Yep Yamazaki later became head of the spies. I guess I didn't say what I wanted to say… I meant to say that Yamazaki couldn't keep a secret from Kondo or Hijikata. I'm sorry! Though I kind of like the mental image of Saitoh trying to gottetsu him!
Chapter 11: The Chrysanthemum
"You do know that the punishment for this is seppuku, right? The code that Hijikata laid out for us is pretty clear-cut, and somehow I don't think he would let you off of the hook because you're a female. He put those rules in place because of… well… that doesn't matter why."
"I know that, but seppuku is preferable to betraying my promise. I have to keep it at all costs."
Saitoh could understand that a little too well. A promise was a promise. He really didn't like the situation but he could at least understand it and the reason behind it. It was almost a shame that she was a female. He had known too many so called 'samurai' that didn't know the true value of ones word. It was something that he could definitely respect about her
Saitoh looked out of the window at the outside world, he watched a sparrow take to flight on the opposing roof. He had no control over what course that bird would choose to fly… just like how he had no control over what course this little bird would choose to fly.
He didn't like it, but honor was honor.
"Look I know you're good with a sword but we can't protect you! I mean look at what happened the other day, right Saitoh-san?"
"Let her do whatever she wishes. It's none of our business."
"Saitoh-san?" She could hardly believe what she had heard. There must be something wrong with her ears.
"Are you nuts! She almost got you killed, and you're just going to let it go? What if it happens again, she may be strong but a woman will always be a woman, and when she looses a lot of men will die, or did you forget that rule. When a captain gets mortally wounded all members of the squad must fight until dead."
"Then she will just have to become stronger. Didn't you come here for that reason Yamazaki?"
"Kondo is going to be upset! Listen, this subject isn't closed, once Kondo-san or Hijikata-san find out…"
"Do you remember your mission?"
Yamazaki knew Saitoh wasn't talking about delivering Okita to Kondo's lessons but rather delivering Okita to Kondo's group. It was true that this girl was probably the closest that they could get to Serizawa but… was the risk truly worth everything? If the truth was discovered and it was revealed that they knew the truth as well then they would also die. He could handle the thought of death on the blade of an enemy's katana but to commit seppuku because of withholding the truth from a man that he respected so deeply… the shame of that would be almost too much.
To Yamazaki Kondo was the only reason he had joined the Shinsengumi in the first place. Kondo may be only a farmer's son but he was the closest he had ever seen to being a true samurai. To Kondo his loyalty was absolute.
The truth would be best course of action.
Still, a part of him reasoned, would Kondo be so upset? They had the same objective, and be Okita boy or girl the results would be the same. The only thing withheld would be Okita's gender.
Okita would still be Okita.
In his heart he knew that the best way to get the information that they needed was to overthrow Serizawa and Niiji and the only way they were going to do that was with the information that Okita could provide.
This was a very dangerous game they were going to play. He could only hope things would work out for the best, and that this woman was able to become strong enough not to be a burden on them, and may Hijikata never find out.
"Why is it that you serve Serizawa anyway? After last night I know that you know what kind of many he is." Saitoh spoke softly so that his voice wouldn't carry very far.
Yamazaki peaked outside the shoji making sure that the hallway was empty, and that they wouldn't be overheard.
"I don't. Not really. He knew my parents but that's all that I really know about him. I meant what I said the only thing that is keeping me here is my promise to my cousin. It was Serizawa's idea for me to pretend to be a roshi and join the Shinsengumi this way. My cousin was planning on doing this but with what happened…"
"You just took the opportunity to keep you're promise?"
"Yes."
Yamazaki looked at her curiously, she was a strange one that was for sure.
"So Serizawa knows you're little secret, right? Other than that being a member of the Shinsengumi you really don't have any ties with him? He seems to like to have you around though."
"Just because he knows my secret… I think he actually kind of hates me, but he's the type of man that likes reminding you of any power that he might hold… real or imagined. I don't understand him at all!"
Tokio studied her empty hands wondering why she was talking about such things with these two.
Her secret was becoming a little too well known for her own taste. Serizawa, Saitoh, and now Yamazaki. She prayed that no one else would learn the truth.
"Are…" She could feel the words catching in her throat, but she had to say them for her own peace of mind. "Are you planning on telling anyone about… about my secret."
"That really depends."
"Depends? Depends on what?"
"On you."
Yamazaki hadn't forgotten his mission. He knew what his obligation was. He was a Rurouni but in his mind he was Kondo's samurai. He would serve Kondo. One way or another. Either way it wasn't his decision to make.
"Well let's talk about something a bit less distasteful shall we? Kondo's been kept waiting for quite a while, and while he is an extremely patient man it isn't right to make him wait unnecessarily. By the way Okita isn't you're real name right? So what is it?"
"Does it really matter?"
"Indulge me."
"Fusanaga Tokio, but my name is now Okita."
"Well… Okita-san we better let you get dressed. Saitoh lets wait for the… lad... outside shall we?"
Chapter 12: to be continued
