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

M.Kasshoku: Yes, Okina's one brazen chap, isn't he? About Kenshin and Ryouma, Ryouma's crazily wild and Kenshin's serious when it comes to his work. They would make an interesting team. Unfortunately, the chances for further interaction between them are limited. Ryouma has his own bodyguard and Kenshin's direct boss is Katsura. Kenshin and his boss will be away for a while.

SailorEarth13: In RK, the man was living in various dumps. There has to be a reason for that. Imagine losing both his son and daughter. Of course, he did take a long while to get worried.

SakuraShinguji: Nice to hear from you. I was afraid developments in my fic have put you off. Okita dying? Well, sadly, Okita doesn't have much time left, neither does Takasugi. In those days, TB was a death sentence. Kitsu-dono can be so mean at times. And Saitou is turning into his RK form.

More Saitou-Tokio madness. Why does Aoshi have a low opinion of Saitou?

New Kyoto Post

Working for a Brighter Future!

Issue 23

EDITOR'S NOTICE

We apologize for the delay in this issue as we were suspended for investigations once more as a result of a misunderstanding. We assure you that we fully support the emperor! The anti-samurai sentiments expressed by our temporary advice columnist were caused by her exhaustion with having to deal with a flood of samurai patients.

As such, members of the Women's Association of Japan have volunteered to assist at Kitsu-dono's clinic. We thank Hijikata-san for being so understanding and releasing Kitsu-dono after a series of fierce private negotiations by a friend with connections to the Aizu officials.

Arigato, Okita-san, for spending those long nights talking to Hijikata-san. You look peaked, have you been sleeping at all? Your boss hasn't been keeping you up all night, has he?

Interim Editor, Umeko

Editorial:

Temples are Holy Ground! Keep it that way!

I am VERY disgusted by what I observed the other day on the grounds of a local temple. I went into the place seeking to meditate but left with a bad taste in my mouth. I found a good meditative spot to observe my surroundings and gather, I mean contemplate my life when I heard strange noises from behind the library.

I was horrified to find the source as a member of the Shinsengumi, in his uniform, frolicking with a young female! I understand that they are co-occupying the temple premises, but surely this- this recreational activity is better suited for, let's say, Shimabara. I recognized the man involved as a captain, mind you.

I am utterly put off by the group's disregard for holy ground. I heard they allowed seppuku and executions to be carried out there as well. This is blasphemy! I will resume my meditations elsewhere.

Traveler, Shino Mori (Satisfied Aoiya guest)

Umeko's Kitchen

I am pleased to hear one of my acquaintances will be married soon. Good for you, girl! Looks like Umeya will be booked to cater to a wedding in the near future.

Dear Umeko,

My kid brother has been growing up at an alarming rate. You see, since the death of our parents, I have been acting as his guardian. He is always small for his age, and a bit loud. I had to protect him… First, he insisted on joining a peacekeeping unit. Then he got to know this girl. Nowadays, he spends more time with this girl and his kendo than with me! Yesterday, I lengthened his trousers only to find that he had shot up a good three inches! I think I'm losing him!

Dragon Boy

Dear Dragon Boy,

Children grow up. Get on with it. Don't smother your brother with your over-protectiveness. Allow him to lead his life and grow. You say he has a girl? Maybe it is time you consider your own happiness. Our Nami here's smart, pretty and single… (Umeko-san!)

Yours, Umeko

Dear Umeko,

I don't normally read this paper, but I'm too embarrassed to seek advice in my usual circles. My fiancée called on me after I finished my shift. We started talking and she asked me to drink with her. I assumed she brought tea but it turned out she added something to it… She offered to give me a massage. Then, you know… And some monk informed my immediate superior! He caught me with my hakame down and…you know… And not only my superior caught me, my fiancée's cousin was with him. Needless to say, he was far from amused. My boss just ordered me to marry her or commit seppuku. What should I do?

Trapped Wolf

Dear Wolf-san,

Congrats. Marry her immediately. You do know that Okita takes a serious view of you cheating his cousin of her affections, don't you? Your fiancée asks that you not Gatotsu her WAJ sisters who aided her in coming up with the plan. She does cook very nice soba, you know… Wishing you conjugal bliss and many children.

Umeko (Kio-chan, you shouldn't have gone all the way…)

Must dash, got to advise a certain bride-to-be on the details. (Nami, can you look into suitable venues for hosting Takagi-san's wedding?)

Personal Ad

Yo! Dragon Boy, Iron Boy. We need to talk, serious. I must tell you guys some things concerning your father, though you may not believe me. Meet me at Umeya. Er, correction, please meet me at the old wooden bridge on the west side of town by the abandoned water-mill.

Nice Guy Ryouma

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With reference to Ad for Lost Pet:

Black cat named Tinklebell. Went missing during an errand.

Reply: Itou-san, received your message. However, Tinkerbell is no more. Well, sorta. Its guts are all over the tatami here. Got on the wrong side of my bodyguard. Send your man to pick up your replacement kitty. Please give it a better name.

Employment Ad:

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Thank you Notice

I thank you all in the WAJ for helping to make a girl's dream come true. I thank you for all your gifts for the coming wedding. I will mail the invitation cards once we fix the date. However, I regret to say I must return the black widow's kimono to Kitsu-dono. I'm sure this 'gift' was an honest mistake on her part.

Takagi Tokio

Reply:

Girl, that widow's kimono is not a mistake. Given his line of work, you'll need it when you join our club.

Warm regards, Widow Kitsune

NOTICE: Black and Red Ladies' Club

Quit sending me those women's kimonos and wigs! I am not interested in providing entertainment for your riverside bashes! Not even for Saitou-san's bride's bridal shower! And I am not into kinky games with my boss or my pal Tetsu.

Red and Black chairwoman S. Kiku, want me to pass your club's membership list to your okashira brother? He has been wondering why his neesan has a dead-end job at a crummy place like Umeya after getting the boot from the Oniwabanshu.

Doctor to the Shinsengumi, Yamazaki Susumu.

Author's Notes:

Tokio scores! Hear the wedding march? Black humor from Kitsu-dono of the Kyoto morgue clinic. Poor Susumu is still being harassed by the kunoichi. Kiku (Kikujo) is another OC from Silent Stars. She is the elder half-sister of the Oniwabanshu's okashira. Unfortunately, she is not going to appear much in this fic.

Read and Review welcome as always.