Author's Note:

In this chapter I finally present the moment many of you have waited for. Well, maybe not. But Yamazaki will be heard!

And so, the third brother in the "Stern Trio", "The Serious Trio" or (as I prefer) "The Kick-Ass Trio" gets to make a few observations.

With sincere thanks to all the reviewers:

LoverGirl71793 ~ You really made my day! I'm so pleased that you took the time to get into the rather lengthy mess that I like to call my plot. Hopefully you'll continue to enjoy all the characters - they're a complicated cast to work with! :)

NyaPowa ~ I'm glad my slight re-write clarified things; thank you for pointing out the problem. And for an interesting discussion on (my version of) the drivers behind the Oni culture of the 1860s! As I said to you, Suzuka would agree with you in a lot of ways...

Scintilla of Myself ~ Loved the Asian drama comparison (and I'm glad you could follow it *sweatdrop*).

Anon ~ Thank you and I hope the first part of this chapter is to your liking (heh - poor Saitō). ;)

nakigaoyuu ~ I really appreciated your kind words on my OCs (because I was quite nervous). I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it work, but I've become very fond of Chiharu, Kichirō and Kenshin. Couldn't you see Shinpachi, Harada and Heisuke hanging out with Kichirō and teaching him to drink sake (maybe forgetting that he's a pureblood Oni and not just a kid who loves swords!).

red1Rogue ~ For letting me know right away on tumblr that the last chapter was good - thank you! And for discussions about the truly forebearing Hijikata-san.

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Quote for Chapter 44 - For The Not-So-Baka Brothers

Yamazaki's awesome!
Yamazaki's cool and he's part of our team!
Yamazaki's awesome!
He's a ninja with a dream...

Everything's better when we stick together
Side-by-side, you and I gonna win forever (drinkin' sake forever)
We're the same, I'm like you, you're like me
We're all working in harmony:

Yamazaki's awesome!
Yamazaki's smart and he's part of our team!
Yamazaki's awesome!
Shinsengumi with a dream!

- Everything is Awesome! by Tegan and Sara (The Lego Movie Theme)

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Chapter 44 – The Ninja Knows All

[I - Is it Just Me or is it Hot in Here?]

Chizuru was still recovering from her unexpected meeting with Hijikata-san out by the well. She wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that Saito-san had happened to walk by at the same time: on the one hand, she always felt happiest when he was nearby; on the other hand, she was embarrassed that he had witnessed her gaping at Hijikata-san. And what if he had misunderstood? What if he took things the wrong way and was upset with her? She hadn't seen him since bringing the water back to the kitchen.

She had the frustrated feeling that this was not how things were supposed to go, where every day some misunderstanding or embarrassing moment cropped up to create difficulties between them. Rationally, Chizuru understood that such things were perfectly normal. She'd heard women at her father's – at Yukimura-sensei's – medical clinic talk about their lovers and husbands often enough. The few girls she had known, a little, growing up, had whispered and giggled about older sisters and cousins and their current woes…

Eventually she found that she had finished the cooking – still unaided by any of the captains, which was unusual – and she started to arrange trays. Blue eyes and indigo hair seemed to dance in her head and she had to shake herself once or twice out of a moment of just standing staring at nothing at all while she remembered their last kiss. It brought a flush to her face and an echo of last night's warm rush of sensation to her skin.

Stop it, stop it, stop it… she scolded herself. You are infatuated. You are behaving like one of those girls back home in Edo, smiling and blushing for the handsome young men in the neighbourhood or worse, sighing over some warrior from the upper class leaving Edo to go serve his lord back in his home domain. And look what happened to some of them – they shamed themselves and their families.

Chizuru blushed even redder. It was wrong and rather frightening, but the idea of touching his skin, of being held skin to skin, even of one day having a child – of creating a child – with Saitō-san was… it seemed… She couldn't bring herself to express it clearly, not even inside her own head. Plus she was very slightly hazy on the details – which was only proper. She scolded herself for being an idiot who was ignoring all of the realities of her situation. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind of the troubling images.

But… she had known, reasonably well, what he had been thinking or at least wanting when he had been kissing her last night, and for some reason it didn't seem so bad, even though it should. She'd never kissed anyone before this, not as a lover; she should be quietly bashful about having kissed a man at all, not imagining what could happen next.

"Please… don't do this to me…" a very familiar voice said in slightly strangled tones from just inside the doorway to the kitchen.

Her hands clenched reflexively in surprise, and she actually broke the tea cup that she was holding ready to place on one of the trays. The shards cut her hand and the momentary stinging brought her thoughts back to sober reality. Fortunately, her cuts healed very quickly now, much faster than they had before she left Edo.

Saitō-san's arms were folded tightly across his chest, and although he didn't look precisely upset, he wasn't calm either. His cheeks were as red as hers, which was saying something, and she wondered if her ears matched his as well. Chizuru was mortified.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was worried… about earlier… with Hijikata-san… and then I… " She swallowed. Obviously he knew she'd been thinking about him; obviously the gist of her thoughts had been all too clear.

Saitō-san nodded, whether in understanding or merely in acknowledgment wasn't clear.

"Maybe we can talk later? I was trying to organize my thoughts for this morning's patrol." He looked down at the floor, manifestly uncomfortable and embarrassed; however, she could see and sense him pulling himself together. Not long after he continued in a much more normal tone: "Yukimura – you do not have to apologize to me. Not for this. My words were unfair. It will be fine."

Their eyes met again and Chizuru couldn't help but smile at him. He gave her a somewhat rueful half-smile in return; she didn't realize that under the deep embarrassment he was overjoyed to find out that for some utterly unfathomable reason she wanted him as much as he wanted her – to the extent that was possible. He was just too clumsy and too shy to tell her properly. He would have to trust her to understand, eventually.

Chizuru felt a great deal of relief as the tension dissipated. It was as if affection and concern on both parts helped to push more troubling feelings into the background, at least in the immediate present.

Saitō-san picked up two trays.

"I will take these in and return. You should rinse off your hand. Also, I was supposed to tell you last night that Sen-hime was hoping to see you today – I am very sorry I forgot. After all, you probably have many questions for her."

On these interesting words, he hurried away toward the common room. However, only a short way down the corridor, she heard him stop to speak to somebody.

"Ohayo, Yamazaki-kun." There was a pause and then Saitō-san said: "I see. Then if you will take these and assist Yukimura-kun, I will speak with Nagakura and Harada. Arigatou gozaimasu."

Sure enough, Yamazaki-san came to help her to deliver the trays to the common room a short time later. He was quietly efficient, but Chizuru was not put off by his careful formality. She had felt a kind of connection to him since the Ikedaya incident – or perhaps before, because of her work with the herb garden, even when she hadn't even met him in person.

To Chizuru's relief, Yamazaki delivered the tray to Hijikata-san, who had apparently just arrived in the common room with Okita-san and Heisuke-kun. Hijikata-san and Okita-san seemed unsurprised to see the shinobi carrying trays, and they both greeted Chizuru politely but with slightly knowing looks that suggested that she was still blushing a little. Chizuru firmly reminded herself that she was capable of overcoming her tendency to let everyone know how she was feeling. It just didn't come naturally to her. On the bright side – and it was significant – it appeared that she had only communicated her earlier thoughts to Saitō-san. She was certain that she would know otherwise.

Everyone had already started eating by the time she sat down with her own tray between Harada-san and Nagakura-san. The former smiled a little abstractedly at her, but Nagakura-san grinned between giant mouthfuls of food.

"Delicious as always, Chizuru-chan! Oh, did Saitō ask you about dinner?"

"Um – thank you, Nagakura-san." Chizuru allowed herself to look across at Saitō-san, but he was speaking to Okita-san. "But I guess not – is there something important about dinner?"

"Well, Kondō-san is supposed to be getting back today, so Sōji suggested we should have an especially nice meal and we all agreed that you're an awesome cook."

Chizuru smiled.

"Of course I don't mind, Nagakura-san, as long as you're sure it is today. Is, um, is Hijikata-san okay with this? He might not want to arrange a big meal for tonight if he and Kondō-san and Sannan-san have a lot to discuss with each other."

"Well, you could be right. Can you check with Hijikata-san then? Me and Sano have to get going… we're on morning patrol duty. Okay, we'll see you later!"

Not seeing Chizuru's worried look at the mention of Hijikata-san, Nagakura-san jumped up, nodded at everyone generally, and headed out to finish getting his men together for the morning patrol. Harada-san gave her a smile as he got up more slowly to follow his friend.

"You're going to see Sen-hime today, right?" he asked after a slight hesitation. He looked slightly concerned for her, but his eyes had lost the unfocussed, inward look they had held earlier. Chizuru could sense only kindness behind his words.

"I think so. I would like to, but nothing's been arranged yet."

"Well, I'm guessing that's why Saitō's talking to Hijikata-san now." He tilted his head toward the Vice Commander.

Saito-san had finished his breakfast and was speaking quietly with Hijikata-san; the latter was frowning slightly, but it was a frown of concentration, not displeasure. Chizuru saw his eyes flicker over to her briefly before settling back on his subordinate.

"I have to leave on patrol soon," Harada continued, "but I'll have a word with the Vice Commander now – if Saitō hasn't – just to make sure everything's okay for your visit. You might need somebody to take you there or back. I'll ask him about dinner, too."

"Oh!" Chizuru looked up at him and then had to smile. "You knew I was worried?"

"It's okay. He can be a little intimidating can't he? Shinpachi shouldn't have left it to you to ask about the food for tonight."

"I have already asked," said a cool voice. Saitō-san was suddenly standing beside Harada. His expression was calm, but Chizuru could easily sense a slight tension in his tone.

Harada must have sensed it as well. Without appearing to move, he shifted his stance slightly, so that his friendly smile was directed at both of them. Coincidentally, he was also better prepared to defend himself.

"Everything sorted with Hijikata-san, Saitō?" Harada asked.

Chizuru blinked: she couldn't sense anything unusual from Harada-san; he seemed perfectly himself and almost surprisingly normal. And yet… just for a moment… she knew that it was a mask. But his projection was perfect.

"Yes," Saitō was saying. "Since my men were expecting to go out, I will use this opportunity for basic sword drills and to ensure that nobody has attempted to hide any injuries."

Chizuru couldn't understand why anybody would want to conceal that they were hurt, but she didn't interrupt. Harada-san just nodded his agreement.

"When I am done with the drills," Saitō continued, "I will escort Yukimura to visit Sen-hime. The Vice Commander understands that she may be gone for some time." He looked at Chizuru. "Hijikata-san would like you to return here at least an hour before dinner. I will walk back with you. There is no need to prepare for an elaborate dinner since we still don't know the exact time of the Commander's return."

Saitō shifted his regard back to Harada.

"I understand that you must leave shortly, Harada. I will walk with you, since the Vice Commander asked me to pass along instructions for you for this morning."

"Sure, sounds good. See you later, Chizuru-chan!"

"Have a good day, Harada-san!" Chizuru replied cheerfully.

"I will find you in two hours' time, Yukimura," said Saitō.

"Okay, Saitō-san."

Since she could sense several people watching her, she could only smile at him and hope that he could tell that she was looking forward to going out with him later in the morning. She watched a little wistfully as the lean, straight form trailed the much taller Tenth Division Captain out of the room. Then she returned to her cold breakfast, her mind considering the treat ahead of her once she had looked after the dishes and tended the garden.

The truth was that all of the people present had been able to tell how she felt, but most of them did their best to be polite about it. It was probably just as well that she missed Okita's eye roll or Heisuke's sudden interest in rearranging the empty dishes on his tray. In any event, as soon as Saitō was gone, Okita broke into her reverie by asking if she wanted help with the dishes.

"I'll go get the water set up and bring out the dishes with you, and then I'll help you pass the time by telling my next set of stories about the Shinsengumi," he offered.

"Hah," scoffed Heisuke, "you mean you'll do minimal work and lie on the bench or in the grass while Chizuru-chan does all the real work. I'll help you, Chizuru-chan."

Okita just smirked at the slightly younger man.

"That works for me. You and Chizuru-chan can do all the work and I'll just lie on the bench. I'll keep an eye out for spies."

Chizuru gently cleared her throat and they both turned to her.

"Actually, I was going to see if Sanan-san would like some breakfast first. I'm worried that this heat hasn't been good for him; he hasn't been eating well."

For a moment it looked like Hijikata was going to protest, but then his expression changed. He looked at his two captains.

"I think that's a very good idea, Yukimura. Let Heisuke and Sōji do the dishes. You can check on Sannan-san and see if you can get him to eat. Let me know if you have any luck."

"What about you, Hijikata-san?" asked Sōji just a fraction belligerently.

"Oh, I have a meeting with Yamazaki now. We have Oni to discuss and – as you pointed out, Sōji, a spy to catch."

[II - The Know-it-All Ninja]

Hijikata walked briskly back to his room after breakfast. There was a great deal to get done and Yamazaki would no doubt be waiting for him. He liked the young warrior, who had seen the Shinsengumi as his only way to attain his dream of becoming a samurai. He had never complained about becoming the group's medic, despite having no doubt hoped to leave his father's profession behind him, nor had he complained when Saitō, his drill instructor as a recruit, had identified him as having talents that could be best employed as a shinobi rather than a front line fighter. Hijikata valued men who simultaneously had talent and didn't whine.

At times, the Vice Commander found Yamazaki's solemn intensity a bit much, but usually that was when Saitō and Yamazaki conspired against him so that he had to forego a meeting, a chore, or some other necessary and unpleasant duty, in favour of sleep. Although… he suspected even Saitō had a better sense of humour than Yamazaki. He should arrange a night out for the inspectors (currently just Yamazaki and Shimada, another valuable recruit) and the captains together. Harada or Nagakura could probably get Yamazaki out of his shell for a bit. Or maybe Heisuke – the kid had a genius for making friends, just not with authority figures.

Yamazaki was kneeling by his door as he had expected. The young shinobi bowed, and it suddenly dawned on Hijikata that this man was quite likely his half-brother. The Oni could be wrong, of course, or lying from start to finish, but for the most part Hijikata was inclined to believe them and his instincts were rarely wrong. He nodded to Yamazaki and invited him inside, contemplating the strange thought.

Like Saitō, Yamazaki was somewhat slighter than most of the captains, but he was stronger than he looked and his endurance was exceptional. He and Saitō also seemed to share the same imperviousness to temperature and weather, which would be very helpful to a shinobi who had to spend a lot of time perched on rooftops undefended from the elements.

"How are you, Yamazaki?"

The shinobi blinked as though momentarily caught off guard.

"I am well, Vice Commander." Yamazaki paused and then asked diffidently: "May I ask if there is reason to be concerned? Saitō-taichō asked me the same thing last night."

Hijikata had to hurriedly look away so as not to laugh, once he understood what had happened. The truth was that if somebody seemed alright then most of them – other than Kondō-san and Sannan-san – tended to skip the question.

"No, no, everything is fine, but you were knocked out were you not?"

"Yes. But I'm fine now." Yamazaki frowned. "Sir, Harada-san told me more about what happened the other night, when we had the visitors here. I understand that you and Saitō-san believe that these men – and the Lady Osen and her shinobi Kimigiku-san – are Oni as they claim? Or at least something other than human?"

Hijikata nodded and the shinobi continued.

"And there is reason to believe that some of the captains here, including yourself, Vice Commander, may be related to them?"

"It appears that way," Hijikata responded.

"Also, I may be related to them as well? Including the man Shiranui Kyo, whom we know to be an enemy?"

"That is my understanding, yes." Mentally, Hijikata kicked himself for adopting Yamazaki's slightly formal speech patterns.

"Then, to sum up, Vice Commander, based on Harada-san's information: you, Saitō-san and I may be half-brothers of Shiranui Kyo and part Oni; Saitō-san, for some reason, has become more Oni because of a 'spell' that was used on him by the blond Oni at the Ikedaya; Saitō-san's life was saved by a third Oni, Amagiri-san, who claims to be allied with Satsuma but who was responsible for harming Tōdō-kun; and Yukimura-kun may be an Oni and also related to the others I have mentioned."

Hijikata scrutinized Yamazaki for a trace of irony, humour, anything, but the man was impassive. Even Saitō might have been forgiven for sounding a little incredulous at such a tale. Then again, Yamazaki had been there for most of the strange things that had happened or lurking (for lack of a better word) somewhere nearby. He'd just never been given a proper explanation until now, after he'd been knocked out by another so-called spell.

"Yes, that's about the size of it," Hijikata finally said, a little warily.

"Harada-san is also a part-Oni, whose parentage is unknown?"

"That's what they tell us," the Vice Commander's voice was far more expressive in its irritation than Yamazaki's flat tones.

"So Okita-san and Tōdō-kun may also be Part-Oni?"

"Yes… I suppose so… Why do you ask?"

"They meet the emerging profile. Unusual strength and speed, high stamina and ability to heal, very unusual eye colour. Also, I believe that Okita-san was able to pick up a non-verbalized thought of mine earlier."

Hijikata froze, his eyes for once showing some measure of distress.

"You think Sōji can read minds?!"

"It is hard to say. Part of the profile is sensitivity to emotion and some ability to understand thoughts – although I think that Harada-san may have progressed farther along that direction than anyone but Saitō-san, although that is impossible to gauge based on the limited information at my disposal."

This time there was no mistaking a slight – a very slight – implied criticism.

"But I note that Okita-san has always been good at reading people," Yamazaki continued, his tone level again. "He quite often knows if they're nearby and generally what they're thinking."

"Hell, Yamazaki, I can do that just as well as Sōji! That's just experience and paying attention."

Hijikata met Yamazaki's purple gaze and saw just a hint of – could it be – amusement?

"Yes, Vice Commander, you are very good at all of these things as well."

Hijikata's eyes narrowed, but he didn't react otherwise – after all, he couldn't tell the man off for paying a compliment. Well, he could, but he'd regret it afterward.

"Point taken. Do you think Heisuke and Sōji suspect?"

"Heisuke does not. He is preoccupied with learning more about Amagiri-san. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he believes that he can beat him in a fight, given the knowledge he has now. Also, Heisuke has been having nightmares, although he has only told Yukimura-kun about them so far."

"Then how do you know?" Hijikata was very curious about the dreams – he wondered suddenly if they were anything like his.

"I listened to them talking," Yamazaki responded, imperturbably. "I have gotten some sleep, of course, but I have also been checking on my patients. In this case it seemed best not to interrupt."

He met the Vice Commander's eyes squarely and Hijikata acknowledged inwardly that the obedient soldier was also quite capable of going about his perceived duties in his own way unless he was given instructions to the contrary.

"What did he say about the… nightmares?"

"A rocky beach and a lot of blood; also something about attackers with strange, old-fashioned weapons."

Hijikata barely restrained himself from rubbing at the bridge of his nose. So now he and Heisuke were having similar – maybe even the same – dreams? As if the Oni weren't bad enough.

"That does sound strange," he muttered.

Yamazaki gave him a slightly suspicious look, but said nothing.

"Also, Vice Commander, Nagakura is a possibility."

"What? But…" Hijikata lifted a hand, thinking for a moment. Then he nodded reluctantly. "Yes, it's possible, I suppose. You're thinking of that brilliant arrest of his. Hmm."

They sat in silence for some time. Finally, Hijikata shrugged.

"I'll have to report on this to Kondō-san. I'll speak to Sannan-san first, if the Commander doesn't return today."

"Of course, Vice Commander."

"Any other theories you'd like to share with me?"

"Yes, Vice Commander."

"Ask a stupid question," Hijikata muttered under his breath.

Yamazaki waited patiently, used to the Vice Commander's way of releasing frustration. Hijikata-san might have forgotten that he had exceptional hearing; then again, he might not have. A moment later, the taller man gave a curt nod.

"Go ahead."

"First, I am beginning to think that Yukimura-kun is at least partially responsible for Okita-san's and Heisuke-kun's extraordinary healing. I have already noticed that those she treats heal faster than expected. However, she also seems to be able to communicate her healing abilities over a distance."

"How do you know?" asked Hijikata curiously.

Yamazaki suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"Because I have been watching her. Without changing my usual duties, of course," he added reassuringly. "However, a number of unusual events have taken place lately, and it seemed best to keep an eye on a potential spy in our midst."

"Go on."

"Also, Okita-san is correct that the strange boy I have seen seems to be watching her. And yet he does not seem wholly malicious. At times he seems concerned for her. I could not determine whether he was in collusion with her or otherwise."

"You might have told me sooner?"

"It has only been a short time. I would have told you yesterday evening, but I was careless and Shiranui Kyo knocked me out."

"Tch. Not much you could do against him at that point. But about Yukimura?"

"Because I was… keeping an eye on her… I became more aware of things going on around her than most people. And it's as though I can sense it now, when she is healing people. She doesn't know it herself yet, though."

"So by your own earlier logic you are one of us then - a part-Oni."

"Yes, Vice Commander."

"And you believe that Yukimura has a kind of mystical healing ability."

"Yes, sir."

"Well, that could be useful in our line of work."

"… Yes, sir."

"Well, what was the other thing, then? I may as well know it all."

"Last night, the four of us were speaking: Okita-san, Harada-san, Saitō-san and myself."

"Ah. No doubt Sōji and Harada could hardly get a word in edgewise."

Yamazaki stared at Hijikata uncertainly for a moment.

"Things were quite normal until Saitō-san arrived. Then Okita-san seemed to become more on edge."

Hijikata frowned.

"Alright. Why do you think that is?"

Once again Yamazaki looked uncomfortable.

"Well, I thought – as you know – that he was going out at night to test himself against ronin and ruffians because he was afraid that he wasn't getting well as fast as he should. But it has seemed to me lately that he has become jealous of Saitō-san. Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, Vice Commander. "

"Go on, I've wondered too. Is it the girl?"

"N-no. At least, not only that. It is also the Third Division Captain's health and strength. Over the past few months, there has been a change in their relative strength and stamina."

"But that's likely because Saitō's abilities as an Oni have developed significantly."

Hijikata waited for Yamazaki to ask the relevant question. He hadn't believed himself to be underestimating the young shinobi – he had a certain justified faith in his appraisal of people – but he hadn't realized quite how intelligent the man was, not to mention how observant. It was almost troubling.

"I agree, Vice Commander. And I understand that the magic used at the Ikedaya was a factor in that. But I believe that Saitō-san's abilities, as an Oni may have developed faster because of the time that he was spending with Yukimura-kun."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well… in some ways because of cause and effect. But in the past two days because I… I can just tell."

The brown-haired man had lowered his eyes, and there was a trace of red on his cheeks.

"Yamazaki. Be more specific."

"I can sense the healing power and I can also sense something else. It feels similar but I think it's as if she is unconsciously affecting all of those around her. And those of us who can be affected are drawn to it and it… changes us."

"You think it's affected Saitō more than the rest of us because he's been the closest to her?"

"Yes… and also," Yamazaki was actually blushing now, "because she is, I think, very fond of Saitō-san."

"Heh, yes. I'm not sure fond is the right term. But if you can tell all that then I'm sure you have noticed that the captain is rather fond of the girl, too."

"… Yes, Vice Commander."

Hijikata had to turn a snicker into a cough and suppress a strong desire to smirk. If Yamazaki had been spying on that pair, there was no way that he could be in any doubt as to what they were thinking about. It hardly took an Oni to figure that one out. No wonder the boy was red.

The thought of the three of them, Yukimura, Saitō and now Yamazaki – the most innocent lot of frightening people he had ever met, he was beginning to think – made him want to either laugh or shudder. He dragged himself back from contemplating the havoc they could wreak.

"So you think Sōji's been worse than usual because he feels ill, he may have feelings for the girl and he's realized that Saitō's out of his reach at the moment?"

"No, Vice Commander."

Hijikata's eyebrows rose sharply.

"Then what are you saying?"

"I'm not perfectly certain, but I think that Okita-san is being deliberately manipulated by the spy. I didn't understand before. But once Harada-san explained a few things to me…" Once again there was a hint of reproach. "It suddenly made more sense. And while the four of us were talking, it happened again. Harada-san noticed it and he drew my attention toward it. As soon as he turned and looked around, though, the spy disappeared."

Hijikata felt absolutely no desire to laugh now.

"You think this spy has been deliberately manipulating Sōji?"

"Yes, sir. Okita-san is not always… respectful… but he has been different recently. Being sick and possibly feeling a certain amount of natural envy might have been the basis for choosing him as a target. Or it could just be that he is often with Saitō-san."

"So Saitō could be the ultimate target of this malice? Why? No, never mind. Because of the girl of course; because he got too close to her. Kuso! Damn Oni and their damn politics…"

Yamazaki looked confused again, so Hijikata told him that Yukimura was the long lost heir to some kind of significant Oni clan. Yamazaki just nodded his comprehension. He didn't voice his thought that what he had sensed last night had seemed very personal, and more than just a matter of politics. But then again, politics could be very personal.

The two men sat together for some time, both lost in thought. Then Hijikata nodded crisply, and the world was back to normal again – more or less.

"I'd like you to go out with Nagakura and Harada tonight," he said. "Especially if they end up taking Heisuke and Sōji with them, which they may. Take Shimada with you, bump into them somewhere, whatever works."

"But Vice Commander… I thought you wanted me to go with Saitō-san tonight, since the night patrol usually has more than one captain?"

"Yes, I know. But you know, I think I can find somebody else to keep an eye on the Third Division. And if Kondō-san doesn't return tonight, then I'll go. We enjoyed each other's company a great deal last time I accompanied them on patrol. Would that satisfy you? Or are you concerned that Saitō and I can't protect each other?"

Yamazaki looked suddenly alarmed.

"No, no, Vice Commander, of course not! Anything you decide will be fine!"

"Thank you," murmured Hijikata sardonically. "Is that everything?"

"Hai!"

"Then you're dismissed. Check over the men who aren't on patrol and then for the gods' sake go to bed. And you might as well stop spying on Yukimura. If I change my mind I'll let you know."

"Hai!" Yamazaki bowed and left.

Just as he was turning to close the door behind him, Hijikata called to him:

"Oh… and very well done, Yamazaki. Good work."

"Thank you very much, sir."

Yamazaki bowed again and closed the door behind him. Hijikata moved over to his desk but sat there for a long time without moving. What the hell was he going to tell Kondō?

[III - An Invitation to Lunch]

Harada Sanosuke, Tenth Division Captain, was not very surprised when he saw a familiar, rather severely-dressed woman waiting for him along one of the streets along his route. She stepped forward from the crowd of people as the Shinsengumi patrol went by, calling him by name. He gestured for his men to stop and fan out slightly, which was standard procedure in case of an ambush.

"Harada-san!" The stern lady was really quite lovely, seen close-to, with sleek black hair, wide purple eyes, and a perfect figure. She bowed low as he came up to her. "I have a message from my lady, captain."

Ready laughter sprang into Harada's amber eyes. His men, supposedly guarding his back, were in truth listening as hard as they could. He barely resisted telling Kimigiku that her lady was never supposed to get in touch with him while he was working. Instead, he admired the shinobi's pretty purple eyes and managed to remain serious.

"Is there some problem, ma'am?"

"None at all, Harada-san. We just wanted to know when you and your friends were coming to tea. Or you are welcome to join us for lunch if that is more convenient."

"Ah yes, thank you. Please tell your lady that I will be happy to join you for tea – or a late lunch if she does not mind waiting. I believe that my friends will be by about mid-morning. I hope that will be convenient."

"Most convenient, thank you Harada-san." Kimigiku bowed again, but managed to give him a demure wink – if there were such a thing – as she turned away. Naturally she was seen by most of the men of the Tenth.

Harada rounded on them.

"What kind of formation do you call that?! Have you never seen a beautiful woman before?!"

His men sorted themselves out immediately with poorly concealed grins, and he thought he caught the ghost of a laugh in his mind from Kimigiku. Insensibly cheered, Harada returned to his work, and if the Shinsengumi's reputation for corrupting women wasn't improved, the city folk that he met along the remainder of his route found themselves in good moods for the rest of the morning, which prevented a number of conflicts before they even began.

[IV - The Travellers]

Chiharu was tired and still simmering with outrage when she found Kichirō at their appointed meeting place. He had done very well, she noted, having procured two good horses and gotten their bags properly tied onto the saddles. He also had small bundles of food and flasks of water.

"Haru? What's wrong?" His ruby eyes creased in concern as he took in her expression and sensed her mood. "Was Mother upset after all?"

His sister laughed without much mirth and gratefully drank down some water.

"No, not about Kenshin or the trip to Kyoto. We disagreed on a totally different matter, and I'm so sorry, but I can't talk about it – Mother made me promise."

Kichirō made a face, but he was sensitive enough to know that his usually calm sister was truly distressed. Besides, they were going to Kyoto after all! And with Mother in on it, Onii-sama would be less upset with them. Well, maybe.

"Do you need a break, or shall we start now?" Kichirō asked.

"The sooner the better," his sister declared firmly. "Besides, Suzuka-hime said that I can do whatever I set my mind to."

"Um… ok then."

Confused, but willing, Kichirō mounted up and they were off. He thought to himself that Haru-chan seemed to be spoiling for a fight, even though she really wasn't that good with a sword. He wasn't bothered, though. He was fully confident that they could sort out whatever came their way.

A/Note: Thank you for reading - really, seeing that people are still reading and apparently enjoying helps a lot!

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Stay tuned for next time... Saitō finally gets to go for a walk with Chizuru! Chizuru finally gets to talk to Sen! Will Kondō ever make it back? And more!