Disclaimer: I do not own Ruronin Kenshin or Peacemaker Kurogane.
Scapegoat: The ghosts will continue haunting poor Umeko. But they will cut down on the partying.
A-chan, M. Kasshoku: The question about Saitou's psychic powers remains unanswered. PMK Saitou and RK Saitou are very different. In fact RK Saitou's personality is more like PMK Hijikata. Maybe he lost them after a very traumatic incident. As to why Umeko can see ghosts now, just continue reading this fic. It will be revealed at the end. And I do entertain letters and suggestions from the reviewers.
Yami-chikara: Your hungry future samurai's letter made it to Umeko, finally.
Glad you folks loved the welcome party. Sadly, most of the ghosts will be returning to the afterlife after this. Thanks for the reviews! Both for this fic and the companion fic.
The Japan Bulletin
Official Meiji Government Flagship
Issue 9
TRAVEL BAN LIFTED!
Hot spring lovers rejoice! Authorities have lifted the travel ban to the hot springs resort village of Shingetsu. Highways to the area are now open as health authorities declared the recent leprosy epidemic over. Villagers are eagerly looking forward to the influx of tourists to invigorate their flagging tourism industry.
In an unrelated incident, a local thug was arrested by the police for willfully destroying a villa slated for preservation as a national heritage site. Shingetsu Villa was believed to be birthplace of one of our Emperor's honorable ancestors 200 years ago. Local authorities were quoted saying it is doubtful if the villa can be restored to its former glory.
ILLEGAL LOGGING?
Kyoto National Park rangers were puzzled by the felling of several large mature trees. The trees included a 500-year old gingko, believed to be the oldest of its kind in Japan. Environmentalists pointed to illegal logging firms operating in the area recently. However, authorities found that the trees were not cut and the trunks were left where they have fallen.
In light of this mystery, experts have been called in to determine if the trees have fallen victim to an unknown fungal infection. Investigations are underway. Park visitors reported seeing a man in white with the kanji for "bad" on his back in the woods a few days before the trees were discovered. Authorities will greatly appreciate it if this man can come forward to assist them.
ROCK FIELD VANDALIZED
Several stone boulders of rare coloring and form were found smashed to bits in Kyoto's Rock Fields. Kyoto town council mourns the loss of the actual boulder on which his Imperial Majesty had carved a love poem to his consort on their visit to the region. Authorities are on the lookout for persons with explosives or a large hammer as these are the only conceivable ways to inflict such damage.
TOKYO NEWS: Tabloid offices raided!
The office of newly-started newspaper "The Whole Picture" was raided yesterday by Tokyo police. The chief editor Tsukioka Tsunan was brought in for questioning over alleged involvement in a street brawl involving a police officer outside his house last week and alleged possession of banned explosives.
Citizens! Stick with The Japan Bulletin for the official truth! Do not believe the slander peddled by Tsunan and his sorry staff! Tsunan must be wishing he stuck to churning out erotic wood prints.
Advice Segment
Sagara-san and Okita-san dropped by to talk about a mutual friend's latest exploit. Okita was not very pleased that his former comrade had chosen to sit out the battle in a certain villa. Then we got the rest of the gang of mostly Umeya regulars in here. Just as well, as I may need their views on certain letters.
Dear Umeko-san,
I live by one guiding life principle, the strong will live and the weak will perish. But I've met a swordsman who lives counter to this principle. After defeating a pointy-headed acquaintance of mine, he spared the moron's life! And this guy's like the best there is during the Bakumatsu. Is my life principle flawed? Can someone explain how a swordsman can live without killing, please?
- Confused Tenken
Dear Tenken-san,
I referred your query to San-nan, Shinsengumi Vice-chief and Treasurer in life. He gives the following reply:
"When you hold your sword, do you get the nagging feeling like a little voice is telling you something's not right? The name of that voice is conscience. Have you been following your life principle blindly? What does that voice say? That voice from the heart guides us all, be we swordsmen or not. I believe you will find your answer."
Well, it worked for him… sorta…
Yours, Umeko
Dear Umeko-san,
Ever since a certain rurouni left the dojo, all the adjutant master has done is sit in bed, and I'm seriously getting annoyed. I mean, her food's inedible, but there's nothing else! What should I do before I starve!
Hungry Future Samurai
Dear Samurai-san,
Tried your hand at hunting rabbits? My late brother used to from horseback. It gives him practice with his archery; another aspect of any self-respecting samurai's training. At least until that low branch wiped him out… Or you can always do odd jobs at some restaurant to get a meal.
Yours, Umeko
Dear Umeko-san,
I am the editor of an independent newspaper dedicated to exposing the truth of our government's sordid dealings and the corruption of our third-rate politicians. However, I think I have stepped on one too many toes. I suspect Chief Uramura has orders from above to shut down my paper. Am I being paranoid?
- Katsu
Dear Katsu-chan,
The fact I just saw you being hauled down the corridor outside in chains means that your suspicions are well-founded. You must be doing a good job exposing those dirty dealings. Good work, keep it up once you get out!
Umeko (Waves to Katsu)
Dear Umeko,
My Aoshi-sama's gone missing… I've been looking for him with no luck. Now I'm stuck traveling with a nutcase who carries a reversed-edge sword. He's heading into Kyoto on some big mission. He also hangs with a horrible cop who keeps calling me weasel! Why am I traveling with a loser? Where's Aoshi-sama!
- Ninja Gal
Dear Gal,
You need a major time out. Some strange guys dropped by to insist you go home to your folks at Aoiya in Kyoto… Hey! You're that little girl with that Shinomori boy who kept throwing kunai at my restaurant in Kyoto all those years ago! You little weasel! I still owe you a spanking!
Umeko
Personal Ad:
To my dear Wolfie, my sake-soused, opium-addicted brother misunderstood when you brought the boy to our place. He thinks Eiji's your bastard. I trust you fully as no woman besides me could possibly tolerate you, much less bear you a child. My brother has decided to kill you. I know the cockroach is not worthy of Aku Soku Zan. Can you please have the moron sent to rehab, permanently? He's been bugging me for more gambling allowance all week.
Tokio
P.S. Will you be back for Tsu-chan's birthday this year?
Wanted Urgently:
Top quality sword for death duel. My sword got damaged. Contact Seta at Mt Hiei. Need quality sandals too. I wear mine out at an alarming rate with my special moves. If I'm out on an errand, Yumi-san has kindly agreed to take charge of the deal. Do not get too friendly with her or Shishio-san will kill you.
Personal Ad:
Information wanted on the whereabouts of the following persons. They are believed to be residing in the Kyoto area. Contact Aoiya, Kyoto.
Master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Hiko Seijirou
Master sword smith, Arai-san.
I seriously need your help.
Personal Notice to Kyoto Sword Museum
NO! The answer's still NO! I am NOT contributing my katana for your stupid Shinsengumi exhibition. Stop pestering my wife! Anyhow, the katana in question is not with her but in my hands, comprehend? – Last Wolf of Mibu
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In memoriam, Father and Mother, watch over Sayo as she walks through the shadow of the valley of death. I have certain not-so-Christian matters to attend to and will be busy for a while. Your son
New image consultant wanted! Nagasaki. This is way embarrassing. I am a respected spiritual leader but I keep getting mistaken for a transvestite outside my flock. Contact Shogo via Amakusa Christian Association. (Must have faith in God. Send me an image consultant who isn't a cross-dresser!) Kamatari, you are fired! And you better not have anything to do with that broken window in the cathedral…
In memory of the poor children who perished in the Buddhist temple fire of… Rest assured that I will create a new world for you to be re-born into. I will chant sutras for your souls as I await further orders in the woods. Father Anji.
Author's Notes:
Sayo's illness is definitely not getting better. Umeko's drawing on her experiences in Kyoto ten years ago. I'm letting Sagara and Okita know Kenshin aka Battousai as a mutual friend. Umeko recalls some old rivalry. And isn't Tokio sweet? Maybe you can guess why Saitou ended up in his RK form.
Lots of vandalism and poor Tsunan's been arrested.
