Author's note:

Chapter I was very drama filled but you have to expect that, anyways I forgot to do this part:

Disclaimer: I do not own Peacemaker Kurogane; because if I did I'd add myself in every chapter in every manga and Okita would not die instead he'd be alive and all well with me...

I always wanted to say that…okay now on to chapter II

Chapter II

Decisions

Inside Kondou Isami's quarters; Kondou Isami, the stern looking Hijikata Toshizou and the plump medical doctor, Matsumoto Ryojun were engaged in a heated discussion, the discussion of the fate of Shinsengumi captain Okita Soji.

"I believe I do not understand this at all Matsumoto-san" Kondou said as he reread the letter the medical doctor had presented to him earlier. "This…this note…I can't…I simply won't"

Irritated, Vice-Captain Hijikata Toshizou snatched the letter from Kondou's hands and began reading the letter. Loudly he began to read the contents with great displeasure.

"This notice pertains to Captain Kondou Isami and Vice-captain Hijikata Toshizou of the Shinsengumi forces stationed in Kyoto, by the order of Lord Matsudaira Katamori of Higo, the 1st squad captain of the Shinsengumi, Okita Soji has been permanently discharged from the Shogunate forces due to his poor condition for battle. Expect further orders from Lord Matsudaira"

After reading the letter, Hijikata handed it quickly to Kondou who began massaging his temples, uncertain of what to do. "We know that Soji has been ill but we can't just discharge him just like that, with all due respect Matsumoto-san but the troops morale have been low ever since we put Soji in complete isolation."

"I understand that this decision is hard for you Kondou-san but I believe that it's best that you abide by it." Matsumoto Ryojun stated simply as he took a sip from his tea. "I know it's hard to accept, I know that Okita-san is your most valued swordsman but please do think of the consequences you'll be facing soon. Think of the danger these men are in just by being under the same roof as him"

"With all due respect Matsumoto-san, I know you mean well but please do not speak of Soji as if he were a parasite, sickness or no sickness he is still a human being" Hijikata said through gritted teeth.

"I apologize deeply; that statement was indeed going out of line…this letter is to be sent back with two signatures, these signatures will confirm that you have agreed to the discharge of Okita Soji."

Kondou Isami stared at the letter, signing it would mean he would lose his most gifted swordsman not signing it meant two things, Soji would stay with them but his disease would most likely contaminate the others.

He picked up his brush and stared at the piece of parchment, it was taunting him. This was one decision Kondou nor Hijikata had a solution out of.

Yamazaki Susumu had been minding his own business when the sounds of arguing caught his attention; carefully he exited his quarters to observe the boisterous scene.

Apparently even the young Ichimura was drawn to the noises for he as usual, skipped his page duties to eavesdrop on the conversation or rather argument coming from Kondou Isami's quarters.

"You know it's impolite to eavesdrop" Susumu said coolly as the young red headed page jumped up with fright.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, don't sneak up on me like that you eyebrow less bastard"

Instead of reprimanding the young page he scoffed and let the matter go, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be attending to your page duties?" Susumu said coolly.

"Heh, for your information I was going to ask Hijikata-san what my duties were today…and what about you, I could ask you the same thing. Why are you here you eye brow deprived bas-"

Before the young Ichimura could finish, Susumu with cat like speed grabbed the young page by the collar and hid behind the bushes as the shoji doors quickly snapped open.

"Hey let go of me!" Tetsu hissed as he tried to pry away from Susumu's grip.

"Idiot, that's the thanks I get after saving your ass? Eavesdropping on the commander's conversation is punishable, you do know that right?"

"If I was eavesdropping then so were you, ha! You're as guilty as I am" Tetsu whispered proudly.

"Shut up and be quiet will you"

The two young men hidden securely behind the bushes continued to listen on to their commander's conversation, Susumu who had been drawn to the conversation due to the familiar voice watched with awe as his medical sensei Matsumoto Ryojun stepped out of Kondou Isami's quarters.

"What's he doing here?" Tetsu asked as he looked at Susumu's sensei intently

"Idiot, I seriously question how Tatsu lives with you and your annoying questions. Of course Matsumoto-sensei is here, he is a shogunate doctor after all and it is his responsibility to visit us here to do his usual medical inspections"

"Actually he's here for other reasons"

Both boys jumped back as they came face to face with 3rd squad captain, Hajime Saitou.

Tetsu clutched his heart and began panting heavily; Susumu who was not used to be snuck upon on pointed his index finger shakily at the bored faced captain.

"What the hell was that for?" Tetsu asked through gritted teeth after finally regaining his composure.

"I was on my way to get some soba when I saw a lock of red hair protruding from the bushes" Saitou replied calmly.

Noticing his fault Tetsu smiled meekly trying to avoid Susumu's deathly gaze, "Idiot, next time go look for your own hiding spot" the former shinobi said as he smacked the young red head.

"Eh, Saitou-san what exactly did you mean by Matsumoto-san being here for other reasons?" Tetsu asked curiously as he began rubbing his throbbing head. Susumu looked at the captain intently, not wanting to miss any valuable information.

Hajime Saitou turned to face Tetsu, their faces inches apart. "A bowl of soba sounds really nice, I shall tell you when I get back"

"Come on Saitou-san! I can't wait that long!" Tetsu whined childishly.

"You're one curious puppy aren't you?" Saitou said as he patted Tetsu on the head.

"Hey, quit treating me like a dog damn it! Will you just hurry up and tell me for crying out loud!" Tetsu demanded.

Susumu ignored the petty dispute between Saitou and Tetsu, he was far to engrossed in his own thoughts to care of others. "What could be so important that Matsumoto-sensei and the Shinsengumi's two commanders have to be involved?"

Back in Kondou Isami's quarters, Kondou Isami sighed sadly as he finished signing his name on the letter, finally granting the discharge of Okita Soji.