A.U.- Sorry for the long delay in updates everyone! Gomen ne (bows repeatedly). My schedule at work changed recently and I started a new shift, which resulted in me working an entire week straight, leaving me no time to work on this chapter. You know life just gets in the way sometimes, but I have muses who keep me on my toes and remind me to update, or in some cases threaten me coughs Miss Teak coughs. LOL, I'm probably gonna catch a flying object to the skull for that one, but it's alright. Anyway, I'm here to update again, so with that said, enjoy this new chapter.
Standard disclaimers apply
Two of a Kind
Ch. 14- Ulterior Motives
By: Ishimaru Amon
A liar begins with making falsehood appear like truth, and ends with making truth itself appear like falsehood
Sanosuke stood quietly in his room, slipping his trademark gi over his slightly bandaged body as he prepared for his visit to the police station today. The irony of the situation was enough to have him laughing out loud, and he might have if he hadn't been so agitated. The whole situation felt like a trap to Sanosuke. Why would the police ask someone like him, a man with a known criminal record, for help? The whole thing reeked of a setup, and Sano felt himself strangely on guard today, more so than ever.
He also found himself still a bit irritated at both Misao and Kaoru, who found themselves unable to keep silent about his little bout with Chou in the front yard of the dojo. Kenshin hadn't mentioned anything to Megumi when she had arrived from the clinic later that evening, and Sano was more than sure that Aoshi wouldn't say anything about it either. After all, the silent man hardly spoke unless it was necessary. Kaoru and Misao however, had spoken freely of the fight, Kaoru had still been mad over it while Misao just brought up how weird it seemed that Chou would come to the dojo, especially saying that he had been told to come. And of course, Megumi had scolded him to no end about getting into unnecessary fights and getting himself cut up in the process.
Unlike the days of old however, Megumi's scolding seemed more emotionally geared than just being spoken out of anger or frustration with him. If Sanosuke hadn't known her as well as he thought he did, he would've said that she might've been even worried about him. He could see her reason if that were true. Not only was Shen after him, or more specifically Zanza, but the whole helping the police situation just seemed flat out odd. After all he was an ex-gangster turned free-loader, turned fugitive. What the hell could they want with him, was the question that had been ravaging his mind since the agreement had been made.
Sano didn't like to admit it, but Misao did have a point. Who was behind sending Chou to the dojo? And how long had they been aware that he had returned to Japan? Sano gave one last tug to his headband to tighten it, before sliding his shoji door open and exiting the room, closing the door back behind him. Kenshin and the others had been aware that he was planning on going to see what Chief Uramura and the police could want with him, so he was sure that if he disappeared without a word for a while, they would know where he was.
'I'd better keep an eye out today, nothin bout this feels right at all.' Sano fought the urge to sigh as he casually put his hands in his pockets, silently making his way off of the engawa. A voice that he recognized all too well caught him as he was just stepping into the yard.
"Going somewhere?"
He could practically feel the raised eyebrow that came along with her question. Turning, he saw Megumi standing on the opposite end of the engawa, looking fresh and re-splendid from her morning bath. True enough, Megumi had a questioning look on her face, one that he immediately recognized, a look that expected an answer from him. He wondered briefly why anyone else hadn't told her he was going to see the police today. Or maybe she just thought he was going out to goof around, which in all honesty was completely within the realm of possibility.
"Aa, gotta go see what the police want with me."
Sano watched as Megumi gave him a disbelieving look that showed she was not entirely convinced. Oh well, Sano mentally shrugged, there was nothing he could do about it if she never believed a word he said. He met her for a few moments, his face betraying no emotion to show whether or not he was lying to her. Megumi searched his eyes for any signs of falsehood, and after finding none, softened her features and stepped off of the engawa to meet him in the yard. He watched her smirk playfully when she stopped in front of him, reaching up to brush off some imaginary piece of lint.
"Well, with your known reputation, wouldn't it be obvious what they want with you." Sano scowled at that, realizing that she did have a point. It was so like her to act this way during a situation such as this, but then again, with the way things had been between them lately, Sano wasn't sure if it just mere teasing anymore.
"Che, get off it Kitsune. You know as well as I do that if they wanted to arrest me, they would've done it yesterday. Not like they could anyway." At this Sano gave her a cocky grin that she met with a scowl of her own. "But still, even though I don't completely trust them, I would like to know who sent Chou to come after me, and what exactly it is they want with me. If it's something I can help em with, then maybe it might just be enough for em to gimme a break ya know."
Sano's grin had disappeared as he spoke seriously, and Megumi found herself being surprised by his attitude toward the situation. The usual cocky attitude that he normally exuded was what she had come to expect from him, but this serious side was something that was rarely seen from him, and Megumi wondered for a moment if he was as truly concerned about the situation as he seemed. And even more surprising, Megumi found herself wondering why she was so concerned about it as well. Neither of them had spoken much of the kiss they had shared only a couple of nights ago.
She didn't know why Sano hadn't mentioned it, another thing she wasn't expecting from him, and she hadn't mentioned it herself because she had been trying to figure out what it had meant for them. Sure Sanosuke was handsome, in a rough and rugged sort of way, and Megumi had to admit that she did enjoy that kiss. However, she still wasn't sure if a physical attraction was enough to risk having a relationship with him. Megumi needed time to sort things out, get everything in perspective, and more importantly she needed to know what his thoughts and feelings were on the subject.
The two remained silent for a little longer before Sano turned to make his way toward the gates. Tossing a casual wave over his shoulder, Sano made what he thought would be his last response before leaving.
"Well, I'm off kitsune, wouldn't wanna keep em waitin and have em even more pissed at me. I'll see you later on this evening when you get back from the clinic."
"Actually, if you can, I'd like you to stop by the clinic when you're done there."
Sano stopped right in front of the gates and turned, looking at Megumi curiously as he wasn't sure if he had heard her right. She usually never wanted him to show up at the clinic, most likely because he showed up so often with some injury to have treated. This time Sano was the one searching her face for any signs of sincerity, and seeing that she was completely serious, decided not to argue with her. Megumi sensed his curiosity however, and decided to clarify the matter before he got any ideas in his head.
"Your bandages haven't been changed since I patched you up yesterday evening, and they might be bleeding through. I'll need to check them and maybe replace them if they are bleeding through. I won't have you walking around with unclean bandages and getting them infected." Sano smirked and nodded, willing to believe her words.
"Aa, I'll stop by when I'm done then. Ja." With that, Sanosuke walked through the front gates and out of the dojo, Megumi watching for a few moments as he disappeared out of sight, before closing the gates and heading back to her room to get her medical things for the day.
Sanosuke strolled casually down the streets of Tokyo, various thoughts running through his head. He was curious as to what the police wanted with him, but that wasn't the only thing on his mind. Shen had said he was after Zanza, and Sano knew that meant the two would eventually cross paths. Sano had been around him enough in China to know that the man was strictly devoted to his job as a bounty hunter, and Sano knew that meant the two would more than likely have to fight when Shen learned of who Zanza was.
Normally the thought of fighting someone like Shen would've gotten Sano excited, but the Shen that he had seen at the Akabeko was entirely different from the Shen he had met and teamed up with in China. Shen was darker than he was before, more dangerous, and Sano knew the reason behind it. Losing Mai Ling seemed to have set off a trigger, unleashed something inside of the gaijin that had been kept dormant for a long time. Sano found his fists clenching of their own accord as the memories of that time flooded his mind, but they relaxed a little while later when Sano found himself standing outside of the police headquarters. Pushing those troubling thoughts out of his mind, Sano opened the door and walked in.
He was greeted by the many faces of men in blue uniforms, their eyes all trained on him, many of them recognizing who he was. Sanosuke expected to hear the sounds of many guns being cocked and then pointed right at him, but instead the men just went back to work. Sano became even more apprehensive suddenly, and began entertaining thoughts of just turning back around and walking out, before a voice called out to him.
"Ah, Sagara-san, I see you've decided to come."
Sano turned to see Chief Uramura walking towards him, a welcoming smile on his face as he got closer to the taller man. Sano grinned at the man, the familiar face of the chief relaxing his nerves just a little, as he followed when the chief motioned for him to follow him. The two walked up a flight of stairs and then down a hallway, Sano keeping his eyes peeled for the slightest sign of an ambush. Chief Uramura stopped in front of a door and turned to speak, catching Sano's attention.
"Gomen ne for causing you any unnecessary comfort, but Lt. Fujita is just behind this door. He's the one who requested your presence."
'Fujita? Why does that name sound so familiar?' Sano thought with a sense of deja vu.
The bad feeling Sano had been getting all day when the chief twisted the knob, opening the door and walking inside. Sano followed behind him, stopping just at the entrance instead of entering the room fully. The first sight he noticed was Chou sitting casually in a seat on the left side of the room, one eye open and looking directly at Sano, a scowl still marred on his face. Sano assumed he was still upset at losing their fight, but disregarded after a moment as he didn't really care how Chou felt about what. His eyes went to the man sitting behind the desk, cold amber eyes meeting his own, and Sano finally realized why he had been getting that bad feeling all day.
The chief turned to introduce Sanosuke formally to the man who sat at the desk, a few papers in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other.
"Sagara-san, this is-" Sano cut him off as he glared at the man known as Lt. Fujita.
"Don't bother, we know each other already, isn't that right Saitou?"
Chief Uramura seemed surprised that Sano was aware of the man's true identity, but then realized that it shouldn't really be that much of a surprise, as Sano was close friends with Himura Kenshin. Saitou placed his papers down and sat back, chuckling at Sano's reaction to seeing him here. Saitou assumed the younger man had hoped never to see him again, and Saitou likewise felt the same. But unfortunately Saitou required someone with Sano's reputation to get the information he needed, mainly why there were so many Yakuza gathering in Tokyo, and who was behind it. Saitou smelled another revolt coming, and he knew it was best to put out the fire while it was still small.
Taking a drag of his cigarette, Saitou remained quiet for a few more moments, seemingly just to agitate Sanosuke. Saitou was a little surprised however to see Sanosuke waiting patiently for an explanation, although he still maintained the glare that he'd had upon walking into the room.
"I'll get right to the point ahou, I'm sure you've noticed the little underworld gathering that's been going on recently."
"Yeah, I know about it. Don't see what it's got to do with me though."
"If you can't see that, then you truly are a moron. I have a feeling that this sudden occurrence is more than what it appears, and if so I'd like to get it taken care of before anything comes of it. With your known reputation as the gangster Kenkaya Zanza, you're in a perfect position to lend us your assistance."
Saitou smirked at the end of his statement, and Sanosuke knew from the way he was smirking and the way he said the word lend that he didn't really have much of a choice in the matter. Therefore, Sanosuke decided to meet Saitou's comment with a sarcastic one of his own.
"Well, as flattered as I am that you just happened to think of me for your little mission, I think I'll pass. I'm not letting myself be used by the cops simply because I have a reputation."
He tossed a smug look to Chou, who became even more furious when he caught on to the underhanded insult. Saitou however appeared unaffected as always, instead taking another puff of his cigarette and blowing the stream of smoke out of the corner of his mouth, before smirking at Sano again.
"As always ahou, you're not catching the point. This isn't a request. If you don't cooperate with us, then we can simply arrest you right now and spare ourselves the headache."
"And who exactly is going to arrest me? I've already beaten ya little errand boy over there, and I doubt ya got anybody else stupid enough to take me on, unless you wanna get out of that chair and do it yourself."
Sano smirked dangerously, bringing one of his hands out of his pockets in preparation for any move the former captain of the Shinsengumi might make. Saitou assumed a malicious look to meet Sano's own, stubbing his cigarette out as he gave him his answer.
"That can be arranged."
Sano brought his other hand out of his pocket and clenched both of his fists, ready for whatever may come. Chief Uramura sensed the dangerous atmosphere in the room, and stepped in to intervene before things could escalate further.
"Please Sagara-san, we are not sure of the Yakuza's reasons for gathering here so suddenly, but we suspect someone may be behind them, pulling the strings. It's not just the Yakuza here in Tokyo either, we have reports that there have even been some from as far north as Hokkaido. All we need to know is who is behind it so that we can stop it at the source. Surely you can find out something for us, and your reputation as a gangster wouldn't raise any suspicions among them."
Sano smirked as he thought about the chief's statement. He agreed that a sudden gathering of unscrupulous characters like this screamed of someone pulling the strings. Yakuza certainly weren't the types to just do things without the proper motivation, someone had to be pulling the strings, someone with a lot of money and power. The chief also had another point, if he did decide to lend a hand, no one certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to question his motives. If there was one thing Sano was still sure of, it was his reputation amongst the underworld. But, like most other Yakuza, the gangster Zanza never lent his services without a price.
Chief Uramura seemed to sense his thoughts, breaking Sano's moment of contemplation in order to try and sweeten the deal for the younger man.
"If you agree to help us Sagara-san, we can have that little warrant disappear."
Sanosuke turned a surprised look to him, wondering if the chief were actually serious. Sano hadn't forgotten about Uramura's "misdirection" of the police while had been bidding Kenshin and the others farewell, so he trusted the chief that the man would keep his word.
"Ya sure you can do that?"
Chief Uramura could see the disbelief written on his face, and he gave a reassuring smile followed by a nod. The chief knew that even with his authority, he wouldn't be enough to get the warrant voided, but he was sure that with the Lt.'s assistance, that the situation could be handled. Sano turned to look at Saitou, who's face was set in a typical emotionless expression, letting on nothing of his opinion or agreement on the matter. Sano frowned in annoyance at the older man's look, before turning back to the chief. What the hell? He shrugged mentally, it wasn't as if he had anything better to do, and sitting around waiting for something to happen had never been his style. It still wasn't.
"Alright fine, if ya can get rid of the warrant, then I'll help ya out."
"That is provided you can actually do the job without screwing it up." Chou voiced Saitou's own thought out loud. He smirked as he watched Sano turn a threatening look to Chou.
"Keep ya trap shut before I do it for ya. If anyone can do the job, it's Kenkaya Zanza. But let's get one thing straight, I'm only going back to being Zanza to get rid of that damn warrant. After this I have no intention of becoming Zanza again." Sano indicated himself with his thumb. Saitou made no response as he stubbed his cigarette out in an ashtray.
"I could careless what you decide to do with yourself when this is over, as long as you don't foul up the assignment. Now, we've heard from some sources that there is a place located in Yokohama where they are gathering. We have our suspicions about a few places, but we don't have enough concrete evidence to point out an exact location. Amazingly these scum are a surprisingly tight-lipped about any real details, therefore, we'd like you to find out a location, and any other detail that would be beneficiary to your assignment. Do you think you can handle that?"
"Che piece of cake, I'll get on it tomorrow." With that Sano turned back toward the door, ready to get out of the police infested building. Saitou's voice stopped him however, the man raising an eyebrow at Sano's nonchalant attitude.
"Tomorrow?" Turning back, Sano gave all of them in the room a smug grin.
"Aa, gotta stop by the clinic to have these bandages checked. I'll have something for ya soon." With that Sano exited the room and the building. Saitou stood and looked out of the window, Chou and Uramura watching him from behind as he lit another cigarette. It wasn't long before one of them broke the silence.
"Ya think it's ok to just hand the job over to him."
Saitou smirked at Chou's question, already having thought of a way to get the man out of his hair.
"Well, if you're worried about him screwing it up, you can keep an eye on him and report back to me with his progress."
Chou grinned back in response, standing to his feet.
"Alright I'll get on it." With that Chou walked out as well, Saitou still standing at the window, his cold calculating amber eyes and deadly smirk still on his face.
A short bulbous man strolled through a western style house, sparing glances and exchanging greetings with a few men who remained in the building. The rest of his hired thugs were out in the city, generally going about their own business while looking for any extra recruits or new arrivals. Tani had a plan, a plan that was going to involve the participation of hundreds of thugs if he wanted it to succeed. He was going to the top, to gain a higher place in the government. He wanted power, although he already had plenty, but the one thing he found to be true during his days as a politician was that the only thing a man with power coveted was more power.
He kept his gaze straight ahead, intent on finding his number 1 subordinate, the man who acted as his main enforcer. Exiting the back of the building, he entered the spacious backyard to see his hired gun sharpening his skills with his sword. Standing quietly, Tani watched as Okuzawa Hiroshi stood in front of large rock, his eyes staring intensely at the solid object. His sword was sheathed, hanging at his side, and Tani assumed for the moment that he was using the same hidden sword that he normally carried with him. But Tani noticed immediately that the sheath of the sword was different in appearance.
While Hiroshi's more common hidden sword was kept in a simple wooden sheath, the sheath of his current sword was held in a sheath made of a dark wood, probably oak Tani guessed. It was also inscribed with what appeared to be ancient symbols, and was lacquered with a smooth glossy finish. Tani continued to watch as Hiroshi's grip on the handle suddenly tightened, before he skillfully and quickly lashed out, striking the rock. Tani watched, stunned as he expected the sword to be break upon contact. While he wasn't swordsman, he'd been around long enough to learn that hidden swords were widely considered by many samurai to be weaker than actual Japanese katanas.
However, the sword did not break, instead it shook as it emitted a faint ringing sound. Hiroshi did not break eye contact with the rock for a few moments. He finally stood and re-sheathed his sword, before turning and acknowledging his employer's presence. Tani was about to speak before the sound of the rock cracking cut him off. Both men turned and watched as a crack that appeared in the rock slowly appeared and spread across the surface of the object, before it broke with a loud crack and fell apart, the top half lying to the ground. Tani had never seen such a powerful display of skill, and he was once again thankful he had come upon the samurai when he had.
After his time in Shinshuu, having spent his time recuperating after being attacked by Zanza and dealing with his disfigurement, he had left the godforsaken village, heading back to Tokyo while awaiting Zanza's capture. On the road back however, his carriage had been attacked by a group of thieves, and it was then that he'd come upon Hiroshi. The thieves had killed the few Yakuza guards he had with him, and just as he feared they were going to kill him, Hiroshi had come, silently trekking down the road. The swordsman quickly ended the confrontation, killing each one of the attackers, before continuing down the path. Tani had recognized something in him that moment, and had quickly called out to him, offering him an exuberant amount of money for his services.
Hiroshi hadn't been convinced at first, and had declined the offer a few times before a deal was struck that satisfied him. It was then Tani had found out that Hiroshi was the student of a former high ranking Shinsengumi member and dreamed of reforming the Shinsengumi, to create a new Shinsengumi troop. Tani had the power and resources to help him, and it was with that the deal was made, Hiroshi since serving as his appointed bodyguard and enforcer. Tani was brought out of the recollection as Hiroshi made his way toward him, twisting his wrist in a circular motion to dispel the soreness in it.
"Heh, I see your skills are still as sharp as ever Hiroshi-san, it's good to see."
"Of course Tani-san, it took me years of intense training to earn these skills, I can't afford to let them dull."
"That's very good to hear, we are going to need them for what is to come."
"Oh? Are you planning to move forward with your plan?"
"Yes, speaking of which, are your men on their way?" Hiroshi and Tani both smirked, each one knowing what was to come.
"Yes they are, in fact they should be here in a couple of days."
Scene change to a small mountain village located a few miles away from a road that leads to Tokyo
"Oi, come on, Okuzawa-sensei is expecting us. You guys are gonna slow us down even more."
A young man of about 24 years of age stands outside of a hut. Two other men, one who is very tall, bald, and thin exits the shoji of the hut, followed by a much shorter man with wild hair. The two smirk at their companion, before setting off back to the road toward Tokyo. Inside the hut, two women lie asleep in futons, oblivious to the missing presence of the 3 men.
"Ah, that's good to hear as well. The three top students of yours, who have trained with you since you began your wandering. I have yet to see them in serious combat, but if they are anything like you, then they will help my plans of rising to the top of the government along immensely."
Hiroshi did not respond to that, deciding instead to move on to a more pressing matter, one that he had been curious of for some time.
"What of the hunter? Why enlist his services in this little endeavor of yours?"
"Ha ha, the hunter's only primary goal is to destroy Kenkaya Zanza. If his skills are anywhere near as good as the rumors that surround him, then he should be able to do the job. Once his task is completed, I will have no further use for him."
Scene change to a gambling den in the seedy district of Tokyo
Inside of the gambling hall, Shen lands a punishing blow to the side of a man's neck, sending him crashing into the opposite wall. Stalking over, he picks up a bleeding man, staring him directly in the face. The man's eyes fill with fear as he stares back into the predator-like eyes of Shen, the pupils narrowed to slits.
"I will ask you again sir, I am looking for the one called Kenkaya Zanza. I was told he frequents this particular gambling hall, and I would appreciate any information you could give me." The man stammers his reply as his lips visibly tremble.
"I- I don't know where he is. He- he hasn't been here in over a week." Shen pulls the man closer, and watches as the man trembles even more.
"Are you sure that is all that you know? It would not be wise to lie to me."
'Th-there's a man who lives not far from here. Writes a newspaper on the government's misdealing. They say he knows Kenkaya Zanza." Shen smiles at the man before dropping him and exiting the hut and the scattered unconscious bodies of the men inside.
Hiroshi turns an amused look to his employer, finding his next thought not a bad one at all.
"Oh, and you intend for me to kill him?"
"Not exactly. After all, once we've taken the good minister hostage, someone will have to play as our patsy."
"And what of Haruko-san? Do you have any plans for her and her clan in your takeover?"
Tani gave his enforcer a devious smirk, his short arms clasped firmly behind his back as he gazed straight ahead at the serene settings of the grounds of the villa that they were occupying as their base.
"As you may well know, the Yaminobu have fallen on hard times after the violence of the Bakumatsu, being that they operated mainly on the side of the Shogunate. Because of this, many have gone to lead secluded lives, away from the world created by the Meiji. By using this to our advantage, it should be easy to frame her as well. After all, the police may be less inclined to ask questions if they believe Haruko-san to be an accomplice of Huan-san's."
Scene change to a field by a small creek in Tokyo
A young woman practices alone in the field, her hands clutching the kunai in them as she focuses all of her attention on a nearby tree. Her attention is focused so much on her target, that she is unaware of the watchful eyes of another woman a few years her senior and carrying a basket of recently bought goods, standing on a bridge overlooking the field.
"Kansatsu Tobikunai!"
Misao calls out her attack as she let's her daggers fly. 4 of them land their mark dead center into the tree, but they do not embed themselves fully. Misao releases a frustrated sigh when she sees the other six lying scattered about on the ground. Grumbling, Misao walks over to pick them up, intending to repeat the exercise again. Her senses however pick up on someone watching her, and she turns quickly, readying herself for any possible attack, only to see the woman from the bridge standing a few feet away. The woman smiles at Misao, causing her to visibly relax. Misao returns her smile with a cheerful one of her own.
"Hi, I'm Makimachi Misao. Don't mind me, I was just training a little out here."
The woman smiles at her before setting her basket down, and begins helping her pick up the kunai. Misao watches stunned for a moment, wondering what the woman's reasons are for helping her, but accepts her weapons with a word of thanks.
"Arigatou for helping me. You didn't have to do it"
"Hai, someone with your skill must be very capable of taking care of themselves. Don't worry, I don't mind helping. Though I must say, your method of throwing them is a little bit wrong."
"Huh?" Misao responds incredulously, wondering what this strange woman knows about throwing such dangerous objects. The woman only continues to smile at Misao as she takes one of the kunai in her hands, twirling it on her finger before tossing it in the air. Catching it, the woman lashes out with amazing speed, sending the kunai zipping through the air. Thud! The dagger lands in the tree, embedded more than halfway into the tree. Misao looks on stunned, amazed at the display of skill.
"Wow! How'd you learn to do all of that?"
The woman continues smiling as she walks over to the tree, plucking the sharp object out of the tree, before returning it back to Misao's hands.
"From my father, who learned from my grandfather." The woman then continues walking back to her basket, picking it up and beginning to return back to the bridge she was crossing. Misao's voice stops her momentarily.
"Wait! What's your name?" The woman turns to look at Misao, remembering that she hadn't yet introduced herself.
"Oh! I'm sorry, my name is Suzuwa Haruko, it was a pleasure meeting you Makimachi-san."
"Hey, do you think you can teach me how to do that? I want to be stronger, and you seem like you know a lot."
"Well, I wouldn't say I know a lot. But if you want to be stronger, I suppose I can help you."
"Really?" Misao gives Haruko a hopeful look, and Haruko can see now the determination in her eyes. The younger woman reminds her a lot of herself, wanting to be strong, and is not ashamed of it. Haruko returns her a reassuring smile.
"Of course. I don't live far from here, so if you'd like, I can meet you here tomorrow and we can get started."
"Hai! I'll see you here tomorrow then."
"Very well, until then, sayonara."
"Hmmm, I see, so you'll have them both take the fall then." Hiroshi stands beside his employer, both of them gazing out at the now setting sun. Tani nods his head affirmatively as he speaks.
"Yes, and when I become responsible for their capture, coupled with high ranking status I already have as a government official, it should be easy to get into a much better position of power and authority. After all, the only real power in this world isn't muscle power, nor a swordsman's, but that of political power."
Hiroshi turns a stern gaze to Tani, whose disfigured face looks up to meet his with a smirk. The two continue with the silent stare down, Hiroshi speaking as he does so.
"Well, I could care less of your views or opinions, so long as you keep to your end of our agreement." Tani breaks his gaze from Hiroshi, staring back out into the distance.
"Don't worry Hiroshi-san. You have nothing to worry about, so long as you do the job you agreed to. Crush those who would stand in the way of my goal, I will not only assure you a high-ranking military position, but I will also give you the resources you need to build a new Shinsengumi."
"If that is all, then you will have nothing to fear. After all, I have spent many long years wandering the land and perfecting my skills. With the rumored loss of the Battousai's skills, I doubt there is anyone who can stand against me."
"Let's not forget that the rumor of the Battousai's diminished abilities is only that, plus from what I understand, there is said to be a man working for the police force who is equal to Battousai." Tani turns just in time to take notice of the dangerous gleam in Hiroshi's eyes, when he turns to level his employer with a knowing gaze.
"Ah yes, the man known as Fujita Goro. I have heard much of his abilities with a sword, and am well aware of his true identity. One of the great Miburo, is no more than a whipped dog of the government now. He is the ultimate step in the fulfillment of our agreement, a step I look forward to crushing beneath my feet."
"Good, then with that, we can begin to follow through with my plans. Starting with the capture of the good general, Aritomo Yamagata, who should arrive here from Satsuma within 2 weeks time, just in time for Tokyo's summer festival."
"Yes it will be a time to celebrate indeed, when our plans will finally begin to come to fruition."
Tani just smirked at Hiroshi's statement, as the samurai entered the villa, leaving the short bulbous man standing outside alone.
"Yes, a time to celebrate indeed."
To Be Continued...
Oh sorry not to have had this one out sooner people, but I'm sure you all understand my reasons. I sort of had a different outlook on how this chapter would be, but needless to say, it turned out a bit different from what I originally had planned. Oh well, it still brought the plot of the story along a little, at least I think it did. Hmm, well let me know what you think by clicking on that little purple button below next to submit a review eh?
Japanese text
Ahou- moron (Saitou's typical little nickname for Sano)
Arigatou- thank you (more loose way of saying it)
Aritomo Yamagata- the guy with the mustache who appeared in about the second episode of the anime, and chapter 2 volume 1 of the manga. He's a former Ishin Shishi member, and a general if I'm not mistaken.
Kansatsu Tobikunai- Misao's technique with the kunai in which she basically launches a full array of the daggers at her opponent.
Miburo- wolf of Mibu (classic nickname of the Shinsengumi memebers, who were first situated in Mibu)
Shogunate- refers to the Tokugawa Shogunate, the opposing side during the Bakumatsu.