Watsuki owns them

I just borrow for a while

No harm intended

Thanks for reading and reviewing to Susan, Midori Natari Himura,

Firuze Khanume, dementedchris, rurouni, & Karasu, your kind comments mean a great deal to me.

Tiian: Yes, more A/M/E triangle, stay tuned. Also I've tried hard to have Misao use Aoshi's Okashira title formally, Aoshi-sama informally now that he has resumed the title. I thought she would try hard to do that to proove she is not sad he took the title from her. (But, of course, I may have missed some.)

Lizette: Yes, more M/E on the way…

When She Smiles

Chapter 17: Friends and Lovers

Enishi and Oibore fell into a comfortable pattern as time passed. Their business was extremely successful due to their complimentary abilities. Enishi was a brilliant strategist, Oibore knowledgeable of the marketplace. Enishi was a master planner and negotiator, dealing at the highest levels of government and culture in his travels. Oibore was compassionate and excellent at finding and hiring skilled and dedicated people to keep their customers happy both here and abroad. They were both becoming well known for their continuing charity works, Enishi abroad and Oibore at home, as they continued giving most generously of their profits. Oibore also gave generously of his time.

Enishi reported to Saitou faithfully and gave insightful and accurate information regarding foreign government officials and their general attitude towards Japan. His travels gave him time to think about his past without dwelling on it, and gave him the gift his madness and obsession had denied him: maturity.

As Enishi was able to gradually put the past behind him, he found himself heeding the advice of Himura. He visited his sister less often. He rarely read her journal. He revered her as he would a lost mother, for that was what she had been to him. But he thought about her less. As he did so, he found his thoughts were drawn to his own life and future. He began to consider what he could do to be happy. And the first thing he did was to seek out beauty on his travels. He became a connoisseur of gardens. His business associates began to notice his interest and arrange for trips, visits or meetings to be held in local exquisite gardens.

Oibore noticed his interest and arranged for the dojo to be re-landscaped in very traditional and beautiful plantings. He hesitated, but at last decided to include a white plum tree. When they were in bloom there was no avoiding them in Kyoto, so they might as well accept the inevitable and enjoy it.

Enishi took up cultivating bonsai trees. It allowed him to think and gave him something beautiful to contemplate. He continued his swordsmanship practice, but he had learned a great deal from his unexpected battle with Aoshi.

After Oibore and Misao had departed, Shinomori had sheathed his weapons, glared at Enishi, and followed them out. Enishi was left to cope with the aftermath of a sudden attack and his battle tactics. This was the first test of his new defensive battle tactics. For the most part, he was pleased with his performance. He had not used his attacking techniques on Shinomori, nor had he injured him, or allowed himself to be injured. Either might have easily occurred. Shinomori was an excellent opponent. On the whole, he had handled it as well as possible, but he was concerned with two aspects of the battle.

First, he had been able to confirm that he could not use his maddened nerve technique, Kyokeimyaku. During the final moments of the fight with Shinomori, as the Okashira prepared for his slow sword dance of Kenbu, Enishi had felt his senses burning. If he had been as angered as Aoshi or lost some of his current control over his sanity, he could have easily summoned the strength and heightened talents of the Kyokeimyaku. The test of battle made it clear to him that if he called upon this hidden talent, he would not only risk his remaining hearing, but his sanity. The nerve enhancements he had developed were based solely on his insane hatred of Battousai. It was clear that he was not able to use them without calling forth the same madness and hatred. It would cost him his new life to use the Kyokeimyaku.

Next, he realized that his taunting of Shinomori was a holdover from his former days of preparation for Earthly Justice. Even if what he had said to Aoshi was true, was it the best course of action? He thought back to his battles with Battousai – no Himura. They had much to say to each other during those battles, and their words to each other, spoken in the heat of battle, still held meaning. Himura had spoken eloquently of Tomoe and even warned Enishi of his need to concentrate on his defenses. Perhaps the heat of battle lent clarity to these usually soft-spoken men. Enishi realized with surprise that he, too, was reserved and soft-spoken in these new, brighter days. Maybe their words were as focused as their muscles.

What had Shinomori said that Enishi should consider? Clearly, he was well and truly warned against any feelings toward Misao. What were his feelings toward Misao? Only that he noticed her as a woman. He was attracted to her. That placed her in a category all her own, thought Enishi ruefully. He was well traveled now, and had been introduced to many daughters, nieces and sisters, yet no one had attracted him as Misao did. But he did not really know her. Not like Oibore did, and certainly not as well as Shinomori did. Oibore continued to insist that she was totally committed to Aoshi and deeply loved him. Enishi sighed; he was NOT going to hatch another hopeless obsession. Unless he saw some sign of reciprocal interest, he was not going to pursue a relationship. But he did realize that his new life was lacking in personal relationships.

He had learned much from this confrontation. Hopefully he could continue to respond to threats with defensive measures only, and without losing control.

For his part, Aoshi had learned a great deal, too. His respect for Misao was great, and he knew he had to prove it to her with an exceptional assignment. She had asked him for an assignment because she had noticed that he was avoiding giving her anything to do, treating her like a child as he always had. It was time for him to show her that she had earned his complete trust and respect as a member of his Oniwabanshuu. It was true. Yet he continued to hesitate.

Aoshi knew from his battles with Himura, that worthy opponents could teach you lessons in battle that had nothing to do with tactics. Himura had shown him his compassion, helping his dead companions rescue him from Kanryuu at their first meeting. His teachings at Shishio's labyrinth had been even more important and costly. He had helped Aoshi see his true heart and recover from his loss such that he was able to return to Kyoto.

Enishi was a madman. Or was he? Aoshi turned his brutal logic on the facts as they currently stood. Enishi was a gifted swordsman of exceptional abilities. It had taken all of Himura's talent and wit to counter the Kyokeimyaku of Enishi's maddened nerves. His reverse sheathing technique, the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki, was brilliant, but had only reduced Enishi to Himura's level. Both Aoshi and Enishi had suffered the defeat of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryuu Ougi Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. Aoshi grudgingly accepted that Enishi was probably his equal with the sword.

Was he still mad? Aoshi knew that was not true. His extensive surveillance of the Yukishiro dojo had taught him that. Enishi had been driven mad with vengeance at the loss of his sister. He had made enormous mistakes and terrible choices. He had aligned with other madmen in pursuit of Himura. Aoshi didn't need a mirror to see the obvious comparisons. Was it any wonder that Enishi was drawn to Misao?

So what had Enishi taught him with their battle? Despite the obvious stalemate outcome, it was clear to Aoshi that Enishi had not used his attacking techniques. He had kept his responses defensive. It might not have continued that way if Misao had not intervened, but it was clear that Enishi was a formidable foe. So what had he said that Aoshi should hear? He sought her attention. Aoshi had overheard that admission when he arrived. He had taunted Aoshi with the cold hard facts. His words rang in Aoshi's consciousness:

"Are you her husband that you defend a gift to her with violence? Are you her lover? Do you have feelings for her at all, Aoshi? Would you wish her a life of loneliness rather than see her with me? "

His feelings for Misao were clear. He loved her. He had always loved her. He loved her as a child. Now that he had accepted that she was a woman, he loved her still. What was he to her? What did he want to be to her? Was he so cruel that he would prefer that she be lonely rather than loved?

He knew what her assignment should be, he knew what his answer would be, and he would let the choice be entirely Misao's.

Chapter 18: Amends and Hope

Aoshi completed his daily meditation and asked Okina to find Misao and ask her to join him. He had spent the last week refining and carefully considering the consequences of the assignment he was about to give to her. He was sure of the path, but fearful of the choices Misao might be forced to make along the way. It was her path to follow. His was clear. All that remained was for him to give her the assignment and give her the barest indication of his hopes. He did not wish to color her decisions, but he did want to be certain she understood the choice.

Misao joined him shortly. "How may I serve, Okashira?"

"I have an assignment for you Misao. One which may be critical for the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu. Please sit and we will discuss it."

"Of course, Aoshi-sama. Please let me help you with this task in any way I can."

"The task, Misao, will be entirely yours. I believe that you are the only one of us who can accomplish this assignment, and it may seriously impact our future. It is because of your close connection to the Yukishiro family that I wish you to undertake this assignment.

"You are aware that Yukishiro made two offers to you as our Okashira. I accepted these offers, but have not yet acted upon them. This, will be part of your assignment.

"In your discussions with Oibore-san has he told you much about their business?"

"Yes, he speaks very generally about it every time we meet. I know that it has been far more successful than they expected. Enishi travels about half of the time, and they have expanded from just imports to handling exports as well. I also know much which has been left unsaid by Oibore-san. Should I go on?"

"Please do, I wish you to share with me everything you have learned about the Yukishiro family." Aoshi was using all of his will power not to wince every time Misao referred familiarly to Enishi. He sincerely hoped that she had acquired this habit from Oibore and not from a more familiar relationship.

"They have donated large sums of money, primarily to hospitals, orphanages and schools both here and across Japan. What is not more generally known here is that they have contributed even more abroad. Enishi contributes everywhere they purchase or sell goods. But Shanghai receives the most. These contributions have helped with their success, and have made Oibore a revered man here in Kyoto. Whenever we go anywhere together, someone who wishes to express gratitude for something approaches him. I can also tell you that while he is very circumspect about it, he gives generously of his time to those in need. And he has found employment either at his company or elsewhere for anyone he believes is sincere about wanting to work. Watching him try to hide some of these things when he is with me has been very entertaining and has allowed me to keep some of my skills fresh in seeking out his various acts of generosity."

"And Yukishiro? What can you tell me of him?"

"If he is not traveling, he often joins us for tea. He is careful not to intrude on my time with Oibore-san, but he will sometimes join us at the end of a visit. He is usually quiet. Did you know he has taken up bonsai? He seems introspective. I know that he spends a lot of time entertaining clients and officials when he travels, he leaves everything of that nature in Japan to Oibore-san.

"Nor has he shown any sign of his former madness. He rarely mentions his sister or Himura. He never mentions Kaoru. He also spends much time practicing in his dojo.

"Also, Oibore-san has given me another gift. You may know that the Yukishiros practice Tai Chi. Oibore-san tried to teach me, but I found it too slow for my liking. But recently, when Enishi was abroad, he invited me to their dojo and he taught me sword Chi. Oibore and I used swords that Enishi had purchased as possible replacements for the one we saw broken by Himura. We used ones that he had rejected, and Oibore gave me one of them for my use. I enjoy doing sword Chi, and I keep it at their dojo. It is probably an expensive sword, since Enishi was originally purchasing it for himself.

"What else do you wish to know?"

"Are you aware of Yukishiro's connection with Saitou?"

"Yes, he informed me of his deal with the Meiji at our first meeting. I have heard nothing further."

"Yukishiro has become a wealth of information on foreign officials. The Meiji government has come to rely on him, particularly with regard to China. He reports to Saitou exclusively, and Saitou meets with him at their dojo after every trip. Maybe we should suggest Saitou take up Tai Chi with them, ne?" Aoshi couldn't help being amused by that picture and remembering when Himura suggested the same thing to him.

"Yukishiro has become a wealthy and important person. One who could have infinite value to us if he were also Oniwabanshuu."

Misao was stunned into silence. She could do nothing but wait for Aoshi-sama to continue.

"I see you are surprised. But consider, Misao, if he had come to us in the beginning, when he had regained his sanity, when he was first in Kyoto to visit his sister, before he had planned his business and his relationship to the Meiji. If he had come then, what a masterful behind the scenes spy he would have made. His skills are excellent; it would only have been the personal relationship with Himura that would have fueled our doubt.

"Now, he is far too well known to be a spy, but his skills could still be very useful to us, particularly abroad."

"But, Aoshi-sama, he has already offered us these skills freely to make amends for his Earthly Justice. We can use his skills at any time, I am certain he would not refuse."

"That is not what we need from him, Misao. We would be better served if he were to become a member of the Oniwabanshuu group here in Kyoto. I want his services and his loyalty. I realize that he may be resistant to joining us, but your assignment is to deepen the relationship between us. It will be your decision whether you invite him to become one of us, or whether you choose to create a less formal alliance. I realize it will take some time for you to complete this assignment, but I would ask you to start at once and make it your highest priority. Yukishiro could help us rebuild and strengthen our organization here and abroad. Without him, it will take decades, and may never be accomplished. Do you understand your assignment?"

"Yes, Okashira," Misao was still aghast at what Aoshi-sama was proposing. She had never considered rebuilding their group on such a vast scale, but maybe this was why Aoshi-sama had decided to reclaim his title as Okashira. She would have to think this through.

"There is one more critical piece of information I wish you to know, Misao."

"What is it, Aoshi-sama?"

"I am very proud of you, Misao. I have complete trust in your ability to make the best choice for our future in this matter. Please feel free to make your own decisions as to how to proceed. I would appreciate updates on your progress when you deem it appropriate."

"Thank you, Okashira."

Misao left Aoshi and went to the back garden to think. Whatever was he thinking? First he challenged Enishi, now he wants him to become Oniwabanshuu? How can Enishi be Oniwabanshuu? But she knew the answer; he could become Oniwabanshuu in secret. Their organization itself was considered a secret ninja group. Members who were unknown to any but the Okashira and a few others had been very common in the past. Okina had told her stories of her grandfather and his days as Okashira, when the Oniwabanshuu had been much larger, and used for more clandestine activities. Their support of Edo Castle during the revolution had cost them the support and trust of the Meiji. But Misao knew the Meiji were using most of the surviving ten swords of Shishio as spies. They were clearly using Enishi's talents internationally. If the Oniwabanshuu were to thrive, they would ultimately need to work with the Meiji in some form. Enishi could help them.

Aoshi-sama's thinking became clearer. First Enishi, then perhaps even Saitou might join them or at least form an alliance with them. They all had been on the losing side of the revolution. Perhaps they could forge a better relationship in the future.

Misao couldn't help but wonder what their future might have been if Aoshi-sama had devised this plan after Kanryuu had slaughtered their friends. Instead he had focused his hatred and revenge on Himura. Just like Enishi. Misao had never before considered the past mistakes of her Aoshi-sama in the same context as Enishi. She didn't want to do it now, either, the similarities were too great.

She had better focus on her assignment. To do so, she would need to spend some time with Enishi. She went immediately to see Oibore and find out if Enishi was in town.

Aoshi watched her leave the Aoiya. She would complete her assignment for him. She would help him rebuild the Oniwabanshuu. But at the end, would she be at his side?