Disclaimer: I do not own RK. It belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki, SONY etc...
Author: Out of necessity and plot changes I have to do, Kenshin did NOT leave the Aoiya. Before he wanted to keep Misao and others safe, now that Aoshi and others are there, he didn't find leaving necessary. Also since Aoshi is there they are involved anyway.
That is why I skipped days 4,5,6 in this (5,6 were skipped in manga as well. 4th was when Kenshin left.)
Loyalty of a Heart
By: Tiian
Chapter 4.
~ Day 7 ~
-Part 1-
Her looks were mysterious and her voice luring. The men were practically eating from her extended hand like dogs. She noticed her father smiling at her from the other end of the table.
The table was huge and made for ten to eat at. Now there were Tsunami, Ryoushin and eight men he had business with sitting around it. Karen, as she was at the moment, smiled at them as she sipped from her wine. Many of the men were dealing with Europeans and so they had served wine instead of sake. She herself didn't care much for alcohol since she preferred to keep her senses clear. She knew her father was the same.
They were still drinking their first fill while the others were on seconds or thirds.
The negotiations were going well, for them. While Tsunami didn't care much for the finances, her father had requested her present so she could learn something of what he was doing to bring them the wealth they had. While she found this boring, she came as a favour to her father.
She also knew that her presence bothered the men in more than one sense.
She was a woman, this was not her place. Also, the fact that she was a woman and she had been taught how to lure men distracted them. And made them agree to things they might not agreed to otherwise.
After two hours of talking, arguing and then agreeing, she was finally free. She was glad that this was the second part and some agreements had already been made few days ago. She stood up gracefully and smiled at the men charmingly. Together with her father she escorted them outside.
After they disappeared from her sight, she sighed. "Finally."
Ryoushin merely smiled at her, knowing her nature and being fully aware that sitting still for hours was not her thing. "Are you hungry?"
Tsunami smiled. "Starving."
"I can ask the cook to prepare something." He raised an eyebrow.
Tsunami shook her head. "Thank you, but I think I will eat at the town. I have few things to buy and fetch so I can eat at the same time."
Ryoushin nodded. "Do you have enough money?"
Tsunami smiled and pulled her pouch from her sleeve. It made nice sounds as the coins hit each other. "Yes. I think so. I will be going then."
"You won't change?"
Tsunami blinked and looked down. She was wearing a very expensive kimono. The cloth was black, decorated with golden butterflies in the hem. Linings of golden threads run across the upper part in beautiful shapes. The obi was yellow and looked almost like weaved of gold.
"No, I don't think so." She said and raised her head. Her hair was pulled skilfully up and twisted and turned into a beautiful hairdressing. Golden needles decorated her black hair. "It took hours to get all this done."
Her lips were slightly painted red, her skin whitened. Her eyebrows were painted and eyes made up to look even bigger and more beautiful. She was almost like a geisha. She didn't even understand why all this was necessary, but her father had insisted.
"Then for heavens sake take a Fumio with you." Ryoushin said while smiling proudly. He knew that she hated all kind of make-ups, but today he had wanted her to look the best before the clients. Most of them appreciated that kind of looks, while he found her personal beauty much better.
Tsunami smiled at him and nodded. "As you wish." She said and bowed.
She turned her head up next. "Fumio, you heard. Right?" She asked and a man on the upper level nodded. Satisfied, Tsunami turned and walked out knowing that he would follow.
She walked down the road leading to their house, fully knowing that every single person turned to stare at her. *Perhaps I should have changed. But it would have taken a forever to do so.*
She walked slowly and carefully down the streets and every single person stepped out of her way staring with wide eyes. While she sometimes liked to be the center of attention, this was beginning to be too much! Every single person quieted to look at her and then as she had walked by, started to speak again. About her.
She stopped before a small but well-known kimono store and walked inside.
The room was small and only few kimonos hung on the walls. Only to show that they had the skills needed. Behind the counter sat a middle-aged woman. She smiled as her eyes fell on Tsunami.
"Karen-sama. You look absolutely splendid. Isn't that one of ours?" The woman asked and walked to her. She fingered one of the sleeves and smiled broadly. "I see you have taken good care of it. Better than of the one with blue cherry petals." She was grinning though a slight undertone of displeasure tinged her voice.
Tsunami sighed. "It is not my fault that he ripped the sleeve off."
The woman waved her hand. "Of course I know that. It has been repaired now. I trust that was what you came for?"
Tsunami nodded and pulled her pouch from her sleeve. She opened it and poured coins on her hand. She counted them and then gave to the woman. "I can't take it with me now, but I will send someone to get it today or tomorrow." She said while pouring out more coins.
Her pouch had lost almost half of its weight by the time she finally closed it. It was a good deal money, but their work was worth it.
The woman smiled and filled her own purse with the coins.
"I will be leaving then." She said and bowed to the woman slightly. She bowed back much more deeply and remained so until she was out of the store.
Tsunami stopped for a moment while the sun almost blinded her. The store had been quite dark compared with the street. Then she continued on her way, stopping at a small store to buy herself an umbrella to shield her from the sun. It was entirely black which fitted her well.
Her stomach was already growling at her to get something to eat, but before that she had one more place to visit.
She had to walk to the edge where common and shady area of the town met. She remained on the peaceful side since entering the shady would bring up rumours in an instant. There she stopped before one of the stores, it sold hair ornaments. After folding the umbrella, she stepped inside.
The store was small like the kimono-shop had been, but here was hardly enough space to move since tables full of different ornaments filled the entire space. A short man emerged from the back and smiled as his eyes found her.
"Welcome, Karen-san. How are you doing?" His voice was chirping and his small eyes blinked rapidly. She smiled back.
"I have been doing very well, Arinori-san. Has my order been taken care of yet?" Her smile didn't waver and neither did his, but both stared at each other sharply.
"Of course. Would you like to take them with you now?" He asked and his voice was serious, much sharper than before. Tsunami shook her head. "They will be fetched after I leave. I am here to pay them." She pulled out her pouch and for the while her hand disappeared inside her sleeve till the moment her hand came back so he could see it, he was deadly still. He relaxed slightly as he saw the pouch.
She poured almost all money she had left onto the table and counted them out loud. The man watched carefully as she counted and nodded as she finished. "As we agreed." He said and pulled the money into his purse.
Tsunami nodded. "As was agreed." She then turned and walked outside.
She tried her hairdo with her hand, or so anyone would say. But Fumio saw the signs and with swift movement disappeared inside the house from the back. For the next few minutes Tsunami was especially careful. There was no one to watch her back as long as he remained in the store. Again, she spread the umbrella to shield her from the sun, but noticed soon that it muffled all sounds from her back and so she folded it again.
Minutes stretched into eternities, before he was back. As she felt him, she started walking again. Away from the closeness of the city's dangerous parts.
Her stomach remained her with its ache that she had not eaten yet. She moved along the streets, more crowded now, until she found a place she thought would be good enough. She had never eaten at Shirobeko, but she had heard that they served good food.
She pushed the wooden door aside and stepped inside.
It looked like a decent place. Perhaps not up to her normal standards, but it would be enough. There were stairs up right in her right side, though she doubted that was a place for customers, her curiosity rose. What was in there?
"Welcome!" An angry voice yelled and her eyes were pulled before her. And she blinked once. And then twice. *What the...?*
Before her stood a boy, almost a head shorten than she. He was wearing an apron and a black ribbon among his brown hair. On his back was tightened a shinai. His face was red and his brown eyes blazed with anger. *What is with the outfit?* She thought.
"A customer!" A cheerful female voice called to the back. The same woman came to her. "Please, come this way."
The woman was quite pretty. Her eyes were blue and her hair black, tightened with a ribbon almost to the top of her head. She was also wearing an apron like the boy. Under it she had a yellow kimono that didn't look very expensive. On her hands she held a tray.
She led her into one of the lodges. The pillow seemed clean enough to sit on. Carefully she arranged her kimono around her after laying the umbrella beside her. She saw the woman staring at her. She looked like she had never seen a person like her.
"What would you like today?" The woman asked with a smile recovering quickly under Tsunami's look.
She turned to look at the menu on the wall. Her eyes widened as she saw a poster beside them.
A drawn picture of a person with a long hair and a scar on his left cheek. Under it read:
*****
Looking for:
Himura Kenshin
Short, red hair, cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, wears a sword.
If you have seen him, inform Kamiya Kaoru at Shirobeko.
*****
"Ummm, Miss?" The woman beside her asked and Tsunami turned her attention to her.
"Sukiyaki." She had seen the name beside the poster. Now her need to eat had lessened considerably.
Someone was looking for Himura. Battousai. She hardly heard the woman leaving so deep in her thoughts she was.
Kamiya Kaoru was a name of a woman. Was she Himura's woman? The man had seemed clueless when it came to women, but then again he had seemed clueless about many other things as well, but had not been. Whoever was searching for him, didn't they understand how dangerous it was to hang up posters like that?
Red hair and cross-scar were probably the features Hitokiri Battousai was best known of. That poster would attract the attention of every Shishio's man in town. This 'Kamiya Kaoru' was in danger.
The woman from before served her food and Tsunami could tell that she was not used to it. She thanked absentmindedly and started to eat.
Now what would she do about this?
Should she just leave and inform her father? Should she warn the woman about the danger? Or should she tell her where to find him? If he was still at the Aoiya.
She ate all without really tasting anything. Still, her stomach seemed satisfied. When the woman came, she paid in silence. It was when the woman was already leaving that she spoke.
"Do you know who is Kamiya Kaoru?" She asked, making her choice.
The woman turned. "I am. Why?" She said and then her eyes widened. She rushed to Tsunami and had she not pulled back, their heads would have collided. "Do you know where Kenshin is?!" She yelled and Tsunami blinked. The woman gripped her shoulders with tight grip.
"You have seen him, right? Tell me, where is he?!" She continued with anxious and hopeful smile.
"Kamiya-san. Would you please release me?" She asked calmly. She gave the woman a sharp look and she backed off. With a heavy sigh, Tsunami brought her hands up to inspect the possible damage to the kimono. While it was a little wrinkled, the fabric seemed to be all right.
"Be glad that you didn't break the fabric. This kimono is worth a fortune I don't think you can afford to pay." She continued calmly. "As for this Himura, do you even understand who you are looking for?"
Kaoru froze and Tsunami looked at her. Then nodded. The woman obviously knew. "The descriptions on the poster are exactly same with a man whose name is dangerous in Kyoto. Putting up posters like that is very risky. You may draw attention from people you wouldn't wish to meet."
She stood up and stepped from the loft. "I suggest you take them down and hope no one saw and realized. That man has many enemies in Kyoto."
She prepared to leave when she felt a tug on her sleeve. "You know a lot. Have you seen him?" The woman asked pleadingly.
Tsunami merely looked at the woman and turned away again. "Leave the town and forget about him."
She had hardly taken another step when the woman yelled. "If I could, do you think I would be here?! Why do you think I followed him from Tokyo?!" Kaoru run and stopped before Tsunami. Her eyes were fierce and her stance prepared.
Tsunami blinked. That stance was one of a person trained to fight. Her balance, her posture and her readiness all indicated a fighter ready to launch an attack. And now that her eyes seemed to burn, it seemed more believable.
"Spill it out! Where is he?! I don't care what I have to do, I am going to see Kenshin again!" The woman was hardly taller than she, but now her anger gave her a threatening aura. Tsunami could hardly stop herself from taking a stance and pulling out a knife. It would ruin everything.
Her thoughts run in her head. Claiming she had never seen the man could turn to disadvantage at some point if they met again. She seriously doubted that Himura would forget her so soon. And the woman seemed sure she had seen him.
She sighed. "Fine, fine. I don't know if he is still where I saw him, but I can take you there. Now take down that poster before you attract the wrong kind of attention." The woman smiled widely and the boy who had remained in the back, turned and took the poster away. *Those two are together then.*
The woman and boy went to the back and threw their aprons to the lady there. They explained something to her excitedly and then returned. Without saying a word, Tsunami turned and left the restaurant.
*How did I get involved in all this? Of course, I opened my big mouth. More the fool me.* She sighed. *Father is NOT going to like this.* She winced.
"So, what is your name?" Kaoru asked and Tsunami turned to her. Since being angry with her was of no use, she smiled. "Yoshigawa Karen. And you?" She turned to the boy.
"Myojin Yahiko." The boy said, his face remaining serious.
They walked behind her obediently, though she heard Kaoru mutter under her breath that they could move a little faster. She had no intention of rushing. Even now they would reach the Aoiya faster than she would like. This was a move of a third person in her game and she didn't like it. Every time someone else moved the pieces, she couldn't predict the outcome.
She sighed as the Aoiya came into her view. "There. The last I saw him, he was staying at that place, but that was few days ago. Good luck."
Kaoru stopped her from leaving again, but now she was smiling. "Thank you."
She sounded really thankful for her help and Tsunami found herself smiling. She nodded and this time really left. She seemed like a nice person. Being in her company was a painful reminder that she had no real friends. All the ninjas at her home were under her, not equal, and they always acted accordingly.
In a way, Fumio was the closest she had to a friend. But she never allowed herself to live in this kind of thoughts. It was not in her nature. Besides, perhaps some day she would have friends, who knew.
Now she had her game and her father to worry about.
It wasn't until when she reached her home that she remebered her umbrella. She had left it at Shirobeko because the woman had distracted her. She sighed. She would have to go there again to fetch it sometime in the future. They were wealthy, but she still didn't waste her money. Besides, she liked the umbrella.
She breathed out heavily and then pulled a smile on her lips.
"I am home!"
* * * * * * *
Kaoru walked inside the restaurant Karen had pointed at with her heart beating in her chest like a drum, butterflies flapping in her stomach. Kenshin could be here. She might see him at any moment.
"Welcome."
Kaoru turned her head and saw a woman. She was wearing a kimono without an apron, like she had thought. Her shiny black hair was skilfully pulled into a classic hairdo of the time. There were flowers decorating her kimono. She was a pretty lady.
"I am Okon. How can I help you?" Her voice was polite and her smile was wide.
"I am looking for Himura Kenshin." Kaoru said and the woman froze. It lasted only for a moment, but Kaoru saw it.
"I am sorry, but I do not know---" Okon started, but Kaoru was already sure that he was there.
"Where is he? I was told he was here." Kaoru said, not wanting to start arguing with the woman. Not unless it became necessary.
"I am afraid I---"
Okon didn't get further before an older man entered the room. He was quite tall and lean. His eyes were sharp but friendly and his hear was already as grey as his beard, which was tightened with a ribbon.
"What is going on in here?" He asked and then saw Kaoru and Yahiko. "How can we help you?"
"We want to see Kenshin." Yahiko said before Kaoru had a chance. The older man didn't show any kind of signs that he knew the name, but he didn't answer soon either. He actually seemed to be thinking.
"We know he is, or at least has been here. Please!" Kaoru pleaded and Okon turned to the older man with a pained look.
"My name is Okina." The old man said and smiled. "May I inquire you names?"
"I am Myojin Yahiko and this is Kaoru." Yahiko said.
"Kamiya Kaoru. We are Kenshin's friends from Tokyo." Kaoru added.
"Who told you that Himura would be here?" Okina continued and Kaoru had a feeling that he was stalling, pondering should he say 'yes' or 'no'.
"A woman we met earlier. She said her name was Karen." Kaoru said and saw Okina raise an eyebrow.
"Yoshigawa Karen?" He asked.
Kaoru nodded. "Yes, do you know her?"
Okina shook his head. "Not really. But I know that she is the only daughter of a wealthy merchant. She has been here once." He frowned and then finally sighed. "She actually came here with Himura."
Kaoru froze. He was here. He really was here!
"Is he here?! Please, take us to him!" Kaoru pleaded.
Okina shook his head. "He is not here. Not anymore. He left just this morning."
Kaoru felt her breath stop for a moment. They had missed him by half a day.
Since Kaoru was incapable of action, Yahiko took his turn. "Do you know where he is now?" Kaoru's attention was awakened by this.
Okina pulled his beard slightly and then spoke to Kaoru. "Do you understand that Himura is fighting this battle for the sake of Japan? Getting involved with only superficial feelings would put you and Himura in danger, not to mention Japan, which Himura is trying to protect. Are you still sure you want to see him?"
"Yes." Kaoru's answer was firm and fast. There was no hesitation. She wanted to see him as she had already told to Karen.
She bowed, her hands gripping the kimono. "I beg of you... Please tell me where he is."
Okina observed her carefully. Then sighed. "Very well."
Kaoru raised her head and slowly a huge smile spread upon her features. "Thank you!" She said with her entire heart behind the statement. "Thank you very much!"
Okina merely nodded. "Be careful. This Niitsu Kakunoshin that Himura has went to see is a rising talent in the art of ceramics. But in reality he is an expert swordsman of Hiten Mitsurugi school better known under the name Hiko Seijuro. He is Kenshin's master."
"Kenshin's master!" Yahiko exclaimed and Okina nodded. "Yes."
Yahiko and Kaoru were both rendered quiet, until Yahiko finally spoke. "Why did he change his name?"
"To hide from the general public, I suppose." Kaoru said thoughtfully.
"In the Hiten Mitsurugi School, 'Hiko Seijuro' is the name of the founder. The name is handed down from generation to generation to the one who masters all the techniques of the school." Okina explained and a sudden realization hit Yahiko.
"But that means---!"
Okina nodded. "Yes, Himura has not yet learned everything in the school. So now he went to learn the last techniques he is still missing."
"Kenshin will become even stronger than now?!" Yahiko yelled with a wide smile.
Okina nodded again. "Yes. Here are the instructions to his home. I hope you can follow them."
Kaoru took the paper and bowed again. "Thank you."
She and Yahiko turned and left the restaurant. While stepping down to the street, Kaoru could help, but think. *Becoming stronger. That is the goal of any swordsman. But...*
* * * * * * *
"Are you sure you made the right decision?" Okon asked Okina. He sighed.
"I hope so. But while in here Himura really seemed down and while it is dangerous for them to be here, I think they may do some good to him. Seeing people who honestly care." Okina said and Okon nodded. "I hope so too."
She left then and missed the frown on Okina's face. Hannya had told him about Yoshigawa Karen and they had asked around a little, finding nothing out of ordinary. But if Hannya had said she was not a normal daughter of a wealthy man, if there were such, then she was worth some time.
Now she had appeared again, in a different form.
They had found out earlier that the woman really was the daughter of Yoshigawa Ryoushin. None of them had ever met the man since he preferred to stay inside his house dealing with the business. His daughter Karen on the other hand was surprisingly well known around the city. None knew her beyond reorganization.
She was not a problem at the moment and hopefully she would remain unproblematic. They had enough to bother with already without her adding up to it. Shishio Makoto being the most problematic. They hadn't yet been able to find out what he was planning, but it could not be good.
* * * * *
Author: Here is the proof that I have not forgotten my older fics. I intend to finish all those at ff.net and so I will given the time. I have many fics I am working on so they all move forward very slowly.
This chapter didn't quite reach the length of the previous ones, but this was a good part to end. The next chapter? Who knows when that will be ready. But it will come.
To x wolfpup x, reviewing is never too late. See, I have noticed! As for the other stories... Well, I'll see what I can do.
To all other readers and reviewers: Thank you for reading!
Tiian
Author: Out of necessity and plot changes I have to do, Kenshin did NOT leave the Aoiya. Before he wanted to keep Misao and others safe, now that Aoshi and others are there, he didn't find leaving necessary. Also since Aoshi is there they are involved anyway.
That is why I skipped days 4,5,6 in this (5,6 were skipped in manga as well. 4th was when Kenshin left.)
Loyalty of a Heart
By: Tiian
Chapter 4.
~ Day 7 ~
-Part 1-
Her looks were mysterious and her voice luring. The men were practically eating from her extended hand like dogs. She noticed her father smiling at her from the other end of the table.
The table was huge and made for ten to eat at. Now there were Tsunami, Ryoushin and eight men he had business with sitting around it. Karen, as she was at the moment, smiled at them as she sipped from her wine. Many of the men were dealing with Europeans and so they had served wine instead of sake. She herself didn't care much for alcohol since she preferred to keep her senses clear. She knew her father was the same.
They were still drinking their first fill while the others were on seconds or thirds.
The negotiations were going well, for them. While Tsunami didn't care much for the finances, her father had requested her present so she could learn something of what he was doing to bring them the wealth they had. While she found this boring, she came as a favour to her father.
She also knew that her presence bothered the men in more than one sense.
She was a woman, this was not her place. Also, the fact that she was a woman and she had been taught how to lure men distracted them. And made them agree to things they might not agreed to otherwise.
After two hours of talking, arguing and then agreeing, she was finally free. She was glad that this was the second part and some agreements had already been made few days ago. She stood up gracefully and smiled at the men charmingly. Together with her father she escorted them outside.
After they disappeared from her sight, she sighed. "Finally."
Ryoushin merely smiled at her, knowing her nature and being fully aware that sitting still for hours was not her thing. "Are you hungry?"
Tsunami smiled. "Starving."
"I can ask the cook to prepare something." He raised an eyebrow.
Tsunami shook her head. "Thank you, but I think I will eat at the town. I have few things to buy and fetch so I can eat at the same time."
Ryoushin nodded. "Do you have enough money?"
Tsunami smiled and pulled her pouch from her sleeve. It made nice sounds as the coins hit each other. "Yes. I think so. I will be going then."
"You won't change?"
Tsunami blinked and looked down. She was wearing a very expensive kimono. The cloth was black, decorated with golden butterflies in the hem. Linings of golden threads run across the upper part in beautiful shapes. The obi was yellow and looked almost like weaved of gold.
"No, I don't think so." She said and raised her head. Her hair was pulled skilfully up and twisted and turned into a beautiful hairdressing. Golden needles decorated her black hair. "It took hours to get all this done."
Her lips were slightly painted red, her skin whitened. Her eyebrows were painted and eyes made up to look even bigger and more beautiful. She was almost like a geisha. She didn't even understand why all this was necessary, but her father had insisted.
"Then for heavens sake take a Fumio with you." Ryoushin said while smiling proudly. He knew that she hated all kind of make-ups, but today he had wanted her to look the best before the clients. Most of them appreciated that kind of looks, while he found her personal beauty much better.
Tsunami smiled at him and nodded. "As you wish." She said and bowed.
She turned her head up next. "Fumio, you heard. Right?" She asked and a man on the upper level nodded. Satisfied, Tsunami turned and walked out knowing that he would follow.
She walked down the road leading to their house, fully knowing that every single person turned to stare at her. *Perhaps I should have changed. But it would have taken a forever to do so.*
She walked slowly and carefully down the streets and every single person stepped out of her way staring with wide eyes. While she sometimes liked to be the center of attention, this was beginning to be too much! Every single person quieted to look at her and then as she had walked by, started to speak again. About her.
She stopped before a small but well-known kimono store and walked inside.
The room was small and only few kimonos hung on the walls. Only to show that they had the skills needed. Behind the counter sat a middle-aged woman. She smiled as her eyes fell on Tsunami.
"Karen-sama. You look absolutely splendid. Isn't that one of ours?" The woman asked and walked to her. She fingered one of the sleeves and smiled broadly. "I see you have taken good care of it. Better than of the one with blue cherry petals." She was grinning though a slight undertone of displeasure tinged her voice.
Tsunami sighed. "It is not my fault that he ripped the sleeve off."
The woman waved her hand. "Of course I know that. It has been repaired now. I trust that was what you came for?"
Tsunami nodded and pulled her pouch from her sleeve. She opened it and poured coins on her hand. She counted them and then gave to the woman. "I can't take it with me now, but I will send someone to get it today or tomorrow." She said while pouring out more coins.
Her pouch had lost almost half of its weight by the time she finally closed it. It was a good deal money, but their work was worth it.
The woman smiled and filled her own purse with the coins.
"I will be leaving then." She said and bowed to the woman slightly. She bowed back much more deeply and remained so until she was out of the store.
Tsunami stopped for a moment while the sun almost blinded her. The store had been quite dark compared with the street. Then she continued on her way, stopping at a small store to buy herself an umbrella to shield her from the sun. It was entirely black which fitted her well.
Her stomach was already growling at her to get something to eat, but before that she had one more place to visit.
She had to walk to the edge where common and shady area of the town met. She remained on the peaceful side since entering the shady would bring up rumours in an instant. There she stopped before one of the stores, it sold hair ornaments. After folding the umbrella, she stepped inside.
The store was small like the kimono-shop had been, but here was hardly enough space to move since tables full of different ornaments filled the entire space. A short man emerged from the back and smiled as his eyes found her.
"Welcome, Karen-san. How are you doing?" His voice was chirping and his small eyes blinked rapidly. She smiled back.
"I have been doing very well, Arinori-san. Has my order been taken care of yet?" Her smile didn't waver and neither did his, but both stared at each other sharply.
"Of course. Would you like to take them with you now?" He asked and his voice was serious, much sharper than before. Tsunami shook her head. "They will be fetched after I leave. I am here to pay them." She pulled out her pouch and for the while her hand disappeared inside her sleeve till the moment her hand came back so he could see it, he was deadly still. He relaxed slightly as he saw the pouch.
She poured almost all money she had left onto the table and counted them out loud. The man watched carefully as she counted and nodded as she finished. "As we agreed." He said and pulled the money into his purse.
Tsunami nodded. "As was agreed." She then turned and walked outside.
She tried her hairdo with her hand, or so anyone would say. But Fumio saw the signs and with swift movement disappeared inside the house from the back. For the next few minutes Tsunami was especially careful. There was no one to watch her back as long as he remained in the store. Again, she spread the umbrella to shield her from the sun, but noticed soon that it muffled all sounds from her back and so she folded it again.
Minutes stretched into eternities, before he was back. As she felt him, she started walking again. Away from the closeness of the city's dangerous parts.
Her stomach remained her with its ache that she had not eaten yet. She moved along the streets, more crowded now, until she found a place she thought would be good enough. She had never eaten at Shirobeko, but she had heard that they served good food.
She pushed the wooden door aside and stepped inside.
It looked like a decent place. Perhaps not up to her normal standards, but it would be enough. There were stairs up right in her right side, though she doubted that was a place for customers, her curiosity rose. What was in there?
"Welcome!" An angry voice yelled and her eyes were pulled before her. And she blinked once. And then twice. *What the...?*
Before her stood a boy, almost a head shorten than she. He was wearing an apron and a black ribbon among his brown hair. On his back was tightened a shinai. His face was red and his brown eyes blazed with anger. *What is with the outfit?* She thought.
"A customer!" A cheerful female voice called to the back. The same woman came to her. "Please, come this way."
The woman was quite pretty. Her eyes were blue and her hair black, tightened with a ribbon almost to the top of her head. She was also wearing an apron like the boy. Under it she had a yellow kimono that didn't look very expensive. On her hands she held a tray.
She led her into one of the lodges. The pillow seemed clean enough to sit on. Carefully she arranged her kimono around her after laying the umbrella beside her. She saw the woman staring at her. She looked like she had never seen a person like her.
"What would you like today?" The woman asked with a smile recovering quickly under Tsunami's look.
She turned to look at the menu on the wall. Her eyes widened as she saw a poster beside them.
A drawn picture of a person with a long hair and a scar on his left cheek. Under it read:
*****
Looking for:
Himura Kenshin
Short, red hair, cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, wears a sword.
If you have seen him, inform Kamiya Kaoru at Shirobeko.
*****
"Ummm, Miss?" The woman beside her asked and Tsunami turned her attention to her.
"Sukiyaki." She had seen the name beside the poster. Now her need to eat had lessened considerably.
Someone was looking for Himura. Battousai. She hardly heard the woman leaving so deep in her thoughts she was.
Kamiya Kaoru was a name of a woman. Was she Himura's woman? The man had seemed clueless when it came to women, but then again he had seemed clueless about many other things as well, but had not been. Whoever was searching for him, didn't they understand how dangerous it was to hang up posters like that?
Red hair and cross-scar were probably the features Hitokiri Battousai was best known of. That poster would attract the attention of every Shishio's man in town. This 'Kamiya Kaoru' was in danger.
The woman from before served her food and Tsunami could tell that she was not used to it. She thanked absentmindedly and started to eat.
Now what would she do about this?
Should she just leave and inform her father? Should she warn the woman about the danger? Or should she tell her where to find him? If he was still at the Aoiya.
She ate all without really tasting anything. Still, her stomach seemed satisfied. When the woman came, she paid in silence. It was when the woman was already leaving that she spoke.
"Do you know who is Kamiya Kaoru?" She asked, making her choice.
The woman turned. "I am. Why?" She said and then her eyes widened. She rushed to Tsunami and had she not pulled back, their heads would have collided. "Do you know where Kenshin is?!" She yelled and Tsunami blinked. The woman gripped her shoulders with tight grip.
"You have seen him, right? Tell me, where is he?!" She continued with anxious and hopeful smile.
"Kamiya-san. Would you please release me?" She asked calmly. She gave the woman a sharp look and she backed off. With a heavy sigh, Tsunami brought her hands up to inspect the possible damage to the kimono. While it was a little wrinkled, the fabric seemed to be all right.
"Be glad that you didn't break the fabric. This kimono is worth a fortune I don't think you can afford to pay." She continued calmly. "As for this Himura, do you even understand who you are looking for?"
Kaoru froze and Tsunami looked at her. Then nodded. The woman obviously knew. "The descriptions on the poster are exactly same with a man whose name is dangerous in Kyoto. Putting up posters like that is very risky. You may draw attention from people you wouldn't wish to meet."
She stood up and stepped from the loft. "I suggest you take them down and hope no one saw and realized. That man has many enemies in Kyoto."
She prepared to leave when she felt a tug on her sleeve. "You know a lot. Have you seen him?" The woman asked pleadingly.
Tsunami merely looked at the woman and turned away again. "Leave the town and forget about him."
She had hardly taken another step when the woman yelled. "If I could, do you think I would be here?! Why do you think I followed him from Tokyo?!" Kaoru run and stopped before Tsunami. Her eyes were fierce and her stance prepared.
Tsunami blinked. That stance was one of a person trained to fight. Her balance, her posture and her readiness all indicated a fighter ready to launch an attack. And now that her eyes seemed to burn, it seemed more believable.
"Spill it out! Where is he?! I don't care what I have to do, I am going to see Kenshin again!" The woman was hardly taller than she, but now her anger gave her a threatening aura. Tsunami could hardly stop herself from taking a stance and pulling out a knife. It would ruin everything.
Her thoughts run in her head. Claiming she had never seen the man could turn to disadvantage at some point if they met again. She seriously doubted that Himura would forget her so soon. And the woman seemed sure she had seen him.
She sighed. "Fine, fine. I don't know if he is still where I saw him, but I can take you there. Now take down that poster before you attract the wrong kind of attention." The woman smiled widely and the boy who had remained in the back, turned and took the poster away. *Those two are together then.*
The woman and boy went to the back and threw their aprons to the lady there. They explained something to her excitedly and then returned. Without saying a word, Tsunami turned and left the restaurant.
*How did I get involved in all this? Of course, I opened my big mouth. More the fool me.* She sighed. *Father is NOT going to like this.* She winced.
"So, what is your name?" Kaoru asked and Tsunami turned to her. Since being angry with her was of no use, she smiled. "Yoshigawa Karen. And you?" She turned to the boy.
"Myojin Yahiko." The boy said, his face remaining serious.
They walked behind her obediently, though she heard Kaoru mutter under her breath that they could move a little faster. She had no intention of rushing. Even now they would reach the Aoiya faster than she would like. This was a move of a third person in her game and she didn't like it. Every time someone else moved the pieces, she couldn't predict the outcome.
She sighed as the Aoiya came into her view. "There. The last I saw him, he was staying at that place, but that was few days ago. Good luck."
Kaoru stopped her from leaving again, but now she was smiling. "Thank you."
She sounded really thankful for her help and Tsunami found herself smiling. She nodded and this time really left. She seemed like a nice person. Being in her company was a painful reminder that she had no real friends. All the ninjas at her home were under her, not equal, and they always acted accordingly.
In a way, Fumio was the closest she had to a friend. But she never allowed herself to live in this kind of thoughts. It was not in her nature. Besides, perhaps some day she would have friends, who knew.
Now she had her game and her father to worry about.
It wasn't until when she reached her home that she remebered her umbrella. She had left it at Shirobeko because the woman had distracted her. She sighed. She would have to go there again to fetch it sometime in the future. They were wealthy, but she still didn't waste her money. Besides, she liked the umbrella.
She breathed out heavily and then pulled a smile on her lips.
"I am home!"
* * * * * * *
Kaoru walked inside the restaurant Karen had pointed at with her heart beating in her chest like a drum, butterflies flapping in her stomach. Kenshin could be here. She might see him at any moment.
"Welcome."
Kaoru turned her head and saw a woman. She was wearing a kimono without an apron, like she had thought. Her shiny black hair was skilfully pulled into a classic hairdo of the time. There were flowers decorating her kimono. She was a pretty lady.
"I am Okon. How can I help you?" Her voice was polite and her smile was wide.
"I am looking for Himura Kenshin." Kaoru said and the woman froze. It lasted only for a moment, but Kaoru saw it.
"I am sorry, but I do not know---" Okon started, but Kaoru was already sure that he was there.
"Where is he? I was told he was here." Kaoru said, not wanting to start arguing with the woman. Not unless it became necessary.
"I am afraid I---"
Okon didn't get further before an older man entered the room. He was quite tall and lean. His eyes were sharp but friendly and his hear was already as grey as his beard, which was tightened with a ribbon.
"What is going on in here?" He asked and then saw Kaoru and Yahiko. "How can we help you?"
"We want to see Kenshin." Yahiko said before Kaoru had a chance. The older man didn't show any kind of signs that he knew the name, but he didn't answer soon either. He actually seemed to be thinking.
"We know he is, or at least has been here. Please!" Kaoru pleaded and Okon turned to the older man with a pained look.
"My name is Okina." The old man said and smiled. "May I inquire you names?"
"I am Myojin Yahiko and this is Kaoru." Yahiko said.
"Kamiya Kaoru. We are Kenshin's friends from Tokyo." Kaoru added.
"Who told you that Himura would be here?" Okina continued and Kaoru had a feeling that he was stalling, pondering should he say 'yes' or 'no'.
"A woman we met earlier. She said her name was Karen." Kaoru said and saw Okina raise an eyebrow.
"Yoshigawa Karen?" He asked.
Kaoru nodded. "Yes, do you know her?"
Okina shook his head. "Not really. But I know that she is the only daughter of a wealthy merchant. She has been here once." He frowned and then finally sighed. "She actually came here with Himura."
Kaoru froze. He was here. He really was here!
"Is he here?! Please, take us to him!" Kaoru pleaded.
Okina shook his head. "He is not here. Not anymore. He left just this morning."
Kaoru felt her breath stop for a moment. They had missed him by half a day.
Since Kaoru was incapable of action, Yahiko took his turn. "Do you know where he is now?" Kaoru's attention was awakened by this.
Okina pulled his beard slightly and then spoke to Kaoru. "Do you understand that Himura is fighting this battle for the sake of Japan? Getting involved with only superficial feelings would put you and Himura in danger, not to mention Japan, which Himura is trying to protect. Are you still sure you want to see him?"
"Yes." Kaoru's answer was firm and fast. There was no hesitation. She wanted to see him as she had already told to Karen.
She bowed, her hands gripping the kimono. "I beg of you... Please tell me where he is."
Okina observed her carefully. Then sighed. "Very well."
Kaoru raised her head and slowly a huge smile spread upon her features. "Thank you!" She said with her entire heart behind the statement. "Thank you very much!"
Okina merely nodded. "Be careful. This Niitsu Kakunoshin that Himura has went to see is a rising talent in the art of ceramics. But in reality he is an expert swordsman of Hiten Mitsurugi school better known under the name Hiko Seijuro. He is Kenshin's master."
"Kenshin's master!" Yahiko exclaimed and Okina nodded. "Yes."
Yahiko and Kaoru were both rendered quiet, until Yahiko finally spoke. "Why did he change his name?"
"To hide from the general public, I suppose." Kaoru said thoughtfully.
"In the Hiten Mitsurugi School, 'Hiko Seijuro' is the name of the founder. The name is handed down from generation to generation to the one who masters all the techniques of the school." Okina explained and a sudden realization hit Yahiko.
"But that means---!"
Okina nodded. "Yes, Himura has not yet learned everything in the school. So now he went to learn the last techniques he is still missing."
"Kenshin will become even stronger than now?!" Yahiko yelled with a wide smile.
Okina nodded again. "Yes. Here are the instructions to his home. I hope you can follow them."
Kaoru took the paper and bowed again. "Thank you."
She and Yahiko turned and left the restaurant. While stepping down to the street, Kaoru could help, but think. *Becoming stronger. That is the goal of any swordsman. But...*
* * * * * * *
"Are you sure you made the right decision?" Okon asked Okina. He sighed.
"I hope so. But while in here Himura really seemed down and while it is dangerous for them to be here, I think they may do some good to him. Seeing people who honestly care." Okina said and Okon nodded. "I hope so too."
She left then and missed the frown on Okina's face. Hannya had told him about Yoshigawa Karen and they had asked around a little, finding nothing out of ordinary. But if Hannya had said she was not a normal daughter of a wealthy man, if there were such, then she was worth some time.
Now she had appeared again, in a different form.
They had found out earlier that the woman really was the daughter of Yoshigawa Ryoushin. None of them had ever met the man since he preferred to stay inside his house dealing with the business. His daughter Karen on the other hand was surprisingly well known around the city. None knew her beyond reorganization.
She was not a problem at the moment and hopefully she would remain unproblematic. They had enough to bother with already without her adding up to it. Shishio Makoto being the most problematic. They hadn't yet been able to find out what he was planning, but it could not be good.
* * * * *
Author: Here is the proof that I have not forgotten my older fics. I intend to finish all those at ff.net and so I will given the time. I have many fics I am working on so they all move forward very slowly.
This chapter didn't quite reach the length of the previous ones, but this was a good part to end. The next chapter? Who knows when that will be ready. But it will come.
To x wolfpup x, reviewing is never too late. See, I have noticed! As for the other stories... Well, I'll see what I can do.
To all other readers and reviewers: Thank you for reading!
Tiian