Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
When She Smiles
Chapter 5: Amends in Edo
Walking about in Edo was not an easy task for Enishi. He kept to himself as much as possible and was careful not to attract the attention of others. He wore a hat against the sun and elements, and to cover his shock of white hair. His muted clothes were additional protective coloration to prevent an unwanted identification. As he entered the outskirts of the neighborhood he was seeking, he took special notice to be sure he was not followed. Now he must act, and act quickly.
He had already determined to approach his connections from the Bakumatsu. There were other means, but he wanted to send as clear a message as possible to an old acquaintance. Enishi was applying his intelligence and expertise in orchestrating an outcome for his own benefit, and to make amends in a general sense. It amused him to note that he couldn't help but have a better result than his last effort. Even if he failed, he wouldn't end up in Rakuninmura. In the next moment, he realized that even this note of amusement was a sign of his regained mental health.
Enishi had given careful consideration on which of his many contacts would be the best choice to approach the one he hoped would negotiate and obtain his freedom. In selecting an old friend who had known him in his Kyoto days with the Shogunate, he hoped he had chosen well. He would know in just a few hours. He met with his Shinsengumi friend and they waited together at his home in the outskirts of Edo.
His friend was successful in setting up the critical meeting Enishi needed at a local restaurant – a private room had been arranged and Enishi arrived well in advance of the appointed time. Even so, the one he hoped to convince to help him was already there, enjoying his soba. Enishi was encouraged by the feel of his ki, and entered the room immediately.
"It has been a long time since we have spoken, Hajime."
Saitou Hajime gave Yukishiro Enishi a stern look, and Enishi immediately reverted to a more formal greeting.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Saitou-san. I sincerely believe that it will be a productive use of your time and skills."
"Your approach through one of my oldest Shinsengumi associates speaks as loudly as the feel of your ki. The madness of Earthly Justice has left you, Yukishiro. But your business with the Meiji government remains unsettled. I assume that is why I am here."
"Of course, Saitou-san, I have requested this audience with you in order to begin my amends for Earthly Justice. First and foremost, I wish to make peace with my country and offer such goods and services as I am able."
"Goods and services, ne?" Saitou knew that Enishi would have much to offer in exchange for amnesty from the Meiji. By choosing to use Saitou as the government negotiator, Enishi had tacitly agreed to give up everything. Saitou would be difficult. His hatred of these "deals" was well known. They did not conform to his moral code of kill, evil, instantly.
Enishi's choice was well considered, so what was his objective? It was only his change in ki that prevented Saitou from arresting him immediately. Enishi no longer personified evil as he had at their last meeting – months ago on his secluded island.
"I have much to account for, Saitou-san. Of this I am well aware. And I bring with me the means to make full amends and offer them to you freely. Shall I delineate them at once, or would you prefer that I allow you to finish your lunch?"
Saitou smirked at the veiled reference to the appalling lack of civility of this meeting. He had not allowed Enishi to join him as a guest, nor had he offered any refreshment. Saitou was not ready to allow Enishi any familiarity of their former connections as yet.
"Please make yourself more comfortable by joining me Yukishiro. And specify exactly what your 'amends' might be. You must be aware that the Meiji government has already confiscated all of your arms and possessions as part of dismantling the organization you so painstakingly assembled for Heishin. He is in custody and has disclosed all of the pertinent information. What could you possibly add that would be worth even a lunch?"
Enishi had expected Hajime to be difficult and he was not disappointed. Saitou knew he had much to offer, but these were negotiations and Saitou was representing his interests well.
"I will be brief, Saitou-san. I will willingly give you the locations and inventory of several large armaments caches that were not known to Heishin. You are certainly aware that Heishin was a tool, not a friend. His knowledge is peripheral. The main contacts in the weapons arena are mine, not his."
"In addition, I am willing to disclose certain relationships which may be threatening to the stability of the government, both now and in the future. My interests no longer clash with those of the Meiji – for the first time in my life, I might add. Although you, more than anyone left alive, are very aware of my Shogunate sympathies and my work during the Bakumatsu."
"Ah, you wish to become one of my spies, Enishi. You should fit in with Shishio's leftovers quite well."
"No, Saitou-san. This is the one thing I am not willing to do."
Saitou flared with anger at this response. Enishi must know that this would be expected of him. "Then you are wasting my time, Enishi. It seems that you have little to offer in exchange for your freedom."
"On the contrary, Saitou-san. I would request that you hear me out on this. What I propose to offer in exchange for my freedom will benefit the Meiji in ways far more important than the simple reporting that Shishio's element brings you. They report on the rumblings of the undergrowth of our own society. I propose to bring you the rumblings of the outside world. This is something the Meiji government needs desperately to survive as an independent nation. However, in order to perform this important function, I must be free to come and go as I please."
"Let us order some tea, Enishi. Perhaps we have more to discuss than I initially planned."
Enishi breathed an inward sigh of relief. Saitou would help him. Saitou, of all the Meiji government officials, had been Shinsengumi. He would understand Enishi's earlier sympathy with the Shogunate perfectly. And he could sense Enishi's ki. He had participated in Enishi's Earthy Justice in support of the Battousai and would have a unique understanding of the change in Enishi's intent. Saitou, above all, would understand him and know that he was no longer a threat.
When their tea and refreshments arrived, Enishi explained his Import/Export business plans. The business would require his regular attention in foreign nations where he already had excellent clandestine contacts and would be developing additional government and cultural contacts as part of the normal course of his new legitimate business. These contacts were not readily available to the Meiji, and Enishi would be in a unique position to hear of any threat to Japan. Convincing Saitou that he would disclose such information – without hesitation, was Enishi's primary goal at this meeting.
Disclosing the armaments caches would satisfy the bureaucrats; revealing hidden relationships with arms dealers would satisfy any concerns of the local authorities. The already confiscated money and his additional substantial contributions would satisfy the upper echelons of government. But information on foreign governments delivered to him personally; this would satisfy the Wolf of Mibu.
At length their lunch concluded.
"I would like to leave for Kyoto as soon as possible, Hajime."
"Yes, Oibore will be waiting."
Enishi laughed. "Perhaps you can tell me what my father has not yet shared, Hajime. Where will our new venture be located, Edo or Kyoto?"
"It's a surprise," said Saitou. And left Enishi to pay the check.
After Saitou left, Enishi paid the check and wondered if it was the first time he had laughed since Tomoe died.
"I feel better. Time to begin again."
Author's Note:
Thanks again to Susan, Firuze Khanume, dementedchris
and Midori Natari Himura for reading and encouraging me!