Watsuki owns them

I just borrow for a while

No harm intended

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

Firuze Khanume, Karasu, & rurouni

dementedchris & Susan: all will be revealed, stay tuned!,

Akin sijin: hope your preliminary examinations went well, thanks for the reviews,

Tiian: I hope I am doing Aoshi justice – he's one tough cookie

When She Smiles

Chapter 19: The Former Okashira

Misao went to the Yukishiro dojo at once. She was in luck; Enishi and Oibore were beginning their sword Chi exercises. Without a word, she found her sword and joined them, following Enishi's lead.

Enishi was pleased to see Misao. He had just returned from a trip, and Saitou had come early in the day, pushing their exercises to late into the morning. He had been irritated at the delay in their customary schedule, but now he was quite happy with the turn of events. He knew Misao liked sword Chi, and he and his father had begun to practice it more regularly due to her continuing interest. It was a treat to have someone so enthusiastic accompany them. And Misao, being an accomplished practitioner of her own arts, was adept at the form. It was a pleasure to watch her, for both Yukishiros.

Enishi felt her ki. She was so vibrant, so excited about everything she did. And the anger and negative energy that had colored her ki in their first meetings was totally gone. She had something on her mind, something to do with him, not his father. If he had read her correctly, she would find a way to include him on this visit to Oibore, rather than allowing him to leave them on their own as he usually did. This should be interesting.

Once they were finished, the Yukishiros welcomed their unexpected guest. Misao invited Oibore to accompany her to a new restaurant she wanted to try. Oibore was willing, but unavailable to go today due to a pre-arranged business luncheon. Misao was disappointed and understanding, but suddenly shocked them both by turning to Enishi and asking if he would like to substitute for Oibore. This day was becoming more interesting by the minute.

"Yukishiro, I think you would like this place as much as Oibore-san, and then you can tell him in great detail what a nice time we had and how it was so much better than his boring business lunch."

"I would be happy to accompany you, Misao-dono. We have not had a chance to visit much in many weeks. I will give father a complete report when he returns, one that is sure to make him think twice before refusing you again."

Oibore was concerned, but he knew that the relations between Enishi and the Oniwabanshuu were such that Misao might be carrying a message from the Okashira. There was nothing for it but to watch them go and leave for his own meeting. He was already sorry he had not canceled his business luncheon instead.

Misao and Enishi walked to the restaurant without rushing. Misao inquired after their business interests and his latest trip very casually, just as Enishi imagined that she did with Oibore. Their conversation was comfortable. Enishi felt that Misao was working to be certain he was comfortable. He couldn't read her mind to know whether this was a result of the challenge from Aoshi or her current business with him. He would have to wait for her to tell him.

Their lunch was uneventful, but seemed leisurely to Enishi. Misao was in no hurry to return to the Aoiya. She wanted to talk to him. He wished he knew what was on her mind. They discussed Oibore at length. She was concerned about his health. Was he working too hard? Did he have enough help for his part of the business? Was Enishi sure he was not straining under too much effort?

Enishi finally laughed and told her, "Please, Misao-dono, it is enough that Oibore says all of these things about you – or at least he did when you were Okashira. He was always worried about you doing too much, taking on too much, and not having enough fun. Father is fine. He is thriving on the work he is doing. He suggested this business for us. Did you know that? And he has lots of help. His main job now is to walk around and make sure all the clients, his new friends, are happy. You know he loves that part of it, so don't worry.

"I am glad he has such a good friend as you. He really does think of you as his adopted daughter. He feels very protective toward you. If you don't give me a good report when you see him next, I will be in a great deal of trouble with him."

Misao laughed. "I never knew my own father, so I am very happy to have Oibore-san as my friend. He doesn't give me advice – at least not so far, so he is the perfect adopted father."

"Let me walk you back to the Aoiya, Misao-dono. I have become very interested in gardens and there is a most beautiful one between here and the Aoiya that I would like to show you. If you have the time, of course."

"Yes, Yukishiro, I would like to see it. I rarely visit gardens, so I will be able to give Oibore-san a very good report on you if you show me a beautiful one."

Misao and Enishi explored the garden he wished to share with her at length. He was quite conversant in the botanical terms and took pains to point out rare blossoms for her enjoyment. Their conversation was casual and touched only on their surroundings, the weather, minor events in Kyoto and other matters of everyday interest. Misao found Enishi outgoing and entertaining. He seemed quite different from the reserved person she usually saw when she visited Oibore.

When they completed their tour, Enishi suggested they sit and enjoy the view on a bench located on the edge of the grounds before going back to the Aoiya. Misao was still in no hurry to return, and readily agreed. It was late in the afternoon and the garden was virtually deserted. When Enishi was certain there was no one else around, he regarded Misao carefully and asked, "So, what did you wish to speak with me about, Misao-dono?"

Misao was very irritated. She replied sharply, "It's that 'ki' thing, isn't it? I cannot tell you just how much it irritates me when Himura, Aoshi-sama and now you pull this 'ki' reading on me! Why don't you just read my mind! The three of you should form a club and communicate telepathically and leave the rest of us alone. Besides, I didn't know you used it, too."

"Sorry, Misao-dono. I did not intend to offend you, and I certainly cannot read your mind or I wouldn't need to ask you, would I? It's just that I can sense in your ki that you have something to say, and I am willing to listen. Has the Okashira decided to use my sources to some purpose?" Enishi wanted to change the subject from his ability to read her ki, it seemed to really irritate her. He wondered why Aoshi hadn't taught her, but prudently decided not to mention it.

"I am not yet ready to discuss my business with you Yukishiro. Yes, I am here at the request of the Okashira, but since I cannot read your mind or your ki, I need to use the talents of mere mortal humans to decide how best to proceed. What I would like to do is get to know you better. Are you scheduled to leave Japan shortly? Are you available to spend some time with me – without a ki quiz on your part, if possible!"

"Misao-dono, I am at your disposal. I have not yet scheduled my next trip abroad, and I will not schedule it until our business is settled to your satisfaction. May I make a suggestion?"

"As long as it doesn't involve reading my mind, I am willing to discuss it," she said, smiling at him. Misao was no longer irritated, and Enishi was being very accommodating to her, probably due to his promise to make amends to the Oniwabanshuu.

Enishi laughed. "I think you will like my ideas very much. Allow me to give you a tour of all of my favorite gardens in Kyoto. They are very beautiful this time of year, and best visited in the morning. Afterwards, if you like, I will try to begin teaching you to sense "ki" as I do. I cannot speak for the talents of Shinomori or Himura in this regard, but I will teach you as I was taught, if you wish it."

"Really?" Misao was so thrilled she almost hugged him. It would give her no end of satisfaction if she were able to sense the feelings of both Aoshi-sama and Himura.

Her excitement was so open it took Enishi by surprise. He was used to the guarded and manipulating tactics of his business associates, including Saitou. Her pleasure at the very idea of learning something new was so fresh and sincere; he could only smile back at her with delight. She wanted to get to know him? Well, he could probably make that sacrifice. Maybe there would be an opportunity for him to endear himself to her yet.

Chapter 20: New Discoveries

Misao and Enishi began their self-guided tour of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto the next morning. He was an excellent tour guide, giving her some casual botanical information and pointing out exceptional examples or rare blossoms as they came upon them. He didn't bore her with too much detail as gardens were his interest, not hers. Enishi also made an effort to speak of other things, since Misao had specifically wanted to get to know him better. But he wanted to get to know her better, too, so for every piece of information he gave, he tried to get her to share herself with him in return.

They primarily discussed their childhoods on this morning. Enishi spoke of life in the Shogunate families, being brought up a low-level samurai, being brought up without a mother. He spoke of Tomoe, but only slightly in passing, acknowledging her as his surrogate mother. Misao had not known either her parents or her grandparents. She spoke of her life with the Oniwabanshuu. She was more open than he had anticipated, speaking at length about Shinomori and his fallen comrades, particularly Hanya, who had been her teacher.

As their tour came to a close, Enishi inquired about her training.

"What disciplines do you practice, Misao-dono? You saw my last fight with Battousai so you know my techniques and training."

Misao was instantly guarded in her response; "I am well trained, as are all Oniwabanshuu."

Enishi rushed to explain, feeling her withdraw, "Misao-dono, I have asked about your training for a very specific reason. Teaching someone to read 'ki' is an integral part of training. If I am to teach you, I must understand your techniques. I'm sorry, but if these cannot be revealed, then I will have no basis for your instruction. It will be difficult to teach you in any case, as it is most often integrated within your techniques at a very early age." He paused to allow her time to consider. Which was more important to her, learning to read 'ki', or keeping Oniwabanshuu training a secret?

Misao was equally torn. She was so excited about the possibility of learning to read someone's ki that she couldn't imagine turning down the opportunity. On the other hand, revealing her Oniwabanshuu training was an ingrained restriction. She did have justification in this case, if her ultimate goal was to recruit Yukishiro as a member of the Oniwabanshuu, why shouldn't he know about their training methods? Of course, he was not yet a member, but that was her reasoning behind speaking so freely of her childhood. She wanted to paint her family in their best light, to show Yukishiro that being a member would be like having a real family.

Ultimately, she thought back to the skills she knew Yukishiro possessed. He was a formidable swordsman. She did not know if he was a kempoist, but it seemed unlikely that she would reveal anything entirely new by displaying her methods to someone of his level of skill.


"I am trained with kunai, which I believe you know from Oibore-san, and I am also trained in kempo," she paused, "Of course, I am rapidly becoming an expert at sword Chi, thanks to your teachings, Yukishiro-sensei," she added with a teasing laugh.

"Would it be possible for you to show me one of your practices? It would help me to understand how best to approach the integration of sensing ki around you. We could use my dojo if that would suit you."

"No, I far prefer to practice outdoors, in the woods. This garden is not too far from where I usually practice, would that do?"

"Yes, actually an outdoor location is far preferable. You will see why when we begin. If your particular location is considered secret, just substitute another."

"No, I believe for this practice, my familiar surroundings would be best. I would ask you not to discuss this location with anyone else. Need I add that I would prefer that all of our discussions be kept private?"

"No, I understand the nature of the Oniwabanshuu. I protect my father from my own secrets. I would most certainly not share yours with him. Whom else could I tell? My legitimate business acquaintances would have no interest or understanding. My former contacts and associates would be very interested, but I am distancing myself from them. Your 'secrets' are safe with me. And after our lessons are complete, you will be able to feel that for yourself."

The idea that she would be able to read Yukishiro for herself was a powerful magnet for Misao. Reading Himura would be fun, too. But reading Aoshi-sama, that was her real goal. She would trade almost anything to be able to finally know what he felt for her, even if he was unable to express it, especially if he was trying to keep it hidden.

She and Enishi reached her favorite clearing after a short hike. It reminded her of her recent training with Aoshi. She turned to Enishi and cautioned him, just as she had Aoshi. "My practice includes my kunai, so please be sure you stay completely out of my sight lines. Do you understand what I mean? I can show you where to watch if you like."

"I understand, Misao-dono. Please begin."

Misao walked into the clearing and turned to be certain Enishi was not in peril and laughed. He had disappeared completely. Well, she knew he was an expert, this was not completely unexpected.

She moved to the center of the clearing to begin her practice. She felt more nervous than she had with Aoshi-sama. Closing her eyes, she spent more time than usual on her breathing exercises, calming and centering herself. As she progressed to her stretches, her concentration increased and she was able to begin her movements with her usual expertise. She displayed her kempo leaps using most of the available space in the clearing. The attack poses and defensive postures were woven into a new form she had perfected while training with Aoshi-sama. They arrayed the many strengths of the Oniwabanshuu before Enishi's appreciative gaze. Her kunai bursting into the trees were almost a surprise, even to his trained eyes. They had appeared into her hands and connected with their targets in mere seconds.

Enishi watched her expectantly. He knew she was well trained, but he had never seen her display her talent. She could be graceful and fluid in her movements, as she was when she practiced sword Chi, but this was something quite different. This was a whole different level of expertise – just like his own. He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was entirely focused and her execution was perfect. What an unusual woman she was; no wonder he was attracted to her. When she released her kunai he exhaled and realized he had been holding his breath, waiting for her to finish.

She returned to her original composed position in the center of the clearing and took several more steadying breaths. Enishi stepped into the clearing behind her and approached her slowly. As she "felt" his presence and began to turn around, he stopped her.

"Wait, Misao-dono. Don't turn around. You are focused and composed, this is the best time to begin. Please, sit down exactly where you are." She complied.

"Now close your eyes, and make your mind as empty as possible. Do not let your thoughts distract you, focus internally and on the ground beneath you. Feel its texture and then extend your thoughts to the rocks and trees around you, all the familiar pieces of this complex world that you practice in each day. Do this until you next hear my voice."

Misao complied. It was harder than she anticipated to clear her mind of her rampant and unasked for thoughts and opinions. But she fought them down and focused on the ground beneath her. It was hard, had some grass, and some loose grains of dirt from her recent activity. She let her mind drift to the surrounding rocks and trees. She was trained to notice, so her practice clearing was very familiar to her. She knew the location of each rock, each tree and bush. She imagined each one in turn, reaching out with her feelings to each of them, and continued to the next until she had made a complete circuit of the clearing.

Enishi whispered behind her. "Extend your thoughts to me, Misao-dono."

She complied. She concentrated on Enishi, picturing him in her mind's eye and extending her feelings to him in the same way she had extended them to the rocks or the trees.

Enishi whispered again, "I am going to move. Don't open your eyes, or speak. If you can tell where I have moved to, just reach out and point to me. Do this until I speak again."

Misao concentrated harder. He was behind her, would he be right or left next? That didn't help her. She didn't feel anything, but she guessed and pointed right. Now she had no visual clues to guide her. She felt confused and frustrated. So she began again. She took several cleansing breaths and felt for the ground beneath her, extending her reach to the trees and rocks only after she felt completely centered. As she made a careful circuit of the clearing, following her original path, she felt something amiss. Had she missed a tree? A rock? No, this was Enishi. She pointed, and the feeling vanished.

She felt like she had progressed, but there were no "feelings" to the right or left of where she believed he had just been. This was really irritating her now. So she guessed. She pointed to the left. Then she heard Enishi's voice from behind her.

"That's enough for today, your concentration is slipping." He came and sat next to her in the clearing. "You did very well, Misao-dono."

She scowled at him. "I don't think I did very well! I couldn't really feel you at all."

Enishi smiled in return, "Don't be so impatient, Misao. Learning this skill will take time. And you did very well. The first time you pointed, you were using your brain and logical deduction – that didn't work so you guessed, ne? And the last time, that was also a guess, correct?" Misao nodded.

"But the second time, you were centered and focused. You took your time and surveyed your surroundings. You noticed something that was out of place, right? And you pointed directly at me.

"There are many more exercises ahead before you can really feel someone, it takes a lot of practice. In truth, it may be a long time before you can actually 'read' someone. However, your years of practicing the martial arts have been excellent training for this, so I believe you can learn it with enough practice. Do you still want to learn? "

"Absolutely. But you are correct, my concentration is gone for today, I think I will return to the Aoiya."

"At least let me take you somewhere to eat, you must be hungry."

"No, thank you, I would like to go home and think things through. Shall we meet again tomorrow?"

"As you wish, Misao-dono. There are many beautiful gardens in Kyoto that need our attention."

Aoshi watched Misao return to the Aoiya. She had been gone most of the day. She was very tired and preoccupied as she came up the stairs to the porch. What had she and Yukishiro been doing? He would have to trust her and wait until she told him.

Misao went to the back garden, her favorite place to think. She had learned more about Yukishiro today, but he had learned just as much about her, maybe more. And what of her new ki exercises? She knew that for her to learn to feel or read someone's ki, his or her life force, must be a talent of the heart, not the mind. She must have known this, but it still stunned her. What did that say about Aoshi, Himura, Saitou and Yukishiro? It must take great heart to wield their swords with such expertise, and with it came their ability to sense others. How each of them used this talent was very different, but all were circumspect about it. Reading someone's ki clearly came with a great responsibility to respect his or her privacy. She was seeing the times that Aoshi and Himura had revealed their abilities in a new light. They had probably only revealed them to her due to the affection of their relationship. And even Yukishiro. He had only revealed his sensing of her after a long day together when he felt comfortable with her, a feeling she had worked hard to engender. She only knew of Saitou's abilities because he had discussed them with Himura during their first meeting with Shishio, and his fight with Seta.

It was a lot to consider. She went to the kitchen to eat a light meal and then returned to the garden. She was rested now. So she decided to practice here. She closed her eyes, fought down the constant stream of thoughts in her mind and focused on the bench where she sat. Gradually she extended her consciousness to include the ring of plants and walkways around her. She felt a twinge, something new, and opened her eyes to see Okina coming out to see her. Her smile greeted him warmly.

"A good beginning," she thought.