Saizou belongs to PeaceMaker Kurogane. 

To Be Free

Part Nine

Job Search

By Maria Cline

(Parts 1-4 by Ami-dono)

Three days passed and things had settled back to normal.  Yahiko had fit in well with the dojo and was recovering from his beatings.  However, Kaoru had been teaching him how to meditate and clean.  Kenshin had gotten more comfortable with Kaoru and Sano but he was still over polite to them.

The sun rose as Kenshin got up and started to clean.  He hated being idle around the house all the time.  Dr. Gensai's granddaughters came over to play a few times but he couldn't do much after that.  After cleaning, he went into the dojo training hall and swung a shinai.  Images flow through his mind and he gritted his teeth.  "Calm down…" He said as the nausea hit and he put his hand on his stomach.  He couldn't let the sickness get to him.  He managed to suppress the urge of throwing up after swinging a bokken or shinai but after much meditation.  

A piece of paper fluttered by and he snatched it up and glanced at it.  It was a budget.  /Ever since Yahiko and I came here, Kaoru-dono had been forced to work harder to pay for our food.  I cannot be a burden to Kaoru-dono after all she did for me.  That's it, I have to do something about that./  /You can always leave./ Kenshin thought mournfully. 

"*Yawn* Kenshin, is that you?" Kaoru yawned as she came in dressed in her yukata. 

"Kaoru-dono, are you feeling well?" Kenshin asked as he handed her breakfast.

"Yes, I'm just a little tired.  Training Yahiko and going to the other dojos.  I'll be fine." The woman laughed as she waved her hand.  'I can't ask Kenshin to do anything about it.  I don't know what kind of job he can get.'

Kenshin tensed up as he bowed his head down.  "Kaoru-dono, after Sano gets here, I'm going to find a job.  You had been nothing but kind to me and I cannot forgive myself if you suffer because of me."

"Are you sure you are ready?" Kaoru asked. 'There he goes again caring more about others than me.'

"I do not know what job I can get with my experience but I am sure I can get something." Kenshin said as he clenched his fists. /As long as it's not my past jobs, I will be content./ /That is impossible.  You cannot get away from your past employment./

"Okay, I'm coming with you.  I want to see what kind of job you can get."

"Arigato, Kaoru-dono."

*****

"I can't believe you want to work so soon, Ken-chan." Sano said as he, Kenshin, and Yahiko walked down the road.  "You're already trying to work at the dojo and that training."

"I don't like being bored.  I want to do stuff, Sano." Kenshin replied.

"You should learn from him, Lazy." Kaoru chided as she walked beside Kenshin. 

"Yeah." Yahiko agreed as he walked along.

"You three just stick with me." Sano said as he punched his hand.  "If anyone tries anything, they will have to get through me.  Think of me as the big brother you never have."

"Big brother?" Kenshin repeated stunned.

"I don't believe this." Yahiko moaned.

"I can take care of myself, Sanosuke." Kaoru said as she held up her bokken.  "Just keep an eye out on Yahiko and Kenshin."

"I don't need a bodyguard." The boy moaned, "I can fight."

"That is what you said last time and look what happened." Sano said as he pointed to one of Yahiko's fading bruises.  /These guys need some protection.  Jou-chan is a good fighter but she is still naïve and too trusting.  Yahiko's street smart like me but he's a kid.  Kenshin can't summon the will to hurt a fly and is afraid of strangers.  I have my work cut out for me./

"Let's see… what kind of work can Kenshin do?" Kaoru glanced at Kenshin, "Say, Kenshin, what have you done in the past?"

Kenshin paled as his hand shook.  "I-I'd rather not say."

Kaoru blushed as she put her hand onto her mouth.  'Baka!  Kenshin was that type of slave!' "No!  I won't let you get into that type of work!"

"What kind of work?" Yahiko asked as he looked at Kenshin. "From the way Kaoru and you react to the question, I'd say that it must be something awful." He leaned close to the man and whispered, "Are you a wanted criminal?"

"Oro?" Kenshin yelped. /How did he guess?  No, he could not have known./  /The kid is sharp.  He is much like us when we were young./

"NO WAY!" Sano and Kaoru yelled at once. 

"Then, what's the deal?" Yahiko asked firmly, "I'm twelve years old, I know what is going on in the world."

"I…" Kenshin sighed as he put his hand on the boy's head.  "I just cannot say, that is all."

"Let's focus on what type of job Kenshin can get.  What do you want, Kenshin?"  Kaoru ordered as she waved her hands. 'That kid's sharp but he can't know what Kenshin was before.  Not until Kenshin says it himself.'

"Well, I don't want to see too many people.  I mean, I don't want to work in the public." Kenshin said softly as he bowed his head down. /I don't want people to see me who might know me from before I was a slave./

"Then, he can't be a waiter at the Akabeko." Kaoru figured, "Hmmm... why don't we just go around and see what we can find?"

Kenshin nodded. "Okay."

*****

Sano took a deep breath as he showed a small building. "A friend of mine lives here and runs a local anti-government newspaper." Sano explained as he pounded on the door.  "Hey!  Katsu!  You in?"

A young man with a blue headband opened the door.  "Hey, Sano." He looked at the group.  He got out a notebook and said, "Ah, the girl must be 'Jou-chan' and you must be Ken-chan, the guy who has psychic abilities?"

"Please, just call me Kaoru." Kaoru insisted.

"I do not have psychic powers." Kenshin said calmly. /Why do people always think that I got special powers?/  /Because it's true./

"Well, that is what everyone said but I believe you." Katsu shrugged and then he saw the kid "Who's he?"

"This is Yahiko.  He just became a student of mine." Kaoru replied.

"Hello, Yahiko." Katsu bowed and then asked, "So, Sano, I hope you're not here to borrow money again."

"Nah, Ken-chan here is looking for a job and I figured that maybe he can work for you.  He doesn't trust the government too." Sano said as he and the others sat in some chairs.

"Hmmm… we are always looking for new people." Katsu said as he looked over some notes.  "Oh, Ken-chan, I have something to help you." He looked around and then reached into his pouch.  "I made them myself, it packs quite a punch." He handed a few tiny barrels to the small man.

"What are they?" Kaoru asked as she looked.

"A few of my pineapple bombs." Katsu replied.

"BOMBS?!" Yahiko, Kaoru, and Kenshin exclaimed and then Kenshin quickly and gently placed them on the ground.

"I DON'T WANT TO KILL ANYONE!" Kenshin wailed.

"Your friend makes bombs?!" Kaoru yelled at Sano with her bokken in the air.

"They're only for self defense." Katsu said as he looked away. 

"Why would a newspaper editor make bombs?" Yahiko asked as he picked up a bomb and studied it.  "Were you a terrorist?"

"Not really." Katsu fidgeted.  "I hate the government but I swear, I did not bomb anything, recently."

"Recently?" Kenshin and Kaoru repeated.

"Don't ask." Sano advised as he blushed.

Kaoru snatched away the bomb from Yahiko.  "Put that down!  It might blow up on you!"

"So, Ken-chan, how good are your reading and writing skills?" Katsu asked as he got out a notepad.

"I can read well but I haven't written much for several years." Kenshin replied.  /He scares me./  /This man is insane!  What kind of guy makes bombs in his spare time?!/

"Well, I can use a reporter.  My newspaper is quite popular." Katsu grinned, "I heard that the real Hitokiri Battousai is in Tokyo right now."

"Oro?!" Kenshin gulped. /How did he know?/

"Are you sure?" Sano asked.

"Oh yeah.  So, you better be careful.  Especially, you, Kaoru, he may be mad about the fake Battousai sightings and come after you." Katsu picked up the bombs. "Are you sure you don't want these?"  Kenshin paled as he held his head.

"No, and I can handle myself." Kaoru said firmly as she held up her hand.  She noticed Kenshin holding his head.  Gently, she placed her hand on his shoulder.  "Kenshin?  Are you okay?  Don't worry, I won't let the Battousai hurt you."

/How can she protect me from me?/ Kenshin thought mournfully.  "Katsu-san, I appreciate the offer but I must refuse.  May we leave, Kaoru-dono?"

"Sure.  We have more places to look at." Kaoru nodded as she got up and bowed, "It is a pleasure meeting you, Katsu-san."

"My pleasure and if you have any anti-government news, let me know." Katsu said as he waved. 

The group left and Yahiko said, "Why didn't you take the job, Kenshin?  Don't you want to be a wandering reporter?"

"I don't want to be on an underground newspaper." Kenshin smiled nervously. /Katsu might figure everything out and blow me up./

"Say, Kenshin, what does 'oro' mean?  You seem to use that." Kaoru asked as she walked beside him. 'Maybe I should not make Kenshin uncomfortable.'

"Oro?  It's a phrase I say when I'm stunned or confused.  It was a common phrase in my village.  I stopped saying it when I became older." Kenshin said as he thought, /She is right.  I said 'oro' several times.  I didn't notice until she said it./

"It's cute." Kaoru pointed out.

"Thanks." Kenshin blushed.

*****

"What is this place?" Kenshin asked as he looked around.  They had wandered down the streets and ended up in a strange street full of puppeteers, performers, musicians, and even fortune tellers.

"Performer's Alley." Sano described, "This is the place where all sorts of people come to perform for others.  It's a pretty interesting place to work at.  Maybe you can be a fortune teller."

"I don't want to… draw attention to myself." Kenshin replied as he smiled nervously. /All these people, one of them might recognize me./

"I'm sure there are jobs here that don't require the person to be public like helpers.  I come here with Ayame and Suzame all the time and these guys are always looking for help." Kaoru said as she walked beside him. 

"Come one and come all!  Look at the most dangerous animals known to all of Japan!" A man announced as he gestured toward a sign.  "Tigers, bears, and other exotic animals that will scare you out of your mind!"  He looked at Sanosuke.  "Sano!  What brought you here?"

"Hi, Horo, I'm helping this kid here find a job." Sano said as he gestured to Kenshin.

"Oh!  You're the guy who can see the future!" Horo exclaimed, "Are you here to become a fortune teller?"

The group imagined Kenshin in fortune telling clothes.  "I don't want to attract attention." Kenshin replied as he waved his hands.  "I just want a job where I don't have to be seen."

"Well, we always are looking for people to help out with the animals.  Why don't you see for yourself?  I'll let you in for free." The man replied as he gestured inside.

"Thanks." Kaoru bowed and they entered the tent.  Inside were metal cages of different animals; tigers, elephants, and even a bear. 

"Look at all these animals." Yahiko admired as they walked through the tent.  Then, they came up to a small wooden pen with a sign that read 'Japan's most dangerous pig'.  In the pen was an adorable pink pig eating. 

"What's so dangerous about this guy?" Kaoru asked as she leaned over.  "He's so cute."

"You better be careful." Horo advised, "He's no ordinary pig.  He's the pig of the Shinsengumi."

"No way!" The group exclaimed.

"This little guy was part of the Shinsengumi?" Sano asked as he bent down and picked him up.  "I thought that the Shinsengumi would have a wolf or something like that for a pet."

"Nope." Horo answered, "His name is Saizou and he was once owned by Captain Souji Okita himself before he died.  We keep him in the pen because every time he sees a politician, he attacks them."

Sanosuke chuckled as he pet the pig.  "I like this guy."

The pig squealed and then looked at Kenshin.  His eyes became red and he let out a fierce roar.  "BWEEE!!!" With uncanny strength, the pig wiggled out of Sano's grasp and ran after Kenshin.

"Oro!" Kenshin gulped as he dashed away.

Horo moaned as he ran after the pig.  "Not again.  Saizou!  Come back here!"

"Catch that pig!" Kaoru ordered as she and the others ran.

After a long chase, Kenshin leapt high into the air and landed on top of the cage.  Saizou glared at Kenshin and started to bash the bars with his head scaring the lion inside.

"Bad pig!" Horo chided as he picked up the pig and held him tight.  "I'm sorry, Ken-chan.  He is normally a good natured pig.  I cannot figure out what was wrong with him."

"That's okay." Kenshin landed on the ground and brushed himself off.  "I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding." /Do you think that pig recognize me?/ /I don't know but I'm surprised that pig lived as long as he did./

"Maybe… animal care is not your thing, Kenshin." Kaoru sweatdropped. 'Why did that pig attack Kenshin?'

*****

"Hee hee… you better be careful of any more attacking pigs." Yahiko chuckled as he and the others left the tent. 

"It's not funny!  Kenshin could have gotten hurt!" Kaoru chided as she waved her bokken.

"Oh yeah, but by a pig?  That will be the day." Yahiko muttered, "But, Kenshin, how did you jump so high?  Those cages are at least ten feet tall."

Kenshin laughed nervously and replied, "Oh, I was scared, that is all."

"Ten feet tall jumps?"

"Leave him alone, Yahiko-chan." Sanosuke said, "The kid was scared and that pig did look mad."

"Why don't we try somewhere else?" Kenshin asked and then they came to a circus tent with a picture of a girl flying out of the cannon.

A young girl came up and bowed.  "Sano!  How's it going?"

Yahiko blushed as he gazed at the girl.  She was small with short black hair and dark eyes. 

"Marimo-chan!" Sano waved, "How's the business going?"

"Oh just fine, Sano!" Marimo replied as she smiled at him.  "Father's circus is going great especially since the Obiwabans had joined us."

"Obiwabans?" Kenshin asked stunned.

"Oh yes, they were a great addition to the act.  They may act a little odd but they are all very nice, except for their leader." Marimo looked at Sano. "Say, do you want to do the throwing knife routine again?  I promise Misao had gotten a lot better."

Sanosuke paled and he waved his hands.  "No thanks!  Actually, Ken-chan here is looking for a job."

"Oh!  The one that can see the future!  I think that we can offer a spot." Marimo said as she gestured inside.  "Come with me."

Kenshin's eyebrow twitched as he looked up at Sano.  "Does everyone in Japan know that I can predict dice rolls?" /Great at this rate, Yamagati himself will knock on the door and ask for us to start killing again./

Sano shrugged as he looked away.  "It's not my fault that the guys are a bunch of blabbermouths."

"Who's that girl?" Yahiko wondered as he blushed.

"Oooh!  Looks like Yahiko-chan has a crush." Kaoru teased as she giggled.  'That is so cute.  He may act all tough and may not know a pretty girl like me when he sees it but he can still have a crush.'

"That's not true!" Yahiko exclaimed and then he blushed. /I wonder if she's seeing anyone./

The group entered the tent where they saw a strange looking group practicing.  One was blowing fire at a group of water barrels.  Another was a huge man with many scars who was lifting a bull in a cage.  Then, there was a tiny man who looked like he was part rat throwing kunai in the air and slashing leaves along with a young girl who was doing the same but on a tightrope.  Then, there was a tall man wearing a strange demon mask with a ninja outfit with striped sleeves.  Finally, there was a tall handsome man in a white trenchcoat meditating.

The young girl looked at the group and waved.  "Hi!" She flipped off of the rope and landed.  "Sano!  How's it going?"

"Fine, Misao chan." Sano said as he nodded, "This is Kenshin, Yahiko, and the lady is Kaoru.  Ken-chan here is looking for a job."

"Well, he came to the right place!" Misao gushed as she came up to Kenshin.  "He's so cute, not as cute as my Aoshi-sama.  Aoshi-sama!  This is the guy who can see the future!"

"It's not like that!" Kenshin yelled, "It's just a technique."

The tall handsome man got up from his position and walked toward Kenshin.  He gazed down at him and the much smaller man looked away.  "Interesting." Aoshi said as he walked around Kenshin and then fingered his hair.  "Very interesting."

Kaoru glared at him.  'He's touching Kenshin!  I have to protect him!' "Hands off!" Kaoru got out her bokken and slammed down on Aoshi's head only to have it caught by mysterious man. 

Aoshi glared at her.  "I am not like that.  I must go and practice." He bowed toward the group and walked away. /He smell like blood./

"That jerk!" Kaoru growled as Kenshin stared at him. 

"Aoshi-sama's not a jerk!  He's… reserved." Misao argued as she looked away. "He's a brilliant man and a great ninja!  He even fought in the Bakumatsu when he was fifteen!  He's a prodigy!"

"He fought in the Bakumatsu?!  Where did he fight?" Kenshin exclaimed as he paled.  /This is not good.  First the pig and now this ninja.  Wait, if I had seen him before, I would have killed him./ /Unless he was spying on you.  I don't trust him./

"Oh, in various places you know us ninjas." Misao said as she waved.

"Misao!" Marimo hushed as she looked around. "You promise not to tell everyone that you guys are ninjas."

"Oops." Misao squeaked.

"You're a ninja?" Kaoru asked suspiciously.

"Yup.  Future Okishira of the Obiwaban Group." Misao bragged as she winked.

"Hello, I am Ebisu, may I help you?" An old man asked as he came up. 

"Hey, Ebisu!" Sano grinned as he came up. "I need to ask you something."

Ebisu winced and said, "I'm sorry but I can't afford to loan you any more money."

"No!  Not that it's just…" Sano pulled Kenshin up and said, "This kid here needs a job and I was wondering if you have any openings."

"He is cute." Ebisu smiled at him, "But, I can't afford any more performers or helpers.  Sorry."

"That's okay." Kenshin said as he bowed, "I don't think I want to be an entertainer, that I know.  I apologize, Ebisu-san, Marimo-chan, but we must leave."

"Feel free to come back any time." Ebisu said as he bowed back, "I wish you luck, Ken-chan."

/Ken-chan again?  This is starting to get a little weird./ Kenshin thought as he smiled slightly. 

"B-bye, Marimo-dono." Yahiko said and then slapped his head.  /Gah!  Now I'm doing it!/

"Bye, Yahiko." Marimo giggled. 

After the rest of the group said their goodbyes, they left the tent.  Kenshin looked up at Sanosuke and said, "You have a lot of interesting friends, Sano.  They are a little odd but pretty nice."

"Look who's odd." Yahiko muttered as he scowled at the thought of not staying at the circus longer.  "Are you really a teenager?  You act way older than you look."

"Well…" Kenshin sighed as he rubbed his head. 

"Leave, Ken-chan alone.  He's been through a lot so he tends to act older than what he really is." Sano defended as he put his hand between Yahiko and Kenshin.

"I'm 28."

"See?  He's 28 years old and that is-" Sano paled as he looked down at Kenshin.  "Wha?"

"I'm… 28 years old." Kenshin said as he fidgeted, "I look much younger than what I really am." /I hope he's not too mad at me./

"I do not believe this!  I've been calling a guy who's nine years older than me 'chan'?!" Sano held his head.  "Ken-ch- Kenshin, why didn't you tell me earlier?!  Don't you realize that when people hear about this, I will look like a complete idiot?!"

/Too late./ Kenshin thought as he smiled slightly.  "Gomen, Sano, you just seem to like calling me 'Ken-chan' and so I didn't object."

Sano bowed his head down and clouds of depression loomed over him.  /Of course.  Kenshin wouldn't object to anything like what to call him./ "Hey, that's okay.  I should've known that you were older."

"Geesh, Kenshin, when will you get a spine?" Yahiko wondered.

The others glared at the boy's bluntness.  "Yahiko!" Kaoru scolded.

"I mean it.  I've known you for only a few days and I've never seen you so much as raise your voice at anyone.  You apologize constantly and act like you were not worthy of anything.  You are a man and you should act like one!  Don't let anyone walk all over you!" Yahiko ranted as he jumped on top of a barrel. 

"Nice speech." Kenshin applauded.

"Yahiko!  You can't tell Kenshin what to do!" Kaoru ordered as she pulled Yahiko down, "He's been... through a lot and we've been working hard to build his confidence.  He just needs time."

"I bet." Yahiko crossed his arms.  /I will find out why is everyone is treating you like you're made out of glass./

*****

"Oh man, so far nothing." Sano sighed as he and the others walked down the street.  They spent several hours looking and asking for a job for Kenshin. 

Kenshin could not help but feel guilty.  Kaoru and the others had given up their time just so he can have an easier time finding a job for him.  He had been trying but there were jobs he just could not do.  He glanced at a store and recognized it.  /It's… that store./ He realized.

"Oh, I'm sure that Megumi and Dr. Gensai would have some ideas." Kaoru said as she walked ahead.  'Poor Kenshin, we had been looking all day and so far nothing.  I suppose that job hunting is hard especially for a former slave.  But, I can't let him down.  He trusts me.'

"I'm tired." Yahiko complained as he looked around to see the redhead missing.  "Where's Kenshin?"

"Kenshin?" Sano asked as he looked around as well.

"Oh no!  Where did he go?!" Kaoru was frantic.  Did someone steal him off of the street while they were not looking? 'Baka!  Baka!  Baka!  If something happens to Kenshin…'

"Don't worry, Jou-chan, I know where he is." Sano said as he gestured toward a nearby store.  The group walked in to see Kenshin standing at a case staring at a katana.  "Hey, Ken-chan, I thought you might be here."

"Kenshin, why didn't you tell us you were here?!" Kaoru asked worried as she marched up.  "I was worried sick." She stopped when she saw Kenshin's distant gaze.  "Kenshin?"

The man blinked as he looked at her.  "Gomen, Kaoru-dono!  I did not mean to make you worried." Kenshin bowed repeatedly.

"That's okay.  Just don't do that again." Kaoru looked at the sword and asked, "Is that a katana?"

"Yes, a reverse blade sword." Arima said as he came up.  "Your young friend has been staring at it for some time.  Are you sure, you don't want it, Ken-chan?  I can give you a good deal on it."

"Hai, I'm sure." Kenshin gazed at it again.  /I cannot risk it.  If I hold a real sword again…/  /I will break my promise./  He rushed out of the shop.

"Hey!  Kenshin!  Wait up!" Sano said as he and Yahiko ran after him. 

Kaoru paused as she looked at the sword.  "He was actually interested in a real sword?" She asked Arima.

"Yes, he was." Arima sighed as he stepped up next to her. "I never saw anyone so interested in that sword before.  It's a reverse blade sword so most people don't like it.  It was a real weapon but no samurai would dare be seen with a backwards sword like this.  It's a shame too; my instincts told me that person needs that sword."

"He needs that sword?" Kaoru wondered as she put her hand on the case.  'Kenshin was looking at this sword mournfully like he was about to cry.  But why?  He tried so hard to relearn how to wield a sword but he couldn't without throwing up.  It's like he's scared of this sword and yet wants it too.'

*****

Kenshin found himself on the roof high over the streets.  "How did I get up here?" He wondered and then slapped himself.  /Baka, you're letting your instincts getting to you./

He gazed downward to see people walking down the streets.  /Let's see there are five people heading south, six heading north, two police officers heading west…/ "Baka!  You are not supposed to think like that any more!" He wailed to himself.

He hung his head as he sat down.   Ever since he had been set free by Kaoru, old instincts and habits start to reappear.  It was as if all the barriers formed in his mind from years of slavery was being destroyed one by one.  He shivered at the thought of going back to the way he was before.  He couldn't go back to being a demon.  "At least, as a slave, I was not a danger to anyone else." He said to himself. 

"HELP!!!"

The man was brought out of his thoughts and he scanned the area.  On a rooftop several blocks away was an old man clinging on to the side of a rail.  Without thinking, Kenshin bounded across the rooftops and landed where the old man was hanging.  "Hold on." Kenshin ordered as he grabbed the old man's free hand and lifted him up. 

The old man gasped as he held his chest.  "Thank you, young man.  My life was flashing before my eyes."

"Chief!  Are you okay?" A tall scrawny man asked as he climbed up a ladder.  "I told you not to-" He stopped when he saw Kenshin.  "Who are you?"

"Kenshin.  Who are you?" Kenshin replied as he gazed at the man.  He was thin with a thin beard and short brown hair.  There was something strangely familiar about his eyes. 

"Sasaki Heihachiro but everyone calls me 'Sensei'." Sensei said as he bowed. 

"And I am Kudo Kathu, we are construction workers and I was just doing some inspection." Kudo said as he bowed.  "I slipped and… I'm not as young as I used to be.  How did you get up here?"

"I came from that rooftop over there." Kenshin said as he pointed ahead.  "Oh no, Sano… and the others, they must be worried about me again."

"Sano?  Sanosuke?" Sensei repeated, "I know him.  And he is a friend of yours?"

Kenshin nodded. There was something strange about Sensei.  He was looking at him with great suspicion and it felt like he knew him from before.

"Why don't we go back then on the ground?" Kudo suggested as he climbed down the ladder.

"Kenshin!" Sano called out as he looked down the street.  "Man, that guy's quick."

"And silent too.  Like an assassin." Yahiko said as he looked up.

"Sano!  Yahiko!" Kenshin said as he ran up and bowed.  "Gomen, I did not mean to lose you so quickly."

"It's my fault.  This young man saved my neck." Kudo said as he patted Kenshin on the back. 

"Oh." Sano grinned, "You are damn fast."

"I fully agree." Sensei said as he came up.  "Hello, Sano."

"Sensei!  Doing construction this week?" Sano guessed.

"Yes." The man replied as he glanced at Kenshin.

Yahiko raised an eyebrow.  "Is there anyone you don't know?"

"Kenshin!  Guys!" Kaoru came up to the group.  "What happened?  I was looking and you just left!"

"Gomen, Kaoru-dono. I was just tired from all of the job searching." Kenshin said as he bowed. 

"Job searching?" Kudo repeated, "You are looking for a job, Kenshin?"

"Yes.  My friends and I had been searching for a job for me all day with little luck." Kenshin replied as he bowed his head.

"Well…" Kudo scratched his chin.  "You seem like a strong man for someone of your size.  You obviously have no fear of heights.  Would you like to work with me?"

"Me?" Kenshin looked around.  /I don't believe this./ /Neither do I./

"Yes, I can see the potential in your eyes.  Come to this address early in the morning and we can see if you can do well." The old man said as he reached into his pocket and handed him a slip of paper. 

"Ari-arigato!" Kenshin bowed deeply, "I will do the best to my abilities."

"I know you will, Kenshin.  Sensei, let's go home.  My wife will be worried about me." Kudo said as he bowed and then the two walked away.

"Sugoi!" Kaoru gushed, "You got a real job, Kenshin!"
"Hai… it's not what I expect but it's much better than what I did before." Kenshin grinned as he stared at the paper. /Construction, building, repairing, nothing at all like before./  /You better hope that none of the co-workers had ever fought in the Bakumatsu./

"Then, let's celebrate at the Akabeko!" Kaoru proclaimed, "I'm hungry."

"That's my line!" Sano pouted and the group laughed.

*****

In the alleyways, a lone figure read the paper with another person watching in the shadows.  "Saizou, heh, that pig is more intelligent than most give credit for.  That is one of the reasons why he outlived many of the Shinsengumi."

"It's just a pig."

"And a member of the Shinsengumi, don't forget that.  Hmmm… I see that he will be a construction worker." Saitou observed.

"Yes, he met up with a couple of old guys and is now going to fix roofs and do construction.  I didn't see him as the construction type." The person in the shadows said. 

"Heh, construction, I am a police officer for the people who defeated me, ninjas become circus performers, and he who made it rained blood is a construction worker… what a world!" Saitou laughed as he leaned back. 

"I'm glad you find this amusing but I have one question." Yahiko came out of the shadows and asked, "Who the hell is Kenshin?"

To Be Continued…

Replies to Reviews:

Lilly of the Shadow, Luna699, Emily, and Kaoru Gal- Here's the update.

Invader Zim- Well, I loved this fic when it first came out and Ami-dono and I do have some similar writing styles. 

Kenshin's angel- Kenshin is scared.  But he will get better.

EEevee- Yeah, Megumi will be shocked. 

Sailor Earth13- Yeah, Kenshin still has his skills, but the main question is he in complete control?

victoria- nope, that throwing up thing is real.  And how did you know that he didn't throw up after the mysterious attack on the Yukaza?

Zully- I'll make sure he didn't lose too much weight.  After all, he's small enough as it is.

Brittanie Love- Yeah, Kenshin would save Yahiko.

Lady Ann Kenobie- Thanks.

Alighthawk- Yeah, I love Rurouni Kenshin.  I was trying to make it interesting but have the same feel.  And I have not written X-Men in a long while I still read the comics.