Standard Disclaimers Apply.
For the rest of the evening until early dawn, Kaoru Kamiya packed her things, preparing for the journey that will determine her family's fate. She had a hard time sleeping that night. No matter how determined she is about her decision, she still felt scared about the uncertainties of the future. She may be willing and able but those are not the only things needed in the world.
~~~~~
The next day, she took out her baggage as she waited for the carriage to arrive.
She sighed, Next stop… Kyoto.
Misao peered at her thoughtful face and asked, "Kaoru-sama, are you sure about this?"
Snapped out of her musings, she replied, "Yes, Misao. Why do you ask?"
"Its just that…" she began, bowing her head slightly. "I don't know, my lady. Pardon me for asking but—"
Noting her hesitation, she blue-eyed woman of the two reassured, "Misao, you don't have to be formal with me, you had been like a sister to me."
"Really?" she smiled.
"Yes," she smiled back. Going back to the previous matter, she asked, "Now, what is it that you wanted to ask?
Looking straight at her eyes to confirm her determination, she inquired, "How do you expect to be admitted in that school? Won't they check your background or something?"
"That won't be necessary. Genzai-sensei's family and my family had been friends for generations now. He had returned my mail and granted me the favor. He said that he will talk to the head masters personally."
"Would he tell that you are a female?"
"I hope not," she sighed. "I don't want them to go easy on me. Women traditionally aren't allowed to practice beside men, and I don't think that the idea of a woman training there would sound good to their ears."
Looking at the horizon, Misao added sadly, "It's unfortunate, isn't it, Kaoru? Before these era, we women were regarded better, if not equally as men at least we were not treated as objects or possessions like they do now."
"I know, Misao." Trying to lighten the mood, Kaoru beamed, "Aren't you glad that my parents raised both of us differently?"
"Yes. You know, I am very, very lucky to have served your family."
"Mother never had another child and because of that, my parents treated you as their daughter as I, your sister."
"That is why I promise that I will always be by your side to serve you and be your friend."
Kaoru pulled her close for a hug as she whispered to her ear, "I am lucky, too, that I have you." A lone tear escaped her eye as she pulled back, "Imagine the loneliness I felt as an only child."
"The carriage is here," Misao announced as she embraced Kaoru for one last time.
"Yes," she nodded. "I better get going." With that, she picked up her bags as she walked towards her transport to Kyoto.
"Kaoru, good luck. I am going to miss you," Misao waved.
"You, too, Misao," she called out from the carriage window. "Take care of father while I am away!!!"
"Be careful, Kaoru!"
Kaoru smiled at her best friend for the last time as the horses began to gallop away.
I can do this. I know I can, she assured herself as she sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the trip.
~~~~~
After a long and tedious journey, she had finally arrived at her destination. She stepped out of the carriage, feigning machismo, and greeted her old friend with a wide smile. Trying to mimic her father's speech father, she bowed slightly and said, "Genzai-sensei, good afternoon."
"Kamiya, pleasure seeing you here," Dr. Genzai welcomed with an equally wide smile on his face. He eyed Kaoru from head to toe, noting the way her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, the way her gi and hakama fit her body well enough to hide her curves and the way she carried herself with much subtle poise and confidence. He smiled proudly at the way she had grown up. "Have you talked to your father about this?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Come," he said, showing her the way. "Let's continue our meeting inside the office."
Kaoru followed him close behind as she looked around the dojo area, observing the place carefully. It was a simple-looking dojo yet its sturdiness was also apparent because of its age. A tinge of sakura fragrance filled the air as battle cries could be heard in the background.
Peculiarly, Kaoru felt at ease with her surroundings. She felt as if she belonged there.
As she entered Genzai-sensei's workplace, she bowed down in reverence. "I really appreciate this. Thank you very much for granting our family with this favor."
"Nonesense!" he exclaimed, motioning her to kneel across him. " It was all in good intentions."
Looking straight into the man's eyes, she asked in an unassuming manner, "Sir, I need to ask you… does anybody else knows?"
"No," he replied. "For now."
"What do you mean?" she inquired, raising her eyebrows.
"The trainers and masters of the swords here are very, very good," he began. "I cannot underestimate their abilities and assure you that they will never find out," Genzai-sensei informed her gravely.
"Oh…" her face fell when his words sank in.
"Now, would you like me to tell them beforehand or would you like to wait until they find out for themselves? Let me warn you that if the latter happened, it would make things more complicated and difficult for you.
"What if tell them now and they refuse to admit me here?"
"What if they find out soon enough that you won't get the chance to train anyway," he countered.
Bowing her head, she humbly said, "I seek your counsel on this matter."
"I don't want to influence your decision in any way, my child. I'm sorry, please understand the choice is yours only to make."
She nodded understandingly and asked, "Who do you think are those I cannot hide my secret from?"
"Let me see," he rubbed his chin. "Honestly, you have nothing to worry about in terms of the doctrinal teachers. But…"
"That 'but' means bad news right?"
"I am afraid so. Our top kenjutsu trainers are Hiko Seijurou and Saitoh Hajime. Both are great masters of the sword, cunning and sly. Other than their ability to sense ki, I believe that nothing had ever gotten passed them. I am sure that they will see right through you the minute they meet you."
Kaoru shifted nervously on her seat as she laughed half-heartedly, "Then, should I be scared of them?"
"I commend you for your bravery, Kaoru-chan, but there are rules that cannot be broken. Although I am the head of this school, certain people are not to be crossed." He looked at her compassionately as he waited patiently for her assessment.
"Well, then." Taking a deep breath to muster up all her courage, she proclaimed her decision, "I believe, with the information that you had given me, it is best to inform them."
"Wise decision. I shall call for them, now," Genzai-sensei stood up and went towards the door, smiling at her to show his approval on her decision as he called out, "Himura! Himura!"
In seconds, a handsome, red-haired man with amethyst eyes appeared at the door and smiled, "Yes?"
Kaoru gasped at the sight of him as their eyes locked, Be still my defiant heart. She looked away almost immediately as she bowed her head to hide her evident blush. What's happening to me!? Stop it Kamiya Kaoru! her mind reprimanded. You can't drool at the sight of every single samurai here!!
"Ask Hiko-sensei and Saitoh-sensei to come to my office now," Genzai-sensei ordered.
"Yes, sir," he bowed down, glancing at the newcomer once again. There is something odd about him. I am quite sure something strange is going on, I just can't place a finger on it.
As the red-head left, Genzai-sensei returned to his seat and asked her, "Are you prepared for this?"
"No," she replied sincerely. Despite her negative response, the strong-willed landlady kept her steadfast bearing as she sat back, silently waiting for her judges.
"What are you planning to tell them?"
"The truth."
Just then, a knock was heard as two tall and intimidating figures appeared.
Dr. Genzai and Kaoru stood up and bowed down to greet them.
The larger-built of the two, who was wearing a white cape and holding a jar of sake on one hand, asked, "Genzai-sensei, what is it that you want to confer to us?"
"Is it about this woman in your office dressed like a man?" the one smoking a cigarette smirked.
Genzai-sensei nodded, "Hiko Seijurou and Saitoh Hajime, this is Kamiya Kaoru. Daughter of Aritomo Yamagata."
"Ah yes. Aritomo, one of the famous daimyos in Hakone in attendance at the Edo court," Hiko said while rubbing his chin. "What brings you here?"
"I came here to train and to learn the ways of the samurai. I need to hone my skills for an important family matter," she replied, looking at the two masters straight in the eyes to prove her seriousness.
"What makes you think that the school is going to admit you?" Saitoh sneered.
"Dr. Genzai had already agreed," she answered, glancing at Genzai-sensei for approval.
The old man nodded.
"Arrogant, aren't you?" Hiko retorted.
Kaoru bowed down reverently, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. Please hear me out."
At that, she began to impart to them the events that happened from the beginning of the battle up to Shishio's challenge. She didn't leave any element out, wanting to relay precise details to them.
Fortunately, the two just sat down and listened to her in silence as they both gauged the situation.
After her narration, she nodded, acknowledging them to state their comments.
Hiko was the first to speak. "If that is the case, why don't you let your father fight his retainer and die the honorable way?"
"I will never allow that to happen!" she replied with much conviction.
At her sudden outburst, Saitoh cocked an eyebrow, "Woman, aren't you taught about your position in the society?"
Gathering back her composure, she smiled, "No. My mother, Miharu Kamiya, raised me differently."
"Miharu Kamiya?" Saitoh repeated almost unbelievingly.
"Yes, my father married her eighteen years ago." Kaoru looked at him quizzically, obviously taken aback at his reaction.
"Interesting."
Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, "If you don't mind me asking, why is that so?"
"I do mind," he brushed off.
Kaoru frowned at the rudeness of the wolf in front of him. I am sure he knows my mother. His earlier reaction proved that. I wonder how…
After hearing the exchanges of both parties, Genzai-sensei turned to Hiko and Saitoh, asking, "Are you willing to grant this lady the approval that she asks?"
Hiko nodded, obviously amused at the situation while Saitoh replied flatly, his face passive, "No."
At this point, Kaoru felt that keeping her pride was of no use. She needed to train so badly but in order to do that she needed to convince them. Slowly, she laid down, face flat on the floor in utter desperation as she pleaded, "Please good sir. I beg you. I need to do this to protect the honor of my father and my mother's memory."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, my mother had passed away years ago and she taught me that even as a woman I can protect our land, our family and our honor. As a swordsman and a teacher in this society, I know how much you understand me in terms of the value of honor. Please sir, do reconsider."
Saitoh faced his back on her as he growled, "Go to your room."
"What!?" Kaoru looked up at him bewildered to no end.
"Don't make me say it twice, Kamiya."
"Does that mean that I am in?" she smiled, unable to contain her happiness as she glanced at Genzai-sensei.
The old man nodded as he motioned her to stand up.
"Thank you very much! Thank you!" she exclaimed.
"Conceal your identity well," Hiko ordered sternly. "We are not going to be responsible for any consequence that may happen if it be revealed."
"I understand," she nodded respectfully.
"Baka deshi will escort you to your room."
Baka deshi?
"Baka deshi!!!!!" Hiko bellowed.
"Yes, sensei?" Kenshin stumbled in front of the door in his haste.
"Escort Kamiya-san to his quarters in the left wing," he ordered.
Kaoru nodded, picking up her bags as she followed Himura's lead without meeting his eyes.
As soon as Kaoru left, Hiko turned to Saitoh and asked, "What was that about? "
"I am not doing this for her. I am doing this for Miharu," he replied as he inhaled his cigarette deeply.
"Why?"
"It's the least I can do for her." He puffed out the smoke as he darted his eyes on the window.
"Would you care to expound?" Genzai-sensei interjected.
"I would greatly appreciate it if the matters would not be pressed. Excuse me, but I have classes to attend to," Saitoh growled in a low voice.
The old man escorted him out as he said, "I understand."
Hiko bowed to Genzai-sensei as he, too, went out of the room.
~~~~~
Kaoru stared at Himura's back as she followed him towards her room. She sighed audibly, smiling inwardly at her triumph. I am in! I am finally in! I have exactly six months to hone my skills. Hopefully, it would be enough to beat Shishio. I have to do this. I cannot afford to lose.
Kenshin stopped in front of the door leading to her room as he waited for her to precede him. "Kamiya-dono, this is your room while you stay here. You are going to be briefed of the rules by Saitoh-sensei during your first class with him. Dinner is served at exactly 8:00 so you are expected to be in the dinning hall by then."
Kaoru nodded.
"Go straight ahead then turn right at the first corridor and enter the third door to the left, understand?"
Kaoru smiled in affirmation as she unconsciously fiddled with her hands.
Kenshin bowed down to her as he walked away.
Kaoru closed the door as she turned around to lean on it, sighing heavily. "At least one of them is not cold." In two hours, I am going to face samurais from all over Japan. Taking a deep breath, she smiled, "I can do this!"
Author's Notes:
Hey there! Sorry if updates had been slowing down. I had pretty busy I hadn't even caught up with my reading. Anyhoo… I hope you like this chapter! More K/K interaction in the next chapter!! ^_^ Send me your feedbacks, okay?
If anyone is interested in drawing fanarts for me… I would really appreciate it!
Special thanks to my darling reviewers!!!Michy, Kamira_ruki- thanks! That is so sweet of you!
Skipper, Jackson- hey calm down! ^__^ thanks for that sugar! More chaps to come!
Nemo- thanks! I spent a considerable amount of time, researching them.
Joey-chan- thanks a lot! I'll try to upload faster! You see, I have other fics that I am working on. I promise to upload sooner.
Kamimura Kaoru- of course I won't forget my other ficcy! ^_^
Jasmine's Scent- yup its girl power this time! Kenshin always does the saving, ne?
Omochi- ehehe… just wait until things get really interesting. ^__^
Hiniku no Kotsuzui- thanks! Mir helped me a lot!
SweetAznPnai4eva- Kenshin will appear in the next chap.
Genesis- Thanks I'll try.
JML- Yup! All in the name of love!
Inuki- Kenshin saving her? I don't know yet. We'll see.
Dementedchris- well, you of all people should know that. Thanks for keeping me rooted. I have more than 10 chapters too revise since baka chibi-angel made a MAJOR mistake! About the ending? We'll see.
Neoworshipper- WAII! I love star-crossed lovers too!!!
Vesca, Chibigreenwizardmon, Marstanuki- I know… why you know me… I always try to push the limit! ^_~
Sakuracherryblossom, Mokona, Chikai Tenshi, Oro101, MP, Onna, Tsuki-sama- Thanks! How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while!
Claria, Hotohori, Gypsy-chan, Nikki O'Neil- The beginning may seem to be based on Mulan but I assure you the similarities will end there. Ohohohoho!!! Wait and see.
Nimbus Rey- Hehehe… you have read my mind. I have a plan for that.
Keep the reviews coming! Inspire me! Check out my other updates and my new songfic! Its my first songfic so I would really appreciate it if you would tell me what you think! ^_^Hugs, Mir! Thanks!
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