Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

A/N: I think I still have another 30 pages or so saved on a word document, and there's a lot more twists that I have in store. This is going to be a very long story because, while I have everything generally outlined, it's not even halfway posted. Sooo I hope you're enjoying it, and I will be sure to edit the next chapter sooner rather than later so that you aren't held in suspense for an obnoxiously long period of time. And please review and send me your feedback! It's very much appreciated, and I will take it all into account! I only got two for the last chapter :(


Chapter 7: Twisted Plots

Kaoru felt like her whole world was falling apart…again. She thought she was slowly starting to feel better after Kenshin had left her, and she had been thoroughly convinced that the flashes of red she saw were just her imagination. But the amber eyes and red hair that she saw in Saito's office as the elevator closed was not in her mind. Sano had pulled her back before could throw herself through the closing elevator doors…not that she could have fit through the three inch closing gap anyway. He held her as the sobs ripped through her throat, and he comforted her as he carried her back to their hotel room a few blocks away. She didn't even remember the trip back and only vaguely recalled being put in a hot shower. When she felt herself slowly reawaken from the steam, she slowly finished the task of washing her hair and body. Stepping out of the warm bathroom, she checked the clock and was shocked to find that several hours had already gone by since she and Sano had first stepped in Saito's office. Shaking her head, she ignored the worried look that she felt coming from Sano's side of the room and continued to get ready in silence.

"Are you sure you're okay to do this tonight, Jou-chan?" Sano finally asked, watching her from the corner of their room. She was just putting the finishing touches on her raven hair. They were heading out to the red light district in Kyoto, which meant that Kaoru needed to look the part. For the sake of simplicity, she was wearing the same outfit she had donned on her and Sano's last bar hop experience. She finished curling the last lock of her long hair and sprayed a bit of jasmine perfume.

"I'm ready," she replied, turning to her partner. She stood before him proudly. "I'm going to do my job. It's what I came here to do after all."

"Whatever you say," Sano replied, shrugging his shoulders. He knew Kaoru was still hurting, but she was a stubborn girl and prodding her would only make her angry. "Let's get going then. It's gonna be a long night."

The two took a taxi to the red light district, and Kaoru unconsciously found herself gripping Sano's arm for safety. The people milling about were either drunks or prostitutes. Kaoru had to ignore several catcalls that were sent in her direction. Fortunately for her, Sano's harsh looks generally silenced them and prevented any men from coming too close. They reached one of the most popular brothels in the district, and Sano stopped suddenly in front of the entrance. Turning Kaoru to face him, he said, "Okay, look, this is important. This place is full of low lifes, drunks, and, well, sluts. The men here are involved in bad stuff, and the women are just as bad. The worst thing you can do is open that mouth of yours and say something stupid. So please, no matter what people say, just stay quiet and don't let your anger get to you."

Kaoru opened her mouth to object but then sighed, "Fine. What are we doing here anyway?"

"We're getting information about Shishio's whereabouts."

Kaoru nodded and took a deep breath, "Okay then. I'm ready, and I promise not to lose my temper. What's the worst they can say to me anyway?" Sano was about to comment but for some reason closed his mouth, opting instead to open the door.

Kaoru was met with a similar scene as the last bar she visited with Sano. People were milling about, sitting on couches, stumbling on the dance floor, or flirting obnoxiously with members of the opposite sex. Kaoru noticed that there were a lot of scantily clad women strutting around, a few of whom were dancing in front of men that were handing them money. Kaoru rolled her eyes at the behavior and followed Sano to a few empty seats on one of the couches. A man that Kaoru recognized as Katsu was waving them over, and Kaoru felt relieved that she now at least knew two people.

"Oh, hey, Kaoru," Katsu greeted, acknowledging her before turning back to Sano. "So, Sano, what brings you two here?"

"Aw, come on, Katsu, you know why," Sano said, giving Katsu a knowing look. Kaoru suddenly got a whiff of strong perfume and a young woman appeared standing before them. She was wearing a red sequined corset dress that hugged her hips tightly and ending barely below her butt. She wore thigh high black leather boots, and her long hair cascaded over her shoulders. She was gorgeous, and Kaoru was immediately jealous. However, the scowl she threw in Kaoru's direction quickly turned Kaoru's jealousy into anger as the woman turned her attention to Sano. She rested one hand on her hip and the other fiddled with the sequence on her corset.

"So, where's your friend?" she asked seductively. Kaoru's brows furrowed as she watched the vixen before them. She noticed a few other women watching her anxiously, whispering in the corner of the room. They were clearly awaiting Sano's response.

"Who?" Sano asked, feigning innocence.

"You know who I mean," the woman snapped, tapping her leather clad foot as another woman appeared at her side. "I haven't seen him in months, and I desperately want to run my fingers through that beautiful hair of his."

"Don't you have actual paying clients here?" Sano asked, eyeing her.

The woman sniffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "There's work and there's play, Sano. And I assure you that I've never had a better time than when my hands graze those abs of steel."

Sano sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "What is up with you women and him anyway?"

"Every girl likes a man with a little danger," she said suggestively.

"A little danger?"

"Or a lot," she shrugged.

"My god," Sano said shaking his head. "Look you're not going to see him for a little while anyway. He's a bit tied down at the moment."

"I wouldn't mind tying him down."

Kaoru was beginning to feel uncomfortable with this woman's suggestive comments and shifted slightly on the couch.

"That's not what I meant," Sano answered. His eyes shot over in Kaoru's direction, and Kaoru suddenly felt herself become the subject of a piercing gaze.

The woman's eyes widened as she looked at Kaoru in surprise before turning back to Sano and shrieked, "You mean Battousai's smitten with her?!" The woman was pointing at Kaoru, rage evident in her eyes. Kaoru was equally shocked and sat there numbly. The entire room was suddenly quiet, and Kaoru was sure she could hear her own heart beating. Every man in the area was backing away from her slowly, while every woman was glaring at her.

"Exactly," Sano said, breaking the silence and lounging back on the couch. "So I suggest you take your dirty business elsewhere."

The woman huffed, "Fine, but if that redhead gets sick of that frumpy thing over there, then he knows where to find me." With one last glare in Kaoru's direction, the woman stomped away, grabbing her friend in the process.

Sano sighed and reached for Katsu's beer before taking a swig. Kaoru couldn't seem to find her voice as she sat on the couch stiffly. Sano noticed her discomfort and slapped her gently on the back, "Oi, you okay there?"

"I feel dirty," she mumbled.

"Huh?"

Kaoru sighed and asked quietly, "So Kenshin had sex with prostitutes?"

"Well, technically," Sano said. "But they never charged him or anything."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" she asked in frustration.

Sano waved his hands in front of him in attempt to calm her down before her anger surfaced, "N-No, but I figured you'd be happy to know that he wasn't like any of these guys here who paid by the hour or something. The women just…liked him."

Kaoru looked around the room at the women who were working tirelessly, trying to get paying customers. "So, why would they waste their time with Kenshin? I mean, he's got lots of money anyway."

Sano shrugged, 'They all think he's the hottest thing around. Like some sex god or something."

"I can't believe this," Kaoru continued to grumble. "I still can't believe the nerve of that woman. I mean, honestly!"

Sano rolled his eyes as he watched Kaoru fuming. "Jou-chan," he said. "You are aware that that was a while ago, and it isn't illegal for two people to have sex. You and Kenshin did it all the time."

"Th-that's completely besides the point!" Kaoru screeched, her face blushing furiously.

"Yeah, whatever," Sano grinned.

Kaoru glanced around the room in sudden embarrassment of the situation until her eyes landed on a glass on the table in front of her. Snatching it up, she began to lift the glass to her lips before strong hand tore the drink away from her. "Okay," Sano said, setting the glass back down on the table. "If you're so upset that you're going to start drinking, then I think we'll call it a night."

"B-but, our case! We can't just leave now," she sputtered.

"Yeah, well, it's not like we were going to find anything important here anyway. I just wanted to pay these lovely ladies and Katsu here a visit." Then he shrugged, "Besides, nothing's worth a drunk tanuki."

Kaoru glared at him, but she couldn't deny his statement. She really was a ridiculous drunk. She stood up as Sano grabbed her arm and started to drag her towards the door. She barely heard Katsu shout goodbye before the murmur of the club was gone as the door shut behind them.

As Sano searched the streets for a taxi, Kaoru felt the gnawing feeling of one of her many unanswered questions that refused to leave her mind. She turned to Sano with solemn eyes and asked softly, "Can I ask you a serious question, Sano?"

The man turned to her from his scouting of the dimly lit streets, and his playful grin was torn from his face when he saw the seriousness of her expression. "Sure."

"Well, something's been bothering me since that night in Tokyo when I met Katsu," she started slowly.

"Katsu got to you? No surprise there. He tends to babble, but he means well," Sano assured her, waving his hands in dismissal.

"No," Kaoru replied, shaking her head. "It wasn't him per se but something he said."

Sano raised a brow curiously, waiting patiently for her to continue.

Kaoru fidgeted under his questioning gaze before firming her resolve and looking into his eyes. "Who was the other woman? Katsu said something about 'the last one.'"

Sano sighed and scratched the back of his head, "Shit, Jou-chan. You really know how to ask awkward questions."

"Well? Who was she?" Kaoru asked impatiently.

"It's really not my place to say," Sano said, trailing off.

Kaoru immediately grew angry. "I don't give a damn, but Kenshin clearly was never planning on telling me. And I have a right to know something," she demanded.

Sano shifted uneasily until he heaved another deep sigh. "Tomoe."

"Huh?" Kaoru asked in confusion.

"The woman. Her name was Tomoe," he repeated.

"Who was she?"

"She was a woman who met Kenshin as Battousai. They had a really rocky relationship for months, but eventually they realized they were in love with each other."

"So what happened?" Kaoru asked, trying to keep the pang of jealousy from her voice.

"They got married," Sano shrugged.

Kaoru's eyebrow twitched in irritation as she stared at Sano. "They what?!"

"Relax. He's not married anymore," Sano replied as if it were no big deal.

"Why not? Did they get in a fight or something?"

"Something like that."

"Great," she muttered. "So I could have an estranged ex-wife out to get me."

"She was never estranged," Sano replied sternly. "Although falling in love with Kenshin could put anyone in the crazy category," he added thoughtfully, tapping a finger on his chin.

"Excuse me?"

"Uh, well, you're different," Sano finished quickly as he picked up on the dangerous tone in Kaoru's voice.

"And how is that exactly?" She asked in continued accusation, raising a brow.

"Well, you fell in love with Kenshin first. Tomoe fell in love with the assassin. The difference is crucial. She must have had a death sentence."

Kaoru nodded in understanding. She loved Kenshin and all parts of him, but she would never appreciate the part of his life where he killed people. And she could never imagine falling for someone like that. Of course, she could only assume that Tomoe saw the same thing she did – not a man who relished in the thought of blood but someone focused on a mission and willing to sacrifice sanity for a greater cause.

"So where is Tomoe now? Did he split up with her like he did me?"

"No," Sano said. "After they got married, he stopped pushing her away so much."

"Oh," Kaoru said bitterly. "So he wanted to protect her by being with her."

Sano realized how his words had come across and shook his head sadly. "It's true, Kaoru, that he didn't separate himself from her for her safety. He thought he could protect her." Kaoru looked at Sano curiously upon hearing the rare seriousness in his voice. "But in the end, there are some events that even the Hitokiri Battousai can't stop. And there are some people that no one can save."

"What happened?" She asked, afraid of the answer she would receive.

"She was killed. Kenshin couldn't save her, and her death nearly tore him apart." There was silence for a long moment as Kaoru processed his words. "That's why, Kaoru, he tried to push you away. He doesn't want history to repeat itself. But he's blinding himself from the fact that danger will still find you whether he's there or not. And honestly, him being around would be much safer than not."

"Did he ever get revenge?" Kaoru asked suddenly. "On the person who killed Tomoe, I mean."

Sano looked away. "No, the man's still alive, but he seems more and more like an empty shell these days."

"Huh?"

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head.

"Sano? Will the man come after me, too?" she asked in a small voice.

Sano shook his head solemnly. "Nah, lately he seems to be doing the exact opposite."

Kaoru's brows furrowed in confusion, but before she could question Sano further, his voice interrupted her thoughts. "Ah! There's a taxi!"

As Sano ushered her into the cab, she could only assume she should be comforted by Sano's reassuring words. If he didn't seem to think she was in any danger, then she wouldn't worry. She sighed and settled herself on the leather seats, unaware of a pair of red eyes watching her every move.


Kenshin stalked toward the popular club. It has been a while since he had visited the place, and he wasn't thrilled about making an appearance. The last time he had been there was before he had met Kaoru. It had been a nice release from his inner turmoil, and he would be lying if he said that he didn't enjoy the women's attentions. However, now things were different. Sure, he wasn't technically with Kaoru now, but he felt it would be a definite betrayal if he allowed himself to be seduced.

Originally, he had planned on going to a different location across town. That was where Shishio was expected to be. But a gut feeling told him otherwise. He wasn't sure why, but something drove him back to the sketchy bar.

He instantly heard the loud music as he slipped inside the door. It was the usual crowd of drunks and prostitutes. Before he had taken two steps he felt a familiar touch on his left arm, and the heavy scent of roses invaded his senses. "Ah, I was wondering when you would show up here."

The redhead turned to see the owner of the sultry voice. His golden eyes locked onto a beautiful woman in a red corset dress. "Aina," he replied with a slight nod. "It's been a while."

"Too long," she purred. "Now, how about a warm welcome to make up for your unexpected absence?" She began pulling him towards a corner of the club.

"I didn't come here for that," he said, allowing her to weave through the crowd.

Aina laughed flirtatiously as she continued walking. "Oh, come off it, Battousai. There's no other reason to visit a place like this."

"I have business to attend to," he replied, shaking his head at her insistence. Aina, however, ignored him and pushed him against a wall in a dark corner of the room. The other occupants wisely kept their distance from the unlit corner as the dangerous aura coming from the redhead kept the ten-foot radius free of people. Regulars of the club knew from past experience to stay away from Battousai…at all times.

Aina smiled mischievously as she gazed at the redhead's chest and rubbed her hands up and down his front seductively. "Now, your place or mine?" she asked as she settled herself with drawing lazy circles with her finger on his chest.

"I wasn't lying when I said I had business," Kenshin replied, trying to ignore the unwanted shivers her touch was sending through his body. The only thoughts that were crossing his mind was how much he wished Kaoru were there in the woman's place.

"Mmm, that can wait," Aina purred softly. "Besides," she continued, ghosting her warm breath across his left ear as she leaned up to whisper, "I can tell you want a woman's touch."

The combination of her hot breath and wet kisses that she began trailing down his neck to his exposed collarbone were starting to get to him. His eyes closed, and heat flowed through his body as the woman blew cold air across her wet kisses. Her nimble fingers began to unbutton his shirt and trail down his sides as she continued her trail of kisses down his front. She knew his body and his reactions too well. His breathing started to become ragged as he pressed himself against the wall to steady himself. Aina smiled to herself as she watched how her motions were affecting him. It wasn't until she began unbuttoning his pants that everything came to an abrupt halt.

A firm hand suddenly grasped her wrist and yanked it away, and Aina found herself staring in surprise at a pair of wide amber eyes. After she recovered from shock, she furrowed her brows, "Don't act like I've never done that before."

"I can't do this," Kenshin said, voice still husky from the effects of her exploration of his body.

Aina raised a brow, "And why is that?"

"I just can't," he said, turning away from her.

"Does this have to do with that girl? Because you two clearly aren't in a good relationship if you react that much to my touch," Aina said, crossing her arms in indignation.

Kenshin's head whipped back to face her. "What? What girl?"

Aina shrugged. "She was here earlier with that spunky friend of yours. He said you were 'tied down,' whatever that means. But you're obviously not together right now, so I really don't know what the big deal is."

"Why was she here?" he demanded.

"Why the hell should I know?" Aina asked impatiently. "I don't really care if you two are together or not, but I'd at least like to know if you're rejecting me because you have a girlfriend or if it's something else."

Kenshin eyed Aina's stern gaze for a long moment before turning away. "I left her," he replied quietly.

"Then this isn't cheating," Aina said calmly, reaching out to stroke his abdomen and tugging on his beltloops, pulling his hips towards her. He continued to blankly stare at the floor, seemingly unaware of her actions. Aina sighed softly against his bare skin before releasing him. "Okay, fine. Why don't you come back within the next few days once you figure it all out?" she asked, looking intently at his vacant face.

He finally raised his troubled amber gaze and looked into her eyes. "I'll be back tomorrow night," he said firmly before suddenly pushing past her and weaving effortlessly through the crowds of people in the club. Aina immediately found herself surrounded by drunk people once again as the redhead's presence no longer kept them away from the corner. She smiled as she watched him go and couldn't help but look forward to his visit the next evening. It had been a while since she had enjoyed herself. Then, ridding herself of her thoughts, she set about searching for actual clientele.

Kenshin stalked to the door, buttoning his shirt again in the process. Aina was right; he needed to figure things out. He loved Kaoru, but this was for the best. He left her so that she would be safe, and he had no intention of going back to her. He was simply deluding himself and denying the truth by continuing to act as if they were still together, as much as he wished they were.

And the fact that Sano had brought her here angered him. He gritted his teeth as he stepped back out into the chilly night. Shishio was supposed to be around, and he didn't want Kaoru anywhere near the madman.

Having stepped outside the club, Kenshin immediately felt the dangerous ki. He didn't need to turn around to know who was standing behind him.

"Your girlfriend is quite a beautiful specimen. Kaoru, right?"

Anger flooded through him as he kept his face emotionless, not wanting to let down his guard, and faced the red-eyed man that stood before him. "What are you doing here, Shishio?"

"I should be asking you the same question."

"I don't' think it's really surprising that I would frequent a club that I have been a regular visitor of for years."

"I suppose that's true. But that doesn't explain your girlfriend's presence very well, especially since you arrived at different times," Shishio drawled.

Kenshin narrowed his eyes, "Leave her out of this."

"How can I when she is so involved with my predecessor? Besides, she is investigating me, you know."

"You and I both know who you really need to be worried about. So cut the bullshit. You only have to deal with me," Kenshin spat in anger.

Shishio cocked his head to the side, "I disagree with you. Her being on my case at all could really put a damper on my plans. And her relationship to you only makes it worse."

"She has no relationship to me anymore, so you can forget about that."

"I don't know if I believe you on that one," Shishio replied, shaking his head and closing his eyes.

"Not that I see how it is relevant in any way, but I left her."

"Prove it."

Kenshin stared at the man. He knew that Shishio was crazy, but this was ridiculous. "What?" he asked incredulously, wondering where such a demand could possibly be coming from.

"Prove it," Shishio shrugged as if there was nothing strange about the request.

"How?" he asked suspiciously.

"There's lots of beautiful prostitutes in there who would be very ready and willing to…hang out with you," Shishio sneered.

"And why would you watching me fuck some prostitute help your plans in any way?" Kenshin asked sarcastically.

Shishio snorted, "The way you word it makes it sound like I have some obscure fetish. No, I just want to make sure that you and that woman are truly done with your relationship. And so, I have one more condition."

"I never agreed to your ridiculous proposal in the first place."

Shishio ignored him and continued, "She has to witness it."

"What?"

"Kaoru, your woman, she has to see you with another woman."

There was a long moment of silence before the redhead shook his head, "I refuse. Your insane demand has nothing in it that benefits me in any way, and I am not obligated to do anything you ask me to."

"Doesn't benefit you? I'm sorry that you don't consider sex with a woman a benefit," Shishio trailed off.

Kenshin merely stared at the man with an unreadable expression. "You know what I mean," he bit out.

Shishio finally moved to pace slowly and shook his head, "Ah, you see, I think this does benefit you actually. Because while you and your little girlfriend are together, I am in a very difficult predicament."

"And what would that be?"

"Naturally, I'd have to kill her," he answered simply.

"I won't let you," Kenshin growled.

"I don't think you are really in the position to make a statement like that. As I recall, I remember hearing you promising similar protection to a particular woman as well, but I don't think her fate ended well," Shishio sneered. His sneer turned into a sadistic grin as he continued, "Although I admit her killer was a little unexpected. I never saw that coming."

Kenshin's hands tightened into fists as he resisted slaughtering the madman right there. Unfortunately, he didn't think making a scene on the street outside a crowded club would be one of his best moves.

"But," Shishio continued. "If you make sure that your relationship is over forever, then I believe she can live."

"And why exactly does my girlfriend concern you specifically?" Kenshin asked through gritted teeth.

"When she's a detective for Hajime Saito, I believe the situation changes drastically. She has turned out to be quite a good one at that if you consider how well she managed to track you in the beginning. I assume that's why Saito put her on the case in the first place. However, I want her off my back, and killing her would cause too many complications."

Kenshin's eyes widened in realization as he finally understood Shishio's intentions. While he knew that Kaoru was a good detective (although she didn't know it), he didn't realize that his foes had picked up on her skill. She had mostly only been tracking him, but he remembered how good of a job she had done doing it. Shishio obviously felt threatened by her. But if he killed her, then he would be asking for Kenshin's wrath, which is almost a guaranteed death sentence. However, there were several flaws in Shishio's plan.

"And why do you think this particular scheme of yours is ideal? I could merely ask for her to be taken off the case," Kenshin replied stiffly.

Shishio shook his head. "You and I both know how that would work out. That girl of yours is one hell of a spitfire. Taking her off the case wouldn't prevent her from doing her job. What's that saying again?" Kenshin narrowed his eyes as Shishio cocked his head to the side in thought. Snapping his fingers, the red-eyed man's face lit up with amusement as he continued. "Ah yes! 'Curiosity killed the cat.' And your kitten is certainly good at stirring up trouble."

"I fail to see why sparing Kaoru's life would save yours. I'm assuming you're well aware that there's a price on your head as it is."

Shishio paced back and forth for a moment nodding his head in agreement. "That's true. But the reasons behind it would be different. It may be your job, but you haven't killed me yet. Here I stand." Shishio opened his arms wide and looked at Kenshin with silent invitation. The redhead didn't take it. Dropping his arms to his sides, Shishio chuckled darkly. "You see, Battousai, this is how I see it. You and I…we aren't all that much different, and you and I both know it. You don't want to kill me or you would have done it by now."

"That's a lie," Kenshin growled, cocking one of the guns he had tucked in at his side.

"Tsk. Tsk. I disagree. The truth is that you see yourself in me, and you see the future that awaits you. The government is already starting to go after your life, and soon you will be in this very position. Besides, neither one of us brought our blades, and I'm sure we can both agree that when we fight, it should be epic."

Furious amber eyes glared into the dark red orbs until Kenshin shook his head and put the gun back in its holster. "You're a sick bastard, you know that?" His question was met with a menacing grin. "And you're a damn fool if you think I'm really going to let you go. The real truth is that you're scared shitless because you know that when I really do fight you, you're head is going to fly and my blade is going to dripping with your blood. Threatening Kaoru's life and making your ridiculous proposition is merely delaying the inevitable. I will kill you because that's my job and you, frankly, deserve to go to hell."

For a moment, Kenshin could see his enemy's mask falter and true fear passed through the narrowed red eyes. However, it faded as quickly as it came, and Shishio bared his teeth at the threat. "Convince yourself of what you want, but my offer still stands. Take it or leave it."

"Fine," the redhead replied after a long thought. "If I do it, then you leave Kaoru out of the matter."

"I probably won't even need to go to any trouble. She'll leave the case on her own. I expect it tomorrow night. And don't worry about me being around; I'll know either way if you're successful." And with that, Shishio disappeared.

Kenshin watched the darkness with a grim expression. He couldn't believe what he had just agreed to, but he was certain it was for the best. All he had to do was make sure Kaoru and Sano appeared at the club the next day. It wouldn't take much effort, considering Sano tended to frequent the club on a daily basis as it was. But still, precautions had to be taken. Kaoru may hate him for it, but in the end, if it saved her life, then it was worth it.


"I assume you all know why you are here." A handsome, middle-aged man stood at the head of a long table. There was a group of ten other men seated in the room, as well as an eleventh man standing in the corner with a circle of cigarette smoke surrounding him. His eyes were narrowed slightly as he watched the speaker warily.

"We can only assume we were called here because of the Shishio issue, Katsura-san," another man answered. He was a large man with thinning grey hair that he combed over in a fruitless effort to cover the bald spot adorning the top of his head. He looked every bit the greasy politician.

The leader, Katsura Kogoro, turned and gave a knowing smile. "You are correct, Daisuke-san. However, that is not the sole purpose for this gathering."

"What other reason could there be?" asked a third man curiously.

His question remained unanswered as Katsura only spared him a quick glance before turning back to the group. "We will discuss one matter at a time. Now, as you know, the attempted removal of Shishio Makoto from his services failed, and he is currently plotting his revenge on our regime. He must be stopped before his efforts generate any significant success. I understand he has already generated quite a gathering in the underworld. Our best agent is working on…eliminating the threat."

"The only one who could possibly accomplish such a feat is Battousai," Daisuke interrupted suspiciously. "Surely you wouldn't be so naive as to employ him in such a delicate matter."

There was an audible gasp throughout the room as ten heads turned to stare wide-eyed at their leader.

"He will be successful."

"Do you think that wise? Him assassinating a fellow assassin?"

"Shishio Makoto was a madman and anyone would be in agreement with that proclamation, including Battousai. The fact that he is an ex-assassin of our organization is irrelevant," Katsura answered.

The rest of the table was reassured by Katsura's words, but Daisuke, as usual, remained skeptical. "But how do we know the Battousai isn't mad as well? You have to admit his actions and persona are not characteristic of any same being."

Katsura's expression instantly turned grim, and a man hidden in the dark corner narrowed his eyes to furious slits as he blew puffs of his cigarette.

"His fate is the other matter that I would like to discuss this evening," Katsura replied.

"He needs to be eliminated immediately," Daisuke stated flatly.

Katsura raised a brow, "And how do you propose doing that?"

Daisuke pointed at the smoking figure in the corner, "Hajime Saito."

The puffs of smoke came to an abrupt stop, and Katsura didn't need to look at the officer to know his answer to such a request. "That is not an option."

"But it needs to be done! He knows too much!" Daisuke cried, standing up from his chair.

"And so do you."

The truth behind the words paralyzed Daisuke, and everyone in the room.

"Everyone here knows secrets about this regime that would ruin our reputation if they ever became public. And the Battousai himself is perhaps our greatest secret of all. However, there comes a point in time when we must learn to trust each other. We all hold secrets, and we cannot begin eliminated everyone at this table for such a ridiculous reason. The question of Himura's sanity and potential threat to the government is the only factor that will be deciding his fate."

"He killed his own wife. That should be answer enough to the sanity question," Daisuke replied roughly. Murmurs of agreement sounded throughout the room, much to the man's satisfaction.

"That event is an exception and will not be taken into account."

"And why not? You have to mentally insane to kill a woman you love!"

"There were circumstances surrounding that incident that were beyond any of our control. I will not begin to divulge such information, but my decision that that will remain out of our debate still stands."

Daisuke's face grew red with anger, but he did not want to openly criticize Katsura in public. Instead, he changed the subject, "Then what about that Kamiya girl?"

"What about her?" Katsura asked calmly.

"Is it true Battousai just up and left her?"

"Yes, but—."

"So there you go! He has destroyed yet another perfectly reasonable woman."

Katsura raised a brow, and Saito snorted in the corner. "Are you going to condemn a man for breaking up with his girlfriend?"

There was resounding laughter throughout the room, and Daisuke flushed in embarrassment.

"Until we find legitimate reason to condemn our best assassin and strongest fighter in all of Japan, his fate will remain undecided. I only wished to inform you all of the potential problems that we may be dealing with in the future. We will meet again in a week." Katsura watched as the men slowly retreated from the room. When the last man disappeared behind the door, Saito eyed Katsura, who was running a slender hand through his black hair in exasperation.

"Daisuke is an idiot."

Katsura looked up at Saito in surprise before smiling softly. "I confess that he can be a bit stubborn."

"He's a fool, and his ignorance is going to get him into trouble," Saito replied.

Katsura sat back down in his chair and leaned back casually. "Unfortunately, Himura is not helping his case very much."

"You and I both know he is not a madman."

"I know," Katsura sighed. "But this issue is more complicated than just that."

"And how is that?" Saito asked, raising a brow.

"The board is growing uneasy with the whole concept of having an assassin as an integral member of our regime, and Daisuke is not helping the unrest."

"Daisuke is an idiot," Saito snorted.

"I agree. Unfortunately, he has a lot of influence over the other members. I can only sway them in our favor for so long, but if Himura does anything to disrupt things, it may be out of my control."

Saito narrowed his eyes. He never had as much faith in Kastura Kogoro as so many others had, but perhaps that was because he didn't share the same ideals. His motto was Aku. Soku. San. "Slay Evil Immediately." He and Battousai shared that ideal, and he made sure to steer clear of the political aspects of the government. Unfortunately, it was times like now when politics seemed to be all that mattered. It didn't matter if a person was good or bad; it only mattered if they were a threat to the game. And Hitokiri Battousai was definitely a threat.

"While I am not one for stifling the opinions of grotesque, power-hungry politicians, perhaps you should rethink who you have as your chief of staff, Katsura-san. Keeping a man as self-serving as Daisuke does not bode well for you. It's him that you should be ridding yourself of, not Himura," Saito answered, the frustration evident in his clipped tone.

Katsura spared a glance at the glowering man who stood towering over him. He smiled softly and took a deep breath. "I appreciate your honesty, Hajime, and I will take your thoughts into account. However, it has been a long day, and such discussions should not take place when we have so little energy left to spend. For now, we'll just have to hope that Himura acts as sanely as we know him to be until we can figure out a proper way to deal with this mess. Hopefully, he doesn't do anything drastic."

Saito watched as Katsura stood up and stretched. "Knowing the Battousai, he will."

Katsura looked at the man meaningfully and replied, "Good night, Hajime." Saito nodded in his direction and watched him exit the room before pulling out another cigarette.


Sano sprawled himself across the plush comforter of the hotel bed as he listened to the sound of hot water running in the bathroom. Kaoru was taking a shower before they got started on the day, and she had been sure to give him a strict lecture about not trying to open the bathroom door while she was naked. Sano, of course, had snorted at the mere thought of him doing that. He certainly didn't have a death wish, so peeping on his best friend's girlfriend while she was in the shower was not something he ever planned on doing. Kaoru hadn't really seemed too concerned that he would even try such a thing anyway as she accepted his laugh as agreement. The two of them had such a brotherly-sisterly relationship as it was, so Sano found it slightly surprising that Kaoru had felt any discomfort at all. Maybe it was because she still felt uncomfortable after all of the women at the club leered at her the night before. Her comment on feeling dirty may have been wracking her mind more than Sano initially thought.

He let out a sigh when he heard a light rapping on the window. Glancing over in that direction, he saw a familiar redhead perched on the sill. Sano shook his head and rolled off the bed to open the window and let his friend. "You really know how to make an entrance, Kenshin. Couldn't you use a door for once like a normal person?" Sano scratched his head as he made to lie back down on the bed.

Kenshin ignored him and glanced at the feminine belongings piled in the corner of the room, and the familiar scent of jasmine conflicting with Sano's distinct musk. "You're sharing a room?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. He wasn't uncomfortable with the idea, as he knew Sano would protect her, but he couldn't help but be curious with the situation.

Sano shrugged, propping his body up on one elbow. "The department probably just wants to save money or something. Anyway, she's in the shower right now."

"Obviously," Kenshin remarked as he could hear the distinct sound of water being rung out of Kaoru long hair. He knew the sound well, and he found himself closing his eyes, reveling in the memories. Images of Kaoru naked in the steamy bathroom immediately began invading his mind, and when he reopened his eyes, they were a dark amber color as he stared at the bathroom door.

"Earth to Kenshin," Sano said, now standing and waving a hand in front of his friend's face to snap him out of his stupor. "It's not like you can just burst in there while she's showering. The door's probably locked anyway."

"Like that's ever stopped me before," Kenshin muttered, shaking his head and dispelling the racy mental images. "I came here for a reason," he said finally, voice taking on a more serious tone.

Sano crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side in curiosity. "And what is that?"

Kenshin took a deep breath and looked away before speaking again. "I need you and Kaoru to go to the club again tonight."

"What? Why?"

"The reason is none of your concern. But it is critical that you do," he replied in a way that told Sano he was not about to divulge any more information.

However, Sano was not known for listening much to his friend and decided to ask questions anyway. "Are you going to be there, too, I'm guessing?"

Kenshin's gaze softened and took on an almost despairing look, which succeeded in confusing Sano greatly, "Yes."

Sano ignored the look on the redhead's face and grinned eagerly, "Good, I'm glad that you have finally come to your senses. Jou-chan will be looking forward to seeing you."

"I'm sure," he replied bitterly. Sano's brows furrowed as he watched Kenshin turn back towards the window. He paused and glanced forlornly back at the closed bathroom door.

"Sano," he said in barely a whisper. "I hope she knows this is for her own safety. It's only because I love her. It's always been because I love her. I never wanted her to get hurt, and I hope she doesn't hate me for it."

"Don't be an idiot. She'd never hate you. She knew what she was getting into when you two started dating," Sano replied, shaking his head and trying to dispel the worry clearly etched on Kenshin's face.

Kenshin closed his eyes for a moment before looking sadly at Sano. "See you tonight."

Sano nodded and gave him a thumbs up as the sound of the hot water stopped. Kenshin immediately took that as his cue to jump out the window, landing gracefully on the ground below. Sano quickly closed the window, glad that the breeze was not cold enough to alert Kaoru of anything unusual occurring while she had been showering.

Moments later, a towel-clad Kaoru stepped out of the steamy bathroom, running fingers through her wet strands. "I hope you didn't cause too much trouble while I was in the shower," she joked, eyeing Sano's mischievous look.

He smiled lazily and replied, "What kind of problems could I cause in a hotel room?"

"Sometimes I don't know with you," she said, turning to her pile of clothes and picking out a simple pair of jeans and fitted white, long-sleeve shirt.

"Just so you know," Sano began, as she began a mad search for her brush, "We have to visit the club again."

"Huh? Why?" she asked, finally finding the item she had been looking for and turning back to Sano in confusion. She was not particularly eager to see those women again, or the men for that matter.

"Well, we didn't find out a whole lot last night, so I think we should try again tonight now that you won't be shocked by anything," Sano shrugged.

"Fine, whatever," Kaoru replied. She started to brush her wet hair in an effort to get rid of the tangles her hair was caught in after having been curled the night before.

"Uh, one more thing."

"What now?" she asked in a huff.

"Well, when you had your…um…breakdown yesterday, I got a little worried so…" he started, shifting on his feet uneasily.

Kaoru gave him a strange look. "What did you do, Sano?"

"Okay, don't get mad, but I called that weasel girl, Misao, to see what to do. And she was worried and said she'd take the train first thing in the morning to get here."

"And you wait until now to tell me this?" Kaoru asked incredulously. She would love Misao's company, but her presence would certainly complicate things.

"Well, yeah," he replied sheepishly. "And I thought that since we're going to the club again tonight, it would be good for you to get more appropriate clothing. The department gave us a budget."

"You want me to use the department's money to buy some outfit those whores would wear?" Kaoru asked, her voice taking on a dangerous tone.

"Uh, yes?"

"Why you idiotic--," she started, stepping toward her partner. She was cut off by a sudden knocking on the door. Kaoru stopped mid-step as she recognized the sound. "Did you tell her where we were staying, too?"

"You gonna get the door or not?" Sano asked with a grin, thankful for Misao's perfect timing.

Kaoru sighed and started muttering to herself as she headed hesitatingly towards the door. As soon as she opened it, she found herself tackled by the familiar ball of energy that was Misao.

"Oh my god, Kaoru! I was so worried about you, and I'm so glad Sano called," she screeched, hugging Kaoru in an almost suffocating hold.

Kaoru coughed as she found herself immediately smiling after seeing Misao's face. "Can you let me go a little, Misao? I can't breath," she said weakly.

"Oh, sorry," Misao replied, pushing herself off the ground and helping Kaoru stand. "Now what is this about shopping for new clothes for you?"

Kaoru gaped at her friend. "H-How did you know about that?"

Misao shrugged, "The walls here aren't exactly sound proof, you know."

"We weren't talking that loudly," Kaoru retorted.

"Okay, okay, fine, I was listening in. I've been here for a few minutes already, but I was finding the conversation intriguing."

Sano decided to interject, "We're going to a club tonight, and Kaoru needs an appropriate outfit to wear."

Kaoru groaned. "What's so wrong with a club anyway, Kaoru?" Misao asked curiously.

"She didn't have the best experience last night," Sano answered for her.

"That's an understatement. Imagine if you were in my position," Kaoru replied heatedly, crossing her arms in front of her in indignation.

"What happened?" Misao asked, looking between Kaoru and Sano.

"She had a little run-in with some of Kenshin's, um, past, uh, partners," Sano said, trying to find the right words to sugar-coat the situation.

"Whores," Kaoru corrected.

Sano opened his mouth to disagree but promptly closed it. It was a true statement after all. Kaoru rolled her eyes at his obvious inability to deny the statement and returned to brushing her hair in front of one of the hotel room's mirrors.

"Wow, seriously? Damn, Battousai must get around," Misao commented lightly as she moved to plop herself on the nearest bed, which thankfully was Kaoru's. Sano's bed, which was closest to the window, was already covered in his discarded clothes, and the muddy shoe that was placed dangerously close to one of the pillows told Misao all she needed to know about how high hygiene was listed on the male's priority list—very low.

"You have no idea," Sano muttered. His comment, meant to be unheard, caused the women to whip their heads in his direction furiously. "Uh, I mean, you have no idea how much he regrets it," he stuttered.

His weak excuse was met with two quirked eyebrows, and he found himself growing uncomfortable under their gaze until the women turned back to each other.

"Anyway," Misao started, changing the subject. "Why don't we go shopping then instead of wasting time with this buffoon?"

Kaoru nodded and hurried to change in the bathroom before they left. Sano nudged Misao, and she glared at him, "Megumi can't come until Friday night because she has patients, so get over it."

"Uh, good to know, but that's not what I was going for," Sano replied, shifting on his feet uneasily. "Make sure whatever she wears, she looks good. I mean, really, really, good. There's going to be another person at the club tonight."

Misao's glare softened as she realized the meaning behind Sano's words. "Oh, got it!" she said eagerly.

"Don't tell her, though. I want it to be a surprise, and I don't want her to be nervous."

"Secret's safe with me," Misao winked, just as Kaoru opened the bathroom door. "Ready to go?"

"Yep," Kaoru said, nodding happily. Misao's presence was already cheering her up.

"Alright, then let's get shopping!"


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