Kenkaku Bouken
Chapter Three
-Intel-
"Kawasaki really is a nice city, huh?" Kyo smiled, taking in the beautiful cherry blossom trees. "I think Natsumi-sama would really like it here. You should definitely marry her, she's so pretty, not as pretty as my Satomi-chan, but very pretty. Have you ever seen them Akito?"
"No." the young Uchiha said, leading them through the streets and towards his clan's district. Like the Sabaku Clan, the Uchiha Clan was powerful, wealthy, and influential. But unlike the Sabakus, the Uchihas were numerous, and so basically had their own city within Kawasaki, where they all lived their lives away from the villagers.
"They're beautiful. They have long flowing pink locks. It's literally the color of the cherry blossom petals. So perfect, and they're so cute. When Satomi-chan blushed, I feel like I could melt with her smile. Natsumi-sama is cute too. Though she is only seventeen, I'd hate to see her marry some old braggart."
Akito looked over at the blonde, his gaze hard. "Do not speak of my uncle that way."
"So you think a sweet girl should marry someone three times her age?" Kyo asked, arching a curious brow. "And don't get so huffy, you Uchihas are well known for you arrogance. Well deserved, but arrogance nonetheless."
The young Uchiha sighed minutely. "Listen, I have no control over the matter, nor do I care whom she has to marry. So you're wasting your time in trying to make me feel guilty for her predicament." They entered the Uchiha District then, and Akito led them towards the main house.
"Well why do you not control the matter? Is it because this simple affair will determine the next head?"
"Yes." He answered. "And it was decided by the current Clan Head, my grandfather, and Lord Sabaku."
"So how will it be settled?" Kyo asked, shifting his gaze around to all the magnificent houses. The Uchiha district really was as amazing as tales were told. Everything was neat and orderly and all the inhabitants seemed to be in harmony with each other.
"My grandfather will come up with something." He said. "Though most likely my uncle and I will have to do some form of competition to see who gets her in the end." They stopped before a large house then, and Akito turned to face the blonde. "Now, when we are before my grandfather, do not speak up unless he speaks to you. Do not do anything disrespectful, and do not say anything annoying if you are allowed to speak."
Kyo rolled his eyes and folded his arms over his chest, keeping his hands in the sleeves of his kimono top. "Yeah whatever. Let's just hurry, my precious Satomi-chan is probably so scared and worried."
Akito refrained from rolling his eyes as they entered the house, walking until they reached a set of shoji doors. Kyo noticed that while it was similar to the Sabaku house, it was a lot more traditional, not a thing out of place, just as it was outside. Akito reached up and slid the doors open, revealing a formal sitting room. At the head sat an older man, whose long grey hair was tied back in a ponytail at the base of his skull. He had a set of stress lines on either side of his nose, and dark eyes. On his right side there was a younger man that looked extremely similar to him, though his hair was black. On the left sat a man that looked similar to Akito, and Kyo assumed it was his father. His hair was a lot spikier, and like the Uchiha Head and the other man, his eyes were black. All three males had stoic expressions on, and the blonde couldn't help but wonder if anyone around here ever smiled.
They entered the room and walked forward, and Akito bowed. "Grandfather." He said.
"Why have you returned so soon?" the elder asked.
"I learned of some troubling news when I ran into this samurai on the road to Tokyo." He said. Fugaku's gaze slid over to Kyo, silently giving him permission to speak.
He sighed and straightened, knowing he needed to show the respect this elder deserved. "Uchiha-sama. I went to Sabaku-sama to ask for Satomi-chan's hand in marriage and to pay tribute. When I arrived, I was informed that both princesses have been stolen. I was on my way to find them when I happened upon Akito here." Kyo finished, gesturing to the male beside him.
"And do you have any ideas as to where the princesses are?" Fugaku asked.
The blonde shook his head, his bangs falling over his eyes partially. "Not particularly, but my gut told me to come to Kawasaki, and it seems that was correct. After all, I do not think it coincidence that I run into someone who was going off to fetch himself the princess, Natsumi-sama. I was going to gather information here and see if anyone had heard or seen anything. It's the best I can do for now."
There was silence then, until Akito spoke up once more. "Grandfather, I request your permission to travel with Kyo to find the princesses and return them to their family's home in one piece."
Fugaku looked to right. "Itachi, what do you think?"
"I think that Akito should be allowed to go, father." The elder son said. "If he wishes to travel all across Honshu, then so be it." he smirked slightly.
Fugaku looked to his left then. "And you, Sasuke?"
"I think it will be good for the boy to see the countryside." Sasuke said.
The Uchiha Head looked back at the two samurai. "Very well, Akito, you shall go with Kyo, who will be given a room here to stay for the night. Then you shall stock up on supplies before heading out bright and early tomorrow. Today you can ask around the village to see if anybody has heard anything."
Akito bowed once more. "Thank you grandfather." He said before straightening.
Kyo did the same, "Thank you Uchiha-sama. We will return swiftly and with your own precious blossom."
"See that you do." They turned and left the room then, and Akito led Kyo back outside to the Uchiha District, wanting to find any helpful information as soon as they can.
"Seems like we're heading off towards Yokohama." Akito said as they left the Uchiha District the next day.
The blonde nodded, opening up a folded paper and looking at the map they had purchased. "According to the rumors, the pink haired beauties are stopping in Yokohama. That's quite a ways. It'll be a long journey…maybe…three hours?"
"Then let's get going." The Uchiha said, turning in the direction of the gates. They had searched the city for rumors the day before, and had managed to come across a shop owner who had heard some interesting news. Apparently a group of guys had come by the day before, talking about two pink haired women they'd had with them, and how they were going to head for Yokohama. So Akito and Kyo had returned to the Uchiha Estate and gotten some rest, before packing up some supplies and heading out.
The excursion to Yokohama from Kawasaki was surprisingly quiet one. Neither of them had anything to say to the other, and it wasn't too unpleasant. They stopped only twice, to get some fresh water and to relieve themselves. But other than that, everything went smoothly. Just before it reached the third hour of their travels, the city and harbor of Yokohama came into view, and only grew vaster in their field of vision.
"Finally…Yokohama." Kyo breathed out with relief.
"Hopefully we won't have to stay here long." Akito said. "I would rather find the princesses before they get raped and mutilated."
The blonde frowned and glared at his companion. "Why the hell would you say something like that?"
Akito lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "I am simply being realistic. This way, if we find them in one piece, it's even better."
Kyo shook his head and walked ahead of the Uchiha heir. "Where's your honor." He sighed, not leaving any room for the man to reply.
Akito frowned and walked faster, catching up to him. "Don't ever question my honor." He said. "Honor has nothing to do with what I just said. Besides, don't tell me that you haven't considered what could have happened to them."
"That doesn't mean I'm going to voice it out loud. That's just jinxing it!" the blonde said.
The Uchiha rolled his eyes. "Fine, then I will refrain from saying such things."
"Good." Kyo said. The two walked into the gates of the city then, and noted the amount of people that were lining the streets. "Okay, first things first, we should find a teahouse. I'm starving."
"When are you ever not hungry?" the ebony haired man asked in skepticism. "You eat like a horse."
Kyo huffed, blowing some of his bangs from his face. "Hey, there is nothing wrong with having a healthy appetite."
"A healthy appetite, no, but a black hole?" he smirked and shook his head. "Ridiculous."
"Whatever." He crossed his arms as they started down the streets with purpose.
It took them some time to find the more commercial part of the town, but finally they could smell the aroma of food. "You!" they both heard and looked around, for some reason knowing the voice was calling out for them. They turned back around and saw an auburn haired man approaching them. He was dressed in a navy blue samue, the outer layer tying over his shoulder, with kimono-like sleeves over his arms. He had a staff in his hand and an almost worried look on his face. "You." He pointed in Kyo's face once he was before them. "You are in search of something."
Kyo's eyes widened in awe. "Yes, how did you know?" he asked.
"I have the gift of foresight. And I see danger in your future." The monk said, sounding very serious.
"Oh please." Akito crossed his arms. "Everybody in life is technically searching for something. And obviously there's danger in his future. He's a samurai. They always have danger in their future."
Kyo waved him off. "Shut up Akito. I want to hear more." He looked back at the monk. "What kind of danger am I in?"
"Of Buddha's displeasure. Your journey is not blessed, and will only result in failure should you not pay tribute to the great god." He said, pulling out a decorative cloth. "And what faster way than to trust a priest to bless you with Buddha's love?"
"Oh, that makes sense!" Kyo smiled, before reaching into his kimono to grab his money pouch. Akito reached out and stopped him.
"Kyo, quit being an idiot. This man is just swindling you out of your money. If you want to pay tribute, we can just walk over to the temple, where the real monks of Buddha are." He said, giving the auburn haired man a suspicious look.
Kyo looked over at the ebony haired man. "But Akito, wouldn't it be faster to just give him the money here and have him take it to the temple?"
Akito gave the blonde a hard stare. "Do you want me to tell Princess Satomi that you were taking shortcuts to Buddha in your search for her? I don't think that will make her very happy."
The blonde gasped. "You're right!" he removed his hand from his kimono. "Sorry, but we'll just go to the temple. Thanks for telling us we need our quest to be blessed though. That saved our asses."
The man laughed and folded his arms, hiding his hands in his sleeves. "If you want to take the long forty minute hike, be my guest. Though…I am sensing a craving. Hunger perhaps?"
"Yes!" Kyo pointed at him. "We were just on our way to a teahouse too!"
"Obviously, since we're in the food district." Akito pointed out.
"Oh no, no." the auburn haired monk shook his head. "A tea house would bring you misfortune. You must go to a hotpot instead." He smirked. "In fact, I know a wonderful one just around the corner."
The Uchiha raised a brow at the monk. "And how, exactly, do you benefit from us going to a hotpot?"
"My benefit is seeing too samurai souls have safe travel." He said simply, "Though you wouldn't mind if I joined you, would you?" he asked, looking to Kyo.
"Of course! We would love your company." Kyo smiled brightly.
"No, you would love his company." Akito said.
The blonde looked at him. "Oh come on Akito. The more the merrier I say!" he said.
"Fine." The Uchiha surrendered, before smirking. "But you're paying for the mooch."
The monk gave them a thumbs up and laughed. "Sounds good to me. Now come on, I'll show you to the hotpot." He walked past them, leading the two samurai down the busy streets and to a decent looking establishment. They went in and were seated in a nice cubicle. The three men took off their shoes and stepped up on the raised floor before sitting around the pot in the center that was now beginning to warm from the hearth.
"What can I get you all?" the waitress asked, giving them a friendly smile.
"Sake all around! And the beef sukiyaki, and keep it coming until we have had our fill." The monk ordered, winking at the woman, who giggled as she hurried off. He leaned over and watched her leave, staring at her rear appreciatively. "Mmm. Nice."
Kyo nodded. "Yeah, this is a nice place." He said naïvely. Then he looked at their new acquaintance. "So, what's your name? I'm Kyo."
The man straightened and nodded to the blonde. "My name is Terumi Vincent. And yours?" he shifted his aquamarine gaze to the silent, brooding one.
"Uchiha Akito." The dark samurai said.
"Uchiha?" Vincent blinked, "As in the Uchiha Clan?"
"One in the same."
The auburn haired monk nodded and looked over when the waitress came back and set down the platters of meat and vegetables, as well as the sake. "Enjoy." She smiled before leaving once more. Vincent took some of the meat with his chopsticks and set it in the boiling pot.
"Well I'm sorry for your misfortune. It must be hard to lose your alliance piece."
Akito's eyes narrowed at the monk as he placed things in the pot as well. "And how would you know about that?"
"Everyone knows about the Uchiha and Sabakus joining their lines with the princess. And word got here that both the princesses are missing. Not to mention there was an odd ruffian group here a few days ago that were talking of cherry blossom princesses and Shizuoka." Vincent explained, reaching in and taking his meat from the steamer and tossing it in his mouth, making a sound of content. "Delicious."
"Wait, they're taking Satomi-chan to Shizuoka?" Kyo asked. "Yes! We have our lead!" he smiled happily.
"Great." Akito sighed. "Another two days in which I have to travel with you."
Kyo simply ignored the other man. "Hey Vincent, you want to come with us?" he asked.
"No. He can't come." The Uchiha said. "He'll just get on my nerves."
"Well he would be a lot more fun to talk to than you. All you ever do is grunt, or glare, or sigh. And if you're not doing that you're saying mean things." The blonde pouted.
"Hn." Akito took out some meat and ate it.
"See?" Kyo pointed at the ebony haired man. "That's what you do!"
Vincent laughed and returned his light gaze to Kyo. "I'll come along. I've always wanted to see how beautiful those princesses were for myself. Plus, Shizuoka has some of the best akasen. And the women are simply scrumptious. After such a long travel, it would be nice to relax with female company."
"But I thought monks took a vow of chastity?" the blonde asked in confusion before taking a bite of meat.
Akito snorted. "Clearly he is not a virtuous monk."
"Virtuous, no, but I am still a monk nonetheless." Vincent beamed, dumping the rest of the meat and veggies in the pot. "So it's agreed, we head off to Shizuoka, it'll be about two days until we reach the place. And then we hit the brothels."
"Oh, I don't think I should…what if we find Satomi-chan, and she finds out…" Kyo said, shaking his head.
"Kyo," Akito said, getting his attention. "You're not married to her yet, you aren't even betrothed. And even if you were, it's not like she can do anything about it. She's only going to be yours when we find her. Besides, how would she find out? It's not like you're going to tell her. You're a man, and men have needs that women do not understand." He said simply. "So don't go if you don't want to, but I am in need of a good lay."
Kyo blinked. "Wow, I think that's the most I've ever heard you say." He said, causing Akito to roll his eyes.
Vincent poured them all some sake and handed out the cups, raising his own. "I second that, what your fantasy woman does not know, will not hurt her. Besides, she's a woman. She has no say anyways."
"Exactly." Akito drank the sake in his cup with one go. "Just be a man and show her who's boss."
"If you say so." Kyo said a bit unsurely, drinking his sake as well.
Vincent nodded, smirking at the blonde. "Kyo, you may be a samurai but learn the order. Us men, we get what we want when we want. So long as we are not tired down, we don't have to be loyal to any one woman."
"You say that, but you haven't seen Satomi-chan." Kyo said, stars in his eyes. "She's the most beautiful woman in the entire world."
"Doubtful." Akito said, filling his cup with more sake.
The monk shrugged, joining Akito in another drink. "I've heard they are the most beautiful women in the country. After all, that cherry blossom hair is very exotic."
"He's just trying not to get his hopes up." Kyo snickered, sipping at his beverage. "Since he might get beat by his uncle for the other princess."
"Oh?" Vincent blinked. "Well that would be awful. What is he? Late thirties?"
"More like early forties." The blonde said, smiling at how funny it all was.
"Good God. What is that little thing, like fifteen? That's gunna suck, some old used cock being your first. Talk about disgusting." Vincent shook his head, downing the rest of the sake and ordering another.
Akito glared at him. "Don't speak of my uncle in such a manner. He is a great warrior, someone any woman would be proud to be married to."
"Until they saw his limp dick." Kyo snickered.
Vincent laughed and hit his knee, grabbing the sake from the waitress and pouring them all some more. "I think Akito here doesn't wanna get married."
"Why should I want to get married?" the young Uchiha asked. "Women are annoying, and only become bothersome with time."
"Yeah, but then you don't have to leave your house when you want to have sex." Kyo pointed out, drinking his sake. "Besides, Natsumi-sama is super pretty. She would make you a good wife."
"So says the man who actually wants to get married." Akito said before downing his drink.
Kyo shrugged. "That's because I found the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. Most men are not so lucky. And, I am in control of my marital status, whereas you are not."
"I'll marry her if you don't want her. I've always wanted to marry into money." Vincent smirked, picking more meat from the pot.
Akito looked to the monk. "No. She was promised to my family, and she will marry into my family. Whether it is through me or my uncle, despite the mileage on his dick." He smirked. "We'll just see. If she's as pretty as the rumors say, I will accept her."
"You are a shallow man, Uchiha Akito, to base it all on looks." Kyo shook his head. "A shallow man."
"And you aren't?" Akito raised a brow. "Why exactly do you want to marry Princess Satomi again? Oh wait, I remember. 'Satomi-chan is so enchanting, her smile is almost heavenly. Satomi-chan is the most beautiful woman in the whole world. Satomi-chan this, and Satomi-chan that.'" He mimicked, clearly making fun of the other samurai. Kyo simply stared at him, spluttering, since he didn't know what to say.
"No!" he eventually exclaimed. "I love her!"
"Uh huh." The ebony haired man said, clearly unconvinced.
"How can you love her if you've only just met her?"
Kyo looked to the auburn haired man. "I just do. It's something I feel in my gut, and my gut is never wrong."
"You are such an idiot." Akito sighed, setting down his empty cup.
"Alright. We should rest up tonight and head out in the morning." Vincent nodded. "I know a very good Inn we could say in. Has a hot spring and everything."
Akito stood, tossing down the fare for his meal. "Excellent."
"Yeah, after this meal I am getting pretty sleepy." Kyo nodded, pulling out his own money pouch and setting down some coin before standing. They left the hotpot then, and followed after Vincent to the inn he had suggested. He, of course, had no money, and Akito made Kyo pay for him to have a room, before simply walking off in search of the hot spring. They retired later that night, fully relaxed, each ready for the journey to Shizuoka.