Misao's Expulsion

Tokyo, Japan. 1878

Kaoru put her broom aside and stretched. It had been a long day, but she had finally finished her sword lessons, the grocery shopping, and sweeping outside. It had been no doubt that things had gotten busy since Enishi's defeat. Sanosuke had left for China, never to return unless things had calmed down. Yahiko, even though he still lived with her, had gone on his own quest to become the best swordsman, which meant he only stayed the nights. Megumi had also left to study more medicine. Everything seemed so quiet. In fact, it was too quiet. No one was there to call her ugly anymore. No one was there to hit over the head when they did something devious. No one was there to free load off her anymore. No one was there to help with chores. The Kamiya Dojo felt so empty.

She thought back to the days when the dojo was full of energy. Yahiko would always run amuck by calling her ugly. Sanosuke always mooched off her and still dared to call her food disgusting. Megumi would always tease her about not being able to compare with her beauty and maturity. A smile formed on Kaoru's face when she remembered those youthful days.

"Boy, do I miss them," she said out loud to herself, not knowing someone else was listening.

"Did you say something, Kaoru?" The blue eyes met Kenshin's violet eyes. He smiled slightly as he held an empty basket. He was also busy doing things for Kaoru since he was staying with her.

"I was just thinking about the days before the Jinchu incident. Everything used to be so lively. Now…everyone has journeyed away, searching for themselves." Kenshin put his hand around the assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. He always had a smile for her.

"People need space to grow. I'm sure they will come back." Kaoru smiled at his words and nodded. They had gotten much closer since Enishi's attack. She was just glad he didn't need space to grow. All she wanted was him by her side.

They were interrupted when they heard bells ringing at the front gate. Kaoru nodded and went to get it. She was surprised to see a bowing Misao behind the door. She was even more surprised to see that she was alone.

"Misao, what are you doing here?" Kaoru asked with a smile. "Did you come for a visit?" As soon as Misao raised her head, Kaoru's smile disappeared. The little ninja tried to compose herself to speak as tears poured down her cheeks.

"I…I didn't know where else to go." Misao began to sob as Kaoru led her into the dojo. When she looked at Kenshin, he could only nod. Kenshin ran off while Kaoru led Misao to the living room. As soon as Misao settled down, Kenshin brought in some tea and some mochi. He knew it was a long trip from Kyoto, so it was safe to say she needed refreshments. Misao thanked Kenshin and Kaoru and ate the rice ball. When Misao finished her tea, Kenshin poured her another cup as Kaoru spoke.

"Misao, tell us what happened. Is something wrong in Kyoto? Is Okina alright?" Misao nodded somberly.

"Things couldn't be better in Kyoto. Everyone is doing fine back at Aoi-Ya. As for Okina, I've never seen him happier. He's chasing down more women than ever." Kaoru and Kenshin chuckled at the girl's joke but stopped when they realized she wasn't laughing.

"Then what could possibly be the problem?" Kaoru asked again. Misao's eyes showed Kenshin something was wrong with her, and it probably involved Aoshi. Misao's mouth formed a sad smile.

"It is such a shame…that I won't ever be able to see anyone in Aoi-Ya again." Both Kenshin and Kaoru gasped when the girl made the comment. Misao decided to go into further detail. "A couple of weeks ago, a man from the Meiji government came to the Oniwanbanshu with a proposal. A man named Katsu Yurimaki was kidnapping women and selling them as slaves. Yurimaki was also a huge supporter of the shogun. In fact, he was his personal assassin, a true master of the sword. The government had sent many men after him, but none came back with their heads. This problem could only be handled by the Oniwanbanshu. They offered a huge sum of money, but that is never a reason for us ninja to risk our lives. Aoshi gracefully declined, but I didn't agree.

"Lord Aoshi, this man needs to be stopped!" Lord Aoshi just sat in front meditating. He didn't want anything to do with this affair.

"I will not get involved in this. It is not our problem." I could never back down from something like this. Our future was at stake.

"If we don't go, what will other ninja clans think of us? We can handle a little lone samurai."

"Didn't you just hear the man, Misao? He is very dangerous. Not only that, he is twisted. You should see what he does to women and young girls. I won't endanger our men just for a few ryo." I couldn't believe what he was saying. How could he let someone get away with something like this?

"Then send me! I would gladly take this mission by myself. All I have to do is capture the guy." Lord Aoshi didn't turn. He just stared ahead at the Buddha while he scolded me.

"I cannot send a child to do a man's work."

"You forget that I am not a child anymore, Lord Aoshi. I am sixteen; the same age you were when you became leader. I can handle something like this on my own."

"If you think you can handle this on your own, then do it. If you think you are mature enough to do this without my say, then leave the Oniwanbanshu." I was shocked at what Lord Aoshi had said. Did he really want me out?

"Lord Aoshi, do you really mean that?" I asked with tears in my eyes.

"You will not be mature until you learn to listen to others. If you cannot listen, then learn maturity on your own." I shook my head when he said this. How could he be so cruel? "Just remember. Once you leave, never come back. If you so much as take one step into Aoi-Ya, I will personally kill you myself."

"That's the last thing he said to me. I left with all my things to carry out the mission, and I did it with ease. I left the money that I collected at the door of the Aoi-Ya. If Lord Aoshi didn't want me, then there was no reason to stay. So I made my way here."

"Poor Misao, how could he do that?" Kaoru asked. "Are you sure he was serious?" Misao looked at her as if she was joking.

"Lord Aoshi would never joke about something like this. Until I mature like he said, I can never return to him. But I have no where else to go. I was wondering…Miss Kaoru, could I stay here?" Kaoru and Kenshin were both shocked at her sudden outburst. "I don't mean to impose on you, but I have no where to turn. I could get a job and help pay for my board. I promise I would work very hard. I won't let you down." Kaoru and Kenshin gave each other a look and smiled.

"We would be happy if you stayed with us, Misao." Misao's eyes lighted up with joy when Kaoru said this.

"You really mean it?" she asked.

"We could use the company," Kenshin stated. "Things have gotten very boring since Sanosuke and Yahiko have left. I can make up the guest bedroom for you."

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" Misao shouted as she hugged Kaoru. "I won't let you down, Miss Kaoru! Thank you so much."

Misao was now asleep in her futon. Kenshin and Kaoru watched over her as if she were their child. They couldn't help but wonder how this kind girl could have been thrown out of the Oniwanbanshu.

"It's so sad, isn't it?" Kaoru stated. "She loves him so much, yet he threw her out. I don't get it. I thought he loved her too."

"I think he loves her, but Aoshi can be a bit cruel at times. I know for a fact that he has a reason for doing this. Maybe Miss Misao needs to learn to grow up."

"How could you say something so insensitive, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked. Kenshin thought about it and looked at the sleeping ninja. He could hear her moan out Lord Aoshi in her sleep as she dreamt.

"Maybe it is something else."