It is a seemingly regular everyday morning in the Yagyuu estate. Kyuubei is casually going back and forth getting herself prepared for another day of instructing students in the art of the sword. It still is quite early and she will be alone for at least half an hour, but Kyuubei wanted to get some warm-up. Besides, she wanted to keep her nigh immaculate record of punctuality, she has only been late two times in her life as a disciple, a ridiculously small number for almost all people, but not for the Yagyuu heiress. Back then, she was severely punished by her father, a memory she'd rather let go of.

Well, I'm not a little kid anymore, but he still can reprimand me in front of everyone.

Making sure that her gi and hakama are properly worn, Kyuubei was finally ready to make her distinctively professional appearance.

Damn, I skipped breakfast.

Just before pulling the sliding rice-paper door open, she pulled her ponytail back tight and took a deep calming breath.

''Good morni-''

Her greeting cut short, Kyuubei stood for what seemed like an eternity in front of the dojo entrance. The familiar Yagyuu family dojo with its shiny floorboards, neatly organized bokken racks and wooden elegant sign with their motto overhead was now an utterly alien place. Just in front of her feet the floor seemed to blur and flicker in and out of existence, to the left side the bokken rack was on fire but the rack and the bamboo swords it held were still in a seemingly pristine condition. Dead center, the flooring material along with the mats were clumped together in a huge, floating amorphous mass that writhed and twisted in itself, the bare ground beneath it pulsating like a living heart. To the far right end, lay an ominous black void that bellowed cold air and debris.

Uhhh...am I still sleeping?

After what amounted to about five full minutes, Kyuubei broke her gaze off the nightmarish room, stepped back and closed the door. Closing her eye, she pinched the bridge of her nose and burst out laughing.

I really should follow Tae's advice and get some vacation...Well, after today I'll ask father for a week or so.

Her composure regained, she opened the sliding door again, only to be confronted by the same bizarre spectacle.

Okay...fine. The dojo has become a twisted hellhole. No need to get stressed about that.

Twenty minutes later, Kyuubei is in her father's room walking back and forth with a phone in hand trying to convey needlessly convoluted details about the dojo's condition to Yorozuya. As she speaks, her hand goes over her hair and nape, frustration and panic obviously taking their grip.

''Alright, fine. We'll be waiting.''

She closed the fancy flip-phone she held and turned to her father that sat in his usual position in anticipation. His expression definitely showed concern but not as much as she would expect. He had his own brief breakdown, but given what he put Kyuubei through in the name of the Yagyuu family, she figured that he would be far more worried about their family business and prestige.

''Did you call off the sessions fath-um, papa?''

Koshinori nodded.

''Yes, all training sessions are off for at least a week. I take it your acquaintances at Yorozuya shall investigate the matter Kyuubei?''

His daughter absentmindedly fidgeted with the phone she still held in her hand and took a seat in front of him.

''No. They are currently occupied in an assignment at the other end of the country chasing a robotic chicken.''

Koshinori opened his mouth to speak but anticipating what he would say, Kyuubei held up her hand.

''Don't ask, I didn't myself.''

''Alright...But what about that chaos at the-''

''They said that they would send someone who owes them a favor. He will be over tomorrow. ''

''Oh. I'm not sure if that is reassuring to be honest.''

Kyuubei took a sip from the tea cup in front of her before replying.

''Strangely, Gintoki said that weird cases just like this are his specialty, so we can only hope.''

With this, the day was practically over for everyone at the Yagyuu compound, the dojo's access was haphazardly closed off to prevent unpleasant incidents and all occupants and personnel instructed to steer clear of that building altogether. Kyuubei herself had an early bath and dinner, the raw bizarreness of the day obviously having taken a toll on her. She decided it would be best if she hit the futon and face the next day with a clearer head. Just before lying down a thought crossed her mind.

Wait...where's Toujou? I haven't seen him all day. Eh, he's probably out picking clothes for me again, no cause for alarm yet.

Her head met the pillow and had just one more short thought before the embrace of sleep.

I wonder what the Yorozuya's contact is like.

The next morning Kyuubei was up at her usual time out of habit and a little bit out of anxiety over what would become of the dojo. After breakfast, she put on her blue kimono and white coat outfit instead of her gi and hakama. She was expecting their problem solver today, and as the Yagyuu heiress she had to look sharp in front of commoners.

Heh, commoners. How many times have I been aided by and had fun with commoners? Yet I still put on all those pretentious airs and postures.

No more than an hour of waiting with a tea cup keeping her company, a maid came to inform her that the Yorozuya's assistant had arrived.

Finally.

She hastily set off for the courtyard, all the while mentally preparing herself for her introduction and possible information she might be required to give about the building. Emerging out of the main hall, she ultimately spotted the imposing form of the visitor who was apparently admiring the arch of the compound's gate. Her single eye widened.

What in heaven's name is he wearing?

Hearing her footsteps the stranger turned to her allowing her to fully inspect his rather peculiar appearance. His physique must definitely be well built, though it is obviously enhanced by the hulking suit of armor he is wearing. The design is reminiscent of the military armor usually worn by foreigners, though it seems to be highly personalized. A pistol rests in a holster at his hip and a peculiar long firearm on his back along with various other tools and knick-knacks hanging from the suit. When Kyuubei turned her attention to his face, her gaze was returned by the two tinted eyepieces of his gas-mask.

Alright...He surely seems like something the Yorozuya would pick up.

Upon taking a look at her himself, the masked visitor took a step forward and extended a gloved hand as he voiced his greeting with a heavy accent.

''Viktor Polyakov, pleased to meet you madame.''

Kyuubei promptly froze up at his gesture. She wan't unfamiliar with the customs of foreigners, but she did have an issue with physical contact when it came to men thanks to her father's and grandfather's enforced conditioning. Noticing her hesitation the stranger retracted his hand and gave an awkward laugh.

''Uh, sorry, force of habit, I forgot that you do bows and not handshakes here, I-''

Kyubei held up her hands in a reassuring motion.

''Oh, no! That's not the matter, I just have a hang-up about touching, I mean you no offence of course.''

Viktor didn't seem to think much about it and shrugged in a laid back manner.

''No offense taken, uh...''

The Yagyuu almost facepalmed at her momentary social ineptness.

''Um, Kyuubei. Yagyuu Kyuubei.''

''Pleased to meet you miss Yagyuu.''

Having no other ways to gauge his emotion, she made note of the reservedness in the timbre of his voice and body posture. He surely did not seem like your run of the mill odd job worker, but he did not have the air of a professional warrior either.

''Um, forgive me if the question appears insulting Sir Polyakov, but what exactly is your specialty? I mean the closest thing to your job description?''

The man looked at her with what may be genuine wonder behind his mask.

''Oh? I thought the Yorozuya told you. Well miss Yagyuu, I am a stalker.''