Now Iemitsu was getting frustrated. The result from hours of trying to convince people to join the witch hunt? Nothing.
"Oi, old man, how long more are you going to drag me around with you?" Gokudera asked, sounding more pissed than anything.
Iemitsu sighed in exhaustion. He was just as tired as his companion. There were so many promising candidates that refused his offer. The last guy they went to see was too frightened of Gokudera and ran away. "This is as irritating for me as much as it is for you." he said, "We just have to be patient."
The sun was already setting, the blue sky now replaced with splashes of orange and purple. The two's legs felt like they were going to give in any second. Most of the townspeople had already retired to their homes for the day so not a lot of people were around. However, Iemitsu had this nagging feeling that they were being followed.
"What's with that look on your face?" asked Gokudera, noticing that Iemitsu was a little tense.
"It's nothing, just tired." the other quickly replied.
The silver haired boy just shrugged and continued on walking silently.
This aura... Iemitsu thought. It was something he knew all too well; the presence of a witch. Shit, you had to pick now of all times?
"Follow me." Iemitsu commanded.
Gokudera raised an eyebrow, "Aren't I already?"
The two walked along in silence. "Where the hell are we going?" Gokudera questioned further, noticing that they were travelling to a more isolated part of town. Iemitsu kept silent. They then turned into an alley, now nobody had to witness what was about to happen except Iemitsu and Gokudera. "Okay old man, just tell me what's happening." Gokudera demanded.
Iemitsu sighed at the child's impatience. "All right, in just a few moments, you will get to meet your first witch." he said.
The boy was taken aback by the new information. "Just be ready."Iemitsu instructed. He reached into his coat, grabbing his gun.
The witch's presence was getting closer and closer. This guy's a strong one. Iemitsu noted. He kept his focus on the entrance of the alley. After just a few seconds, the silhouette of a large man appeared.
Iemitsu's grip on this gun tightened.
The unknown man got closer and closer, his footsteps echoing through the alley. As soon as he was a meter away from Iemitsu and Gokudera, Iemitsu took the gun out of its holster and pointed it at the mystery witch. "Iemitsu, it's me." the man said.
This voice... "Bouche? What the hell are you doing here?" Iemitsu asked, recognizing the king's guardian. Just as he came, the witch's aura disappeared.
"You know this guy?" Gokudera asked, pointing to Bouche and giving him a weird look.
"Yes, he's one of the king's guardians." answered Iemitsu, putting the gun back in its holster in his coat.
Realizing how rude he was, Gokudera's eyes widen in shock and profusely apologized to the large man who only nodded in response. "Head back to the palace, you are relieved of your duty." he said.
"What do you mean?" Iemitsu asked.
"Viktor will be the one doing the recruiting now." Bouche said, getting straight to the point.
"I see," Iemitsu said, a little disappointed, "then how about him?" He glanced at Gokudera.
"He will stay at the palace with us for today and Viktor will decide to keep him or not tomorrow."
"Okay, but why-"
Bouche vanished halfway through Iemitsu's question. What a weird guy.
A carriage awaited Iemitsu and Gokudera on the road in front of the alley. A sense of relief washed over Iemitsu when he knew that they didn't have to travel all the way to the palace by foot. "Is that for us?" asked Gokudera as he pointed at the carriage.
"Indeed it is." was the answer, "I thought a kid raised by a wealthy family would be used to having access to a carriage."
"Tch, as if I would go around town in this stupid thing." Gokudera said.
Iemitsu chuckled and stepped into the carriage.
Once they settled down in the seats, the coachman urged the horses forward.
"So, you hired Viktor to help you." Gokudera said, "You guys must be pretty desperate."
Iemitsu decided to keep quiet. He looked out the carriage window and saw a family of three walk past them: a father, a mother, and a young boy. They all had happy looks on their faces, walking together hand in hand. It reminded Iemitsu of the days when Tsuna was younger; they days when they were all happy with each other. Seeing the look hurt look on his son's face when he left home tore his heart to shreds. But staying away from his family was the best way to prevent them from being hurt, especially with the witch situation going on. If the enemy knew who his family was, they wouldn't hesitate to hurt them if they had to.
Iemitsu sighed. Somewhere deep within him, he wished he could go back.