AN (more like author's ranting): its our exam week! *groans* I barely have
enough time to sleep. Damn our teachers! Imagine giving an exam that covers
the whole book!!!!! It would have been ok we had only one subject! But
imagine having 2-3 exams in one day and each of them consists of 18
chapters!!!!! I only sleep for about 2 hours a day! I study till 5am and
wake up to study again at 7am! See my eyebags? *points at NONEXISTENT*
black things under her eyes... Ok, so I don't have eye bags! I never did.
Being Chinese has its perks. My eyes are so chinky that eyebags don't have
enough space. *continues rambling*. Our accounting exam was about the
entire book! I'm so angry that I'm writing a fiction (with fake names of
course! He isn't worthy to have his name posted on the internet!) about our
horrid accounting teacher! *evil glint comes to her eyes* I'll show him!
BWAHAHAHA!!!! I'll tell the whole world about his umm.. Horridness! *grins*
He should get eternal damnation! *slashes her sword at her accounting
teacher and shouts* DIVINE PUNISHMENT!!!!!
Anyway, sorry for dragging the chapters along. I can't seem to figure out what to do with my story. *turns red with embarrassment* Heh hehh hehh.. Well, here's my attempt at a plot. Hope it turns out ok. (this chapter is a bit longer than my usual)
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"Ohayou" Soujiro called out to the owner. He had rested well last night and was now feeling rather cheerful. Not that he wasn't always cheerful, but today, he really felt like it. Not those forced smiles that he used to give out. His stomach was pretty quiet too. No grumblings that awoke him early in the morning. So Soujiro was pretty much looking forward to the day, which he predicted, was going go along nicely.
"Ohayou boya" the old man hollered. "Going anywhere today?"
"Hai. As a matter of fact, I was just about to ask you if you know anything about the Akamatsu's"
"The Akamatsu's? why would you want to know anything about them? Do you know somebody from that family?" the owner asked, perplexed as to how a newcomer such as Soujiro could have heard about one of the most influential families in town.
"Oh no. nothing like that. I just overheard some men talking yesterday about how that family was looking for some body guards. I was hoping to fill in that position since I need a job during my stay here."
The old man looked at Soujiro intently, peering at him with his old eyes. Then he went around the young boy, who was too bewildered to do anything other than stand still and let himself be inspected.
"Uh. Anou. what are you doing Oji-san?" Soujiro asked when after a few moments, the old man still didn't stop from going around him, poking him about.
"Did I just hear you correctly? You want to become a bodyguard?"
"Uh. hai.." Soujiro began to look uneasy. What is this old man up to?
*Poke*
*Poke, poke*
*Poke, poke, poke*
Soujiro sweatdropped. What is he doing?! Soujiro thought, but being his polite self, he refrained from asking. *Poke* Suddenly.
"HAHAHAHAHAH.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The old man fell into a laughing fit.
Startled at the sudden sound, Soujiro couldn't help but stare at the weird old man. Soujiro didn't understand what the hell was going on. So he just waited for the old man to calm down a bit before asking his question.
"Anou, what's so funny Oji-san?"
At that, the old man began laughing hysterically again.
Soujiro was getting confused. He didn't get why the man was laughing so hard. His question seemed reasonable enough. There was nothing remotely funny about it.
The old man was now hunched forward, tears streaming down his face as he tried to control his laughter. "I. *gasp* .. Can't breath..*gasp* hah.. hahaahaa.."
Any normal person in this situation would have been greatly insulted. But Soujiro was far from normal The former Tenken just stood there with a very confused look on his face. looks like I have to wait for a while before I can get some answers he thought. By the look on his face, one could tell that he really thought that the old owner had gone insane. The owner stole a glance at his young customer. Seeing the wide confusion there, he finally tried to stop laughing, taking pity on the boy who had been so patient with him. After all, it really wasn't nice to laugh at one's customer. Especially one as nice and polite as this one.
"Gomen nasai boya. I didn't mean any insult. I was just too surprised by your remark. I was caught off guard."
"ah. its ok. But what exactly did you find so funny about it?" Soujiro asked again, still not understanding what the old man had meant.
"Well, don't you look kind of young to be a body guard? You look a bit on the thin side too." The old man had actually wanted to say that Soujiro looked scrawny, but since that wasn't a very nice thing to say to an innocent person who hadn't done anything wrong, he held his tongue about it.
"Size doesn't really matter that much in fighting Oji-san." Soujiro said Though this time, there was amusement in his voice. He really couldn't blame him for his opinion. So many people had already underestimated the Tenken because of his age and size, and it always worked to his advantage, being able to surprise his enemies by his skill. So he didn't really take the comment to heart since he knew that the old man meant well, even if he was a bit too 'jovial' about it.
"You're right. I shouldn't have laughed at you." The old man admitted, even though he still inwardly thought that his opinion was right. But he liked the boy, and he didn't have the heart to tell him what he really thought. "So what do you want to know about the Akamatsu's?" the old man finally asked, in a more serious tone.
"anything that might help. Starting with where I might be able to find them."
"oh that's easy. Everybody in town knows that. They own one of the biggest houses here. Its on the west side of town. Far away from most of the residences and establishments. That family keeps to themselves mostly. Can't say I blame them, what with them being so rich and everything, and the financial gap between the townspeople and them being so great. But they're nice though. Very respectful to everybody here. Can't find anything to complain about that family." The old man said.
"Ah. Sou ka. So how many members are there?"
"hmm. let's see. There's Mr and Mrs. Akamatsu, and they have 3 children all in all. 2 boys and one little girl. Can't remember their names. I must really be getting old." He cackled and slapped his knee, amused by what he said.
Soujiro just quirked a brow. The old owner was weird, but he was nice enough, so Soujiro just let him be. "Thank you very much Oji-san."
"oh think nothing of it." The old man said, finally back to his normal self.
"Well, I must get going now. I really need that job. If I don't hurry, others might beat me to it." He said. "Ja! Mata ne!" and with a wave of goodbye, he was off.
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A huge mansion loomed over him. It looked majestic, but solitary. No sound was heard. Some would call it tranquil, but some may also call it "dead". Personally, Soujiro would have preferred to hear the noise and laughter of happy people over this kind of silence any day.
*knock* Soujiro had pulled on the brass doorknocker and the sound it made echoed throughout the place. Mou. This place is so empty. He thought as he raised the doorknocker again. *Knock*
The door opened, and there stood an old man. "Can I help you sir?"
"Ah yes. I heard that this residence is looking for a bodyguard. I would like to inquire if that position is still available."
The butler (ok I don't know if they called them "butlers" in Japan, but you get my meaning don't you?) looked at him with distaste, his eyes moving from Soujiro's feet up towards his head. And he didn't look all too pleased with what he saw.
"I'm sorry boy. But we have no time for your games." The butler said, obviously thinking that Soujiro was playing some kind of prank. And with that, he started to close the door.
"Chotto matte kudasai!" Soujiro cried. But the butler either didn't hear him or just chose to ignore him. Either way it was no good for Soujiro who had been hoping to nail this job.
*Sigh* looks like I'll have to look for another job tomorrow then. Too bad I can't just go around telling people that I used to be the Tenken. But then, if I do that they'll probably just call the police and then I'll be in more trouble. What advantage I had in fighting because of my age and size has now become a disadvantage. shaking his head at his plight, he headed back to town.
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"Konnichiwa!" the old man happily greeted him upon his arrival at the inn. He was getting fond of the boy. So polite and so calm. You can't find many teenagers like that these days.
"Konnichiwa." Soujiro greeted back, with the usual smile that you can find on his face.
"So how did the job go? Did you get it?" The old man asked. Although it was a matter of being polite rather than out of pure curiosity. He already knew the answer to that. Nobody would hire a boy to protect them from murderers. Especially a boy with such a small frame as this one.
"Iya. They thought I was playing some kind of prank." He said sheepishly a hand at the back of his head.
"Ahh well, too bad. But you could always go look for another job right? How about something simpler? Like washing the dishes?" The old man suggested.
*Gulp* Washing the dishes? But then, what choice do I have. I need to stay here, and money is needed if I am to stay *Shrug* "Sure why not. How bad can it be? So do you know a place that is in need of a dishwasher?" Soujiro said, already warming up to the idea. It didn't seem so bad. After all, what's in washing dishes? There's no shame. Sure, he may not have much of an experience, but how difficult can it be right?.
"The Hoshii restaurant a couple of blocks away needs one. They've been looking for one for a couple of days now. But since the locals already have stable jobs, and those recent murders have scared all the travelers away, they had some difficulty finding somebody to fill the position."
"Lucky for me then. Their loss is my gain." He said, smiling.
"Good, good." The old man said, nodding with approval. He liked the boy's attitude.
"I think I'll get some lunch now and go over there later. My stomach has been complaining."
"Hahaha.. well, you're still growing. And it would be better if you did fill out some more. Add some bulk to your frame."
"Hai! Ja then. I'll see you later." He said, moving towards the door.
"Good luck in getting the job. Gambatte!" the old man cried to Soujiro's departing form. He hoped that the boy would get the job, he liked having him here. Having a job would ensure to some extent Soujiro's stay in his Inn.
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He decided to go directly to the restaurant. Since he was in need of food and a job, why not hit two birds with one stone, he thought. The place was quite nice. Simple and average looking. Good. he thought, he would find it awkward to work in an expensive place. He wasn't used to having expensive things, and wouldn't know how to act in a surrounding filled with it. Makes it easier for me to fit in.
The place isn't so full today. He noticed. He took a seat at a table at the far right of the room. And when approached, he ordered his usual soba and miso soup (I don't know what Soujiro likes to eat, so I just assumed he likes eating simple things. And these two are about the simplest that I could think of). His meal was pretty uneventful. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, so he was left alone in peace. He didn't have much time for internal ramblings as is his norm when given time to himself, since he was pretty busy contemplating about his "application" for the job. So all in all, Soujiro ate in silence, both physically and mentally.
Having no distractions, he finished eating rather quickly. And when a waitress appeared to collect the bill, Soujiro popped his question. "Anou, ojou-san, I heard that you had an opening for a dishwashing job here.."
The waitress's face, after hearing that sentence, visibly brightened. "Hai!" She cried enthusiastically. Too enthusiastic.
Are they that desperate for a dishwasher? Hmm. maybe they'll offer to pay me more if they are in that dire a need. Soujiro thought, brightening up a bit too.
"Ah, I would like to apply for that position. Who do I speak to about it?" He inquired, now a bit anxious for the job. The thought seems to be a bit more prospecting now than before. Now at least there was the possibility of a bigger pay. And he had already gotten used to the idea. Washing, to him, doesn't sound too hard. Maybe not as interesting and challenging as swordfighting, but definitely easier and less pressured.
The waitress was practically bouncing by now. "Come this way please. I'll take you to the owner." She motioned for Soujiro to follow her, and he got the impression that the waitress was restraining herself from hopping and skipping as she led the way. Soujiro thought it was strange to get such a reaction by merely applying for a meager job, but finding no explanation for it, he just shrugged it off.
They came upon a door at the back end of the restaurant. After a couple of knocks, a voice told them to enter. Upon going inside the room, Soujiro found the owner to be a middle aged man, around 40 or so, who was swamped with paper works. He saw a couple of figures that could have been prices or some other form of currency, but he wasn't sure, after all, what did he know about business? The owner looked a bit haggard, but upon seeing the beaming look on the waitress' face, he lightened up a bit, expecting good news.
"Sir, this boy would like to apply for the dishwashing position."
The owner's face definitely brightened up now. And Soujiro was getting the feeling that there was more to this job than what could be expected. And so when the owner repeated the question to him, trying to make sure if he really wanted the job, with a very hopeful look on his face, Soujiro nodded with a bit of trepidation.
The man looked as if he wanted to hug Soujiro then and there! And Soujiro's uneasiness increased. What's wrong with this job? He got the feeling there was something that they weren't telling him.
"How soon can you start?" the owner asked, a bit too excitedly for Soujiro's liking.
"Tomorrow?" was the hesitant reply.
"Yosh!" The owner approached him, whacking him a bit on the back. "That's good to hear. Report here tomorrow morning around 7am." The owner said, dismissing the boy so that there would be no time to change his mind. Tomorrow would be soon enough.
But when Soujiro still made no motion to go outside, the owner began to feel dejected, thinking that maybe the boy was having second thoughts. And so he asked a bit hesitantly "was there anything else?"
"Anou, if it isn't too rude, may I ask how much I would be getting for this job?"
The owner looked relieved. And mentioned an amount. Hey, the salary is a bit bigger than I expected. Yokatta!!!! Soujiro thought, inwardly doing his mental version of a victory dance.
"Arigatou. Ja then, I'll see you tomorrow." And with that Soujiro went outside with a smile, his earlier fears dismissed to the back of his mind. He had a job!
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Seeing the smile on his young customer's face, the old man was expecting good news. So when the boy walked in the Inn, the owner immediately began his friendly interrogation. "So what happened? Did you get the job?"
Seeing the enthusiasm of the old man made Soujiro happy. It felt nice to have someone care about you, even in this meager way. "Hai! I am to report immediately tomorrow. They looked kind of desperate for a dishwasher though." He said, leaving out the part where he felt that the restaurant was too desperate. He didn't think the old man needed to hear that. He got the job, and that's all that counts. That way, he can assure the owner of the inn that he can continue to pay for his stay here. The fears that come with a new job were his alone, no need to tell anybody else about it. Especially if one's fear is as insignificant and petty as this one.
"Nah! They were just glad to have you on board." The old man replied loyally. " and since you now have a new job, we have a reason to celebrate! Dinner!!!"
"eto. Oji-san." Soujiro said looking a bit uneasy, "I hate to break this to you, but I don't have any money." A telltale blush tinted his cheeks a bit.
"Don't worry! Tonight is on me!" was the excited reply. "I know a really good restaurant!"
"Hontou ni? Well, I wouldn't want to impose.."
"Think nothing of it!" The old man cried, whacking Soujiro at the back a bit too hard.
Soujiro stumbled forward and smiled weakly "Ah. Arigatou!"
"Why don't you do some sight seeing and just meet me back here tonight?"
He shrugged. "Saa! Why not? See you then." He said, bowing and going out.
The day was still clear, and it was the perfect time to roam around and see the town. People were busy walking up and down the streets, some doing business, the others simply spending time, like him, at leisure. He enjoyed times like these. It reminded him that the era truly was peaceful. Oh sure he joined Shishio in the art of warfare, and he truly believed Shishio's ideals at that time. But now, after seeing all the carefree attitude of the people, he began to change his opinion. Shishio-san, life isn't all about being strong after all. I still don't know what its really about, but at least now I know that its not all about survival. I know you have your ideals Shishio-san, and I respect them, but now I have my own as well.
He walked all over town, and got to see a lot. He went to a few stores, although he didn't purchase anything. Extra money wasn't something that he had plenty of. All the cash that he had were just enough for his stay here. That's why he went looking for a job. He glanced to his left and saw a store that displayed some frilly dresses with huge flowing bottoms. Is that what people are wearing nowadays? What they call .. What's the word.. 'Fashionable'? The influence of the west was beginning to affect Japan. Even the dress codes. It all looks so strange. He thought. But he just shrugged it off. After all, what did a boy like him know about fashion.
He walked through a certain street, which was strangely full of people. But that never was a problem for him. His former lifestyle had taught him how to weave in and out of a crowd effortlessly without being noticed. But as he passed through the mob of people, he thought that he saw a familiar form on the other side. But as he got out of the flow of the crowd, the figure was already gone. Must be imagining things he thought, already dismissing his earlier idea from his mind.
After a few more hours of walking, he soon got tired and decided to go back to the inn to take a nap. He still had a few more hours until it was time for dinner.
As he got back, he didn't see the owner, and so he just headed directly for his room. The sight of his bed filled him with joy. He plopped down and immediately went to sleep.
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AN: ok, I know I said that "maybe" Soujiro would meet somebody in this chapter, but, unfortunately, I have to postpone that for the next one. Gomen! I didn't anticipate that I would be dragging this chapter for this long! (has anyone noticed that every chapter I make always ends with soujiro sleeping? I haven't noticed it till now! Something must be wrong with me!!!! *bonks herself on the head*)
Anyway, sorry for dragging the chapters along. I can't seem to figure out what to do with my story. *turns red with embarrassment* Heh hehh hehh.. Well, here's my attempt at a plot. Hope it turns out ok. (this chapter is a bit longer than my usual)
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"Ohayou" Soujiro called out to the owner. He had rested well last night and was now feeling rather cheerful. Not that he wasn't always cheerful, but today, he really felt like it. Not those forced smiles that he used to give out. His stomach was pretty quiet too. No grumblings that awoke him early in the morning. So Soujiro was pretty much looking forward to the day, which he predicted, was going go along nicely.
"Ohayou boya" the old man hollered. "Going anywhere today?"
"Hai. As a matter of fact, I was just about to ask you if you know anything about the Akamatsu's"
"The Akamatsu's? why would you want to know anything about them? Do you know somebody from that family?" the owner asked, perplexed as to how a newcomer such as Soujiro could have heard about one of the most influential families in town.
"Oh no. nothing like that. I just overheard some men talking yesterday about how that family was looking for some body guards. I was hoping to fill in that position since I need a job during my stay here."
The old man looked at Soujiro intently, peering at him with his old eyes. Then he went around the young boy, who was too bewildered to do anything other than stand still and let himself be inspected.
"Uh. Anou. what are you doing Oji-san?" Soujiro asked when after a few moments, the old man still didn't stop from going around him, poking him about.
"Did I just hear you correctly? You want to become a bodyguard?"
"Uh. hai.." Soujiro began to look uneasy. What is this old man up to?
*Poke*
*Poke, poke*
*Poke, poke, poke*
Soujiro sweatdropped. What is he doing?! Soujiro thought, but being his polite self, he refrained from asking. *Poke* Suddenly.
"HAHAHAHAHAH.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The old man fell into a laughing fit.
Startled at the sudden sound, Soujiro couldn't help but stare at the weird old man. Soujiro didn't understand what the hell was going on. So he just waited for the old man to calm down a bit before asking his question.
"Anou, what's so funny Oji-san?"
At that, the old man began laughing hysterically again.
Soujiro was getting confused. He didn't get why the man was laughing so hard. His question seemed reasonable enough. There was nothing remotely funny about it.
The old man was now hunched forward, tears streaming down his face as he tried to control his laughter. "I. *gasp* .. Can't breath..*gasp* hah.. hahaahaa.."
Any normal person in this situation would have been greatly insulted. But Soujiro was far from normal The former Tenken just stood there with a very confused look on his face. looks like I have to wait for a while before I can get some answers he thought. By the look on his face, one could tell that he really thought that the old owner had gone insane. The owner stole a glance at his young customer. Seeing the wide confusion there, he finally tried to stop laughing, taking pity on the boy who had been so patient with him. After all, it really wasn't nice to laugh at one's customer. Especially one as nice and polite as this one.
"Gomen nasai boya. I didn't mean any insult. I was just too surprised by your remark. I was caught off guard."
"ah. its ok. But what exactly did you find so funny about it?" Soujiro asked again, still not understanding what the old man had meant.
"Well, don't you look kind of young to be a body guard? You look a bit on the thin side too." The old man had actually wanted to say that Soujiro looked scrawny, but since that wasn't a very nice thing to say to an innocent person who hadn't done anything wrong, he held his tongue about it.
"Size doesn't really matter that much in fighting Oji-san." Soujiro said Though this time, there was amusement in his voice. He really couldn't blame him for his opinion. So many people had already underestimated the Tenken because of his age and size, and it always worked to his advantage, being able to surprise his enemies by his skill. So he didn't really take the comment to heart since he knew that the old man meant well, even if he was a bit too 'jovial' about it.
"You're right. I shouldn't have laughed at you." The old man admitted, even though he still inwardly thought that his opinion was right. But he liked the boy, and he didn't have the heart to tell him what he really thought. "So what do you want to know about the Akamatsu's?" the old man finally asked, in a more serious tone.
"anything that might help. Starting with where I might be able to find them."
"oh that's easy. Everybody in town knows that. They own one of the biggest houses here. Its on the west side of town. Far away from most of the residences and establishments. That family keeps to themselves mostly. Can't say I blame them, what with them being so rich and everything, and the financial gap between the townspeople and them being so great. But they're nice though. Very respectful to everybody here. Can't find anything to complain about that family." The old man said.
"Ah. Sou ka. So how many members are there?"
"hmm. let's see. There's Mr and Mrs. Akamatsu, and they have 3 children all in all. 2 boys and one little girl. Can't remember their names. I must really be getting old." He cackled and slapped his knee, amused by what he said.
Soujiro just quirked a brow. The old owner was weird, but he was nice enough, so Soujiro just let him be. "Thank you very much Oji-san."
"oh think nothing of it." The old man said, finally back to his normal self.
"Well, I must get going now. I really need that job. If I don't hurry, others might beat me to it." He said. "Ja! Mata ne!" and with a wave of goodbye, he was off.
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A huge mansion loomed over him. It looked majestic, but solitary. No sound was heard. Some would call it tranquil, but some may also call it "dead". Personally, Soujiro would have preferred to hear the noise and laughter of happy people over this kind of silence any day.
*knock* Soujiro had pulled on the brass doorknocker and the sound it made echoed throughout the place. Mou. This place is so empty. He thought as he raised the doorknocker again. *Knock*
The door opened, and there stood an old man. "Can I help you sir?"
"Ah yes. I heard that this residence is looking for a bodyguard. I would like to inquire if that position is still available."
The butler (ok I don't know if they called them "butlers" in Japan, but you get my meaning don't you?) looked at him with distaste, his eyes moving from Soujiro's feet up towards his head. And he didn't look all too pleased with what he saw.
"I'm sorry boy. But we have no time for your games." The butler said, obviously thinking that Soujiro was playing some kind of prank. And with that, he started to close the door.
"Chotto matte kudasai!" Soujiro cried. But the butler either didn't hear him or just chose to ignore him. Either way it was no good for Soujiro who had been hoping to nail this job.
*Sigh* looks like I'll have to look for another job tomorrow then. Too bad I can't just go around telling people that I used to be the Tenken. But then, if I do that they'll probably just call the police and then I'll be in more trouble. What advantage I had in fighting because of my age and size has now become a disadvantage. shaking his head at his plight, he headed back to town.
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"Konnichiwa!" the old man happily greeted him upon his arrival at the inn. He was getting fond of the boy. So polite and so calm. You can't find many teenagers like that these days.
"Konnichiwa." Soujiro greeted back, with the usual smile that you can find on his face.
"So how did the job go? Did you get it?" The old man asked. Although it was a matter of being polite rather than out of pure curiosity. He already knew the answer to that. Nobody would hire a boy to protect them from murderers. Especially a boy with such a small frame as this one.
"Iya. They thought I was playing some kind of prank." He said sheepishly a hand at the back of his head.
"Ahh well, too bad. But you could always go look for another job right? How about something simpler? Like washing the dishes?" The old man suggested.
*Gulp* Washing the dishes? But then, what choice do I have. I need to stay here, and money is needed if I am to stay *Shrug* "Sure why not. How bad can it be? So do you know a place that is in need of a dishwasher?" Soujiro said, already warming up to the idea. It didn't seem so bad. After all, what's in washing dishes? There's no shame. Sure, he may not have much of an experience, but how difficult can it be right?.
"The Hoshii restaurant a couple of blocks away needs one. They've been looking for one for a couple of days now. But since the locals already have stable jobs, and those recent murders have scared all the travelers away, they had some difficulty finding somebody to fill the position."
"Lucky for me then. Their loss is my gain." He said, smiling.
"Good, good." The old man said, nodding with approval. He liked the boy's attitude.
"I think I'll get some lunch now and go over there later. My stomach has been complaining."
"Hahaha.. well, you're still growing. And it would be better if you did fill out some more. Add some bulk to your frame."
"Hai! Ja then. I'll see you later." He said, moving towards the door.
"Good luck in getting the job. Gambatte!" the old man cried to Soujiro's departing form. He hoped that the boy would get the job, he liked having him here. Having a job would ensure to some extent Soujiro's stay in his Inn.
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He decided to go directly to the restaurant. Since he was in need of food and a job, why not hit two birds with one stone, he thought. The place was quite nice. Simple and average looking. Good. he thought, he would find it awkward to work in an expensive place. He wasn't used to having expensive things, and wouldn't know how to act in a surrounding filled with it. Makes it easier for me to fit in.
The place isn't so full today. He noticed. He took a seat at a table at the far right of the room. And when approached, he ordered his usual soba and miso soup (I don't know what Soujiro likes to eat, so I just assumed he likes eating simple things. And these two are about the simplest that I could think of). His meal was pretty uneventful. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, so he was left alone in peace. He didn't have much time for internal ramblings as is his norm when given time to himself, since he was pretty busy contemplating about his "application" for the job. So all in all, Soujiro ate in silence, both physically and mentally.
Having no distractions, he finished eating rather quickly. And when a waitress appeared to collect the bill, Soujiro popped his question. "Anou, ojou-san, I heard that you had an opening for a dishwashing job here.."
The waitress's face, after hearing that sentence, visibly brightened. "Hai!" She cried enthusiastically. Too enthusiastic.
Are they that desperate for a dishwasher? Hmm. maybe they'll offer to pay me more if they are in that dire a need. Soujiro thought, brightening up a bit too.
"Ah, I would like to apply for that position. Who do I speak to about it?" He inquired, now a bit anxious for the job. The thought seems to be a bit more prospecting now than before. Now at least there was the possibility of a bigger pay. And he had already gotten used to the idea. Washing, to him, doesn't sound too hard. Maybe not as interesting and challenging as swordfighting, but definitely easier and less pressured.
The waitress was practically bouncing by now. "Come this way please. I'll take you to the owner." She motioned for Soujiro to follow her, and he got the impression that the waitress was restraining herself from hopping and skipping as she led the way. Soujiro thought it was strange to get such a reaction by merely applying for a meager job, but finding no explanation for it, he just shrugged it off.
They came upon a door at the back end of the restaurant. After a couple of knocks, a voice told them to enter. Upon going inside the room, Soujiro found the owner to be a middle aged man, around 40 or so, who was swamped with paper works. He saw a couple of figures that could have been prices or some other form of currency, but he wasn't sure, after all, what did he know about business? The owner looked a bit haggard, but upon seeing the beaming look on the waitress' face, he lightened up a bit, expecting good news.
"Sir, this boy would like to apply for the dishwashing position."
The owner's face definitely brightened up now. And Soujiro was getting the feeling that there was more to this job than what could be expected. And so when the owner repeated the question to him, trying to make sure if he really wanted the job, with a very hopeful look on his face, Soujiro nodded with a bit of trepidation.
The man looked as if he wanted to hug Soujiro then and there! And Soujiro's uneasiness increased. What's wrong with this job? He got the feeling there was something that they weren't telling him.
"How soon can you start?" the owner asked, a bit too excitedly for Soujiro's liking.
"Tomorrow?" was the hesitant reply.
"Yosh!" The owner approached him, whacking him a bit on the back. "That's good to hear. Report here tomorrow morning around 7am." The owner said, dismissing the boy so that there would be no time to change his mind. Tomorrow would be soon enough.
But when Soujiro still made no motion to go outside, the owner began to feel dejected, thinking that maybe the boy was having second thoughts. And so he asked a bit hesitantly "was there anything else?"
"Anou, if it isn't too rude, may I ask how much I would be getting for this job?"
The owner looked relieved. And mentioned an amount. Hey, the salary is a bit bigger than I expected. Yokatta!!!! Soujiro thought, inwardly doing his mental version of a victory dance.
"Arigatou. Ja then, I'll see you tomorrow." And with that Soujiro went outside with a smile, his earlier fears dismissed to the back of his mind. He had a job!
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Seeing the smile on his young customer's face, the old man was expecting good news. So when the boy walked in the Inn, the owner immediately began his friendly interrogation. "So what happened? Did you get the job?"
Seeing the enthusiasm of the old man made Soujiro happy. It felt nice to have someone care about you, even in this meager way. "Hai! I am to report immediately tomorrow. They looked kind of desperate for a dishwasher though." He said, leaving out the part where he felt that the restaurant was too desperate. He didn't think the old man needed to hear that. He got the job, and that's all that counts. That way, he can assure the owner of the inn that he can continue to pay for his stay here. The fears that come with a new job were his alone, no need to tell anybody else about it. Especially if one's fear is as insignificant and petty as this one.
"Nah! They were just glad to have you on board." The old man replied loyally. " and since you now have a new job, we have a reason to celebrate! Dinner!!!"
"eto. Oji-san." Soujiro said looking a bit uneasy, "I hate to break this to you, but I don't have any money." A telltale blush tinted his cheeks a bit.
"Don't worry! Tonight is on me!" was the excited reply. "I know a really good restaurant!"
"Hontou ni? Well, I wouldn't want to impose.."
"Think nothing of it!" The old man cried, whacking Soujiro at the back a bit too hard.
Soujiro stumbled forward and smiled weakly "Ah. Arigatou!"
"Why don't you do some sight seeing and just meet me back here tonight?"
He shrugged. "Saa! Why not? See you then." He said, bowing and going out.
The day was still clear, and it was the perfect time to roam around and see the town. People were busy walking up and down the streets, some doing business, the others simply spending time, like him, at leisure. He enjoyed times like these. It reminded him that the era truly was peaceful. Oh sure he joined Shishio in the art of warfare, and he truly believed Shishio's ideals at that time. But now, after seeing all the carefree attitude of the people, he began to change his opinion. Shishio-san, life isn't all about being strong after all. I still don't know what its really about, but at least now I know that its not all about survival. I know you have your ideals Shishio-san, and I respect them, but now I have my own as well.
He walked all over town, and got to see a lot. He went to a few stores, although he didn't purchase anything. Extra money wasn't something that he had plenty of. All the cash that he had were just enough for his stay here. That's why he went looking for a job. He glanced to his left and saw a store that displayed some frilly dresses with huge flowing bottoms. Is that what people are wearing nowadays? What they call .. What's the word.. 'Fashionable'? The influence of the west was beginning to affect Japan. Even the dress codes. It all looks so strange. He thought. But he just shrugged it off. After all, what did a boy like him know about fashion.
He walked through a certain street, which was strangely full of people. But that never was a problem for him. His former lifestyle had taught him how to weave in and out of a crowd effortlessly without being noticed. But as he passed through the mob of people, he thought that he saw a familiar form on the other side. But as he got out of the flow of the crowd, the figure was already gone. Must be imagining things he thought, already dismissing his earlier idea from his mind.
After a few more hours of walking, he soon got tired and decided to go back to the inn to take a nap. He still had a few more hours until it was time for dinner.
As he got back, he didn't see the owner, and so he just headed directly for his room. The sight of his bed filled him with joy. He plopped down and immediately went to sleep.
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AN: ok, I know I said that "maybe" Soujiro would meet somebody in this chapter, but, unfortunately, I have to postpone that for the next one. Gomen! I didn't anticipate that I would be dragging this chapter for this long! (has anyone noticed that every chapter I make always ends with soujiro sleeping? I haven't noticed it till now! Something must be wrong with me!!!! *bonks herself on the head*)