Disclaimer: I do not own Ruronin Kenshin or Peacemaker Kurogane.

This paper is affected by what happens in the companion paper. However, the RK manga series has ended while the PMK one is still running, so I am unsure how events in that manga will turn out. I'll be making several assumptions here, like Saitou married Tokio prior to the Meiji Restoration.

Sailor-Earth13: Katsu does not have that ability to see the ghosts. Just as well, considering how freaked out Sano was when he saw his taicho.

M.Kasshoku: Received your letter. Still thinking of a reasonable but hilarious reply for it.

SlowMotionRunner: Nice to hear from you. Glad you like Umeko. However, I think I'll leave your letter to our friendly neighborhood cop Fujita.

Lolo: Yeah, Sano has been BAD. Misao used to terrorize Umeko's restaurant in Kyoto with her knife-throwing practice as a little girl. And Umeko's biggest business rival was Aoiya.

A-chan: As for Tsu-chan's birthday, well, I dunno if papa will be attending that party… Umeko received your letter and gives a reply but I doubt it will be very useful…

An update!


The Japan Bulletin

Official Meiji Government Flagship

Issue 10

BREAK-IN at KYOTO SWORD MUSEUM

Kyoto's heritage suffered yet another tragic loss when a blond man in a weird red outfit broke into the local sword museum and made off with several priceless swords, including some from the Bakumatsu exhibition due to be opened next week. The culprit is described as tall, blond and very obnoxious.

He passed security check by hiding his weapon, a flexible sword, in his belt. Five museum guards were killed as he grabbed the museum's treasured exhibits. He claims to be a member of some group called the Juppon Gatana. Police are combing the city for the suspect.

Swords stolen included the bejeweled sword of the last shogun, the sword of legendary Shinsengumi captain, Okita Souji and a pair of swords belonging to a lesser known member of the same group, Ichimura Iron Boy. The spear of Captain Harada and the pistols of Ishin leader Sakamoto Ryouma were also taken by the thief. These items were later recovered from a nearby trash bin where the thief had discarded them.


Tokyo courts: The Whole Picture Editor Freed

Tsukioka Tsunan has been freed after investigations turned up no firearms or explosives at his home and offices. However, the authorities were astounded by the man's skill in producing exceptional wood prints as evidenced by the collection found at his place.

The Tokyo Arts Council has offered him a grant to promote Japanese art abroad. Tsukioka declined on the grounds he wants to continue with his editorial venture. Indeed, Tsukioka has the temperament of an artist. He walked out threatening to expose corruption in the government. We assure you that any corruption Tsukioka sees is a product of his fanciful imagination.

Tokyo courts: Physician Cleared!

Family physician, Takani Megumi, was cleared of charges of gross malpractice when her thankful patient dropped all charges at the last minute. The unnamed man was nearly burnt when Takani, for reasons unknown, lit a pile of incense on his head at Gensai Family Clinic. He avoided serious injury when Gensai-sensei put out the fire.

"It's amazing! She cured my dandruff problem!" the grateful patient was quoted as saying. "I tried everything but nothing worked till now!" The man had been seeking treatment for a sprain then. However, the courts requested that Takani curb her radical medical practices.


Kyoto Court Ruling on Buddhist Temple Fires: No Case

The claim for damages by the Japan Buddhist Society was thrown out after the courts ruled that there was a lack of evidence. The society alleged a spate of Buddhist temple fires several years ago were instigated by government factions. However, no evidence was found to support the allegations.

The fires were most likely accidental in origin and caused by children playing with lighted candles on the premises. It is a well known fact that many Buddhist temples are home to orphans. As such, their deaths in these fires should be ruled misadventure or accidental, and not murder.


Advice Segment

The Shinsengumi lads have decided to leave for Kyoto. Now it is much more peaceful but I'm bored… Strangely, I'm getting loads of letters from Kyoto. Hey, guys! Keep me updated on what mission you sent Ken-chan on! (Bangs tin mug against bars)

Dear Umeko

I am a man with an appreciation of fine swords. I collect them. They're having this sword display at the local museum that's so irresistible. I want to collect them all but my freaky-smiled roommate has orders to kill me if I do anything stupid like breaking in to collect swords.

- Sword-lover

Dear Sword-lover,

You need to learn to appreciate the beauty of your swords and share them with others. You can't deny those school kids from learning about our rich history, can you? Unless you happen to be a selfish jerk. In that case, your roommate's welcome to kill you any day.

Umeko

Dear Umeko-san,

My father was a master smith who created swords for killing. Since his death, I have renounced that aspect of the family business and used his techniques to make kitchen knives. Someone just came asking me to craft a sword for him. He claims it involves the future of our nation. Strangely, I am inclined to believe him. However, I doubt that I will be able to craft a sword. What should I do?

- Kyoto Knife-maker

Dear Knife-maker,

If I recall rightly, he left a few of his best masterpieces lying about Kyoto. Let's see… he threw one into the river… Gave one to the gods… Buried one under the cherry tree outside town… At least that's what Ryou-kun here heard from the gossips at the Kyoto Sake Shack.

Umeko

Dear Umeko,

I'm an old member of the We-luv-Okita club back in Kyoto. As you can understand, when Okita-sama (chokes) died (sobs) the club was disbanded. But I heard you still speak to his spirit. Can you tell him hi from all of us at the club? And can you point me out to his grave? I want to offer incense (and those candies he liked)...

-Still loving Okita

Dear Okita fan,

Okita's grave is somewhere in Edo. Can't recall if it's the old Edo Public Cemetery or the Edo Buddhist Graveyard. Anyhow, just ask for directions to the Shinto graveyard… Or was it the Christian Charity plots? I must ask that boy the next time I see him…

Apologetically yours, Umeko

Dear Umeko,

I need a secretary-cum-personal assistant but everyone in the department's too put off by my reputation to apply! And there're still no takers. I'm sick of having to iron my own uniform!

- Hates Housework

Dear Hates Housework aka Wolf,

You had to pick up some nasty habits from Hijikata, including smoking. You forgot having to wash out those stubborn bloodstains first. Was that the real reason why you sat out that match at Shingetsu? Don't you appreciate your wife more now?

Umeko

PS. Do be home for your son's birthday this year. Boy needs a proper male role model. Oops, scratch that. You are anything but a good role model.


Assorted Advertisements:

ARAI SEIKU Family Knives. Our knives are forged using the traditional techniques handed down by my father. They can slice through radishes so finely. Fruit knives, butcher knives and kitchen knives! Our shop is in downtown Kyoto. Kindly note that we do NOT produce blades for the purposes of death and destruction anymore! We will NOT entertain such requests!

AOIYA Family Restaurant and Inn. Sample our ramen and other dishes cooked using our secret recipes. Special rates for pretty girls. We are located in scenic Kyoto central.

YUKISHIRO Enterprises. announces we are looking for local partners from the Kyoto region. Must be willing to travel to Tokyo. Bakumatsu experience and a vendetta against a certain hitokiri preferred. Apply to our representative at Yokohama Budget Mansions.


Personal Ads:

Yo WOLF! I'm in town! I'll even the score with you! Prepared to have that smirk wiped off your face? – BAD

Chou. Gone to pass Shishio's instructions to the monk. Stay out of trouble. Shishio's orders. – Tenken
P.S. He did say I can kill you if you disobey.

Sake Shack to Hiko. Pay up for last week's sake in yen! We do not accept pots as payment.

Reply to letter "Image consultant services to improve your image in the eyes of your followers…"
Kamatari. I do not want a new image. I am very happy the way I am. Hey! Are you suggesting I am a slob? Shishio.


Author's notes:

About Umeko's remarks in the advice segment, references to New Kyoto Post abound. She used to hang out at the Sake Shack with a certain handsome samurai. Same for her poor direction sense. Umeko also knows Saitou's wife. Image consultant to Shishio? Sounds like Kamatari better watch out…

Loved the reviews! And do read the companion ficcie for more of Umeko, Battousai, young Sano and Katsu.