Author's Note: It's the end of the Tokyo arc! Please let me know what you think, and if you'd like to hear my thoughts on recent news and what I'll do next, I've updated my profile to reflect that.
Koshijiro frowned, looking through the documents again. The newest arrest had been for opium possession, and as expected, he wasn't talking on where he had bought it. The price on the streets was high, ever since Takeda Kanryuu was taken into custody and addicts moved from one dealer to the next. The man in custody was no different, and he had purchased opium at an exorbitant amount.
It was expensive enough to be suspicious.
Two of Koshijiro's officers had gathered evidence of the man's salary from his employer, confirming that the addict could have paid the high price. But they had to find the dealer, to get a better grasp on the situation before anyone else was hurt. He filed the papers away, and rose from his desk, addressing his colleagues.
"I'm leaving early today, I won't be back." Dr. Gensai was stopping by the house in the afternoon, to check on his physical condition. Tomorrow was Friday, his day off, so he wouldn't return to the station until next week. "Thank you for your work so far."
"Thank you for your hard work, Kamiya-san!" That was the general chorus, as he made his departure.
At midday, Tokyo was bustling. On both sides of the street, pedestrians strolled, carrying groceries home or perusing the shops. The workers called out, recommending lacquerware, fresh food, or the latest newspaper.
"If you don't have enough money, shoo!" Nearby, a stall owner had raised his voice, drawing Koshijiro's attention. His wares were inexpensive metal items, and he was flapping his hand at a petite customer wearing a travel-worn cloak.
"Come on, have some mercy. I just need a new canteen!" The voice sounded high and sweet.
"No means no, miss!"
It was unfair to the poor woman, and Koshijiro shouldered his way to the stall. "Excuse me. I'd like to pay for her." At the sight of his money purse, the owner relented, removing a small aluminum canteen from the rest.
She looked up at Koshijiro, her eyes bright. "Thank you very much, sir!" Now that he was closer, he could see that she was just a girl, around Kaoru's age or maybe even younger. "And thanks to you too." She cheekily said to the stall owner, taking her new purchase. The other man huffed, turning to the next customer.
Koshijiro politely replied to the girl. "It was no trouble. If you're a tourist, I can provide directions."
"That'd be great! So, do you know where a large mansion is? I'm, uh, interested in Western architecture."
Takeda's home came to mind, especially since it had been cleaned up, in preparation to be sold off. "The only one I can think of is on the outskirts of town. If you keep an eye on the street signs, you can orient yourself." He pivoted, pointing down the road. His mind traced the route to the mansion, as he explained where and how she should turn. "That should bring you to the gates of the mansion." He was helping her this much, but he felt obligated to do so; she was the same age as his daughter and traveling alone.
"I see." He almost bumped into her, she was already on the move. "Then, that's where I'll go." She nodded, her expression set in determination.
"If you find that you're lost, you can also ask the officers on patrol, for assistance."
"I'll be fine!" She waved. "Thank you again!" And then, she slipped through the crowd, lowering her cloaked head. Koshijiro didn't spot her after that, and feeling satisfied, he continued on. He didn't notice anything else, until a voice called out.
"Otou-san? Otou-san, over here!" Kaoru waved to him, from the other side of the street. Because Yahiko was at the Akabeko for the morning, she was still clad in the yellow kimono she wore at breakfast. Himura was at her side, his hands tucked into his sleeves.
Koshijiro headed over, weaving through the other pedestrians. "I've just left the station."
"Isn't it still early? Your appointment is at three."
"This current case is rather difficult, and I had to stop, before being caught up."
"That's understandable." Himura said. "Then, would you like to join us? We can all go back together."
"It'll be short, we just needed more daikon strips." Kaoru added. "The shop is only a block away."
"Very well." He conceded, and walked behind Himura and his daughter. There was a respectable distance between the two of them.
When they arrived at the shop, Kaoru ordered the amount they needed. The dried daikon had been cut into strips and arranged in a box, tied in a cloth. As Himura accepted the container, Koshijiro stepped forward. "I'll pay for today." He reached into his shirt…and came up empty. "Hm?"
The shop owner was beginning to look impatient, and Kaoru hurriedly handed over the sum of money, before herding them back into the street. Koshijiro was still searching for his wallet, to no avail.
"Otou-san, did you leave it at your work desk?"
"No, I had it with me when I…paid for that girl's canteen." He furrowed his brow. For his generosity, he had been robbed! "She was around your age, Kaoru, and she didn't have enough money. I even gave her directions."
"And she took advantage of you, it seems." Himura was sympathetic. "Should we try and find her?"
"It isn't worth it. I didn't have too much in there, only enough for my lunch tomorrow."
"This one can make you a bento box. It would be cheaper that way."
"I suppose so."
"And it was old, I'll buy you a new one." Kaoru looked excited, to be treating him. "What color? Is there a pattern you'd like? Or what about a leather one, like the kind that Westerners use?"
"No, nothing that extravagant. But I'll leave the color and pattern to you."
"Alright!" Leading the way, with confidence and her own money purse in hand, his daughter was acting like the head of the household. And if her boarder used to be an assassin, it didn't show. Just now, he had seemed more like a thrifty housewife.
Koshijiro let out a sigh. And he felt old, readily deceived and needing to be attended to. No, wait, he still had years left in him. Today was only…an exception. This gloomy spell could be blamed on the difficult case at work.
"Otou-san, this way!" Kaoru beckoned him, and he picked up his pace. She held up her chosen item, then offered it to him. "I was thinking that this one would be perfect. See, it's navy blue, so stains won't show."
"It's a good color." Himura nodded in approval. "And it is for a reasonable price."
"Then, I can't disagree." Koshijiro turned the wallet in his hand, thoroughly examining it. "Yes, the fabric's sturdy and the stitching's excellent. I'll take it." His daughter was grinning from ear to ear as she paid. With the transaction settled, they walked on, heading for home. The number of people around them gradually lessened, and there was more room to breathe.
Kaoru's ponytail swung, her attention drawn to the other side of the street. "Sanosuke? What are you doing here?"
Sagara was standing in front of a stall, and he gave a cursory nod as they approached. "Picking out nishiki-e."
Koshijiro surveyed the arrangement of pictures. The majority were ink-based portraits, and carefully stacked and separated by the artist. "These are good, for amateur works."
"Got an eye for them, old man?"
"I'm no expert, but my father's hobby made it impossible to be ignorant of art. Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"Like a beautiful woman?" Kaoru referred to the most common subject of these portraits.
"No."
"Then, what about something erotic?" Himura suggested.
"K-kenshin!" Kaoru spluttered, her face reddening. He only maintained his good-natured smile.
Sagara shook his head. "No again. I'm looking for works by someone named Tsunan. Tae said I could pay off some of my tab, if I got her and Tsubame a couple of pictures. Do you have any more of Iba Hachiro?" He asked the merchant.
"Yes, these are the last two. Tsunan's works sell out fast, he's getting popular."
"Thanks." Sagara said, but he froze, his eyes locked onto another portrait. "Who made that one?"
It was of a young man, with a gentle face and the uniform of the Sekihoutai. His figure took up much of the foreground, so that the two small boys on either side of him seemed like late additions. "That's one of Sagara Souzou, also by Tsunan." The merchant explained. "But it's not selling, as expected. That guy from the false government army-" Knowing Sagara's history with the faction, Kaoru and Himura hushed the merchant, urging him to keep quiet. But Sagara didn't react, still staring at the picture.
"I'll take that one too, and I'll give you a tip if you tell me where Tsunan is!" He was strangely worked up, and offering more money was uncharacteristic of him.
"Er, I'll give you the address. I'll warn you, he hates people, so he won't see you." He scribbled it on a sheet of paper, and Sagara snatched it with the rest of his purchases, before storming off.
"It's unusual, how excited he is. Perhaps, he recognizes Tsunan." Koshijiro mused.
"We can find out more, if we follow him." Kaoru's eyes glinted with curiosity, and she followed Sagara's trail.
Himura smiled at Koshijiro. "Well, there's no harm." And so, they went after her.
Their destination was at the edge of town, one of the many row houses, yet Sagara confidently rapped his knuckles against the door. "Tsukioka-san! Are you there?" He paused to listen, before taking a deep breath and giving a solid kick. "I know you're there, Tsukioka Katsuhiro!"
The door slammed open, revealing a young man who looked as if he hadn't seen sunlight in days. His eyes were shadowed under the paisley cloth wrapped around his forehead, and his hair was unevenly cut. He absently blinked at Sagara, who smirked in triumph.
"I was right, you were the one who drew this." He tapped the picture he had bought for himself, to the two boys. "That's me and you, behind the captain. No one else could have known, how he took us in like his own."
At once, Tsukioka relaxed, even smiling. "You're right about that." They started to talk in earnest.
"Let's go home." Himura said, quietly retreating.
Kaoru was reluctant. "Shouldn't we meet him, Sano's friend?"
"It's best not to. We may have followed him because we were concerned, but his past with the Sekihoutai is special to him. In a place of such memories, there's no need for strangers."
Koshijiro agreed. "Yes, let's leave them to catch up with each other. And we need to be home before Dr. Gensai arrives. Come, Kaoru."
She didn't move right away, gazing at Himura's back. "Yeah, okay."
They were on time to meet Dr. Gensai, and Koshijiro was pronounced to be in good health. However, they didn't see Sagara again. Most likely, he was still speaking with his friend, into the late hours of an unusually chilly night.
He didn't resurface until the next morning, offhandedly apologizing to them in the courtyard. "Sorry for running off on you guys. Actually, I've known Tsunan since we were kids, but we lost touch, so this is the first time we've met in ten years."
"You're joking!" Kaoru exclaimed, and Himura stopped chopping wood to join in the charade.
"Tsunan's your old friend?"
Sagara was unconvinced. "You don't sound that surprised."
"Of course we are. Aren't we, Kaoru-dono?" His carefree smile widened as he turned to her.
"Really surprised, Kenshin."
Well, their acting was a little over the top, and they could have done so further apart. Nevertheless, Koshijiro decided it was best not to say anything, and only sipped his tea, keeping a stoic face. Yahiko picked up on his lack of irritation, and leapt next to him on the porch. "What happened?"
"What do you mean?" He also feigned ignorance, and the boy ground his teeth together. But before Yahiko could elaborate, Sagara shrugged and continued.
"Well, whatever. I want to host a party for him tonight."
"It sounds like you want to hold it here."
He gave a sheepish grin. "Well, the more the merrier. And he hasn't enjoyed himself once, in the past ten years. He's gotta be lonely."
"That's fine, but how will you pay for it? Are you going to sponge off me again?" Kaoru's expression darkened, and she subconsciously raised her shinai.
"Don't worry about it, I'll cover everything. Oh, and tell Tae and the little girl to come. The fox woman too. It'll be fun. I'm going to order the food now, so see ya." Then, he was off again, leaving them stunned. Sagara was acting…responsible? For once?
"Strange…" Kaoru spoke first, and she turned to Himura, grabbing him by the collar. "This is strange! Do you think he's sick?!"
"Oro…! Please, calm down…"
It was strange, but Koshijiro assumed that the young man was in a good mood, after reuniting with his friend. He knew what that was like. A gathering would be a welcome distraction from the current state of work, especially if the expenses were handled by Sagara. They would have to take advantage of his newfound generosity. Who knew how long it would last? "If we're having guests, I might as well invite Dr. Gensai, to repay him for yesterday." Koshijiro heaved himself to his feet. "And Kaoru, that's enough. Let go of Himura-san."
Yahiko shook his head. "It's spring, that's what's making everyone so weird. All the pollen in the air."
The dojo had been scrubbed clean and freshly waxed for the impromptu party. Koshijiro had just finished arranging the cushions in a wide oval, when Tae and Tsubame arrived with sake and two bento boxes.
"Ah, thank you, although you didn't have to cook."
"We couldn't come empty-handed." Tae beamed. "It's only a few vegetable dishes and fried tofu. But it looks like we're the first ones to arrive."
While they removed their shoes, Tsubame shyly asked. "Will Tsunan really be here?"
"Yes, Sagara-san left to meet him. They'll be along later." He ushered them inside. The sun was nearly past the horizon, and he closed the door to keep the draft out. "Please, sit down."
In the meantime, preparations continued. Himura had brewed plenty of tea, and in the dojo, Kaoru made conversation, inquiring about business at the Akabeko. From the kitchen's open doorway, Yahiko frequently looked over, clearly yearning to speak to Tsubame.
"Go on, Yahiko. This one will be fine here." Himura assured him.
"A-are you sure?"
"Yes, and take these cups with you. That will be all." As the boy eagerly took the tray, Koshijiro stepped out of his way. He glanced inside the kitchen, noticing Himura was not only making tea.
"Are those umeboshi rice balls?" Each pickled fruit was wrapped in rice and nori seaweed.
"Oro, they're good hangover cures. This one has also measured out the miso and rice for tomorrow's breakfast. It will be a light meal." He was already considering the consequences of freely flowing sake.
"I see." Koshijiro thought for a moment, and then, he looked for the packets of stomach medicine, moving them next to the onigiri on the shelf. "Himura-san, if anyone needs medicine, it will be here."
"Thank you, Kamiya-dono."
"Hey, someone, open the gate! The party won't start otherwise!" Sagara was calling, and Koshijiro went to let them in. He was met with Sagara, grinning as he balanced a platter of sushi in each hand. Tsunan quietly hung in his shadow, with a large plate of sashimi and a box under his other arm. Koshijiro assumed it held more bottles of sake.
The food and drinks were set in the middle of the floor, surrounded by the cushions. Koshijiro took the spot nearest to the door, with Tae and Kaoru on either side of him. Himura, he noticed, had taken the remaining cushion beside Kaoru. Across from him, Sagara wiped his brow and clapped his hands together. "Alright, this looks more like it! Thanks for the side dishes." The last he said to Tae. "And sorry I still haven't paid off all of my tab. How about this? Katsu here will draw anything you like." He jabbed a thumb at Tsukioka.
Tae's eyes lit up, as she touched Tsubame's shoulder. "Really? Then, could you please draw the two of us?"
"If you want." Tsukioka shrugged. He asked for some ink and paper, and quickly set to work. He kept to a single corner, turned away from everyone else and drawing from memory alone. Despite the candlelight, darkness crept in that area, as night fell upon the house. He didn't face them again until half an hour later. "Here."
The sketches were quite good; Tae marveled over the detail and how natural her portrait looked, while Tsubame breathed 'thank you'. Tsukioka stiffly nodded in response.
There was a polite knock at the door, and Koshijiro excused himself to let their last guests in.
Whether Koshijiro thought there was enough liquor already or not, it didn't matter, for Dr. Gensai had a bottle in each hand. "Good evening, everyone! Oh, girls, don't make trouble!" He warned his granddaughters, who eagerly ran into the house.
Ayame and Suzume clamored around Kaoru, overjoyed to see her. "Kaoru-nee, Kaoru-nee!"
"I'm happy to see you too!" She smiled, taking each by the hand and showing them the assortment of sushi.
"Come in, welcome." Koshijiro opened the door wider, and the doctor inclined his head in apology.
"Sorry we're late. It's just that my son and daughter-in-law are busy tonight, so I'm taking care of the girls. And Takani had one last patient."
"It's no trouble. Hello, Takani-san."
"Hello, Kamiya-san." She skirted around Dr. Gensai, clearly eyeing the unoccupied cushion next to Himura. "Thank you for the invitation." But before she reached her desired seat, Ayame and Suzume piled onto the cushion, exuberantly greeting "Ken-nii". She pursed her lips, having to settle for the seat between the ten-year-olds.
Dr. Gensai raised one bottle, before handing it to Koshijiro. "I'm looking forward to this. Let's drink up!"
Koshijiro managed a smile; they both knew the doctor was a lightweight. "Well…let's enjoy ourselves."
Everyone began to fill their cups and plates, and it was silent until Takani flashed a coy glance to Sagara. "It's so strange for us to be treated by you. I wonder if you've come across some dirty money."
"Ha, you haven't changed!" He snorted.
"I was about to say the same to you."
"Look at you two, you're so alike." Yahiko couldn't help teasing them. "A great couple, right here! Ow!" They both smacked him, and Himura intervened.
"There, there. This is a party, so let's get along."
The fried tofu and vegetables were very good, especially the braised lotus root. Koshijiro was also partial to the tuna nigiri, each piece fresh and firm. When he set down his chopsticks at last, his daughter poured him a cup of sake.
"Thank you, Kaoru." He tried a sip, and was slightly taken aback. It wasn't as diluted as he had expected. If the other bottles were like this, they'd be completely wiped out before midnight. But still…the flavor wasn't bad.
"You're welcome! Tae, would you like a refill?"
"Oh, I'm fine for now." Tae's cup was already half full, and she lifted it to take another sip. "Hm? Tsubame, do you want a taste?"
The girl had been glancing at the clear liquid, and she startled when she was addressed. "Um…no, thank you." She was still rather shy.
The others were beginning to loosen up, thanks to the rice wine. Sagara cheerfully offered Yahiko the bottle in his hand. "Hey, Yahiko, try some."
"Uh, does it taste good?"
Kaoru noticed the exchange, protesting. "Yahiko, you're too young!"
"On second thought, here!" He thrust his cup towards Sagara, and then observed the sake with interest.
"Put it down, please, Yahiko." Koshijiro sternly said. In a few years, he could drink with supervision, but right now, he wasn't old enough to be drinking for pleasure. Also, he suspected Sagara's bottle was very undiluted.
"Fine…but after I try a sip." After a moment, the boy gagged.
Kaoru sighed. "Didn't we tell you? Come on, have some water."
The night went on. Gradually, the chopsticks were set down, and the bottles were handled more frequently. Sagara poured Koshijiro a second cup, which somehow emptied faster. Tae offered a third, and he decided not to decline.
"You're not a bad drinker!" Sagara crowed. He was laughing louder than usual, but other than that, he seemed fine. It was in stark contrast to Dr. Gensai, who was already out of commission and snoring on an extra pillow.
"Well…it's my limit for now. I'll get the doctor a blanket." And perhaps, a few more, if anyone else fell asleep.
Outside, the silence brought instant relief, and Koshijiro inhaled deeply. The cool air cleared some of the alcohol's effect. While it was nice to have the dojo this noisy again, his ears definitely needed a break. He entered the house, bumping into the wall only once before returning the way he came.
Now, Yahiko was sprawled on the floor, and Koshijiro draped the topmost blanket over him. After ensuring the same for Dr. Gensai, he piled the rest in a corner. He had to step around Tsukioka, who was pouring sake for himself. Sagara's friend was so quiet and solitary, Koshijiro briefly wondered if they had overwhelmed him with this party. "How are you, Tsukioka-san?"
"…I'm perfectly alright." His reply was cool. "Just a little tired."
"I see. Then, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." He gave a polite nod, and returned to his cushion.
His cup had been refilled again, and this one…was not diluted. Which bottle had it come from? He narrowed his gaze, surveying the area. Maybe, he'd figure it out, after his head stopped spinning from the sake's strength.
Tsubame had nodded off, and Tae tucked a blanket around her. Ayame and Suzume, kept awake by the party's excitement, had taken the brushes and ink to doodle. Giggling between themselves, they rushed to the nearest wall, pretending to frame their pictures. Kaoru encouraged them; she must have had a cup or two, but she directed the bottle in her hand to her left.
"Oh, Kenshin, I can pour you some."
"Thank you." He smiled, holding his cup for her.
Takani seized her chance, moving to the cushion the little girls had abandoned. "Kaoru, you don't know how? Here, let me teach you." In an instant, she snatched the sake and the opportunity. "There you go, Ken-san."
"Ah…" He tentatively sipped, and Takani practically glowed.
Kaoru scowled and took another bottle, to fill her cup close to the brim. "Fine! I'll just drink by myself!" She tossed back the sake in one go.
Himura reached out to her, concerned. "Kaoru-dono…you shouldn't drink so much."
"Leave me alone!" Then, she hiccupped, clasping a hand over her mouth.
"By the way," Koshijiro spoke up, deciding to educate Himura. "Kaoru takes after her mother, when it comes to drinking."
"…and was she a good drinker?"
"Not at all, Kyoko was an utter lightweight. It always went straight to her head." She was so cheerful though, when she was drunk, and laughed until she was breathless. A wave of melancholy overcame him at the memory, and he downed another shot to chase it away.
"Oro! Then…" Himura nervously looked towards Kaoru. Her face had turned a deep shade of red.
"Ken-shin." She directed a ferocious glare at him. Just as suddenly, her temper fizzled, and she frowned, continuing to hiccup. "I'm all sweaty. It's from kenjutsu-hic! Because I can't cook, or pour sake, and now I can't even drink without-hic!"
Himura's eyes widened. "Oro, she also takes after you, Kamiya-dono."
"Oh, well." It was a callous reply, and he enjoyed the redhead's incredulous expression.
Kaoru's temper resurged. "Hey! I was talking, Kenshin!"
"Yes, and it isn't good to say such things about yourself."
"But…but! I won't lose at…" Her sentence dissolved into a fit of laughter, confusing Himura. "Never mind! It's too embarrassing!"
"Go for it!" Sagara jumped into the conversation. "Let's hear it!"
Takani huffed. "You all smell of alcohol. I'm done, I'm going to get some rest."
"Aw, come on, we're just getting started. One more drink, I'll even pour for you."
"Only half a cup." She said, sitting down next to him. His motor skills were still intact, he didn't spill a drop.
"There you go. Not so bad, huh, fox woman?"
"Hmph, for a rooster-head."
Koshijiro must have dozed off in the next instant, because the next thing he knew, he was startling awake, around fifteen minutes later. Takani had taken a corner to herself, her head turned aside. Ayame and Suzume had tired themselves out as well, sharing a blanket near Tae. It seemed like Himura and Sagara just finished a drinking bout, the latter urging a continuation.
"You can keep going, can't you?"
"No, this is it for this one." He wiped his mouth, grinning. "Tsukioka-dono, could you take this one's place?"
"No, thank you." The artist spoke in a monotone.
Kaoru wasn't satisfied. "Come on, drink up and you'll be happy just like us!" She beamed and threw her arm around Himura, bringing her cheek close to his. He held up his cup, smiling even more.
"Yes, join us!"
The sight irked Koshijiro, for some reason. Ah yes, the rule. He tried to get up, about to admonish the two of them, but he never did. Liquid splashed all over his front, the strong smell of alcohol searing his nostrils.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Kamiya-san!" Tae slapped a cloth napkin onto his soaked shirt. "That was clumsy of me. I hope you can change into different clothes…in fact, you should go right now!"
He blinked. "…I suppose so." It wouldn't do, to sleep in wet clothes. Slowly, he stood and headed for the door.
"'s late. Good night." Kaoru rubbed at her eyes, before crawling over to the youngest girls. "There's room here, but I can't share their blanket."
"This one will get another for you." Himura rose, and his footsteps were soundless.
Meanwhile, she was staring at him, her eyes glazed over, and Koshijiro didn't recognize the expression his daughter had. But it was brief, melting away as soon as Himura faced her again. "Thanks, Kenshin. And Otou-san, it's so cold."
He was holding the door ajar, letting the wind in. "Sorry. I'll be back."
Stumbling back to the house was a blur, and changing even more so. He kept missing his left sleeve, plucking at it only for it to escape his grip. He also couldn't forget Kaoru's strange face, when there was just Himura in her line of sight, and he was turned around, so she could only see-
Koshijiro stopped, frowning. He felt like he was about to conclude something…? The words 'improper' and 'ogle' were in his head, but…why, exactly? Well, he'd remember in the morning. Hopefully.
Eventually, he managed to dress, and as he slowly approached the dojo, the ringing in his ears told him that it was much quieter. He almost tripped over Himura, sitting near the door with his head bowed. Sagara was propped up against the wall, and Tsukioka had curled into a ball, breathing evenly.
Koshijiro staggered around, checking that the blankets were neat. He pulled up a folded edge against Kaoru's shoulder, to ward off the cold. Then, he dragged the last blanket over himself, and found enough space to lie on his side. He nodded once, twice, and then, he stopped fighting and gave in to sleep.
Koshijiro felt the pain first. It was an incessant drilling, against the inside of his skull. He tried to lift his head, but his neck protested. That was what came from sleeping on the floor. And his mouth tasted terrible. With great effort, he forced himself to sit up.
"Oh, Kamiya-san, you're awake." That was Yahiko's voice, and Koshijiro turned to see him scrubbing the floor. The dishes had been cleared, and the blankets gone, most likely in the laundry. The dojo was aglow with sunshine, it must have been mid-morning already. It was also empty, save for Yahiko, who scrambled to his feet and peered outside. "Hey, Kaoru!"
"I said not to yell!" She retorted, from somewhere around the yard.
"But your dad's up now."
She hurried inside, and she looked alert, no worse for the wear after an evening of drinking. "Good morning, Otou-san. Can you eat something yet? Or at least drink tea?" When he nodded, she was already on her way out. "Don't move!"
It was quiet again, and Yahiko shifted in place. "Er, how's your stomach?"
"I'm fine, thank you." He coughed, his throat dry.
"That's good, I didn't feel so great this morning. But Kenshin made me take some medicine, and it worked. He said you thought of it beforehand, so thanks."
"You're welcome." The corners of his mouth lifted, and Yahiko gave a tentative smile.
Kaoru entered, with a tray of tea, a bowl of miso, and two umeboshi rice balls. "Here you are, Otou-san. Yahiko, can you help out Kenshin? We need more firewood."
"Sure."
While Kaoru unwrapped the onigiri, Koshijiro inquired. "Has everyone else left?"
"Yeah, Sano took Tsunan back to his place last night, that's what Kenshin said. Dr. Gensai's son came here, he wasn't too happy about the drinking, but he calmed down after seeing the girls. Megumi left with them, and Tae and Tsubame just ten minutes ago. I told Yahiko to let you sleep, since you haven't gotten enough rest in a while."
"Thank you." Something nagged at him, and he tried to recall why. It involved Kaoru, and a word or two, but the memory eluded him, as if it were a dream he had forgotten upon waking.
"Otou-san?" He looked up, to see her cross her arms. "Your tea's going to get cold, so stop frowning and have breakfast."
"…you're right." The tea and miso cleared away the nasty taste in his mouth, and the pickled plums were refreshing.
He decided not to strain himself, and he watched Kaoru teach Yahiko the basic stances of traditional kenjutsu. At some point, Himura finished with his household tasks and joined in observing them.
"Did you enjoy the party, Kamiya-dono?"
"I did, but I wouldn't want another any time soon. I can't handle sake as well as I once did." He paused. "However, the onigiri was very good."
Himura's smile widened. "This one is glad to hear that."
Sagara stopped by after lunch, yet he was quieter than usual. He didn't joke around as much, choosing to sit on the front steps in contemplative silence. Himura suggested they leave him be, and no one could rouse him out of it, until Takani happened to pass in front of the open gate. She was on her way to another patient, she explained, yet she stopped and raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, where's your friend?" She asked. "Or was he scared off because of the party?"
"Well, we've grown apart. It's been ten years after all." He shrugged. "But he's thinking about writing an illustrated newspaper, critiquing the government. Well, I don't really care for that, but if it's what he wants…" He trailed off, a slight smile on his face.
And so, the leisurely weekend ended, and Koshijiro returned to his work with renewed vigor. His officers were eagerly discussing a report about an assault on the Department of Internal Affairs. But it was resolved in the same night, and he had to repeatedly remind them, that the department had more urgent issues.
Over the next three days, progress was made on the opium finances case, as several men had taken to calling it. A squad had found the dealer and raided his house for the money. It wouldn't be taken into a bank, a pile of cash like that would draw the suspicions of any officer. But to be sure, Koshijiro calculated the finances himself, and once again, to double check. It was still odd. Despite the dealer's obvious success, it was short by about a third, compared to how much the addicts had paid.
Either there were more addicts that the police hadn't discovered yet or…the money was elsewhere.
He reported his findings to the chief. "We should gather evidence on all of the dealer's activities. Find out who he was interacting with and where he was going." That method would deliver progress, on both possibilities. It would also give responsibility to others in the department, who were able and could work on the ground. He had faith that justice would be delivered.
A week later, he was called to Chief Uramura's office, for the most recent update. Last evening, well past midnight, a surprise operation had been conducted by another officer.
"Your plan has delivered. We found ten new addicts, and they're currently undergoing treatment at the hospital."
"I see. I hope they will recover." Chances were slim though, they both knew that. "However, was there enough evidence to close the case?"
The chief hesitated. "That's another thing you won't like, Kamiya-san. We found out where the money was."
There was a foreboding note in his voice; Koshijiro carefully asked. "So it was elsewhere?"
"Yes, in the home of Assistant Chief Inspector Nakajima. He also confessed."
Immediately, Koshijiro felt sick to his stomach. He hadn't seen him lately, due to the latter's assignment to the night shift. But he had remembered him as an easygoing, diligent person. Nakajima had been well-liked by his subordinates. How could such a thing have happened? "This is…difficult. Has he explained why he did it?"
"He wanted the money. He's been gambling as well, and he's racked up quite a record."
It was hard to take in so suddenly, that the culprit they were searching for had been one of their own. Koshijiro was still trying to process it, when he suddenly remembered. "Have his subordinates been informed yet?"
"They have. They'll need some time, I'm afraid they won't be as efficient. I was thinking of changing their assignments, splitting them up for a month or two."
Despite how it made sense, he couldn't agree. "I know you have the best intentions, for them and the department, but with their leader gone, they are wavering. If they lose their team members as well and are thrown into a new environment, they may never recover. It would be best to speak with them, and if everyone was involved. They need to remember that there are honest men here, and while one person may have betrayed their trust, we must rely on each other, more than ever."
"Clearheaded, as I expected." He wryly smiled. "I'm sorry. I also haven't recovered yet."
"It would be strange, if you had."
The news spread like fire, and by sunset, it was already in print. Outside, the officers on patrol exchanged anxious looks, uncertain of what to do now. Inside, a heaviness lingered in the air, and Koshijiro sighed. His own gloomy spell had passed, but the days ahead would be tumultuous.