Another mini-chap. Action is coming soon, I promise!
A cool breeze caressed the thickets of slender bamboo that lined the empty road, and the sea of green waved and danced appreciatively. Even though it wasn't quite March, the weather was pleasant. A faint clanging announced a presence at the far end of the road, and soon a young boy appeared, his zori sending puffs of dirt whirling about his legs. The clanging came from a sword swinging disjointedly at his side, mere inches from the ground. As he neared the rows of bamboo, the boy brushed a strand of red hair from his eyes. Despite his threadbare peasant clothing, he had a smile on his face and a spring in his step.
Kenshin had been sent to buy rice and tofu, and he had discovered Hiko had given him more than enough money for both. His shishou never sent more than enough. Usually he just racked up a tab with the local merchants. Kenshin had plans for whatever was left over; indefinite as yet, but he was going to buy something.
Kenshin drew in a deep breath as a bevy of scents assailed him. There was the fresh, briny smell of seafood, and a delicious aroma from some spiced meat sizzling just down the road. Kenshin thought he caught a hint of sweet yams cooking nearby as well. Even though the sun hadn't been up long, the market was doing good business. Cooks and wives were already preparing for lunch. Kenshin hurried to make his purchases before the streets were packed.
Once the rice and tofu were paid for and packaged, Kenshin was pleased to see ten mon left in his hand. He walked back along the street slowly, searching for something that would catch his eye. "Ohayou, Tanaka-san." Kenshin greeted the fish vendor Hiko sometimes patronized.
"Ohayou, Ken-kun. Searching for sake?" Tanaka grinned knowingly. Kenshin liked the soft-hearted man.
"Just rice and tofu today."
"And maybe some fish? Some maguro were just delivered, they're still alive."
Kenshin shook his head. "Thank you, but Shishou said just rice and tofu. I'll ask him if we can get fish next time."
Tanaka laughed. "Okay then. And Ken-kun,"
"Hai?"
"Miyagi-kun's taffy is on sale today."
Kenshin realized he'd been jingling the extra mon absently. Taffy sounded good. "Arigatou!" With a wave he moved more purposefully now, headed towards the movable cart where Miyagi made his candy. He was so intent on his destination he didn't notice he was being followed.
"Look what we have here, it's that little deshi of Seijurou's." Kenshin's head snapped left. It was one of the men –Yoshinobu?−who had visited his master so many months ago. Yoshinobu was keeping step with him, and Kenshin was wary.
"My name is Kenshin."
"Kenshin? That's too much of a coincidence. I don't suppose that's your given name is it?"
"No, shishou gave it to me because it's a swordsman's name."
"Of course he'd do that. Arrogant bastard, thinking he's so mighty and can't stoop to help the rest of the world. It can't be easy living with him, can it?"
Kenshin was confused about where this was going. "It's okay."
"Well I see he's got you running his errands. He doesn't ever laugh at your mistakes? Expect you to do everything right the first time?"
The man's comments were scarily on target. "Yes but shishou's teaching me his art. I can't pay him anyway so I help him out."
"You tell yourself that." Yoshinobu nodded sympathetically. "But I bet you wonder−does this man really care about me?" He did think that. All the time. "You probably wonder if he's only teaching you for his own selfish reasons, to prove how great he is, that even a runt like you can learn if Hiko Seijurou is his teacher."
"Shishou's not like that." Kenshin protested but he sounded unsure even to himself.
Yoshinobu shrugged. "Well, I guess you know him better than I. But let me ask you− would you turn down the chance to save your country's future? Would you refuse to be a part of something so big it will be written in history for centuries?"
Kenshin's breath caught in his throat. "The assassination?" He whispered.
The man grinned. "Yes. We need talented swordsmen. Like you, Kenshin. Seijurou refuses to help Japan, but you could show the world the might of Hiten Mitsuruugi Ryu. You'd even be doing your school a favor, giving it such publicity."
Kenshin was flattered that his talent had been recognized; it would be good, to show how powerful his school's technique was.
"Oh, and did I mention, you wouldn't have to cook anyone's food, or practice from dawn til dusk." Yoshinobu added smoothly. "You practice when you want, and we have servants to cook and clean for us."
"Servants?" Kenshin echoed. His only experience with them was being one himself.
"I'm sure you're quite happy with Siejurou though. You wouldn't want to stay with men like us. After all, the pay isn't that good."
"You get paid?" Kenshin's voice cracked with disbelief.
"One kan every month." The ten copper mon in Kenshin's fist suddenly seemed insignificant compared with a gold kan. He wouldn't know what to do with it. Kenshin wanted with all his heart to jump at this unbelievably good opportunity but he couldn't ignore his nagging conscience. Hiko had done so much for him−had saved him. And Kenshin had the nerve to even think about figuratively trampling on his shishou's generosity? When he spoke, his words were tight with regret.
"I want to help you. Really. But−I can't leave shishou. I can't interrupt my training." Anger clouded Yoshinobu's face, and he looked so enraged that Kenshin was afraid he might be whisked away and never heard from again. Then Yoshinobu grinned broadly.
"I'm here every morning, so you know where to find me if you change your mind. Have a good day, Kenshin." Kenshin lowered his head and walked away as fast he could without breaking into a run. He could feel Yoshinobu's eyes on his back all the way down the road. It shook him more than he cared to admit. It wasn't until Kenshin was almost back that he realized he'd forgotten to buy taffy.
I used a couple of Japanese words that might not be as familiar as the ubiquitous "baka deshi" et al., so I thought I'd insert a translation.
Maguro - blue-fin tuna. I guess if you're a big sushi buff (I'm not) you know this.
Zori - those flat Japanese flip-flops (or sandals, whichever you prefer).
*Ahem* - I'm not sure at all about the average middle-class pay rate in Meiji times (I hate it when Wikipedia lets me down!), so if anyone knows, give me a holla. However, 10 mon is approximately a penny, and one kan is approximately $10. I don't know, it seemed reasonable to me. I based my pay guesses on American Civil War rates, then lowered it slightly. :-D Hope everyone's enjoying, and thanks for reviews!