Part 5: For the Code of Honor
Misao came in when overheard what seems to be Kaoru's weeping. She was being held comfortingly by Kenshin and the boys just stood there with apologetic look at their faces. "Kenji overheard our conversation in Edo, he have left. He is going to find his sister by himself." Soujiro said as if reading Misao's thoughts. "I think it's good that we shall let the boys stay here for the night as well, we can all come up with a plan."
It's been a tense long wait for everyone for the morning to arrive, only Shiro and Tenshi instantly snored and slept, having been exhausted at the adventurous trip they had. At the break of dawn, there is no sign of Kenji… which further indicates he is really serious to look for his sister, even though he have no single clue where she was last seen. But there is some breakthrough, when just Misao was about to send the boys home an official came into the Himura's residence…saying that they might have some information and must meet up with their head to get the information personally. Tenshi overheard that a certain Saitou Hajime had sent this message.
"Kaoru-san, who is Saitou Hajime?"
"He is an acquaintance with your Kenshin-san, he is a dependable man that supervises this district.."
"That's odd," Shiro exclaimed, coming out of the view beside his brother. " That's not what I heard from Kenji."
"What did my son told you?"
"He said he is a meanie that looks like a cockroach."
Both twins burst into laughter, and Kaoru is somehow just shocked to hear it from them. Boys will always be boys…she missed seeing her son in a short while, who frequently hangs out with the duo. They cracked wise ass jokes or argue about young women, sometimes trouble is unavoidable. The three had been close to each other since childhood, and it seems they know a great deal about Kenji than her being his mother herself.
"Kaoru, I'm going to go now…" Kenshin called out, "I'll be back later before supper."
"Take care,…"
"Matte!!" Shiro called out, running to Kenshin's direction and dragging Tenshi from behind. " Can we go Kenshin-san? We never have been around the town ourselves. Especially the municipality area.."
" It's a serious business Shiro, did your Aunt Kaoru told you about it?"
" Hai, Me and Tenshi won't mind coming along. Besides, we want to see who Saitou Hajime is."
"It's Hajime-san for you Shiro, you should say the appropriate term to an elder AND since he happens also to be an officer." Kenshin pointed out, " So far, it's only Kenji who got to see him a couple of times. It's the first time with you two." And as far Kenshin can guess, Saitou is not cordial in entertaining a couple of youths, and he shows his distaste openly…he recalls the Kenji usually mutters why is such a man deserves his respect when Kenshin told him about his past with this man who used to be an enemy.
"Is it true that Hajime-san looks like a cockroach?!" Tenshi exclaimed out loud, that make suddenly Kenshin stumble. "Kenji told it to Shiro. He said something about him not being a good man."
"Kenji sorts of dislikes him. You see, Saitou Hajime and me are different people," Kenshin replied, " ..And it's a long story for both of you to listen and understand for now."
"Okay," they both replied.
It's been after a few minutes stroll that they have finally reached their destination. It's the first time the two had been in the hall and take a liking to look around as Kenshin himself has to stop a couple of times to remind them. The twins themselves have caught some attention, some of the people in uniform looking at them strangely. One of them is looking Tenshi in a fond way and said something, "that kid looks almost exactly like Souji Okita when he is still alive."
I wonder who Okita is, Tenshi thought.
" They are twins. One of them has short hair.."
" I noticed, he looks somehow familiar…like the relentless henchman that once lived here 10 years ago or so.
"You mean Shi-shi-o's henchman? I heard that one escaped and never was seen again. I wonder if he is alive for all these years."
Shiro is starting to get annoyed at the hushing voices that surround them, and it's obvious that they are talking about their father. And when he hears it, there is tone of fear at their voices.
" Saitou would be like seeing a ghost if he saw that kid," one of them assumed.
"Aniki, this is really pretty scary." Tenshi whispered, "Everyone here thinks that I'm some youth who came back from the dead and they think you just look like Otousan."
"Otousan have a dark reputation here in Edo, remember?" Shiro reminded his brother, "I won't be surprised if they are all looking to us strangely that way."
"But everything changed when he met our mother." Tenshi remarked, in a somehow proud tone. Then looking around, " If we have our father's eyes maybe it will the scare the hell out of them."
One of the staff in the hall can't help but react at Tenshi's comment. " Excuse me, my fellow officers here can't help but you two kids really look familiar."
"That's because we are twins." Shiro replied sarcastically, "One of us had to have long hair so everyone could tell us apart."
"No," the staffer replied, then motioning to Tenshi, "You are saying that something will scare us…something about having your father's eyes."
"Our father's eyes are indigo," Tenshi replied, "Why?"
One of the officers from the background can't help but comment, "Your twin brother would just look like one of the must elusive assassins in Japan who disappeared some 10 years back."
"You mean, Seta Soujiro.." the staffer corrected, "It's pretty eerie, but you boys just look like him somehow.."
" Because Seta Soujiro happens to be our father." Shiro blurted out, then a pinch coming from Tenshi made him realize of his tactlessness. Saying those words suddenly made everyone looked like they have been splashed by ice water. "Aniki! You JUST told me that Otousan has a bad reputation here!!" he grunted angrily,
"But I can't help myself! They are all asking those questions!" Shiro muttered,
"N-nani?!" One of the officers stammered, "…you are joking right?"
Tenshi shook his head, and sighed. "What my brother said was true. The man that everyone knows as ruthless happens to be our father." Now, almost everyone in the hall are staring at them full of shock and disbelief All except Kenshin who does not realize the twins are no longer following him and is still continuing walking straight to the office.
"That's foolish, I don't believe it."
"They won't believe it," Shiro whispered to his sibling with a chuckle, "We have been going here as a family ever since we are children, and they don't even recognized Otousan around all this time!" Shiro then proceeds to reach for his wallet, and lift out a small and quite worn brown and white picture. He handed it out to one of the officers, with a sly smile curved to his lips. Tenshi does not like it, Shiro might get them in another trouble and the way he smiled reminds him how their Otousan would look before: Tales told to him sometimes by Aoshi that Soujiro smiles often yet there are different meanings into it. When their father used to be a madman, he smiled in a way that it could send a chill to your spine. And now, he had that feeling.
The officer and some of its comrades take a closer look to the wallet size picture, all of them stared at it aghast, and "That's him." Shiro exclaimed, "That picture was taken shortly when we are born, that's our mother beside him."
"Great Buddha, my eyes don't deceive me!" one of them exclaimed, "It's him!" True enough, the tainted almost decade and half old photo had Soujiro in it, his expression is a little much more amiable and complacent than everyone could remember, beside him is a young woman that looks close to his age and has a long braided hair and equally expressive eyes like his, except that they are of Celtic green and the two young men in front of them has those eyes. The picture had Soujiro carrying one of the twins.
"I have seen the woman in the picture here a couple of times," one of them said,
Tenshi nudged his brother to remind him they really have to go. "Aniki, Himura-san would be looking for us!" He mumbled, then grabbing the picture. "Ahhh…gomen nasai everyone, but me and my brother have to catch up."
"You boys are with Himura? "
"Yeah, he happens to be our godfather.."
"Aniki!!"
"Urusai!" Shiro hissed, "I'll be there in a second, so quit you're blabbering!"
"Your godfather?!"
"Our mother happens to have him as a family friend." Tenshi replied, attempting to yank his brother off. "..And our mother's maiden name is Makamachi."
" Makamachi? Makamachi Misao?!"
" Hai!!! We really got to go now.."
"There you are you two," comes Kenshin's voice, and approaching to their direction. " Do you get yourself into trouble again, Shiro?"
"No." Shiro replied, "Some officers here happen to ask us a few personal questions. THEY said we look pretty familiar."
"Himura-san," one of the men saluted the red-haired hitokiri, " these young lads happen to be your godsons?"
"Yes, they grow so fast don't they?"
" Is it true that their parents are…"
" Such an unlikely pair isn't it?" Kenshin cuts off, and if he does he knows it's not the right time to bring up a sensitive matter. Leaving the men behind looking just equally shocked as they were when Shiro blurted out his pedigree, "it's really important that the boys go with me, we will talk later.."
Saitou Hajime is impatiently waiting in his room for Himura to come in. Someone delivered a personal message via an anonymous letter to him to relay a message to the Hitokiri: news about a missing daughter. It dawns in him that why would someone had to deliver a letter to his office than having it straight to Kenshin's residence. Whoever it is, it didn't want the news about the secret family trouble to be discreet.
"Finally you came; someone just sent this to my office." Saitou said upon seeing the sight of the red hair and then putting off the light from his cigarette. "I want to remind you that I don't want my place to be delivered with petty family trouble..."
"I want to know what the content of the letter has said," Kenshin spoke, "What's important is that I have to get a lead about my daughter's whereabouts..."
Saitou didn't react for a moment when he noticed behind Himura, two youth shyly entered the door. They looked at him quizzically, and whispered to each other… that Kenshin had to hush them again. They look brothers but so alike that they might have been twins, he thought. One of the boys even had disturbing resemblance like Okita, his former partner and co-captain at the Shinesegami days.
"He does look like a cockroach; he even looks more intimidating than Aoshi-san!" Shiro whispered to his brother.
"Not now Shiro," Kenshin admonished gently,
There is something familiar air with the boys who seem trying to create a little noise in his room, and Saitou can't help himself. "So Himura, who are these two little weasels you drag in?"
"Who are you calling a WEASEL?!" both boys demanded, the comment was just about to make Kenshin ricochet. Saitou made a similar statement on Misao when the first time he saw her. Like Aoshi, Saitou is passing his prime…his hair is starting to recede and there are few gray and white streaks showing, but even by the way his looks denies his way of life. He is a sharp man and retains the aura and intimidation that surrounds him. He didn't even bother to flinch when he saw the infuriated looks at the two boys in front of him: those green sparkling green eyes seems very familiar.
"I think he heard us when you said he is a cockroach," Tenshi then muttered to his brother.
"They are my godsons, Saitou." Kenshin replied, "Close friends of my son, they are here for a short visit and I'm showing them around." Then adding, "young as they are, I think they could also help with my daughter's case…"
"Ah, babysitting." Saitou remarked, and proceeds to light up his cigarette. He draws in one deep breath, only to have a short rough coughs. He must be having a little too much nicotine in his system and it's starting to show in his age. Regaining his composure, he sat up and handed the letter.
"So tell me, who are these weasel boy's parents? A friend of the family?"
Kenshin look from the letter and gave him a square look, "They are Aoshi's grandsons. This one with the long hair is Tenshi, his older brother is Shiro."
"Hmph. I don't know Aoshi had a son or daughter…" Saitou commented, " He must have raised one to have his own…" then looking at the boys, a minute of realization hits him and a chain of choking coughs followed.
"Are you alright there, Saitou?"
"I think I got it, they are Misao's boys." Saitou cleared his throat, "No wonder, they got their mother's eyes. Strong resemblance too. " he commented looking very amused, Tenshi can't refrain from feeling very peculiar at every minute for this chain-smoking senior commanding officer had a very cold look even if he smiles. It is as if he is going to pluck and eat them.
"You know our mother personally?" Shiro asked, as if the question is not needed. He have a guess that his mother's relationship with this man is not pleasant for the look of him he is not the type their mother 10 years would engage in conversation or a friendly visit. "Not that I can remember," Saitou replied, " I only seen her a couple of times with your godfather, have a hard time keeping her nose out of business too. I think it runs in the family."
"Sounds like hate at first sight to me," Tenshi added,
"Not actually," Kenshin finally finished the letter and folded it into his pocket, "When the first time he met your mother, he made a comment and called her a name that annoyed her very much that she became known by it."
"What is it, Himura-san?"
"Called your mother a weasel," Kenshin can't refrain to make a small restraint chuckle upon seeing the two pouted in annoyance. Even Saitou's gaunt expression broke and also snorted in between few smokes. After awhile, the tension in the room seems broken and the next thing the two knows the two former adversaries are talking about good old times…something that is called nostalagia, when people grow old they talk about fond memories. Shiro seems to heard something about Saitou's adopted son living on it's own now married and having a daughter. Kenshin recalling that how his additional support helped them through the wiping out the Juppon-Gatana some several years back, and both twin's strain to listen about the exploits of their father.
"So I wonder what happened to that boy? It's been several years and I doubt that he would be starting trouble in the future."
"Everyone needs a second chance Saitou, I gave him a second chance in life."
"Can't believe you converted Shi-shi-o's dog to doing new tricks, If I am to ask, I would have killed if I had the chance."
"I guess they are talking about Otousan again.." Shiro assumed, "I always never heard a good thing about him in this hall." Kenshin noticed the uneasiness the two are having, and fearing that Shiro would again make ruckus like he did a few hours ago. He could understand what it felt, with people remembering nothing but the past.
"I wonder if people like him is going to live a normal life. Like you for example…"
"I think he would.."
"Oh really? What is your guess?"
"Well.." eyeing the boys proudly, without Saitou noticing. " He is still young when he left, maybe he finds himself a strong supportive woman…"
"like your wife, Kaoru."
"He eventually might have fallen in love and gotten married," Kenshin continued, " and they might also have settled and have wonderful children. They might have boys for instance"
"Tsk. That's such a dream," Saitou remarked, then standing up…indicating that the pleasant conversation is almost over, " I just hope that letter of yours would take some lead on your daughter," he pointed out.. "…and at least I could also close a big case soon before I announce my retirement in few month's time."
"Well then, that means I'll be seeing you next time." Kenshin said, leading the twin boys ahead of him. "Till then, don't retire."
"Of course not," Saitou replied, then he notions to one of the twins, to Tenshi. "Hey you there, before you go…come over here."
"Hai?" Tenshi look at him strangely, wondering what will Saitou suddenly will ask for him.
" You do look like someone pretty familiar, if he still alive that is."
"I know, Souji Okita…a former co-captain of yours? In your shinesagami days? " Noticing Saitou's expression of astonishment, he replied " I heard it from everyone the hall when I passed there with my brother."
"Oh I see. You seems to sound as a pretty perceptive kid, try not to be like your mother." And he gives Tenshi a friendly slap at the shoulder. " You boys are lucky living in this current era, you know. Don't let history repeat itself."
Tenshi nodded curtly from the advice, "Ummm…can I ask a question, Hajime-san?"
"Make it short,"
"What is your opinion what could have possibly happen to the man called Seta Soujiro?"
Kenshin's eyes bulged like saucers, Tenshi happens to be inheritely stubborn..and he have a hard time keeping that in check unlike his other twin. They are pretty sensitive when the matter is always on their father, as if some how, they want to give the name some dignity. In fact, when one time they were kids they questioned their mother about it. It was when they were about to get enrolled in a school,
"Why do we have to go with the name Makamachi?"
"It's my maiden name, Tenshi."
"But we go with Father's name.."
"Not now, Tenshi. You are going to school….you have to change your name because of others.." Kenshin was overhearing the conversation at that time, Kenji is currently enrolled in his very first year at the school…that the twin's got bored with no one to play with and insisted in going also. They were allowed to, only with this minor obstacle.
"Is it because of others will think, Okaasan?" Tenshi's eyes are full of question,
"To hell to what they think," Misao said as he dressed him, "Tenshi, you are still young to understand. I am doing this for you and your brother's protection. I and your Otousan will explain everything once the two of you have reached the right moment."
"Otousan is not a bad person is he?" Tenshi noticed that his mother's expression break, " But…Otousan seems so good to everybody,"
"Your Otousan…"Misao breathe deeply, "He used to do mean things when he is younger, but now he is a change man…and is making any possible amends from that past. But people didn't see it that way." She bent down, clasping her son's arms and giving him a firm look at the eye. "Few days ago, your brother is teased about it by the neighborhood kids in Kyoto. He got into a fight, you know that?"
"Hai. But he didn't lose, he told me he beaten them up all fair and square. It serves them right."
"IT is wrong." Misao said firmly, "After that incident, the neighborhood children does not want to go near him anymore. Even the parents wouldn't talk to us about it."
"What made them despise Otousan so much? Did he kill someone…did he?"..
Misao can't answer his question, "Just promise me Tenshi, don't ever get into a fight…look after your older brother, make sure that whatever happens he must not get into any trouble too."
"Yes, Okaasan."
Back to the present, it seems forever for Kenshin to just wait for Saitou's reply to Tenshi's question.
"Like what your godfather said, he might have been a change man." Saitou finally said, " Maybe the transition will take 10 years…or more, depending on the guilt he is having. Then so, he might have met a woman…"
" He might have married,"
"Possibly, that will make him settle down."
"He might have children, even boys…"
"So what is your point, ?" Saitou commented, seemingly getting quite irritated at the little charade. "Is for you to amuse me or is it the other way around? "
"Not really, what I think is…he might not have one but two well- educated boys," Tenshi remarked, "Probably even twins, you might add." With that final statement, Tenshi felt some relief and phased out of the room with his brother. Shiro with his puzzled look gave a respectful bow before he followed his brother to the exit, Kenshin himself does not know how to react. Saitou has this blank cow like stare, as if trying to register what the lad have said.
" I think I really need some catching up to do these days." He finally said,
"H-Hai, I guess.." Kenshin stammered, still confused how to put it. Saitou might have been just a bit tad surprised when he learned Misao have children, but explaining how on earth Soujiro and Misao MET and have children is a total understatement for him to even comprehend.
The boys seem to have gone a considerable distance, and Kenshin have to cut the conversation off. "…I have to catch up with the boys…umm, look, maybe I can everything next time…it's a long story, Ja ne!"
"Bet sure it is, till then."
Shortly as the hitokiri closed the door and left, Saitou called for his secretary. "Make me a coffee, a dark one and put it in a bigger mug."
" But sir, isn't it a little to strong for your age?"
" It does not matter, I have a lot of surprises this day and by all means I need to drink a lot of it."
" We will be delayed to go home to Edo in several hours,"
Shiro and Tenshi both made a big sigh of relief when their Otousan spoke those words. A delay means, delay also to meet Aoshi-san and their would be punishment. They haven't been reprimanded by their Aoshi-san, but he had the same sharp icy glare that Saitou Hajime have…something that gave the twins a chill in the spine by just looking at them. " Why what would be the delay?" Tenshi asked,
"Your mother is not feeling well for the travel, just awhile ago she collapsed." Soujiro said, and he noticed the look in Shiro's eyes. For some reason, Shiro most of all does not want to hear about his mother getting hurt or sick…something that attributes to his childhood past. Would he keep on remembering that event? The tradegy that happened is not his to blame…Soujiro kept to himself, and answered Shiro's expression. "Your mother is fine after that, all she need is after all, to throw up."
"Okaasan have been throwing up lately this week," Tenshi observed, "haven't you noticed Aniki?"
"I don't know, she seems not to show it. " Shiro sighed, " But she is pretty moody lately, remember yesterday? She eventually have to pull me by the ear..it's embarrassing."
"Well Shiro, she does not want to worry you. It's just a sign of morning sickness…I think." His otousan assured him, "You know your mother, she'll try to be strong no matter what."
"Soujiro!" Misao called out, "Are they already there?"
" Yes dear, nice and sound." Soujiro smiled, as his wife greeted him by the entrance just fresh from morning bath. Wearing a long pink flannel robe to cover her body, Soujiro can't seem to resist lingering his eyes a little longer, and his smile widened even more. "It's a bathrobe, Soujiro. Western people where them after bath…and I KNOW what you are thinking!"
"I-I'm thinking about nothing!" Soujiro said defensively, but Misao gave him a know-well look. "Hontoi! It's just you look prettier in feminine clothing…do you know that I used to said that during our "journey" nearly 17 years ago?"
Shiro lazily rested his arms at the back and leaned at the wall, there goes his parents again in their morning banter. Tenshi can't help himself and joined him, distancing themselves. " I just hope Okaasan would never brought us a weird stuff from the western goods again." Tenshi commented. " I wouldn't be caught dead wearing so…pink."
" I knew someone who wears pink once, but not a robe." Shiro said,
"Really, who?"
"Kenshin-san." Shiro answered with a grin, and both of them had an amused expression at their faces "..but I think some other people noticed it make him look quite feminine so he used purple these later years."
" Yeah, I recall seeing that. I think some people even call him girly man for it."
There small talk still was overshadowed by Misao's banter. " Soujiro, you are not getting anything tonight because I'm sick, so don't even think about it."
"I'm not thinking about that!"
"I think they are talking about sex," Shiro whispered to his brother's ear and the latter flushed crimson of the thought of it. He hit Shiro by the back. "Hey! What is that all about?!"
"Shiro," Misao called her older son, "can you do me a favor, at least before we leave?"
"Hai, Okaasan. What is it? "
"Go to the market and buy me seedless watermelons."
" Seedless watermelons?!" Shiro exclaimed in surprise, "Is there such a thing?"
"There is." Soujiro spoke, " The district downtown has been selling western goods. One of their specialties in the market is producing seedless watermelons."
"So go downtown and buy me three," Misao fished out a couple of coins and handed it to her son. "I'm going to eat them before we go.."
"E-Eat them? All of it?! Are you sure?"
"Shiro, just go and do what I said!" Misao is starting to get annoyed and commanded her son to go. Soujiro nodded to his son as if to tell him not to ask further more questions and go, and Shiro left reluctantly. As soon as he went off, Misao turned away and went to the other side of the house to talk to Himura on the latest development. So it is Tenshi and Soujiro left alone in the porch.
"Your mother might have morning sickness alright,"
"Does she always have THAT sickness when we travel?"
"Not really," Soujiro replied, "Your mother is exactly that way when she have you two. Only instead of having watermelons, she ate twin bananas."
Tenshi's eyes grow bigger… "You mean okaasan is PREGNANT?!"
Soujiro hushed him, as if telling him to tone down his voice of excitement. "Shhhh!!!!" he whispered, "…your okaasan does not know yet, but I'm pretty perceptive she is. In one week, she spends most of her afternoon napping, then she suddenly gets infuriated in little things also she eats a lot of those seedless watermelons lately, an odd craving for someone like her with a small frame."
Tenshi nodded, "it's a good thing okaasan thought of resigning her post. She needed a lot of rest." And he told Soujiro about Okina's will…recalling that his father is doing chores and was away when Okina called everyone for an assembly. He listened intently then concludes a statement, "Actually, Tenshi…it's me who told your great-grandfather about that idea."
"…about okaasan?"
Soujiro nodded, " I somehow knew that your mother is going to have a baby, but she is pushing herself a little to hard…going on patrols and missions and looking after you two. As a parent, I know what she is going through…and sometimes risking herself for both family and commitment to the Oniwabanshus. I talked about this to Master Okina and he agrees what's the best for your mother, he told her to finally quit and that you are grown enough to take on her role. It seemed she agrees, but it's not easy for herself to let go of what she loves for so long."
"Otousan, then you must tell her about it."
"Ah Tenshi, but it's not easy to convince your mother. I tried last night."
"You won't let her lose another baby, wouldn't you?" Tenshi argued, and it hit Soujiro right to the target. He looked surprisingly to his son,
"Aniki told me about it." He whispered, and everything halted into a long disturbing pause.
"I see," Soujiro finally spoke. "We will tell her once we get home, meanwhile Tenshi…"
"Hai?"
"Don't tell your brother about it, I know he worries…he is not to blame for what happened before."
"I understand, Otousan." He bowed curtly in respect.
Later that afternoon, Kenshin was so surprised that Soujiro had predicted exactly the conclusion about his daughter. The conversation is intimate between three of them, that includes Kaoru...for Misao didn't make it for she seemed to fell for another nap. He had the letter handed out by Saitou for him to read, it states that a hefty sum is not needed for the release of Hotaru and of everyone else held captive…that the matter is personal, it said. It boldly demands the presence of Kenshin and giving up his prized sakabatou…in a named date and place, or have his daughter suffer a fate worse than death.
"Fate worse than death?" Soujiro exclaimed, " I don't like the sound of this, but whoever wrote this letter seems to have an ingrained deep hatred towards you, Himura-san. It seems he or she is going to take out all the frustration to your daughter."
" I know I made a lot of enemies in the past, but all are long gone…it's either they are dead…" he looked at Soujiro, "…or repented."
"But there must be someone…a SOMEBODY, how could he or she knows a lot of details about you?…what sword you uses, and just about everything up to where you live and how many your children is?" Soujiro continued, "I'm puzzled myself, but if we want to get some clues…we have to plan ahead on what to do."
"…what if we don't agree with the terms?" Kaoru said, "isn't there another way?"
"I'm going to do it, for our daughter's safety."
"But you…your sword, the sakabatou…"
"It does not matter anymore, Kaoru. I retired from the things I have known to have just to raise a family. If anything happened to our daughter, I cannot forgive myself…and whatever happens…it's important that you and the children are safe…and it's my duty to protect …Kenji, Hotaru…they got way lives ahead of them."
It's like he is speaking that he is going to give up his own life to have his family live. Soujiro don't like the sound of it, he knows with just a look at Kaoru's face. There are crucial moments in life that one shall made a great sacrifice…but either what the outcome of the situation, the Himura family will still be at loss of a love one. He have to do something, he longed for the moment to repay Kenshin-san for his good deeds he have done to him. But he also got a family of his own, if he risked himself to go to this situation he will worry his wife, and his children…and right now, he is going to be a father again.
"There must be something that I could do, Himura-san." Soujiro said, interrupting a sensitve moment between the couple. "I understand being a father myself, I'll risk anything for my children just be safe."
"Soujiro…if you go, you'll worry Misao if you left for this mission."
"As much as possible, I don't want Misao to go…" he halted, gazing to the man who reformed him and have been his mentor for these years… "Himura-san, she does not know…but she is pregnant. It is not good if I let her go, not now."
The aura lightened up a bit when Kenshin and Kaoru heard the news, "I know I'm not good in giving advice…" Kaoru replied, "But she will need you even more now that she is having a baby."
"I know, for that…I'm not the one going. It's a heavy decision I have to make."
"Then who is it?" they inquired,
"I entrusted that one of my son's would do it."
Misao came in when overheard what seems to be Kaoru's weeping. She was being held comfortingly by Kenshin and the boys just stood there with apologetic look at their faces. "Kenji overheard our conversation in Edo, he have left. He is going to find his sister by himself." Soujiro said as if reading Misao's thoughts. "I think it's good that we shall let the boys stay here for the night as well, we can all come up with a plan."
It's been a tense long wait for everyone for the morning to arrive, only Shiro and Tenshi instantly snored and slept, having been exhausted at the adventurous trip they had. At the break of dawn, there is no sign of Kenji… which further indicates he is really serious to look for his sister, even though he have no single clue where she was last seen. But there is some breakthrough, when just Misao was about to send the boys home an official came into the Himura's residence…saying that they might have some information and must meet up with their head to get the information personally. Tenshi overheard that a certain Saitou Hajime had sent this message.
"Kaoru-san, who is Saitou Hajime?"
"He is an acquaintance with your Kenshin-san, he is a dependable man that supervises this district.."
"That's odd," Shiro exclaimed, coming out of the view beside his brother. " That's not what I heard from Kenji."
"What did my son told you?"
"He said he is a meanie that looks like a cockroach."
Both twins burst into laughter, and Kaoru is somehow just shocked to hear it from them. Boys will always be boys…she missed seeing her son in a short while, who frequently hangs out with the duo. They cracked wise ass jokes or argue about young women, sometimes trouble is unavoidable. The three had been close to each other since childhood, and it seems they know a great deal about Kenji than her being his mother herself.
"Kaoru, I'm going to go now…" Kenshin called out, "I'll be back later before supper."
"Take care,…"
"Matte!!" Shiro called out, running to Kenshin's direction and dragging Tenshi from behind. " Can we go Kenshin-san? We never have been around the town ourselves. Especially the municipality area.."
" It's a serious business Shiro, did your Aunt Kaoru told you about it?"
" Hai, Me and Tenshi won't mind coming along. Besides, we want to see who Saitou Hajime is."
"It's Hajime-san for you Shiro, you should say the appropriate term to an elder AND since he happens also to be an officer." Kenshin pointed out, " So far, it's only Kenji who got to see him a couple of times. It's the first time with you two." And as far Kenshin can guess, Saitou is not cordial in entertaining a couple of youths, and he shows his distaste openly…he recalls the Kenji usually mutters why is such a man deserves his respect when Kenshin told him about his past with this man who used to be an enemy.
"Is it true that Hajime-san looks like a cockroach?!" Tenshi exclaimed out loud, that make suddenly Kenshin stumble. "Kenji told it to Shiro. He said something about him not being a good man."
"Kenji sorts of dislikes him. You see, Saitou Hajime and me are different people," Kenshin replied, " ..And it's a long story for both of you to listen and understand for now."
"Okay," they both replied.
It's been after a few minutes stroll that they have finally reached their destination. It's the first time the two had been in the hall and take a liking to look around as Kenshin himself has to stop a couple of times to remind them. The twins themselves have caught some attention, some of the people in uniform looking at them strangely. One of them is looking Tenshi in a fond way and said something, "that kid looks almost exactly like Souji Okita when he is still alive."
I wonder who Okita is, Tenshi thought.
" They are twins. One of them has short hair.."
" I noticed, he looks somehow familiar…like the relentless henchman that once lived here 10 years ago or so.
"You mean Shi-shi-o's henchman? I heard that one escaped and never was seen again. I wonder if he is alive for all these years."
Shiro is starting to get annoyed at the hushing voices that surround them, and it's obvious that they are talking about their father. And when he hears it, there is tone of fear at their voices.
" Saitou would be like seeing a ghost if he saw that kid," one of them assumed.
"Aniki, this is really pretty scary." Tenshi whispered, "Everyone here thinks that I'm some youth who came back from the dead and they think you just look like Otousan."
"Otousan have a dark reputation here in Edo, remember?" Shiro reminded his brother, "I won't be surprised if they are all looking to us strangely that way."
"But everything changed when he met our mother." Tenshi remarked, in a somehow proud tone. Then looking around, " If we have our father's eyes maybe it will the scare the hell out of them."
One of the staff in the hall can't help but react at Tenshi's comment. " Excuse me, my fellow officers here can't help but you two kids really look familiar."
"That's because we are twins." Shiro replied sarcastically, "One of us had to have long hair so everyone could tell us apart."
"No," the staffer replied, then motioning to Tenshi, "You are saying that something will scare us…something about having your father's eyes."
"Our father's eyes are indigo," Tenshi replied, "Why?"
One of the officers from the background can't help but comment, "Your twin brother would just look like one of the must elusive assassins in Japan who disappeared some 10 years back."
"You mean, Seta Soujiro.." the staffer corrected, "It's pretty eerie, but you boys just look like him somehow.."
" Because Seta Soujiro happens to be our father." Shiro blurted out, then a pinch coming from Tenshi made him realize of his tactlessness. Saying those words suddenly made everyone looked like they have been splashed by ice water. "Aniki! You JUST told me that Otousan has a bad reputation here!!" he grunted angrily,
"But I can't help myself! They are all asking those questions!" Shiro muttered,
"N-nani?!" One of the officers stammered, "…you are joking right?"
Tenshi shook his head, and sighed. "What my brother said was true. The man that everyone knows as ruthless happens to be our father." Now, almost everyone in the hall are staring at them full of shock and disbelief All except Kenshin who does not realize the twins are no longer following him and is still continuing walking straight to the office.
"That's foolish, I don't believe it."
"They won't believe it," Shiro whispered to his sibling with a chuckle, "We have been going here as a family ever since we are children, and they don't even recognized Otousan around all this time!" Shiro then proceeds to reach for his wallet, and lift out a small and quite worn brown and white picture. He handed it out to one of the officers, with a sly smile curved to his lips. Tenshi does not like it, Shiro might get them in another trouble and the way he smiled reminds him how their Otousan would look before: Tales told to him sometimes by Aoshi that Soujiro smiles often yet there are different meanings into it. When their father used to be a madman, he smiled in a way that it could send a chill to your spine. And now, he had that feeling.
The officer and some of its comrades take a closer look to the wallet size picture, all of them stared at it aghast, and "That's him." Shiro exclaimed, "That picture was taken shortly when we are born, that's our mother beside him."
"Great Buddha, my eyes don't deceive me!" one of them exclaimed, "It's him!" True enough, the tainted almost decade and half old photo had Soujiro in it, his expression is a little much more amiable and complacent than everyone could remember, beside him is a young woman that looks close to his age and has a long braided hair and equally expressive eyes like his, except that they are of Celtic green and the two young men in front of them has those eyes. The picture had Soujiro carrying one of the twins.
"I have seen the woman in the picture here a couple of times," one of them said,
Tenshi nudged his brother to remind him they really have to go. "Aniki, Himura-san would be looking for us!" He mumbled, then grabbing the picture. "Ahhh…gomen nasai everyone, but me and my brother have to catch up."
"You boys are with Himura? "
"Yeah, he happens to be our godfather.."
"Aniki!!"
"Urusai!" Shiro hissed, "I'll be there in a second, so quit you're blabbering!"
"Your godfather?!"
"Our mother happens to have him as a family friend." Tenshi replied, attempting to yank his brother off. "..And our mother's maiden name is Makamachi."
" Makamachi? Makamachi Misao?!"
" Hai!!! We really got to go now.."
"There you are you two," comes Kenshin's voice, and approaching to their direction. " Do you get yourself into trouble again, Shiro?"
"No." Shiro replied, "Some officers here happen to ask us a few personal questions. THEY said we look pretty familiar."
"Himura-san," one of the men saluted the red-haired hitokiri, " these young lads happen to be your godsons?"
"Yes, they grow so fast don't they?"
" Is it true that their parents are…"
" Such an unlikely pair isn't it?" Kenshin cuts off, and if he does he knows it's not the right time to bring up a sensitive matter. Leaving the men behind looking just equally shocked as they were when Shiro blurted out his pedigree, "it's really important that the boys go with me, we will talk later.."
Saitou Hajime is impatiently waiting in his room for Himura to come in. Someone delivered a personal message via an anonymous letter to him to relay a message to the Hitokiri: news about a missing daughter. It dawns in him that why would someone had to deliver a letter to his office than having it straight to Kenshin's residence. Whoever it is, it didn't want the news about the secret family trouble to be discreet.
"Finally you came; someone just sent this to my office." Saitou said upon seeing the sight of the red hair and then putting off the light from his cigarette. "I want to remind you that I don't want my place to be delivered with petty family trouble..."
"I want to know what the content of the letter has said," Kenshin spoke, "What's important is that I have to get a lead about my daughter's whereabouts..."
Saitou didn't react for a moment when he noticed behind Himura, two youth shyly entered the door. They looked at him quizzically, and whispered to each other… that Kenshin had to hush them again. They look brothers but so alike that they might have been twins, he thought. One of the boys even had disturbing resemblance like Okita, his former partner and co-captain at the Shinesegami days.
"He does look like a cockroach; he even looks more intimidating than Aoshi-san!" Shiro whispered to his brother.
"Not now Shiro," Kenshin admonished gently,
There is something familiar air with the boys who seem trying to create a little noise in his room, and Saitou can't help himself. "So Himura, who are these two little weasels you drag in?"
"Who are you calling a WEASEL?!" both boys demanded, the comment was just about to make Kenshin ricochet. Saitou made a similar statement on Misao when the first time he saw her. Like Aoshi, Saitou is passing his prime…his hair is starting to recede and there are few gray and white streaks showing, but even by the way his looks denies his way of life. He is a sharp man and retains the aura and intimidation that surrounds him. He didn't even bother to flinch when he saw the infuriated looks at the two boys in front of him: those green sparkling green eyes seems very familiar.
"I think he heard us when you said he is a cockroach," Tenshi then muttered to his brother.
"They are my godsons, Saitou." Kenshin replied, "Close friends of my son, they are here for a short visit and I'm showing them around." Then adding, "young as they are, I think they could also help with my daughter's case…"
"Ah, babysitting." Saitou remarked, and proceeds to light up his cigarette. He draws in one deep breath, only to have a short rough coughs. He must be having a little too much nicotine in his system and it's starting to show in his age. Regaining his composure, he sat up and handed the letter.
"So tell me, who are these weasel boy's parents? A friend of the family?"
Kenshin look from the letter and gave him a square look, "They are Aoshi's grandsons. This one with the long hair is Tenshi, his older brother is Shiro."
"Hmph. I don't know Aoshi had a son or daughter…" Saitou commented, " He must have raised one to have his own…" then looking at the boys, a minute of realization hits him and a chain of choking coughs followed.
"Are you alright there, Saitou?"
"I think I got it, they are Misao's boys." Saitou cleared his throat, "No wonder, they got their mother's eyes. Strong resemblance too. " he commented looking very amused, Tenshi can't refrain from feeling very peculiar at every minute for this chain-smoking senior commanding officer had a very cold look even if he smiles. It is as if he is going to pluck and eat them.
"You know our mother personally?" Shiro asked, as if the question is not needed. He have a guess that his mother's relationship with this man is not pleasant for the look of him he is not the type their mother 10 years would engage in conversation or a friendly visit. "Not that I can remember," Saitou replied, " I only seen her a couple of times with your godfather, have a hard time keeping her nose out of business too. I think it runs in the family."
"Sounds like hate at first sight to me," Tenshi added,
"Not actually," Kenshin finally finished the letter and folded it into his pocket, "When the first time he met your mother, he made a comment and called her a name that annoyed her very much that she became known by it."
"What is it, Himura-san?"
"Called your mother a weasel," Kenshin can't refrain to make a small restraint chuckle upon seeing the two pouted in annoyance. Even Saitou's gaunt expression broke and also snorted in between few smokes. After awhile, the tension in the room seems broken and the next thing the two knows the two former adversaries are talking about good old times…something that is called nostalagia, when people grow old they talk about fond memories. Shiro seems to heard something about Saitou's adopted son living on it's own now married and having a daughter. Kenshin recalling that how his additional support helped them through the wiping out the Juppon-Gatana some several years back, and both twin's strain to listen about the exploits of their father.
"So I wonder what happened to that boy? It's been several years and I doubt that he would be starting trouble in the future."
"Everyone needs a second chance Saitou, I gave him a second chance in life."
"Can't believe you converted Shi-shi-o's dog to doing new tricks, If I am to ask, I would have killed if I had the chance."
"I guess they are talking about Otousan again.." Shiro assumed, "I always never heard a good thing about him in this hall." Kenshin noticed the uneasiness the two are having, and fearing that Shiro would again make ruckus like he did a few hours ago. He could understand what it felt, with people remembering nothing but the past.
"I wonder if people like him is going to live a normal life. Like you for example…"
"I think he would.."
"Oh really? What is your guess?"
"Well.." eyeing the boys proudly, without Saitou noticing. " He is still young when he left, maybe he finds himself a strong supportive woman…"
"like your wife, Kaoru."
"He eventually might have fallen in love and gotten married," Kenshin continued, " and they might also have settled and have wonderful children. They might have boys for instance"
"Tsk. That's such a dream," Saitou remarked, then standing up…indicating that the pleasant conversation is almost over, " I just hope that letter of yours would take some lead on your daughter," he pointed out.. "…and at least I could also close a big case soon before I announce my retirement in few month's time."
"Well then, that means I'll be seeing you next time." Kenshin said, leading the twin boys ahead of him. "Till then, don't retire."
"Of course not," Saitou replied, then he notions to one of the twins, to Tenshi. "Hey you there, before you go…come over here."
"Hai?" Tenshi look at him strangely, wondering what will Saitou suddenly will ask for him.
" You do look like someone pretty familiar, if he still alive that is."
"I know, Souji Okita…a former co-captain of yours? In your shinesagami days? " Noticing Saitou's expression of astonishment, he replied " I heard it from everyone the hall when I passed there with my brother."
"Oh I see. You seems to sound as a pretty perceptive kid, try not to be like your mother." And he gives Tenshi a friendly slap at the shoulder. " You boys are lucky living in this current era, you know. Don't let history repeat itself."
Tenshi nodded curtly from the advice, "Ummm…can I ask a question, Hajime-san?"
"Make it short,"
"What is your opinion what could have possibly happen to the man called Seta Soujiro?"
Kenshin's eyes bulged like saucers, Tenshi happens to be inheritely stubborn..and he have a hard time keeping that in check unlike his other twin. They are pretty sensitive when the matter is always on their father, as if some how, they want to give the name some dignity. In fact, when one time they were kids they questioned their mother about it. It was when they were about to get enrolled in a school,
"Why do we have to go with the name Makamachi?"
"It's my maiden name, Tenshi."
"But we go with Father's name.."
"Not now, Tenshi. You are going to school….you have to change your name because of others.." Kenshin was overhearing the conversation at that time, Kenji is currently enrolled in his very first year at the school…that the twin's got bored with no one to play with and insisted in going also. They were allowed to, only with this minor obstacle.
"Is it because of others will think, Okaasan?" Tenshi's eyes are full of question,
"To hell to what they think," Misao said as he dressed him, "Tenshi, you are still young to understand. I am doing this for you and your brother's protection. I and your Otousan will explain everything once the two of you have reached the right moment."
"Otousan is not a bad person is he?" Tenshi noticed that his mother's expression break, " But…Otousan seems so good to everybody,"
"Your Otousan…"Misao breathe deeply, "He used to do mean things when he is younger, but now he is a change man…and is making any possible amends from that past. But people didn't see it that way." She bent down, clasping her son's arms and giving him a firm look at the eye. "Few days ago, your brother is teased about it by the neighborhood kids in Kyoto. He got into a fight, you know that?"
"Hai. But he didn't lose, he told me he beaten them up all fair and square. It serves them right."
"IT is wrong." Misao said firmly, "After that incident, the neighborhood children does not want to go near him anymore. Even the parents wouldn't talk to us about it."
"What made them despise Otousan so much? Did he kill someone…did he?"..
Misao can't answer his question, "Just promise me Tenshi, don't ever get into a fight…look after your older brother, make sure that whatever happens he must not get into any trouble too."
"Yes, Okaasan."
Back to the present, it seems forever for Kenshin to just wait for Saitou's reply to Tenshi's question.
"Like what your godfather said, he might have been a change man." Saitou finally said, " Maybe the transition will take 10 years…or more, depending on the guilt he is having. Then so, he might have met a woman…"
" He might have married,"
"Possibly, that will make him settle down."
"He might have children, even boys…"
"So what is your point, ?" Saitou commented, seemingly getting quite irritated at the little charade. "Is for you to amuse me or is it the other way around? "
"Not really, what I think is…he might not have one but two well- educated boys," Tenshi remarked, "Probably even twins, you might add." With that final statement, Tenshi felt some relief and phased out of the room with his brother. Shiro with his puzzled look gave a respectful bow before he followed his brother to the exit, Kenshin himself does not know how to react. Saitou has this blank cow like stare, as if trying to register what the lad have said.
" I think I really need some catching up to do these days." He finally said,
"H-Hai, I guess.." Kenshin stammered, still confused how to put it. Saitou might have been just a bit tad surprised when he learned Misao have children, but explaining how on earth Soujiro and Misao MET and have children is a total understatement for him to even comprehend.
The boys seem to have gone a considerable distance, and Kenshin have to cut the conversation off. "…I have to catch up with the boys…umm, look, maybe I can everything next time…it's a long story, Ja ne!"
"Bet sure it is, till then."
Shortly as the hitokiri closed the door and left, Saitou called for his secretary. "Make me a coffee, a dark one and put it in a bigger mug."
" But sir, isn't it a little to strong for your age?"
" It does not matter, I have a lot of surprises this day and by all means I need to drink a lot of it."
" We will be delayed to go home to Edo in several hours,"
Shiro and Tenshi both made a big sigh of relief when their Otousan spoke those words. A delay means, delay also to meet Aoshi-san and their would be punishment. They haven't been reprimanded by their Aoshi-san, but he had the same sharp icy glare that Saitou Hajime have…something that gave the twins a chill in the spine by just looking at them. " Why what would be the delay?" Tenshi asked,
"Your mother is not feeling well for the travel, just awhile ago she collapsed." Soujiro said, and he noticed the look in Shiro's eyes. For some reason, Shiro most of all does not want to hear about his mother getting hurt or sick…something that attributes to his childhood past. Would he keep on remembering that event? The tradegy that happened is not his to blame…Soujiro kept to himself, and answered Shiro's expression. "Your mother is fine after that, all she need is after all, to throw up."
"Okaasan have been throwing up lately this week," Tenshi observed, "haven't you noticed Aniki?"
"I don't know, she seems not to show it. " Shiro sighed, " But she is pretty moody lately, remember yesterday? She eventually have to pull me by the ear..it's embarrassing."
"Well Shiro, she does not want to worry you. It's just a sign of morning sickness…I think." His otousan assured him, "You know your mother, she'll try to be strong no matter what."
"Soujiro!" Misao called out, "Are they already there?"
" Yes dear, nice and sound." Soujiro smiled, as his wife greeted him by the entrance just fresh from morning bath. Wearing a long pink flannel robe to cover her body, Soujiro can't seem to resist lingering his eyes a little longer, and his smile widened even more. "It's a bathrobe, Soujiro. Western people where them after bath…and I KNOW what you are thinking!"
"I-I'm thinking about nothing!" Soujiro said defensively, but Misao gave him a know-well look. "Hontoi! It's just you look prettier in feminine clothing…do you know that I used to said that during our "journey" nearly 17 years ago?"
Shiro lazily rested his arms at the back and leaned at the wall, there goes his parents again in their morning banter. Tenshi can't help himself and joined him, distancing themselves. " I just hope Okaasan would never brought us a weird stuff from the western goods again." Tenshi commented. " I wouldn't be caught dead wearing so…pink."
" I knew someone who wears pink once, but not a robe." Shiro said,
"Really, who?"
"Kenshin-san." Shiro answered with a grin, and both of them had an amused expression at their faces "..but I think some other people noticed it make him look quite feminine so he used purple these later years."
" Yeah, I recall seeing that. I think some people even call him girly man for it."
There small talk still was overshadowed by Misao's banter. " Soujiro, you are not getting anything tonight because I'm sick, so don't even think about it."
"I'm not thinking about that!"
"I think they are talking about sex," Shiro whispered to his brother's ear and the latter flushed crimson of the thought of it. He hit Shiro by the back. "Hey! What is that all about?!"
"Shiro," Misao called her older son, "can you do me a favor, at least before we leave?"
"Hai, Okaasan. What is it? "
"Go to the market and buy me seedless watermelons."
" Seedless watermelons?!" Shiro exclaimed in surprise, "Is there such a thing?"
"There is." Soujiro spoke, " The district downtown has been selling western goods. One of their specialties in the market is producing seedless watermelons."
"So go downtown and buy me three," Misao fished out a couple of coins and handed it to her son. "I'm going to eat them before we go.."
"E-Eat them? All of it?! Are you sure?"
"Shiro, just go and do what I said!" Misao is starting to get annoyed and commanded her son to go. Soujiro nodded to his son as if to tell him not to ask further more questions and go, and Shiro left reluctantly. As soon as he went off, Misao turned away and went to the other side of the house to talk to Himura on the latest development. So it is Tenshi and Soujiro left alone in the porch.
"Your mother might have morning sickness alright,"
"Does she always have THAT sickness when we travel?"
"Not really," Soujiro replied, "Your mother is exactly that way when she have you two. Only instead of having watermelons, she ate twin bananas."
Tenshi's eyes grow bigger… "You mean okaasan is PREGNANT?!"
Soujiro hushed him, as if telling him to tone down his voice of excitement. "Shhhh!!!!" he whispered, "…your okaasan does not know yet, but I'm pretty perceptive she is. In one week, she spends most of her afternoon napping, then she suddenly gets infuriated in little things also she eats a lot of those seedless watermelons lately, an odd craving for someone like her with a small frame."
Tenshi nodded, "it's a good thing okaasan thought of resigning her post. She needed a lot of rest." And he told Soujiro about Okina's will…recalling that his father is doing chores and was away when Okina called everyone for an assembly. He listened intently then concludes a statement, "Actually, Tenshi…it's me who told your great-grandfather about that idea."
"…about okaasan?"
Soujiro nodded, " I somehow knew that your mother is going to have a baby, but she is pushing herself a little to hard…going on patrols and missions and looking after you two. As a parent, I know what she is going through…and sometimes risking herself for both family and commitment to the Oniwabanshus. I talked about this to Master Okina and he agrees what's the best for your mother, he told her to finally quit and that you are grown enough to take on her role. It seemed she agrees, but it's not easy for herself to let go of what she loves for so long."
"Otousan, then you must tell her about it."
"Ah Tenshi, but it's not easy to convince your mother. I tried last night."
"You won't let her lose another baby, wouldn't you?" Tenshi argued, and it hit Soujiro right to the target. He looked surprisingly to his son,
"Aniki told me about it." He whispered, and everything halted into a long disturbing pause.
"I see," Soujiro finally spoke. "We will tell her once we get home, meanwhile Tenshi…"
"Hai?"
"Don't tell your brother about it, I know he worries…he is not to blame for what happened before."
"I understand, Otousan." He bowed curtly in respect.
Later that afternoon, Kenshin was so surprised that Soujiro had predicted exactly the conclusion about his daughter. The conversation is intimate between three of them, that includes Kaoru...for Misao didn't make it for she seemed to fell for another nap. He had the letter handed out by Saitou for him to read, it states that a hefty sum is not needed for the release of Hotaru and of everyone else held captive…that the matter is personal, it said. It boldly demands the presence of Kenshin and giving up his prized sakabatou…in a named date and place, or have his daughter suffer a fate worse than death.
"Fate worse than death?" Soujiro exclaimed, " I don't like the sound of this, but whoever wrote this letter seems to have an ingrained deep hatred towards you, Himura-san. It seems he or she is going to take out all the frustration to your daughter."
" I know I made a lot of enemies in the past, but all are long gone…it's either they are dead…" he looked at Soujiro, "…or repented."
"But there must be someone…a SOMEBODY, how could he or she knows a lot of details about you?…what sword you uses, and just about everything up to where you live and how many your children is?" Soujiro continued, "I'm puzzled myself, but if we want to get some clues…we have to plan ahead on what to do."
"…what if we don't agree with the terms?" Kaoru said, "isn't there another way?"
"I'm going to do it, for our daughter's safety."
"But you…your sword, the sakabatou…"
"It does not matter anymore, Kaoru. I retired from the things I have known to have just to raise a family. If anything happened to our daughter, I cannot forgive myself…and whatever happens…it's important that you and the children are safe…and it's my duty to protect …Kenji, Hotaru…they got way lives ahead of them."
It's like he is speaking that he is going to give up his own life to have his family live. Soujiro don't like the sound of it, he knows with just a look at Kaoru's face. There are crucial moments in life that one shall made a great sacrifice…but either what the outcome of the situation, the Himura family will still be at loss of a love one. He have to do something, he longed for the moment to repay Kenshin-san for his good deeds he have done to him. But he also got a family of his own, if he risked himself to go to this situation he will worry his wife, and his children…and right now, he is going to be a father again.
"There must be something that I could do, Himura-san." Soujiro said, interrupting a sensitve moment between the couple. "I understand being a father myself, I'll risk anything for my children just be safe."
"Soujiro…if you go, you'll worry Misao if you left for this mission."
"As much as possible, I don't want Misao to go…" he halted, gazing to the man who reformed him and have been his mentor for these years… "Himura-san, she does not know…but she is pregnant. It is not good if I let her go, not now."
The aura lightened up a bit when Kenshin and Kaoru heard the news, "I know I'm not good in giving advice…" Kaoru replied, "But she will need you even more now that she is having a baby."
"I know, for that…I'm not the one going. It's a heavy decision I have to make."
"Then who is it?" they inquired,
"I entrusted that one of my son's would do it."