A thorough accounting of his office took more time than he would have
liked. The problem was too many of the staff had simply gotten in the
habit of thrusting things into the office without any sense of order.
In the end, he had to *ask* Okon about some of the things she had placed there and what she recalled of them.
It was needless to say that Aoshi was not pleased.
Robbed once, drawn out, and then robbed again - it was a direct affront to his pride. Worse yet, in the week that followed the incident at the Aoiya it became clearer that the man who likely had sent the thieves or knew their identities were no longer in town. All the police could do was to seize the existing goods and put out inquiries as to the man's whereabouts.
Okon's recollections were good, but not complete. The papers and books that she recalled placing in the corner for Aoshi to inspect at a later time were meaningless as they were written in a manner that was completely indecipherable to her.
Megumi-chan's moping about at first he thought to be due to the heavy scolding she had received at the hands of the womenfolk, but eventually it came to his attention that she had little to play with. No one had thought to mention lost toys to him as children often did misplace things, but Omasu did note to him that it was most unusual for a child to lose nearly *all* her toys.
His conclusion is that they too were taken, for some odd reason. The common thread to the newly missing items were that they were of apparent monetary insignificance and they all had a link to the newest resident and her family.
His pride not withstanding, what was most frustrating was that he was not in the power to know the purpose behind these thefts and whether there had been a true attempt to take or kill the child. His judgement as of late in many things had been clouded by years of relative quiet at the Aoiya or something else entirely. Otherwise, he would have paid more attention to everything regarding the Takanis much earlier and would now be in a position to perhaps better understand the situation.
Only two things were clear to him now: first, to protect the last remaining Takani and second, to reopen the inspection of Kenichi Takani's past.
"Aoshi," Okina interrupted his thoughts with a knock on the frame of his rice-papered door. "We have visitors."
"Murahabashi and Koeda." Aoshi stood up suddenly as he regarded a tall grave woman and the short angelic man who stood next to her. At one time, they had also worn the uniform of the Oniwaban. These two had married one another before settling quietly in another town, preferring to make an honest quiet living tilling some of the lands that had been the Oniwaban's in better days. They had been amongst the last to leave Kyoto and the granting of the lands had been amongst the last acts Aoshi had personally agreed to before he had taken his men up to Tokyo and then on to Aizu.
As he looked at them, it was clear that this was not a social call. "What brings you here?"
Koeda spoke up gently. "We heard about the attack on the Aoiya. We have come to offer our strength."
"Murahabashi?" Aoshi could hardly believe himself. "You two left your children behind?"
The tall, lean man bowed his head quietly. "They are being cared for by our eldest son and a neighbor."
Aoshi shook his head. "It is unnecessary."
"Leader," Murahabashi rasped out. "This attack on the Aoiya by ordinary yakuza is unforgivable. The day where those lowly yakuza become bold enough to attack the Oniwaban stronghold is one where I swore we would return. We can not simply ignore it. It is because the Aoiya was under strength, because we all left to live our own lives --"
"You are not held to any obligation to the Aoiya or to what remains of the clan. You both served the clan well and it was our agreement that you two should move forward with your lives."
"Aoshi," Okina spoke up quietly. "They will not be the only ones returning. The messenger birds have been busy this morning. At least two dozen, perhaps more, of the clan have been quietly moving back towards Kyoto and will be here over the next few days. And Misao will be here as well."
Aoshi suddenly turned a hard gaze towards Okina.
Okina blinked and then apologetically turned to their two former clansmen. "Would you please see Okon and Omasu? They were very eager to show you some of the improvements we've made here and set up tea for the both of you. We will join you shortly."
The two looked at the cold expression on the face of Aoshi Shinomori and then gamely nodded. "Of course, we'll hurry along. " They both bowed to the men before disappearing down the hall.
Okina returned Aoshi's hard look with a stern expression of his own. "This isn't my doing, nor is it Misao's. News travels fast through Kyoto and throughout many channels of information. We have a lot of curious friends asking whether we need their assistance. Some old allies-"
"These are not the old days, Okina." Aoshi turned away for a moment. "You know what trouble that sort of response could cause for us."
"Our clan is discreet enough. Not all of them will be coming directly here, nor will they do anything without the orders -"
"Still," Aoshi frowned as he thought about the repercussions of the Oniwaban all reassembling in Kyoto. "even if nothing is to occur, we will draw a lot of attention here."
"Better to draw attention and show our strength in this time, Aoshi. We may have become businessfolk, but some may have taken that as a sign of weakness. We need to assert that strength so those who think to take advantage of us will think twice. You must accept what is coming and prepare. And if you go to Tokyo-"
"Tokyo?"
"Tokyo is where our rice merchant friend's client was. Tokyo may have been the origin or end point for some of the "tea" you picked up the other day which is most interesting in itself. It is likely where the thieves also have fled to. It also was the base of operations of Takani Kenichi. Knowing you, you have already been contemplating going there."
"Perhaps."
"This is no common ring of merchants or thieves here. That tea you brought to me curiously was never found in the warehouse by the police. Innocent in smell and appearance, it was no drinking tea, but an extract of several very poisonous plants. That merchant had lots of dealings with Tokyo. He always bragged about it."
"Fine." The younger man looked back at the elder. "I will go to Tokyo immediately, as it suits the purpose of determining more of the threat to young Megumi Takani, to the Aoiya, and to ensure that I do not get called as leader to the clan. It was not my will to recall everyone here but if it is their choice to come, I can not stand in their way. However someone will need to decide how to use these assorted clansmen in a manner appropriate for our times. I leave that to Misao. I will leave alone."
"Alone?!" Okina frowned. "At least I should come with you. I have informat-"
"No. Misao will need you here. If I need assistance there are others in Tokyo-"
Okina's expression slowly resolved itself from worry to understanding. "Should I send them a message?"
Aoshi shook his head. "I travel as a businessman this time. I prefer to not involve any one until I understand what the situation is. Do what you must in using our network of information, but use your usual caution. I will stay at the hotel of Shirotome as it will save time."
Okina could not complain. Shirotome was one of the men who often served as an informant to Okina. It was also he who also had supplied them with some of the information on Takani Kenichi.
"I leave tonight. After I've had a chance to talk to our clansmen and said a proper good bye to them as well as the others. Muharabashi and Koeda will be helpful to Misao now. All the rest, I leave in your hands."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Balancing on one leg near the river's edge, Sanosuke moved his arms quietly in accordance with the flow of his own ki and the light breeze that moved around him. Harmonizing nature and self were essential before he could clear his mind of the fog that had been created by a few days of hard drinking and laziness.
When he had been a streetfighter for hire, it had been simply enough to drink and gamble in between fights. His meeting with Kenshin had redirected him into something entirely different - into a life that could have been considered in parts to be epic and grander. But even then, whenever things quieted he would disappear and lapse back into those carefree ways. As world-traveler, those sorts of indulgences were of no consequence. Life was wilder and freer outside Japan - and it all served to enhance the fighting spirit that he valued and cultivated.
But back here in Tokyo, he had found himself adrift again. Life in Tokyo had grown even quieter since he had left. The peace that had been bought by the revolution had settled itself into the minds of the people, and it seemed that there was no place for him, still essentially a restless soul, to be needed.
The death of Megumi Takani proved him wrong.
He sighed as he eased himself back into a resting stance.
The death of Megumi had sent him on a strange journey, and in the past few days he had started to weigh whether his path would lie here in Japan or elsewhere.
Sano abruptly abandoned his training and crouched over by the water in order to splash cold water on his face. At any moment, he would be joined by another face from the past. According to the note sent to the dojo yesterday, this friend would be joining him this morning.
Of the friends he had in this world, this was truly one of the oldest - and Sano looked forward to seeing him and hearing from him things he could not learn from Kenshin and Kaoru, whose concept of quiet life meant focusing their energies on their son and Kaoru's students. Unlike him, this friend had chosen the path of information and watchfulness rather than a life of adventure. That wisdom gained in the past few years would perhaps direct him now.
"You're much too noticeable, you know."
Sanosuke grinned as he turned around and regarded the man legally known as Tsukioka Tsunan. "And you're much too noisy, Katsu. Some former Sekihoutai you are -- I could hear you all the way down the road!"
The man shook his head. "Even with a haircut and without that silly gi, you're still the same old Sano. I could recognize you from all the way down the road!"
"It's good to see you."
"As it is good to see you."
"So," Sanosuke sat easily down under the shade of a tree. "How has life been, friend?"
Katsu tossed Sanosuke a piece of bread, which Sano greedily accepted, before he sat next to him. "I should be asking you that question, you wanderer. It's been near impossible to keep up with you. No one ever seemed to know much about Zanza or Sanosuke Sagara these past few years."
"I had a warrant on my head, you know." Sanosuke uttered between bites of bread.
"--Which I could have helped you with, or you could have easily had overturned if you had come in and explained yourself."
"I know, I know-" Sanosuke shrugged. "I'm too used to corruption. I suppose I didn't trust in the police or the government all that much."
"Hah." Katsu gave him a sardonic grin. "No surprise there. In fact, completely understandable."
"Not much better these days, is it?"
"In some ways, things are better. People won't tolerate abuse as readily and so outwardly, everyone appears to behave. And I have to admit that things look prosperous and peaceful, more so than perhaps when you left -"
"But?" Sanosuke frowned at Katsu's tone of voice.
"-But sometimes things don't change all that much, Sano. There may not be any big battles to wage or opponents of great strength, but the corruption exists nevertheless. You and I both know that to each person, there is both the capacity for utter depravity, as well as redemption -- as it goes with our society. Even in Tokyo, the jewel of Meiji Japan, there is much that is troubling."
Sano took another piece of bread and leaned against the tree as Katsu continued. Slowly he began to paint a picture of Tokyo that was much different from the Tokyo he had known in the past.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
After one final look in on young Megumi Takani who lay in her room fast asleep, Aoshi decided that it was now an appropriate time to leave.
He made the night train just in time. Although he would much prefer riding, it made little sense for a businessman to ride on horseback when train or boat were far more accepted modes of travel and less taxing.
As he proceeded to his private compartment, he noted a familiar figure at the other end of the train. When their eyes met, he nodded slightly -- acknowledging the other's presence.
He quietly entered his compartment and then turned back around, waiting for the door to open. A few moments later the figure entered and gave him a jaunty wave, which he chose to not echo.
Cho Sawagejo grinned after he shut the door behind him. "Not the friendly type are you?"
As usual, Aoshi did not rise to the bait and simply gave the man a cool gaze.
"Well" Cho blinked in irritation. "That's fine with me. I'm to give you a couple of pieces of news from the boss."
Aoshi had already guessed that this was the purpose of the little visit, but felt obligated to respond. "He is well, I take it."
"Ah, the usual, you know. Can't say he's any better or worse. He would probably have preferred to talk to you directly, but he's busy and will likely drop in later. Anyways , I have to get off this train at the next stop. Have to ride back and keep an eye on your clansmen. They have the government all nervous, y' know."
"There is no reason to be concerned. We are not planning to do anything except protect what is ours."
"Yeah, yeah. That's why I'm assigned there. To keep the locals from getting too suspicious. Anyways," Cho fumbled around in his pocket for a moment. "Boss wanted me to give you something. Said you'd understand."
Cho casually flipped something at him. Deftly, Aoshi closed his fist around the thrown object and then slowly turned his hand over and slowly unclenched his fingers. A fat triangular shaped pouch was in his hand.
"Look familiar?"
With a frown, he turned over the pastel colored paper pouch over before opening it with his fingernail and then carefully smelling its contents.
Opium.
"Yeah, it's high grade stuff," Cho shook his head. "Bunch of these are showing up all over the Tokyo area. That commander of mine was very interested in these. Said you'd be too."
"There are more?"
"Oh yeah," Cho flipped a few more papers at him. "We managed to catch some of the early stuff, but it's still turning up all over Tokyo. Similar papers and similar quality. Much too nice for most small-time dealers."
Aoshi clenched the triangular packets within his fist. The fold of the papers, even the colors - these were signature elements of one person's work which he used to be very familiar with. Megumi Takani had often wrapped things this way according to Kanryuu's peculiar taste. Was this a taunt coming from the same people who had apparently been intimately interested in the Takani family?
"Did your commander tell you who did this?"
Cho sighed. "If he did, wouldn't I have said so? All he told me is that it's the real deal. He said you should know whose work it was."
Aoshi paused as he considered Saitou's words through his assistant. If it were the real thing, and not some imitation, only one other explanation could exist.
"Listen, my stop's coming up, so I'll take my leave. Hope you understood Saitou, as I sure as hell can't tell you what he means."
Aoshi pushed aside the sudden feelings of shock. "I understand. At least I think I do."
He spoke into empty air, as Cho had already slipped out.
Aoshi realized he was still standing, and wearily sat down, wondering about the odd confluence of events. Life for him had, as of late, become topsy- turvy. He was grateful for the long train ride during which he would have time to himself to contemplate many things, including the packets of papers in his hand and their significance.
Megumi Takani, from all appearances, was very much alive.
To him, he realized that it was welcome news in many ways. But on the other hand, it would appear that she had apparently returned to making drugs.
Why?
+++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ====
A/N: I did change something here. I had planned to make Saitou directly reveal something to Aoshi, but Saitou decided for himself he had better things to do and sent his messenger instead. Or rather, the man in the shadows should stay there.
I threw in a lot of things to mull over here, some of which are not directly related to the three characters I am most interested in. Sorry for not pursuing these interesting side stories, but it's hard enough giving Aoshi and Sano more of a purpose and development than pursuing the whole Misao/Oniwaban angle.
Where's the romance? Yeah. I realize that I have to deliver something of a resolution at the end. I suppose Megumi can't dump Sano or Aoshi for Okina? Or Sano and Aoshi can't run off together? Heh. Guess not. I'm actually stalling because I haven't decided who would make a better fit. Some days I am convinced that Sano's relative innocence is better for Megumi, and some days I think Aoshi's steadiness is better. Ack.
In the end, he had to *ask* Okon about some of the things she had placed there and what she recalled of them.
It was needless to say that Aoshi was not pleased.
Robbed once, drawn out, and then robbed again - it was a direct affront to his pride. Worse yet, in the week that followed the incident at the Aoiya it became clearer that the man who likely had sent the thieves or knew their identities were no longer in town. All the police could do was to seize the existing goods and put out inquiries as to the man's whereabouts.
Okon's recollections were good, but not complete. The papers and books that she recalled placing in the corner for Aoshi to inspect at a later time were meaningless as they were written in a manner that was completely indecipherable to her.
Megumi-chan's moping about at first he thought to be due to the heavy scolding she had received at the hands of the womenfolk, but eventually it came to his attention that she had little to play with. No one had thought to mention lost toys to him as children often did misplace things, but Omasu did note to him that it was most unusual for a child to lose nearly *all* her toys.
His conclusion is that they too were taken, for some odd reason. The common thread to the newly missing items were that they were of apparent monetary insignificance and they all had a link to the newest resident and her family.
His pride not withstanding, what was most frustrating was that he was not in the power to know the purpose behind these thefts and whether there had been a true attempt to take or kill the child. His judgement as of late in many things had been clouded by years of relative quiet at the Aoiya or something else entirely. Otherwise, he would have paid more attention to everything regarding the Takanis much earlier and would now be in a position to perhaps better understand the situation.
Only two things were clear to him now: first, to protect the last remaining Takani and second, to reopen the inspection of Kenichi Takani's past.
"Aoshi," Okina interrupted his thoughts with a knock on the frame of his rice-papered door. "We have visitors."
"Murahabashi and Koeda." Aoshi stood up suddenly as he regarded a tall grave woman and the short angelic man who stood next to her. At one time, they had also worn the uniform of the Oniwaban. These two had married one another before settling quietly in another town, preferring to make an honest quiet living tilling some of the lands that had been the Oniwaban's in better days. They had been amongst the last to leave Kyoto and the granting of the lands had been amongst the last acts Aoshi had personally agreed to before he had taken his men up to Tokyo and then on to Aizu.
As he looked at them, it was clear that this was not a social call. "What brings you here?"
Koeda spoke up gently. "We heard about the attack on the Aoiya. We have come to offer our strength."
"Murahabashi?" Aoshi could hardly believe himself. "You two left your children behind?"
The tall, lean man bowed his head quietly. "They are being cared for by our eldest son and a neighbor."
Aoshi shook his head. "It is unnecessary."
"Leader," Murahabashi rasped out. "This attack on the Aoiya by ordinary yakuza is unforgivable. The day where those lowly yakuza become bold enough to attack the Oniwaban stronghold is one where I swore we would return. We can not simply ignore it. It is because the Aoiya was under strength, because we all left to live our own lives --"
"You are not held to any obligation to the Aoiya or to what remains of the clan. You both served the clan well and it was our agreement that you two should move forward with your lives."
"Aoshi," Okina spoke up quietly. "They will not be the only ones returning. The messenger birds have been busy this morning. At least two dozen, perhaps more, of the clan have been quietly moving back towards Kyoto and will be here over the next few days. And Misao will be here as well."
Aoshi suddenly turned a hard gaze towards Okina.
Okina blinked and then apologetically turned to their two former clansmen. "Would you please see Okon and Omasu? They were very eager to show you some of the improvements we've made here and set up tea for the both of you. We will join you shortly."
The two looked at the cold expression on the face of Aoshi Shinomori and then gamely nodded. "Of course, we'll hurry along. " They both bowed to the men before disappearing down the hall.
Okina returned Aoshi's hard look with a stern expression of his own. "This isn't my doing, nor is it Misao's. News travels fast through Kyoto and throughout many channels of information. We have a lot of curious friends asking whether we need their assistance. Some old allies-"
"These are not the old days, Okina." Aoshi turned away for a moment. "You know what trouble that sort of response could cause for us."
"Our clan is discreet enough. Not all of them will be coming directly here, nor will they do anything without the orders -"
"Still," Aoshi frowned as he thought about the repercussions of the Oniwaban all reassembling in Kyoto. "even if nothing is to occur, we will draw a lot of attention here."
"Better to draw attention and show our strength in this time, Aoshi. We may have become businessfolk, but some may have taken that as a sign of weakness. We need to assert that strength so those who think to take advantage of us will think twice. You must accept what is coming and prepare. And if you go to Tokyo-"
"Tokyo?"
"Tokyo is where our rice merchant friend's client was. Tokyo may have been the origin or end point for some of the "tea" you picked up the other day which is most interesting in itself. It is likely where the thieves also have fled to. It also was the base of operations of Takani Kenichi. Knowing you, you have already been contemplating going there."
"Perhaps."
"This is no common ring of merchants or thieves here. That tea you brought to me curiously was never found in the warehouse by the police. Innocent in smell and appearance, it was no drinking tea, but an extract of several very poisonous plants. That merchant had lots of dealings with Tokyo. He always bragged about it."
"Fine." The younger man looked back at the elder. "I will go to Tokyo immediately, as it suits the purpose of determining more of the threat to young Megumi Takani, to the Aoiya, and to ensure that I do not get called as leader to the clan. It was not my will to recall everyone here but if it is their choice to come, I can not stand in their way. However someone will need to decide how to use these assorted clansmen in a manner appropriate for our times. I leave that to Misao. I will leave alone."
"Alone?!" Okina frowned. "At least I should come with you. I have informat-"
"No. Misao will need you here. If I need assistance there are others in Tokyo-"
Okina's expression slowly resolved itself from worry to understanding. "Should I send them a message?"
Aoshi shook his head. "I travel as a businessman this time. I prefer to not involve any one until I understand what the situation is. Do what you must in using our network of information, but use your usual caution. I will stay at the hotel of Shirotome as it will save time."
Okina could not complain. Shirotome was one of the men who often served as an informant to Okina. It was also he who also had supplied them with some of the information on Takani Kenichi.
"I leave tonight. After I've had a chance to talk to our clansmen and said a proper good bye to them as well as the others. Muharabashi and Koeda will be helpful to Misao now. All the rest, I leave in your hands."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Balancing on one leg near the river's edge, Sanosuke moved his arms quietly in accordance with the flow of his own ki and the light breeze that moved around him. Harmonizing nature and self were essential before he could clear his mind of the fog that had been created by a few days of hard drinking and laziness.
When he had been a streetfighter for hire, it had been simply enough to drink and gamble in between fights. His meeting with Kenshin had redirected him into something entirely different - into a life that could have been considered in parts to be epic and grander. But even then, whenever things quieted he would disappear and lapse back into those carefree ways. As world-traveler, those sorts of indulgences were of no consequence. Life was wilder and freer outside Japan - and it all served to enhance the fighting spirit that he valued and cultivated.
But back here in Tokyo, he had found himself adrift again. Life in Tokyo had grown even quieter since he had left. The peace that had been bought by the revolution had settled itself into the minds of the people, and it seemed that there was no place for him, still essentially a restless soul, to be needed.
The death of Megumi Takani proved him wrong.
He sighed as he eased himself back into a resting stance.
The death of Megumi had sent him on a strange journey, and in the past few days he had started to weigh whether his path would lie here in Japan or elsewhere.
Sano abruptly abandoned his training and crouched over by the water in order to splash cold water on his face. At any moment, he would be joined by another face from the past. According to the note sent to the dojo yesterday, this friend would be joining him this morning.
Of the friends he had in this world, this was truly one of the oldest - and Sano looked forward to seeing him and hearing from him things he could not learn from Kenshin and Kaoru, whose concept of quiet life meant focusing their energies on their son and Kaoru's students. Unlike him, this friend had chosen the path of information and watchfulness rather than a life of adventure. That wisdom gained in the past few years would perhaps direct him now.
"You're much too noticeable, you know."
Sanosuke grinned as he turned around and regarded the man legally known as Tsukioka Tsunan. "And you're much too noisy, Katsu. Some former Sekihoutai you are -- I could hear you all the way down the road!"
The man shook his head. "Even with a haircut and without that silly gi, you're still the same old Sano. I could recognize you from all the way down the road!"
"It's good to see you."
"As it is good to see you."
"So," Sanosuke sat easily down under the shade of a tree. "How has life been, friend?"
Katsu tossed Sanosuke a piece of bread, which Sano greedily accepted, before he sat next to him. "I should be asking you that question, you wanderer. It's been near impossible to keep up with you. No one ever seemed to know much about Zanza or Sanosuke Sagara these past few years."
"I had a warrant on my head, you know." Sanosuke uttered between bites of bread.
"--Which I could have helped you with, or you could have easily had overturned if you had come in and explained yourself."
"I know, I know-" Sanosuke shrugged. "I'm too used to corruption. I suppose I didn't trust in the police or the government all that much."
"Hah." Katsu gave him a sardonic grin. "No surprise there. In fact, completely understandable."
"Not much better these days, is it?"
"In some ways, things are better. People won't tolerate abuse as readily and so outwardly, everyone appears to behave. And I have to admit that things look prosperous and peaceful, more so than perhaps when you left -"
"But?" Sanosuke frowned at Katsu's tone of voice.
"-But sometimes things don't change all that much, Sano. There may not be any big battles to wage or opponents of great strength, but the corruption exists nevertheless. You and I both know that to each person, there is both the capacity for utter depravity, as well as redemption -- as it goes with our society. Even in Tokyo, the jewel of Meiji Japan, there is much that is troubling."
Sano took another piece of bread and leaned against the tree as Katsu continued. Slowly he began to paint a picture of Tokyo that was much different from the Tokyo he had known in the past.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
After one final look in on young Megumi Takani who lay in her room fast asleep, Aoshi decided that it was now an appropriate time to leave.
He made the night train just in time. Although he would much prefer riding, it made little sense for a businessman to ride on horseback when train or boat were far more accepted modes of travel and less taxing.
As he proceeded to his private compartment, he noted a familiar figure at the other end of the train. When their eyes met, he nodded slightly -- acknowledging the other's presence.
He quietly entered his compartment and then turned back around, waiting for the door to open. A few moments later the figure entered and gave him a jaunty wave, which he chose to not echo.
Cho Sawagejo grinned after he shut the door behind him. "Not the friendly type are you?"
As usual, Aoshi did not rise to the bait and simply gave the man a cool gaze.
"Well" Cho blinked in irritation. "That's fine with me. I'm to give you a couple of pieces of news from the boss."
Aoshi had already guessed that this was the purpose of the little visit, but felt obligated to respond. "He is well, I take it."
"Ah, the usual, you know. Can't say he's any better or worse. He would probably have preferred to talk to you directly, but he's busy and will likely drop in later. Anyways , I have to get off this train at the next stop. Have to ride back and keep an eye on your clansmen. They have the government all nervous, y' know."
"There is no reason to be concerned. We are not planning to do anything except protect what is ours."
"Yeah, yeah. That's why I'm assigned there. To keep the locals from getting too suspicious. Anyways," Cho fumbled around in his pocket for a moment. "Boss wanted me to give you something. Said you'd understand."
Cho casually flipped something at him. Deftly, Aoshi closed his fist around the thrown object and then slowly turned his hand over and slowly unclenched his fingers. A fat triangular shaped pouch was in his hand.
"Look familiar?"
With a frown, he turned over the pastel colored paper pouch over before opening it with his fingernail and then carefully smelling its contents.
Opium.
"Yeah, it's high grade stuff," Cho shook his head. "Bunch of these are showing up all over the Tokyo area. That commander of mine was very interested in these. Said you'd be too."
"There are more?"
"Oh yeah," Cho flipped a few more papers at him. "We managed to catch some of the early stuff, but it's still turning up all over Tokyo. Similar papers and similar quality. Much too nice for most small-time dealers."
Aoshi clenched the triangular packets within his fist. The fold of the papers, even the colors - these were signature elements of one person's work which he used to be very familiar with. Megumi Takani had often wrapped things this way according to Kanryuu's peculiar taste. Was this a taunt coming from the same people who had apparently been intimately interested in the Takani family?
"Did your commander tell you who did this?"
Cho sighed. "If he did, wouldn't I have said so? All he told me is that it's the real deal. He said you should know whose work it was."
Aoshi paused as he considered Saitou's words through his assistant. If it were the real thing, and not some imitation, only one other explanation could exist.
"Listen, my stop's coming up, so I'll take my leave. Hope you understood Saitou, as I sure as hell can't tell you what he means."
Aoshi pushed aside the sudden feelings of shock. "I understand. At least I think I do."
He spoke into empty air, as Cho had already slipped out.
Aoshi realized he was still standing, and wearily sat down, wondering about the odd confluence of events. Life for him had, as of late, become topsy- turvy. He was grateful for the long train ride during which he would have time to himself to contemplate many things, including the packets of papers in his hand and their significance.
Megumi Takani, from all appearances, was very much alive.
To him, he realized that it was welcome news in many ways. But on the other hand, it would appear that she had apparently returned to making drugs.
Why?
+++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ==== +++ ====
A/N: I did change something here. I had planned to make Saitou directly reveal something to Aoshi, but Saitou decided for himself he had better things to do and sent his messenger instead. Or rather, the man in the shadows should stay there.
I threw in a lot of things to mull over here, some of which are not directly related to the three characters I am most interested in. Sorry for not pursuing these interesting side stories, but it's hard enough giving Aoshi and Sano more of a purpose and development than pursuing the whole Misao/Oniwaban angle.
Where's the romance? Yeah. I realize that I have to deliver something of a resolution at the end. I suppose Megumi can't dump Sano or Aoshi for Okina? Or Sano and Aoshi can't run off together? Heh. Guess not. I'm actually stalling because I haven't decided who would make a better fit. Some days I am convinced that Sano's relative innocence is better for Megumi, and some days I think Aoshi's steadiness is better. Ack.
