Author's Note: I'm rereading the manga now, because of this fic. Yay. :D Also, my original draft was decidedly not as funny as the first chapter. Sorry, it's just that there's a reality associated with being assumed dead and losing an arm and such. So I went back and inserted more humorous scenes, but comedy's still not the focus. But Koshijiro *might* be changing his attitude towards Kenshin. Baby steps, guys.
Koshijiro woke to a jolt of pain and gritted his teeth. He had to ride it through, there was nothing to be done except take medicine. He didn't want to consider that. The doctors of the Satsuma hospital had given him too much, and he hated how the persistent numbness dulled his senses. The pain wasn't that bad, he told himself, but he made a mental reminder to meditate later.
After he stretched and managed to put on his clothes, he opened his bedroom door and abruptly stopped. Himura was standing in front of him, his fist raised as if to knock. "Kamiya-dono, good morning." The redheaded man beamed. "This one was about to tell you that breakfast is ready."
"I see. Thank you, Himura-san." He curtly nodded and stepped past him. He was about to head for the table, when another door slid open and Himura spoke again.
"Good morning, Kaoru-dono."
"Mm, good morning, Kenshin." His daughter still looked drowsy, but she was clad in her training uniform.
"An extra five minutes will not be required today?" There was a note of amusement in Himura's tone.
She laughed. "No, that's because Otou-san…is awake and standing right there." She had noticed him in the hallway mid-sentence and straightened her posture. "Good morning, Otou-san."
"Good morning, Kaoru."
"Um, I don't always sleep in."
"That's right, and Kaoru-dono doesn't ask for more than five minutes." Himura added. From this entire conversation, it sounded as if Himura knocking on her door was a normal occurrence.
"And no, he doesn't go into my room, Otou-san. I know you were going to ask that."
He grimaced. He really was about to, but instead he said. "Don't worry about the five minutes. The past months were difficult for you." All of the students had left as well; he would have to address that. "As long as you're prepared on time for practice, that's all I ask."
As he made his way to the table, he heard his daughter confide to Himura. "Otou-san is very serious when it comes to kenjutsu."
He couldn't deny that, but it was clear that things were going to change. He couldn't hold a shinai properly, and in a fight, he would have trouble keeping his balance. He had already proven that, with Himura. No, there was only one path he could take from now on.
The three of them ate breakfast together. The miso, rice, and fish were good, he grudgingly realized. But he would have rather suffered another phantom pain than say it to Himura's face.
"Anyway, no one's come back yet." Kaoru said. "But some students might show up today, because the head instructor's finally home." She smiled at him, and he felt slightly guilty about what he was about to say.
"Kaoru, I'm not going to be teaching."
"Well, I know that." Her worried gaze drifted to his limp sleeve. "You still need to recover, don't you? But if the students come back, you can correct them. Especially the older ones, they respected you more."
"No, I meant…" He paused for a moment and sighed. "I'm stepping down."
She dropped her chopsticks, and they clattered in her bowl. "Huh?! Then, what are you going to do?"
"It's not as if I'm breaking all ties to the school. I'll remain as an advisor and sparring judge, but main teaching duties will be yours from now on."
She stood in shock. "Me? But I haven't even won a match with the succession techniques yet!"
"That shouldn't matter. You alone have stood by Kamiya Kasshin, and the students must honor that. If I'm the only one who can keep them here, the school will crumble as soon as I'm dead. If Kamiya Kasshin is to survive in the new era, it must learn to survive under new leadership." He sipped his tea, before looking at her directly. "You deserve to be head instructor, Kaoru. You've proven as much, over and over, and to keep you as an assistant instructor would be denying that. So, please accept."
She seemed like she was about to protest, but she knelt down again and lifted her chin. "I humbly accept the title of head instructor."
He nodded. "Good."
"Congratulations, Kaoru-dono." Oh, Himura was still at the table.
"Th-thanks." She nervously stirred her miso. "Wait, is this the last of the miso paste?"
"Unfortunately, it is. This one will have to go to the market later."
"You still don't know your way around, I'll come with you. It's not as if there are students to teach." She grumbled.
"I'll come too." Koshijiro added.
"Otou-san, you don't have to. And not as a chaperone, because it's not necessary since nothing will happen."
"I haven't said anything of the sort."
"Oh, really?" She crossed her arms. "Then, why do you want to go into town?"
He was stoic, trying to formulate an excuse, when Himura spoke up. "Kamiya-dono, there is paperwork to fill, isn't there? For reclaiming your job as a policeman and notifying the census about your mistaken death."
"…That's right." And even worse, it was completely true. He had forgotten about his legal status; he had been too focused on returning to the dojo. "We'll leave if no one shows up before noon."
He hoped that at least one person would come, so Kaoru could act as head instructor for the first time, but the hours ticked past. As he meditated in his room to keep the pain at bay, he faintly heard his daughter griping about the lack of attendance and Himura's gentler responses.
They had better be staying apart. Damn it, he had tensed up again. He forced himself to relax each muscle, one by one, and let his consciousness sink away from worldly concerns.
Still, he was relieved when they finally departed. However, it wasn't for long. His daughter and Himura walked alongside each other, no thanks to the narrow road. He couldn't be as strict, and Himura knew it. He had even apologized beforehand.
"Sorry, Kamiya-dono. It will be difficult to abide by your rule." He had given his signature harmless smile. "Perhaps, this one can walk in front."
"That's acceptable."
"We are not going to the market in single file!" Kaoru scowled. "Otou-san, how hard is it to make an exception? After all, the way of Kamiya Kasshin includes 'being fluid in thought and action'. Remember?"
"I remember that's advice for sparring, not…whatever this is." He finished lamely. Drilling the tenets of his philosophy into her memory had backfired on him, and he was caught off guard.
"It doesn't matter! Honestly!" She angrily headed down the path, and Himura caught up to her. He spoke to her, in a soothing tone.
So now, Koshijiro remained a few paces behind them, frowning every time their shoulders almost brushed. But Himura had defused her temper. She had changed the subject, trying to make conversation. "One of the other dojos offered that I practice with them, so I'll be gone tomorrow afternoon."
"Do you prefer anything for tomorrow's dinner?"
"Mm, whatever's cheap is fine. We can see what's for sale today."
"That sounds like a good plan, Kaoru-dono."
His irritation still lingered, picking at the exchange. He had spoken like that with Kyoko, when they were newlyweds. But before they were married and he hadn't worked up the courage to court her, she had insisted on walking by his side.
"If I'm going to talk to you, I'd rather do it face to face." She had told him. "Otherwise, how can my words reach you? Aren't we friends? Or did that change, now that my parents aren't around?" He had been taken aback and embarrassed, so he changed his pace to match hers.
Even now, you have the answer to this, don't you? He wryly thought. It was true that the three of them were living under one roof, but that didn't mean he could force them to act like strangers once they passed the gate. And now that Kaoru was head instructor, he had to trust her, and not just with kenjutsu. He probably wasn't ready to extend the same sentiment to Himura, though…
They approached the market, and above the noise of the bustling crowd, Himura said. "Thank you for escorting us, Kamiya-dono."
"You're welcome, Himura-san." He didn't sound as clipped as he thought, and the younger man courteously nodded.
Kaoru took a hesitant step. "Otou-san, I'm sorry for snapping at you."
"No, it was my fault for being rigid." He conceded. "Fluidity in thought and action are important outside of the dojo…and out of the house as well. You were right, head instructor."
That made her smile. "You don't have to call me that, to make your point. But, thank you. We'll see you later." They both waved, and she quickly called Himura's attention over to a stall.
He eyed their backs, just to make sure Himura was behaving, before turning towards the police station. He believed he could enter without much fuss, but the skinny man at the front desk recognized him right away.
"Kamiya-san?!" It was Mori, who had been assigned to Tokyo three years ago. He blinked hard. "A ghost? No, is this a dream?"
He decided to be frank, for time's sake. "Good afternoon, Mori-san. I didn't die in Satsuma, and I've come home. Is the chief here?"
Mori still hadn't overcome his shock, pointing one trembling finger over his shoulder. "Yes, he's in his office. He'll be glad to see you, I'm sure."
He wasn't fond of the chief, but he didn't have to be. He had been a hard worker, and the chief appreciated that. Their conversation was short.
The chief adjusted his glasses. "I can't send you into active duty like that. We have plenty of patrols, thanks to a unit sent from Satsuma. But to be honest, I can't bring myself to turn you away. If you want, there's paperwork to be done."
"Paperwork would be fine. I look forward to working with you again."
After they negotiated his salary, he bowed to the chief and left. A carriage had just pulled up outside, and a tall man with an impressive mustache walked out. He seemed important enough for Koshijiro to stay out of his way.
Although his medical records from Satsuma had arrived, the contradictions in the Tokyo office had to be resolved. The frustrating legal paperwork took until sunset; when he was officially alive, his daughter and Himura were already home. She was pouring tea into his cup, and they greeted him.
"I assume the market trip went well?" Koshijiro inquired.
"Yes, it did." Himura answered. "Tomorrow's dinner has also been decided."
"But we're keeping it a surprise for you." Kaoru cheekily said.
He shook his head, but smiled. "Very well, but I was more concerned about tonight's meal. Let's eat."
The following morning was decidedly strange. There were more than fifteen prospective students outside the door, and Kaoru was excited. "Kamiya Kasshin will be revived!"
He had just left the table, when Himura walked up to her side. "This isn't good."
"Eh?" She blinked, and before Koshijiro could remind Himura about the arm's length rule, the rurouni announced.
"This one isn't a teacher or part of this dojo. If you're here because of yesterday's incident, this one is sorry but you will have to leave."
Within a few seconds, they had all scrambled off. Himura hummed something about tending to the bath, and Koshijiro glanced at his stricken daughter.
"Yesterday's incident?" He repeated. "What happened at the market?"
"Kenshin fought off some of the sword-wielding police, when they were harassing him and a crowd. And he obviously got popular enough to finally lure students here!" She ground out and stalked toward Himura. "You idiot! Why did you send them home?!"
The sword-wielding police from Satsuma? He had heard their skills excelled that of the Tokyo police, but Himura had taken them on by himself? Any other man would have been labeled reckless, but Koshijiro mulled it over. Himura had also fought multiple opponents in the dojo and won. That kind of fighting wasn't reckless, it was discerning and highly so. It explained why he turned away those prospective students as well. Nevertheless, Koshijiro would only believe his own eyes, that the man was skilled with a blade. And more importantly…
"The two of them didn't mention the fight." Granted, they had steered away from the subject, but they should have told him anyway! If he had known, well, he would have become stricter and that afternoon's discussion would have been meaningless. Perhaps, he couldn't blame them, but he made a decision.
I should be there for the next fight that happens.
His daughter was still furious when she was about to leave for the other dojo. Himura was tagging along for another errand, while Koshijiro had his newly assigned paperwork to tend to. Out of respect for his war injury and seniority, he had been allowed to work at home in peace.
"Kaoru, don't be so upset." He told her. "If Himura hadn't told them off, I would have chased them away."
"Otou-san!" She scowled.
"If they can't respect you as the head instructor, they aren't worth having as students."
"And if we don't have students, how can we earn money?"
"…If my work goes well, the chief may give me a raise."
"Geez, that's not funny!"
Himura chuckled. "Father and daughter have similar glares."
Well, no one had asked for his opinion. Koshijiro thought sourly. But Himura had been right in telling off the prospective students. They were only concerned with strength, not the will to protect life. They wouldn't have honestly followed the path of Kamiya Kasshin.
The day dragged on, but obviously, news of his return had spread. Dr. Gensai paid a visit, allowing his granddaughters to play in the grass while they talked.
"Are you experiencing pain, where your left arm used to be?"
"There are times, but I can endure it."
"Well, if it gets to be too much, I have medicine that will do the trick. Not opium, of course, and you shouldn't touch that either."
"I know. A drug like that is dangerous, perhaps even more so because it cures pain." In his paperwork, there were reports of opium-related deaths. "However, healing the body means nothing, if it poisons the mind."
A letter from Maekawa also arrived, requesting a meeting next week. He wrote a reply, but he wondered why his old friend hadn't visited in person. Then again, the Maekawa dojo had students, and Maekawa himself had always been courteous.
In the end, he hadn't been able to finish his paperwork. He had to work slowly, to avoid making mistakes, and he didn't have his left hand to hold down the paper as he wrote. He had been focused enough, that he barely registered Kaoru's return.
"Kenshin isn't back yet?" She glanced around.
"No, not yet."
"Otou-san, were you working all day like this? You should see yourself, you look so tired." She planted her hands on her hips. "Just take a break and close your eyes for a few minutes. You'll feel better afterward."
He really must have been tired, because he dragged himself to his futon. Kaoru adjusted his pillow, and he settled onto it. "Thank you."
"You have to take care of yourself, Otou-san." She shuffled his papers together before stacking them. "It's not good to push yourself too hard."
"Did you, while I was gone?"
"I did. I was worried about the finances and the students. But now Kenshin's here to help, and I feel better than I have in months." She smiled. "Speaking of Kenshin, we saw a kid today. And that kid…I should call for a carriage. He was hurt. Just stay put, Otou-san!" She called out, hurrying away.
He wasn't aware of it, but he fell asleep. He was only woken by loud voices, and he forced himself to get up. He shook his head, to clear the drowsiness, as he entered the hallway.
"Stop calling me a hag!" That was his daughter.
"I'll do what I want, hag!" An unfamiliar voice retorted.
Koshijiro walked towards them, wincing at the light. Himura was cooking in the kitchen, and Kaoru was seated at the table. Next to her was a young boy, who had a bandage wound around his head.
Himura paused in the middle of ladling broth into bowls. "Oh, Kamiya-dono. We're about to have dinner now, so you're perfectly on time. This is Myojin Yahiko, the new student of Kamiya Kasshin."
"Because Kenshin told me to join. And who are you?" The boy spat.
"Kamiya Koshijiro. The founder of Kamiya Kasshin and father of your teacher."
"She's not my teacher, I'm not learning from this hag! Why can't I learn from you?" Too late, the boy realized Koshijiro's empty sleeve and he scowled. "Oh, that's why."
"Yes, it is."
"Because he's retired!" Kaoru snapped. "And I'm the head instructor, so you're learning from me, whether you like it or not! So there!" The boy didn't know how to hold his tongue, and they began to bicker again.
Himura was about to carry the bowls over, but he approached Koshijiro. "Kamiya-dono, is it alright if he lives here? He has nowhere else to go. Until recently, he was stealing for the yakuza. However, he'll be a diligent student. This one can see that."
Himura was serious, like when he had mentioned fighting during the Bakumatsu. But he showed that he genuinely cared for the future of Kamiya Kasshin. He had proven himself to be discerning, Koshijiro recalled his earlier consideration. And he didn't like the thought of the boy being homeless, especially when yakuza were still lurking.
"Yes, he's welcome. However, if he has such promise, he will have to learn respect before holding a shinai."
"Oro…"
During the continued banter over dinner, Koshijiro devised a schedule to space out his paperwork. If the household was expanding, he would have to work hard and earn that raise sooner.