It's Good To Be Home
A/N: This is my first RK fic. Please be gentle! However, if there are improvements to be made, let me know. I strive to be accurate.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the RK characters. Only Otomo Kai, and Marakami Tetsuo.
Chapter 1
A tall figure stood at the railing of a ship as it approached Japan. He eagerly awaited to touch the ground of the country he called home. It's been five years, but Sagara Sanosuke was finally home.
"Can't this heap of junk move any faster!" Sano yelled impatiently.
"Sir, if you could calm down," a young crewmember said nervously.
"Oops, sorry. I got a little carried away," Sano grinned sheepishly.
An agonizing twenty minutes later, the ship sailed into Tokyo's harbors. Sano happily bounded off the ship, only to trip over his own feet and fall onto the dock. Sano cursed up a streak, he was not a clumsy person. However, his eagerness and sea legs were not a good combination. Sano stood up and brushed himself off. It did not matter, what did matter was for him to see his friends again. Perhaps, to also see a certain fox lady. Now, which way to go?
The Takani household was in a flurry. Megumi rushed around to make sure she didn't forget anything. A letter from Kaoru was lying on her desk. It was an invitation to visit the dojo for two weeks. Marakami Tetsuo stood watching the woman he wanted to marry, he was not happy.
"Please Megumi, accept my proposal!"
Megumi stopped in her tracks, "Tetsuo, please give me these two weeks and I'll give you my answer. Please!"
Marakami smiled, "I can't say no to you, Megumi. All right, I'll give you two weeks," he looked down at the letter, "So, what's the occasion?"
Megumi, thankful that her back was turned towards him, flushed, "Nothing really. Just a gathering of friends."
He peered at the letter, "Who's Sanosuke?"
Megumi finally closed her bag, "A friend who's been gone for a while. We're celebrating his return." She hoped her voice didn't betray any emotion she was feeling. She silently begged Marakami to drop it.
"So, it is a special occasion. Really Megumi, you didn't have to water it down. What, this guy meant something to you?" He said the last part jokingly.
"No! Of course not!" Megumi flushed, damn it, it shouldn't be this hard. She feels nothing for Sano, nothing at all.
Marakami stared at her for a moment, than suddenly, "Oh no, it's late! I told my partner that I'd take care of the financial reports for the store for tomorrow." He bowed to Megumi and said, "I hope you have a good time. Remember, think about my proposal. It's a good move for the both of us!"
Megumi sighed as she watched Marakami's back. She had many suitors, but she could not bring herself to love them. However, Marakami wasn't looking to marry for love, but rather a business arrangement. He owned a couple of stores and was looking to expand his business. He wanted a nice, respectful (not to mention, beautiful), wife who would charm the pants off of potential partners, buyers, or sellers.
She'd enjoy the benefits as well, a respectable husband, and security. What more could someone want? So what was stopping her? No, she told herself firmly, don't think about that roosterhead. She tried to clear her mind as she went to sleep.
As always, Sano found himself hopelessly lost as he maneuvered through Tokyo. He was two days a head of schedule, so they won't be expecting him anytime soon. He stopped and hoisted his bag over his shoulder and looked around. Something looks familiar. Yes! Katsu's place was around here. Sano wandered through and finally found his friend and former Sekihou Tai member's place.
He knocked and yelled, "Hey idiot! You home!"
Katsu opened the door and looked furious, but his anger ebbed away when he realized it was Sano.
Katsu laughed, "Well, well. The idiot's back. Get in here, Sano."
Sano slid off his shoes and walked in. He placed his bag very carefully on the floor. Katsu looked at him curiously; Sano usually just threw his things on the floor.
"What, you have something valuable in there?"
Sano laughed, "As a matter of fact, I do. But I'll give it to you later. Do you have any sake?"
"Yes, we'll drink and you must tell me of your travels."
A few merry hours later, Sano pulled his bag up and took out a scroll.
"Here, man. A guy I was traveling with drew this. I don't know much about art, but I'd say he's pretty good." He handed it to Katsu.
Katsu took it and unrolled it and he gasped, "Sano. This ink painting, it's drawn by Otomo Kai. It must have cost a fortune!"
Sano looked confused, "What? It didn't cost me anything. Kai was traveling with me. I told him about my friends and before we parted, he gave me these drawings for everyone. He's famous?"
Katsu shook his head in disbelief, "Yes, Sano, he's a famous artist. But he was exiled from Japan for his art."
"What?"
"He did some drawings for a controversial political newsletter years back. The government wasn't too happy about it."
Sano looked thoughtful, "Hmm, crazy Kai's a famous artist. I would never have guessed it." He sighed, "Figures the government kicked him out. I suppose it was better to do that rather than kill him."
Katsu shook his head, "Only you would travel around with a famous artist and not know it."
Sano laughed, "Yeah, I suppose so. Hey, how's your newsletter going?"
Katsu sipped his sake, "Well, I'm starting it up again."
"Starting again? You mean you stopped?"
"Yeah," Katsu sighed, "I received threats from the police. If it was only myself to be concerned about, I wouldn't have worried. But I do have my contacts to think about."
Sano shook his head and said, "Corrupt cops. They're bastards, all of them."
"There was one really scary guy. I get the feeling he's not corrupt, but he's still dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than any corrupt official."
"Who is he?"
Katsu thought for a moment, "I think it's Fujita Gorou."
Sano nearly spit out his sake, "Are you sure that's his name?"
Katsu stared at him in surprised, "I'm positive. You know him?"
"Yeah, I know him." Sano gave a hollow laugh, "Katsu, listen to me. Don't get in this guy's way. He's no mere policeman. Just stay out of his way, you have to trust me on this."
Katsu nodded slowly, "Alright Sano. I suppose it's useless to ask questions, huh?"
Sano nodded, "The less you know the better."
Katsu sighed, he stood up and said, "Well, I have to meet some contacts. You're more than welcome to stay the night here."
"Sure, maybe I'll do some gambling. Will you be back later?"
Katsu shook his head, "No, I'm afraid not. Make sure you lock up before you leave."
"Alright. It's been real good seeing you, man. I'll come around when everything's settled."
"Stay out of trouble, idiot."
Sano laughed, "I can same the same to you, idiot."
A few hours later, Sano walked out of a gambling house. He was flushed with sake; as usual he lost horribly. That didn't matter, he had a good time. Sano set off to for Katsu's place; he wanted to get some sleep so he could get an early start to dojo. However, he heard something, coming from an alleyway.
A woman's voice cried out, "No! Don't hurt me, I don't have the money!"
A gruff voice replied, "That's not acceptable! You know what will happen to you, if you don't have the money!"
She sobbed, "Please, I need more time!"
Sano crept up and saw a man pinning a small woman to the wall. He felt his blood boil.
"Hey pal, haven't you ever heard of picking on someone your own size?"
"This has nothing to do with you. Beat it."
Sano sighed, "I'll have you know that I don't take too kindly to those who abuse folk weaker than they are." The man glowered at Sano as he continued, "Maybe you have heard of Zanza, the fighter for hire?"
The man stopped, "Z-Zanza? But he's gone!"
"Now, I'm back."
The man whipped out a dagger and blindly slashed at Sano. Sano jumped back and the man staggered forward. He kicked the man behind his knees and he fell. Sano yelled to the girl, "Get out! Find someplace safe!"
The girl nodded and noticed the man getting up, she screamed, "Behind you!"
Sano managed to move away in time. He grinned, "A little slow, aren't you?"
They than heard voices, "Back there! A woman's scream."
Sano scowled, great, just great. The police are coming and he's stuck in this alleyway. The policemen ran in and Sano stood away from the man.
"Stay, right where you are!"
Sano held his hands up and sighed again. He's been doing that a lot since getting back here. The police went to arrest him and the fallen man.
The girl came up behind the policemen, "Please, let him go. He was defending me," she said, indicating to Sano.
One of the officers shook his head, "Sorry, we can't do that. He was involved in a brawl. You can come to the police station in the morning."
She was about to protest, but Sano shook his head, "It'll be alright, miss." He thought to himself 'I hope it'll be alright.' Sano was worried about running into Saitou. The last thing he wanted was to see the old psycho cop.
Sano had to be honest. The last thing he expected on his return to Japan was to be sitting in a jail cell. On top of that, Chou found out that he was there and paid him a visit.
The blond man sat in a chair in front of Sano's cell, "Well, well, roosterhead, it's been a long time. You've changed," he indicated to Sano's longish hair and beard.
"You haven't changed, broomhead," Sano shot back, looking at Chou's tall, blond hair.
"Touché, " Chou said, grinning.
Sano shook his head and grinned back. He asked, "So, uh, Saitou isn't around, is he?"
"No."
Sano sighed in relief.
"But he'll be here in the morning."
Sano groaned, "Aww crap, I was hoping to avoid him."
Chou laughed, "Sorry, roosterhead, but once he finds out you're here, he'll want to talk to you." Chou got up, "See ya around."
Sano groaned again. Was there any way for a prison break? No. Crap, he'll have to face cricketface whether he wants to or not. Sano than thought of Kenshin and family, by morning, he'll still be a day ahead of schedule. They won' know that he's in prison. Maybe it's better that way, he thought ruefully as he made himself comfortable to sleep and dream of cunning foxes and a family left behind.
The sun filtered through the prison windows, waking up Sano sooner than he wished to be. Sano groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. Something was not right, he smelled....cigarette smoke. Sano bolted up and saw Saitou standing outside his cell, smoking.
"You know, you're not exactly the face I want to see first thing in the morning."
"Hn."
Sano glowered, "Is that all you have to say?"
Saitou smirked at him; "Some things haven't changed. You're still an ahou."
"And I see you're still a bastard."
"Hn. We have things to discuss. We'll talk in my office."
"Hell no. I'm not going anywhere with you."
Saitou shrugged, "Fine, stay here."
Sano scowled, "Alright, alright. We'll talk."
Saitou smirked, "What a surprise, you can be reasoned with."
Twenty minutes later, Sano found himself standing in Saitou's office. He scowled at the former Shinsengumi captain. Three words summed up Sano's feelings for Saitou. Hate. Admiration. Respect. He loathed admitting the last two, even to himself.
"So," Sano said, "What brings the Wolf of Mibu back to Tokyo?"
"Ahou, I'm the one asking questions here."
Sano groaned, "Fine, what do you want?"
"First, what happened last night."
"Oh, some jackass was giving a lady a hard time. I had to do something about it."
Saitou looked amused, "Ahou, you still can't stand seeing weak ones getting bullied by those stronger than they."
Sano clenched his fist, "Damn straight! They have no right.."
Saitou raised his hand to silence Sanosuke before he went on his tirade, "Ahou."
Sano glowered at him, "What?"
"How was your journey?"
"Enlightening. Why do you ask?"
Saitou lit a cigarette and said causally, "It's good to be home yet, isn't it? You haven't seen your friend, the Battousai, yet, have you?"
Sano looked warily at Saitou, "What are you on about?"
Saitou took a drag from his cigarette, "You are grateful to be back with your family, are you not?"
A thought dawned on Sano, "No, please tell me you had nothing to do with my arrest warrant being retracted."
"Ahou," Saitou sneered, "Did you honestly think that your arrest warrant's time was up? The government doesn't just retract a warrant without any recompense."
Sano sat down, "Oh, hell. So, this is like the deal the Juppon Gatana had with you guys, right?"
Saitou took another drag, "Something like that."
Sano shook his head; "I don't like the idea of working for the government."
"Think of it as working for me."
Sano groaned, "I like that idea even less."
Saitou smirked, "I will contact you in a few days."
Sano stood up slowly, "Hey, why do you want me? I mean, you've always made it quite clear what you thought of my skills."
Saitou sighed patiently, as if he were about to explain an important concept to a four-year old; "I said those things because you had the potential to become more. Yet, you insisted on acting like an ahou and did things your way. Never expanding yourself."
"And now?"
"You have changed in some ways. Do not look smug, boy. You still need work."
"Fine, I'll agree to this if you promise not drag Kenshin into this."
"Hn."
"That's not an answer!"
There was a knock on the door, "Officer Fujita? Your wife is here. She wishes to speak to you."
Saitou stood up, "Fine. I'll be out in a moment. What is it, ahou?"
Sano was slack-jawed, "Ye gods! Someone actually married you!" He shook his head, not caring if he was being rude; "She must be one hell of a woman!"
Saitou smashed his cigarette into an ashtray, "She is."
"Do you have children?"
"Yes."
"Can I meet her?"
"No."
Sano's mind was still trying to grasp the concept of Saitou being a family man as Saitou ushered him out of the office.
"Remember, Ahou. In a few days."
"That's not really specific."
Saitou gave him a look and Sano pensively walked out of the police station.
Sano found his way back to Katsu's home and when he took a good look into the mirror, he laughed.
"I'm a sorry-looking sight." He pulled off his bandana. "I better clean up before I go to the dojo."
He decided to get the bath ready and washed his clothes. Sano found a pair of scissors and cut his hair and he than shaved. He noticed that his clothes were dripping on Katsu's floor.
"I guess I should show my thanks by cleaning that up," he mused.
As he immersed himself into the bath, he laughed out loud. Who would have thought that Sagara Sanosuke would be doing his own laundry and cleaning up after himself. The gang will never believe it.
A few hours later, his clothes slightly damp, Sano stood in front of the dojo. He straightened his gi nervously. Here goes nothing. Sano walked up and knocked, he smiled when he heard Kaoru's voice.
"Just a minute! Kenji, will you let go of my leg! I have to answer the.."
She slid the door open and her eyes widened. "Sanosuke! You're back!"
Sano grinned, "Hey Missy, long time, no see."
Kaoru hugged him tightly and Sano swung her around for a moment. He put her down and they stood grinning at each other.
"Welcome home, Sano."
To be continued.
A/N: This is my first RK fic. Please be gentle! However, if there are improvements to be made, let me know. I strive to be accurate.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the RK characters. Only Otomo Kai, and Marakami Tetsuo.
Chapter 1
A tall figure stood at the railing of a ship as it approached Japan. He eagerly awaited to touch the ground of the country he called home. It's been five years, but Sagara Sanosuke was finally home.
"Can't this heap of junk move any faster!" Sano yelled impatiently.
"Sir, if you could calm down," a young crewmember said nervously.
"Oops, sorry. I got a little carried away," Sano grinned sheepishly.
An agonizing twenty minutes later, the ship sailed into Tokyo's harbors. Sano happily bounded off the ship, only to trip over his own feet and fall onto the dock. Sano cursed up a streak, he was not a clumsy person. However, his eagerness and sea legs were not a good combination. Sano stood up and brushed himself off. It did not matter, what did matter was for him to see his friends again. Perhaps, to also see a certain fox lady. Now, which way to go?
The Takani household was in a flurry. Megumi rushed around to make sure she didn't forget anything. A letter from Kaoru was lying on her desk. It was an invitation to visit the dojo for two weeks. Marakami Tetsuo stood watching the woman he wanted to marry, he was not happy.
"Please Megumi, accept my proposal!"
Megumi stopped in her tracks, "Tetsuo, please give me these two weeks and I'll give you my answer. Please!"
Marakami smiled, "I can't say no to you, Megumi. All right, I'll give you two weeks," he looked down at the letter, "So, what's the occasion?"
Megumi, thankful that her back was turned towards him, flushed, "Nothing really. Just a gathering of friends."
He peered at the letter, "Who's Sanosuke?"
Megumi finally closed her bag, "A friend who's been gone for a while. We're celebrating his return." She hoped her voice didn't betray any emotion she was feeling. She silently begged Marakami to drop it.
"So, it is a special occasion. Really Megumi, you didn't have to water it down. What, this guy meant something to you?" He said the last part jokingly.
"No! Of course not!" Megumi flushed, damn it, it shouldn't be this hard. She feels nothing for Sano, nothing at all.
Marakami stared at her for a moment, than suddenly, "Oh no, it's late! I told my partner that I'd take care of the financial reports for the store for tomorrow." He bowed to Megumi and said, "I hope you have a good time. Remember, think about my proposal. It's a good move for the both of us!"
Megumi sighed as she watched Marakami's back. She had many suitors, but she could not bring herself to love them. However, Marakami wasn't looking to marry for love, but rather a business arrangement. He owned a couple of stores and was looking to expand his business. He wanted a nice, respectful (not to mention, beautiful), wife who would charm the pants off of potential partners, buyers, or sellers.
She'd enjoy the benefits as well, a respectable husband, and security. What more could someone want? So what was stopping her? No, she told herself firmly, don't think about that roosterhead. She tried to clear her mind as she went to sleep.
As always, Sano found himself hopelessly lost as he maneuvered through Tokyo. He was two days a head of schedule, so they won't be expecting him anytime soon. He stopped and hoisted his bag over his shoulder and looked around. Something looks familiar. Yes! Katsu's place was around here. Sano wandered through and finally found his friend and former Sekihou Tai member's place.
He knocked and yelled, "Hey idiot! You home!"
Katsu opened the door and looked furious, but his anger ebbed away when he realized it was Sano.
Katsu laughed, "Well, well. The idiot's back. Get in here, Sano."
Sano slid off his shoes and walked in. He placed his bag very carefully on the floor. Katsu looked at him curiously; Sano usually just threw his things on the floor.
"What, you have something valuable in there?"
Sano laughed, "As a matter of fact, I do. But I'll give it to you later. Do you have any sake?"
"Yes, we'll drink and you must tell me of your travels."
A few merry hours later, Sano pulled his bag up and took out a scroll.
"Here, man. A guy I was traveling with drew this. I don't know much about art, but I'd say he's pretty good." He handed it to Katsu.
Katsu took it and unrolled it and he gasped, "Sano. This ink painting, it's drawn by Otomo Kai. It must have cost a fortune!"
Sano looked confused, "What? It didn't cost me anything. Kai was traveling with me. I told him about my friends and before we parted, he gave me these drawings for everyone. He's famous?"
Katsu shook his head in disbelief, "Yes, Sano, he's a famous artist. But he was exiled from Japan for his art."
"What?"
"He did some drawings for a controversial political newsletter years back. The government wasn't too happy about it."
Sano looked thoughtful, "Hmm, crazy Kai's a famous artist. I would never have guessed it." He sighed, "Figures the government kicked him out. I suppose it was better to do that rather than kill him."
Katsu shook his head, "Only you would travel around with a famous artist and not know it."
Sano laughed, "Yeah, I suppose so. Hey, how's your newsletter going?"
Katsu sipped his sake, "Well, I'm starting it up again."
"Starting again? You mean you stopped?"
"Yeah," Katsu sighed, "I received threats from the police. If it was only myself to be concerned about, I wouldn't have worried. But I do have my contacts to think about."
Sano shook his head and said, "Corrupt cops. They're bastards, all of them."
"There was one really scary guy. I get the feeling he's not corrupt, but he's still dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than any corrupt official."
"Who is he?"
Katsu thought for a moment, "I think it's Fujita Gorou."
Sano nearly spit out his sake, "Are you sure that's his name?"
Katsu stared at him in surprised, "I'm positive. You know him?"
"Yeah, I know him." Sano gave a hollow laugh, "Katsu, listen to me. Don't get in this guy's way. He's no mere policeman. Just stay out of his way, you have to trust me on this."
Katsu nodded slowly, "Alright Sano. I suppose it's useless to ask questions, huh?"
Sano nodded, "The less you know the better."
Katsu sighed, he stood up and said, "Well, I have to meet some contacts. You're more than welcome to stay the night here."
"Sure, maybe I'll do some gambling. Will you be back later?"
Katsu shook his head, "No, I'm afraid not. Make sure you lock up before you leave."
"Alright. It's been real good seeing you, man. I'll come around when everything's settled."
"Stay out of trouble, idiot."
Sano laughed, "I can same the same to you, idiot."
A few hours later, Sano walked out of a gambling house. He was flushed with sake; as usual he lost horribly. That didn't matter, he had a good time. Sano set off to for Katsu's place; he wanted to get some sleep so he could get an early start to dojo. However, he heard something, coming from an alleyway.
A woman's voice cried out, "No! Don't hurt me, I don't have the money!"
A gruff voice replied, "That's not acceptable! You know what will happen to you, if you don't have the money!"
She sobbed, "Please, I need more time!"
Sano crept up and saw a man pinning a small woman to the wall. He felt his blood boil.
"Hey pal, haven't you ever heard of picking on someone your own size?"
"This has nothing to do with you. Beat it."
Sano sighed, "I'll have you know that I don't take too kindly to those who abuse folk weaker than they are." The man glowered at Sano as he continued, "Maybe you have heard of Zanza, the fighter for hire?"
The man stopped, "Z-Zanza? But he's gone!"
"Now, I'm back."
The man whipped out a dagger and blindly slashed at Sano. Sano jumped back and the man staggered forward. He kicked the man behind his knees and he fell. Sano yelled to the girl, "Get out! Find someplace safe!"
The girl nodded and noticed the man getting up, she screamed, "Behind you!"
Sano managed to move away in time. He grinned, "A little slow, aren't you?"
They than heard voices, "Back there! A woman's scream."
Sano scowled, great, just great. The police are coming and he's stuck in this alleyway. The policemen ran in and Sano stood away from the man.
"Stay, right where you are!"
Sano held his hands up and sighed again. He's been doing that a lot since getting back here. The police went to arrest him and the fallen man.
The girl came up behind the policemen, "Please, let him go. He was defending me," she said, indicating to Sano.
One of the officers shook his head, "Sorry, we can't do that. He was involved in a brawl. You can come to the police station in the morning."
She was about to protest, but Sano shook his head, "It'll be alright, miss." He thought to himself 'I hope it'll be alright.' Sano was worried about running into Saitou. The last thing he wanted was to see the old psycho cop.
Sano had to be honest. The last thing he expected on his return to Japan was to be sitting in a jail cell. On top of that, Chou found out that he was there and paid him a visit.
The blond man sat in a chair in front of Sano's cell, "Well, well, roosterhead, it's been a long time. You've changed," he indicated to Sano's longish hair and beard.
"You haven't changed, broomhead," Sano shot back, looking at Chou's tall, blond hair.
"Touché, " Chou said, grinning.
Sano shook his head and grinned back. He asked, "So, uh, Saitou isn't around, is he?"
"No."
Sano sighed in relief.
"But he'll be here in the morning."
Sano groaned, "Aww crap, I was hoping to avoid him."
Chou laughed, "Sorry, roosterhead, but once he finds out you're here, he'll want to talk to you." Chou got up, "See ya around."
Sano groaned again. Was there any way for a prison break? No. Crap, he'll have to face cricketface whether he wants to or not. Sano than thought of Kenshin and family, by morning, he'll still be a day ahead of schedule. They won' know that he's in prison. Maybe it's better that way, he thought ruefully as he made himself comfortable to sleep and dream of cunning foxes and a family left behind.
The sun filtered through the prison windows, waking up Sano sooner than he wished to be. Sano groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. Something was not right, he smelled....cigarette smoke. Sano bolted up and saw Saitou standing outside his cell, smoking.
"You know, you're not exactly the face I want to see first thing in the morning."
"Hn."
Sano glowered, "Is that all you have to say?"
Saitou smirked at him; "Some things haven't changed. You're still an ahou."
"And I see you're still a bastard."
"Hn. We have things to discuss. We'll talk in my office."
"Hell no. I'm not going anywhere with you."
Saitou shrugged, "Fine, stay here."
Sano scowled, "Alright, alright. We'll talk."
Saitou smirked, "What a surprise, you can be reasoned with."
Twenty minutes later, Sano found himself standing in Saitou's office. He scowled at the former Shinsengumi captain. Three words summed up Sano's feelings for Saitou. Hate. Admiration. Respect. He loathed admitting the last two, even to himself.
"So," Sano said, "What brings the Wolf of Mibu back to Tokyo?"
"Ahou, I'm the one asking questions here."
Sano groaned, "Fine, what do you want?"
"First, what happened last night."
"Oh, some jackass was giving a lady a hard time. I had to do something about it."
Saitou looked amused, "Ahou, you still can't stand seeing weak ones getting bullied by those stronger than they."
Sano clenched his fist, "Damn straight! They have no right.."
Saitou raised his hand to silence Sanosuke before he went on his tirade, "Ahou."
Sano glowered at him, "What?"
"How was your journey?"
"Enlightening. Why do you ask?"
Saitou lit a cigarette and said causally, "It's good to be home yet, isn't it? You haven't seen your friend, the Battousai, yet, have you?"
Sano looked warily at Saitou, "What are you on about?"
Saitou took a drag from his cigarette, "You are grateful to be back with your family, are you not?"
A thought dawned on Sano, "No, please tell me you had nothing to do with my arrest warrant being retracted."
"Ahou," Saitou sneered, "Did you honestly think that your arrest warrant's time was up? The government doesn't just retract a warrant without any recompense."
Sano sat down, "Oh, hell. So, this is like the deal the Juppon Gatana had with you guys, right?"
Saitou took another drag, "Something like that."
Sano shook his head; "I don't like the idea of working for the government."
"Think of it as working for me."
Sano groaned, "I like that idea even less."
Saitou smirked, "I will contact you in a few days."
Sano stood up slowly, "Hey, why do you want me? I mean, you've always made it quite clear what you thought of my skills."
Saitou sighed patiently, as if he were about to explain an important concept to a four-year old; "I said those things because you had the potential to become more. Yet, you insisted on acting like an ahou and did things your way. Never expanding yourself."
"And now?"
"You have changed in some ways. Do not look smug, boy. You still need work."
"Fine, I'll agree to this if you promise not drag Kenshin into this."
"Hn."
"That's not an answer!"
There was a knock on the door, "Officer Fujita? Your wife is here. She wishes to speak to you."
Saitou stood up, "Fine. I'll be out in a moment. What is it, ahou?"
Sano was slack-jawed, "Ye gods! Someone actually married you!" He shook his head, not caring if he was being rude; "She must be one hell of a woman!"
Saitou smashed his cigarette into an ashtray, "She is."
"Do you have children?"
"Yes."
"Can I meet her?"
"No."
Sano's mind was still trying to grasp the concept of Saitou being a family man as Saitou ushered him out of the office.
"Remember, Ahou. In a few days."
"That's not really specific."
Saitou gave him a look and Sano pensively walked out of the police station.
Sano found his way back to Katsu's home and when he took a good look into the mirror, he laughed.
"I'm a sorry-looking sight." He pulled off his bandana. "I better clean up before I go to the dojo."
He decided to get the bath ready and washed his clothes. Sano found a pair of scissors and cut his hair and he than shaved. He noticed that his clothes were dripping on Katsu's floor.
"I guess I should show my thanks by cleaning that up," he mused.
As he immersed himself into the bath, he laughed out loud. Who would have thought that Sagara Sanosuke would be doing his own laundry and cleaning up after himself. The gang will never believe it.
A few hours later, his clothes slightly damp, Sano stood in front of the dojo. He straightened his gi nervously. Here goes nothing. Sano walked up and knocked, he smiled when he heard Kaoru's voice.
"Just a minute! Kenji, will you let go of my leg! I have to answer the.."
She slid the door open and her eyes widened. "Sanosuke! You're back!"
Sano grinned, "Hey Missy, long time, no see."
Kaoru hugged him tightly and Sano swung her around for a moment. He put her down and they stood grinning at each other.
"Welcome home, Sano."
To be continued.