So I said Sunday, but I didn't feel satisfied with how chapter 1 left off. I liked how I made it in the end but I really wanted to leave off on something that better represents what this story will be like for the majority of it, and the last chapter was pretty much all about the humor (it is Gintama...so not a bad thing). Like I said I split one chapter into two because it became too long and you'll probably see that these two chaps really make one at the end of it. As Always enjoy and leave those reviews so I can improve.
CH2: First Impressions Have nothing to do With Your "Attitude"
Gintoki crashed through the door nearly tearing it out of its socket. But he suddenly found himself unable to move.
"Something's….wrong here."
Shinpachi was sprawled out on the couch like a corpse. His glasses were askew on his lifeless looking face, as Otsu's latest song was blasting through the yellow headphones on his ears. Meanwhile Sougo Okita was scarfing down a Shinsengumi sausage, washing it down with strawberry milk. Without a care he let the sausage wrapper float to the floor only to be quickly vacuumed up by a stranger. He quickly proceeded to clear the entire room, all while wearing a cheerful smile on his face and a pink apron over his attire, consisting of a red Ji Baori vest with diamond shaped patterns over a white Kimono and blue Hakama pants.
"No I'm just imagining things." He made his way to the bathroom waving his hands as if "shooing" away the illogical vision his mind just created.
"Ah…that was definitely my toughest battle yet but I feel much lighter now. I feel like I can take on Frieza." He surveyed the room once again upon re-entry.
Shinpachi was sprawled out on the couch like a corpse. His glasses were askew on his lifeless looking face, as Otsu's latest song was blasting through the yellow headphones on his ears. Meanwhile Sougo Okita was scarfing down a Shinsengumi sausage, washing it down with strawberry milk. Without a care he let the sausage wrapper float to the floor only to be quickly vacuumed up by a stranger. He quickly proceeded to clear the entire room, all while wearing a cheerful smile on his face and a pink apron over his attire, consisting of a red Ji Baori vest with diamond shaped patterns over a white Kimono and blue Hakama pants.
"Nope not happening. I must still be fatigued after that dump. I mean, this is the Odd Jobs I've always known right? If something was unusual, Shinpachi would have already commented on it."
Shinpachi's eyes drifted toward Gin taking a few seconds to fully register who it was. But once he locked onto those unmistakable silver curls he perked up. "Yo is that Gin? What's good bro?" Shinpachi managed to mutter still laid out.
If one listened carefully, they could hear an angel screaming in heaven as Gintoki's face shriveled in horror.
"Go ahead, cop a squat, my homie here got the trash. It's crazy how you ain't realize how hard you been working till you put ya feet up, know what I'm saying?"
"Wh…WHO IS THAT?" Gintoki said as he felt a nail being driven through his balls.
"Oh, boss you've come back." Sougo said gulping down the last of the strawberry milk. "It's good you came back so soon, we need some more drinks at this table." He said shaking the empty carton before tossing it behind him. The stranger quickly picked up the carton humming cheerfully to himself.
"Just what in the hell do you think you're doing? When I open the fridge there'd better be more in there!"
"Well my client came to hire you for a job, and he didn't listen when I told him he wouldn't be prepared to see how the lowest citizens in the Kabuki district live. The moment we stepped through the door we knew we had to fix this disgusting apartment and took it upon ourselves to start cleaning it up. "
"Who are you criticize the house you're invading? You're just clearing out my food supply!"
"The place smelled so awful I figured there was something old and rotten left around somewhere. I tried one of those odd herbs and could tell they were expired immediately. Don't worry we already took care of that." He pointed to a garbage can filled with Kagura's precious pickled seaweed. "Luckily the milk was A-ok."
"Are you trying to get me killed? Leave me out of your rivalry with her! Even a punk like you should know proper etiquette when entering someone else's home! You don't just take food out of the fridge!"
"Ah. I thought drinks were ok."
"What old bastard told you that? Get out of my office and get out of my house!"
"Hold up Gin, these guys are cool. See I was working real hard like, then pretty dude came up to me and said he'd hold it down for ya boy."
Gintoki's hand journeyed across the room to Shinpachi's, stabbing his nostrils with two fingers. "Shinpachi! What's the third rule of working at Odd Jobs?"
"ALL GLASSES MUST MAINTAIN THEIR ONLY SANE MAN PERSONAS IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE BALANCE OF OUR CHARACTER INTERACTIONS! SIR!"
"Don't you ever forget that again!" He fired the Shinpachi missile straight through the window, now setting his sights on the still unnamed stranger.
"You bastard! What have you done to our Shinpachi? Do you have any idea how long it's taken to mold him into the perfect punching bag punch liner?" Gintoki finally grabbed his attention by lifting him by the collar.
"If he's not constantly working, or being abused by someone more popular than him he'll become rusty! I can barely understand what he's saying now! Someone has to pay for this! ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY FOR THIS?"
"Oh my! I'm terribly sorry. I take it you are the Gin in Odd jobs Gin?" the stranger finally spoke in a light and innocent voice. "Please forgive my rude invasion, when I saw this house in such dire need of restoration, I simply couldn't help myself. Please, allow me to introduce myself."
"My name is Akari Mishiro, the First and Only Son of the Mishiro Family." He said politely bowing.
Kagura, painted in dirt, prowled through a small thicket like a lioness on the hunt. Without sniffing or listening, but only the most minuscule amount of intuition she burst into the air through a small clearing, landing with an expression of awe at the plateau revealed before her. The grass swayed in all directions as the strong breeze rushed through the field. Assorted flower petals were plucked from the ground and ventured through the sky, beckoned by the wind. Kagura's delicate looking frame contrasted the rugged image of carrying the enormous bag along her back that she was. As she flew across the landscape. Slowly, the field shifted into a cliff from which practically all of Edo could be seen.
"Come on Sadaharu! Soyo-chan! The view from here is amazing, yes!" She said realizing she had even left Sadaharu behind. Unsure of how far behind they had gotten, she peered deeper into the hole she created on her entry. As if expecting a hint, her glare dilated further until she caught glimpse of a white bullet.
He came in like a hurricane of destruction moving as fast as his precious paws could take him. If one looked closely, they could see a nauseated Soyo struggling to hang on to Sadaharu's collar, choking on white fur.
"Soyo-chan!" Kagura said realizing her friend's dangerous situation. She didn't run to stop him or even give Sadaharu an order. She simply dropped her umbrella, put her hand out, and waited. The periled pooch was forced to a crashing halt at his master's hand, knowing from experience no amount of velocity was going to move her. For Soyo, being sent flying over the plateau miles from the ground screaming in terror, …was thankfully avoided by Kagura who managed to grab her floral royal kimono with her free hand.
"Kagura-chan…you're…amazing…" Soyo complimented with her remaining consciousness.
The girls managed to settle within moments and enjoyed their time overlooking the hill. From there Edo appeared as an ocean of trees with buildings impersonating coral reefs, encrusted with shining jewels that managed to reflect the untamed rays of the sun beneath the botanic waves. This close to the sky, one could feel the sonic boom of the Amanto ships racing against the clouds. Unlike normal people, the girls paid no mind to the harsh environment and unloaded the hefty bag they had carried with them as their hair waved wildly in the gust.
Of all things, they were enjoying a small picnic. Of course, small, in this case included no less than 10 barrels of rice with all the fixings, an orchid's worth of fruit, expensive herbal tea, and last but not least some pickled seaweed.
"Sorry again, for Sadaharu going so out of control, he's used to having me on his back so he had to work a little harder trying to follow mine."
"No need to apologize…the fact that I'm able to see you today makes me happy enough." Soyo said with a big grin.
"Soyo-chan…" Kagura began to notice her smile was incredibly forced and Soyo wasn't as perky as she normally was when they were together. She believed Soyo was genuinely excited to see her today but it was clear something was on her mind.
"To be honest…" Her expression suddenly changed as she lowered her head. "I considered asking you not to come today." She confessed.
"Lord Mishiro! Please make yourself at home."
The young lord was finally seated on the couch opposite Gintoki. His torso length black hair and soft features would lead one to believe he was a young girl had they only seen a photo. His eyes were narrow enough to appear a constant closed as he smiled an eager smile of just desires.
"Your tea sir." Shinpachi poured a steaming pot of freshly brewed mint tea in a small mug and place it on the table before retreating in his usual sheepish manner.
"It's amazing how quickly greed can make even the boldest samurai beg like dog." He quipped with his now bruised body returned to his apron.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear anything but 'my deepest apologies' and 'Dondake!' from you for the rest of this chapter after what you pulled."
"But if you're acting this ridiculous now, who's going to point it out if I can't."
"You should have thought about that before shirking your responsibilities and your brain. You've lost your right to be the straight man."
"My deepest apologies…"
"Please forgive my earlier rudeness Lord Mishiro, I was just surprised I'd see you so soon after I had a chance encounter with your father." Gin said as Akari took a long pleasant sip from his mug. "Me and him are old friends you know."
"Please the blame is all mine, I interfered with the dynamics of your characters without properly introducing myself. For this I selfishly beg for The Heaven's forgiveness." Akari said prostrating himself.
"That's really not ne-"Shinpachi was cut short by the powerful hand of a greedy Gintoki striking the back of his head.
"…My deepest apologies."
"I understand normally someone with my status wouldn't find himself in this part of town, but my request forces my hand. Even if it requires working with those skilled in moving white powder or making people disappear I will stop at nothing to preserve the name of Mishiro."
"Hey what kind of dirty organization do you think we-"This time Shinpachi's eyes were knocked straight through his glasses, causing his eyes to bleed a little.
"…D…Dondake."
"Listen lord Mishiro, we're more than acquainted with covering the tracks of those with a reputation to keep. Of course no one is above the laws of the streets." Gintoki said, suddenly wearing a suit and chomping a cigar. An anonymous cat also found itself in his lap enjoying a good petting.
"Of course, I understand and I'm willing to pay whatever amount is required as long as word of this request does not get out to anyone."
"State your request, and we'll see what…my people can do to support you."
"Yes of course." Akari said finally lifting his head off the ground and returned to the comfort of the couch.
"As you may be aware, my family has made a miraculous resurgence into power through the efforts of our great militia. It has been an arduous task in this age of the sword ban, but we have been able to sway the heads of law enforcement in Kyoto into trusting our family and our name to present them protection and justice. We aspire to grow this name for ourselves through our negotiations with the Bakufu. However, we understand requesting to regain the right to legally carry our blades in the whole country, especially keeping mind of the monitoring done by the Amanto keeping humanity in check, will make negotiations naturally difficult. Which is why we prepared a sort of…bargaining piece for the Bakufu lords."
"So what did you send him your personal video collection? I'm sure an offer like that would make old Shou even fight against the Amanto. AHAHAHAHA!"
"How far are you willing to go to make yourself look important, boss?" Sougo pitied.
"Not quite it's more of a bargaining piece."
Gintoki hushed.
"In Kyoto, he has slain thousands and was feared throughout the city. A petrifying monster whose skills were beyond any samurai or any creature. A criminal whose very existence is lethal. His blood carries the very essence of hatred and wrath and in order for it to be satisfied, he'll slay as many people as his sword can rend, and devour their souls."
Shinpachi and even Gintoki couldn't help but be shaken at the image of an Oni slaughtering innocents and setting towns ablaze.
"He slayed women and children, and bathed in a pool of their corpse's for pleasure. With the enigmatic grace of a shinobi, slitting throats before the victims can even scream in fear and agony. He was known…as the Dark Prophet, Yaboku. After intense searching and an even more problematic fight, our military managed to capture him. We brought him with us to Edo to present to the Bakufu."
"You guys captured a monster like that? Then brought him here of all places?"
"Yes but I assure you he was heavily restrained...at least until we arrived in this district…" Akari suddenly broke the floor with his skull, kneeling. "I SELFISHLY ASK FOR NOTHING LESS THEN THE FORGIVENESS OF THE HEAVENS! BUT HE MANAGED TO ESCAPE!"
"WHAT THE HELL? You mean you dumbasses let loose a monster in the city and you want us to capture him without anyone finding out? You must be crazy!" Gintoki burst out.
"DONDAKE!" Shinpachi concurred.
"I understand it to be a most heinous request for our own negligence, but I have nowhere else to turn. If Father finds out, I will not be able to hold the title of First and Only son of the Mishiro clan with pride, and if the good people of Edo were to know the most vicious criminal walks their very streets it would spread unnecessary panic. But most of all, I cannot risk the Bakufu getting word of this or else the only recently revived name of the Mishiro will be lost to history again. I simply cannot allow that to happen. No matter what!"
"If preserving your clan was that important you all would have done a better job of keeping him locked up or better yet you would have just off'd him and called it a day. Besides, if you're so hell bent on no one finding out about this why the hell did you bring a captain in the Bakufu's personal dogs here?"
"Oh yes Master Okita happened to have caught wind of our predicament and offered to help find the assassin himself without saying a word. As long as I promised to put a good word for him with the Bakufu to support him gaining the position of Vice Chief as well as a healthy sum. He even urged me not to ask you and that he could handle it. I admire his motivation to the cause of protecting Edo."
"The protection of the citizens of the shogun and his great people comes before all else, Boss." Sougo's words leaked out of his villainous smile.
"Who's going to protect the citizens from an extorting sadist like you?"
"Geez, jobs like this are always fishy. Listen we're not mercenaries or detectives or anything like that. Essentially you're asking us to find this guy and kick his ass so you can take him away and play hero. It's going to cost more than acts of humbleness to get us to do this."
"I told you it'd be a waste of time Mr. Akari. In this town you have to be willing to make sacrifices to get people to move. We should go."
"All is well Master Okita." Akari said maintaining his humble mood. "I understand I'm troubling you quite a bit with this task, so like Master Okita I've prepared a gracious compensation for you." He piqued Gintoki's interest.
"Hopefully it's satisfactory, but I can easily prepare 45 Sq. Kilometers of land for your ownership in Kyoto."
"What…what did you just say?" Gintoki spoke through an empty and leaking hole in his face, his basic motor skills beginning to fail him.
"Yes a great plot of land as well as a substantial monetary reward." He said as he opened a suitcase full of cold hard cash. The Yen shined brilliantly in the widened eyes of Gintoki and Shinpachi.
"Hey, you said like 'Master' Okita right? I'd better be getting some land in my deal too, Mr. Akari."
Gin slowly walked back behind the desk and pulled out a calligraphy brush. He took down his archaic "Mind Your Sugar Levels!" sign. With a splash of ink, a wave of his brush and a few minutes, a new sign "One Kabuki-Chou. Under Mishiro" took its place.
Gin then returned to Akari and fell to one knee.
"I will not fail you, My Lord." Gin said in his most dignified voice, holding Akari's hand.
"…A Samuraaai! He's become a true samurai with a lord!" Shinpachi exclaimed. "Gin just hang on a minute. We don't have any leads or have any idea where to start."
"Actually, it was recently reported that a mysterious figure was seen near a school playground. He was known for frequenting spots with children and watching them for hours. That would be a good place to start." Akari said.
"Seems this guy may be more than just a killer." Sougo added.
"So we're dealing with a murderer, a stalker, and a lolicon, nothing we haven't faced before!" Gin said refusing to lose sight of his reward. "If this guy gets off to brats then we'll lure him out with Kagura. He'll expect to lure away another brat with cake and video games, then be in for rude awakening from a pickled seaweed loving monster girl."
"Kagura? Is she also part of your organization?" Akari asked.
Sougo was clearly disgruntled but his face didn't lose its posture. It was clear something had happened he had been trying to avoid.
"Eh…don't ask, I'd rather forget about this morning." Gintoki said holding his head." "But fear not Lord Akari, with Kagura we'll be guaranteed to succeed. She's none too bright but killer or not, if we're dealing with a human then they'll be no match for her. She's part of the powerful warrior race, the Yato."
The moment those words finished crossing Gintoki's lips, Sougo and Shinpachi felt the air vanish from the room. There was a chilling silence as a new aura enveloped the once humble Akari.
"D…did you say…YATO?" His skin grew pale and his pupils dilated to a near invisible point as the question echoed in the ears of those present.
"Tell me not to come…Why?" Kagura said in a voice plagued more with concern than bitter feelings to the suggestion her presence wasn't welcome.
"L-L-Let's not ruin the time with gloomy talk" Soyo said embarrassed. "You've only finished one barrel of rice. I know that isn't enough for you. Let's dig in!"
"Hey, no fair Soyo-chan! Tell me what's wrong!"
"I'm afraid, Madam Kagura, Her Highness was a little distraught when she learned about the people who were asking favor from the Shogun today." A familiar elderly voice came.
"Ah…Grandpa!" Soyo said recognizing Rotten Maizou approaching the two girls on the hill he was accompanied by several men in black suits and sunglasses.
"Don't listen to Grandpa, he's become ever so senile. I'll bring him his medication. I hope he doesn't pass out like last time. A maiden's heart can't take it."
"Don't try to put me in the grave already your highness! Once again you've forced me to come collect you. Luckily I caught a glimpse of that giant dog leaving the estate."
"Hey gramps…what did you mean? Soyo was upset because of the big schlongs?"
"YOUNG WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE USING SUCH LANGUAGE! Your highness cover your ears!" Maizou roared.
"I don't care, what they say grandpa…Kagura-chan is Kagura-chan!" With a sudden retort, her voice began to fall to pieces with uncontrollable sobbing. "I don't want to meet people who judge others like that." Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
"Your highness please…it will look bad on the Tokugawa family if you are not present at this meeting. It would also be very bad if it was revealed you were sneaking out with..."
"I DON'T CARE! You should know too grandpa, Kagura-chan isn't like the others! The only way I'll go back is if I can say that to their faces!"
"It can't be helped, please escort her highness back to the estate." Maizou ordered two bodyguards.
"After all, if I hadn't known this would become a personal matter for her I wouldn't have come myself."
Soyo's cries to be released were soon out of ear shot. Even from afar Kagura could see the sorrow in her eyes.
"…Soyo…chan." She put out a hand, but found herself hesitating to chase down the men who had carried her off.
Maizou faced Kagura, knowing she felt out of place in the awkward moment.
"I'm sorry Madam Kagura, but perhaps it would be best if you returned home. There are some matters, strength alone can't overcome. I'm sure you're confused now, but just trust that you don't have to worry about such matters. Please do not waste that freedom." With that he followed his men and the tearful Soyo.
Kagura stood alone as the wind carried the food they were just enjoying off the hill. Far from tears or anger, she had a blank expression on her face. This wasn't the first time she's been abandoned, but it was slowly beginning to trouble her if it wouldn't be the last.
"That's right, a Yato! Seems like you already know of their awesome power." Gintoki continued.
"Mr. Akari that isn't a problem for you is it?" Shinpachi asked either out of concern or fear.
Akari appeared to be convulsing. He didn't look from the ground nor answer.
"You dumbass it's lord Akari! Just worry about getting the job done!" Gintoki urged.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Akari suddenly whispered. "I was just surprised there were still Yato on Earth. They're a violent peo…no a violent species you know, and almost extinct. For you to keep one must mean you have immense power and control. My trust you'll complete this job has grown." He stated with a smile. "As well as my expectations." He added with a much more stern tone. "I'm a fan of the idea though, sick monster against monster..."
"…Mr. Akari, we should probably go, your father will begin to worry. We'll work on capturing the assassin before the meeting today." Sougo's tone demanded composure out of Akari.
"Yes…let us be on our way."
They began to walk out the room but Sougo paused before quite making to the door.
"I'll meet you downstairs."
"Don't be too long Master Okita. Please…I've begun to feel more threatened in this town than before." Akari coldly stated as he left the room.
Sougo returned to the Odd Jobs office to see them already discussing the odd exchange with the Mishiro prince.
"Didn't that seem a little odd to you. He was so kind and humble until we mentioned Kagura was a Yato. And what he said, it seems like he has something against them."
"Don't ask me. Why don't we let our friend her tell us. That's what you came back for isn't it?" Gintoki said, gaining a serious demeanor.
"So you're always attentive even if you don't show it, boss. You never cease to amaze me." Sougo began.
"It's clear to you he bears a strong hatred for China's kind. And it's hard to blame him. After all..." He faced them with a look of warning.
"During the Amanto wars…the Yato annihilated the entire Mishiro clan."