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

Maeko-Nohara: Ah, the morgue cart mystery will be solved. And Kenshin's a real decent boy even back then. I mean, putting up with Umeko throwing kitchenware at him, doing laundry and cooking… and helping out at the local orphanage. Yes, Sano and Katsu are very silly but they do give the adults a hard time. And the wolf-pit was their handiwork. I don't think I will write Okita's death, the Choushu editors already gave the poor boy a premature obituary in Issue 18 ne.

M.Kasshoku: The two little demons will mature with age.

Sailor-Earth13: The happy couple should be back from their honeymoon in Aizu. I intend to stop around Ryouma's assassination. The Choushu Wars are officially over by this issue with the shogun abdicating. However, this is only the moment of calm in the storm before someone's murder, Toba Fushimi and the Boshin War.

Notice: The companion fic is ended and so will this fic after a few more issues. However, I am thinking of doing a Umeko's Kitchen LIVE insanity fic. Any suggestions for special guests from the cast of PMK and RK or even OCs from the fics? Do drop me a line. It will most likely be in the RK segment.

New Kyoto Post

Working for a Brighter Future!

Issue 27

EDITOR'S NOTICE

We apologize for the long delay in churning out this issue. We have been plagued by a string of disasters. First someone sabotaged the presses at our new location. Then when we got them replaced, we got a case of arson at the new offices. Witnesses reported seeing a tall, amber-eyed man in black with prayer beads leaving the scene. We wonder at the incompetence of our peacekeepers to allow such wanton acts of vandalism and arson.

We finally decided to resume our operations at our previous operating location. Someone tried to sabotage our presses again last night but was chased off by our night watchman. Arigato for the trouble. We know you were very tired having just rushed into Kyoto ahead of your master with the great news.

LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!

Shogun Abdicates!

Tokugawa Yoshinobu has formally abdicated and restored power to the imperial court. The simple ceremony took place dignifiedly in the picturesque grand hall of Nijo Castle. This heralded a new era in our nation's history. It will be an era of bright futures and freedom from Tokugawa oppression.

Celebrations were reported in the Choushu and Satsuma domains with fireworks and merry-making in the streets. The Aizu area reported riots and violent protests with many dead. The dead were rumored to include former military advisor to the Shinsengumi, Itou Kashitaro and an unnamed former Shinsengumi Captain.

Local restaurant Umeya invites all of Kyoto to sample their new Imperial Box candies launched in honor of this joyous occasion. Okita, a free box will be sent to a regular customer like you. A friend of yours insisted on it despite having just rushed into town.

Editorial Special: Towards a New Japan

Entrepreneur and potential statesman Sakamoto Ryouma gave a stirring speech at his residence in Kameyama Hills last week. We bring to you excerpts from his speech below from our reporter in Nagasaki.

Japan is an island nation, as such, we are sorely lacking in our perspective on the world. We were trapped by our feudal system as other nations like Holland, England and America moved into the modern age of democracy and freedom. We need to change! No more will we allow our society to stagnate. We will move towards a new Japan.

In this new era, there will be no samurai or commoner, because all men are equal! No more will we allow the Tokugawa to dictate our lives. We will not stand for it! I dream of a nation without class, racial or religious prejudices. Come let our nation progress…

The rest of his words were sadly drowned out by a chorus of wolf-whistles when his assistant-cum-bodyguard arrived with the refreshments trolley. Man, she's a stunner! (Wolf-whistle)

Notice of Condolences

We of the Women's Association of Japan will like to express our condolences to a member, Tokio, over the loss of her unborn child after she was knocked over by her husband when he tried to creep into their matrimonial home in the dead of the night. We can only shake our heads and wonder what type of man will leave his wife at such a crucial time and sneak out for dubious purposes.

Umeko's Kitchen

I don't believe it! I ask them to take a photo together and Sagara starts screeching about not wanting to have his soul stolen. He broke the camera-thing Sakamoto gave me on his dash out so Okita and Kenni can't have their photos taken now. Hope Sagara remembers to come back and pick up his men's rations.

Dear Umeko,

My father grounded me and is threatening to disown me! I have a crush on this distant cousin of mine. We even had a few nights in the futon in the Boys' Teahouse (good times…) I sent several love letters to him and was glad when I received a reply. I thought he felt the same about me. Then I learnt that my no-good sister had passed the letters to my crush's twice-divorced shrew of a sister! Help! Now my father wants me to settle down with the shrew! She's a total shrew (the complete opposite of my said crush) and I wouldn't be able to visit those pretty boys at the Boys' Teahouse or the girls of Shimabara!

- Young lord (I need my sake)

Your lordship,

Now I know why Okita's in such a good mood. From what I've gathered, Okita does not work in any teahouse. You must have made a mistake somewhere. Maybe you had too much sake in Shimabara and mistook someone else for Okita. Count your blessings Demon Hijikata didn't zan you. Also have several other persons who want to do you in for harassing their Okita-sama. And did I mention a very disgusted hitokiri? (Kenni, where did you learn of such things?)

Wishing you conjugal bliss, Umeko

Umeko,

I AM desperate! Some crazy morgue-keeper keeps pestering me over a regrettable incident back in Tama! If I zan her, I'll upset my special someone! He's still very upset about that seppuku incident… In short, tell that Kitsu-nut to stop putting notices up about our place asking about her son and foster-daughter.

- Boss

Oh dear, you did accidentally stab her son back in that brawl outside a Tama pleasure house. And the boy, Kojiro, was just quietly minding his own business practicing his kunai-work. And your lack of judgment did get poor Ayumu-chan killed.

Must stop Sou-chan from drinking too much sake. His cough sounds real bad. What, Kenni? He hasn't touched the sake? Hey! Kenni! Call the doctor, pronto! Just how badly did you cut each other up those months ago? Tetsu-chan! Get that pig out of the sweets!

Advertisement:

Usui Psychic Services! Do not be fooled by that Fujita fraud who cannot even tell his missus was waiting for his return from a night-long sake binge behind the door with her naginata. Contact Usui at the corner print shop.

Personal Notice:

Iron Boy. Glad you showed up the last time. Want to continue our discussion from then. Ask Nami of Umeya for directions to my place. DON'T ask Umeko-san. - Sakamoto Ryouma

P.S. Are you interested in joining me as we set sail on a great adventure? I am thinking of getting a group of men and sailing to America to see the modern world.

Obituary for our former captain Toudou Heisuke from the Shinsengumi eighth partol

We heard rumors you got on the wrong end of someone's sword but it ain't official yet. If it is true that you are not gonna be treating us at Shimabara anymore… rest in peace and don't say we didn't warn you.

P.S. Your two best buddies are real cut up by the rumors. They've been trying to find Saitou to thrash things out… but Saitou has not been spotted about the compound yet. At least they had the sense not to confront you-know-who.

Ad: House for Rent/ Sale

Spacious house with pleasant surroundings. Only flaw is that bloodstain on the wall after I Gatotsu-ed the former occupant. Gomen, my men did try to wash it out… I'll get them seppuku-ed for that.

Contact the Wolf c/o Aizu Postmaster

Personal Ad:

Sagara! What was my morgue cart doing in the river? Do you want me to quit treating you and your men? – Kitsu

Employment Opportunity

URGENT! Need a make-up artist for costume party. Ability to dye hair red and lighten skin a must. Apply to Black Cat Mansion.

Author's Notes:

(Historical Fact) In October 1867, in the Grand Hall of Nijo Castle, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun, announced his abdication and restoration of power to the imperial court.

I figured Hijikata will not want Itou and gang to be running around too long. Yes, it may be a little premature… but I want Saitou back with the wolves. And now we know where Sagara Sanosuke got his techno-phobia. A photo of Kenshin, Okita and Sagara?

And poor Ryouma gets upstaged by his bodyguard during his speech. He should have listened to her suggestion that she stays out of sight.