Author's Note: Did the Kinmon Rebellion really take place? Yes, it did. Well this chapter is short and pretty boring, but try to enjoy it.
July 20, 1864. One day after the Kinmon Rebellion.
"So how many of those bastards did you guys get?" Fuyumi asked.
"Just about a dozen," Sano said.
"When we got there, it was sort of too late," Shinpachi said.
"The fire was scary, but we stayed up till now putting them out," Heisuke said, "There were so many left homeless…"
"I feel so bad for them," Fuyumi said, "I wish I was there to help…"
"Don't worry, there were very few who were burned," Sano mentioned.
"I can see that," Fuyumi said looking at Shinpachi wrapped fingers, "I'm glad everyone is fine."
"Yeah, there was a small orphanage that was burned down too," Heisuke said, "I feel sorry for those kids, they have nowhere to go."
"Maybe we should bring them in and help them find a place or something," Fuyumi suggested.
"That's not a bad idea," Sano said rubbing his chin.
"Ooh! That's a wonderful idea, haha-san," Soji said happily.
"W-WHAT THE HELL?!" The four shouted.
"Sorry about that," Soji apologized, "It'd be great if we brought the four orphans in."
"There are four of them?" Fuyumi asked.
"Yeah, they were crying when they saw that their home was burning down," Soji said, "I'm going to ask Kondo-san about that." He said walking off.
"'Puppy boy' would probably be happy with those kiddies around," Heisuke said smiling, "He needs some friends to play with."
"Yeah," Fuyumi said with a grin, "I hope Kondo-san and Hijikata-san would consider this idea…"
"So what do you think, Kondo-san, Hijikata-san?" Soji asked.
"That's a wonderful idea," Yamanami said, "Tachibana-"
"No," Hijikata said immediately.
"Why not?" Soji asked, "They have nowhere to go, nothing. All of their belongings were burned down…"
"They'll just get in the way with everything," Hijikata answered.
"Yeah, but I want to provide them things that I never had," Soji said, "I guess I'll be leaving this to you three," He said walking away.
"Toshi," Kondo started, "Why not consider this? All we ever do is train."
"I know!" Toshizo raised his voice, "They'll just get in the way though! Nothing, but brats!"
"But why is Ichimura here?" Kondo asked, "Just do it for the children."
"Fine!" Toshi accepted, "Just don't get those brats in my way." He said and stomped out.
"Is your cold getting better?" Tetsu asked.
"Yeah, I feel better already!" Fuyumi said happily, "So you got your arm slightly burned?"
"Yeah, but I'm fine," Tetsu said.
"You worry too much Fuyumi," Shinpachi said, "Like you've said yourself, 'Let loose,'"
"I guess so," The young woman said nervously, "It's a dark day today."
"It is," Heisuke agreed, "And now it rains…"
"I hope the commanders considered your idea," Shinpachi mentioned.
"We did," Yamanami said.
"W-WHAT THE HELL?!"
"Sorry to scare you guys like that," Yamanami apologized.
"So you guys considered my idea?" Fuyumi asked.
"It was hard to convince Toshi though," He said pushing up his glasses.
"So the kids are coming over?!" Heisuke asked happily, "Goodie!!!"
"Don't get too excited, you pervert," Shinpachi said.
"Pervert?" Heisuke repeated.
"So when are the kids coming over?" Sano asked.
"Kondo-san, Okita-san, and I will be retrieving them," Yamanami answered.
"So four kids?" Fuyumi asked.
"Yeah, three girls and one boy," Shinpachi said stretching his arms, "I'm gonna start making lunch."
"Thank you," Fuyumi said giving Shinpachi a hug, "Can I has some sake?"
"Are you drunk?" Shinpachi asked.
"No, but I will be," She said laughing.
"Fine," Shinpachi said walking out.
"So how's your ankle?" Sano asked.
"It's only been six days, and it's not really progressing," Fuyumi answered.
"I think Kondo-san is looking for me, I'll be off," Yamanami said and walked away.
"I see," Sano said, "I hope you feel better soon…"
"Me too," Fuyumi agreed, "I need to go to visit my parent's grave."
"Is that so?" Shinpachi came in with the sake, "When do you have to go?"
"I have to go back on November 27th," Fuyumi answered, "My mother died on the twenty fifth, but my father died two days and eleven years later."
"Is it okay if I come?" Shinpachi asked setting the sake set down.
"Sure," Fuyumi said smiling. She poured herself a cup of sake and quickly drank it down, "That's the stuff!" She said and poured herself one cup after another.
"Whoa, don't drink too much or the kids will think you're weird," Heisuke warned.
"Damn, you're right," Fuyumi said laughing, "Well I think that should be enough, thank you, love."
"Anytime," Shinpachi said cleaning up the sake set and walked out to get lunch prepared.
"I wonder where the kids will sleep," Sano said.
"They can stay here with me," Fuyumi said, "If they sleep with you guys, they'll all be squished."
"Hmm… You're right about that," Sano said.
"They can sleep with me," Heisuke said.
"Like Hell they would!" Fuyumi and Tetsu exclaimed.
"At least 'Puppy boy' will have some friends to play with now," Heisuke said.
Tetsu looked at Todou, then at his hand, "I guess I do."
"Don't worry, the kids will like you," Fuyumi said placing her hands on Tetsu's shoulder, "Just have fun, maybe Saya-chan can come over and play too."
"Aww, puppy love," Heisuke said.
"Shut up!" Tetsu exclaimed, "So these kids…"
"Don't worry, they're probably a bit younger than you," Fuyumi said.
"Now don't be shy," Yamanami said to the four orphans, "We have very kind people there."
"Really?" One girly voice asked, "Are there monsters?"
"There are no such things as monsters!" Another girlish voice popped out.
"You guys will love our haha-san," Soji said smiling.
"Haha-san?" The four children asked.
"Is she scary?"
"Is she pretty?"
"Is her cooking yummy?"
"Does she like mean little boys like Kyo?"
"Shut up!" The boy shouted.
"We're here," Kondo announced.