Tora walked through the street wearing a kimono, her hair tied back in a typical womanly style whilst carrying with her a pack which she gradually filled with items of food off the list she had been given. As it was her turn to collect the food supplies for the Shinsengumi she had persuaded them to allow her to go as a woman in the hope that she would be able to receive better bargains and haggle over the prices more successfully than any of the others had ever managed.
She wore a pale violet coloured dress with yellow flowers and a red obi around her waist with her mother's pin in her hair and her sisters' scarf tying around the outside of her obi to finish off her outfit, the singed end tucked out of sight. With such possessions so close to her Tora felt far more relaxed as she walked without a weapon save for a knife which she had been given by Kondo as a means to protect herself should trouble arise.
As Tora looked over the vegetables she selected a few and questioned the price which the stall tender, a young man around her own age, quickly supplied to her. "It is rather superior quality produce, I admit." Tora mused before giving a wistful sigh. "But I do not think I could afford all this on my budget with so many mouths to feed. I am very sorry but I think I will only be able to buy half this much." She began and the young gentleman quickly began to barter.
"Well young lady, for one as lovely as you I am certain a more agreeable price could be reached. Do you have children?"
"Oh no! Of course not." Tora giggled, hiding her lips behind her sleeve. "I have many brothers and a sister that I look after as our parents are passed away. I've been looking after them all since I was fourteen." She explained and the conversation continued until she had managed to barter her way down to a third of the original price and bought more than she needed with money still left over so she thanked the stall tender then moved on to get the rest of the supplies.
After she had purchased a huge sack of rice for a fifth of what was asked for Tora walked away rather smug, struggling with it in her arms as the rice seller scratched his head in wonder. The asking price had been ridiculous to begin with even though it was excellent quality so Tora assured herself that it was a rather fair deal.
Whilst walking towards the ink shop, however, her eye caught a slight scuffle on the other side of the street and she stopped, seeing that those passing by were quickly moving out of the way, allowing her a clear view of what was happening. A woman, two children and a man stood amid a group of furious looking samurai who towered above them menacingly.
"Your little brats should learn some manners! They should be grateful we work so hard to liberate them from injustice. Now hand over all your money as a means to repay us for their insults!" One was shouting and Tora moved closer, her eyes narrowing as some people stopped to watch what was happening.
"Please sir, my children meant no harm I'm certain. Please accept my apology, I shall punish them for certain, just please do not take our money, we have been saving all year to prepare for winter!" The pottery shop owner pleaded as the rogue samurai all smirked darkly.
"Oh really? Well in that case we should punish you too for raising such ignorant and insubordinate little bastards." The two children, a boy and a girl, were quivering in fear as they clutched at their mother who hugged them protectively to her, the three of them cowering as the man grovelled on the floor. Anger flared up inside Tora as she saw the injustice before her. "Smash the shop!"
"No! No please!" Without thinking Tora began to spin, giving a growl as she gripped onto the edges of her sack of rice and once she had gained the momentum she required, flung it straight at the rogue samurai. It slammed into one of them in the back, forcing them to lurch forwards with a yell and slammed into two others as they hit the floor.
"Leave them alone you brutes. You should learn some respect for innocent civilians!" Tora yelled angrily as she strode forwards, slipping her crate from her shoulders and let it slide gently to the ground as she faced the samurai who now all turned on her. "They are just children and I'm sure you deserved whatever insult they threw at you, now leave this place and do not even think about returning!" Tora thrust a finger towards them, glaring accusingly with blazing eyes and for a moment the samurai halted, starting in shock before quickly recovering themselves.
"What is this? You dare to question us girl?" One of them demanded as they all turned on her and the shop keeper quickly took this distraction to escape, drawing his children and wife further into his shop where he cowered behind his door but looked out through a small crack, still shivering in fear.
"I ask no questions. I demand that you leave this poor people alone." Tora retorted boldly as she shifted her stance slightly, preparing to move should the samurai choose to attack.
"It appears you're the one in need of a lesson in manners, girl. You should know your place is not to speak back to those superior to you." Slowly the several samurai began to advance, their fists clenching as they circled around Tora and her eyes darted attentively to each face, marking each one and their positions as she took slow and steady breaths.
When the first fist came flying towards her Tora danced to the side and rammed her knee up into the rouge samurai's gut with a move as swift as a viper strike, crushing the breath from his lungs before striking the back of his head and effectively knocked him out. As the man dropped her eyes lifted calmly to meet the others. "Who's next?" She queried simply, turning to glance to them.
"You'll pay for that one, girl. Let's see how brave you feel when we carve up that pretty face of yours." The moment a blade was drawn and slashed straight for her Tora drew her knife and deflected the blow, her feet dancing on the ground as she moved from side to side, avoiding several strikes and slashes with only her knife to defend herself. "Stay still you little bitch!"
The crowd around her were quickly in shock, staring wide eyed as Tora held her own however with the weakness of her meagre weapon against stronger swords she soon found her blade flying from her hand as the superior strength outmatched hers. Now defenceless Tora gasped, her mind racing as the next strike aimed straight for her face, her body preparing to leap backwards.
Without warning her movement collided with a solid body and an arm quickly anchored itself around her, drawing her protectively close but not inappropriately so as a blade lifted and blocked the attack cleanly, the sharp ring echoing in her ears as her breath exhaled with relief and she turned her head to find herself dangerously close to Saito.
His expression was hard and stony, more so than usual and as the other rogue samurai started in shock several other figures cloaked in the Shinsengumi blue robe launched straight into the attack, crossing blades with the opposing samurai. "You jerks have got some nerve attacking a young girl like that!" Harada snarled darkly, his spear holding back two blades at once before he kicked them back. "You do not deserve to be called samurai!"
"It's the Shinsengumi!" Whispers began to murmur through the crowd and Tora was surprised to find that the presence of the Shinsengumi struck more fear into them than the rouge samurai themselves.
"Are you alright?" Saito questioned softly as his opponent backed off a little, gritting his teeth as he focused on his new target.
"Yes. I'm fine." Tora nodded her head minutely as her eyes glowered at the samurai opposite her. "Thank you." Saito nodded his head then gently pushed her to the side, guiding her away from the fighting before powering forwards, striking straight through his opponent's sword and Tora's mouth dropped wide open as it shattered upon impact, breaking in half with a single blow. She had not realised what power Saito wielded. He seemed so gentle, so quiet that it was almost impossible to believe.
He finished the battle in under a breath, Tora staring as the other Shinsengumi also dispatched the other samurai, capturing those that did not choose to run and they were swiftly chased after. "Will you be alright alone?" Harada demanded to know towards Tora. "Did they hurt you? Are you sure you're alright?"
"Of course sir, I am perfectly well. I thank you and your companions for so valiantly coming to my rescue." Tora announced and instantly numerous stares were directed her way as she bowed. "Thank you very much." Harada started in confusion, frowning down at Tora and was about to question her when Saito lay a hand on his shoulder, giving a small nod and Harada instantly caught on.
"It was nothing. Take care of yourself now." He replied before hurrying after the others, Saito quickly following suit however he stopped before Tora and gave her an intense stare, looking her over carefully as if to verify for himself that she was indeed unharmed before rushing after the others also.
"Are you crazy?" Someone instantly demanded of Tora the moment they were gone. "You could have been killed!"
"Of course not, I am very well aware of my own capabilities and was certain I could handle a few thugs like those rogue samurai." Tora answered simply as she collected her knife and slid it back into her belt, concealing it well from sight once more. "But I was very lucky those Shinsengumi samurai happened to be passing by when they did or I may have been injured."
"Lucky? Those brutes do nothing but disturb the peace and destroy everything in their wake." One person muttered and Tora instantly sent a murderous glare straight to them, making them gulp and freeze in place as she rounded on them.
"You are narrow minded indeed if you see fit to place the blame solely on the Shinsengumi. They are good people and warriors of the old code. They adhere to honour, compassion and loyalty whereas those rogue samurai seek only to benefit themselves. If my father were still alive today he would be ashamed to see such men carry a sword." Tora announced boldly as she picked up her crate and shouldered it dutifully after having reclaimed her dagger and her sack of rice. "If I had the choice, I would place my life in the hands of the Shinsengumi over any other. At least they know it is wrong to attack those that are weak and defenceless." All eyes were wide in awed shock as Tora began to walk away, heading for the ink shop however as she neared her destination she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve and she stopped to look down at the two children of the pottery shop owner.
"Please miss, we want to thank you for saving us." They told her with winsome expressions, their eyes glittering up at her. "You saved our papa's shop!"
"It was nothing, really." She assured them with a smile then looked around as she sensed the mother walking towards her with a warm tenderness in her smile.
"You were very brave coming to our aid. Please, is there some way we can thank you? We have a little money spare that we are willing to give to you should you wish it." She said then bowed her head, extending the offered coin but Tora gently pushed it back towards her.
"I did not intervene with the intention of receiving tokens of gratitude or payment. I simply wanted to help." She explained as she reached out and gently ruffled the girl's hair, making her smile widen as she giggled. "Please you two, mind how you speak to people. Rudeness is not an admirable quality no matter to whom it is directed."
"We promise to be better." They chorused and Tora nodded her head in acceptance before turning and entering the ink shop. She bartered her way into receiving several free samples and paid a little less because of a discount, leaving with money still clinking in the purse she had been given. With everything now checked off her list Tora struggled with the weight of the sack of rice, shifting it in her arms until she had it secure before beginning to walk back to headquarters with her prizes, feeling rather proud of her successful venture.
As Tora neared the bridge she spotted a familiar figure waiting on the other side, no longer wearing the blue robes of the Shinsengumi. The passive expression lifted to meet hers however Tora softened as their eyes met, a small smile tugging on her lips as she halted in her steps and simply regarded Saito as he stood in the light of the setting sun.
After a moment his face also relaxed, the corners of his lips turning upwards slightly as he then moved forwards, approaching Tora with long, measured steps and only stopped when they met in the middle of the bridge. "Tora-chan, that sack looks rather heavy. Please, allow me to carry it for you."
"Thank you Saito-san, I appreciate the help." Tora sighed in deep relief, allowing Saito to take the sack from her and she began to rub her aching arms to soothe away the pain as she stepped to Saito's side and began to walk with him back to headquarters. "Were you injured at all Saito-san? I can see a little blood on your clothes."
"It is not mine so there's no need to be concerned. I was not injured in the excursion." He replied to her in his monotonous but oddly soft voice, his eyes not once looking her way. "Though I will admit, I was rather surprised that you chose to face so many opponents on your own with little to defend yourself. I had thought you to be much more intelligent than that."
"You were mistaken, I am famous for being reckless and impulsive." Tora chuckled to herself. "You only need to ask Chizuru to confirm it." As they walked Tora noticed how practically everyone they passed stared at them, whispering behind hands and she quickly lowered her head, giving a sigh as a slight blush of embarrassment touched her cheeks.
"Why are you blushing? Is there something the matter?" Saito questioned and Tora glanced his way quickly before turning her head away slightly.
"I do not like how everyone is staring. Do the people here really hate the Shinsengumi that much?" She asked and Saito was silent for a while so she hung her head a little lower, hiding away from the staring gazes of strangers as they walked.
"When we first arrived here, we did not make a good name for ourselves. There were several incidents which tarnished the reputation of the Shinsengumi, therefore the people are naturally afraid of us." He explained eventually and Tora looked at him for a moment, unable to understand exactly how a misunderstanding on this level could occur. Could the people not see how good the Shinsengumi were at protecting the peace? "You should not worry, we are used to it now."
"But still…" Shaking her head Tora frowned slightly, shooting a sidelong look at Saito as he continued to fixate his gaze forwards. She was a little bewildered as to why he had waited for her, more so after that night where she had allowed her temper to get the better of her and she had angrily snapped at him. Guilt weighed heavily on her mind as the peaceful looking Saito walked by her side. "Why are you here Saito-san? Shouldn't you be on patrol with Harada-san and the others?"
"Once we had captured the rogue samurai we agreed that someone should go to seek you out and ensure your safety. Our patrol was almost finished and we were returning back to headquarters when we came across your dilemma so there was no need for me to return directly. I offered to go and seek you. Also, I noticed that you were carrying a lot of heavy things." Tora blinked in surprise then blushed slightly, a secret smile touching her lips as Saito quietly looked her way, seeing the expression for himself before hurriedly averting his eyes as she looked back at him.
"Well in that case, thank you Saito-san." She told him as they approached the entrance to headquarters where Harada, Shinpachi and Heisuke quickly hurried towards her, all of them wearing expressions of concern as they ran.
"Tora-chan! Are you alright? Harada told us what happened in the market." Heisuke demanded to know, leaning close to Tora as he gripped her arms and gave her a firm shake. "Are you crazy? You can't go up against so many rogue samurai with only a knife as a weapon, you could have been killed!"
"I foresaw no reason to be overly concerned with my opponents, Heisuke-kun." Tora answered softly as she brushed off Heisuke's grip and unslung the crate of vegetables and supplies from her shoulders, rubbing them gingerly as they ached from the weight. "So don't worry, I'm perfectly fine and that's all that matters."
"In that case, allow me to take that for you." Shinpachi smiled gallantly and lifted up the crate however he instantly balked, surprised by how much it weighed and quickly had to adjust himself as he yelped. "Exactly how much did you buy? This is heavy!"
"I'm sorry Shinpachi, if it's too heavy then I'd be happy to carry it again." Tora offered and extended a hand however Shinpachi shook his head and lifted the crate onto his back.
"No it's fine, it's just you didn't need to buy this much. Did you spend all the money you were given?" Harada turned a scowl to Saito who stood quietly among the group, his eyes fixated on Tora as he admired how feminine she looked with her hair elegantly combed back and her clothes complimenting her features. "You idiot Saito, you should have offered to carry more than just a sack of rice for Tora-chan. Where're your manners?"
"I apologise, had I known the crate had been so heavy then I would have offered to carry it also. I did not realise." He answered but Tora turned a warm smile onto him.
"There's no need for apologies, it wasn't that heavy after a while and no, there's still plenty of money left over. Look." She drew out the purse and shook the coins out into her hand carefully as not to drop any and they instantly stared at the amount that remained, mouths hanging open as the three of them stared.
"How come you still have so much? Did you steal most of this?" Heisuke questioned so Tora clucked her tongue disapprovingly.
"Of course not, I am simply very good at getting excellent bargains and bartering the prices of items. I even got free samples of things that we need such as thread, medicinal herbs and inks as well." She explained as she returned the coins to the purse. "I should really get started on dinner and return everything to Hijikata-san, he was running low on ink this morning and no doubt needs more by now." Tora mused and Shinpachi determinedly began to stride towards the kitchens.
"Then let's go! I can't wait to see what the food tastes like tonight. It's got to be better than what Harada always buys anyway, he always picks the worst of the meat and vegetables."
"Hey, you're just as bad!" Harada shot after him as Heisuke and Tora laughed together.
"Well, I'll see you later Tora-chan. You take care now, be sure to call if you need any help!" He waved before running after Harada and Shinpachi, leaving Tora alone with Saito. At the same time they looked at one another then quickly averted their gazes, blushing slightly as they cleared their throats.
"I will take this to the kitchen for you." He said and Tora quickly jerked awake.
"Yes, thank you. That would be most helpful." Without another word Saito picked up the sack of rice and began to walk away, leaving Tora to quicken her step and catch up to him. She struggled to find the courage to speak, however as she reached into her pocket sleeve, she found the small item that she had purchased from her own money that she had brought with her to Kyoto, a gift for Saito by means of apologising for the other night. "Uh…Saito-san? I owe you an apology." Tora began, fighting off her nerves so that she spoke clearly, though her eyes narrowed slightly. "For the other night, I lost my temper with you without just cause, so I am sorry for being so rude." She stopped walking a few feet from the kitchens, Saito blinking as he turned to face her.
"There is no need to apologise, I understand you were feeling emotional at the time. Your reactions were not unjustifiable." He answered in his soft voice which instantly brought calmness to Tora's soul, allowing her to relax and smile fondly back at him, making his heart thump firmly in his chest and he had to hold back a choke on the breath he'd been holding.
"All the same, please allow me to make amends." She requested, stepping closer to him and pulled out a slim box which she held out to him. "This is for you, please accept it with my apologies. I hope that we can start again, this time as friends." Bowing her head respectfully as she held out the gift, Saito slowly took it from her, shifting the rice into one arm. Without another word Tora took it from him, holding it in both her arms and moved past him towards the kitchens, leaving him standing alone in the small garden patch where they grew some of their own herbs.
Slightly baffled, Saito eased open the lid and looked inside to find a slim amulet for health and protection inside, the calligraphy beautifully written and decorated with a glass bead and golden tassel. For a moment he was unsure of what to do or even to think until a natural warmth grew inside him, making his features soften as he closed the lid and tucked the gift into his folds, hiding it away so that he could keep it all to himself for the time being. He was charmed by the thoughtfulness of the woman that had joined their ranks, his curiousness of her extending all the more.
