Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
Dreams I Dreamt Instead
Chapter 3: Whatever Hiko Wants
Misao and the rest of the Oniwabanshuu were up very early and breakfasting together as they did most mornings.
"So are we all in agreement?" Misao looked around the room, and each member of her family nodded in agreement, Okina last. "I am going to go along with Himura and Sagara to see Hiko-sama. I feel that we owe him assistance in whatever he has in mind for Himura. Can you begin our search while I am gone?"
"I will lead the search for our second Inn, beginning today. We will start working on all of the expansion plans we have already discussed. The only thing we will defer until your return, Okashira, is acceptance of outsiders as new members."
"Thanks, Okina. I would like to meet everyone first, however, I have no idea what Hiko-sama has in mind, so do not wait for me if you believe you need to act on any of our plans, including accepting new members. You all have my complete trust. I will be back as soon as I can."
"One question, Okashira," Okon asked.
"Yes?"
"About Shinomori-sama, do you wish to be informed of any, um, changes? Has perhaps the time come to suggest an alternate place of residence to the former Okashira?"
Misao scowled. "I understand your feelings, Okon," she paused and saw the others agreeing with Okon's mild suggestion that they ask Aoshi to leave. "However, I really believe that we should allow him to continue to live here out of respect for the service he performed to our clan in his youth. Has he done anything to actually disturb any of you?"
She looked to each of them, and they all responded by shaking their heads to indicate he had not. Okon added, "He has betrayed our trust, Okashira, by rejecting us and our clan. I am concerned about going forward with our plans with him on the premises. What if he interferes?"
"I see your point, Okon. I am loath to think he would act overtly against our plans, but the course of least resistance is easy. Don't tell him. It's not like he will ask. Leave him be. He is alone; that is punishment enough."
Misao left the room, and while the others exchanged questioning looks, they wouldn't consider acting against the wishes of their Okashira. Misao had given them a good reason. Aoshi was owed something for past service; he would be tolerated.
The morning was bright and clear. Perfect weather to go on the trek to see Hiko.
Kenshin and Sano ate quickly, anxious to be on their way to see why Hiko had summoned Kenshin. Just as they were about to leave, Misao joined them.
"I'm coming with you. I haven't seen Hiko-sama since the Shishio days. If this is serious enough for him to use the Oniwabanshuu to contact you, you might need my help. Besides, he might as well embarrass you in front of two friends, Himura. Isn't that what he does with his 'baka deshi'?"
"Are you sure you want to come with us? You know Hiko is likely to take aim at anyone who comes around. But you're right, I'm sure he will be glad to focus on sessha, that he will. But he's never sent for me before, this must be serious."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, Kenshin, are you sure?"
"Oro."
"Yeah, right." Both Sano and Misao said at once. And the three friends set off for Hiko's.
The walk from the Aoiya took about two hours. Sano and Misao were both anxious for news of Tokyo, so Kenshin talked about the latest antics of Kenji, and the success of the Kamiya School due to Kaoru and Yahiko's excellent teaching. He was justifiably proud of his wife, son, and young protégé and it showed. Misao and Sano smiled a lot behind his back. Kenshin was so funny when he talked about Kenji. They both knew from Kaoru that Kenji gave him nothing but grief, yet Kenshin bragged about his three year old son and his exploits just like any other dad. He grimaced a little more than usual – probably remembering the many times his son had hit him or pulled his hair, or worse. Kenshin was so concerned about atonement; maybe Kenji was going to help him feel really sorry.
Misao talked about her hopes for the revitalization of her Oniwabanshuu. She spoke with such pride in her eyes, showing the depth of her belief in herself and her family. Kenshin noticed Sano watching her closely. He could tell by the feel of her ki that the Oniwabanshuu was taking over the place that Aoshi had occupied in her thoughts. She was spending all of her time thinking and planning for their future. Kenshin thought she was right to focus on the future. Let her concentrate on her family and maybe love would find her when she wasn't looking. That's how he had found his Kaoru on that long ago night in Tokyo. A young lady looking for the hitokiri Battousai had found him and stolen his heart.
Sano encouraged Misao to talk in more detail about her plans. He had apparently worked as a bodyguard on more than one occasion in the course of his travels.
"What kind of jobs did you do, Sagara?"
"Well, lots of menial labor and cooking – which I am worse at than Jo-chan, if you can believe that. But the jobs I enjoyed the most were guarding people in interesting situations and doing security and protection work. I met a lot of people I wouldn't usually meet, like politicians and musicians. I especially liked it when I was protecting people who were traveling around the country. Lots of variety, no paperwork. Oh, and some decent fights, too."
"Yeah, I forgot. You travel for the fights, right?"
Sano hesitated. It was his standard answer, but it didn't really fit anymore. "Yeah, for the fights, unless I can avoid 'em."
"Well, I want to avoid fights for the Oniwabanshuu as much as I can. What I'm looking for is a way for our group to grow and prosper in this Meiji Era without the violence that we were known for under the shogunate. We can use our ninja talents without the necessity of enforcement, I think. What's your feeling about that, Sagara?"
"Yeah. It's not easy, but it can be done. I did it when I was a fighter for hire. I fought, but I didn't kill. You'd better get yourself some good connections with the local police if you want to be able to leave the punishment to them."
"We've had connections within the police since forever. But not so much with the Meiji officials. That's what happens when you're on the losing side in the Bakumatsu."
Sano and Misao continued to discuss the finer points of providing protection and bodyguard services until they had nearly reached Hiko's. Hiko was well known for his lack of hospitality. If they wanted lunch, they knew they should bring it themselves, so they had brought something to eat while they walked.
The three walked on towards Hiko's, Kenshin in the lead and Misao and Sano following closely behind. Misao and Sano were still engaged in an intense discussion of the best protection strategies for various situations when they reached Hiko's door. The great man himself loomed large in front of his cabin and kiln. His coat flying (although there was no wind) and his face scowling, as usual.
"You are always showing up on my doorstep, baka deshi. Oh, I see you brought along some of your endless friends. Cute couple."
"Oro?"
"Cute Couple?" Sano and Misao both said at once, stopping in their tracks to stare at each other, then at Hiko.
"Well, you might as well come in as long as you are here." Hiko strode into the cabin without waiting for them. They followed. That was the kind of invitation you got from Hiko; if you even got that much.
"I got your message, Shishou. I came right away, how can I help you? Are you OK?"
"How do you think I am? It was bad enough that you stuck me with the coat, but now I can't even rely on a regular supply of sake and I see you came empty handed, as usual."
"That's not exactly true, Hiko-sama," said Misao. "I have brought along a jug of the best sake from the Aoiya. If you like it, I will have more sent up to you." With that, she opened the package she had carried and produced the only sight guaranteed to bring a smile to Hiko's face – a jug of unopened sake with his name on it.
"At least the Oniwabanshuu know how to repay their debts. Which is more than I can say for you, baka deshi." But Hiko couldn't have been too angry, because he opened the jug of sake and offered it to all three of them to sample. Kenshin was shocked. He couldn't remember Shishou ever offering him sake before this. They all sipped for a moment and then waited for Hiko to pass judgment.
"It'll do. Thank you, Okashira." Then he turned another scowl on Kenshin and said, "But I need someone to take care of the sake supply in the village, so will you handle that, Kenshin?" Hiko said this, and then smiled at Kenshin.
Kenshin's internal alarm system went into full alert status. Hiko had called him Kenshin. That meant what he wanted was bound to be difficult or painful or both. But the smile. The smile meant that Hiko knew Kenshin would be unable to refuse. Kenshin felt like a trapped animal with no way to escape. Then he remembered; there was no escape from Master. Whatever Shishou wanted, Kenshin might as well accept it.
"Why has the supply stopped, Shishou?"
"It must be the bandits. I heard there were a group of bandits working in this area of the surrounding forests of Kyoto. They probably don't realize they are right under the nose of Hiko Seijuurou the 13th, or they would have fled by now."
"So why don't you pay them a little 'visit' Hiko-sama?" Misao asked innocently.
He turned his full scowl on her. "Why would I bother with a baka deshi if I have to take care of this stuff myself?"
"So tell us what you can about the bandits, Shishou. Perhaps I can help before I return to Tokyo." Kenshin sounded resigned to the inevitable.
Hiko began to relate what he knew about the bandits. They had first been spotted about six months ago. They had robbed the village store and stolen anything valuable they could find in some of the neighboring farmhouses. Next they had turned to robbing the travelers passing through on the road out of Kyoto. This was where the sake supply came in. The local village store ordered sake from Kyoto. The sake was sent, but never arrived. No other supplies from Kyoto made it through, either.
"But they have not visited you, Shishou?"
"Baka-deshi, if they had would I need you to take care of them for me?" Hiko glared at Kenshin. "I taught you better than that, Kenshin. It shouldn't take much skill to deal with them. It may take more to find them. I have not yet heard anything about where they are based."
Kenshin was looking more and more concerned as Hiko spoke. He knew that Hiko would not call him all the way from Tokyo to handle some bandits unless there was some pressing need, but the idea that Hiko didn't know where the bandits were was most troubling. Hiko knew everything that happened in these woods. Everything. And if he didn't know where they were based, it might take quite a while to find them. And it might be a very exhausting project, as well. Kenshin would not refuse Hiko, could not refuse to help in this kind of situation, it was against his nature. But he wasn't blind to what it might cost him personally. If he took on an exhausting search, he would be spending his strength, his very life. And he would be spending it away from his family. It was the antithesis of the care Megumi had cautioned him to take.
Misao and Sano watched Kenshin's eyes as they narrowed. They had both been present when Megumi had delivered the bad news. They knew that their friend's use of his Hiten Mitsurugi techniques was waning. They looked to Hiko. Did Hiko know of Megumi's prognosis? Neither swordsman was readable if they chose otherwise.
Sano caught Misao's attention over Kenshin's bowed head. The look he gave her was easy to read. They both glanced at Kenshin and then turned to Hiko and said in unison.
"We'll take care of it for you."
Kenshin looked up with genuine surprise in his eyes. He regarded Sano closely, and then Misao. Their offer was sincere, and might even make good sense. Misao had been living in Kyoto for nearly all of her life. She was fairly familiar with these woods and would certainly have Oniwabanshuu contacts in the area. And she could keep Sano from getting lost. Sano could protect her and handle any group of bandits, of this Kenshin had no doubt.
He looked at Hiko, who didn't seem the least bit surprised by this turn of events. "Do you have any idea of how many bandits might be in this group? And have they committed violent crimes, or are they primarily thieves?"
"I cannot say how many, baka deshi. But it should not be a large number. There is not enough to steal to support a large group. As to their methods, to date they have not killed the local farmers or shopkeepers. Rather they have chosen to steal while their houses or stores were closed or unattended. Unfortunately, the travelers on the road have all been killed. To meet them in person has meant certain death. That is one reason I do not have much information to share."
Sano turned to Kenshin and made light of the situation. "Kenshin, this is not something that calls for your special skills. You know I can handle bandits with both hands tied behind my back. Well, actually, I need my fists for the Futae no Kiwami, but you know what I mean."
Misao piped up next. "That's right, Himura. There is no bandit around that can stand up to my demon bird kick kempo. I proved that to you the first night we met. And you are needed in Tokyo. Sagara and I can handle this. It won't take long and then I'll pack him off to you on the next train to Tokyo."
"No sweat, Kenshin. Misao and I will make a thorough search, smoke 'em out, turn 'em in and be back in time for dinner."
Kenshin remained unconvinced. He knew full well that his friends were trying to spare him from unnecessary expenditure of his limited skills. But if Hiko had sent for him, it must be serious enough to call for his attention. Hiko was glaring at him as if he could see clear through to the back of his head. Kenshin knew that glare well, and he had not missed it a bit.
"I had not expected the gangster to come with you, baka deshi. And Misao-san is a capable fighter as well. Perhaps this problem should be theirs to handle. You are needed in Tokyo, are you not?"
Kenshin scowl turned darker at this turn of events. If Hiko was willing to let Sano and Misao handle these bandits, and had said so in front of them, there would be no way for him to decline their offer, no matter what his own opinion was. More of Hiko's high handedness. First he demanded that Kenshin drop everything and come, now he demanded that he return to Tokyo. Kenshin might eventually have to capitulate, but it would cost Hiko something in return.
"Shishou, are you willing to offer Sano and Misao your hospitality during their stay in the area? And are you willing to provide them with supplies? We did not come with any provisions. This search effort is likely to require both time and provisions. At the very least, they will need a base camp."
Hiko's glare turned darker, but he responded affirmatively. "I would expect that a ninja and a gangster would both be resourceful. But I will provide any provisions they wish and a place to stay when they are in this area." He turned his glare on both Sano and Misao. "The hospitality of Hiko Seijuurou the 13th is not to be abused, you understand?"
Both Sano and Misao meekly nodded. Arguing with Hiko was the definition of an exercise in futility. Kenshin had just succeeded in getting them more from him than either of them had ever expected.
Kenshin continued, "If that is settled, then you and I can draw them a detailed map of the area with all of the previous attacks and thefts clearly marked. The least we can do is provide them with all the local landmarks and information about the lay of the land."
Hiko merely grunted his agreement and poured himself more sake. He didn't offer any to his visitors; his largess was at an end. "You can draw the map, I'll tell you where you are mistaken."
"Some things never change," Kenshin muttered under his breath, as he began to draw a detailed map on the paper Hiko handed to him.
Sano and Misao were both surprised at the turn of events. Kenshin had not really argued about them taking on this task alone. Had his skills deteriorated more than they feared?
Kenshin spent the next hour making a detailed map from his memories of the surrounding woods and farms. Hiko used his sake cup to indicate where the various robberies had been, as well as where the unfortunate travelers had been found. He also corrected some of the landmarks, adding a new footpath and a couple of shops that had not been present during Kenshin's tenure. At last the map was ready. Kenshin and Hiko set out grids of search areas that suited the terrain and made strong suggestions about the best order to follow.
Kenshin put Misao in charge of the map, under the guise of giving her the responsibility for recording the progress of the search in order to report to Hiko. Neither Kenshin nor Misao wished to offend Sano, but it was important to keep the search time manageable. They didn't have time to get lost. And Misao had a working knowledge of the area to begin with, so Sano did not seem to have any objections.
Sano and Misao decided to begin without delay, intending to go to the village to check it out and talk with the shopkeepers before sundown. Hiko would provide shelter for the night, and supplies for a few days at a time while they made a deliberate search. They took their leave of Kenshin before starting out.
"Tell Jo-chan I'll be right behind you Kenshin. I'll take the train back to Tokyo and we'll be partying at the dojo in no time. And tell Yahiko to be prepared. Any man who has the sakabatou has to face me at least twice."
"Stay at the Aoiya tonight, Himura. And tell Okina and the others what's up and that I will be back soon. I'll send word if I need anything. And don't forget to tell them that Hiko-sama approves of the sake. Ask them to send supplies for us and sake for Hiko within the next few days. Warn them about the bandits, but bandits won't catch my Oniwabanshuu. Maybe I'll come to Tokyo to see Kaoru and Kenji when I get back. Say hi for me."
And with that, Kenshin was left standing in front of Hiko's with only the great man himself. As soon as his friends were out of earshot he turned to Hiko and said, "Cute couple?"
"Don't tell me you're losing your sense of 'ki' along with your Hiten Mitsurugi techniques, baka deshi. It's been a long time since I've seen two lonelier souls. Not everyone finds their own company as pleasurable as I do, you know. With good reason. Those two need someone, and they felt very compatible to me."
"You knew?"
"Not until I saw you. You have some good effort left Kenshin. But this task is better left to your friends. I will be here to help if it's needed."
"Take care of them, Shishou. I have too few friends to lose any of them. If anything happens, or they need my help, you will make sure to contact me?"
"They have my help, baka deshi. You are needed in Tokyo."
Kenshin turned his gaze towards the village. "The sun is low on the horizon, it's time I started back to Kyoto. " He started to turn to go, but Hiko spoke again.
"Tell Kaoru I accept her invitation. I will see you next month."
Kenshin was surprised, and that clearly pleased Hiko, who smirked broadly at him. "One more thing, baka deshi. Take the train. I'm worried about Kenji."
"Why?" Kenshin's life long reflexes kicked in and he reached to put his hand on the hilt of his sakabatou. Which he no longer carried.
"Old habits, baka deshi. Ones you should not give up entirely." And Kenshin was shocked when Hiko reached inside his voluminous coat and pulled out a sword.
"I have another sword for you, baka deshi. Even though you never returned the one you took with you to the Bakumatsu." And he handed it to Kenshin. "The son's talent does not surpass the talent of the father, but he is still the best in Japan. And this is the only sword he has ever made or given. It is, of course, a principal forge. No Hiten Mitsurugi swordsman should be without a sword Kenshin. Even you."
"Arai Shakkuu's son Arai Seikuu forged this?"
"Yes. He agreed to it only for you, and in honor of his son. He used the original sketches of his father for your previous sword. I believe that makes it the second best sakabatou in Japan."
"Thank you, Shishou. Thank you. But why are you concerned for Kenji? Is there danger in Tokyo?"
"Who is feeding him while you're gone, baka deshi? Take the train!" And with a great flourish, Hiko Seijuurou, the 13th Master of the Hiten Mitsurugi School of Swordsmanship went into his pottery studio.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing: Susan, Midori Natari Himura, Firuze Khanume, Ro-chan, Lizzie, Prudence-chan, q3ozLizh, KitKat, Crystal. Rurouni, Hana Himura, marstanuki, & mae,