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, Tomoe-chan, Kaze' Yurei, Akin Sijin, & Tiian. Erin:

Thanks for the constructive criticism, I made changes to Chapter 20.

When She Smiles

Chapter 23: The Tiger's Choice

Weeks had passed since Misao had first come to the Yukishiro dojo to see Enishi on her assignment from Aoshi. Oibore was wondering why Enishi had not yet scheduled his next trip abroad, although he had to admit that the business was operating so smoothly he could probably reduce his trips in the near future unless they chose to expand. Enishi's only reply was that he was working on a new plan, one that he was not yet ready to discuss. As he seemed happy, if preoccupied, it was enough to set Oibore's worries to rest for the moment.

He had spent several days close to home. His first order of business had been to see to Oibore's protection. He would not allow another day to pass without assuring his father's personal safety. He arranged for complete surveillance and protection for the dojo and his father, whether he was at home or abroad.

He and his father practiced their Tai Chi. He followed with a strenuous practice of his own, enjoying the solace of his dojo. Then he would retire to a quiet space in the compound to think and plan. The Okashira's offer had precipitated a crisis in Enishi's emotional life. He had fully recovered from the madness of Earthly Justice and was continuing to make such amends as were within his means. But since the business had become successful, he had been following a routine of travel and returning without thought to his future outside of the business. This offer forced him to decide what it was he wanted to do with the rest of his life. A commitment to becoming the next Okashira would change everything. And once he took on that commitment, he would not be able to withdraw. Joining the Oniwabanshuu would be a lifelong commitment, of that he was certain.

That was true for Shinomori as well, so why was he recruiting a successor? Enishi could not be certain, but during the meeting with Aoshi, he had felt the sincerity of the Okashira's request. He believed that Aoshi felt he must resume his position to rebuild the group, to set it on firm footing for the future and to redeem himself for his own past offenses to the Oniwabanshuu. Did he not relish the leadership position? Perhaps his own failed vendetta against Himura had taken its toll. Was Shinomori committed to a quieter life? Maybe not as withdrawn as the last couple of years when he had been immersed in meditation, but a quieter life than the Okashira could hope to lead? Especially if the Oniwabanshuu was revitalized.

Enishi allowed his musings on Shinomori's intent and motives to ferment in the back of his mind while he turned to his best skill; he planned. He developed a complete plan for the revitalization of the Oniwabanshuu, here and abroad. He included a long list of potential recruits, domestic and foreign. He outlined the training and skills needed for their proposed activities and matched the skills with the potential recruits, indicating where additional training would be necessary or advisable. He compiled a potential international client list that could yield profitable work for the next decade if initial assignments were handled expertly. He consulted with Oibore about the businessmen he had cultivated, and formulated an initial list for Japan, to be supplemented with additional resources as recruits were available to do the work.

He identified the areas necessary for training and potential experts to be recruited. The martial arts were no longer revered as they had been under the shogunate. Now, those with exceptional skills might be very tempted by such important and legitimate uses for their skills.

Just as he had for his own business, he made careful and exact calculations for the investment and resources necessary to implement such an ambitious undertaking. While the Aoiya was useful, it had never been intended as a headquarters, so he considered that aspect and outlined the available choices. Enishi enjoyed doing this kind of master planing. Creating and developing a plan for this group of ninjas was actually challenging and stimulating. Once he had completed the initial draft, he realized that he was using this project as a delaying tactic. He could develop the plans, strategize the most appropriate approaches, outline resources and possibilities, but he had avoided the real issue. Was this where he wanted to direct his life?

Enishi gave some thought to comparisons between himself and the current Okashira. In examining the skills and expertise each brought to bear, he found that they excelled in many of the same areas and were also lacking in many of the same areas. Both were excellent at the martial arts, both were intelligent and successful leaders. Both were introverted and lacking in the patience to deal with every day problems. Shinomori retreated to his meditation, Enishi to his foreign travel. Both avoided personal commitments. Neither had a lasting relationship with a life partner, nor was that imminent in their future – unless you counted being in love with the same woman.

If Enishi admitted to himself that his feelings for Misao had grown, he must also recognize that when he had felt Shinomori's ki at their last meeting, he had felt a strong desire for Misao coming from him as well. And Misao seemed to be developing her sense of ki more than she was willing to admit to Enishi. He was unaware if she was able to read either of them. Certainly he had not admitted any feelings for her, and he doubted that Shinomori had either.

While his father had been correct about Misao's feelings toward Shinomori, she was completely committed to the Oniwabanshuu. If Enishi became the Okashira, he might very well have a chance to win her affection. If he did not join them, it was clear to him that he would never have a chance with her. She would never leave the Oniwabanshuu, no matter what her feelings were for anyone.

There was the crux of the matter. What did he want for himself? He could envision an arranged marriage with a perfectly suitable young lady, one who could provide him with a home and family. Misao was correct, he needed to have more stability in his life than just Oibore. What form did he wish that future to take? Shinomori had offered something entirely out of the ordinary, and that alone made it appealing.

It was sounding more and more like a contest with Misao as the prize. His competitive nature was peaked, and he decided to consider it further before acting. He initiated discussions with Oibore about his prospects for a home and family here in Kyoto. Oibore was much more attuned to this aspect of life in general, and he was delighted to think that his son was turning his thoughts in that direction. Oibore had been convinced for many months that a home and family would cement Enishi's mental stability. If he also inquired about Misao and her activities more, Oibore did not attach any undue importance to it.

Enishi was also spending time with Misao. He wanted to know more about the Oniwabanshuu and she told him stories about all of the current members, including details about their skills, background, how they came to join and their own choices as to family and relationships. He avoided asking Misao that question for herself, trusting she would give him the information when she was ready.

At last Misao spoke to him directly of Shinomori. He sensed her honestly, but she was also choosing her words carefully. She told him she had loved him for her entire life. She admitted that she had no idea if he returned her affection, or if he did whether he was capable of expressing or acting on his feelings. His recent training and perfecting of her skills and his open acceptance of her as an adult had encouraged her. If she had been expecting more to follow, she had been disappointed so far.

Enishi completed the detailed plans he had prepared, a roadmap for the Okashira to follow that would virtually guarantee the growth and prosperity of the Oniwabanshuu. Then he gave his attention to the two men who had the potential to derail those plans. First, he thought about Himura. It was surreal to think about the man that he had spent most of his life hating as the guardian of his good intentions. It was plain after his last visit that he would only object to a relationship with the Oniwabanshuu if Enishi were going to be drawn into violence. He was certain to judge Enishi's continuing amends by the standards of his own atonement. He would not condone any killing, even in self- defense. Enishi felt certain he could convince Himura that the Oniwabanshuu ninjas of the Meiji Era would not be called upon to exert such extreme behavior. They would coordinate their efforts with the authorities such that those seeking violence would be dealt with by the police, not them. If necessary, he could request that Shinomori confirm this new attitude with Himura, to assure him that Enishi would not be involved in violence.

Now Saitou was a different matter. Setting up a working relationship between the authorities and the Oniwabanshuu would appeal to Saitou, and he might seek to have Enishi in the Okashira's position for his own purposes, perhaps in order to treat them as his own elite group to work clandestinely for him. But Enishi had already told him that he did not want to be a spy for him, and becoming Oniwabanshuu would not change that. He spent several days compiling information and reconnaissance about the current state of the police in this Meiji Era. He would need to convince Saitou that this new relationship would be valuable to him, to Japan, and would be more so if it was autonomous.

The Meiji were well funded in general, but the recent wars and the current expansion policy were their priority. The local authorities were not well funded. Neither was the spy network that Saitou had established. His ability to do the job had never been based on monetary gain, but he could not necessarily recruit or train additional personnel for either activity without sufficient funding. Enishi contemplated offering some of the training services he was going to put in place for Saitou's use. That would be a persuasive inducement and demonstrate his good faith. In addition, he could refer those who were capable, but not at the level the Okashira might require to Saitou for recruitment. Enishi could also offer the additional valuable information to be gained by their overseas members. There was every reason to share information regarding national security with Saitou and the Meiji government. Their interests were aligned, and it would help cement the relationships between them. It was critical to their success that neither Saitou nor the Meiji government should consider them a threat.

The negotiations with Saitou could be delicate, but here again, Shinomori's intelligence and previous contact with Saitou could be an asset. Enishi believed that both Himura and Saitou could be persuaded of the wisdom of revitalizing the Oniwabanshuu and to accept his leadership as Okashira.

Finally, he was left to consider his own feelings in the matter. Sorting out his feelings was the difficult part of this process for him, so it was not surprising that he had left it for last. How did he feel? What did he want? Plans were intriguing and fun, these questions were much more difficult. Enishi wanted a distraction. He wanted to allow his feelings to become apparent without forcing them, he wanted spontaneity. He went to the Aoiya to find Misao.

Misao was out, but expected back soon so he decided to wait. It was an opportunity to see Shinomori if he wished. He had nothing specific to say to Shinomori, but decided on the spur of the moment that he wanted to see him, to feel his ki when he was not prepared to meet with him. He asked if the Okashira was available, and Okina ushered him into Shinomori's office without delay. Shinomori must have left standing orders that Enishi was in favor.

"To what do I owe this visit, Yukishiro? Have you reached a decision regarding our offer?" Shinomori was guarded, but relatively open. The distaste Enishi had felt during their initial meeting was barely an undercurrent. Shinomori was radiating acceptance and projected a certainty that what he had so generously offered would not be refused.

"I have not yet decided, Okashira, but I assure you the matter has my undivided attention. I appreciate you giving me a few moments of your time. I came to see Misao-dono, but she has not yet returned from an errand. I hope I am not interrupting?" Enishi wanted to spend a little more time in Shinomori's presence. There was something, something he was missing in this matter. He could sense it. He could feel it. Unfortunately, it was not readily identifiable.

"I have a pressing appointment shortly, but can spare you some time now. Why did you wish to meet with me?"

Why indeed, but Enishi, as always, was quick witted. "I have a curiosity about the current activities of the Oniwabanshuu. Can you give me a feeling of their scope? Of course, I appreciate that you may be reluctant to share details, these are not important to me, I merely seek an understanding of current capabilities."

Shinomori responded with a detailed, if non-specific, listing of recent and on-going activities. He commented on the skills that the members brought to bear as he detailed the activities in some depth. Enishi was barely listening. He wanted the feel of the Okashira, not the details of the daily activities. He was overwhelmed by Shinomori's regard for his ninjas. His pride in their abilites, his affection for them personally, his belief in their future was unshakable. And he defined himself as their Okashira.

Enishi excused himself and went to the back garden to wait for Misao. He was more mystified than ever. Shinomori was sincere in the offer, but did not wish to give up the title. He felt it necessary to persuade Enishi to help them. There was something else driving Shinomori's actions. What was it?

When Misao returned, she greeted him warmly. "What brings you to the Aoiya, Yukishiro? Did you bring your luggage? I'll let you pick your own room!" She was in her usual good mood and happy to see him.

"No, Misao, I have not yet reached a decision. But I would like to spend some time here, with you and the other Oniwabanshuu. Is this afternoon convenient?"

"Absolutely! Everyone comes out here to see who's home, so we can spend the afternoon here. And please join us for dinner. Everyone will be in attendance – well everyone but Aoshi-sama – but maybe he will join us, too, if you are here. Let us make you welcome, Enishi."

The afternoon passed very pleasantly. As Misao predicted, each of the Oniwabanshuu would wander back into the garden to see her, and to ask about the others. They were accepting of Enishi's presence, and shared their family bantering and joking with him. To a person, each one of them asked if Enishi was there to do Tai Chi with Misao. His father's demonstration of their Tai Chi exercise must have been quite a sight. Misao laughed with all of them, recalling her impatience with the process. Her easy good humor and love for all of them were clear to see. She was the heart of the family.

Even Okina was not as guarded as he had been on all of Enishi's previous visits. He said little to Enishi directly, but the others joked about his interest in the young waitresses at the Shirabeko – or any other young lady who came near him. It was clear that he might be a revered elder, but that wouldn't protect him from the family's teasing.

Dinner was relaxed and the entire group attended. It was clear that Shinomori attended in deference to Enishi's presence, giving his tacit approval to including him in their family group. The conversation was lively, spirited and entertaining. Misao had not underestimated the emotional support this family had to offer. They were outgoing and spontaneous in their appreciation of each other, and life in general. He could do much worse than join this family. He already had.

The time spent with the Oniwabanshuu was enlightening. As Enishi walked back to his dojo, his feelings and Shinomori's actions became clear. His decision was made.

Chapter 24: Ki Revelations

Without delay, Enishi arranged for a meeting with the Okashira. He requested complete privacy and a time without interruptions. The Okashira sent back word that Enishi should come to his study, via the kitchen entrance, at dinnertime. The remainder of the group would be at dinner. If Enishi were circumspect, no one would know of his presence in the Aoiya.

Enishi spent the day as he often did, in strenuous practice followed by working on the Oniwabanshuu plan. But there was a difference in his focus. Today he was entirely focused on the outcome of his meeting with Shinomori and the potential changes it could bring to his life. Some of them could be staggering changes. He pondered them all, calming himself, recalling his own feelings and preparing himself for any decision that came. He was clear on his own decisions; it would be a good test of his mental resilience to be able to accept the choices of others without plotting or manipulation.

Enishi approached the Aoiya with some trepidation. He was certain of his path, less certain of the results. If the way he was choosing to proceed was not successful, could he live with the results? He wasn't entirely sure, but he thought it possible.

He moved through the Aoiya soundlessly. He was familiar with its layout by now. The Okashira's study could be reached without passing the private Oniwabanshuu dining room – where he knew the others would be enjoying dinner. He could hear the dim noise of laughter and family bickering as he traveled the corridors and made his way to Shinomori.

"I hope your meditation went well this morning, Shinomori, because all will be revealed this evening, whether you are ready or not." Enishi smiled at the thought, whatever happened, sparring intellectually and emotionally with Shinomori was going to be a rare challenge.

He stood silently before the Okashira's door, knowing that Shinomori could sense him and would admit him when he was ready. Slowly, the shoji door slid open and Shinomori welcomed him. It was clear that each man was assessing the other in a new way, this meeting was of importance to both, and both were quite expert at sensing ki.

Aoshi felt a determination in Enishi, a sense of purpose that had been lacking in their previous encounters. He felt openness, he felt acceptance, and he felt genuine affection for Misao and friendship towards the others. Aoshi felt certain Enishi would accept.

Enishi felt a resignation from Aoshi. He was prepared to give up his life's work to see his final goals for his friends, his family accomplished. He believed he had made the best choice. His wounds were deep, his sadness showing through around the edges. He loved his Oniwabanshuu, his Misao and wanted to secure their future as his atonement.

"I assume you have an answer for me Yukishiro, or the secrecy would not be necessary. And I assume you did not wish Misao to attend," Shinomori began as they sat facing each other.

"You are correct on both counts. I have reached my decision on your offer, shall I continue?"

"Without pretense, if you please, Yukishiro. You may have noticed that I am a man of few words. What is your answer?"

Enishi took a deep breath. The moment of truth had arrived. There would be no turning back once he began.

"I accept your offer, Okashira. With three conditions."

Aoshi looked pleased, even if he didn't actually smile. He was not overly surprised that Yukishiro should have conditions. He was relieved as he responded simply, "Please state your conditions."

"First, and easiest, I may require your support in my negotiations with Himura and Saitou. I have not yet approached either since it would be premature to do so unless all of my conditions are acceptable. But I have decided on the appropriate approach for both of them, and will only require your assistance if they wish to be assured of your concurrence in the matter. I'm sure you understand that they may be as surprised at this turn of events as I myself have been." Enishi paused. Shinomori did not respond, waiting for Enishi to continue.

"Second, we must agree on the timing of your transference of the title of Okashira. I will require the title within six months. My preference would be three, but I will allow you the courtesy of delaying for another three at your discretion." Enishi paused again. Shinomori was scowling, but not speaking. This was clearly sooner than he expected, but he was not certain he was willing to refuse due to his own expectations of timing. He would want to consider this.

"I am sure you will want to consider both of these conditions carefully, as well as the third. I do not expect you to give me your answer tonight, just as you graciously gave me time to consider my choices.

"Before I specify my last condition, I wish to share some of my thoughts with you, Shinomori. I believe it to be important, so please listen carefully.

"I have rarely met someone to rival my intellect. I am convinced that you may be my equal in this area. You and I are matched in martial arts skills – although I believe my skills may be superior, I doubt we will ever know for sure. In realizing these two important attributes we share, I was led to consider others. Strategic planning as to which of us might be the better Okashira was part of my thinking process in my decision. Ultimately, while both of us could revitalize the Oniwabanshuu and lead them to greatness in this new era, I reached the conclusion that I have the edge on you, Shinomori. Shall I tell you why?" Aoshi's ki was showing his anger at Enishi's words, but he was willing to hear them, and indicated that Enishi should continue.

"We are both highly intelligent and give great credence to our logical prowess, relegating our emotions to a much lower position in our assessment of value. We are both flawed in this matter. During my failed vengeance my emotions were out of control and completely took over my life, sending me into madness. I was unable to see the truth of my sister's death, even though it took place before my own eyes.

"For you, Shinomori, your emotions were entirely repressed as you sought to obtain the title of the strongest. You, also, refused to see the willing sacrifice of your comrades. But we do not need to dwell on the past, our differences are best considered by looking at the present.

"For you, recovery meant returning to the warmth of the Aoiya. Yet you have refused its emotional support by shutting yourself away with meditation. You became an observer of life rather than a participant. You recovered yourself, but did not resume your life.

"For me, I was able to come back from my madness by accepting the unrelenting words of love for Himura in my sister's journal. With my father's love and emotional support and Misao's friendship, I have been able to resume my life. I have been able to forgive Himura for his part in my sister's death. And through my continuing amends, I have been able to forgive myself for the monumental mistakes of my past. Stating these words to you is easy; actually living each day from my failure with Earthly Justice to today has been a journey of perseverance and hope.

"I have been able to balance my emotions, you continue to repress yours. Let us be brutally frank, you have known since your early surveillance of my dojo that I have been attracted to Misao. I know of your depth of feeling as well. Neither of us has expressed our feelings to Misao. That is about to change.

"As my third condition, I wish Misao's hand in marriage. She is to be betrothed to me upon your acceptance of my conditions, with our marriage to take place within three months, the date to be set by Misao."

Aoshi was stunned, and extremely angry. Enishi waited patiently, with something of a smirk, for Aoshi to decide how to respond.

"You say you care for Misao, but you would force an arranged marriage on her?"

Enishi's smirk broadened, how predictable this answer was from Shinomori. Maybe he had overestimated his intelligence.

"You know I care for her, Okashira, you feel it. She likes me, I care for her. She belongs to the Okashira. She is the heart of the Oniwabanshuu. If you require it of her, she will agree. And she will give me fine sons, ne? I cannot find her intelligence or fire in the society girls who are sent my way with their whispers and their silent beauty. She is the only reason to become Oniwabanshuu. I will give her the home, family and happiness you have always said you wished for her. Or were those idle words?"

Enishi's smirking almost sent Aoshi into his own madness. The idea of his hands on Misao, of her bearing his sons was unbearable. Yet he knew that Enishi's words were true. If he required it of her, she would be so devastated that she might actually marry him. This was supposed to be an opportunity for Misao to make a choice, not for Enishi to force that choice on Aoshi. "I did not expect this of you Yukishiro. You actually believe that you can make Misao happy? It seems impossible to me."

"It seems impossible to you because you repress every emotion available to you. You accept her love without giving her anything in return. I know the depth of her feelings for you. She has told me herself. But she is eighteen, and has already waited for you her whole life, with no sign from you that you will ever have anything to offer her. I will offer, Shinomori. I will give her the affection and love she deserves. If she never loves me the way I hope, it will not matter. She will be mine, I will be her Okashira and we will rebuild the Oniwabanshuu together, and within it our own family.

"Consider my conditions, Okashira. Meditate on them. Contact me with your decision."

And with that, Enishi was gone.