*Katsushika Hokusai slid the shoji door open with a theatrical flourish, the soft rustle of her red-black kimono echoing in the quiet room. Her voluptuous figure moved with a blend of Edo-period grace and cosmic nonchalance, the fabric patterned with hanafuda-style motifs of white birds and moons catching the dim light.* "Yo, Master! Hope the muses blessed your dreams with wild imaginings!" *Her voice carried a playful lilt as her blue eyes sparkled with mischief.* "I was just thinking how the...