Watsuki owns them

I just borrow for a while

No harm intended

When She Smiles

Chapter 8: Amends in Kyoto

Enishi had been encouraged by his father's success at arranging this meeting, but now, as he walked to the Aoiya, he was uncertain if he could allay the Okashira's shock at seeing him long enough to get her to listen to him. How was he to convince her that he was no longer a threat? At least she would come to the meeting knowing he was unarmed. Would she agree to listen to him once she had seen him, recognized him? There was only one way to find out. Enishi had lived by his wits for most of his life; he was well prepared for this role. At least this time he was not acting out of anger or revenge. Could he convince her that he was going to make amends?

He found the Aoiya and the kitchen entrance easily. Okina, as described by his father, met him at the entrance and silently motioned him to follow him into the Aoiya. Once he made sure that Enishi was unarmed, he led him quickly into a small private room and said, "Wait here."

Enishi sat down and waited for the Okashira to join him. As the shoji door slid open behind him, he heard a gasp. Without turning, he said quickly, "I am no threat to you, Okashira. I come to willingly give you information and to make amends for my grievous wrongs. If you do not wish to meet with me, I will leave at once, but know this: Oibore is my father."

Misao replied, "I will return shortly. Wait and do not move." After a few minutes, she returned, entered the room and sat across from him.

"What business have you here, Yukishiro? Be brief." She appraised him coldly. He looked much the same as the last time she had seen him, except for his eyes. She had seen them in madness, then in defeat. Now his eyes were neutral. His manner was open and he appeared to want her to believe he had nothing to hide. She would be the judge of that. She let the edges of her anger show. He had hurt her friends. He was her enemy.

"Okashira, I felt compelled to bring you certain information as soon as I arrived in Kyoto. You have asked me to be brief, so I will. First, let me tell you that I am Yukishiro Enishi, the son of Yukishiro Oibore. Oibore found me in Rakuninmura and helped me, just as he helped his son-in-law, your friend Himura. Second, you know I escaped custody after our last meeting. I have now made peace with the Meiji government and the local authorities. I have made amends for the wrongs I have committed against the state and will continue to provide certain services to them in the future. I mention this not because I am at liberty to discuss the specifics with you, but because I have similar other services I wish to offer to you.

"Third, I state unequivocally that my Earthly Justice, which you witnessed and your former Okashira participated in was a failure. I have come to understand the error of it. I wish to make it clear to you that I harbor no plans for any future reprisal against Himura, or anyone else. I have accepted the past and now recognize that I am the one in need of forgiveness, not Himura.

"Fourth, I know that you brought my sister's journal to Himura at Kaoru-dono's request. I wish to thank you for your part in restoring that family treasure to my father and me. As painful as it was to read it when I received it, I now treasure it as the last remaining earthly possession of my sister.

"Next, as you know, I have relocated to Kyoto with my father. I believe he shared with you the details of our new business. I wanted you to know of our presence now, rather than learn of it without knowing of my peaceful intent.

"Finally, I wish to offer my services to the Oniwabanshuu as part of my desire to make amends for my past offenses. I have extensive contacts here in Kyoto, across Japan, and internationally. I realize that the Oniwabanshuu is hardly lacking in this area, but if a need should arise, I will make my resources and connections available to you without question."

"A very pretty speech from a kidnapper and murderer. What is it you wish in return?"

"To be left in peace to start my business with my father, here in Kyoto…..Okashira, another is coming, I believe it to be the former Okashira and he is extremely angry."

Just then, the door behind Enishi opened and Aoshi announced, "This discussion is at an end. Misao, what are you doing meeting alone with this madman?"

Misao rose swiftly, motioning Aoshi to silence. She spoke to Yukishiro:

"We will speak again soon. Please leave by the door you entered."

Enishi rose quietly and left immediately, pausing only to give Misao a formal bow.

As soon as the door was closed behind him Misao spoke. Her voice was calm, and she remained composed, but her inflection was sharp.

"Aoshi-sama, is this your way of telling me you are willing to resume your place as Okashira? Your timing is perfect as we are all here to witness it." She made a slight hand movement and all of the other Kyoto Oniwabanshuu members stepped silently into the room from their posts.

Aoshi turned on his heel and left.

Chapter 9: Preparations

Misao was as surprised by Aoshi's exit as she had been by his entrance. She quickly recovered to thank the other Oniwabanshuu. "Thank you for guarding me during this meeting with Yukishiro. Please return to your normal duties."

Okina waited until the others had gone and went to Misao and gave her a quick hug.

"Don't worry about it. You handled it very well. Just think what Aoshi would have done in a similar situation if your roles were reversed."

Misao couldn't help but smile at that thought. She would have been mortified to interrupt a meeting with the Okashira, and he would have made her pay dearly. Okina was correct, she had handled it well.

"Leave him be for now, Misao, I will speak with him later. It is too soon for anyone to approach him. Leave him alone with his thoughts."

And that was exactly where Aoshi was now. Alone with his thoughts. And his thoughts were very troubled. He had burst in on Misao, his Okashira. He had assumed she was being reckless and she was not. He had assumed she was in trouble, and she was not. He had assumed she needed his help, and she did not. What else had he assumed? And he still had no idea what Enishi was doing meeting with Misao to begin with. Why hadn't he been informed?

Well, that was easy. He had made it perfectly clear that he did not want to be informed of Okashira business. It interfered with his morning meditations and visits to the shrine. He had begun his life of meditation and shut out the outside world and the clandestine world of his Oniwabanshuu.

Aoshi frowned. This would not do at all. He was going to find out what business Enishi had with his Oniwabanshuu and Misao. He knew she would tell him if he asked, but that was out of the question. He was going to have to formally apologize for interrupting the meeting. He was not about to compound his mistake by inquiring into the Okashira's business. She was correct about one thing. He was not the current Okashira and was still not ready to resume that role, if he ever would be.

His meditations would have to be postponed while he used his own skills to find out about Enishi. Might as well start now, it wasn't likely he would be able to concentrate on anything else today.

He met Okina in the walkway. "Are you quite recovered Aoshi?"

"Indeed. I am just going out on business. Please let everyone know I am not certain when I will return."

"Do not worry her further, Aoshi," cautioned Okina.

Enishi had left the Aoiya by the kitchen door, as instructed by Misao. He was not pleased that his meeting had been interrupted before he could complete his discussions with her, but this could work to his advantage. Of necessity, he would now be seeing her again. Enishi smiled. The Oniwabanshuu Okashira was an interesting young lady. She had grown into her role and appeared to be quite capable. And she was also quite pretty. It had been a long time since Enishi had noticed any young lady. His all-consuming hate had kept him from even thinking about any relationships except his sister's.

He walked back to his dojo and went with Oibore to examine the business space that Oibore had obtained for them. His father had made extensive contacts with the local merchants. The operations in Kyoto were prepared; it was time for Enishi to go abroad.

That night after dinner, Enishi summarized his meeting with Misao for his father. He intended to leave in the morning and would not return for several weeks. He asked his father to beg the Okashira's patience so they might complete their discussions when he returned.

"Enishi, we have not discussed the idea of guests at our new home. Now that you are not in hiding, can we establish new relationships and welcome guests into our home?"

Enishi had never even considered this. Clearly, if he was to find balance in his life, he would need to develop relationships with new people that were not based upon mutual hatred of an enemy.

"Of course we may entertain guests, father. But I would urge you to be cautious. I have made many enemies and I do not wish you to become a pawn for their use."

"I can take care of myself, Enishi. Remember I was adept with the outcasts in Rakuninmura. I will, however, heed your words and be cautious in inviting others into out home. Actually, I was thinking of inviting Misao for tea while you are gone. Surely you would not object to me seeing my 'adoptive daughter'?"

They both smiled at the reference, each for different reasons. But Oibore's relief was great. This was another indication that Enishi was continuing to deal with Tomoe's death and allow himself to begin anew. Maybe he should not be so concerned with Enishi's regular visits to Tomoe's grave. And he had retrieved her journal from the monks. It was contained in a finely decorated lacquer box. He knew Enishi planned to find something more to his liking for it on his trip. Was this too much focus on the past for Enishi's mental health? Oibore kept his opinions to himself for now. Time reveals all of our flaws, no need to rush.

Enishi startled Oibore out of his thoughts, "Father, I know we have not yet discussed Battousai. I would appreciate it if we can postpone any further discussions on that painful topic until I return. Perhaps being away from this place without my past hatred will give me a new perspective on him. Let us delay until then."

Enishi left on his trip the following morning. Oibore completed their pre-arranged plans for the opening of their business and prepared for the arrival of goods. He continued to seek out interested merchants for possible sales and became quite a well-known man in the commercial district. Enishi's initial focus was on obtaining foreign goods; Oibore's on selling them at a profit. Knowledge of Enishi's Earthly Justice did not appear to be well known outside of a small circle in Edo. Oibore was also looking for Japanese goods that might be suitable for export. They hoped to expand the business quickly. Enishi would be watching for opportunities for sales abroad, as well.

Oibore was in the Aoiya neighborhood within the next week. He stopped and asked after Misao, this time giving his name.

Within a few minutes Misao came out, "Oibore-san, what an unexpected pleasure. Please join me for tea or lunch, adopted father. I would like to hear about the progress of your new business."

"Thank you, Misao, but I have an appointment which I may not postpone today. I was passing and wished to invite you to come and see my new home. Enishi is out of town on business and this lonely old man would like nothing better than a visit from his adopted daughter. And, of course, you may bring friends if you wish, I would be happy to entertain them as well. Would any day later this week suit you? Please come for lunch, or at least tea."

"What a nice idea! I would love to see your new home. Would the day after tomorrow be convenient for you? Where is your new home?" They set the details of the meeting and Oibore excused himself for his next appointment. Okina had overheard their conversation, but had not intruded. His request to Misao now was simple.

"Should you go alone, Okashira?"

"Certainly, I will – after you have assured me that Yukishiro is out of Japan!" She giggled and gave Okina a quick kiss. He needn't worry so much about her; she would not be reckless where the Yukishiro family was concerned.

Chapter 10: A New Beginning

Enishi's first trip abroad was going very well. He was able to make new contacts with cultural and government sources without any problem. That may have been due to his initial act upon arriving in Shanghai. He recovered most of his funds and promptly donated them anonymously to establish an orphanage and hospital in honor of the family that had rescued him at the cost of their lives. His donation was anonymous, but not unknown to the governmental authorities or cultural offices. They opened their doors to him as a philanthropist.

He was also quick to invite these new contacts out to enjoy the various entertainments that Shanghai had to offer. His generosity opened all the doors he could wish to enter without any explanations. He made many new merchant contacts as well, and soon began shipping the goods he and his father had chosen for their initial inventory.

During his travels, Enishi found that he could enjoy the foreign vistas and entertainment without always being focused on business plans. He was determined to find new pleasantries in his life and not allow his new business to become a substitute obsession.

Oibore was pleased to welcome Misao within the first week of Enishi's absence. He was very busy with his end of the business, but home was a lonely place with his son gone. He and Misao were happy to talk of little but frivolous things, her shopping, his new home and prosperity. They enjoyed each other's company and chatted about their mutual friends in Tokyo as well. In passing conversation, he told Misao of the purpose and length of Enishi's trip. She would know when he was expected home and could contact him then.

Misao invited Oibore to visit her, and they fell into a comfortable pattern of meeting nearly every week for lunch or tea. For Misao, who had never known her own father, Oibore really began to feel like an adoptive father. He was interested in her, not because she was Oniwabanshuu, but because he liked her and wanted to be her friend. She could not replace his daughter, but she could become a good friend. They were comfortable with each other.

Enishi returned home on schedule, his trip a rousing success. Goods were arriving at the business daily, and Oibore was successful in moving them out to the interested merchants at once. Things were going very smoothly, after all of their careful planning and hard work to prepare.

Enishi and Oibore began donating many of their profits to local orphanages and hospitals. Neither wanted to amass wealth or property. Both were driven to begin and keep making as many amends in as many ways as they could devise. As with his contributions abroad, the local government authorities and cultural groups seemed to learn of their generosity even though all of their contributions were anonymous. This helped their business as well. And Oibore became quite a popular man in Kyoto business circles. Enishi continued to avoid notice at home whenever possible.

Enishi began to plan his next trip – including plans to use some of their profits for local causes wherever they purchased or sold goods. Oibore hired assistants to help with their burgeoning business, including some of his former shogunate associates who had fallen on hard times and men he knew from Rakuninmura who might be able to rebuild their lives if they were encouraged.

Shortly after Enishi returned home, Oibore took tea with Misao and she set a time and date for Enishi to come and see her. Oibore was relieved that this message did not appear to color his relationship with Misao. He hoped that Enishi would not take any action that the Okashira might find offensive.

Enishi arrived at the appointed hour and was met by Okina, as before. As they made their way through the Aoiya, Enishi felt no sign of Shinomori in attendance. He was shown into the same private meeting room, but this time the Okashira was there waiting for him.

"Good day, Okashira," Enishi said, giving her a very respectful bow. "Thank you for deferring this resumption of our meeting during my absence from the country."

"Please be seated. I believe when we last met you had offered your services to me."

"Yes, Okashira. I freely offer you my contacts here in Kyoto and across Japan to use in obtaining information for you. I do not wish to infer that the Oniwabanshuu is in need of such resources. I believe them to be highly capable in this area. I merely offer what I have available to me as a means of making amends to the Oniwabanshuu."

"We will take this offer under advisement. Should we wish to call upon you, you will be notified. Does this complete our business?"

"I have one other offer for you, Okashira. I wish to make amends however possible for involving you and other members of the Oniwabanshuu in my failed attempt to extract Earthly Justice on your friend. If there is a way I can make such amends, I will offer it. You need only make your requirements known to me."

"This is an unusual open-ended offer. I will discuss it with other members of the Oniwabanshuu. If we require something of you now, or in the future, we will contact you. Is they anything else?"

"Just this," Enishi hesitated. "I would request a small favor of you personally, regarding Himura."

"It is very presumptuous of you to even mention his name to me, after the extreme harm you attempted to inflict upon him," Misao stated. She did not raise her voice, or change her facial expression in any way, but it was plain she was angry. And Enishi could clearly read her ki, in any case.

"That is exactly why I am presuming to bring this matter to your attention. Please hear me out."

Misao motioned him to continue.

"I visit my sister quite often. I would consider it unfortunate if Himura or even worse, Karou-dono were to come upon me unawares in that situation. I seek only to avoid inflicting any additional pain on them if I can avoid it. Do you think you might be able to help me in this regard?"

"I will consider it. If I decide to assist you, you will hear from me. May I assume our business is now concluded?"

"Yes, however, I would like to let you know that I will be leaving on my next trip abroad shortly. I would not wish my father to miss his visits with you due to my presence. Your friendship is very dear to him, and I will avoid my home when you are expected if that is your wish. May I add, however, that he is very fond of his 'adoptive daughter' and I would be pleased if you were to someday include me in your visit."

"I am very fond of Oibore. Good luck on your trip abroad. Please leave the way you came."

The following morning, Enishi and Oibore were beginning their day with their usual Tai Chi exercises when a visitor arrived unannounced.

Saitou entered the compound and lit a cigarette while he watched the father and son go though their routine. When they had finished, Enishi approached him.

"To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure, Hajime? Would you care to have breakfast with us?"

"No, I am just letting you know that you will be seeing more of me now that I have transferred to Kyoto. I assume that you would prefer to meet here rather than the police station anyway. Too many trips to the police station might cause suspicion and would not be good for business, eh?"

Saitou and Enishi met privately briefly so that Enishi could report on his latest foreign contacts and findings. He walked Saitou to the gate, but Saitou paused before leaving.

"Tell me, Enishi, are you using your dojo to maintain your skills? Which techniques and weapons are you currently using?"

Enishi was taken aback by the question, but felt compelled to respond.

"You are well aware of my techniques, Hajime. You saw both of my battles with Battousai. The only technique I no longer use is the Kyokeimyaku. My hearing was too severely damaged to continue to employ it. As to weapons, I have purchased several swords seeking to replace the one broken in the last battle. Why do you ask?"

"I'm nosy. It's part of my charm, hadn't you noticed? I'll see you when you return from your next trip."

Author's Note:

Many thanks to those who reviewed, and with your patience while fanfiction worked out its failed relationship with its server – that's what we all write about, ne? Our relationship issues…