Phoe-chan: Oh, poor you, get some rest, you deserve it. I agree that God is
the answer to everything!!! So keep praying.
Mayorie: Yeah, talk about tough guy. If I ever really met a man like him, I swear I'll bombard him with questions till he kills me, and I'm dead serious about that! The names are foreign; even to me! I don't know what the heck De La Salle means (and I don't know if it is Spanish or French either), and Ateneo de Manila is definitely Spanish since it's older than WW I and was run by Spaniards (called 'Ateneo de Municipal' that time)! We have been a Spanish colony for 300 years before the war began.
April-san: You think that was good enough? Yokatta! I thought that sucked because of the lack of time. I can't believe you still read that part (the rants). Oh, thanks too for everything and yes, Soushi-niisama and Soujirou- niisama are both my inspirations as well as Akashi-neesama and so I will continue writing this. ^^x
KasumiDestruction: He may be evil but I like him and the bad thing is, we're of the same blood type, almost the same birthday, both complicated to understand and we share the same *sniff* thoughts on most actions. I guessed mostly everything he's going to do in the manga before I even read that part!!!
Nikka: I can't imagine him falling sick like that so, I put it there to help me. Are you Filipino, too? Oh, and How I managed to do it? God's help, and a lot of luck. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for UP. I love that university! Bad thing is, I'm only top 6.
Hiss: Yeah, most of them are like that; stupid Ishinshishi,...no, not all. I like Battousai (not Kenshin) and Katsura and Shishio (before he became evil) and that other TB guy (forgot his name) and a lot more too!
Forgive the unworthy one almighty reviewers. My prepaid card has run out of credits, I had Saturday classes, we had a power shortage, and it turns out, I have to make a website that will stand out among the rest because I'm the "top web creator" as my teacher calls me so, I have to work with JavaScript (it's so confusing!!!). Oh and, Saito and I are not related, you hear me? NOT RELATED!!! *fume, fume*
***
The next night, after the perambulation has been over, the roster of candidates for the Shinsengumi were tested. Though none did stand a chance against the three members of the group, most of them were accepted just because of sheer determination and mainly for the needed increase in the members. Both Yamanami and Kondou had no choice but to lower their standards to comply with the demand of the higher officials...to the point when they could even choose a beginner in kendo.
Saitou, Soushi and Todou winced as the names of the unworthy ones (as their standards set them) were called upon to receive the honor of the title Shinsengumi of this troop and of that troop. The three murmured among themselves asking each other why the decision was so. None had the answer.
"I will talk to Masanobu-san about this!" Saitou growled in annoyance, "I will not have any reckless ronin in my batch. If they keep on going at this rate, they may as well invite infants into the group. They are more burdensome than to be of any help."
"Saitou-san," Soushi interjected as he fingered the deflated paper ball, "that's a mean thing to say, but I cannot say that I do not disagree. They will only be a burden rather than help."
"It is settled then, we shall talk to them about this." Todou finalized the decision without consulting his comrades. "If I don't see why they do it, I may as well go to the daimyo, himself."
"Anou, Todou-san..." Okita tried to reason, "I don't think that will be necessary. It's too hasty. I'm sure we can work things out. If they can't take them out, I'm sure we can make better hunters out of them."
"You're ever optimistic aren't you, Okita-san?" A voice called from behind the three people.
"Hiji-Toshizo-san!" Soushi cried out. "How long have you been listening...I mean, what is it, sir? If I had said the wrong things, I regret I ever spoke of it."
"No, it's not that. You see, you don't have to bother Yamanami-san or Kondou-san. They're both already pressured as it is." Hijikata began to explain. "The daimyo want more people on the troop but there are a few skilled Samurai left out there and so he got ronin. Now, as you know most ronins are called as such because they were not worthy of their masters resulting in their expulsion. Kondou-san can't argue with that, though he tried. Now, we end up with this."
Saitou growled under his breath and shook his head with Todou following the former. They did the ojigi (bow) asking permission to leave then left in annoyance. They just would not put up with so-called "samurais" like them. They never even deserved to be called as such. Disappearing through the shoji, they retreated back to their places.
Soushi looked at the new recruits. Some were staring at their daisho as if they have stolen it and would make it as a collection rather than for battle. Others leaned on their swords and Soushi felt the insult they put upon the sword. The rest, however, talked more about benefits in being a Shinsengumi nad planning how to get the most out of it. Soushi's stomach turned. He knew Saitou and Todou were right; he just was too blind to see it, or maybe not.
He looked at where his own original troop were. They all murmured among themselves against the new ronins as they dragged their swords across the floor lazily, not even knowing the code of Bushido when they were asked, sneering at them as if the new ones were the superior ones, and growling at them when they tried to be friendly. Soushi's smile turned into a grin.
He walked across the floor to take a closer look the newbies. Some almost spat as he went past them, some reeked of alcohol, and others were barely in their right state of mind. He was almost at the last person when his eyes closed and his eyebrows twitched containing his anger that was ready to erupt anytime soon.
His smile suddenly returned as he heard his name called. "Soushi! You're the captain of the first troop right? You're still a child. Don't worry if the responsibilities are too hard for you to handle. I'll take over for you."
The other ronin looked the man who spoke with admiration; it was the drunkard. The other Shinsengumi, 1st troop and others, posed, ready to draw their swords. One more wrong move or word was all they need.
Soushi sighed. "Everybody, calm down." He told the troops then turned to the offender. "Sir, I may be a child but I was not chosen captain because I can easily kill you. I was chosen because of my discipline; a trait which you do not have. Responsibilities are nothing more to me than my own breath; which, I think, to you are wild horses that need taming. And by the way, call me by my last name. If I am that famous to you that you are that familiar with me, I cannot say the same for you since I don't even know your name. I also suggest you get rest. You are too drunk to even sit straight."
In rage, the other stood up scowling, "Why you rotten little kiretsukan! I ought t-"
"My, my. Such profane language." Saitou entered grinning, "Tell me if I am interrupting you, Soushi-san. You are en route to killing him and I would love to see that. I guess they too, would." he said pointing to his and Soushi's troop.
"I am not going to ensue necessary violence, Saitou-san..." Soushi said then stopped realizing what his grin meant. "As far as I'm concerned I am going to avoid the incident last night, thank you very much."
"Is it that embarrassing?" Saitou taunted. "I was just kidding. You'll get over it someday."
The man growled. "Don't act as if I'm not around, ahou!"
"He even took my line." Saitou shook his head. "Do you need anything before we get the rags to clean the place up with your mess?"
"I told you Saitou-san, I'm going to avoid it." Soushi said.
"I know. You clearly said AVOID. If that nameless drunkard strikes at you, I don't know what you'll do."
Soushi blinked. Saitou saw through his explanation. He laughed at it, literally. Then, suddenly, in anger at being ignored, he lounged at Soushi swinging wildly. Soushi avoided it easily enough though still having traces of laughter as he did so. His hand never went to his sheath nor his sword belt. The drunkard's every thrust was met by Soushi's sidestep and his every slash by a playful jump or crouch. He knew he had the upper hand but, he didn't do anything since it involved the risk of hurting the man if he tried anything else. His plan was to either tire him out or wait for Kondou to come into the room and decide for himself.
Just then, by accident, the drunkard slashes at him and hit something. It was the paper ball given to him by the child from his hometown. The rip it caused was irreparable and it made Soushi stop playing cat and mouse. He eyed the torn toy in disappointment. "Are you really trying to make me do something both of us will regret?" his smile was still there although his tone was like unto an assassin who had killed for so long that he had gotten used to it.
The man was suddenly stricken with fear and became very evident in his expression. By then, he was at a loss of what to do. He could not think of anything to d but to lunge at him again, only this time, Soushi only moved sideways of a fraction from where he had been and struck the handle of his sword at the man's stomach. Henearly doubled over in pain but was hindered when he suddenly fell down like a sack at Soushi's feet.
Kondou appeared behind the man with a bloodied sword did a chiburi as he talked. "Next time I recruit another drunkard, hit me in the head with your sheath, Soushi. I mean to play no jokes. I am serious about it."
"Then I will." Soushi nodded and found his old self again. "He winced as he saw the dead man and shifted his look at the toy he held. [He deserved it.] He turned to his comrades then, to find out how they had handled the situation.
Mayorie: Yeah, talk about tough guy. If I ever really met a man like him, I swear I'll bombard him with questions till he kills me, and I'm dead serious about that! The names are foreign; even to me! I don't know what the heck De La Salle means (and I don't know if it is Spanish or French either), and Ateneo de Manila is definitely Spanish since it's older than WW I and was run by Spaniards (called 'Ateneo de Municipal' that time)! We have been a Spanish colony for 300 years before the war began.
April-san: You think that was good enough? Yokatta! I thought that sucked because of the lack of time. I can't believe you still read that part (the rants). Oh, thanks too for everything and yes, Soushi-niisama and Soujirou- niisama are both my inspirations as well as Akashi-neesama and so I will continue writing this. ^^x
KasumiDestruction: He may be evil but I like him and the bad thing is, we're of the same blood type, almost the same birthday, both complicated to understand and we share the same *sniff* thoughts on most actions. I guessed mostly everything he's going to do in the manga before I even read that part!!!
Nikka: I can't imagine him falling sick like that so, I put it there to help me. Are you Filipino, too? Oh, and How I managed to do it? God's help, and a lot of luck. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for UP. I love that university! Bad thing is, I'm only top 6.
Hiss: Yeah, most of them are like that; stupid Ishinshishi,...no, not all. I like Battousai (not Kenshin) and Katsura and Shishio (before he became evil) and that other TB guy (forgot his name) and a lot more too!
Forgive the unworthy one almighty reviewers. My prepaid card has run out of credits, I had Saturday classes, we had a power shortage, and it turns out, I have to make a website that will stand out among the rest because I'm the "top web creator" as my teacher calls me so, I have to work with JavaScript (it's so confusing!!!). Oh and, Saito and I are not related, you hear me? NOT RELATED!!! *fume, fume*
***
The next night, after the perambulation has been over, the roster of candidates for the Shinsengumi were tested. Though none did stand a chance against the three members of the group, most of them were accepted just because of sheer determination and mainly for the needed increase in the members. Both Yamanami and Kondou had no choice but to lower their standards to comply with the demand of the higher officials...to the point when they could even choose a beginner in kendo.
Saitou, Soushi and Todou winced as the names of the unworthy ones (as their standards set them) were called upon to receive the honor of the title Shinsengumi of this troop and of that troop. The three murmured among themselves asking each other why the decision was so. None had the answer.
"I will talk to Masanobu-san about this!" Saitou growled in annoyance, "I will not have any reckless ronin in my batch. If they keep on going at this rate, they may as well invite infants into the group. They are more burdensome than to be of any help."
"Saitou-san," Soushi interjected as he fingered the deflated paper ball, "that's a mean thing to say, but I cannot say that I do not disagree. They will only be a burden rather than help."
"It is settled then, we shall talk to them about this." Todou finalized the decision without consulting his comrades. "If I don't see why they do it, I may as well go to the daimyo, himself."
"Anou, Todou-san..." Okita tried to reason, "I don't think that will be necessary. It's too hasty. I'm sure we can work things out. If they can't take them out, I'm sure we can make better hunters out of them."
"You're ever optimistic aren't you, Okita-san?" A voice called from behind the three people.
"Hiji-Toshizo-san!" Soushi cried out. "How long have you been listening...I mean, what is it, sir? If I had said the wrong things, I regret I ever spoke of it."
"No, it's not that. You see, you don't have to bother Yamanami-san or Kondou-san. They're both already pressured as it is." Hijikata began to explain. "The daimyo want more people on the troop but there are a few skilled Samurai left out there and so he got ronin. Now, as you know most ronins are called as such because they were not worthy of their masters resulting in their expulsion. Kondou-san can't argue with that, though he tried. Now, we end up with this."
Saitou growled under his breath and shook his head with Todou following the former. They did the ojigi (bow) asking permission to leave then left in annoyance. They just would not put up with so-called "samurais" like them. They never even deserved to be called as such. Disappearing through the shoji, they retreated back to their places.
Soushi looked at the new recruits. Some were staring at their daisho as if they have stolen it and would make it as a collection rather than for battle. Others leaned on their swords and Soushi felt the insult they put upon the sword. The rest, however, talked more about benefits in being a Shinsengumi nad planning how to get the most out of it. Soushi's stomach turned. He knew Saitou and Todou were right; he just was too blind to see it, or maybe not.
He looked at where his own original troop were. They all murmured among themselves against the new ronins as they dragged their swords across the floor lazily, not even knowing the code of Bushido when they were asked, sneering at them as if the new ones were the superior ones, and growling at them when they tried to be friendly. Soushi's smile turned into a grin.
He walked across the floor to take a closer look the newbies. Some almost spat as he went past them, some reeked of alcohol, and others were barely in their right state of mind. He was almost at the last person when his eyes closed and his eyebrows twitched containing his anger that was ready to erupt anytime soon.
His smile suddenly returned as he heard his name called. "Soushi! You're the captain of the first troop right? You're still a child. Don't worry if the responsibilities are too hard for you to handle. I'll take over for you."
The other ronin looked the man who spoke with admiration; it was the drunkard. The other Shinsengumi, 1st troop and others, posed, ready to draw their swords. One more wrong move or word was all they need.
Soushi sighed. "Everybody, calm down." He told the troops then turned to the offender. "Sir, I may be a child but I was not chosen captain because I can easily kill you. I was chosen because of my discipline; a trait which you do not have. Responsibilities are nothing more to me than my own breath; which, I think, to you are wild horses that need taming. And by the way, call me by my last name. If I am that famous to you that you are that familiar with me, I cannot say the same for you since I don't even know your name. I also suggest you get rest. You are too drunk to even sit straight."
In rage, the other stood up scowling, "Why you rotten little kiretsukan! I ought t-"
"My, my. Such profane language." Saitou entered grinning, "Tell me if I am interrupting you, Soushi-san. You are en route to killing him and I would love to see that. I guess they too, would." he said pointing to his and Soushi's troop.
"I am not going to ensue necessary violence, Saitou-san..." Soushi said then stopped realizing what his grin meant. "As far as I'm concerned I am going to avoid the incident last night, thank you very much."
"Is it that embarrassing?" Saitou taunted. "I was just kidding. You'll get over it someday."
The man growled. "Don't act as if I'm not around, ahou!"
"He even took my line." Saitou shook his head. "Do you need anything before we get the rags to clean the place up with your mess?"
"I told you Saitou-san, I'm going to avoid it." Soushi said.
"I know. You clearly said AVOID. If that nameless drunkard strikes at you, I don't know what you'll do."
Soushi blinked. Saitou saw through his explanation. He laughed at it, literally. Then, suddenly, in anger at being ignored, he lounged at Soushi swinging wildly. Soushi avoided it easily enough though still having traces of laughter as he did so. His hand never went to his sheath nor his sword belt. The drunkard's every thrust was met by Soushi's sidestep and his every slash by a playful jump or crouch. He knew he had the upper hand but, he didn't do anything since it involved the risk of hurting the man if he tried anything else. His plan was to either tire him out or wait for Kondou to come into the room and decide for himself.
Just then, by accident, the drunkard slashes at him and hit something. It was the paper ball given to him by the child from his hometown. The rip it caused was irreparable and it made Soushi stop playing cat and mouse. He eyed the torn toy in disappointment. "Are you really trying to make me do something both of us will regret?" his smile was still there although his tone was like unto an assassin who had killed for so long that he had gotten used to it.
The man was suddenly stricken with fear and became very evident in his expression. By then, he was at a loss of what to do. He could not think of anything to d but to lunge at him again, only this time, Soushi only moved sideways of a fraction from where he had been and struck the handle of his sword at the man's stomach. Henearly doubled over in pain but was hindered when he suddenly fell down like a sack at Soushi's feet.
Kondou appeared behind the man with a bloodied sword did a chiburi as he talked. "Next time I recruit another drunkard, hit me in the head with your sheath, Soushi. I mean to play no jokes. I am serious about it."
"Then I will." Soushi nodded and found his old self again. "He winced as he saw the dead man and shifted his look at the toy he held. [He deserved it.] He turned to his comrades then, to find out how they had handled the situation.