Disclaimer: I do not own either Inuyasha or Rurouni Kenshin.
Chapter 7.
"This isn't good." Soujiro said looking at the policemen standing around the temple near the Kamiya dojo. He moved back from the edge of the bushes to crouch next to Misao. Together, they slipped back past the ring of guards who were standing there trying to figure out how a tree had become wedged into the dry well on the premises. The temple buildings had also been severely damaged and the police were looking for signs of the vandals.
The two of them slipped past the sentries standing at the stairs and froze there in the shadows. In the torchlight they watched as a carriage stopped in front of the temple. The door opened and out stepped Hajime Saitoh. "Saitoh! What's he doing back from Kyoto so soon?" Misao gasped as she ducked down next to Soujiro. There wasn't much room to hide so she found herself pressed closely to Sou's back as they lay on their stomachs in the under brush.
Misao watched as Cho came walking down the steps carrying something and stopped in front of Saitoh. It was pitch black so Misao fumbled around to get close to Soujiro's ear so they wouldn't be heard whispering. She cupped one hand over his ear on the opposite side of his head to cover any background noise and leaned close to whisper as softly as she could. She could just feel the skin of Soujiro's ear against her lips as she whispered trying to make it so faint no one would hear. "We have to get closer to Saitoh to hear what they're saying."
She felt Soujiro nod under her hand and the two of them moved close enough to hear Cho's conversation.
"Yeah, seems like this is the only sign of a weapon being used on the premises." Cho was saying to his enigmatic boss.
"Was there any blood anywhere?" Saitoh said taking a long draw off of his cigarette.
"No, but the boys found a strange mound of dust heaped near where the wall had been demolished. That and of course, the fact that there's a tree stuffed upside down in the old dry well." Cho reported.
"Hmmm. I'm willing to bet the Battousi has something to do with this."
"Frankly chief, I know the Battousi is a good swordsman and all, but I don't think he really has the strength to stuff a wad of cloth down a drain pipe much less a tree down a well. From the looks of it, it looks like it was uprooted." Cho snorted.
Misao was shocked to hear Saitoh chuckle in spite of himself. "The Battousi can surprise you sometimes." He said almost admiringly. "But in this case I know this area a little better than you do. Believe me, if there's anything strange going on around here you can believe that Kenshin Himura knows something about it. Besides, he practically lives next door to this place. If he didn't hear a tree being stuffed down that hole then he's slipped worse than I'd hoped."
Saitoh looked over in Misao's direction and she could swear he smiled directly at her. Nonchalantly, he flipped his cigarette over into the bushes near Misao. Soujiro gasped and Misao clapped her hand quietly over his mouth. Soujiro started to squirm a little and Misao moved to whisper in his ear again. This time she was practically nibbling his ear lobe. "Do you want to get us caught be still!"
Saitoh and Cho began speaking about Kyoto. They mentioned Aoshi and Kamatari for a few moments and then started discussing other things. Misao could feel something wet falling over her hand clamped over Soujiro's mouth and she started to smell something. Was it smoke?
Misao looked around to see a small curl of smoke coming from the cigarette. It was sitting dead center of Soujiro's back. Misao quickly reached over and flicked it off into the weeds and leaned close to Soujiro. "I am soooo sorry, Soujiro. I'll make it up to you."
Saitoh and Cho were winding up their conversation. "So did you see any sign of the Tenken?" Cho asked conversationally.
"No, he is particularly elusive. I imagine it will be quite some time before we're able to catch him." Saitoh said.
"Kamatari seems to think he knows where Shishio's treasure is hidden." Cho said as well. "I hope she's right. That would be a great help to the government if it were found. I'm sure if I were able to bring that in to the government that they'd give me a really big promotion, and then maybe I could help Anji get out of prison."
Misao began to feel just a little bit uncomfortable. Something smelled funny, and it wasn't Soujiro's burnt gi. Saitoh just looked at Cho for a few long moments and then shook his head. Misao could swear she heard Cho snicker as he got into the carriage. Saitoh stayed in the street.
"Yes, getting that money back should be our first priority. We can track Soujiro down later. I'm going to stop off at Himura's dojo and make sure he knows I'm back in Tokyo before I go back to the station. I'll only be a few minutes."
The carriage pulled away and Misao watched as Saitoh turned to walk down to the dojo. She could have been mistaken, but she could have sworn she heard him say something like 'morons' before he disappeared from sight.
Soujiro and Misao slipped away from the temple. They followed Saitoh to the door of the dojo and then went to climb a tree and wait until he left.
Kagome thanked Kaoru for her hospitality. Yahiko was booted from his room to make room for Kagome and Sango when a knock came at the door of the dojo. Before anyone could respond, a policeman stepped through the gate. Kenshin practically hissed as the policeman walked up to the porch where they were all sitting.
"What do you want here Saitoh? I thought you weren't due back from Kyoto for some time." Kenshin grumbled.
"Can't I come visit my favorite laundress anymore?" Saitoh said smugly. "I'm here on official business Battousi, so please watch your tone. I was wondering if you had seen or heard anything pertaining to the temple at the top of the hill. The one you can see quite clearly from here."
Saitoh looked at Kenshin as if daring him to deny it, but Kenshin wasn't to be goaded. "Yes, as a matter of fact we saw some strange lights up there. We assumed it was some kids who had gotten their hands on some fireworks. It was quite loud if I recall."
Saitoh's eyes twitched almost imperceptibly. "Yes, several witnesses said they saw lights coming from on top of the hill and a series of loud crashes." Saitoh straightened himself. "Regardless, until we get an answer we're sealing off the temple grounds. We'll launch a full investigation. Good night everyone."
Saitoh turned and started for the gate. "Oh, by the way, Battousi. You may want to be careful. The fugitive Soujiro has been seen in the area. He is reported as having been seen in the company of that weasel-girl Misao. He's nothing but trouble so you might want to tell her that it wouldn't be smart taking up with the likes of him."
Saitoh went out as he came in and Sango let out an explosive sigh. "Is he always like that?"
"Actually, this was one of his more polite moments." Sano said.
"What's he like when he's being impolite?" Sango said aghast.
"Last time he ran a sword through my shoulder and knocked a hole in the wall of the dojo." Sano said without a trace of humor in his voice.
Sango looked at Sano for a moment, nodding with a blank stare on her face, before turning to Kagome. "I don't care if he IS in that book of yours, we DEFINITELY don't need him teaching Inuyasha anything. He's bad enough as it is."
Soujiro had heard the majority of the conversation. It had been his turn to cover Misao's mouth at the comments Saitoh had made about her being a weasel. It had been all he could do to grab her arms before the kunai started flying. He was fairly certain Saitoh had known they were there, but had kept up the charade for the sake of his men. He wanted Shishio's treasure and was willing to let them run free if it meant getting it.
His back still smarted like crazy so he was glad when Saitoh finally disappeared. He hopped down with Misao and walked into the dojo behind her.
"Hello everybody!" Misao cried running over to hug the girl that Soujiro remembered being described as Kaoru, Himura's woman. He recognized Segara as well, but the boy and the two other young girls were a mystery. He stayed at the edge of the light for a moment before he heard Kenshin's voice. "I thought we might be seeing you shortly Misao," Kenshin said to the girl, "I am glad to see you as well Soujiro-san, I was sorry I did not have the chance to speak with you before you left Kyoto."
Soujiro planted his trademark smile firmly on his face. "It seemed the more prudent course of action." Soujiro said happily. He was a little amazed at the gathering of people around the dojo. Himura was undoubtedly the oldest, but the rest of them were all pretty close to his age with the exception of the young boy.
"Soujiro's my prisoner!" Misao cried happily. "I'm taking him back to Kyoto with me as soon as we find his treasure!"
"Treasure?" Everyone said in unison turning to Soujiro with questioning eyes.
"Actually it isn't my treasure. It was what was left of Shishio-sama's money after the Kyoto project fell through." Soujiro said politely.
"Anyway," Misao continued, "Lord Aoshi sent me to find Soujiro so I could bring him back to Kyoto with the treasure. Aoshi-sama will be so happy when I bring him back."
"You mean Aoshi actually let a weasel girl like you out of his sight to go chasing after one of the most deadly assassins in all of Japan?" the young boy said snorting. "If I remember right you're the only one of the Oniwaban group other than Aoshi himself who actually knows what Soujiro looks like!"
Before he could stop her, the kunai went flying and the kid was pinned by his sleeves to the wall of the dojo. "Yahiko you jerk!" Soujiro was surprised to see no one else seemed to notice the attack except for the two young ladies off to one side by themselves. Well them and Yahiko of course.
"Please come in Soujiro, Misao. We'll have some more tea before bed. I think I may need a little bit more than tea the way this day has been turning out." Kaoru said in exasperation.
"I think I'll pass little missy," Sano said as he pulled the kunai pinning Yahiko to the wall out and tossed them back to Misao, "I'll take the squirt and head back to my place for the night. It looks like you're going to have your hands full of guests."
The young boy immediately latched onto Sano's head and started biting into his spiked hair. Soujiro watched stupefied as Sano merely started walking carrying the young boy off with him.
Soujiro went inside and had a seat next to Misao. He smiled at Kaoru as she served him tea like he was a normal guest. It was quite disturbing. The silence filled the room for a moment before finally one of the two young women spoke.
"Excuse me, Misao is it?"
"Yep, Misao Makimachi at your service who are you?"
"My name is Kagome Higurashi, and this is my sister Sango. Did I hear you right when you said 'Lord Aoshi'? Did you mean Aoshi Shinomori?" Kagome looked at Misao almost skeptically.
"Yes, that's my Lord Aoshi." Misao said with stars practically appearing in her eyes. "Why, do you know him?" Misao suddenly looked extremely dangerous to Soujiro. He hoped that Kagome's answer was going to be a definite 'no' for her sake.
"Not really," Kagome said clueless to the look on Misao's face, "but I am looking for him. I need to hire him if possible."
Misao's face immediately brightened. "Of course, the Oniwaban group are the finest ninjas in all of Japan and Aoshi is our leader. I can deliver any messages you would like to him."
"Thank you." Kagome said. "I'm looking for someone to teach a friend of mine the art of sword combat and your Lord Aoshi comes HIGHLY recommended."
"I'll be sure to pass that along to the leader." Misao said seriously. "I'm going to send him an intelligence report tomorrow of everything that's going on in Tokyo. I'll be certain to include it. He may even wish to come here himself to secure the treasure."
"I thought YOU were the new leader Misao," Kaoru said looking at Misao suddenly.
Misao actually blushed. "I was but Okina said that it might get Aoshi out of his depression and get him out of that stupid temple if he had some real work to do. I stepped down, and now Aoshi is leading us again." Misao said brightly.
"How are things between you two then?" Kaoru said hopefully. Soujiro was amazed at the speed at which Misao's mood shifted. HE definitely couldn't move that fast. Misao began sobbing uncontrollably. "Oh Kaoru, it's even worse now! Now he actually has business to do that keeps him away from me. Before it was just his stupid meditation and I at least I could serve him tea. Now he doesn't even have time for that of a morning. It's almost like he's avoiding me."
Kenshin nodded sadly and then turned to Soujiro while Misao composed herself. "So you are looking for Shishio's treasure?"
Soujiro looked at Misao worriedly before turning to Himura. "Actually, Himura-san, by rights it's YOUR treasure." Soujiro was quietly pleased that this time everyone turned to look at Kenshin in surprise.
"Ma… My treasure?" Kenshin said in disbelief.
"Yes, Himura-san. I had quite forgotten about it after Kyoto. Nearly everything was lost when the Purgatory sank. Nearly all of what Shishio-sama had was used to purchase that battleship on the black market. Then it was gone." Soujiro said still wearing a smile; after all, it hadn't been HIS money.
"But not all of his money?"
"Actually, when you left Kyoto after the revolution they didn't know what to do with your fortune so master Shishio claimed it and added it to his own. He used your money and his to finance the grand fire project." Soujiro hated to do this to Himura, but honesty was also becoming part of his new life philosophy.
All things considered Kenshin took it quite well. He looked down at his tea and his eyes grew distant. Soujiro decided it was best to get this over and done with quickly. "Master Shishio had only one thing left to do with the money he had left. He sent me here with it when, ahem, we first met. I was supposed to frame you for the assassination."
Kenshin didn't look like he was hearing a word that Soujiro was saying until he stopped. Finally he looked up. "Why didn't you?"
"I couldn't. You left Tokyo too quickly, and I was forced to leave the money behind where I hid it in order to get back to master Shishio ahead of you." Soujiro removed the smile from his face.
"Now Kamatari has shown up enlisting the aid of the Oniwaban group to find the money to supposedly pay for getting monk Anji out of prison for his role in the uprising. Misao and I also heard Cho and Saitoh mention the fact that they were looking for the money as well. I thought that the most proper thing to do would be, since it isn't my money, to give the money back to you, since Shishio-sama had stolen it from you in the first place, and to ask you if we could use the money to free monk Anji." Soujiro didn't like speaking so much, but he preferred laying all the cards out on the table for Himura.
Kenshin thought for a long time before he answered. "I have no desire to possess the blood money the government tried to give me for the killing I did during the Bakumatsu. I didn't want it then, and I still don't. If it will help get monk Anji out of jail, then use the money any way you want. It is the least I can do for him since he saved Misao in Kyoto and to help atone for the money I left behind being used to finance the uprising."
"Thank you, Himura-dono." Soujiro said respectfully. From what he knew of Himura it was the reaction he had expected. He bowed deeply to him nearly touching his head to the floor when he heard Misao gasp.
"Soujiro, your back! I didn't realize the burn was that bad!" Soujiro had actually forgotten about it. His back still stung whenever he moved too much. "Ms. Kaoru," Misao said seriously, "do you have room I can have for the night. I'm not letting Soujiro out of my sight. He's my prisoner, and besides I need to tend his wounds."
Kaoru smiled. "Certainly, Misao. We can put you in the main hall or something." Soujiro realized why Himura had stopped wandering. Frankly, the more he thought about it, he was surprised he left Tokyo to go fight Shishio. The lady was beautiful, her deep eyes and dark hair made her smile seem even more attractive. Soujiro thought he was in trouble for staring to long when he heard Kenshin clear his throat. Fortunately, he hadn't noticed.
"They can take my room Kaoru-dono. I'll sleep out on the porch in front of your room, in light of things that have happened tonight." Soujiro caught Kenshin glancing in the direction of the two young girls before continuing. "Soujiro, I need to know one last thing. Where is this money that you left in Tokyo?"
Soujiro nearly fell backwards, he'd almost forgotten. "That's a problem actually. I buried it."
"That's OK, we can get Sano to help us tomorrow and we'll go dig it up."
"I don't think so Himura-san," Soujiro said almost wincing. "It seems I buried it at the bottom of this dry well up near the temple and now there is apparently a tree stuck in it. I'm sorry I have no idea where it came from."
Soujiro watched the display. Kenshin slapped his forehead, the two girls fell backwards, and even Kaoru looked perplexed. He and Misao were totally lost. "Well, at least Lord Aoshi will have time to get here before we get to the treasure." Misao said hopefully.
After that, Soujiro and Misao were taken to Kenshin's room. Kenshin laid out a second futon for Soujiro and took his things outside, promising to discuss it more in the morning so that they could come up with a plan. Misao asked Kaoru if she had any burn medicine. Kaoru brought the medicine to Misao who thanked her.
Soujiro sighed in relief as he finally peeled out of his burnt gi. It still throbbed a little and he had no idea how badly he was burned. Pretty badly if Misao was to be believed. "It's a good thing that Kaoru-dono had some salve for the burn." Soujiro said trying to take it from Misao.
"Oh no you don't. You can't even reach the place on your back. I promised to make it up to you and I meant it. Take your shirt off and lay on your stomach. Anyway, Kaoru probably got it from Megumi when she and Kenshin were training in the kitchen."
"Is Kenshin really that bad a cook?"
"No, Kaoru. HE was trying to teach HER."
Soujiro stared at Misao in disbelief for a moment. Surely she couldn't be serious.
"Are you going to lay down or what?"
Soujiro lay down on his stomach. "Yes ma'am. I'll try not to make my jailer to angry with me." Soujiro winced as Misao poked his burn.