Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
Thanks for reading and reviewing to Susan, Midori Natari Himura,
Tiian, Akin Sijin, Karasu and Firuze Khanume.
dementedchris: nice call on the title. Triangles are my favorite shape.
When She Smiles
Chapter 21: Gardens and Intuition
Misao approached her assignment with new enthusiasm. She was so excited about her ki exercises that she had to force herself to pay attention to learning about Yukishiro. During their visits to gardens they continued their pattern of small talk interspersed with shared life stories. She spoke of her early life at the Aoiya and her loneliness after her friends left. Then she spoke of her love for Okina and the ones that remained. Enishi talked extensively of his travels, the unusual places he had visited, and the more interesting people he was meeting. His stories about the daughters, sisters, nieces and other eligible young ladies his business associates were always throwing at him were very funny. It had never occurred to her to think of him as an eligible marriage candidate. Clearly, everyone else considered that one of his prime attributes, especially now that he was a wealthy legitimate businessman.
Enishi began to give her exercises to do at the end of each garden walk. They would find a suitable secluded spot and he would teach her to sense with her feelings for the birds, the butterflies, and finally the other visitors to the garden. His exercises gradually widened her scope and increased her focus. She was learning to feel the presence of strangers. In her solo practice sessions back home, she was learning to sense her Oniwabanshuu family at the Aoiya. She was careful not to extend her reach at home to Aoshi-sama. She wanted this new skill to be a surprise. But she was beginning to feel Okina and the others.
At first she could only sense their presence. Enishi congratulated her and warned her that it might be a very long time, if ever, before she could actually sense another's feelings. It was not a common skill, after all. Only she would know if she had mastered it. But Misao refused to be discouraged. She was more than willing to work hard to master such a skill, and she was mature enough now to see that if she learned patience in the bargain it would be a great gift indeed.
After a couple of weeks, her discussions with Enishi became more personal, more private. She told him about how she had searched for her Okashira, meeting Himura as she returned from one of her failed journeys to Tokyo. She watched him carefully for any sign of his earlier obsession. But there was no sign of it at all. He was not very willing to talk about Himura or Tome or Kaoru, but she sensed guilt, not hatred. Instead, he surprised her by telling her about his last visit with Himura. He didn't detail their private discussions, but she was touched to hear that Himura had been so solicitous of Oibore. He thanked her for handling his request to avoid a chance meeting with Himura at Tomoe's grave with such sensitivity.
She felt it was time to approach Enishi with her real assignment. She wanted to give Aoshi an update, so she returned to the Aoiya and sought him out. Aoshi was in his study, looking out the window that opened onto the garden where she usually went to practice her ki exercises at this time of day. She wondered if he knew what she was doing. She sighed, and quietly interrupted his musings, "Okashira, may I speak with you?"
"Of course, Misao," he responded without turning around. She smiled and dampened her usual irritated response. Would she ever have the nerve to let him know she could now feel his presence, too? Aoshi sensed something different about Misao, but he was not clear on what it was. She was as open to him as ever, but there was something new in her feelings. He fought a rising fear of what that might mean, and asked her to sit with him.
"I have been spending a lot of time with Yukishiro, Okashira. I plan to discuss a closer relationship between us tomorrow. Do you have any further direction for me?"
"No, I continue to believe he would be instrumental in helping us rebuild our organization. Can you share your assessment of him with me?"
"He is worthy to be Oniwabanshuu, Okashira. I had never thought to believe that of him, but I have no doubt of it now. We knew that his strategic and planning skills were excellent. He can also be personable when he wishes it. I had wondered how he made such inroads internationally, but charm and intelligence supplement his contributions when he deigns to show it. I believe him fully recovered from his obsession and madness."
"Then proceed, Misao. Help us rebuild the Oniwabanshuu here, across Japan and beyond. Help me shape our future."
"As you wish, Okashira." And she was gone.
For Enishi, he felt some unease on his next walking tour with Misao. It was clear she had made up her mind and was going to speak to him today. If only he knew what she was going to say. It must be important to have required such preparation. He knew he must wait, but he wasn't happy about it. They both seemed to have less to say this morning. Each was too lost in thought to engage in their usual small talk and shared reminiscences.
The edges of Misao's feelings were tingling. She reached out to Enishi with her feelings, something she usually did not try, but she was barely able to cover her surprise when she sensed his feelings of unease. She couldn't help but smile, but why was he uneasy? Oh, perhaps he is feeling my determination to speak to him today. Or maybe he had a disagreement with Oibore – she knew that wasn't true. It did illustrate, however, that even if she could feel someone's ki, it was no substitute for conversation and rapt attention to another instead of selfish concentration on her own feelings and reactions. She was learning more about ki than she had expected.
Not wishing to prolong Enishi's unease, she startled him by stating the obvious. "I wish to speak with you, Enishi, at length and in private. Would Oibore happen to be out on business today? I think your dojo might be the best place to talk."
"Oibore is at our warehouse today, and I think it unlikely that he will return before this evening. But I cannot be absolutely certain he will not return. Are you comfortable if he does return and finds you there with me? You know I will feel him before he finds us. You would be able to hide your presence if you wish."
"Let us hope that he does not return before we have finished our discussions. I will decide how I wish to handle the situation should it arise. Please alert me if you feel him coming. Perhaps I will feel him, too, ne?"
"Perhaps, you are an excellent student, and you are close to father. I find it easier to feel those we love and have lots of contact with, although I must warn you that ki is no substitute for speech and other forms of expression."
"I know. You told me that you can't read minds, remember?" And they walked to the Yukishiro dojo; each caught up in their own thoughts of what was to come.
As they entered the front gate, Misao suggested to Enishi that they have their discussion within the dojo. It seemed to her that a place dedicated to the martial arts was the right place to discuss her proposition. She refused his offer of tea, and they sat facing each other under their swords. Enishi watched her attentively, waiting for her to begin.
"Enishi, I wish to speak to you about the Oniwabanshuu. It is a matter most dear to me, as you may imagine. I know you will have many questions, but I would ask you to let me speak first, and without interruption." She watched him carefully, and he nodded his assent. His unease was increasing; it felt somehow infused with fear. She had wondered how he would take her words, now she felt that because of Aoshi-sama's last visit, Enishi felt a threat was imminent. She wanted to diffuse that feeling, make him more receptive to her words, so she decided to be very direct.
"The Okashira wishes you to join us. I wish it as well. You have our respect, Enishi. Become Oniwabanshuu." She paused, feeling his response. He was shocked! She wanted to give him a moment to absorb his initial reaction, so that he could listen to the rest of what she wanted to say. He started to speak, but she put up her hands to stop him, and he nodded. She waited another minute, then continued.
"The Oniwabanshuu was a much larger organization in the past, under my grandfather, the Okashira before Aoshi-sama. You probably know that we served as bodyguards and protection for the Shogunate and their families." She paused, and he nodded.
"We also had members who were known only to the Okashira, and perhaps to one other. Secret members in a secret organization.
"Since the revolution, and our role in defending Edo castle, we have virtually disbanded. After the surrender of Edo without the Oniwabanshuu seeing battle, most of our members became merchants, with the encouragement of the Okashira. After the disaster that befell our small band in Tokyo at the hands of Kanryuu, our Okashira aligned with Shishio against Himura and I became Okashira. After a great deal of thought, our Okashira has returned to his place. He plans to revive the Oniwabanshuu, and believes that you can render invaluable assistance. I agree.
"We would recruit new members and again provide protection. This time we believe our services would be useful to successful merchants and government and cultural officials. We believe that there would be call for these services both here in Japan, and in other countries.
"The Okashira seeks your services and your loyalty. I believe our interests are aligned such that your membership would fulfill the amends you have already offered us. I recognize that asking for your loyalty is beyond the scope of what you have offered, but I beg you to consider what the Oniwabanshuu can offer you in return.
"Forgive me, but I must be blunt. We are family. If you become Oniwabanshuu you will have emotional support beyond what Oibore is able to provide. You must realize that he is your only support here – and while that is adequate for now, it will not be in the future. Oibore will not always be with us. For this reason, I would request that you consider a membership known to all of the current Oniwabanshuu. We will keep you secret from all future recruits, but we could be here for you, as your extended family.
"Will you consider this offer seriously?" Misao again held up her hands to keep Enishi from responding, and he nodded.
"Let's break for now. Serious matters require serious food. And I feel that your muscles are as tightly strung as mine are from sitting. Let's do our sword Chi exercise to stretch out and recover – then I have a favor to ask of you. You have seen my practice, Enishi, I wish to see yours. Would you share it with me?" At last, she permitted him to answer.
Words felt inadequate at the moment. He felt her sincerity, and the weight of the offer she was presenting to him. There was nothing to say on that matter, just yet. So he just smiled and asked, "Would you please hand me my sword?"
With that, they began to do their sword ki form. It was a calming tool, as they both knew, and allowed Misao to consider the scope of her words. Had she said enough? Too much? It allowed Enishi to recover from the shock of the offer and begin to consider whether such an alliance would be possible, would be beneficial to him. He was very surprised that she wished to see him practice. He had never allowed anyone to watch his practice sessions. Even Oibore stayed away, knowing he did not wish an audience. But Misao had been on the beach at his island. She was well aware of his talents and had even seen his Kyokeimyaku technique. She must know, as he did, that their martial arts served to clarify their thoughts, and ultimately their lives. Daily practices were a ritual of self and preservation. If he could clarify his thoughts on this occasion, it would be worth having a visitor. And she did have a point; she had let him see her practice.
When they finished their sword ki, he spoke. "Misao, if you wish to see my practice, I will show you, but I would ask you to move to the doorway, my techniques make full use of the space available." Misao did as requested and sat inside the doorframe where she had stood the last time she had seen Enishi using his sword for something more serious than sword Chi.
Enishi was nervous about her presence. He was reminded that she had been just as nervous about his presence. He took a cue from her routine, and began with some steadying breaths. He liked to start with the slashing techniques, so his beginning exercises culminated in the Shouha Tousei. Misao was very glad she was seated well outside of his reach. She had not seen his speed and agility for quite some time. It was hard to remember that in skills he had surpassed Himura. She knew Himura had beaten him with wit and heart, she had seen it.
Enishi glanced in her direction before progressing to his leaping techniques. He was assuring himself that she was safe and she knew it. She nodded and placed her hands on the doorframe to indicate exactly where she was and intended to stay. When he performed the Chouten Tousei, clearly controlling his height to keep from hitting the high ceiling of the dojo, Misao gasped. His expertise in the air was a match for the Hiten Mitsurugi School. Misao reached out with her feelings to explore Enishi's. After such a show of strength she felt a strong need to assure herself once again of his sanity. What she felt was a revelation.
Enishi had feelings for her. She was astounded and tried to be certain he could not read the surprise she was feeling in her face. She had always found him attractive, but he must know of her deep attachment to Aoshi-sama. Everyone did. Certainly Oibore did and would have told him. Now she had as much to think about as Enishi. What would this mean if he joined the Oniwabanshuu? Had he misread her invitation?
As Enishi fell into his low Tiger stance and went through the remainder of his exercise, she was watching him with altered eyes. She had made faulty assumptions. She, who knew of his past insanity and obsession, did not see him as others would. She thought him unmarriagable, an outcast. She was totally wrong. The man she was watching was wealthy, handsome, and eligible. He could find the emotional support he needed for his future with his own family by marrying one of the many sisters, daughters, or nieces that were constantly thrown his way. He could have a normal happy family now that he was recovered. He didn't need the Oniwabanshuu for that.
Now, too late, she saw that her assignment was incomplete. She had viewed him with prejudiced eyes, seeing only the needy recovering son of a friend who she was going to help. That was most definitely not the Enishi who stood before her now, smiling and pleased with his practice.
Time for food – she would have to think fast during their meal to come up with another tack to convince him.
Enishi surprised Misao by offering to cook for her.
"I don't really want to go out to eat. We have lots of food here, and then we will be able to speak freely. No solicitous waiters, no busybody neighbors listening to our conversation, just us. Will that do?"
"Fair enough, but can you cook? I hate to admit it, but after eating Kaoru's cooking, I am very careful about whom I let prepare my food. If Himura didn't cook, no one would visit her at all."
"Ah yes, Kaoru's cooking. I'm certain it prolonged my insanity by at least a month." Enishi gave Misao a sidelong glance to see what her reaction would be.
Misao laughed. "I can't believe you said that!"
"You said you wanted to get to know me, so I decided to show you that I have a sense of humor, too. I don't get much opportunity to use it here, as you rightly pointed out, I do not have enough relationships in Japan."
"I'm glad to see you have a sense of humor, but you didn't answer my question. Can you cook?"
"Well, no, but I think there is bound to be something here that doesn't need much fixing…"
"Better let me take over, Enishi. Sit down, keep me company and tell where things are, if you know." Misao was quite at home in the kitchen and easily found the preparations for a simple lunch. She and Enishi kept the conversation light, and enjoyed a brief but satisfying lunch.
As Misao served them tea, she re-opened their earlier discussion.
"I believe my earlier offer was incomplete. I would like to add that I think that joining forces with the Oniwabanshuu would offer you a satisfying way to make your amends. I am fully aware of your extensive financial contributions, both here and abroad, especially in Shanghai." She raised her hands again, to keep him from interrupting her. "No, Oibore-san did not tell me about this. I am Oniwabanshuu, a fact you should never overlook.
"To continue, in rebuilding our organization we need your strategic skills as well as your contacts. Using your contacts to help us recruit would be very advantageous to us, but it would also permit you to offer our more legitimate activities to either your former associates who might be salvageable or, more importantly, to new associates who would be assets to our group and might not have other reputable options. Oibore cannot employ everyone at your business, you know. The brighter and more skilled people that he seeks to help would be bored to tears in your warehouse. No Oniwabanshuu is ever bored.
"Now, I think I have monopolized our conversation long enough. Can you imagine yourself as Oniwabanshuu?"
Enishi made her wait for his initial response. This conversation was so bizarre he wondered if he was having delusions. In his wildest dreams, Enishi would not have thought to become Oniwabanshuu.
"I must ask you about the Okashira. You may recall, perhaps, our last happy meeting? It took place in this dojo and he was intending harm to my person. So why the change of heart?"
"I cannot tell you what my Okashira thinks. I can only assure you that this was his idea. I was as shocked to hear it from him as you are now, hearing it from me. When I thought about it, it made good sense to me. He resumed the Okashira position for a purpose, that purpose appears to be to rebuild and expand the organization. He believes it will take decades without you – a testament to how he values your skills. He does not appear to wish to use your martial arts, but he clearly respects them. And the Oniwabanshuu value skills such as yours as few others do in this Meiji era. I did not see your fight, but having watched your practice I believe you are matched.
"I am trying to be as forthright with you as I can, so I will share one other opinion with you, one that is very painful to me. After my Okashira suggested rebuilding our organization to me, I wondered how different our paths would have been if he had decided on this course of action after the Bakumatsu, or even after the loss of our comrades through Kanryuu's duplicity. If he had arrived at this decision sooner, he would not need so much help now."
"I appreciate your honesty now, as always in our relationship, Misao. But I believe I must meet with the Okashira in person before I can seriously consider this offer. Are you willing to arrange such a meeting?"
"I will request it. I will meet you tomorrow morning at the first garden you showed me. I will have the Okashira's answer then."
Chapter 22: The Once and Future Okashira
The next morning was sunny and fair, a day which displayed the beauty of this garden to perfection. Misao was there early; she had developed a taste for gardens herself now. She had learned a little about the flowers, plants and trees. It was a most pleasant place to wait, and Enishi didn't make her wait long.
As he approached her, he admired her beauty as much as the garden's.
"Good morning, Misao-dono. I hope you have not been waiting long."
"Not at all, Yukishiro. I have spoken to the Okashira and he has agreed to meet with you within the hour. I suggest we walk to the Aoiya and enjoy my garden until he is available. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course, I am pleased you were able to arrange the meeting so quickly."
Enishi felt Misao's now familiar ki. She was excited about this meeting, and somewhat anxious. There was no indication of any duplicity or plot, no fear, no anger – this was a genuine offer on her part, at least.
Misao took a deep breath and reached out to see if she could touch Yukishiro's feelings. He was wary. He was curious. He was not seriously entertaining her offer, he did not yet believe it was sincere. And she felt his warm feelings toward her.
Now Misao was genuinely worried, Aoshi-sama would feel those, too, wouldn't he? She was too new at this ki stuff to have a real understanding of how it worked for others, if anyone ever did. She kept herself calm. She had not confided her latest abilities to Yukishiro; she did not want to reveal them through her reactions.
Upon their arrival at the Aoiya, Okina kept his distance, but Misao had alerted him to this meeting and Yukishiro's expected arrival. She made it clear that Yukishiro was an invited guest of the Okashira, and that she was his escort. Okina observed them despite her assurance that it was not necessary. His observance was short, as Aoshi came down to meet them in the garden within a few minutes of their arrival. Misao had only had a chance to show Enishi around her small, but pleasant back garden.
"Yukishiro, I am pleased that you requested this meeting, please follow me to my study, where we will have complete privacy. Misao, please join us."
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Okashira."
Aoshi led the way to his study. The fact that the Okashira had come from his study to meet him was not lost on Enishi. It spoke volumes. There was no doubt that Shinomori had sent Misao to convince him to join the Oniwabanshuu. There was no doubt that he wished it, supported it, and intended to be very convincing to Enishi in this meeting. It seemed impossible to Enishi that he could succeed, but he was intrigued at the audacity of the proposal and willing to hear what the Okashira had to say.
As they walked to Aoshi-sama's study, Misao tentatively reached out with her newfound senses in Aoshi's direction. He was so familiar to her, and yet when she extended her feelings, it was a revelation to her. His exterior calmness hid the high velocity of his feelings and reactions. His distaste at being forced to deal with Yukishiro was palpable, with an undercurrent of regret that his own delay had brought this necessity upon them. There was something else, but she couldn't read it as clearly as she wanted to, and she knew she had to focus her conscious mind on the meeting or she would give herself away to both of them. She wondered what were they feeling in each other?
Once they were seated, the Okashira began, "I understand you wished to meet with me before considering Misao's offer. Misao has my complete authority in this, what are your questions that she could not answer?"
"My first concern is the genuineness of this request. It seems outlandish to me that someone who so recently attacked me in my own home would then request that I give him my loyalty. To what do I owe this change of heart?" Enishi knew that there was no place for the banalities of ordinary business negotiations in a matter so personal as this. Shinomori would be expecting this kind of bluntness, to equivocate would be insulting to someone of his intellect. Besides, in assessing Shinomori's ki, he felt the undercurrent of distaste, but the Okashira was serious and sincere in this offer, that was the overriding feeling.
"Our earlier confrontation led directly to this offer, Yukishiro. Our mutual former nemesis made an outrageous suggestion to me. He told me to look at Misao through your eyes, not mine. I rejected his advice, of course, but our confrontation made me take his suggestion more seriously. Not only did I find the strength, courage and beauty that you saw in Misao; I was also able to accept her growth and adulthood. Then I turned new eyes upon you. Your accomplishments are as formidable as your sword skills. Misao has judged you worthy to become Oniwabanshuu. I urge you to join us and lend us your skills. We can use the resources you have previously offered, but we would prefer a more permanent relationship." Aoshi felt Yukishiro's reluctance; his distrust of the sincerity of the offer, a suspicion grown of a lifetime lived seeing the ulterior motives of everyone around him. He was only here because of Misao's honesty in making the offer. And his affection for her. That had clearly grown since their last meeting.
"Misao-dono has urged me to offer my strategic advice, and I cannot help but wonder at your wish to rebuild the organization after actively urging your members to leave and participate in the commerce of the Meiji era. Is not the Oniwabanshuu an anachronism? Are the talents you offered the Shogunate necessary in this new era? Misao suggested that the prosperous merchants of our cities would be eager for your services, if you had the talent to offer. On what is that based? I have seen no evidence of it, and I am at the very level you seek to serve."
Aoshi raised an eyebrow at Misao.
"Your pardon, Okashira. I did not tell him, I assumed that he knew," turning to Enishi, she continued, "I must beg your pardon as well, Yukishiro. You have spent much of your time out of the country, and left many of the aspects of your business here in Japan to your father. Have you never wondered about his safety?" Both she and Aoshi felt and saw Enishi's discomfort and alarm. She rushed to assure him.
"He is quite safe, Enishi. He has been under our protection since the first time he came to see me." She smiled warmly to cement her reassurance. "I would not risk my adopted father, you know. And when he first came to see me, I felt in his debt due to his kindness to Himura."
Enishi was little comforted. Had he left his own father at risk? Could he have been so blind to the safety of his only living relative?
"And was this protection tested? My father has not been aware of any threat, nor does he believe he is at risk."
"Yes. There have been certain instances of unwelcome visitors from your past, former associates of Heisen, I believe. And more recently, someone from Shanghai approached with an unsavory intent. They were dissuaded."
"My compliments and my deepest thanks. I must ask, however, why were you surprised to see me at our first meeting? If Oibore was under your care our relationship must have been known to you."
"You were known only to the Okashira and me. The other members of the Oniwabanshuu had not seen either you or Oibore, so the connections were not apparent to them as they would have been to us."
Aoshi interjected to return their discussion to the matters at hand. "Perhaps you can see now the answers to your own questions. At the beginning of the Meiji Era, I disbanded most of the Oniwabanshuu with the hope and promise of the new age. Those promises have been largely unfulfilled. The leaders of government and commerce have replaced the Shogunate, and they face many of the same threats that the Shogunate faced. We can serve, perhaps better in this new age. But we cannot operate on any realistic scale with our current numbers. You can help us with your connections, your resources, and your planning skills. Will you now consider this matter seriously?"
"I have one last overriding concern, Okashira. My loyalty is not easily given. I have been the engineer of my own fate, no matter how misguided it has been to date. Even my relationship with the Meiji is tenuous. I chose to use Saitou Hajime as my connection with the Meiji for my own reasons. Both he and Himura, to whom I have given promises regarding my swordsmanship, would need to be consulted. The Oniwabanshuu may be a secret organization, but I do not believe any serious relationship with you could be hidden successfully from either of them.
"Further, do you honestly believe that we could work together effectively? I cannot be your soldier, Okashira."
The shock in the room was palpable when Aoshi responded: "No, I want you to be my successor."
Each of them remained silent for a few minutes, absorbing this astonishing announcement. Enishi immediately sensed the seriousness of Aoshi's statement. He was completely open. There was no ulterior motive, no hidden agenda. Shinomori was asking for his help to rebuild the Oniwabanshuu and then intended to turn it over to him completely. Enishi was astounded.
Misao reached out with her feelings to both men. Her talents were only those of a novice, still she felt their strength, their intellect and their similarities. Each was wary, wily, and well versed in the duplicity of the world. Each was talented in their chosen martial arts and burdened with a painful past filled with regret. Her eyes told her of their attractiveness, her heart whispered that both desired her. She was overwhelmed.
"I believe a break in our discussions is called for at this point," said Aoshi, always the master of understatement. "Take the time you need to consider all the aspects of this proposition carefully, Yukishiro. Consult with Misao on any questions, she has my complete trust. I will make myself available to you as well, if necessary. Talk to Himura and the Wolf if you must, but be circumspect. Himura wishes only for your continued prosperity and sanity. As for the Wolf, he sees us all as his pawns, to be used as he judges best for Japan. Your first test of suitability for this position will be to obtain his support. He, too, can assist us in revitalizing our future.
"Misao, please show Yukishiro the hospitality of the Aoiya. I have other matters I must attend to."
With that, Misao led the way back to her favorite garden. She and Enishi were silent for quite some time, and then Misao broke the tension.
"Let me introduce you to my family here at the Aoiya, Enishi. Then I would suggest that we go elsewhere if you have questions that you would like me to answer. Of course, if you would prefer to be alone, I will understand."
"I would never willingly leave your company, Misao. For the moment, I am in your hands."