DISCLAIMER: FIRST! I don't own Rurouni Kenshin nor Saitou Hajime (although
I wish)... RK is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...
~ or italics are thoughts
* others/sounds/etc
CHAPTER XXVIII – Behind Every Motive
A week passed and Kondou Isami returned. The men in Tama were anxious, blathering among themselves as to why the head of the dojo returned and why he left in the first place. They had not seen hide nor hair of Hijikata since that morning and they all assumed that the two were in Kondou's quarters plotting for the worst. Some men waited anxiously in the garden, others sparred in the dojo to distract themselves from the ominous feeling they were having. Hours had passed since Kondou arrived, whatever the matter was, it had got to be important. The men murmured amongst themselves. The past two months had been bad for the dojo, they knew that, ever since the former cook started serving pickled vegetables. The members wondered if the dojo was closing, surely the onslaught of member acceptance was an indication the dojo desperately needed money. The men waited for the worst.
Okita stood beside Saitou who was sitting on the large rock in the garden.
"Saitou-san..." the boy obviously taken in by the rumors going around.
Saitou took a short drag on his cigarette and exhaled a white puff, which was easily taken by the wind. "It's better to wait."
Okita shrugged. He had tried earlier to enter the Chiefs room but Hijikata threw him a look and he immediately knew he was unwanted at the moment. He frowned, it had only been two months the dojo grew tremendously but he felt that he was losing something tangible. Several times Hijikata had hinted that they were going to leave Tama. He only confirmed the suspicion when he found out from Hijikata himself that the reason he got rid of Midori was that they will be exposed to something far more dangerous.
The waiting finally ended that afternoon. Hijikata and Kondou emerged and made their way straight to the dojo. Everyone automatically followed suit and a murmur spread across the dojo again.
"Quiet!" Hijikata shouted firmly. "There are important things to be discussed today that I expect you to give your undivided attention to Kondou-san."
As the murmur died down, Kondou took Hijikata's place. The man's jaw was square and firm as he observed the new faces. He wondered briefly how many of them would stay.
"I am sure the memory of the Perry's black ships is still fresh in your minds. Our shores had been infested a few years back by foreigners insisting we succumb to their selfish demands." He paused and waited to let his words sink in.
"They had already clouded some of the minds of our countrymen. They had made secret dealings with them, supported the rebels with firearm and money. Our country is in turmoil because of this and it is time we move to the capital and join the other Roshitais and show our loyalty to this country."
Again Kondou paused and looked around the room. The men were silent.
"Hijikata has prepared you for this day... We will join and help the Shogunate. Will you join us? Those who have second thoughts may now leave." Kondou waited scanning the room. One by one the men left and he felt greatly disappointed. They were reduced by exactly ten abled men.
-------------------------------------------------------
Sasaki did not like Akio at all. The young man was too much like his father, scrupulous and manipulative. Still he had a duty and regardless of his feelings towards his second officer, he had to fulfill those duties. He smiled to himself, he did abuse authority though, instead of going through the proper channels he had decided to investigate the matter by himself because it involved the brother of his favorite cousin. He road his stead as fast as he could, knowing that Tatsuo's house was only an hour away.
~I wonder if she's there...
----------------------------------------------------------
The week was almost over. The Nisan's had all their belongings packed and ready to go. Yuuta watched his father carefully, normally he would be ecstatic that Midori had finally agreed to marry Akio. Still he could not trace a line of happiness in his father's face. He wondered briefly if he should speak with him but dismissed the idea, there was no point in bringing back an old subject especially if Midori herself did not discuss it. The carriages finally arrived and they boarded. The wedding was set a bit over a week, he was glad about that. It would give time for Midori to get acquainted again with Akio. It would also give time for him to go around the capital and see what opportunities lie. He had always wanted to go to one of the universities there to study medicine. It has been a while since he studied after their father dismissed his Kuruma sensei.
---------------------------------------------------
"Oh! Sasaki sempai!" Tatsuo bowed comically at his cousin.
Sasaki immediately took note of Tatsuo's relaxed demeanor. As long as he'd known Tatsuo, he was always sarcastically joking around. This time though he seemed happy doing so. "Hai Hai! How have you been?"
"Great... Recently..." Tatsuo smiled as he led his older cousin towards the garden.
Sasaki seated himself on the stone bench and stretched his arms.
"That was a long ride for you... All the way here to Edo?" Tatsuo inquired.
Sasue happened to be sitting in the living room when she noticed they had company, she immediately went out to see who it was. She gasped as she saw Sasaki.
"Sasaki sempai!" She called his name ecstatically and came rushing to give him a hug.
Sasaki turned red as the young lady threw her arms around him. It had been a while since he saw her, she had turned into a beautiful woman.
"Now Sasue! Sasaki and I was just talking..." Tatsuo tried to sound indignant.
Sasue went up to him and planted her fist on her hips. "WAKATTA! But you didn't even offer him a drink after that long travel from Kyoto!"
Sasue turned around and smiled sweetly at Sasaki. Sasaki laughed nervously. He grew up with the two of them when he still lived in Edo. He vaguely wondered why he was getting so nervous. He had spoken to men and women of higher stature but Sasue had always had that effect on him.
"So what would you like?" She came closer and radiantly let out another smile.
"Chaa would be nice." He replied not directly looking at her but looking at the statue right behind her.
Tatsuo noticed this and grinned. "So you still get butterflies Sasaki-san?" He motioned to the girl that just left.
"Tatsuo that's not very nice." He cocked his one eyebrow.
"I never did understand the two of you... It's not like we're related by blood... It's only by law." Tatsuo teased.
"You know the reason I left and never told her Tatsuo. Don't bring it back..." Sasaki warned.
"I know that." Tatsuo frowned. "Do you think I'll make her go through "it" again?"
Their conversation was interrupted when Sasue came back carrying drinks for the two men. She tried to linger there for a bit more but Tatsuo already gave her the "we need privacy" look and she reluctantly left for her room.
Tatsuo put the teacup down on the bench beside him. He stared at Sasaki for a while longer and then finally decided to speak up.
"Since I don't think you came for her...What did you come here for?"
Sasaki met his gaze and cleared his throat. If there was one person he can absolutely be blunt with, it was Tatsuo, his childhood friend.
"I came for your brother. I have a few questions."
Tatsuo inhaled and chose his words carefully. "He is not here but he should be of no concern of yours."
"I got a tip that he might be involved with the Ishin Shishi's." Sasaki just put it out.
"He is at Tama. Our father has mentioned about a dojo there. He had always wanted to go to the Shieikan". Tatsuo paused. "My father might've lost face but my brother is not a fool Sasaki." Tatsuo narrowed his eyes vehemently at the military man in front of him.
"Sou ka. So he had joined them? That is good. It will give me an opportunity to watch him closely in Kyoto." Sasaki sipped the last of his tea.
"May I ask who gave this tip to you?"
Sasaki let out a small laugh "Now.. Now... Tatsuo-kun, we never give out sources... You know that."
"Well I only know of one man who my brother might've wronged in this lifetime."
"I'm all ears Tatsuo."
"Akio.. His father is an influential man... No doubt this tip would have come directly from one of them."
"Why do you think that? What did he do?"
"Hajime eloped with his fiancé."
"How did you know this?" Sasaki narrowed his gaze at Tatsuo.
"I wish I didn't know about it. The neighbors we have are a gossip and a few months ago the police came to interrogate me."
Sasaki coughed.
~Damn you Akio.. Making me go all the way here, just for jealousy...
"Maa... I wish I could tell you that settles our problem." Sasaki spoke as sincerely as possible. "Tatsuo, be assured of one thing, if anything does come up, you will know and your brother will be treated fairly. I swear by Kami and whatever chances I have left with Sasue."
This seemed to satisfy Tatsuo and his vehement look earlier disappeared.
"Will you be staying the night?"
"Iie.. Although I'm exhausted, work never stops in Kyoto."
Both men bowed to each other and as Sasaki was leaving, Sasue was peering through the slit in the window watching them. She strained to hear what they were saying. Her efforts finally paid off when she heard Sasaki say...
"Take care of Sasue until I return."
She smiled. Contented that the man will return, maybe not as soon as she liked, but in time...
-----------------------------------------
Okita was sitting on the wooden plank to the opposite and to the side of Saitou's quarters. It was quite late and tomorrow they would be leaving for Kyoto. He could hear Saitou clearing the room.
What a prepared man... He doesn't need to do that, there'll still be time tomorrow. We don't leave till mid-day.
Okita stared at the stars. The sky was a dark purple and the stars had a yellowish hue. He smiled. It will be the same night sky whether it be in Tama or in Kyoto. He hated to leave but just as Kondou-san said, the proof of a man is his loyalty to his country. A little homesickness, he could bare that. Anyway, it's wasn't like he would be going alone.
His train of thought was broken when he saw Saitou close the lights and had something he was carrying. His curiosity was aroused when Saitou carefully looked left and right then proceeded quietly towards the back. He followed suit.
Saitou was going directly to the stables and was trying to quiet Hikaru as he led him outside of the stable to a clearing. Okita came closer as Saitou got himself on the horse. Before Saitou could leave though, Okita stood in his way.
"What's this about Saitou-san?" Okita kept his voice down so that they would not draw any attention.
"Doke Souzi! This is not your business." Saitou replied as he steadied the horse.
"Don't tell me you will be like some of the others who deserted!" Okita felt himself getting red with anger.
Saitou couldn't help but frown at the young man. "I am not a deserter, even if I was forced to join the Shieikan."
"Wakatta. I'm sorry Hijikata-san did that. However I will not let you leave without an explanation." Souzi stood his ground as Saitou tried to pass. The horse almost Okita's feet.
"I need to see Midori, to make sure everything is in order. I will catch up with the group along the Tokaido." Saitou steadied the horse again. "Get out of the way Souzi. The next time this horse moves, I will not stop it."
Souzi felt relieved that Saitou was not deserting. Actually he was even glad Saitou wanted to say goodbye to his Onee-san. "Tell Onee-san... We will meet again."
Saitou nodded and as Souzi stepped aside, he whipped Hikaru and the horse bolted into a fast stride.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
That morning Hijikata threw a fit at Souzi. They were having breakfast when Okita casually mentioned that Saitou went back to Edo. Toshizo upon hearing the news from Okita overturned the table, breaking the tea set and the dishes in a loud clang.
"If he doesn't come back, your head will fly Okita!" He shouted at the young man.
Kondou heard the commotion and quickly entered the room. "What is happening here?"
Hijikata glared and pointed at Okita. "I swear! He gets hard headed each day he grows older!"
The older man waited for answers from Okita. Kondou did not like his men fighting each other.
"He will meet us in Kyoto. I will bet my life on it." Okita replied quietly but confidently.
Hijikata was not satisfied, as he was going out of the room he broke the shoji door with a heavy punch.
"Okita. I'm glad you have come to trust someone so much. I will place trust in your words." Kondou said as he picked up the broken porcelain and turned the table back to where it was.
"Hai! Arigatou Gozaimasu..."
OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...
~ or italics are thoughts
* others/sounds/etc
CHAPTER XXVIII – Behind Every Motive
A week passed and Kondou Isami returned. The men in Tama were anxious, blathering among themselves as to why the head of the dojo returned and why he left in the first place. They had not seen hide nor hair of Hijikata since that morning and they all assumed that the two were in Kondou's quarters plotting for the worst. Some men waited anxiously in the garden, others sparred in the dojo to distract themselves from the ominous feeling they were having. Hours had passed since Kondou arrived, whatever the matter was, it had got to be important. The men murmured amongst themselves. The past two months had been bad for the dojo, they knew that, ever since the former cook started serving pickled vegetables. The members wondered if the dojo was closing, surely the onslaught of member acceptance was an indication the dojo desperately needed money. The men waited for the worst.
Okita stood beside Saitou who was sitting on the large rock in the garden.
"Saitou-san..." the boy obviously taken in by the rumors going around.
Saitou took a short drag on his cigarette and exhaled a white puff, which was easily taken by the wind. "It's better to wait."
Okita shrugged. He had tried earlier to enter the Chiefs room but Hijikata threw him a look and he immediately knew he was unwanted at the moment. He frowned, it had only been two months the dojo grew tremendously but he felt that he was losing something tangible. Several times Hijikata had hinted that they were going to leave Tama. He only confirmed the suspicion when he found out from Hijikata himself that the reason he got rid of Midori was that they will be exposed to something far more dangerous.
The waiting finally ended that afternoon. Hijikata and Kondou emerged and made their way straight to the dojo. Everyone automatically followed suit and a murmur spread across the dojo again.
"Quiet!" Hijikata shouted firmly. "There are important things to be discussed today that I expect you to give your undivided attention to Kondou-san."
As the murmur died down, Kondou took Hijikata's place. The man's jaw was square and firm as he observed the new faces. He wondered briefly how many of them would stay.
"I am sure the memory of the Perry's black ships is still fresh in your minds. Our shores had been infested a few years back by foreigners insisting we succumb to their selfish demands." He paused and waited to let his words sink in.
"They had already clouded some of the minds of our countrymen. They had made secret dealings with them, supported the rebels with firearm and money. Our country is in turmoil because of this and it is time we move to the capital and join the other Roshitais and show our loyalty to this country."
Again Kondou paused and looked around the room. The men were silent.
"Hijikata has prepared you for this day... We will join and help the Shogunate. Will you join us? Those who have second thoughts may now leave." Kondou waited scanning the room. One by one the men left and he felt greatly disappointed. They were reduced by exactly ten abled men.
-------------------------------------------------------
Sasaki did not like Akio at all. The young man was too much like his father, scrupulous and manipulative. Still he had a duty and regardless of his feelings towards his second officer, he had to fulfill those duties. He smiled to himself, he did abuse authority though, instead of going through the proper channels he had decided to investigate the matter by himself because it involved the brother of his favorite cousin. He road his stead as fast as he could, knowing that Tatsuo's house was only an hour away.
~I wonder if she's there...
----------------------------------------------------------
The week was almost over. The Nisan's had all their belongings packed and ready to go. Yuuta watched his father carefully, normally he would be ecstatic that Midori had finally agreed to marry Akio. Still he could not trace a line of happiness in his father's face. He wondered briefly if he should speak with him but dismissed the idea, there was no point in bringing back an old subject especially if Midori herself did not discuss it. The carriages finally arrived and they boarded. The wedding was set a bit over a week, he was glad about that. It would give time for Midori to get acquainted again with Akio. It would also give time for him to go around the capital and see what opportunities lie. He had always wanted to go to one of the universities there to study medicine. It has been a while since he studied after their father dismissed his Kuruma sensei.
---------------------------------------------------
"Oh! Sasaki sempai!" Tatsuo bowed comically at his cousin.
Sasaki immediately took note of Tatsuo's relaxed demeanor. As long as he'd known Tatsuo, he was always sarcastically joking around. This time though he seemed happy doing so. "Hai Hai! How have you been?"
"Great... Recently..." Tatsuo smiled as he led his older cousin towards the garden.
Sasaki seated himself on the stone bench and stretched his arms.
"That was a long ride for you... All the way here to Edo?" Tatsuo inquired.
Sasue happened to be sitting in the living room when she noticed they had company, she immediately went out to see who it was. She gasped as she saw Sasaki.
"Sasaki sempai!" She called his name ecstatically and came rushing to give him a hug.
Sasaki turned red as the young lady threw her arms around him. It had been a while since he saw her, she had turned into a beautiful woman.
"Now Sasue! Sasaki and I was just talking..." Tatsuo tried to sound indignant.
Sasue went up to him and planted her fist on her hips. "WAKATTA! But you didn't even offer him a drink after that long travel from Kyoto!"
Sasue turned around and smiled sweetly at Sasaki. Sasaki laughed nervously. He grew up with the two of them when he still lived in Edo. He vaguely wondered why he was getting so nervous. He had spoken to men and women of higher stature but Sasue had always had that effect on him.
"So what would you like?" She came closer and radiantly let out another smile.
"Chaa would be nice." He replied not directly looking at her but looking at the statue right behind her.
Tatsuo noticed this and grinned. "So you still get butterflies Sasaki-san?" He motioned to the girl that just left.
"Tatsuo that's not very nice." He cocked his one eyebrow.
"I never did understand the two of you... It's not like we're related by blood... It's only by law." Tatsuo teased.
"You know the reason I left and never told her Tatsuo. Don't bring it back..." Sasaki warned.
"I know that." Tatsuo frowned. "Do you think I'll make her go through "it" again?"
Their conversation was interrupted when Sasue came back carrying drinks for the two men. She tried to linger there for a bit more but Tatsuo already gave her the "we need privacy" look and she reluctantly left for her room.
Tatsuo put the teacup down on the bench beside him. He stared at Sasaki for a while longer and then finally decided to speak up.
"Since I don't think you came for her...What did you come here for?"
Sasaki met his gaze and cleared his throat. If there was one person he can absolutely be blunt with, it was Tatsuo, his childhood friend.
"I came for your brother. I have a few questions."
Tatsuo inhaled and chose his words carefully. "He is not here but he should be of no concern of yours."
"I got a tip that he might be involved with the Ishin Shishi's." Sasaki just put it out.
"He is at Tama. Our father has mentioned about a dojo there. He had always wanted to go to the Shieikan". Tatsuo paused. "My father might've lost face but my brother is not a fool Sasaki." Tatsuo narrowed his eyes vehemently at the military man in front of him.
"Sou ka. So he had joined them? That is good. It will give me an opportunity to watch him closely in Kyoto." Sasaki sipped the last of his tea.
"May I ask who gave this tip to you?"
Sasaki let out a small laugh "Now.. Now... Tatsuo-kun, we never give out sources... You know that."
"Well I only know of one man who my brother might've wronged in this lifetime."
"I'm all ears Tatsuo."
"Akio.. His father is an influential man... No doubt this tip would have come directly from one of them."
"Why do you think that? What did he do?"
"Hajime eloped with his fiancé."
"How did you know this?" Sasaki narrowed his gaze at Tatsuo.
"I wish I didn't know about it. The neighbors we have are a gossip and a few months ago the police came to interrogate me."
Sasaki coughed.
~Damn you Akio.. Making me go all the way here, just for jealousy...
"Maa... I wish I could tell you that settles our problem." Sasaki spoke as sincerely as possible. "Tatsuo, be assured of one thing, if anything does come up, you will know and your brother will be treated fairly. I swear by Kami and whatever chances I have left with Sasue."
This seemed to satisfy Tatsuo and his vehement look earlier disappeared.
"Will you be staying the night?"
"Iie.. Although I'm exhausted, work never stops in Kyoto."
Both men bowed to each other and as Sasaki was leaving, Sasue was peering through the slit in the window watching them. She strained to hear what they were saying. Her efforts finally paid off when she heard Sasaki say...
"Take care of Sasue until I return."
She smiled. Contented that the man will return, maybe not as soon as she liked, but in time...
-----------------------------------------
Okita was sitting on the wooden plank to the opposite and to the side of Saitou's quarters. It was quite late and tomorrow they would be leaving for Kyoto. He could hear Saitou clearing the room.
What a prepared man... He doesn't need to do that, there'll still be time tomorrow. We don't leave till mid-day.
Okita stared at the stars. The sky was a dark purple and the stars had a yellowish hue. He smiled. It will be the same night sky whether it be in Tama or in Kyoto. He hated to leave but just as Kondou-san said, the proof of a man is his loyalty to his country. A little homesickness, he could bare that. Anyway, it's wasn't like he would be going alone.
His train of thought was broken when he saw Saitou close the lights and had something he was carrying. His curiosity was aroused when Saitou carefully looked left and right then proceeded quietly towards the back. He followed suit.
Saitou was going directly to the stables and was trying to quiet Hikaru as he led him outside of the stable to a clearing. Okita came closer as Saitou got himself on the horse. Before Saitou could leave though, Okita stood in his way.
"What's this about Saitou-san?" Okita kept his voice down so that they would not draw any attention.
"Doke Souzi! This is not your business." Saitou replied as he steadied the horse.
"Don't tell me you will be like some of the others who deserted!" Okita felt himself getting red with anger.
Saitou couldn't help but frown at the young man. "I am not a deserter, even if I was forced to join the Shieikan."
"Wakatta. I'm sorry Hijikata-san did that. However I will not let you leave without an explanation." Souzi stood his ground as Saitou tried to pass. The horse almost Okita's feet.
"I need to see Midori, to make sure everything is in order. I will catch up with the group along the Tokaido." Saitou steadied the horse again. "Get out of the way Souzi. The next time this horse moves, I will not stop it."
Souzi felt relieved that Saitou was not deserting. Actually he was even glad Saitou wanted to say goodbye to his Onee-san. "Tell Onee-san... We will meet again."
Saitou nodded and as Souzi stepped aside, he whipped Hikaru and the horse bolted into a fast stride.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
That morning Hijikata threw a fit at Souzi. They were having breakfast when Okita casually mentioned that Saitou went back to Edo. Toshizo upon hearing the news from Okita overturned the table, breaking the tea set and the dishes in a loud clang.
"If he doesn't come back, your head will fly Okita!" He shouted at the young man.
Kondou heard the commotion and quickly entered the room. "What is happening here?"
Hijikata glared and pointed at Okita. "I swear! He gets hard headed each day he grows older!"
The older man waited for answers from Okita. Kondou did not like his men fighting each other.
"He will meet us in Kyoto. I will bet my life on it." Okita replied quietly but confidently.
Hijikata was not satisfied, as he was going out of the room he broke the shoji door with a heavy punch.
"Okita. I'm glad you have come to trust someone so much. I will place trust in your words." Kondou said as he picked up the broken porcelain and turned the table back to where it was.
"Hai! Arigatou Gozaimasu..."