Shangri La Pt. 1

63: Thirsty

'Wait a sec– is that... Izuku?'

After realizing that a certain hairpiece was being worn on the woman with Jade green hair and eyes, Katsuki discovered just where Izumi was now. 

There was no doubt about it, the 'Jade Goddess' was Izumi, and he couldn't see it being anybody else. The shape of her face was the same, the way she gave everyone around her a soothing and comforting–also gentle–smile with both her lips and her eyes certified for the Captain the most. 

And now that he's found out that it was her, there was no way he would want to move his eyes off of her as she was still standing before the crowd he was in.

"Ugh– Not that girl." the redhead groaned, causing Katsuki to jerk his attention to the lady serving him. 

"What'd you say?" 

"That girl, she wasn't a Geji the last time she was here, as she used to be a servant here during the Moon Festivals in the past." the redhead added still without any enthusiasm in her tone. 

'Huh? Geji? What the hell is that?'

( Author's Note History Corner!!! )

So Katsuki just asked a very good question that I'm sure all of you are uncertain of as well while reading this, so let's take a little look at some history of China. In ancient times, women who engaged in singing and dancing were referred to as Geji, and Geji were also known as Wuji（舞妓）or Yiji. In ancient Chinese, the word "妓" can represent both female art performers and female sex workers. In ancient Chinese, the word "妓" one word for Geji refers to female art performers, not female sex workers. So in a way, Geji are considered to be like prostitutes, but are also not prostitutes as they aren't necessarily allowed to do anything that involves human pleasure. To basically put it, Geji are the Chinese version of Geishas of Japan, as they are both women who are meant to put on shows for their audiences that involves dancing, singing or playing an instrument at a high skill. It is important to note that the Japanese word for Oiran specifically translates to 'Art', so it is basically the same for Chinese as Geji are known to be beautiful and talented women showing off their skills.

It's also important to note that Prostitution has been illegal in China and that it isn't allowed in said country, and it can be said for the same as Japan as prostitution is also illegal in Japan. And when prostitution was legal in Japan, those women were called Oiran, and there would be rankings for women who were Oiran to see just who was the best of all. But when looking into society currently, Oirans, Geisha and possibly Geji/Yiji are said to be an almost rare craft that isn't practiced anymore as it doesn't keep up with the current modern era we have now.

Also want to point out that you are more than welcome to learn more about Geishas specifically from a book that I have read myself called; Memoirs of a Geisha. There is also a movie called the exact same thing, but I recommend reading it first since you kind of learn more from the book and the main character's perspective on things. Anyway, I just thought I'd help you guys out when reading this since I know that this part of Shangri La takes place in Ancient China. Now that we've finished the quick history lesson, let's get back to the story!

"I'm honestly surprised she was given the chance to become a Geji considering that she's not all that pretty or talented." the redhead mocked, instantly catching Katsuki's attention.