this is the first fanfic I've ever written, no criticism please! (please feel free to point out any mistakes that look grammatically incorrect or something that just looks strange in general.)

anyway, this has been an idea that's been drifting around in my head for a good while now, I hope you enjoy.

•••

Yukino Yukinoshita was the most volatile human being whithin Japan, ever since she'd woken up, she would insult anything in her peripheral view, whether that be small rodents or men that would come in for repairs. Her current cause of unending hostility was not due to work, or samurai of any sorts, but rather her mother who had gone behind her back yet again and insisted that she marry the son of the shogun. She'd rejected the offer countless times, she was certain that her mother would try to convince her even on her death bed. Despite the countless protests, she'd been arranged to marry Hayama Hayato, the boy that she couldn't stand, because he was the same boy who would always be standing on the side lines and never making an effort to better the city and having a smile plastered onto his face hoping that the expression would erase any current issue.

"You can't stay in your room forever Yukino-chan, you'll have to come out and face mother's wrath eventually." the voice of that cursed inugami sang into the door that blocked either of their worlds from clashing.

"Go away nee-san, I had thought that the purification salt would have driven your demonic forces farther outland." she responded as coldly as she could muster.

"That's actually quite hurtful Yukino-chan, you'll never find a suitable man if you just insult everyone away, although in your current situation, I doubt that it would have happened regardless." Haruno Yukinoshita was a force to be reckoned with, not because she went for the more psychological approach when trying to get things her own way, but because she was highly persistent, persistent enough to put all the men of Edo to shame.

Between dealing with a mother who's only interest was strengthening the flow of income, a father who overworked himself and was always asleep whenever he wasn't creating a new sword and an older sister who could be rightfully confused for some demonic being, Yukino Yukinoshita could not handle her bloodline anymore, so she'd do what any sane, respectable and patient young woman would do in her situation…

She'd run away from home into a different part of the country and start to work at a teahouse, and hope that her family would notice her disappearance too late to track her down. Surely this would work, surely.

•••

Yui Yuigahama was a girl who couldn't cook to save her life, could be clumsy enough to drive away some customers and airheaded enough to not fully understand words not within her ability to comprehend, despite her faults, she was an outgoing girl who'd work hard and try her best, lately however she had grown bored, and it wasn't just because the rain kept away business, but because she had longed for adventure, adventure that the teahouse or Edo couldn't grant her, she wanted to go out and experience new things within the country, she hoped that someone or something would force her to leave the comfort of the teahouse and let her travel around Japan.

"If you keep your mouth open, a demon might posses you dear." her mother said in a caring voice while helping her with her lopsided bun, the smaller gahama would try to do it herself but ultimately failed like any westerners who'd try to trade with the country.

"I was just thinking about traveling some day momma, it's really not too important."

"You're thinking about that again? You know I'd let you dear but we aren't doing so well right now because of all this rain, this'll probably go on for another week at best."

Yui surprisingly went into deep thought yet again and her mother could have sworn she heard the cogs in her head turning, before her daughter could hurt herself she had to make a strong enough excuse to get her to do something else

"Yui, sweetie, why don't you check out back and see if any of the dogs came to eat the food we left out for them, maybe sable made some new friends." that sounded like a good enough excuse to let the young gahama go do something so easy that she couldn't possibly get hurt.

"Ok momma, I'll be back soon!" she had run out of the room before she could tell her the girl to be careful, and not even 10 seconds went by before she heard the surprised yelp from said girl

"Ah! A girl!"

"Ah! An airhead!"

Hey now, that part while true wasn't necessary something to be said out loud, especially in an alleyway. Wait a second, there was a girl outside in the blasted rain? Her motherly instincts kicked in and she knew she had to invite her inside so she could dry herself and get some rest, it was fairly unsafe after dark, even with low crime in the town. She rushed downstairs and met face to face with the unknown girl.

"Welcome to gahama teahouse, would you like anything to drink? Or perhaps a towel to dry yourself, a pretty girl like you shouldn't be catching a cold you know!"

"Gwha?" was the girl's only response

"What's your name young lady?"

"Yukino Yukinoshi-… just Yukino actually" She said shyly

"Are you perhaps lost?" she pestered the young girl

"Actually, I was looking for work"

Work? On such a stormy day? She wasn't an expert in the thoughts of young minds today, but she could instantly tell that this girl has been running endlessly, the panting and bruises on her legs that were shown due to the ripped yukata gave it away as well, from deduction skill alone she could tell that she'd run away from home. She knew what it was like for people to run away from abuse, whether that be physical or emotional, that's why she'd ran away from her husband when yui still wasn't old enough to even remember his face.

"Yui, why don't you go prepare a hot bath and the guest room really quick, I want to converse with our new employee before we go to bed."

And thus, the night concluded with Yukino becoming the newest employee of gahama teahouse and the newest resident of the living space above.

•••

Zaimokuza Yoshiteru would consider himself an honest man, a direct and blunt warrior who'd put situations, issues and words into the right perspective, at least to those around him. To his students, he'd be the goofy sensei who'd yell and encourage them to become even greater blade masters than him. he picked up enough children from the streets and molded them into young men and women who'd defend themselves and others if necessary, he encouraged them all to eat well, rest well and play well, the spirit of great warriors would awaken in all of them soon enough and they'd turn into strong embodiments of justice. In his eyes some live, some die in the way of the samurai, some fight, some bleed, Sun up to Sun down, either way, they'd all become sons and daughters of the battlecry. He'd hope that those who left the dojo long ago would use their newfound skills to fight for other people, he had wanted to teach the younglings the lesson that his comrade from the war taught him, that the ultimate reward would be honor and not awards. He'd hoped that his comrade had found a peaceful place to live after he became a ronin. he resigned soon after him as well. they'd kept in touch and he'd always send letters to him, a part of him kept hoping that he'd finally be convinced to come to see the dojo alongside the impact that he created simply by fighting alongside him and the other soldiers that day.

"I sincerely wish you're living the healthy and peaceful life you've always wanted comrade, I also hope that you're mind is still as noble as the day we all fought alongside together, I do however wish we'd have traveled together some more before splitting paths, but Inhope you have been resting well my friend "

As soon as he finished the small letter, he heard a knock at his door, wondering who it could be at this time of day, he did the only thing he could and gave the unknown being permission to enter.

"Please come in."

The door slid to reveal a petite young boy who looked more feminine than he did masculine, young Totsuka Saika. He had remembered picking up Totsuka off the streets one day, he was being harassed by Yakuza when he intervened, after saving the by knocking out all thugs, he asked if he had anything or anyone to go to, the young one had none and Yoshiteru saw it as reason enough to invite him to the dojo, where he could have a place to rest, companions to work, play and spar alongside with and a responsible teacher to look after him, Oh well, time to get into character.

"Ah, young Totsuka, what brings you here, tell me, is something troubling you? If so, say what it is and we shall both strike it down rigorously!"

Hopefully this would be a small issue that required nonviolent use, he was tired and the night would only grow darker while thunder and rain would grow stronger.

"Sensei, you can speak to me normally you know, and, I was just wondering if you had gone to bed already seeing as you've been staying up quite late these past couple of nights, we're all worried about you, you know."

Surely enough, he could feel tapping on the wooden floor, all other 17 students must have been listening in, he could have sworn he felt a hear attack coming, what a virtuous group of growing boys and girls! He could cry on the inside, no, he would cry on the inside.

"I am well, thank you for your concern my young pupils, is there anything else that might have to be brought up since we're already having this conversation?"

Hopefully nothing too big would come, it must have been a couple minutes after midnight, he always tried to follow his motto but always fell short on resting well.

"Ah, there was nothing else, but, is that a letter you're writing? To whom could it be addressed to sensei?" the young trap asked.

"oh, this? It's… it's for an old comrade of mine, although he would try to deny it, he's also a close friend, he's also the man I owe my life to." His voice was full of nostalgia, remembering the final days of the war and how they had grown closer as friends alongside others who he kept in touch with. He'd have to write to them as well, it would be unfair to not even acknowledge their existence now.

"Owe your life to?"

"Oh, I've never told you this before, have I young Totsuka? You see, despite my mastery of the sword and all techniques that come with it, there was a time when I still had trouble fighting, I had been knocked down by the enemy during battle, I was certain that it would have been the end of me, however the saints had another plan, they sent him and he arrived in time to save me. I heard the blade cut through flesh and bone before the sound that always followed it, my savior was the most honorable man I had ever fought alongside with, despite the way his eyes looked cold and rotten, he had this aura that surrounded him, to the mere commoner of the village, he was a peasant like them, to us however, as warriors he shone like grand royalty, he wouldn't get seasick even in an ocean of wickedness."

"He sounds very interesting sensei! Is there a chance that we'd ever get to meet that legendary man?!" if only the young boy had known that despite all his perfections, his comrade was a recluse except for when it came to his sister, t- that's it! Despite his failings in socializing with others, he knew that the man would come to see the sakura trees blossom, maybe she'd drag him here as well! Yes, he'd see his friend again, his students would meet the legendary swordsman and they'd all see the sakura trees blossom, now if only this cursed rain would stop!

"I'm writing an invitation alongside this letter so he can hopefully be here to see the sakura trees bloom with all of us, there's a chance it might reach him in time and he'll be here when they start. I'm certain he'll come, even if his sister has to drag him here with force, make no mistake young man! His sister, while smaller than you, is still a force to be reckoned with, and of course, I still owe him that Koban!"

He'd have to visit to the teahouse nearby first thing tomorrow, he'd need all the drinks he could get to make this a convincing letter, he was after all very persuasive (in his own mind of course) and he'd know just the way to get him to arrive at the town.

•••

Hikigaya Hachiman considered himself a normal guy, well, as normal as a guy could be with his viewpoint on the world, its inhabitants and the relationships that they could all build, to the common men and women of Japan he was a detestable human being, he could be so invisible to the general public that they'd sometimes confuse him for a onryō due to the rotten eyes he possessed and the katana that was sheathed on his left side. To the common soldier of Japan, he was a legend that only existed through name and would always be seen as a supernatural force who'd be loyal to no lord but only to the land he walked on and the people he'd fight for or alongside of. To those who fought alongside him, he was the boy who became a samurai by trusting his instincts and becoming one with the battle plan, the noble minded warrior who had graced the hemisphere with no fear flying over him. To the everyday thug they'd think he would be easy pickings, they should have thought otherwise because if they did they wouldn't be scrambling away falling over each other after he had cut down their friend, checking his pockets for any possible cash, he came up with enough to treat his old teacher for a drinking night and still have enough for a nice lunch the following day, if only he could arrive at any nearby town.

The rain had finally let up, it was now just a strong drizzle compared to the destructive storm that it was during the night but he'd rather be out of it before catching a cold and dying before he could find the missing girl, his journey had lasted for three days at best, he could power through the night if he truly made the effort to, his time as a samurai made him a disciplined swordsman who could withstand strong hits and cuts to tear down anyone, when he had fought in the war, he was seen as the definition of a samurai, noble minded and seen as someone who's award would be honor rather than material possessions, but he was none of that now, he'd survive through the poor weather if it meant finding her. It was 10 minutes before he neared a section of society again, only this time instead of meeting bandits, he had met a crowd who's backs were all he could see of them.

"Please sir, if we can't get in to the town, it'll mean the death of my entire clan, the children are sick and our men injured, the women are exhausted, please let us in!" he heard a voice upfront, it sounded like that of an elder, perhaps this clan's leader.

The man who was blocking the road lifted his hand, as if asking the elder for a toll; whatever type of extortion this was, it disgusted Hikigaya to no end, he had to do something. However, the old man had accumulated enough cash to get in and have enough to find themselves some shelter from the rain, it would have to be enough.

"If you truly believe that spare change is enough to enter then you are much more insolent than I had thought you to be, it's not enough but the yagyuu will make sure that it will be considering where you're going"

He had enough, this was reason enough to finish their lives here in the mud, they would be easy to take down since they wouldn't expect anyone to fight back or stand up for themselves.

"Would you dumb oni just move! You can't do that to grandpa just because he doesn't have enough money!" was the only feminine yell that was mustered from a member or rather, young savior of the small clan

"Rumi quiet!"

"Shhh, Rumi!"

Rumi was her name, he had a feeling that someone would try to harm her if he did nothing, so he did what he could and called the attention of the yagyuu towards him.

"Move it will you, you're blocking the entrance and these people from entering the town"

for whatever reason, the clan in front of him moved in synchronization to reveal the presence of the man who wasn't one of them

"What was that?"

"I said move it, are you disgusting oafs so deaf that you can't hear even the smallest of requests"

"You better watch that mouth of yours boy, this man is of importance around here" one yagyu replied, hoping that Hikigaya would stand down, he pushed on further as he neared the front of the crowd

"To serve such an unimportant piece of shit that demands you strike down the helpless, is that honorable?"

"A ronin has no place to talk of honor or nobleness, know your place or say your prayers, this is your first and only warning. If you insist on stepping closer so we can end your life, come"

The man was persistent, he'd give him that, but the stances of the guards left them all wide open, he could win and still have enough energy to take care of the guards behind what he assumed was the governor of the town, his response surprised the clan behind him and the cowards in front.

"You come to me"

With yells that were the equivalent of dogs barking all three tried to rush him, as if trying to overwhelm him. That was their first mistake, Hikigaya used the terrain against them, using the muddy path they stood on, he slid backwards letting the first try to strike the direction he had last been in, he unsheathed his katana and made an upward slash aiming for the man's arm, with a squelchy success, the limb fell lifelessly onto the ground, he couldn't bask in that small victory as the other two tried to rush him again, he aimed a kick for the second's knee and heard a satisfying crack when the iron underside of his geta made contact with the convex bone, he fell and screeched just like the first, and last but certainly least, was the third who stood there paralyzed with fear after seeing both of his buddies taken down so easily, Hachiman grazed the man's cheek and quickly positioned his sword near the right side of the man's neck as if he was daring him to move.

"Yield" he commanded in the coldest tone he could muster.

"I-I yield! Please don't kill me! Please!" he started to sob as he fell onto his knees begging for forgiveness.

Hikigaya knew when an enemy had given up, and this one genuinely seemed to have done so, he did the sensible thing a gentleman like him would do in this situation. He kicked the man in the nose and knocked him out, sparing him of any terminal injuries like his comrades who had also passed out, one out of blood loss and the other out of shock. He turned to what he still assumed was the governor of the town.

"Are you finally going to move?" he asked, wondering if the snobbish ogre would be so arrogant as to try to lose his own life by denying him this simple request.

"Let them through" it was the only thing the bastard could grit through his clenched teeth. Soon enough the guards behind him cautiously watched as the clan went through before they had all entered, the young girl and her grandfather had stopped before him.

"We are forever in your debt young man, thank you" he bowed, thankfully it wasn't a full bow to the ground but it was enough for him to see the respect and gratitude that the older man had for him. He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down to see the young girl who was with the elder.

"Uh…"

"Thank you for helping my grandfather Mr. Samurai" she too bowed

Ah, so this was young Rumi, he'd have scolded her for talking back to the men with katanas, but she and her relative looked grateful enough that he'd let it slide just this once. She had tried to offer him a pouch and judging by the sound that came from it, he could tell it was a generous amount of either koban or mon.

"I didn't do it for money, keep it." hopefully she wouldn't be a stubborn girl but he was wrong, as expected she'd still try.

I don't need your material possessions, honestly, I-I didn't even do this for you or your clan… b-baka."

He prayed in his mind that his bluff would work, thankfully it did as she put the small pouch away, she did however give him something even more generous, a smile. He could have sworn that he would have had a heart attack if she didn't stop looking at him like that, he'd face multiple warriors and countless predators who had all wanted to have his jead, but none however were as dangerous as this little girl. He heard her grandfather call her telling her that they had to hurry as the rain was picking up again. With one last smile and a wave that was just as good, she was out of his sight. After his eventful and tremendous morning, Hachiman realized he needed to clean his kimono, red and black were good together but not when that red was blood. He ran into the town and hoped to find some sort of place to wash it, and after that he'd head to a place to find something to drink, preferably an incredibly sweet coffee. He succeeded in his first objective, and headed toward the second location of interest after asking around for any teahouses.

"Gahama teahouse huh… surely nothing can go wrong."

And just like that, Hikigaya Hachiman unknowingly entered a volatile nest that would soon lead him to re-think his choice in drinks.

•••

this chapter is full of so many samurai champloo references I'll probably have a lawsuit on my hands soon, anyway, important note here, prepare to be disappointed because this fic will have no scheduled updates! I'll try to update at least once a week but I can't really promise anything.