Disclaimer: I wish, and so do most people.  But we can't all own the rights to RK now can we. 

AN: sorry again for the mishap on the other chapters.  But for those who didn't know, it got fixed, and thank you for telling me.  Thanks to all the reviewers.  I'm glad the first two chapters served their purpose.  Now on with the show.

Two Hitokiri – Only for the Proven

Both amber and sapphire eyes blinked open just at the morning sun peered from the horizon to the east.  They shared a momentary stare before each got up to do their morning routines.

After her bath, Kaoru pulled on a dark gray training gi and white hakama, but left her chest unbound.  She found Kenshin waiting in their room for her wearing his usual dark blue gi and gray hakama.  His two katanas were already strapped to his waist and he held out hers which she accepted with thanks.  She slid the blade into the sash at her side and tied the sheath down. 

Together they departed for the common room with all the other Ishin Shishi members for breakfast.

The seating arrangement was in the form of a U, with small eating tables lined up side by side, leaving the middle open. At the opening of this formation there was one seat cushion and one dining tray table.  Katsura Kogoro already sat they, and watched as the members of his Imperialist faction conversed about various topics, most to do with events past, present, and future in this revolutionary time.

Kenshin and Kaoru were the last to arrive.  They took the two empty seats to Katsura's right.  Across from them sat Iizuka and a newcomer dressed in rather expensive attire for anyone in the Ishin Shishi.  Even Katsura did not wear such fineries; he chose to use his money on more important things, like his men.

As soon as the two hitokiri settled in their seats, Katsura cleared his throat signaling for the group of twenty plus to quiet down.  When they did, Katsura proceeded to formally address his audience.  His rich voice seemed to bounce from the walls, reaching every corner of the room.  It was strong and commanding.  It was the voice of a leader, one who must be heard.  "Today we have a guest with us,  Fujida Renzo.  He and a number of his men will be joining us and are offering their services."

"Those services being?"  Kaoru spoke up, something she often did during meeting with the men. 

"Additional assassins and bodyguards to relieve some of the work load for Himura and yourself."  Katsura answered her.

Kaoru's eyes met him with a defiant glare.  "Himura-san and I are doing quite well on our own."  Her eyes never left his, even as most men would have turned away from Katsura's penetrating gaze.  "Last night, for example, went flawlessly."

"I am aware of that Kamiya-san.  But Himura and you are still only two people, and we are coming upon a time where numbers matter.  As fast the both of you are, you can't be in ten places at once."  Katsura stated sharply and turned his attention away from her, effectively ending their conversation.

Kaoru, sighed.  She was always suspicious of anyone new in the Ishin Shishi.  Especially when they hopped on board so late in the game.  Choosing a winning side to be on the winning side.  People like that were what she called traitors.  Only looking out for themselves.  She bit her lip from frustration and her fingers gripped the material of her hakama.  Katsura trusted people much to easily.

A hand touched hers and she side glanced at Kenshin who gave her a stern look.  He pet her hand for a moment until she released her grip, then returned his attention back to the meeting.

Kaoru let her lip fall from the confines of her front teeth and took up the tea cup that had been brought out for her.  After a sip she cringed at its bitter taste.  It burned down her throat and she mentally cursed the nosey old woman.  That compound's head housekeeper always seemed to know what she had done and always managed to brew up the bitter tea as an after occurrence remedy to keep her from getting pregnant.  Kaoru detested the drink, even more she detested that the old woman was always watching her and Kenshin, enough to know when she needed the drink.  But she was somewhat thankful for it anyway. She was a hitokiri, not a mother.  The two occupations were at opposing ends.  She would not give up her sword.  But at the same time, she would not leave her lover's side.  So the tea saved her life, at least her life as an assassin, the only life she could live in a time like this.  In Kyoto.

The meeting adjourned and both Kaoru and Kenshin followed Katsura into his study.  "Well there is no need to ask how it went last night."  Katsura spoke as soon at they were all seated.  He shot a glare at Kaoru when he said this.  "And as usual Kamiya-san, I did not appreciate the outburst at breakfast today."

"As usual Katsura-san, I apologize but do not regret it.  I felt that it was necessary, seeing as how I'm sure many of the men in the room were thinking likewise.  Someone had to say something, and as always, it never seems to be one of the other men."  She bowed her head in slight apology and Katsura grinned at this.  He wasn't actually mad at his subordinate.  It was hard to be when it happened so regularly.  It was her nature to stand up for herself and others.

"Nonetheless Kamiya, please do not use our meetings as a means of proving yourself to them.  They are all already terrified of you and respect you to the highest extent.  And if you have a concern that you truly feel must be brought up at meetings, please do so in a more tasteful manner."  Kaoru nodded again in consideration but made no promises that it wouldn't happen again.  "I know that you are suspicious of newcomers, but I checked these people out myself.  Fujida is sound.  Perhaps a little ill mannered, but he knows where his loyalties lie, and his men are faithful to him.  We need these extra men.  Soon, we will be ready for a multiple attack on the Shishengumi.  If it goes well, the shogunate will fall within days.  They are the ones we must work to take down, everything after them is child's work."

Kenshin and Kaoru both nodded in agreement, but both were very hesitant about the whole ordeal.  This would be their climax, the final resolution, their last goal.  Both of them wondered what purpose they would serve in the new Japan.  According to Katsura-san, it would be a Japan that was safe for all.  There would be no more back stabbing government, no more fearing for your lives.  Japan would be at peace. 

A country at peace did not need assassins.

Killing was all they knew.  Both were young when they learned to wield a sword, and they had spent many years with the Ishin Shishi, using those learned skills.  What would the new Japan hold for two hitokiri?

"But it seems all your suspicions Kamiya-san, are not without weight.  I do believe we have a traitor on our hands.  I just do not know who yet.  But I know who I can trust, and I can trust the two of you.  I found the both of you and took you in myself.  And ever since, you two have served me loyally.  Even your former masters have not persuaded you to leave.  And so I ask that you watch out.  But keep your suspicions quiet."  Katsura's voice was kept low as he said this.

"What led you to believe this?"  Kenshin asked.

"Just a few situations for some of the other men.  What should have been easy missions became ambushes by the enemy."  Katsura sighed and sat back on his heels a little more.  "Hopefully we can find him before our own ambush.  I just ask you two to be careful.  It doesn't seem that you two have been a target yet, possibly because its too much of a chance you wouldn't die.  But it is you two that I need in Kyoto when it comes down to the wire.  It will be you two and your blades that will tear down this Japan and help to build ours."

TBC