(Thank you again to everyone who's been reading and commenting. We're glad you like our odd little view of Rurouni Kenshin and PeaceMaker Kurogane. 

You know the disclaimer drill we don't own the shows or characters and can't profit from this--if we could we'd be in Japan right now stalking the descendants of our favorite Wolf :-D)

And don't forget to check out the companion piece overseen by Miss Behavin–The Meiji Journal

The Mibu Times/Dispatch

by

BarbaraSheridan & Miss Behavin

Vol. 5

Notice to Kyoto area parents from Saitou Hajime, Captain Shinsengumi 3rd Unit:

Incidents of juvenile delinquency are on the rise with four reports of vandalism done to Pro-Tokugawa storefronts in the past week. However amusing it may sound in the retelling there is nothing funny about being hit in the face with a stale rice ball the size of a man's fist.

We have a description of one of the little ahous—tall, thin with spiky brown hair that reminds one of a rooster–and when he is caught I assure you that his "tender age" will not result in leniency.

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Employment opportunity:

Currently forming civic leadership groups has need of a trainee in the area of internal security. We are seeking someone of strong constitution and conviction to handle the more "messy" jobs that arise. Discretion is a must.

Reply this paper care of Messers Kuobo & Satkura

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Personal Ad:

My dearest ?

Each day when your patrol parades down the street I can't

help but watch every move you make. I love the way you

sneer, the way those few bits of hair fall into your glorious amber eyes....

—your crimson admirer

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Local News:

Shopkeepers around the city report the shoplifting of small quantities of White Plum Perfume. The perpetrators are unknown and the investigation continues. If you have information contact Shinsengumi Headquarters.

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Notice:

 Bids once again being taken for laundry services. The ability to quickly process large amounts of heavily stained and torn garments a must!

Contact Chief Kondou, Shinsengumi HQ

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Personal Ad:

To my blonde shuriken goddess,

I'm sorry about the other night. Duty called, I had to go---the note with your name and contact information was damaged by water...please look for me where we first met in the wee hours.

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Personal Ad:

Will the young lady who keeps sending me perfume scented notes please desist immediately! I am engaged and not interested.

S.H.

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Notice:

The meeting of the Young Men's Samurai Association (Choshu Division) scheduled for Next Tuesday at the Ikeda-ya has been POSTPONED. The new day and time will be announced. We apologize for the inconvenience

—Yoshida

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Full Page Ad

Notice to Kondou and Hijikata:

Yamanami was the last straw! I've had it up to here with your seppuku this and your Aku. Soku. Zan  that.

Figure out your own Military Advice! I quit! And I' m taking 13 of your best men with me just for spite! And one of them is Capt. Saito! Ha! Bet you never thought I'd get him to quit on you, did you smart guys?!

---Itou                  

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Local News

 Itou Kashitarou, the Military Advisor to the Shinsengumi, has resigned from his post. At the hastily called press conference Vice-Chief Hijikata said "Several other members have also resigned, including Capt. Hajime Saito, whose departure shocked and saddened his entire unit. Capt. Shinpachi will be in charge of his unit as well as his own until the 3rd Capt. retun... can be replaced."

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Notice:

All members are reminded once again to view and memorize the Internal Regulations, especially # 1 & 2.

—Hijikata

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Other Local News:

The Kyoto Town Council has received reports of loud raucous celebrations coming from the vicinity of the Shinsengumi 3rd Unit quarters and is taking into consideration a review of the zoning regulations.

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Personal Ad:

To my Dearest ?

Where have you been? I am lost without you, the day are meaningless without seeing you and your group strolling in the sunshine....

I so miss hiding in the shadows and wathing you work.... It used to make me so very excited....

Still I wander, watching, waiting, hoping to draw you out by wearing a unique unmistakable

fragrance....

----your crimson admirer

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Dear Ayu-nee:

A friend directed me to you. My household is in an uproar and I'm at my wits' end! My eldest daughter who was always such a good girl has become nothing short of an oni since her father informed her that she was to be married. She's been disrespectful, has been staying out till all hours....It's a miracle that I've prevented her father from taking drastic measures. What is a mother to do?

------At wits' end in Aizu

Dear Aizu,

This does seem to be the season for parental troubles is it not?  The best advice I can offer is to simply wait it out. Marriages, especially arranged ones are a strain and I'm sure that your daughter will settle down in no time and become quite interested in helping you with wedding preparations once the initial shock wears off.

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Personal Ad:

To S.H.

Take care of that little "problem" we discussed ASAP. The constant partying at your place since you've been gone is driving me nuts. On second thought, I think I know how to fix it....

-- ‑H.T.

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Personal Ad:

To the crimson freak,

Stop watching me! Stop sending me notes! This had better not be you, Ichimura!

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Reminder

Since the room is booked and we can't get a refund on the deposit, Hajime's bachelor party is still happening at 10 p.m. next Friday in the back room of the Midnight Teahouse (the Shimabara teahouse not the dull one on the other side of town). 

Captain Harada assures me that the evening's "entrainment" is a "Hot little number" who goes by the stage name Krazy 'Kio.

There will be plenty of food and drink and I promise not to let the pig get into the dip this time.

—Souji