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

Apologies about the delay. PC technical problems... Ah well...

M.Kasshoku: Glad you like my portrayal of Saitou. Poor guy is almost in his RK form by now. I liked the PMK Saitou's unruffled-ness. But I also like the RK Saitou's bad-ass cop attitude. Tokio's reasons for marrying him may be revealed later or in another fic.

Maeko: Shimabara is after all the red-light district of Kyoto where the men of the Shinsengumi and other paramilitary group go for Rest and Recreation. I did say I'll stop the paper about Ryouma's assassination (PMK Vol 4), although volume 5 is slated to come out soon. All events in the Japan Bulletin and this fic are based on that. Keep hearing rumors about Tetsu getting seppuku-ed and not making it into the Meiji era… but he was still alive in PMK vol 4. I let him marry Saya. Saya in the Meiji era is not working in a teahouse. She is decently married and her husband's assistant.

Lolo: Hi, nice of you to join us. I know a lot of readers haven't read the PMK manga, but I hope there aren't too many spoilers. BTW, some of the incidents are pure fiction.

WAH! Ryouma's… Ryouma's…

New Kyoto Post

Working for a Brighter Future!

Issue 28

SHOCKING MURDERS

The whole of Kyoto is shocked by the brutal murders of up-and-coming politician Sakamoto Ryouma and his secretary Nakaoka Shintaro. It was understood that Sakamoto was slated to speak at a local Choushu leader's place but had taken ill with a cold. Witnesses reported a red-haired youth and a large man leaving the premises shortly before the murders were discovered.

The bodies were discovered by local restaurant owner, Umeko-san, when she arrived with a home delivery of soup. Had she been earlier, she would have run into the killers. She was believed to have been saved by her appalling sense of direction. (She had lost her way at the crossroads and needed to be escorted by a Good Samaritan to Sakamoto's place.)

Umeko is in a profound state of shock and keeps insisting that a blond female should be brought in for questioning over the deaths. However, a search of the premises failed to reveal any person matching that description.

We the staff of New Kyoto Post mourn the passing of a fine but eccentric man who has contributed much to our nation's future. Kyoto citizens remember Sakamoto Ryouma as a fitness enthusiast and who was often seen running through the streets. Sakamoto is survived by his widow in Edo.

Umeko's Kitchen

Weather's rotten this month. Cold and rain. Hope my brother and his page find some shelter if they intend to spend the night out. Sagara-san dropped by for some yams for his men. The imps helping him move the sacks helped themselves to the soup in the kitchen. Not that I begrudge the poor things a bit of wholesome soup.

Dear Umeko-san,

Me and me friend are orphans. We got this nice niisan as our guardian but I think he favors Sano. But Sano's all brawn and no brain. Today he tried to deface the Shinsengumi's place even after taicho said we are not to cause trouble in town.

-- Tsunan

Dear Tsunan-kun,

You sound worried about losing your guardian's favor. Rest assured that he believes in equality. It's just that Sano has a higher propensity for trouble. Maybe we can consider helping him keep an eye on Sano, like stopping him from vandalizing the Shinsengumi's premises?

Yours, Umeko

Dear Umeko-san,

I am the heir to a dojo in Edo. However, I wish to use kenjutsu not as a method of killing but a way of helping others. I sincerely believe that kendo should be used to help people and not to kill. I want to leave my little Kaoru that as a legacy for future generations. Am I being an idealist?

-- Kamiya

Dear Kamiya-san,

I like your way of thinking personally. Reminds me of my friend Sakamoto who's looking for a PEACEMAKER. However, being a total novice at kendo, I referred your letter to a master swordsman who just dropped by for takeaway. He gives the following advice.

"I have met many idealists. As my master puts it, the sword is a weapon of murder and kenjutsu a method of murder. However, I am an idealist myself. I fully support your vision of creating a sword style that does not take life. That will be a suitable legacy to leave your children. Maybe we two idealists can meet up some time…"

Well, he may drop by at your place after he finishes his contract as a bodyguard here. Do not be too alarmed. Best of luck with your dojo.

Yours, Umeko

Sayonara for now… I am going to send some hot, wholesome soup to my dear friend Ryouma as he is suffering from a cold. I'm sure that blond bimbo living with him can't cook any decent food. Thanks for offering to escort me, Kenni, but I think I can find my way there.

(Nami: Ken-san, give her five minutes before you go out after her. Your soup will be ready shortly.)

Personal Ad:

To Gein. Quit raiding my morgue for body parts for your sick experiments! I am NOT interested in creating life-like dolls or weapon dolls! Have some bloody respect for the dead for crying out loud! If I outlive you, I'll dance on your grave, after Hijikata's, of course.

Kitsune

And Hijikata's a slimy bastard! You cheat on every girl you know. What's worse, you do it with a man! I consider it my profound misfortune to know you. I must have accumulated loads of bad karma from several lifetimes…

Author's Notes:

(Historical Fact) November 1867, Ryouma and his comrade-in-arms, Nakaoka Shintaro, were assassinated at the former's hideout in Kyoto.

Tsunan's maturing. Kamiya Kaoru's father is developing the Kamiya Kassim style. Got the idea Battousai knew the man. Himura was aware Gohei was a former student at Kamiya dojo. About Akesato/ Sara, her fate is unknown at this moment. In the manga, she was at the scene of the murders but her body was moved elsewhere on someone's orders.

This fic and its companion are accurate as of PMK vol 4. Haven't got my grubby wittle paws on vol 5 yet. If Suzu, Tetsu and Saya DO get killed or somewhat, remember that New Kyoto Post and the Japan Bulletin are FANFICs! About Umeko, she'll be the host of my upcoming, still-in-the-works fic. Sake Shack.