Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
Dreams I Dreamt Instead
Chapter 7: Bandits Unmasked
Ishiji was a strong and muscular man with wisps of prematurely gray hair escaping from the head covering of his all black ninja uniform as he sped through the forest. It had been an exceptionally bleak day. They had found no travelers on the road from Kyoto, and none on the way to their closest village, either. Perhaps the number of innocents they had killed had now reached the point that others deferred or delayed their journeys out of fear. It was no matter. Ishiji felt sure he could find another path or another road to another nearby village. Winter was headed their way and he would not face another winter like the last, where they had bled and died building a small hut to shelter them, warmed principally by their own body heat forced into such a small and unsuitable place. It had cost him his Azusa, and he would not permit another of his band to die for lack of food or warmth. No matter whom he had to kill to do it.
He was in a very great hurry this afternoon. It was late and as usual, only Haku accompanied him on his brutal search for strangers. Arundo, the only other man of his band who condoned his violent leadership, was within their camp, watching over the women and children. Akoto, Taro, Junji and Naoto would only do his bidding and steal from the surrounding area while their wives and children were kept safely, securely, and forcibly back in the valley. He and Haku were to meet the others at the rim of the valley to discuss the day's efforts and plan for the next. No clan affairs were ever discussed in front of the families, and Ishiji preferred that these "conversations" take place up here with the families below them, a subtle reminder of what each of them had to lose by disobedience to their leader. The forest surrounding them reinforced the ever-present implied threat of imminent violence as the price of betrayal.
Haku was nearly a full mile behind him, being quite a slower runner, so Ishiji stopped to rest when he reached the rim of their valley. He was content to wait here, as long as the others didn't keep him waiting long. The sun was low in the sky and he was impatient to return to a warm meal and a lot of sake. It was only through a sake haze that he could bear the sight of the others with their families. The loss of Azusa and their unborn child had destroyed his hopes for happiness and a future with his small band of Sanada ninjas, just as his turning to crime had destroyed their honor.
Tonight, as he waited for Haku to catch up with him and the others to arrive, he made a new decision. In the spring he would find a new wife from amongst the frightened villagers. He would have a new family and sons to carry on as leader no matter what the cost. He would force those weaklings who refused to confront the travelers to find him likely prospects while they scoured the countryside for booty. He would choose his bride from the most attractive prospects and offer to purchase her. He would intimidate the parents, or he would make it clear that an offer refused would be futile. And it would. A willing bride would be better, but any bride would do. He was far too practiced in intimidation by now to concern himself with things that did not matter. All that mattered to him was an heir. If he was lucky, he would have many sons.
His hopeful musings were interrupted by the arrival of Haku. Together, they silently moved around the top of the rim of their familiar valley. It was a comfortable and familiar silence, one that would not be broken until the others joined them.
Suddenly Ishiji halted in his tracks, extending an arm to alert and stop Haku. He had caught a glimpse of something. It was something blue. And there should only be black in this forest, his forest. He gave Haku their signal for an intruder and they split up to approach him. Haku veered off into the forest, Ishiji stayed close to the rim, but moved silently within the line of trees. They approached with great stealth and care, seeking out the interloper as the sun sank lower above them.
Tohaku peered anxiously into the trees down the path both Sagara and the Okashira had taken. He was concerned for the safety of his Okashira. She was such a young woman to be in this position. He knew that she was expertly trained and talented, but still she was young and he did not know of her experience. Could she conceal herself if the bandits returned unexpectedly early? He kept checking the progress of the sun setting behind him, knowing that discovery was more likely as the shadows lengthened.
It was when he turned to check the progress of the sun yet again that he felt a presence. But he had not even registered whether it was friend or foe before he fell unconscious to the ground. Ishiji had crept up and attacked him from behind, easily toppling the elder ninja when he glanced over his shoulder. Ishiji stood over him and appraised his appearance. The blue was the ninja uniform of the Oniwabanshuu. What was an Oniwabanshuu ninja doing in his valley? And was he alone?
Ishiji searched the body rapidly for valuables, finding none. Nor was he carrying supplies. Was this a local ninja? And if so, how had his presence escaped Ishiji's clan? The obvious answer was that it hadn't. Someone in his clan knew of this ninja and had not shared the knowledge with their leader. Someone who would soon regret such a treasonous act.
Where was Haku? Ishiji was impatient to see if Haku had any knowledge or suggestions. He probably didn't. Ishiji felt that his other clan members were weak and nearly worthless. Only Haku or Arundo would obey his orders to kill. They would obey him and follow him, but they weren't valuable when it came to strategy or ideas. He seemed to be the only one who could think in his clan. Again, he cursed his father for following the son of their last great leader. Why hadn't he gone with the daughter? She had been the strength of the clan, not the weak and spineless brother.
He spitefully kicked the unconscious ninja to turn him over. Let the others look at his face while he questioned them. He would see if anybody reacted if he kicked him again. What did it matter? This Oniwabanshuu should have stayed in Kyoto if he wanted to live. No one would meet Ishiji and survive to describe him.
Sano stood with uncharacteristic stillness behind a tree just yards from the one where Misao crouched. His body was tense from the adrenaline rush of the last two minutes. First the confrontation with Misao had unnerved him, but that had been quickly forgotten in the immediacy of the moment. Misao was in danger, as was he, and Tohaku was injured or worse.
He was wary but alert and searching their surroundings for imminent danger. So it was that he spotted the inept and slower Haku well before the black clothed ninja had spotted any blue. Haku was focused on his leader, and alert to danger, but no match for Sanosuke. The hardest decision Sano had to make was which way to crunch him. He settled on an elbow. He'd wanted to use his left elbow for the Futae no Kiwami and hadn't had much chance to practice lately, not since he'd left the wilds of Mongolia.
The black suited ninja never saw it coming and dropped in his tracks with a muffled "omph". Sano wasn't very satisfied with the results. He couldn't really get the elbowroom from his position behind the tree to effectively apply the Futae no Kiwami. But this guy had dropped without a problem. Enough leverage in the solar plexus would do that to a guy. Sano knew that from his old street fighting days. He quickly reached down and tied the guy up with his own mask – a nice touch he thought, as he gagged him with his headgear. Quickly removing the black ninja's serviceable obi, he used it to bind his legs and tie him to the nearest tree.
He checked on Misao, but she was still perched and safe just in front of him. No others seemed to be in the immediate area.
Akoto, Taro, Junji and Naoto were making their way back to the valley, again engaged in their fruitless discussion of just what they could do to reclaim their lives, their wives, their families, and their honor. The answer continued to be "nothing" today, just like every other day since coming to this god-forsaken valley. Each would have given much to be able to escape. They outnumbered the three clan members who now held them hostage, but how could they escape with their families? None had yet devised a way, and the only one who had ever tried, lay long dead in the valley, his entire family executed for his efforts. It was a persuasive deterrent for the remaining Sanadas who had wished to retain their clan's honor rather than becoming thieves.
Akoto brought a new threat to light. "Ishiji will not permit us to limit our activities to theft for much longer. He grows irritated with our reluctance to murder. He has become so accustomed to it that he no longer understands why we resist. That not only threatens our families more directly, but also our activities. Soon we will be seeking larger targets and attacking together. Blood will be on all of our hands. We must find a way to escape."
The others receded into shocked silence. They might have considered such a violent course of action to be their inevitable future, but none had dared to voice it yet. Now they were being forced to consider it. It increased the suffocating dread that each felt as they approached the valley. Their home. Their prison.
They had slowed their progress a bit, but then shook off their lethargy to increase their pace. Being late to their daily report and meeting with Ishiji would not improve his mood or their chances of a peaceful evening with their frightened wives and children.
Akoto was in front of the group, and the first to see a brief glint of blue and black in the distance. Something at the rim of the valley didn't look right. He halted and held out his hand to signal the group to stop. The four of them glanced at each other and used their hand signals to agree to approach the meeting place with great care, keeping totally out of sight from even Ishiji. Akoto gave the signal to meet back here before alerting Ishiji to their presence. Check it out and compare notes before continuing. The four had developed their own signals and agreements in the face of their enforced servitude.
Sano saw two of the four as they fanned out to sneak up on the man kicking Tohaku. They were all wearing the same black ninja uniform. He briefly signaled to Misao, and she indicated another two were within her sights, also approaching with great care and stealth. To his unspoken question: friend or foe? She merely shrugged. They had no idea. Sano immediately determined to act first and ask later. Some things just had to be sorted out after the fact. He signaled Misao to stay where she was and set off to take care of the two within his sight. The last thing he saw out of his peripheral vision was Misao sticking her tongue out at him and leaping off her branch.
"Damn wench is gonna get herself killed and then who will I sleep with?" He muttered to himself. "Whoa, where did that come from?" Sano was surprised at such an intimate thought springing to mind about Misao, especially right now. Then all thoughts of Misao were put aside so he could deal with the two at hand. THEN he could go take care of the other two, make that three, and yell at her for a really long time. "Why the hell do we have hand signals if she's not gonna follow them anyway? Damn it! She fucking better not get herself hurt or I'm going to hurt her myself!"
Just then Junji and Naoto had the unpleasant opportunity to meet a very pissed off Sanosuke dressed as a ninja. He took out one with each fist and spun around in a flash to head off to the top of the rim. Screw this stealth stuff. He was taking anyone dressed in black out and taking them out NOW!
Sano was not at all prepared for the sight that met him at the top of the hill. As he breached the tree line, headed for where Tohaku had fallen, he saw a very familiar Keicho Kick go flying into the black ninja who had kicked Tohaku. She had surprise on her side, but this guy was no pushover, not even for a well-placed Keicho Kick. Instead, he caught her leading foot and twisted. A very stunned Misao crumpled at his feet, but it was only a matter of seconds before her kunai were interlaced in her fingers and she was prepared to fling them at him at close range using the Sankatsu Tobikunai.
Before she could release them, another kempo kick took the ninja threatening her out from the back. The two other ninjas dressed in black had converged on him with practiced ease. One had hit him from the back, toppling him over towards Misao, as the other hit him square on the side half way down, effectively knocking him flat and sparing Misao. Now Sano was really confused. How the hell was he supposed to take out the bad guys when they were busy fighting each other? Hell, he'd just take 'em all out and let Misao ask the questions later.
He easily reached Misao before the others, knocking them flat out on either side. One took a blow to the head, the other an uppercut to the chin – just for old times sake. He had to admit that his punches had more force now than when he was a fighter for hire, but these guys were dropping like flies. To bad they'd hurt both Misao and Tohaku in the process. Come to think of it, it was just that one guy that hurt both of them. He looked over and saw the perpetrator stirring. This guy was the only one who'd been hurting the good guys in blue. So this was the guy who looked like good target practice for his left elbow.
The guy sprang to his feet just as Sano estimated where to place his elbow to make sure this guy didn't hurt anyone else today – or anytime soon. Ishiji was introduced to the Futae no Kiwami via the left elbow of Sagara Sanosuke seconds later. Misao, who had a front row seat as he made sure this guy wasn't going anywhere soon, leaped up and gave him a big spontaneous hug.
"That was great, Sano! I knew you could do Futae no Kiwami with one or both hands, but I didn't know you could use your elbow! That was great! Ow Ow Ow Ow Owwww! That jerk twisted my ankle! Hit him again, Sano, and use your fist this time."
Sano picked Misao up under his arm and sat her down next to Tohaku.
"Later, woman. First let's see how Tohaku is and let me take a look at your ankle."
Misao leaned over to check on Tohaku. He had taken a bad blow to the head and was unconscious. His head was also bleeding profusely, making it difficult for her to tell if there were other wounds. She tore the bottom trim off her ninja shorts and proceeded to wrap up Tohaku's head to bind up his wound and stop the bleeding. Fortunately, the makeshift bandage was effective and as the bleeding stopped, Tohaku moaned and began to regain consciousness.
While Misao had been tending to Tohaku, Sano had grabbed her ankle and was examining it for broken bones. Finding none, he took what was left of the trim from her shorts and wrapped her ankle.
"Doesn't seem to be broken, Misao. Maybe it's not even sprained. Hopefully, if you stay off it for tonight you can walk on it tomorrow."
"Thanks for wrapping it Sano, but I am more worried about Tohaku. This blow to the head was a bad one and he's not coming around very fast. Are any of them carrying any water?"
Sano made a quick search of the ninja's surrounding them, making sure they were still out cold and looking for water. Finding none, he shrugged at Misao. Just then, Tohaku groaned again and his eyes fluttered open.
"Don't move, Tohaku. You've been hurt, so just lie still." Misao took his hand and placed her other hand on his shoulder to prevent his instinctual inclination to try to get up. His hand went to his head, finding the bandage she had used and coating his fingertips with blood.
"Ishiji surprised me from behind. Your pardon, Okashira, I failed in my duty to protect you and keep watch."
"No, Tohaku, Ishiji is the one who has failed his fellow clansmen, not you. Can you identify the others for us? These two attacked Ishiji when he was going to hurt me. Sano likes to keep things quiet so he can think deep thoughts so he knocked them out so we could tend to you."
Misao helped Tohaku raise his head just barely and placed it on her lap. From that vantage he easily identified Akoto, his son-in-law, and Taro. "There should be at least three others. Junji and Naoto usually travel with Akoto. Haku often travels with Ishiji seeking out the travelers, but there is a third, Arundo. Arundo usually guards the women and children, but occasionally Arundo and Haku switch duties."
"All accounted for then," Sano smirked. "I've got three more down in the trees here and we heard the one threatening Makiko earlier. I'll tie up the lead bad guy, Ishiji – even though he shouldn't be waking up any time soon. Then I'll go and get Akoto's friends. They may be coming around by then. You and Tohaku can talk to these two when they wake up and we can decide what to do with them."
Sano ripped off Ishiji's mask and used it to bind his hands behind him, taking care that he was fully secured. Then he removed the man's obi to bind his legs just as he had with the first ninja he had captured when this mess began. Satisfied that Misao and Tohaku were in no danger from this ninja, he left them to go retrieve the others.
Tohaku watched Sanosuke work without comment. The others were not yet stirring as he disappeared back into the forest. When the two Omitsu's were alone, Tohaku haltingly inquired, "Okashira, what do you intend to do with my son-in-law?"
Misao patted his hand and smiled gently down at him. "Don't worry Tohaku, we will find a way out of this mess for you and your family. You are my clan. I am your Okashira and I will take care of it. Please try to rest now, but don't go to sleep. Stay awake so you can talk to Akoto when he comes around. I will need you to help me make this work out. That is your duty now, stay awake and help me help your family. When they awaken, tell them to stay where they are and introduce me, and Sanosuke, too."
"As you wish, Okashira."
Misao was busy scowling and thinking as the other two ninjas began to stir. It was going to be hard to find a way to keep the promise she had just made to Tohaku. His head wound might be severe. There was no telling if he would really survive this attack, not yet. She would have to try to make it work somehow. Not only Sanosuke, but also Hiko would also have to agree with whatever scheme she came up with and Himura would eventually find out, too, so the plan would also have to accommodate his sensibilities. She knew Himura had helped others in similar situations. Takani Megumi came to mind first, but even her own Aoshi-sama had been helped by Himura. Her mind reeled at the recognition that she was still thinking of Shimomori as her Aoshi. Her eyes flashed and she set her jaw. It was the last time she would make that mistake, even to herself. Aoshi was out of her life now.
She focused on the present as Tohaku began to speak to the two ninjas coming around. Sanosuke had hit them enough to knock them out, but didn't appear to have done any real damage. Ishiji may not have fared so well under the Futae no Kiwami. They wouldn't know for a while.
"Akoto, Taro, stay exactly where you are and listen to me. This is my Okashira. She and her companion, Sagara Sanosuke have come here to stop the thievery and killing of the band of outlaws hiding in this valley. Answer the Okashira's questions and do not anger Sagara, who has incapacitated and tied up both Ishiji and Haku." Tohaku collapsed on Misao's lap, tired from the exertion of even this much effort. The two ninjas nodded, and sat quietly, one rubbing his chin and the other favoring the side of his head.
"Akoto, you are related to my clansman, I understand?" Akoto nodded to Misao respectfully. "I wish to find some way to help you and the others with families to escape from Ishiji's tyranny. The robberies and killings must stop and reparations must be made. Do you have any suggestions?"
Akoto bowed submissively to Misao and began to speak, casting a quick glance at Taro to seek his agreement. "Okashira, we are deeply in your debt if you and your companion have put a stop to Ishiji and Haku. That only leaves Arundo guarding our families back in the valley. We are expected soon, but will have enough time to prepare to take Arundo totally unaware. That would free our wives and children. If you can help us find them someplace to stay that is safe and away from here, Taro, Junji, Naoto and I will return whatever Ishiji, Haku and Arundo have not destroyed or consumed. Beyond that, we must leave our fates and further reparations to you."
"Yes, you will leave them to me." Misao spoke firmly to the two sad ninjas, who bowed deeply in return.
Sanosuke returned to the rim of the hill with three more of the black clad ninjas. Two of them were leading the third who was still bound and gagged with his own obi and mask. The two placed him off to the side, away from Ishiji and out of their hearing. They tied him again to a nearby tree. Then they moved to sit with Akoto and Taro. Sano stood behind Misao and Tohaku, glaring at the four ninjas and keeping a close eye on Ishiji for any signs of recovery.
Akoto introduced the two other ninjas to Tohaku and the Okashira. He told them of the Okashira's wish to help them and of his suggestions so far. The three others nodded their agreement and again all four of them bowed low to Misao and Tohaku, indicating their respect and submission.
Sanosuke was troubled, and glared at Misao. "What are you planning, Misao, that would get these four out of here with their families without letting the other three go?"
"Sit, Sano and let me explain what I think may work here. If you disagree, then I'm sure Hiko and Himura will, too, so I want your full agreement on this. Or we'll have to come up with some other solution." Misao patted the earth next to her and Sano sat, still keeping a sharp eye on Ishiji.
"These four can go down to the valley and free their wives and children from the last of the ninjas loyal to Ishiji. Then they can secure Ishiji, Haku and Arundo here for tonight. And Tohaku, who should not be moved very far can stay here tonight with them. You and I will return to Tohaku's cabin to assure his wife that all is well – or soon will be.
"Tonight, these four will gather everything that can be returned that was stolen and give further thought to what they wish to do next. Tomorrow, they will take the three murderers to the authorities and turn them in. Then they will proceed to return everything stolen they can the same way they obtained the items – while no one is around to see them. They will also make a list of the items that cannot be returned, giving estimates of values of the victims' losses.
"I am willing to offer to accept these four and their families as members of my clan. The Oniwabanshuu will make their reparations now to all of the shop owners and farmers. They will work off that debt in payment to the clan. Once the debt is repaid in full, they may choose to leave us, but I hope they will stay and choose to regain their honor as Oniwabanshuu ninjas. They will disappear from this area, not to return." Misao paused and cast hard looks at the four shocked men in front of her.
Here was this slight young woman, cradling her hurt clansman's head in her lap, offering to restore their lives, give back their honor and free their families. The four men were gaping at her as if she had lost her mind.
Undaunted, Misao turned to Sanosuke who was scowling, but clearly mulling over her proposal. She reached over to touch his arm, to get his attention.
"What do you think, Sano? Can we somehow pull this off?"
"Hmmm. It might work, but there are a lot of details against it. The biggest problem I see now is turning these three losers into the authorities without implicating the others. You know a low-life like Ishiji is going to tell the police it was all Akoto's doing or some other fable. These guys can't be part of it."
"I can do it." Tohaku attempted to sit up, but was stopped short by an insistent Misao.
"Yes," Sano replied, "That could work, but you can't do it alone. You need help in getting these three down to the authorities in Kyoto. Can Kuro and Shiro come up here to go with Tohaku?"
Misao beamed, "You're brilliant Sanosuke! Just when I think your talent is all in your fists you go and surprise me. If Kuro, Shiro and Tohaku deliver these three and the others are nowhere to be found, then it won't matter what Ishiji says."
"Ichino can send a message to Okina tonight, Okashira, when you return to my cabin. While I am here tonight I can help Akoto with the list. The families can help get property ready to go back to the owners and the wives can take the children immediately back to Kyoto. May they go to the Aoiya?"
"Of course, Tohaku, that is where all our clan members seeking safety go." Misao smiled gently at Tohaku, his color was looking a bit better now. She wasn't sure of his real condition, but she knew he would see this through if at all humanly possible. Then she returned her attention to the four ninjas seated across from her.
"Are you willing to become Oniwabanshuu?" Her slightness of form did nothing to diminish her authority and bearing as the Okashira. The four men bowed deeply without hesitation.
Akoto spoke for them all as he addressed her in a whisper. "You have saved us, Okashira. We owe you our lives and our loyalty. It would be an honor to trade black for blue."
Sanosuke broke up the meeting. "Enough small talk. It's almost dark and there are still matters to attend to here. I have bound Ishiji tightly, but I warn you to watch him with great care. He has nothing to lose and was able to defeat you before this. Do not, at any cost, let him escape. Your safety and future could be lost."
The four agreed immediately and began to speak quietly to each other about the best way to disarm and capture Arundo. Sanosuke moved Tohaku to a safe spot well away from Ishiji and Haku. Tohaku assured Misao that he was well able to wait for Akoto to return. They were all agreed that Tohaku was not up to going back to his cabin.
Akoto told Sanosuke and Misao that he and the others would capture Arundo and secure him in one of the small outbuildings. They would then return and take Tohaku to the main building where Makiko could look after him. Haku would be bound with Arundo, but Ishiji would be placed in a different building, alone. One of the four of them would guard the two buildings and all four would be on watch for the night. The wives would take care of accumulating the property and clearing out the evidence of their habitation. They would take the children and leave for Kyoto at daybreak. As soon as Kuro and Shiro arrived, the three Kyoto ninjas would take the three bandit ninjas to Kyoto – providing Tohaku was able to travel. Once the others were gone, the four new Oniwabanshuu would clear out the belonging of everyone else from this god forsaken valley, return all the stolen goods they could, and make their way to the Aoiya.
"Sounds like a plan, come on Okashira, we're leaving. You need to rest that ankle and use that bright brain of yours to figure out a way to make sure Hiko the Master of Hiten Mitsurugi doesn't Ryuu us when we give him the good news about your new members."
Without waiting for her response, he reached over behind her and untied her obi. He folded the long fabric in half and unceremoniously brought Misao to her feet and hoisted her on his back.
"Hold on woman! I don't want you falling off in the dark." He scooped the obi around her backside and slung it over his shoulders.
"Hey! Watch it, Sano, what are you doing?"
"Making sure you don't fall off when you fall asleep. I know how tired you are. My dad used to carry Outa like this, you'll be safe until we reach Tohaku's."
Misao could see arguing with him would be totally useless. She had no choice in the matter from her current position anyway, so she merely called back over her shoulder for the others to be careful as Sano carted her away.
"How am I supposed to impress my new members with you throwing me around like a bunch of radishes, Sano?"
"Oh, I think you impressed 'em enough for one day, Okashira. You did a good thing back there. So good that it might even work. Now rest that pretty head of yours on my shoulder and get some rest. You're going to need it to get back to Hiko's tomorrow and get him to buy into your new recruitment program."
Misao opened her mouth to protest, but then snapped it shut. Sano was right, she was exhausted and her ankle ached. If she didn't get some rest they wouldn't make it back to Hiko's tomorrow and their plan might not work if they didn't. They would need Hiko's approval to make it all come out right.
Misao yawned and rested her chin on Sano's shoulder, rubbing her cheek on his neck. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck and held onto his back with her knees. He reached around and hooked his arms under her knees. He'd tied the obi around him so she was tied to him and couldn't fall off.
"Thanks for helping me, Sano. You're a good man with or without 'Bad' on your back." Then she relaxed her head above his shoulder blades and fell asleep to the rhythm of his footsteps and faint sound of his heartbeat.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing to Firuze Khanume, rurouni, dynast, Susan, Misanagi, Midori Natari Himura, DiaBLo, lizzie, K-chan, BladeRy, amy text, may, and Crystal.