An: Wow! *flushes sheepishly* I was only gone for a week and I got 7
reviews....Geez you guys must really like me!!! *bows deeply to all of her
reviewers* Arigatou Gozaimasu, and douitashimashite for those of you who
like the story. This is my first S&M fic sooo yea...it's awesome how well
FF.net go-ers have responded! Thank you again!
I don't plan on having this be a long chapter, it should be considerably shorter than the others. I just kinda want to plow through this chapter if at all possible, as horrible as it sounds.
The "enter problem" is not my fault, if anyone of you want to volunteer to fix it then be my guest. It comes up right on my computer but ff.net screws it up. I know how to use the enter button I swear!!!!
Buffybot76- Hope nothing too exciting has happened while I was gone ^_~ You still get props for reading my crap!))
Misao darted out the door making her way through the marketplace, dodging and weaving in and out of people. The streets of Kyoto were thick and crowded. Finally becoming frustrated with it all she took to the roofs, using her ninja agility and speed to keep her balance. She sighed and looked to the sky. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. She almost regretted having to work inside the restaurant. She darted from roof to roof and felt the presence of someone's Ki. It was menacing.
Misao took out her Kunai, leaping down into an alleyway and doing her best to mask her ki. She waited. It was gone as quickly as it had come. Being cautious, and untrusting Misao looked around, sensing with all of her abilities the surrounding area. It seemed safe. Flipping back up onto the roof, she made her way continuing to follow the roofs to the Aoiya. She had to cross the alleyways to get to the roofs that would take her home. She stopped, taking a breath and backed up getting ready to take her run. Her ankle slipped, throwing her off balance. She threw out her arms to try and catch the roof as she slid, falling onto her back. The roof was greased!
She hit the floor in a tumble of broken and shattered tiles. She covered her head as a barrage of them fell on top of her. It was a good twelve foot drop from the roof she fell from. She had landed on her bad ankle. She was shocked from the fall, getting up from the mess of roof pieces. She looked up into the eyes of a group of shady men.
"Miss us Oniwabanshuu whore?" The man asked, his sword slung across his shoulder.
His sneering smile mocked everything she was. Misao's eyes turned jade with anger. It was one of the men who'd attacked her. It wasn't however their leader. She was slightly disappointed. Misao sized up her opponents. She'd have a handful as it was.
"You're probably wondering where our Leader is huh? He's preoccupied at the moment, but he'll have his fun with you tomorrow. He told us to rough you up a bit today though, So lets see what tricks you can do for me whore"
He let a slow grin settle onto his features, making him only that much uglier. Misao's eyes narrowed in sheer hatred. She clenched her fists, Kunai in hand instantly.
"You will regret meddling with ME" Misao warned, rising to her feet, eyeing her opponents. Her ankle was sprained, Misao could feel it throb, aching with pain. All were with swords, she was blocked in an alley. This would be bloody. Leaping up to throw her attackers off, she shot her Kunai through out the air, she tumbled down into the middle of them, getting two with her feet and landing into a tumble with practiced ease.
She had learned all of her moves well, and even with her ankle injury she would hold her own in battle. She was the Okashira and she would NOT let these men get away with insulting the Oniwabanshuu. She round housed one, knocking him into a wall and clear unconscious as the others pulled out their swords. Landing into a crouch she waited. There were five in all, one unconscious now. She favored her ankle careful not to over extend herself. The two on the left were idiots, they fingered their swords insecurely. She would take the experienced ones first.
They slashed towards her, swords slicing through the air with terrible speed. She leapt into the air twisting to avoid getting harpooned upon them. Misao landed behind them turning and sweeping out her arm, using a hand to hand fighting move Hannya had shown her so long ago to disarm him and take his sword as her own weapon. Taking the sword quickly, she parried a thrust aimed for her heart, and fended him off. Taking the butt of her sword she quickly bashed the un armed man over the head, retreating a few paces back, to give her room.
2 down, 3 to go. She focused on her enemies, waiting, and hoping to catch her breath. Her heart beated soundly with the rush of adrenaline and fear she felt. She didn't know how to use a sword nearly as well as these men. She wouldn't last long like this. The three charged her, trying to take her on a group. She slashed the first along his stomach, and abandoned the sword and slid through their feet.
She rolled out of the way, rising to her feet to feel the blade slice deep into her shoulder. Stifling a cry of pain, she grabbed the man's shoulder, and twisted her ankles using her weight and proportions the way Beshimi had taught her to twirl him and threw him into the others. Her ankle was as good as gone at the moment, almost all of her weight on her other ankle.
The one with the stomach wound was on the floor, clutching his bleeding stomach. Apparently the wound was deeper than she originally thought. The other one coming after her, lodged the flying one onto his blade, killing his own man. The last one left standing swore revenge and retreated.
Misao panted, and the one with the stomach wound slowly ran after his comrade. Misao fell to her knees panting, and gasping with effort. She was terrified from the battle. She sobbed for a bit, trembled, shivering, and turned to vomit, violently. She wiped the tears from her eyes and spit out the last of the bile creeping up her throat. Her wound was leaking blood upon the dirt, and it was almost hypnotizing for Misao to watch her own blood spill in such a large quantity. She shook her head to clear her mind, and wiped her mouth off. She had to get to the Aoi-ya. There just wasn't any way she could make it. She blacked out.
Saitou Hajime had finished his paperwork 2 hours after Itachi had left. He sighed, cracked his knuckles and neck and stood to light a victory cigarette. Saitou had decided that he needed a lunch break, and his mind wandered back to the Aoi-ya where Misao had made him soba noodles. He had never tasted them made so well. Of course his mind started to wander to the Itachi herself and he had to mentally slap himself. She was far too young for the likes of him, and she was still innocent. Saitou nearly smirked. He had lost that so very very long ago with the revolution.
Grabbing his sword and attaching it to his police uniform he left. Of course he was the only one STILL in the office.
"Damn those incompetent short houred fools!" Saitou cursed.
They did nothing to help improve the police force. Things would change. He was in line for a promotion in this job, the way he was running things. In time, he would be the captain of this place and things were DRASTICALLY change. No more half assed paperwork, no more slacking it on the job, long hours, less pay. Saitou started to account all the things he would do once he became the captain.
He locked up the office and began the walk slowly back to the Aoi-ya. He sensed it almost immediately. Something was wrong. Someone's Ki was close by and wavering. It was a familiar Ki. Cursing, he followed the energy levels, slowly fading off. He walked briskly, there was no point in attracting unwanted attention by running. He prayed to Kami sama that it wasn't what he thought it would be.
Saitou had seen many a terrible homicide case. Anything Involving horrible and bloody death he was a part of. The revolution days had qualmed any sick feeling from seeing the dead, no matter how lacerated and disfigured. But the thought of Itachi, cold and dead in a pool of her own blood shook him to the very core.
He made his way to the side of the alley and already he could smell the blood. Quite a large amount of blood, in fact spilt all over the alley. Itachi was crumbled in a corner, unconscious. Saitou caught the air in his throat. Could she...? No, she was still breathing! He examined the area before deciding what to do with her. The fight had been harsh. 5 on one. The two others she'd knocked out where on the floor, still unconscious. Saitou grimaced and handcuffed the two while taking note of the movements and blood on the floor.
Itachi had handled herself well again, despite being out numbered. Sharp fierce anger shot through Saitou. Where the HELL had Shinomori been? This was HIS charge! Wasn't Shinomori supposed to protect the girl as her guardian? Why hadn't he been tailing her properly? Saitou 's eyes burned crystallized amber as he carefully examined Misao. Saitou had assumed foolishly that Shinomori would've watched her more carefully in the last few days from her last attack. He should've known better. The ice block would never lift a finger. Especially not if it meant making his life easier. Saitou scowled.
Her shoulder had a deep cut in it but somehow it had missed the bone. She was lucky, all she'd need was stitches. She was bruised and beat up. Her ankle was useless at the moment. Carefully keeping her prone in his arms, so as not to jar her, he picked her up. The Oniwabanshuu would want their little Itachi back. He might as well be the one to deliver her. The men he predicted by their breaths, would be out for another 2 hours. Long enough to return the ninja girl, get some food and return to arrest the bastards and find out just what they knew.
Misao moaned in his arms, squirming slightly. Her green eyes flickered open.
"Hush Itachi, I've got you" Saitou's gruff voice came. Misao had spazed when she had discovered herself in the arms of someone. She had almost thought she'd been raped. But Saitou's gruff voice reassured her. Her mind went back to the events. No. She'd not been raped. She had defeated her opponents once again.
"Where am I?" She whispered, her eyes trying to register exactly where she was.
"You're almost home" Saitou replied.
"It hurts" Misao hissed through clenched teeth, tears framing her cheeks. Saitou's heart wrenched.
"Shhh...Stop moving Itachi, you'll open your wounds" Saitou said trying to ignore her hissing pain. Misao nodded.
"I missed work at the restaurant" Misao said bowing her head.
"What? That's not important right now Itachi. You're severely injured!" Saitou informed her, feeling his anger swell.
She was still worried about what those idiots at the Aoiya thought. Saitou clenched his jaw, opening the gate. Itachi put on a tough front of being able to handle things. This was the reality. A girl who put up a front to keep others out. He looked around. It was empty. They must all have been down at the restaurant. Saitou opened the door, careful to avoid jostling his burden.
"OYE" He cried, door open. "GET OUT HERE!!!" He beckoned to Okon and Omasu. Okon gasped rushing to Misao.
Omasu announced the restaurant's early closing, and ushered the customers out. After that she ran off to get Okina, while Okon showed Saitou into the Aoi-ya to a room to place Misao in.
"Thank you so much Gorou san. We were worried when she didn't arrive to work, but we had assumed she was just late. We started to worry a little over an hour ago-"
"And You didn't send ANYONE to go find her?" He asked incredulously. These people we as stupid as his officers!!! He walked out the open door, furious, and knowing if he stayed in the room he wouldn't have been able to fight the urge to strangle the ignorant woman.
Outside the rest of the Oniwabanshuu members had assembled. Okina issued orders immediately.
"Shiro, fetch the doctor, Okon go gather bandages, Omasu and Kuro see to Misao. Go now swiftly!" The other members departed, leaving Saitou and Okina alone. Saitou's amber eyes glittered dangerously, narrowed in anger.
"I thank you Fujita san for returning my precious grand daughter back to me. We were very concerned for her-"
"I need no thanks from you old man." Saitou replied venomously.
"Oh?" Okina regarded him.
"I had assumed I'd left the situation fairly clearly in your hands to watch over her and tail her. How could you let this happen? You're her guardian! "
Okina's eyes narrowed.
"Had someone done their job and gotten those ruffians off the street my grand daughter might not be in the predicament she is in now" Okina replied.
Saitou's eyes flared golden amber. His hand went to the collar of Okina's Haori, and he lifted the old man off the floor.
"You arrogant Bastard. I should arrest you for neglecting your duty as a guardian and her family!" Saitou fumed. Scissored Twin Kodachi pressed against his throat.
"Release him" Aoshi ordered. Saitou paused, considering his position. Hurting the old man would do no good. He set Okina down, and turned slowly to look Shinomori in the eyes. Amber met ice, in locked, searing fury.
"Shinomori" Saitou acknowledged his hand moving towards the hilt of his sword.
"If you draw your blade, your head will roll" Aoshi said firmly, applying more pressure. Saitou could feel blood flowing down his neck. It wasn't deep. Saitou paused. If he continued on with this course of action he'd forever lose his ties with the Oniwabanshuu. However, he wouldn't allow Shinomori the satisfaction of beating him. He'd have to time this perfectly.
"I've told you a thousand times Shinomori, but I believe this needs to be a lesson learned through the consequences of your actions, Put your TOYS AWAY!" Saitou replied, sword drawn and forcing his sword down the middle of Aoshi's scissored kodachi.
Aoshi's arms strained with their locked position. His own Kodachi were being forced to his throat. He had underestimated Saitou's speed, which could apparently be cloaked. He had been a fool, and was slowly getting forced back. He couldn't get his Kodachi around him for a clear slice, Saitou had made sure of that with his counter. With the force of Saitou's sword, Aoshi would either be thrown back, or suffer a fatal gouge through the neck.
Applying a tremendous force of pressure with a cry, Saitou sent Aoshi Sprawling several yards back. Saitou charged, not giving his opponent the time to recover, and Aoshi was barely able to parry his thrusts. Despite the fact that Aoshi had 2 kodachi, and his specialty was defense in and of itself, he struggled to hold the Mibu Wolf back. Saitou's single sword was more effective than both Aoshi's Kodachi combined.
Saitou paused waiting for Aoshi to attack, deciding to see what the ice block would do. This fight was nothing more than practice for him, and he had never gotten to see Shinomori truly in action. Aoshi's form started to split, surrounding Saitou with his favored attack the Ryuusui no ugoki. Saitou's eyes narrowed. What sort of childish game was Shinomori playing?
"Trying to amuse me with cheap parlor tricks Shinomori" Saitou scowled, searching the circle.
The forms flickered. Saitou's sword met the twin kodachi in heated fury, as blow after blow came. Saitou finally found a loophole slicing Shinomori directly where Battousai's ultimate attack the Ama kakeru ryuu no Hirameki had scarred him. The force of the blow and the pain sent Aoshi back several yards
Saitou's amber eyes lit up and practically glowed with their ferocity and depth. He charged, Aoshi being able to sense the Gatotsu with his eyes closed. It was a basic Gatotsu, and Aoshi knew that he couldn't block it. Still, he brought up his kodachi to try. He only succeeded in redirecting the Gatotsu. Saitou's sword went through his shoulder and pinned him painfully against the tree. Aoshi's knuckles went white with the pain, as he clutched his Kodachi. He couldn't move. Saitou's eyes returned to their normal color.
"Now that we understand each other's POINT" Saitou spat, twisting his sword, and taking it out of Aoshi's shoulder. Aoshi cried out in pain as he slid down the tree to the ground.
"The next time you challenge me, I won't hesitate to kill you" He finished, vehemently, walking off towards the room Misao was in.
Once Saitou was gone, Okina approached Aoshi, whose shoulder was bleeding furiously all over. Aoshi ripped a piece from his tattered shirt, tying it tightly around the wound. Aoshi stood up painfully, avoiding a cry of pain by clenching his jaw.
"How could you let this happen? You were supposed to be watching her!" Okina demanded of him.
"I am not her guardian" Aoshi replied calmly rotating his shoulder carefully to make sure he could still move it. It would be sore for weeks.
"Damn you Aoshi. You are the Okashira!" Okina roared.
"No." Aoshi replied.
"She is" He motioned to the door.
Okina grazed Aoshi's cheek with his fist.
"You are an Oniwabanshuu Aoshi! Act like it! How could you let her go off alone?"
"I was preoccupied" Aoshi replied, his jaw clenching in the irritation of being reminded about his talk with Saitou.
"INEXSCUSABLE! You are a disgrace to us Aoshi! Get out of my sight! NOW" Okina ordered, furious. Aoshi shrugged.
"Aa" He replied walking off.
It was a pity that the girl was hurt. He hadn't actually *wanted* that to happen to her. Misao had been a nuisance this morning and he hadn't bothered tailing her, figuring that his cold rebuke from this morning would've kept her inside and pouting. So he had underestimated her.
He brooded on the situation at hand. Okina was furious because his granddaughter had been harmed. In his opinion Misao had needed the fights. Her bratty flouncing childish ways were long since past. Since she held "the title" of Okashira, she needed to start acting like one and not some selfish spoiled lovesick child. Aoshi leapt over the walls with grace and made his way to the forest. He'd go where he always found peace from his frustrations.
Saitou entered the room, and with a glance from those amber eyes, Okon, Omasu and Shiro left the room. Misao's shoulder was bandaged; they had to cut away her shirt of the ninja outfit. She was awake and had seen Saitou come in. However she hadn't acknowledged him yet. Moments passed, and the silence grew stretching. Misao finally broke it.
"Your neck is bleeding still"
"So's your shoulder Itachi, neither of us seems to mind" Saitou replied, eyes narrowed at her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Misao asked frustrated.
"Because you shouldn't have fought them. Because Shinomori should've been following you properly. Because I should've just locked you up when I had the chance! Because I'm going to have a hell hole of paperwork on those two men! You pick one Itachi" Saitou snapped irritated.
Misao's eyes filled with tears. "So you're upset about your damn PAPERWORK?" Misao cried.
"What I said before still stands Misao, now more than ever. If you go to challenge those men, I will have you arrested. Already you have charges against you for those other men. All you'd be doing is racking up your time sentence."
"I don't CARE! I don't care if I die doing this! I will defend the honor of the Oniwabanshuu. I am the Okashira" Misao declared.
"You are not the Okashira, Misao" Saitou replied, truthfully. Misao cringed at the harshness of her words.
"Yes I am. The title has not been taken from me, even if I'm not treated as one. And as an Okashira it is my job to defend the honor of the Oniwabanshuu!"
"Is that honor worth dying for? Are you prepared to give your life, because some pathetic little street urchin called you a whore?" Saitou asked her. He felt the harsh sting of her hand connecting with his face.
"My parents died for the honor of the Oniwabanshuu. Don't you EVER mock that!" Misao cried, getting up from the bed and limping outside the room.
Saitou's scowl only deepened. He pulled his sword out grabbing a handkerchief to wipe the blood off of it from his fight with Shinomori. Shoving it harshly back into the sheath he left the Aoi-ya. No one was sad to see him go.
I don't plan on having this be a long chapter, it should be considerably shorter than the others. I just kinda want to plow through this chapter if at all possible, as horrible as it sounds.
The "enter problem" is not my fault, if anyone of you want to volunteer to fix it then be my guest. It comes up right on my computer but ff.net screws it up. I know how to use the enter button I swear!!!!
Buffybot76- Hope nothing too exciting has happened while I was gone ^_~ You still get props for reading my crap!))
Misao darted out the door making her way through the marketplace, dodging and weaving in and out of people. The streets of Kyoto were thick and crowded. Finally becoming frustrated with it all she took to the roofs, using her ninja agility and speed to keep her balance. She sighed and looked to the sky. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. She almost regretted having to work inside the restaurant. She darted from roof to roof and felt the presence of someone's Ki. It was menacing.
Misao took out her Kunai, leaping down into an alleyway and doing her best to mask her ki. She waited. It was gone as quickly as it had come. Being cautious, and untrusting Misao looked around, sensing with all of her abilities the surrounding area. It seemed safe. Flipping back up onto the roof, she made her way continuing to follow the roofs to the Aoiya. She had to cross the alleyways to get to the roofs that would take her home. She stopped, taking a breath and backed up getting ready to take her run. Her ankle slipped, throwing her off balance. She threw out her arms to try and catch the roof as she slid, falling onto her back. The roof was greased!
She hit the floor in a tumble of broken and shattered tiles. She covered her head as a barrage of them fell on top of her. It was a good twelve foot drop from the roof she fell from. She had landed on her bad ankle. She was shocked from the fall, getting up from the mess of roof pieces. She looked up into the eyes of a group of shady men.
"Miss us Oniwabanshuu whore?" The man asked, his sword slung across his shoulder.
His sneering smile mocked everything she was. Misao's eyes turned jade with anger. It was one of the men who'd attacked her. It wasn't however their leader. She was slightly disappointed. Misao sized up her opponents. She'd have a handful as it was.
"You're probably wondering where our Leader is huh? He's preoccupied at the moment, but he'll have his fun with you tomorrow. He told us to rough you up a bit today though, So lets see what tricks you can do for me whore"
He let a slow grin settle onto his features, making him only that much uglier. Misao's eyes narrowed in sheer hatred. She clenched her fists, Kunai in hand instantly.
"You will regret meddling with ME" Misao warned, rising to her feet, eyeing her opponents. Her ankle was sprained, Misao could feel it throb, aching with pain. All were with swords, she was blocked in an alley. This would be bloody. Leaping up to throw her attackers off, she shot her Kunai through out the air, she tumbled down into the middle of them, getting two with her feet and landing into a tumble with practiced ease.
She had learned all of her moves well, and even with her ankle injury she would hold her own in battle. She was the Okashira and she would NOT let these men get away with insulting the Oniwabanshuu. She round housed one, knocking him into a wall and clear unconscious as the others pulled out their swords. Landing into a crouch she waited. There were five in all, one unconscious now. She favored her ankle careful not to over extend herself. The two on the left were idiots, they fingered their swords insecurely. She would take the experienced ones first.
They slashed towards her, swords slicing through the air with terrible speed. She leapt into the air twisting to avoid getting harpooned upon them. Misao landed behind them turning and sweeping out her arm, using a hand to hand fighting move Hannya had shown her so long ago to disarm him and take his sword as her own weapon. Taking the sword quickly, she parried a thrust aimed for her heart, and fended him off. Taking the butt of her sword she quickly bashed the un armed man over the head, retreating a few paces back, to give her room.
2 down, 3 to go. She focused on her enemies, waiting, and hoping to catch her breath. Her heart beated soundly with the rush of adrenaline and fear she felt. She didn't know how to use a sword nearly as well as these men. She wouldn't last long like this. The three charged her, trying to take her on a group. She slashed the first along his stomach, and abandoned the sword and slid through their feet.
She rolled out of the way, rising to her feet to feel the blade slice deep into her shoulder. Stifling a cry of pain, she grabbed the man's shoulder, and twisted her ankles using her weight and proportions the way Beshimi had taught her to twirl him and threw him into the others. Her ankle was as good as gone at the moment, almost all of her weight on her other ankle.
The one with the stomach wound was on the floor, clutching his bleeding stomach. Apparently the wound was deeper than she originally thought. The other one coming after her, lodged the flying one onto his blade, killing his own man. The last one left standing swore revenge and retreated.
Misao panted, and the one with the stomach wound slowly ran after his comrade. Misao fell to her knees panting, and gasping with effort. She was terrified from the battle. She sobbed for a bit, trembled, shivering, and turned to vomit, violently. She wiped the tears from her eyes and spit out the last of the bile creeping up her throat. Her wound was leaking blood upon the dirt, and it was almost hypnotizing for Misao to watch her own blood spill in such a large quantity. She shook her head to clear her mind, and wiped her mouth off. She had to get to the Aoi-ya. There just wasn't any way she could make it. She blacked out.
Saitou Hajime had finished his paperwork 2 hours after Itachi had left. He sighed, cracked his knuckles and neck and stood to light a victory cigarette. Saitou had decided that he needed a lunch break, and his mind wandered back to the Aoi-ya where Misao had made him soba noodles. He had never tasted them made so well. Of course his mind started to wander to the Itachi herself and he had to mentally slap himself. She was far too young for the likes of him, and she was still innocent. Saitou nearly smirked. He had lost that so very very long ago with the revolution.
Grabbing his sword and attaching it to his police uniform he left. Of course he was the only one STILL in the office.
"Damn those incompetent short houred fools!" Saitou cursed.
They did nothing to help improve the police force. Things would change. He was in line for a promotion in this job, the way he was running things. In time, he would be the captain of this place and things were DRASTICALLY change. No more half assed paperwork, no more slacking it on the job, long hours, less pay. Saitou started to account all the things he would do once he became the captain.
He locked up the office and began the walk slowly back to the Aoi-ya. He sensed it almost immediately. Something was wrong. Someone's Ki was close by and wavering. It was a familiar Ki. Cursing, he followed the energy levels, slowly fading off. He walked briskly, there was no point in attracting unwanted attention by running. He prayed to Kami sama that it wasn't what he thought it would be.
Saitou had seen many a terrible homicide case. Anything Involving horrible and bloody death he was a part of. The revolution days had qualmed any sick feeling from seeing the dead, no matter how lacerated and disfigured. But the thought of Itachi, cold and dead in a pool of her own blood shook him to the very core.
He made his way to the side of the alley and already he could smell the blood. Quite a large amount of blood, in fact spilt all over the alley. Itachi was crumbled in a corner, unconscious. Saitou caught the air in his throat. Could she...? No, she was still breathing! He examined the area before deciding what to do with her. The fight had been harsh. 5 on one. The two others she'd knocked out where on the floor, still unconscious. Saitou grimaced and handcuffed the two while taking note of the movements and blood on the floor.
Itachi had handled herself well again, despite being out numbered. Sharp fierce anger shot through Saitou. Where the HELL had Shinomori been? This was HIS charge! Wasn't Shinomori supposed to protect the girl as her guardian? Why hadn't he been tailing her properly? Saitou 's eyes burned crystallized amber as he carefully examined Misao. Saitou had assumed foolishly that Shinomori would've watched her more carefully in the last few days from her last attack. He should've known better. The ice block would never lift a finger. Especially not if it meant making his life easier. Saitou scowled.
Her shoulder had a deep cut in it but somehow it had missed the bone. She was lucky, all she'd need was stitches. She was bruised and beat up. Her ankle was useless at the moment. Carefully keeping her prone in his arms, so as not to jar her, he picked her up. The Oniwabanshuu would want their little Itachi back. He might as well be the one to deliver her. The men he predicted by their breaths, would be out for another 2 hours. Long enough to return the ninja girl, get some food and return to arrest the bastards and find out just what they knew.
Misao moaned in his arms, squirming slightly. Her green eyes flickered open.
"Hush Itachi, I've got you" Saitou's gruff voice came. Misao had spazed when she had discovered herself in the arms of someone. She had almost thought she'd been raped. But Saitou's gruff voice reassured her. Her mind went back to the events. No. She'd not been raped. She had defeated her opponents once again.
"Where am I?" She whispered, her eyes trying to register exactly where she was.
"You're almost home" Saitou replied.
"It hurts" Misao hissed through clenched teeth, tears framing her cheeks. Saitou's heart wrenched.
"Shhh...Stop moving Itachi, you'll open your wounds" Saitou said trying to ignore her hissing pain. Misao nodded.
"I missed work at the restaurant" Misao said bowing her head.
"What? That's not important right now Itachi. You're severely injured!" Saitou informed her, feeling his anger swell.
She was still worried about what those idiots at the Aoiya thought. Saitou clenched his jaw, opening the gate. Itachi put on a tough front of being able to handle things. This was the reality. A girl who put up a front to keep others out. He looked around. It was empty. They must all have been down at the restaurant. Saitou opened the door, careful to avoid jostling his burden.
"OYE" He cried, door open. "GET OUT HERE!!!" He beckoned to Okon and Omasu. Okon gasped rushing to Misao.
Omasu announced the restaurant's early closing, and ushered the customers out. After that she ran off to get Okina, while Okon showed Saitou into the Aoi-ya to a room to place Misao in.
"Thank you so much Gorou san. We were worried when she didn't arrive to work, but we had assumed she was just late. We started to worry a little over an hour ago-"
"And You didn't send ANYONE to go find her?" He asked incredulously. These people we as stupid as his officers!!! He walked out the open door, furious, and knowing if he stayed in the room he wouldn't have been able to fight the urge to strangle the ignorant woman.
Outside the rest of the Oniwabanshuu members had assembled. Okina issued orders immediately.
"Shiro, fetch the doctor, Okon go gather bandages, Omasu and Kuro see to Misao. Go now swiftly!" The other members departed, leaving Saitou and Okina alone. Saitou's amber eyes glittered dangerously, narrowed in anger.
"I thank you Fujita san for returning my precious grand daughter back to me. We were very concerned for her-"
"I need no thanks from you old man." Saitou replied venomously.
"Oh?" Okina regarded him.
"I had assumed I'd left the situation fairly clearly in your hands to watch over her and tail her. How could you let this happen? You're her guardian! "
Okina's eyes narrowed.
"Had someone done their job and gotten those ruffians off the street my grand daughter might not be in the predicament she is in now" Okina replied.
Saitou's eyes flared golden amber. His hand went to the collar of Okina's Haori, and he lifted the old man off the floor.
"You arrogant Bastard. I should arrest you for neglecting your duty as a guardian and her family!" Saitou fumed. Scissored Twin Kodachi pressed against his throat.
"Release him" Aoshi ordered. Saitou paused, considering his position. Hurting the old man would do no good. He set Okina down, and turned slowly to look Shinomori in the eyes. Amber met ice, in locked, searing fury.
"Shinomori" Saitou acknowledged his hand moving towards the hilt of his sword.
"If you draw your blade, your head will roll" Aoshi said firmly, applying more pressure. Saitou could feel blood flowing down his neck. It wasn't deep. Saitou paused. If he continued on with this course of action he'd forever lose his ties with the Oniwabanshuu. However, he wouldn't allow Shinomori the satisfaction of beating him. He'd have to time this perfectly.
"I've told you a thousand times Shinomori, but I believe this needs to be a lesson learned through the consequences of your actions, Put your TOYS AWAY!" Saitou replied, sword drawn and forcing his sword down the middle of Aoshi's scissored kodachi.
Aoshi's arms strained with their locked position. His own Kodachi were being forced to his throat. He had underestimated Saitou's speed, which could apparently be cloaked. He had been a fool, and was slowly getting forced back. He couldn't get his Kodachi around him for a clear slice, Saitou had made sure of that with his counter. With the force of Saitou's sword, Aoshi would either be thrown back, or suffer a fatal gouge through the neck.
Applying a tremendous force of pressure with a cry, Saitou sent Aoshi Sprawling several yards back. Saitou charged, not giving his opponent the time to recover, and Aoshi was barely able to parry his thrusts. Despite the fact that Aoshi had 2 kodachi, and his specialty was defense in and of itself, he struggled to hold the Mibu Wolf back. Saitou's single sword was more effective than both Aoshi's Kodachi combined.
Saitou paused waiting for Aoshi to attack, deciding to see what the ice block would do. This fight was nothing more than practice for him, and he had never gotten to see Shinomori truly in action. Aoshi's form started to split, surrounding Saitou with his favored attack the Ryuusui no ugoki. Saitou's eyes narrowed. What sort of childish game was Shinomori playing?
"Trying to amuse me with cheap parlor tricks Shinomori" Saitou scowled, searching the circle.
The forms flickered. Saitou's sword met the twin kodachi in heated fury, as blow after blow came. Saitou finally found a loophole slicing Shinomori directly where Battousai's ultimate attack the Ama kakeru ryuu no Hirameki had scarred him. The force of the blow and the pain sent Aoshi back several yards
Saitou's amber eyes lit up and practically glowed with their ferocity and depth. He charged, Aoshi being able to sense the Gatotsu with his eyes closed. It was a basic Gatotsu, and Aoshi knew that he couldn't block it. Still, he brought up his kodachi to try. He only succeeded in redirecting the Gatotsu. Saitou's sword went through his shoulder and pinned him painfully against the tree. Aoshi's knuckles went white with the pain, as he clutched his Kodachi. He couldn't move. Saitou's eyes returned to their normal color.
"Now that we understand each other's POINT" Saitou spat, twisting his sword, and taking it out of Aoshi's shoulder. Aoshi cried out in pain as he slid down the tree to the ground.
"The next time you challenge me, I won't hesitate to kill you" He finished, vehemently, walking off towards the room Misao was in.
Once Saitou was gone, Okina approached Aoshi, whose shoulder was bleeding furiously all over. Aoshi ripped a piece from his tattered shirt, tying it tightly around the wound. Aoshi stood up painfully, avoiding a cry of pain by clenching his jaw.
"How could you let this happen? You were supposed to be watching her!" Okina demanded of him.
"I am not her guardian" Aoshi replied calmly rotating his shoulder carefully to make sure he could still move it. It would be sore for weeks.
"Damn you Aoshi. You are the Okashira!" Okina roared.
"No." Aoshi replied.
"She is" He motioned to the door.
Okina grazed Aoshi's cheek with his fist.
"You are an Oniwabanshuu Aoshi! Act like it! How could you let her go off alone?"
"I was preoccupied" Aoshi replied, his jaw clenching in the irritation of being reminded about his talk with Saitou.
"INEXSCUSABLE! You are a disgrace to us Aoshi! Get out of my sight! NOW" Okina ordered, furious. Aoshi shrugged.
"Aa" He replied walking off.
It was a pity that the girl was hurt. He hadn't actually *wanted* that to happen to her. Misao had been a nuisance this morning and he hadn't bothered tailing her, figuring that his cold rebuke from this morning would've kept her inside and pouting. So he had underestimated her.
He brooded on the situation at hand. Okina was furious because his granddaughter had been harmed. In his opinion Misao had needed the fights. Her bratty flouncing childish ways were long since past. Since she held "the title" of Okashira, she needed to start acting like one and not some selfish spoiled lovesick child. Aoshi leapt over the walls with grace and made his way to the forest. He'd go where he always found peace from his frustrations.
Saitou entered the room, and with a glance from those amber eyes, Okon, Omasu and Shiro left the room. Misao's shoulder was bandaged; they had to cut away her shirt of the ninja outfit. She was awake and had seen Saitou come in. However she hadn't acknowledged him yet. Moments passed, and the silence grew stretching. Misao finally broke it.
"Your neck is bleeding still"
"So's your shoulder Itachi, neither of us seems to mind" Saitou replied, eyes narrowed at her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Misao asked frustrated.
"Because you shouldn't have fought them. Because Shinomori should've been following you properly. Because I should've just locked you up when I had the chance! Because I'm going to have a hell hole of paperwork on those two men! You pick one Itachi" Saitou snapped irritated.
Misao's eyes filled with tears. "So you're upset about your damn PAPERWORK?" Misao cried.
"What I said before still stands Misao, now more than ever. If you go to challenge those men, I will have you arrested. Already you have charges against you for those other men. All you'd be doing is racking up your time sentence."
"I don't CARE! I don't care if I die doing this! I will defend the honor of the Oniwabanshuu. I am the Okashira" Misao declared.
"You are not the Okashira, Misao" Saitou replied, truthfully. Misao cringed at the harshness of her words.
"Yes I am. The title has not been taken from me, even if I'm not treated as one. And as an Okashira it is my job to defend the honor of the Oniwabanshuu!"
"Is that honor worth dying for? Are you prepared to give your life, because some pathetic little street urchin called you a whore?" Saitou asked her. He felt the harsh sting of her hand connecting with his face.
"My parents died for the honor of the Oniwabanshuu. Don't you EVER mock that!" Misao cried, getting up from the bed and limping outside the room.
Saitou's scowl only deepened. He pulled his sword out grabbing a handkerchief to wipe the blood off of it from his fight with Shinomori. Shoving it harshly back into the sheath he left the Aoi-ya. No one was sad to see him go.