(a/n: Sorry again for a super long wait I won't go into details about the why behind it but I will try to improve on the frequency of which I post chapters from now on.)
Chapter 2-2
End of July 1864
Weeks passed since the battle of Ikeda Inn. In the meantime, the Shinsengumi grew stricter during their rounds to arrest the numerous outlaw ronin that escaped the Ikeda.
Rumors surfaced of extremists who were plotting to exact revenge on the Shinsengumi.
Additionally, there were also problems occurring with warriors spanning from other domains making things tense around the headquarters.
But things were finally settling down.
As a result of my efforts during the Battle, they grew more encouraged by my involvement.
The Shinsengumi now allowed me to sweep the area in front on my own.
One day I was sweeping out the courtyard when I heard gentle footsteps approaching me.
"Excuse me, but is this the Shinsengumi headquarters?"
"It is," I replied, not bothering to look up at the inquirer.
When I finally did look up, I was oddly pleased to see who it was, "Oh! You're the guy who saved me from making an ass of myself at the tea shop!"
The man blinked and then the memory seemed to dawn on him as well, "Ah! Hello. It's been a while since that day."
I recalled how we had met on the first day I was allowed to leave the Shinsengumi compound in search of my father. This man had pretty much saved me from not only most likely getting myself killed but from have the Shinsengumi name dragged further through the mud by my insistent impatient personality.
Not really quite understanding why, I did a quick bow and thanked him again. But when I looked back up I noticed he was smiling, and his face almost seemed to glow in the rays of sun.
"Really, it's not a problem. As I told you before, the pleasure was all mine. In any case, I am glad to see that you seem to be doing well, Chizuru."
As I heard him speak my name, I recalled that he had spoken it when I had first encountered him as well. However I couldn't recall giving it to him…
Name!
It was then that I remembered Hijikata scolding me for not knowing this man's name, "I never did ask your name despite you having saved me. May I ask for it now?"
A kindness twinkled in his eyes before he spoke, and I thought I could sense a faint melancholy in his voice, "I am… Hachiro Iba."
Hachiro Iba. It was a nice name, but I just hoped I'd be able to remember it when the time came to pass it along to Hijikata.
I set the broom against the wall of the compound and turned back to him, "So, what brings you here today, Iba?"
"Well, that is…"
I couldn't help but notice he was distracted as he kept stealing a glance towards the base, like he was expecting someone to come out. Perhaps his business was with the Shinsengumi. When I had first met him, Iba had defended a tea shop owner from Takeda, the king of arrogance. In this unfortunate encounter, Takeda had proudly declared himself a warrior of the Shinsengumi. Though, anyone with an ounce of honor and half a brain would be able to see that this was not the case. The jerk was a complete and utter coward. I was willing to bet my life that he never once did an honorable thing in his life!
I was also willing to bet that Takeda was the sole reason everyone despised and feared the Shinsengumi and called them the Mibu Wolves.
So I couldn't help but suspect that Iba was here to inform the leaders about that incident.
As if he had suddenly developed telepathic abilities and knew I had been talking to someone, Hijikata seemed to materialize in the doorway and approached us.
How the hell does he always seem to show up when I'm not alone?!
"Hijikata, sir! This is the man that-"
However, before I could finish my sentence, the man ran at Hijikata.
The Hell?!
"Oh… I knew it! Toshi! It's me, Hachiro. Long time no see!"
I lowered my hand from my sword not even realizing that I had reached for it.
I have really got to stop reacting like this…
I silently hoped that neither of them had noticed.
Hijikata's eye went wide in bewildered shock, "Y-You're… Wait, Hachiro? What the hell are you doing here?!"
"Hehe. Are you surprised?" Iba chuckled, "I am visiting Kyoto with shogunate orders." As Iba continued, I saw something in his eyes that I couldn't quite read. "But, forget about me. Man, so it really was you connected to the Shinsengumi!" He glanced about the compound entryway and then back to Hijikata, "I couldn't believe it until I confirmed it for myself. So, congratulations, Hijikata. You really did become a samurai."
Hijikata folded his arms seeming embarrassed, but I could tell he was pleased to see a man who was clearly an old friend, "Come on, now, don't mock me. After all, it's not like we're treated any differently from the ronin."
"Yes, but you made your dream of becoming a samurai come true!"
"Hey! I said don't mock me!"
Iba let out a sigh and fixed Hijikata with a sad smile, "Oh, come now. What is there for you to complain about. After all, the Shinsengumi are quite famous in Edo. You're so feared, in fact, that ever crying children go silent at the very mention of your group."
Iba's eye then lit up with pride, "I heard about your victory at the Ikeda Inn. It would seem you lot are flourishing."
Hijikata's slid to mine and narrowed. He held them for only a moment with his own before returning his attention back to his friend.
I felt a slight shiver run through me and couldn't help but wonder if he was still angry with me for having steep in to help block any further entry to the Inn from outside help.
Hijikata grunted and slid his eyes to the ground, and I noticed a sudden light red tinge to his cheeks as he said, "Well, we're working on it."
This was very unlike him. He seemed to be flustered, and his cheeks were ever rosy.
Their rapport suggested that they'd known each other for some time. But was it possible that they were more than just good friends…?!
I didn't know why, but this possibility oddly had me feeling sad and then irritated with myself for having these…feelings for him, when clearly, he had no such feelings for me.
It then occurred to me that I had yet to tell Hijikata that Iba was the samurai who came to my aid at the tea shop.
Once I had verified that their conversation had come to a close, I turned to Hijikata and said, "Sir?"
His eyes flicked to mine, a look in them that suggested he had forgotten I was still there.
Normally something like this would not have bothered me, but I didn't like how all this was making me feel, like I was somehow competing for his attention.
However, I refused to let him see this pathetic side of me. So I put on a smile, that I hoped came across as genuine and continued, "This was the young gentleman who helped me with Takeda the other day at the tea house."
Hijikata furrowed his eyebrows and I suddenly suspected he was embarrassed.
I didn't know what I had expected him to do with that information, but I had not expected him to react like that.
He suddenly slid his eyes back up and fixed Iba with a grim smile, "Oh… I see."
His eyes shot to mine almost imperceptibly, but…I noticed, and I now suspected that he was once again angry with me.
Hijikata breathed a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I'm sorry for her causing trouble, well, rather, I guess you saw something you shouldn't have."
Iba slowly shook his head, and fixed his friend with serious eyes, "Don't be. I just happened to be passing by. And besides, I was there for personal reasons, so I did not report it to anyone."
Hijikata visibly relaxed upon hearing this, "Oh. Well, thanks for that." His lips pulling up into a sad smile.
He then veered back towards the compound and said over his shoulder, "We really do not need to have this conversation out in the sun. Why not come inside?"
Normally, Hijikata would appear uncomfortable offering up any sort of kindness, but with Iba, his face and voice were both warm and friendly.
I decided to make some tea and then took it to them both in the hall.
I was then ordered to stay close by so stood over by a wall and slid to the floor. And while I knew it was rude, I couldn't help but listen in. I mean, what else was there to do in a room that had no means of entertainment other than the two highly interesting men conversing?
Hijikata sipped at his tea and for a moment they were both silent, but then, "So, you claimed you came to Kyoto with shogunate orders? What are you here for?"
Iba closed his eyes as though he were carefully choosing his next words before finally saying, "I'm currently an okuzume."
Before I could stop myself I opened my stupid mouth and said, "An okuzume…?"
I suppose that would be today's first strike against me. After all, I had been listening to a conversation that was most likely not meant for my ears.
But instead of reprimanding me, Hijikata glanced at Iba, who nodded, and then started to explain, "Iba is a hatamoto of the shogunate. Meaning he is entrusted with protecting the shogun and his guests and friends who surround him."
"Oh…Wow..!" I allowed my eyes linger on Iba, unfortunately too long.
He chuckled at my admittedly lame reaction and smiled, but something about it seemed almost sad, "Please. I am nothing special. This was a job I acquired from connection with my father."
I blinked at him not quite believing that to be the only reason.
I couldn't help but wonder what would bring a man of his stature here, to Kyoto. After all, Iba was someone who worked directly with the shogun.
So it made no sense why he would interact with the Shinsengumi or why he had business with us.
I asked Hijikata this but of course he took it the wrong way, "Oh, I see what you're thinking. You're wondering why would he know a guy like me, huh?"
I started to say that that was not true but decided not to say anything and just stupidly nodded.
But instead of being offended he smiled, seeming very proud of his friend, "You see, not only is this gentleman a hatamoto, but he's heir to the Shingyoto-ryu Dojo, which is one of the top dojos in Edo." His happy smile grew as he continued to reminisce, "The Iba Dojo and my dojo socialized often, so this is how we came to know each other."
Iba nodded and also smiled down over at me, "That's correct." His smile grew so wide that I swear I could see hearts in his eyes, "When I got word that I would be coming to Kyoto, I was so excited since I knew I would get to see Toshi!"
Iba's eyes seemed to shine with adoration as he slid them to Hijikata, but the Shinsengumi Commander just scoffed and rolled his eyes, before narrowing them in annoyed embarrassment, "Whatever. Just keep in mind, Kyoto is not a vacation destination."
Iba gave him a curt nod and the smile, though now less silly, never left his lips, "Yes. I 'll keep that in mind. However, despite it being so dangerous, it seems even a woman can be with the Shinsengumi?"
Iba glanced at me as he asked this before looking back to Hijikata.
Hijikata, however, glanced nervously in my direction.
Not wanting him to think me a bigger idiot than he already did, I immediately said, "Come on, Hijikata." I let out an anxious laugh, "Did you honestly believe that the Shogun's personal bodyguard wouldn't see through my disguise…?"
Realizing too late, as Hijikata's eyes darted toward me sternly, that I had once again stepped waaaaaaaaay over the line, I shut my mouth and bit my tongue to stop myself from saying anything further that might cause that wall between us to grow.
Iba, however slid a nervous glance toward me, "Oh, was that supposed to be a secret?"
Well, hell, it looks like a few more bricks are being added…
Not wanting to make things worse for Hijikata, I just stared at my feet and remained silent.
However, it would seem Iba didn't want my life to become more difficult as he said, "It really wasn't that difficult to tell she's a girl the moment you set your eyes on her. So, please, do not blame her."
Hijikata slid his eyes to mine an unreadable look with in them, "I know… I mean, only an utter fool would be tricked by her disguise."
He looked resigned towards Iba and breathed a heavy sigh, "Well, you see, her reasons for being here are somewhat complicated, so we must have her pose as a moan for now."
He closed his eyes in thought as he continued, "Only a portion of the men in the Shinsengumi know about her. So, I would appreciate it if you were to keep it under wraps when in front of our men."
Iba nodded as his expression softened into one of concern, "I understand. However, would it be all right to ask about her reasons?"
"Of course," was Hijikata's immediate reply. "Her father has gone missing, so were allowing her to help with our investigation."
Iba's eyes slid to mine, his lips slipping into a small frown, "Her father's missing… You're talking about Kodo Yukimura?"
I gaped at him. How was it that this guy seemed to know everything about me?! The instant he mentioned my father's name, the hairs on my neck bristled.
Without really thinking about the consequences, I said, "How is it that you know my father?"
I thought for sure I would be reprimanded this time, but I guess Hijikata was also unaware that Iba knew of my father, since he narrowed his eyes and looked dubiously towards him.
"Now, just a minute. How do you know her father is Kodo?"
Iba's eyes flicked to mine before they slid to the floor, "Well, I visited the Yukimura Clinic a long time ago."
When his eyes slid back to mine and he said, "Chizuru… Do you not remember me?" He appeared hopeful, but in his voice was a hint of sadness.
If Iba had visited my father's clinic, then that at least explained why he would've known my name and my father.
But why did he keep looking at me like I should know him?
I felt terrible that I couldn't remember or give him the response that he wanted.
But I also didn't feel that it would be appropriate leave him hanging and say nothing, "So, were you one of my father's patients?"
Iba looked a little forlorn by my response.
He slid his eyes to the floor a sad smile pulling at his lips, "No. When I was a child, I was interested in Western studies, so I visited your father."
"Oh, I see…"
It struck me as odd that I still couldn't remember him much less that he frequently visited as a child.
He slowly shook his head, "Don't worry though. You'll be seeing much more of me."
I gaped at him as Hijikata's eyes flitted frantically between us, "What?! What are you talking about? You do not have to keep coming back here."
Iba's smile then became more genuinely happy, "Aw, don't be like that. Come on, we are both from Edo. We're friends."
Iba drew Hijikata in closer in a jovial manner, and Hijikata blushed at the notion.
The demon commander was normally super uptight, so seeing him behave this way was not only startling but a relief.
Perhaps it was from seeing that Hijikata actually knew how to enjoy himself and the company of other, but I found myself smiling at the two of them as a chuckle escaped my lips.
All the oddly happy commotion must have alerted the captains because they suddenly popped up from seemingly nowhere.
Upon seeing Iba sitting in the room, Nagakura rubbed his eyes as though he couldn't believe he was really there, "Oh, what the hell? Hachiro, is that you?!"
Harada gave us a curt nod and smiled, "I knew I heard your voice somewhere. So, it really was you, then."
Iba beamed at them and in a cheerful voice, "Shinpachi! Harada! Everyone else is here too! It's so great to see you both. It's been too long."
Nagakura gave a bark of laughter, "Man, you're in Kyoto too?! Are you here to train, or perhaps to sight-see?"
His words had me suddenly confused. Did he not comprehend just how important Iba was…?
Heisuke apparently was wondering the same thing, "Don't be so stupid. I'll bet you he's here to protect someone important, am I right?"
He directed the last part at Iba himself.
"Well, something like that." Iba didn't quite meet their eyes as he said this.
"If you're in Kyoto… I assume you have a pretty good position."
Saito's words had me realizing something… Was it possible that none of them knew just how important Iba had become?!
Iba just nodded plainly in response.
Even Okita gave him a smile that wasn't half as snarky as the one he always gave me, "If see. You're in Kyoto too, huh? Well, be careful. Don't be stupid and die or something."
I had expected Iba to laugh at this, but it was becoming quite clear that none of them were aware of his skills either.
Instead his just smiled and said, "Thank you for the warning. I'll keep that in mind."
Nagakura wrapped his arm around Iba's shoulders, "Hey, we should all go drinking someday! I mean, we could go now if you want!"
I silently watched as each of the captains surrounded Iba and exchanged words.
I found myself wishing I could remember him. And couldn't stop the small frown pulling at my lips.
I continued to watch them as Iba seemed to become lost in the fun he had while conversing with everyone.
It would seem that he really did know everyone back in Edo.
Hijikata watched their interaction with warmth in his eyes and muttered, "See, despite his being a hatamoto, and also the heir of the Iba Dojo…" His eyes slid to mine as he added, "He chose to learn about each and every one of us, and he treats us with respect." He looked back to his friend and smiled, "It seems that no one can escape his amiable nature."
I took in his words and considered what he said… But, it would seem that he was especially fond of Hijikata, though…
But I wouldn't dare tell him that…
Hijikata breathed a sigh of, I don't know what, as he said, "Well, I guess you could say we're friends. So, whenever he visits, be sure to let him in."
"Understood."
Before any of us knew it, night had fallen, and Iba announced it was time for him to depart.
"When I return to Edo," he said to Hijikata, "I'll be sure to ask around about Kodo."
At first, Hijikata seemed uneasy but then he relaxed and nodded, "Very well. But be sure it is kept under wraps."
"Got it. I shall not speak of it to anyone."
As we exchanged our good-byes, the warriors returned from their afternoon rounds.
One of them seemed to take notice of us, and he rushed over while shouting.
I immediately recognized him and felt my stomach clench with nausea.
It was Takeda Kanryusai.
I was suddenly tempted to unsheathe my sword and point it at him, but highly doubted that rash action would be of any help in what was about to transpire.
Takeda took one look at Iba and narrowed his eyes in pure rage, "You… You're that bastard from the other day! What the hell are you doing here?!"
I wanted to shout at him, "How dare you demand anything of him! When you are most likely the sole reason the Shinsengumi has its good name dragged through the mud day in and day out."
But Iba seeming to guess what I was about to do, fixed me with pleading eyes and shook his head.
His eyes then went blank as he turned them on Takeda, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't think we've been acquainted yet.
The jerk just glared at Iba all high and mighty like, "Do you dare mock me…? You, name yourself!"
Iba breathed a resigned sigh, "I am an okuzume of the obanshi, protector of the shogun and the realm: Hachiro Iba."
Takeda had clearly not been expecting this response as gaped back at Iba, "A shogunate protector… of the realm…Iba… Wait, for the Iba dojo…?"
Iba's eyes remain calm and quite hard to read, "Yes, I've been here on official business in Kyoto. In the meantime, I've come to visit my old friends from Shiei Hall to pay my respects."
"Don't lie! This is not for idle pleasantries. You're here to spread lies about the other day!" spat Takeda, seething.
I had just about had it with this wretched king of arrogance.
It was at that point that Iba started to lose his calm, his eyes now narrowed to angry slits, "I have strictly come to pay my respects." He took a single step toward him, "Or perhaps you would rather I remind you what happened during this so-called 'other day'?"
Takeda let out a low growl, clearly realizing this would be a very dumb idea, even for him.
Iba's eyes sharpened directly at him.
This caused Takeda to stop pacing and deepen his voice, though he failed to hide its slight tremor, "W-Whatever you say. Then we're settled. Looks like I'll be on my way then."
The moron captain had seemed to have temporarily reigned in his arrogance, speaking with a semblance of respect before storming off.
Iba seemed oddly relaxed considering what had nearly transpired.
For a moment, the silence that followed was almost deafening.
We almost all jumped at the sudden sound of Iba's soft voice, "Toshi, who is that man?"
Hijikata gave him a nervous almost ashamed glance, "That was Takeda Kanryusai. The Captain of the 5th division. Yukimura told me about the other day." He slid his eyes to mine as he said that last part. Breathing a heavy sigh he added, "I am sorry about that. I'll make sure he doesn't bother you any further."
Iba shook his head and said, "I'm fine, but…" His eyes then slid to mine in grave concern as he quietly added, "Please, watch over her. I think if he discovered that she was there, it will not end well."
Hijikata's eyes widened a fraction, but then with a look of understanding, "Okay, got it."
Iba then turned his full attention to me and smiled, "Alright then, Chizuru. I'll drop by again soon, okay?"
"Of course, you're welcome here anytime."
Something then occurred to me…
Was he perhaps implying that he wanted to visit again to see just me…?
Nah. He probably just wanted to make sure it was okay to come back to visit Hijikata and the other captains.
Uh, he directed the statement at you, stupid, said my pesky conscience, So obviously it's you he wants to see!
But I didn't want to say anything further in case I was wrong. Which, of course, only made matters worse.
Iba's expression seemed reluctant, if not a little forlorn, as he turned and left the compound.
And as he did, I could feel my own lips pull into a frown.
I continued to watch him as he walked into the distance, until his small figure was removed from my eyes.
Iba was a mysterious man. I felt a twinge in my heart as I once again tried to recall from my past. Though, of course, nothing came to mind.
But, I still found myself smiling at the only memory I did have of him. That even though he was someone very important and upper class, he always managed to act with integrity and kindness, commanding a lot of respect from the captains of the Shinsengumi. Well, that is, except for Captain Arrogance.
There was something about knowing that there was a man like him in the shogunate that gave me hope for the rest of humankind.
