and bronze leaves is tied around her waist. Each of their kimonos was to watch their eyes, making it easier for them to attract men and other on-lookers. Inoue's hair was styled in the Wareshinobu style, which would change into the Ofuku style after her Mizuage. Her brown-black hair was pulled away from her face, while a kanoko was woven into her hair, exposed from the top and bottom, like a large bun. Then Umeji helped place kanzashi in her hair, relevant to the month. She had two fan shaped bira-bira-kan, tortoiseshell kanzashi, tortoiseshell kushi, tama kanzashi, and kanoko-dome and miokuri.<br/><br/>Umeji her hair pulled into a Shimada style, preferring her natural hair used over a wig that most Geisha used. She placed a few kanzashi in her hair, but it was unlike her Maiko days, a tortoishell kushi, sakura kushi, and two bira-bira kanzashi. Once then finished preparing, Inoue slipped on her Okobo, wobbling as she was still not used to the height. Umeji steadied her, before she slipped on her Geta. "Where are we heading today, Onee-san?" Inoue asked as they stepped out of the Okiya. Umeji smiled her crimson lips curving in a gentle smile. "We are to meet a few clients and entertain their company at the Ochaya later tonight. For now, we will sit with potential bidders while at a Sumo match in Ryogoku."<br/><br/>They both entered a small person drawn wagon, being taken away to Ryogoku. "What is the client like," Inoue asked, while opening up the paper umbrella to shield them from the sun. Umeji's eyes shimmered like the water's surface and she laughed gently. "He has been a client of mine for years; you will find him very entertaining." Inoue was less than satisfied with the answer, though her older sister always was mysterious, which made her a very excellent Geisha.