((AN: I have had the worst writers block EVER….' If you want me to write on the story IM me or e-mail me and get me talking about it. It will help if I can bounce ideas off of people.

An extra long update for you all except not much has been accomplished as off yet. The next chapter they're heading in I promise!

Here we go! Takeda Kanryuu has been reveiled as the villain! Remember please that I'm trying to be like Watsuki sensei, so if you analyze the story well there's gonna be fact and fiction woven together. Bear with me . Also be looking for a tag along story about Saitou's trip to Nagoya, but I don't know what to call it. Any ideas?. After I finish this I'll be working on that, and trying to finish a few other stories I have lying around ' enjoy!

Urusenai- Never forgive you

Ikimashou- let's go

Dame desu yo- no good))

A sleepless night left them both silent, moody, and tired. Misao had tossed and turned through out the night, nightmares haunting her of her precious friends, being tortured by Kanryuu. She would awake with a cold sweat only to be sent back into the nightmares. Worse off, Saitou plagued her mind. He didn't want her. Misao fought the wave of tears, knowing she needed to be strong. She had to get through this. She was the Okashira. She had to deal with it with dignity and pride, even if her own clan abandoned her. They had to defeat Takeda Kanryuu here once and for all. Vengeance and Honour needed to be returned.

The thought sobering her, she succesfully quelmed the tears. She rose grabbing her things. She pulled out her black Okashira uniform. Slowly she wrapped the bindings around her wrist. Her eyes burned jade fire as she tightened the bindings. He would pay. She would be sure of it. He had taken Aoshi from her, ruined him, and murdered her friends, practically brothers, and sent the oniwabanshuu into mourning for their fallen comrades.

She didn't notice Saitou watching her. She was much too furious to have seen him. Her fists trembled with rage as her body shook. Her eyes were alight with jade fire, narrowed, her thoughts drifting back to the past. Her quivering braid fell down her back. His hands met hers, yellow eyes staring at her, thoughts unreadable.

"You'll cut off your circulation if you wrap them too tight" Saitou told her, undoing what she'd done so far and showing her the red and purpling skin.

Misao blinked, and flushed, eyes darting to the side in embarrasment.

Saitou wrapped them delicately around her hands, making sure to leave room for the kunai she'd be hiding within their depths. Neither talked. For Misao it was much to awkward and Saitou was glad for the silence that paced between the two. It meant nothing had to be questioned, to be considered. Today he could possibly die, such as everyday and every casehe took, and the thought let him treasure the moment. When he finished he released her hand slowly, reluctantly.

When Misao finished with her kunai she pulled her long green blue hair into the high ponytail of an Okashira. She braided the end, tying it with leather cording. Finishing the final touched and strapping her katana along with her she was prepared.

"Ikimashou" She whispered, trying to summon up courage from the depths of herself. She had to do this.

"Indeed" Saitou replied.

Misao flinched. She hadn't realized he was behind her. She nodded numbly, stuffing her ceremonial kunai into her sleeves and other hidden places. Opening the shouji door, Misao stepped out in the sun. It glared fiercely beating on the black uniform with it's unmerciful glare. Misao stared straight up at the sun. Green eyes glared their definace. Today would be the day. She would overcome. Takeda Kanryuu would die this day.They set off for the Kamiya dojo.

"Koneko…" Kenshin began.

"What do you want me to say, Kenshin?" Kaoru demanded eyes blazing in fury, tears threatening to break the surface of those lovely creamy cheeks.

"That it's OKAY to go back on your words? That because it's Takeda Kanryuu it's perfectly fine to go throw your life away? If you're stupid enough to think that, then I'm afraid you're going to be horribly disappointed with my answer!" Kaoru snapped.

"Koneko…Please don't do this" Kenshin told her patiently, knowing the pain she must be experiencing. He was going back on his promise, but if he didn't their life and the life of their child would forever be endanger. This couldn't be ignored… Why couldn't she understand that?

"Don't do WHAT Kenshin? Let you run off to your death? Let you break your promise to me? Let you break up this family and leave me fatherless to raise our child? Tell me what I'm not supposed to do Kenshin" Kaoru spat, turqouise eyes shimmering with tears about to be shed.

Amethyst eyes flashed. Kenshin's thumb wiped away the tear that escaped down her cheek as Kaoru trembled. Kenshin brought her into his embrace and Kaoru broke weeping into his shoulder.

"I love you Himura Kenshin" Kaoru told him, sniffling and looking deep within those amethyst depths that reminded her so much of the clouds after a storm.

"I love you so much that I don't know what I'd do without you. It terrifies me. I can't take it anymore Kenshin. You promised me no more sleepless nights wondering where you were. If I lost you I wouldn't be able to live. Please, please Koishi, for me, do not do this! I can't bear the thought of you not returning to me. Please!" She cried, getting down on her knees, pleading her husband.

Kenshin's amethyst eyes closed in sorrow.

"Koneko….if I let this be, our family will be in danger the rest of our days. We will be forced to run, and hunted down. As a man, I cannot overlook this. I will not live in fear for my family. It must end."

"So you would go and take his life? You made a promise Kenshin! Not only to yourself but to me as well. Would you so easily break them both when trouble comes!" Kaoru demanded.

"I would not be the one to take his life." Kenshin replied.

"No but you would risk your life to watch it!" Kaoru snapped. "This is RIDICULOUS Kenshin!"

"I would risk my life to see it END, koneko. I would risk my life to keep my home, my WIFE and my child safe. With Takeda Kanryuu alive there is no peace for us, love. Can't you see that? He will hunt us and find us. We will live in fear for the rest of our lives if it doesn't end here and now."

"AND what if you die?" Kaoru screamed. "What if you die Kenshin?"

"Then I say it would be better than the alternative. If this doesn't end now Kaoru he will send people after us. We need to strike him now, while we have the chance" Kenshin told her picking up his sakabatou.

"Urusenai!" Kaoru screamed. This made Kenshin stop.

"Kenshin Himura I will NEVER forgive you if you break your promise" Kaoru cried.

"Koneko…Please just wait for me to return." Kenshin pleaded.

"I won't be here if you leave" Kaoru replied. "I cannot forgive you breaking your word Kenshin. Keep it or break it, but my trust is not so easily given just to be broken. I won't be here to hear that you are dead." Kaoru told him, tears streaming down her face now.

Kenshin's eyes widened in alarm. "Koneko…"

"I've spoke my peace Kenshin." Kaoru told him getting up.

"It's your decision. I can't make it. But know that I make GOOD on my promises. Of that I can assure you Koishi" With that she left.

Kenshin sank to his knees. To protect her he had to go.To keep her her had to stay.

Shinomori Aoshi, ex Okashira and current representative of the Oniwabanshuu pulled out his twin Kodachi, and quicker than the eye could behold had placed several slices on a poor unsuspecting tree. The tree exploded fragments and splinters shattering around him. The tree hit the ground with a loud crash, having been sliced into huge chunks. Ice blue eyes narrowed dangerously as his knuckles turned white on the grip of his kodachi.

Seething with fury the ex Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu made his way towards the Kamiya dojo. Sleep hadn't come to him. Instead he'd trained and let his memories get the best of him. His fallen comrades. He could remember the weight of their bodies. He could remember burying them. Having to put them into the ground. The pain, the grief he had felt. It wasn't enough to kill Kanryuu. He had to make him suffer. Everything that wasTakeda Kanryuu's needed to crumble around him. Anything he held dear to him needed to be broken. Then he would be sated. Then revenge and honour would be repayed.

Shrugging into his trench coat, Aoshi sheathed his twin kodachi. Misao need not come with them on this journey. He would ensure Kanryuu would die painfully. She needn't see the torture or have the blood on her pure hands. He would leave her with Battousai's lady and then he would return for her once all was done. He would take her home. Saitou Hajime would not, could not stop him.

Memories of his Misao filled him. She had been so little when they had all left. She'd barely come up to his thigh at that point. She was so small. His eyes softened as his thought faded to his memories

flashback

"Aoshi sama I can't seem to throw it right!" Misao cried indignantly stomping her foot.

"Misao chan, when you throw at a target you want to keep both eyes open. If you close one eye, you miss half the target." Aoshi told her, polishing his sword.

Misao sniffled. "I don't think I can do it Aoshi sama."

"Your armand legs need to be like this when you throw Misao chan." Aoshi told her correcting her stance.

"O-okay…"Misao said feebly, green eyes wide as she stood wobbly.

"Now try Misao chan" Aoshi told her.

Misao threw hit the side of the targetwith a fairly good throw for one so small as her. She jumped in the air screaming her joy for everyone within the Aoiya's distance to hear. Aoshi winced.

"Misao chan, try not to be so OOUFFF!" The small girl had tackled him hugging him and kissing his cheek all over.

"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU AOSHI SAMA!" She had told him squeezing him tightly.

"You're welcome Misao chan…" Aoshi had told her while pushing her off of him.

"Now continue practising Misao chan"

Okina smiled. "Good job Misao chan! Would you excuse me and your Aoshi sama for a moment?"

"Hai Jiya!" Misao hugged him and ran into the house. "HANYA! You promised to teach me kenpo!" with that the girl disapeared.

Okina sighed. "When are you leaving?"

"mid afternoon" Aoshi replied.

"Don't you dare leave without saying goodbye to her." Okina told him, smiling and gripping his shoulder lovingly.

"Make us proud Okashira" Okina had told him.

end flashback

Aoshi hadn't made Okina proud. He'd ruined the Oniwabanshuu's reputation. Guilt and remorse still wore away at him. He'd sacrificed his friends. He would not loose Misao.

Saitou walked down the road feeling the cool wind sweeping down through their path. He closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of the sun. He could hear the wind whistling through the grass and blowing through the leaves. He could sense Misao's finicky Ki, probably wondering why he was stopping. Saitou Hajime was not afraid of death. He never had been. He had seen enough lifeless faces to know there was something beyond it.it held no fear for him. He simply didn't want to go running towards death without enjoying the last of the little, simple, things in life.

"Saitou?" Misao asked, puzzled by his somber attitude.

"Close your eyes Itachi. Take a deep breath. Listen to the wind, and turn your face towards the sky. Feel the heat?" Saitou asked her.

"Hai" Misao replied, grinning at the feel of sunshine on her face.

"Saitou?" Misao asked opening her eyes, flushing as she saw his eyes were still closed. His face was calm, his thin lips curved almost into a smile.

"Yea, Itachi" Yellow eyes opened and focused intently on her. It caught Misao off guard as he always did. She faltered and stepped back.

"Why did we stop?" Green eyes stared at him, with childike innocence flickering, with those long black sultry lashes. Truly she knew nothing of what was to come.

"Would you really like to know Itachi?" Saitou asked her, smirk returning to grace his wolfish features.

"ah" Misao replied, green eyes wide. Those eyes were innocent. Saitou mused. After today they might not be. Saitou winced. He might have to stare into her lifeless eyes, something he knew would stay with him forever.

"Because it might be the last time I get to feel it" Saitou told her mildly.

"w-What?" Misao exclaimed outraged.

"How could you think like that?" Misao told him standing in front of him, glaring up at him, arms at her waist, akimbo. Saitou couldn't help but smirk. The picture of Itachi trying to scold him was too much.

"WELL? What do you have to say for yourself?" Misao demanded

Saitou chuckled, trying to cover it by coughing. Which only seemed to further annoy Itachi.

"I'm an old man Itachi. I've seen my good days of battle and bloodshed. I'm still one of the best swordsman in Japan. But I'm not going to ignore the fact that I could die. There's always that chance"

"Dame desu yo!" Misao cried. "How is thinking like that going to help you fight better?. You should always look on the positives and rely on your strengths rather than your weaknesses!"

"Does that mean you overlook your weaknesses Itachi? It takes more than just spirit and a good attitude to fight a battle."

"You walk into a battle half beaten if you think like that! Why do you think Kenshin always wins! Because he never doubts-"

"DO NOT compare me to Battousai, Itachi" Saitou told her getting right in her face yellow eyes gleaming dangerously. Misao gulped.

"It was an example" She said sullenly, still glaring at him. "Still! You shouldn't think like that!"

"Why not?" Saitou snorted.

"Because…" Misao told him looking away. Saitou's eyebrow arched, and he brought his hand up under her chin. Green eyes were bent in…sorrow? Her lips pouted into a frown. Her eyes were filled with… tears?

"Because it hurts me when you say that" Misao whispered sniffling.

Yellow eyes widened. Saitou was shocked.

"Tears, for me Itachi?" Saitou asked her, recovering from her words.

"I know you're a married man. I know you're an honorable man. And of all the people I never thought I would say this about you. But if you were gone….I-I don't honestly know what I would do. But I'd regret it, if I didn't…didn't tell you…didn't show you…"

Saitou frowned and was surprised and further shocked to find lips meshing against his begging for entrance. Saitou paused, considering. His arms wrapped around her bringing her closer, crushing her to him. What did it matter, if he died today? She kissed him fiercely, and he could feel the tears running down her cheeks. Enjoying the moment just a little bit longer, Saitou released her, taking a deep breath, noticing the soft blush that spread across the girls features.

What does she mean to me? Saitou wondered. Why did he let her do such things to him? Her tears came again.

"Please" She begged, holding onto him like her life depended on it. "Please don't die today" She pleaded, hugging him tighter.

Saitou chuckled. "I'll do my best, Itachi… it's not the end of the world." He told her patting her head.

Misao snarled. " IT would be the end of MY world, AND STOP treating me like a child!" Misao stomped her foot in emphasis.

"It's not my fault that you choose to act like one, besides you're shorter than most children I know"

"KANSATSU TOBIKUNAI!" Misao cried launching her kunai at him.

It was a beautiful morning at the Aoiya. Okina took a deep breath on the morning air. Something was amiss. He could feel it in his bones. Okon and Omasu were no where to be seen. They must've already gone to the restauraunt. A letter sat on the table. It was from Tokyo. Eyebrow arched, Okina stepped forward and opened the seal. Okina frowned. It was from Kenshin.

Okina san,

I received your letter earlier and Misao did indeed come by the Dojo. I cannot however force her hand. She is a grown woman.She is able to make her own choices, for the good or bad of it. I made my own choices, back when I was her age, but it is brought me all up to this point. Kaoru is with child now by the way. Nevertheless, I had Misao write you a letter, that she thought she wasn't going to send. I included it in this letter. Hopefully all is well at the Aoiya. Things are getting choppy up here. Something's happening.

Himura Kenshin

Okina's frown deepened. He opened the letter from Misao with trembling hands.

Jiya,

I don't expect you to understand what I've done. All of this probably seems like the actions of a rebellious and naïve girl, but it's not. I chose this path, wherever it may lead. I couldn't live in the Aoiya anymore anyways. Aoshi would've dragged me down and under. Both of us know it. He won't change Jiya. In all the years of praying he would come home, I think his return is both a blessing and a curse to the Oniwabanshuu. I couldn't stay, knowing he would never change.

I can't come home. I won't come home. I can't be the little girl you always wanted me to. I want to be ninja.You know I've always wanted to be a ninja. Did you think you could just take me out of it? It's a part of me! It's a part of my heritage. My parents blood is in the Oniwabanshuu. I want to train, to develop my skills, and to travel. I don't want to be a housewife for some ex samurai noble, or whomever else you decide to marry me off to. I can't be the subservient wife you want me to be.. Jiya I will always love you, but right now…. I just don't like you. I can never return to the Aoiya. It is no longer my home.

I choose as well to travel with Saitou Hajime. Despite his seemingly antisocial and rude nature, he is becoming a dear friend, a valued teacher and a precious ally. I am currently working under him, being paid for my time and services. Tell the others I love them. I will never forget them or where I came from. I remain the Okashira until someone decides to challenge my position. Or until you decide to disown me entirely and wipe me from the records and your memories. It is your decision and I respect your right to it.

I doubt you'll ever read this. Perhaps it's better this way.

Makimachi Misao

Setting the letter down, Okina felt the tears trickle down the page. His little Misao chan had grown up. But at what cost? She was now throwing herself out to the wolves…particularly one wolf…and there was no guarantee for her safety. And what of Saitou? What would he do to her? Okina had kept her too long, too close. Now she would learn just how cruel and brutal the world was. Head in his hands, Okina mourned for his child that wasn't even his own. She had been a daughter to him. He mourned for the innocence he knew would shatter in those green jade eyes. Okina wept.

Kenshin swept the porch clean. Kaoru was on the otherside of the house with Yahiko. She refused to speak with him. Kenshin sighed and went back to his sweeping. Shinomori was very close, he could hear him coming down the trails. Saitou and Misao should've been here by now as well. Kenshin frowned. What on earth were those two doing together anyways? Certainly Misao couldn't be…infatuated with Saitou? Kenshin grimaced. Did he really want to know if they were intimately involved?

"Battousai" Aoshi called him, entering through the gate.

"Ohayou, Shinomori san, I trust your sleep was well?"

Shinomori said nothing. Kenshin eyed him. His ki was finicky. Shinomori was anxious for battle, eyes having taken on an even icier glare than usual. His grey green eyes seemed intent, spiked, ready for action.

"Aah" He finally responded, eyes glancing about.

"That's good that it is, Saitou and Misao dono should be arriving shortly that they will" Kenshin told him.

Aoshi flinched, something Kenshin had never, ever seen the ex Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu do. His grey green eyes narrowed.

"Aoshi san?" Kenshin asked, frowning.

"OHAYOU! Kaoru! Himura! We're HERE!" Misao's jubilant cry reached both of their ears.

Aoshi turned to greet the jubilant pair, and all he could take in was Misao. What was she doing? The girl was dressed in the traditional garb of the Okashira of the Oniwabashuu. Walking rather close along her side was one Saitou Hajime….Swift hot rage flared. Taking off his jacket he stalked to the girl who seemed all smiles. The girl who had so pervaded his thoughts these past weeks. The girl he loved, whom he'd realized he'd always loved and held a special place for, the girl, who was in the company of ANOTHER.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Aoshi asked her ignoring the fact that Hajime was merely a few feet away.

Saitou pulled out a cigarette. It was Misao's business, not his. Saitou wasn't about to get involved in this…messy lovers quarrel.

"Excuse me?" Misao blinked, shocked by Aoshi's obvious anger, wondering what he was trying to do.

"What are you talking about?" Misao asked frowning.

"Take them OFF." Aoshi demanded practically screaming at her. His green grey eyes were narrowed dangerously.

"E-excuse me?" Misao asked startled by his obvious anger.

"The Okashira uniform. Take it off. NOW. " Aoshi demanded.

Green eyes narrowed in jade fury. Saitou merely watched taking a drag. He'd seen that look in her eyes before. She wasn't going to now. She was too determined. However he'd never seen Aoshi as irritated as he was now. Perhaps it was the fact that a girl was wearing what he once proclaimed to be. Aoshi certainly seemed to have a lot of pride. Saitou observed and made mental notes for himself as he watched. He might need to use these later on this day.

"It's fitting for the Okashira to wear these garbs isn't it?" Misao said quietly eyes never leaving his.

Aoshi's jaw clenched. "You've got some nerve Misao. You were disbanded from the Oniwabanshuu and now you're parading around in the Oniwabanshuu uniform? Take off the uniform before you disgrace us" He challenged hand going to his kodachi.

Kenshin's eyes widened. What was Aoshi doing? He wasn't going to harm Misao? Kenshin's eyes darted to Saitou. Saitou portrayed his cool and collected exterior, but Kenshin could see his hand slowly moving for his sword. Kenshin relaxed. Saitou wasn't going to let it get out of hand. Kenshin frowned. That still left what Misao was to the 3rd captain of the Shinsengumi.

"Disgrace you? NOW see here, who's the disgrace? You have no right to call into question my honor after what you've done" Misao spat, famous temper breaking surface.

"You heard Okina just as well as I did that morning. You were disowned if you stepped outside of the Aoiya. "

"Then why did Okina ask me to contact him when she arrived?" Kenshin shot, refusing to let this all be directed at Misao. If he could distract Aoshi…

Green grey eyes narrowed at Kenshin.

"Stay out of this Battousai.This doesn't involve you. Misao, You've done enough to try and prove your independence. Stop playing these childish games. Take off the uniform."

"Childish? Is that what you think I am? I have grown more in this time away from the Aoiya, and the Oniwabanshuu and YOU then I have my entire lifetime. I am more an Okashira than you ever WILL be, AOSHI" Misao snarled fists clenched.

"Take off the Uniform… Misao" Aoshi said through clenched teeth. He was barely controlling his rage.

"The title was never taken from me. I may have been disowned, but I am still the Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu" Misao cried.

"You must be joking?" Aoshi asked her incredulously.

"You want it Aoshi?" Misao asked, eyes narrowed as she found her balance within the balls of her feet.

"Take the uniform off before you disgrace it anymore than you already have"

"You can rip it off my cold and lifeless body Aoshi. That doesn't change the fact that officially I'm still the Okashira because you weren't reinstated with the ceremony"

"A lot has happened since you've been gone Misao." Aoshi replied deadpan.

"I haven't been gone long enough for you to be through with the ceremonies rituals. And after a family member has been disbanded there is a mourning period in which all of their things and names are taken from the records. Accounting for all of the days, I'm still the Okashira" Misao said smugly.

Green grey eyes narrowed.

"I'll give you one last chance Misao mine. Take off the uniform, or my green eyed tenshi, you will regret it" Aoshi told her, eyes glaring down at her. Misao stood, proud.

"I'd die first before I sacrificed my honor" Misao replied glaring up into those eyes.

"This isn't honor Misao, it's pride, but if you refuse to be stubborn then Very WELL" Aoshi snapped. "I challenge you by the codes set forth by the Oniwabanshuu for your rights to the title of Okashira!" Aoshi told her, a cold smile sliding across his features as he reached for his kodachi.

Misao's eyes widened. He WHAT? Misao's face paled. She hadn't expected him to do this. How could she not have planned for this? Aoshi had never lost his temper like this. And now she had goaded him into a fight. Oh gods….she'd have to fight him. There was no way to get out of this. Sweat trickled down her neck. The air seemed thick.

"Is it more than you can swallow Misao mine? Give up your rights as an Okashira"

Saitou's eyes widened in interest. So Aoshi was challenging Itachi to a fight? There was no way for Itachi to win. She'd only been using a sword for a week, while Aoshi had a decade to master it. Would she back down? Saitou's eyes flickered in interest as he continued watching the scene.

"If I give up my rights to you, I am not the Okashira I calim to be. If I give up my rights to you, as Okashira you will make me go back with you. And I'd sooner DIE" Misao snarled, pulling her katana out of her sheath. She would not back down.

Aoshi eyed it. Her stance was weak. She'd obviously been getting lessons from Saitou, judging by the way she held her katana. Very much like the shinsengumi. She had only just begun. It would be too easy, but he musn't kill her. She had to be broken first. She had to agree to come home. After a bit of pain, she would crumble, as most girls did when things got hard.

Aoshi pulled out his kodachi, eyes alight with battle lust. He flowed into his fighting stance.

Kenshin took a step forward. This would not take place. He wouldn't allow it. Saitou spoke up first through stepping between the two.

"Well this certainly was a lovely spectacle of bravado. But We've got more pressing matters to attend to wouldn't you agree?" Saitou told Aoshi flicking his cigarette to the side and stepping between the two.

"This takes precidence for the moment Hajime. She needs to be taught a lesson. " Aoshi replied.

"There's only one problem" Saitou replied, yellow eyes gleaming as his trademark smirk slid across his features .

"And what is that?" Shinomori asked, voice monotone.

"Oh a simple matter of repayment"

Grey green eyes turned so quickly to him, as they widened.

"Yes that's right Shinomori. I'm calling in that favor right now. This will be put aside until we've completed this case. You will join us while we plan out our battle strategy and fight along side us. If you do not cooperate I'll arrest you. Simple as that. Put your toys away Shinomori and lets get down to the real work."

Aoshi's knuckles turned white, jaw clenched, eyes narrowed, he turned and sturck the tree next to him slicing through it. It crashed backwards, and he angrily stalked to the steps.

"Go ahead Battousai, Itachi and I have police matters to discuss. We'll be along in a minute." Saitou told him.

"We'll start in a little while, after Shinomori gets his temper in check" Saitou said, loud enough for the ex Okashira to hear. Kenshin frowned as Aoshi walked frigidly into the woods. He didn't miss Saitou features shifting into apparent anger, as he stalked towards Misao. Sighing he went inside.

After Battousai had left, Saitou let the rage that had been bitting at him all through out Misao's little tyrade surface. Yellow eyes glared upon the girl, who was so pale. She sheathed her katana.

"You wanted to talk about something?"

"Yea, LETS talk about something, Itachi. Let's talk about the fact that you nearly got yourself KILLED!" Saitou spat, wanting to reach out and shake the girl for her stupidity.

"I didn't-"

"Next time your decide to throw a temper tantrum at your ex lover try not to do it WHEN we're supposed to be planning a strategy!"

"Excuse me?" Misao asked, anger getting the best of her.

"Did it not OCCUR to you that Shinomori is a HIGHLY skilled and trained swordsman? That he could cut you into pieces before your tongue even started spouting nonsense at him! You were reckless and let your emotions get the best of you. " Saitou scolded.

Misao's eyes narrowed. "first off he wouldn't have the guts to kill me. He knows jiya would never forgive him. Second off I didn't think he was gonna challenge me-"

"THAT'S because you weren't thinking-" Saitou interrupted

"I'M not done yet! Thirdly he was NEVER my lover" Misao said, tears coming into her eyes, her cheeks flushed with anger.

Saitou needed a cigarette damn it. Why did she have to cry? Taking a deep drag, Saitou finished.

"Frankly, Itachi, You're a liability if I take you on this mission"

"W-what?"

"You heard me. Because of your little spout with Shinomori, I'm going to have to leave one of you behind, otherwise you'll both be too emotional to think logically in heavy situations. I think you know who I'm taking"

"WHAT? That's RIDICULOUS! I'll be fine! He might be bitter but you CAN'T leave me behind!"

"I can't take you Itachi. You've proven time and time again that you let your emotions get the best of you."

"And you don't have enough emotions to balance you out!" Misao snapped.

Saitou's eyebrow arched.

"I'll ignore that comment for now. But you're not coming Misao."

"He killed my friends, Saitou, they were brothers to me. If you make me stay here I'll follow you. You'll have to tie me down to keep me from coming and even then I'll be even more of a liability because I won't be in your plan!" Misao snarled.

Saitou weighed the options. They could outrun Itachi but eventually she'd find them and then would be a pain in the ass because she wouldn't know what the hell they were doing. She could come but He refused to be responsible for her blood being spilt.

"You can come on one condition." Saitou told her

"And what condition is that?"

"Shinomori agrees to be repsonsible for you" Saitou replied.

"W-WHAT?" Misao cried. "He'll never agree to it!"

"Then you've got your work cut out for you Itachi" Saitou replied coldly.

"Why are you being like this?" Misao asked green eyes narrowing.

"You nearly got yourself killed Itachi, I can't afford-"

Green eyes widened as understanding hit her.

"You're mad because you thought we were going to fight! You're mad because you thought I was going to get hurt! You're not letting me go because you're afraid!" She said, jade eyes lit with fire.

Saitou glared. "You're joking rig-"

"No that's it!" Misao said confidently, strutting up to him and staring him square in the eyes.

"You do CARE!" Misao smirked. Yellow eyes blinked in astonishment and looked away for just a second.

"Don't look too much into anything I do Itachi. I'm a cold man. I still haven't gotten all the use out of you yet, You're still on parole." Saitou told her, yellow eyes gleaming.

"You can't say it. I get it" Misao replied sullenly. "And let me guess, you're a married man right?The whole honor spheel and how there's no possible way for you to care for me. " Misao finished, pausing.

"You know what? I'm alright with that. Hell, I waited for years for Shinomori. I'm a very patient girl. When you figure it out Saitou you let me know. Until then I've gotta go convince ice block to take me along." Misao said, walking away.

Yellow eyes blinked, as they watched her go. Part of him wanted to say more. The logical side said let it be, he had more important things to be doing.