A/N: AAAAAH! Over a month! Sorry sorry sorry! (bows in front of readers) Well, I hope you humbly enjoy this chapter. I'm starting to build back some inspiration...as well as a new muse known as NARUTO! Bwahahah! Ahem..err, hope you like!
Chizuru stirred two cups of green tea, completely uniform. She watched as Kenji sat in the training hall, flipping through the book, a smirk readable on his lips. "Read something interesting in that journal?" Chizuru asked as she found herself suddenly grinning. Kenji poked his head up from his reading and nodded, He too, was smiling.
"I'm just reading about how my father was honored to be around my mother. He was very polite to her, from what I've read so far."
"Well, see? He's not as bad as you make him out to be, Kenji!"
Kenji scrunched his nose teasingly at Chizuru before promptly returning to his reading. Chizuru placed the two cups of green tea on a tray and walked over to where Kenji propped himself against a wall. "Thank you, Chizuru-san," Kenji said politely, head bowing slightly as he took the cup from the small tray in which Chizuru held firmly. He patted the floor next to him and motioned for Chizuru to sit with him. As she did, Kenji scooted over so that he placed the book between the two of them to read together. "Want me to read aloud?" Chizuru nodded and placed her left hand on the edge of the journal, stretching it out so she could look on as he read.
"There was a lot before this though, about he met Yahiko and his friend Sanosuke… I think that was his name… well anyway, I am reading the parts where both my mother and father were in situations. I just want to see how he treated her. What my mother really saw in him."
"I know, Kenji," Chizuru said, signifying that she believed his reasons to be honest. "But I'm sure your father loved Kaoru-san very much, Kenji."
Kenji shrugged loosely, his wry expression morphing gradually into a blank stare. "Well then I guess there's only one way to find out," he added, placing his index finger on the illegible kana that stood out brilliantly in comparison to the off white pages. "'I remember also when I woke up one morning to find that Sanosuke and Yahiko were rummaging for food. That seemed like no surprise to me, seeing how they were habitually doing something of that sort…'"
But the thing that puzzled me was the fact that they were complaining about there not being any food. I wasn't sure if they were looking hard enough, because I was certain that Kaoru-dono had just brought back decent pay from giving swordsmanship lessons to her students. Even though that was the case, we all came to terms with the fact that times were hard to live through at that moment, that they were. When Kaoru-dono heard us making a racket, she came in giving an excellent point saying that she was the only one making any sort of income toward this doujo. I felt guilty. Perhaps I had been relying too much on her.
We all left the doujo soon after, my thoughts still clouded with the fact that Kaoru-dono had been supporting us this whole time. It was then that I wanted to do something in return for all of her kindness. I couldn't have asked for better timing. Sanosuke, Yahiko, and I had overheard a man speaking of a dangerous fleet known as the Kairyuu. The pay was decent enough and Yahiko, Sanosuke, and I were on our way on a ship belonging to a man named Senbonya Yohei.
It hadn't been long at all and already it was apparent that Yahiko was suffering from seasickness. I myself had been on ships during many deathmatches while I was still a Hitokiri so of course my stomach wasn't as delicate as Yahiko's. I pitied him truly. All Sanosuke and I could see was a yellow blur running to the side of the boat and clinging on to the railing miserably. And as if that wasn't enough, a young woman ran by his side. Apparently she had the same problem…
It was when she turned around that I finally recognized the person with Yahiko. I was stunned beyond belief. Hah! That was an understatement, if anything. It was Kaoru-dono! Of all people, she was on the Senbonya fleet with Sanosuke, Yahiko, and I. Why? She told us afterward that she only wanted to give us something good to eat every once in a while and didn't mind going on the ship to make money and help out. I was surprised at how selfless she was being. Especially since she made the point about us not being there to help her in reciprocation for her kind deeds.
I wish I could have told her how much I cared about what she was doing. But before we knew it…we somehow got found by the Kairyuu and were ambushed during the nighttime. A little foolish on my part, really. I knew I should have been suspicious of such a group. The Kairyuu were known for the way they slaughtered people and plundered ships mercilessly. As if without the slightest bit of hesitation. I wished that I could be stronger. But it was difficult enough as it was, Kaoru-dono was involved in the battle and was on deck as the pirates decided to conveniently attack.
I engaged in combat with the leader, Shuura, and it wasn't before long that I was hit with a poison dart by one of Shuura's subordinates. Surely I wouldn't give up. I refused to leave Kaoru-dono vulnerable. However…Shuura was very good and the dart slowly started to take effect. I was surprised to learn that Shuura was a female, as I'm sure everyone was as well.
The next thing I remember about that night is how I collapsed and realized that Kaoru-dono was no longer by my side but instead in the hands of my foes. I couldn't believe it. I dropped my guard because of that poison dart that was embedded in my back. I had to do something, and fast. I didn't want them leaving without her. And so I leapt off the boat and onto the dock, begging Shuura to let her go. I never imagined that I would have to take place…
"Dang," Kenji whistled, closing the book slowly and looking at Chizuru with a skeptical expression.
"Your parents…your poor mother and father. They went through so much together, didn't they?" Chizuru asked quietly. She looked down at Kenji's hand and placed hers on top of his. The difference in size made her feel somewhat comforted. "The fact that you dislike your father so much is so unfortunate. I'm sure he was such a good person. And still is, I mean…"
"Keh, maybe he was, maybe he's not."
"Maybe you should ask Yahiko-kun to tell you a few stories back when he traveled with them!"
Kenji looked down at Chizuru's hand resting comfortably on his. He felt his lips tug upward gradually. "Thank you, Chizuru-san…"
Kaoru clutched onto the small purse in her left hand as she entered the marketplace. It was no longer as lively as she knew it was during the midday period. The time had exceeded six at night and there were few people still out shopping. The sun was setting. Kaoru looked up and noticed how the hues of orange and pink illuminated the entire vicinity.
"Hello, Kaoru-chan," greeted one of the women who worked at a nearby fruit stand, "buying the usuals, I see?"
"Yeah," she replied as she sighed heavily.
"Oh, what's the matter? You look pale and much older… than I'm used to seeing you as." The shopkeeper herself was aging quickly and was about 20 years older than Kaoru, so she didn't find it impolite asking about her wan appearance. "Would you like to talk with me inside? Chouji is preparing dinner for me. I couldn't ask for a better grandson." Kaoru smiled politely.
"Oh no, I shouldn't. Kenji's waiting for me at the doujo…and you know how he gets…" she muttered while laughing. The shopkeeper giggled.
"That's to be expected of a young boy such as himself. Youths these days! So impatient!"
"Oh? He reminds me of myself when I was a teenager!"
"Don't make it sound as if you're so far from your childhood, Kaoru-chan. I can tell it's still there." Kaoru's eyes widened and blushed shortly after. "But yes, I have to agree that Kenji is very much like you in many ways. And that reminds me… what of that Chizuru girl? Many people here are beginning to talk of their relationship together. But I just want to make sure… are they seeing each other?"
"Aaah, not that I know of," Kaoru replied calmly, "though I have to say Chizuru-san is a sweetheart." The other woman nodded thoughtfully. "She has been extremely supportive of Kenji and I always believed that she had some sort of crush on him. For some reason, I can tell… it's just something about those two that I've always liked."
"Now they're a couple that reminds me of you and Himura-san."
"Aah-well…r-really?" Kaoru stammered.
"You don't have to act so surprised, Kaoru-chan," came the raspy reply of the older woman. "Kenji has the noble heart of your husband. He is strong and unwavering and is willing to lay his life on the line for the people he loves. That's what I sense from your son. And if he were to be presented in a situation where he had to protect, he would do it single-handedly. Your son is a genius, much like your husband." Kaoru smiled sheepishly. "I believe he can master the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu in a matter of mere months if he desired it so…"
"Ah, he does…believe me," Kaoru laughed. "He's very determined…"
"He'll make a good husband. With his strength and gentle ways. He's a good person." Kaoru nodded and proceeded to pay for the fruits that she picked out and put in a small basket. "Oy, Kaoru-chan? What say we investigate the Kenji Chizuru situation further? You may be right about them liking each other. And they're both fifteen now. Quickly approaching as adults, I would say."
"Yeah, way too fast…"
"It was bound to happen, Kaoru-chan. We're all proud of Kenji-kun and we want him to do well in the future. He's going to make everyone here proud. Before, when you were a teenager, this town housed many isolated souls. But now that the war is over, people have come to gather and trust each other. We all know Kenji, every one of us. Such a pure soul."
"I hoped to raise him that way, I guess it worked," Kaoru grinned. "Well, I think I should get going. I still have to buy some tofu for tonight's dinner!"
"Ah, don't even worry about traveling. I'll get Chouji on it right away. Since he's making dinner right now, I'm sure he can give you extra while he's already in the kitchen. Hold on, let me get him." The shopkeeper went inside briefly, calling out for her grandson while Kaoru just smiled. "Chouji-kun? Chouji-kun?"
"Ittai nani ga, 'baachan? I'm making ramen right now!"
"Shhh! Don't be rude, Kaoru-chan is here!"
Kaoru smiled deeply and in a few moments, the speaking became inaudible. She had wondered many times before when she would become a grandmother herself and when Kenji would decide to have children. "I still have a lot of time before my Kenji settles down," she thought. "But I can't help think about it sometimes!"
"Yare yare… what a troublesome boy. Here Kaoru-chan. Tofu was what you needed, right?" Kaoru nodded. "Well now, you be careful going home now, all right? It's getting dark and I'm sure there are hardly any people left on the streets. Especially where you reside!"
"Ne, Obaasan," Kaoru said teasingly, "I'll be fine! I do practice swordsmanship, you know!"
"But not so much anymore!"
"Aah…that may be true…but don't worry, I'll be all right," she added gently. "Well then, I'll see you later." The shopkeeper waved her off in a friendly manner and watched as she walked out of sight.
Kaoru clutched her bags and purse as she calmly walked. True enough, it was getting darker after each passing second, she could see it. Kaoru gripped her belongings harder and suddenly paused in midstep. She looked to her left and right as discreetly as she could, a feeling of uneasiness grabbing hold of her shoulders. Well, can't blame a girl for getting startled in nearly pitch-black darkness. "Sure, leave it to a new moon, why don't ya?" Kaoru hissed at nothing in particular.
She swallowed hard and was about to continue on foot when something suddenly whizzed by her left ear. "Kyah! What WAS that?" She placed a hand over her heart and realized how scared she was getting. Worked up probably over a fly or a bird. "Aaah, I'm the assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu! There's no way…I can let myself get so worked up over nothing--"
"Oh but it's not nothing…" said a mysterious voice.
Kaoru whirled around but saw nothing. Or no one, for that matter. "Who's there? Show yourself, coward!" She placed her groceries down beside her and readied herself in a stance that resembled Kenpo Taijutsu. She darted her eyes nervously around before she heard rapid footsteps approach. Kaoru was tempted to scream but kept her wits about her and shielded her face.
"That alone will not save you, or your Kenji-kun," the voice cackled mockingly. It was as if Kaoru was hearing it inside her head. It was a place where she could not rid herself of such a voice. Its resounding laughter was amplified at least ten times and Kaoru grit her teeth in pain. "You may want to check your left ear."
Kaoru tapped her left ear with a paroxysmal movement, eyes widening when she took note that it was bleeding. She hadn't any idea what was going on, nor did she want to know. The tremors that ran through her body wouldn't stop. And it was almost as if someone could smell her fear. And to top it all off, Kaoru was without a weapon.
"I'd worry if I were you," the voice said again. There was a long pause.
And the next thing that sounded was an ear-splitting scream.
A/N: Bwahahahaha... cliffhanger.. I think I'm famous for these. Please review, even though it's been forever
