Chapter 11: A Few Distractions

"Let's go Saitou..." Misao whispered to the wolf. "I think we can sneak in easily."

Misao got up from their hiding place and started crawling to one side of the thickets but the wolf caught her heel and jerked her back.

"Don't be stupid." The wolf whispered as he scanned the perimeter. "There are guards all over the place." He motioned to the men who were stationed by the corners.

"Geez. Don't you think I see that? I'm a shinobi and sneaking in is a specialty of mine." The Itachi stuck out her tongue and struggled to get free. But the wolf held on to her firmly and motioned her to look directly at the roof where a couple of men were standing with rifles.

"One wrong move up there and you'll be done for.", he warned.

"Hmmm? What is that?" Misao asked tilting her head in confusion.

"Rifles... I'm sure they have pistols too. There's no way your shurikens and kunais can be faster than bullets." He replied narrowing his eyes at the weasel.

"Oh you worry wort! That's why we'll take them by surprise... Just let me do my thing." Misao tried to struggle free but his hold on her was like a vise.

"No... It is not the time. We'll come back later when it is darker. All they need is one warning weasel... If they find out about us, it will be bad for the Kitsune and your Aoshi-sama. Let us go."

Saitou got up and started to walk away not looking back. The weasel followed still confused. What was he talking about rifles and pistols? The wolf actually is backing down from a fight? Then she remembered the Gatling gun... Weren't her friends defenseless against that. This cop might actually be on to something.

She finally caught up with him. They were quite far from the mansion and nearing a major road. As they walked the streets she wondered where they could possibly be staying and it was answered easily when the wolf stopped at a dilapidated inn. She rolled her eyes in disgust. The place smelled like dirt and everything from the counter to the staircase looked like it was ready to go caput. They were shown to a room upstairs and the wolf closed and locked the door behind them.

"You really could've done better Saitou." She said while inspecting the room. "This room could use some air! Phew!" She threw the window open and placed her hands on her hips.

"No one likes a complainer weasel and this is less conspicuous. No one should find us here."

The wolf continued to remove his uniform jacket and then his katana. Placing both items beside him neatly he sat in seiza and started to medidate. Misao turned and started snickering. She never knew the wolf medidated... Actually, she didn't know much about him at all. Not until she met his wife and saw his home. Yes his home was quite simple and but securely constructed. No doubt the walls were there for Tokio's benefit. Yikes he even has someone guarding their place at all times. I wouldn't mind that. No not at all... It would be nice for someone to take care of me. Well not that Okina and the others didn't... They were always there... But it would be nice for a man to do it solely for me...

She was curious for the wolf never talks about himself nor of his home. She never could picture him having a normal life. Not that he actually did, but that was as close to normal as she saw. He was after all an undercover cop. Her curiosity overtook her and she found herself sitting close beside him. Then the jacket caught her eye and she lightly traced her hands on it. It smelled distinctively of cigarettes but it was folded neatly just enough so as to minimize the creases. She took it and spread it wide before her. Smiling she decided to put it on, just to see how it felt like.

Eek! It's hot and uncomfortable!

"Haven't Okina taught you a few things? Like not messing with other people's belongings?" A scowl crossed the wolf's face.

"Oh you're such a grouch..." She immediately took off the uniform and placed it back. "What's the big deal about this uniform anyway? It's just a piece of clothing!" Not to mention hot and stinky.

The wolf let out a sigh and re-folded the jacket. "You wouldn't understand."

"What you're telling me? That I'm stupid?"

"No. I'm saying you need to learn some manners."

STUPID STUPID COP!

"Heh. Shut up you crazy cop! I wouldn't be caught dead in one of your shirts anyway!"

Seeing that there was no way he could now have some peace and quiet, the wolf gave up on meditating. Turning to the weasel he shrugged, "Just don't touch my things."

Saitou moved away to a corner and stared at nothing in particular. Misao sighed.

What is it with Saitou today? It's not like him to back down so easily.

"WAKATTA!" She sat on the opposite side of the wall. Time ticked slowly... It was going to be a long afternoon... And night for that matter.

Not being a very patient person, Misao just couldn't stand the silence much longer. The wolf was not moving from his place. It almost seemed like he was sulking! That is if you call staring into space expressionless, sulking... It probably was, knowing Saitou Hajime.

This is unbearable... I need to talk about something.. About anything because this cop when he is silent is even more unnerving.

"You could've just sent someone to help find Aoshi and Megumi. You didn't have to come yourself you know... Considering you and Tokio are having problems."

Ugh... Good start Misao... Get the wolf in a tissy...

She could see him gritting his teeth after she spoke. She almost regretted opening her big mouth.

"Gomenasai... I just thought... You know..."

"No I don't know weasel. I'm not a mind reader..." If I was Tokio wouldn't have left.

"Kami..." Misao threw her hands up in the air and started playing with her kunais. She threw one across the room for target practice. Then another... Then another... They all hit their mark but one didn't and it bounced off the wooden wall and nicked Saitou's jacket that was folded in a corner. The wolf immediately stood up and inspected his jacket. Giving Misao his most menacing scowl, he gathered up the kunais and slammed it beside her.

"Geez! I'm sorry okay! I didn't mean to cut your jacket! And stop looking at me like I just killed a person or something!"

Not listening Saitou started examining the cut. He'd mend it right now so that the tear wold not get any bigger but there were no needles and thread available.

"Tell me Itachi... If someone were to insult the Oniwaban.. What would you do?" The wolf stared.

"Heh. I'd give them a good lashing of course! No one gets to insult the Oniwaban and come out unscathed. Not if I can't help it!"

The wolf stepped closer to her and held the Itachi's chin rather forcefully. "Good... Then you know what I mean." He nodded towards his uniform.

"Feh! The cops are all shrewd and corrupt. Don't go giving me a lecture on pride and loyalty."

She tried to remove his hands but the cop raised his other hand intent on striking her. His eyes glowing a reddish amber that she felt something turn in her stomach. Waiting for him to strike at her face she closed one eye... Waiting... Waiting... But it never came. Instead the wolf went back to the corner, his eyes lost again.

Can it be? This cop actually takes pride being part of a corrupt government? But why is he here helping me get Aoshi-sama back?

The she remembered, he had spoken of duty before. She felt bad for what she said. The wolf was there out of duty first... His personal affairs came in second.

He placed duty first over his own family... Is that why he is so... so... Angry?

She felt sorry for him. As a person she had always been taught to nurture others and it was this same instinct which led her inch closer to Saitou. His head was covered now by his arms as if he was sleeping. But the weasel knew better... The wolf never sleeps on a mission. Lightly she placed her hand on his arm. The wolf didn't stir.

"Saitou... I'm sorry." she whispered. She hoped he would look up, if only for him to see that she meant what she said. But still he didn't stir. His whole face hiding behind his arms. She wondered what face the wolf was hiding. His breathing was erratic, that much she could tell. Letting her hands slide to his back she traced his hair and then started rubbing his neck.

His muscles are so taunt... He must be stressed out.

After a few more moments the wolf finally took her hand off his neck. "You should go Misao. We'll be leaving soon." Not daring to look up he searched his pockets and took out some money.

"Take this and buy yourself something pretty." Came a very hoarse voice. Leave me alone.

The message was clear to her. It was a bit annoying though that he'd dismiss her just like that. But if it will do him any good, she decided to just leave him alone for now.

Finding her way around the town wasn't too bad. She had heard the island was small and that the population was just centered in Naha. As she passed several stores she really couldn't figure out what to buy. There were so many nice things, like bracelets, necklaces, hair braids... Her eyes were oogling on a couple of what the store owner called a "stuffed toy".

"Kawaii!" Misao beamed with glea while she held up the soft plushie doll that resembled a dog in her hands. "How much for this I want it!!"

The store owner being the shrewd he was, offered her an excellent price citing that she will never find one in Okinawa even in Kyoto or Tokyo just like it for it was an imported from Europe. Misao of course who did not have a clue she was being ripped off gladly paid for the stuffed dog and went away happily strolling the streets with her new toy.

"Oh I can't wait to show you to Saitou-san! Oh you cute cute puppy you!" She talked to the stuffed toy completely forgetting she was being ridiculous...

Completely oblivious to the fact that a number of people were already snickering behind her calling her "baka" and "weird". As she walked around town with a twinkle in her eye and a stuffed dog in her hands she counted the money that was left. Ack! And I didn't buy anything for the cop! Oh no... He'll be pissed I'm sure... She desperately went from store to store asking if they sold cigarettes and almost gave up until she found another "import" shop specializing on the commodity.

"What? You are kidding right? That much for a lousy pack?" She tried re-counting the money in her head. Finally she gave up. "I won't pay THAT much for it... Maybe you can give me half off or something?"

Blinking her eyes in a most girly manner, the man just laughed and closed the door on her face.

Stupid! Stupid cop! Stupid store owner! I will never ever try to buy cigarettes again!

At a lost on what to get the wolf she wandered around some more. The sun was already setting on the horizon before she even got another idea. Running towards another clothing shop that was just about to close she procured some blue thread and finally headed back from where she came from.

The wolf is probably ready... We should be leaving very soon...

Being a shinobi has it's advantages... They were fast and were able to fly... well it looked like flying.. on rooftops. She was back in the dingy inn in no time at all. Quietly she opened the shoji door to their rented room and as she did so... She had to hold her nose and mouth to kept from gagging. The stupid wolf was smoking again! And this time, ashes were all over the floor and beside him a whole pack laid empty. She frowned. Stupid cop!

Tip toeing closer she took the jacket from the floor and started mending it. Being a shinobi was always good. She had a whole stack of needles to chose from. And maybe Saitou's gift was a bit on the cheap side compared to the stuffed dog...

But hey.. It's a gift... He's lucky I even thought about him after he was such a jerk...

She grinned as she started mending the jacket. She never considered herself a lady but at least she did know how to sew... She had learned the skill from Omasu... It was too bad she didn't learn much of the other things Omasu had tried to teach her. She worked fast afraid that the wolf might wake up. Glancing back at him she smiled.

A sleeping wolf... Now you don't see that everyday. I thought he never slept on duty? He must be tired...

Standing up she gently placed the needles back into her gi. Stretching the jacket she made sure that her handywork would not break. Slowly she placed the uniform on top of his shoulders.

It's cold... That should keep him warm for now.

Moving to the window she watched the sun as it slowly disappeared. In a few more moments she'll have to wake the wolf. But for now she'll let him sleep... Just enough to get his strength back.