Kenshin arrived back at the inn, no one had seen him. As he scrubbed the blood from his uniform, he contemplated on what had transpired that evening. He knew full well what he did, he had just killed a man, taken his future, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out why he was not more upset with himself. He felt worse about it before he had actually done the deed than he did afterwards, which made little sense to the young hitokiri.
'' Am I really a cold blooded killer?'' He whispered to no one in particular. He shook his head. ' No,' He thought, ' I didn't enjoy it, but... what? Why don't I feel worse about this? This isn't some game, that was a mans life, a man with a family, people who loved him...'
He couldn't answer this question and it was driving him crazy. ' I should at least feel something, numb, hatred, anger, sadness... something..' Then it hit him.
'There are men in this world today that will stop us from attaining the new era. I want you to, eliminate these men' Katsura's words echoed in his mind. Then his own promise, his promise to help bring down the shogunate, help end the abuse of power and of the people.
'If with my own dirty hands I can bring about an era of peace and equality faster....' His eyes lit up.
' Of coarse.' He thought quickly. He had justified his actions, knowing in his heart, that even though stealing someones future was unforgivable, he had given his sword to the people who suffered for the actions of the Bakufu,' And if this is the only way to save those people, then I will not sit around and let depression affect my judgment, I have to be strong, for those less fortunate than myself.'
' But what about the body guards...'' A small voice in the back of his head said sadly.
Kenshin shook his head, ' They... they chose their side. I cannot help it if they feel the need to protect the corruption.' he told himself.
His eyes shown with determination and he knew then that he had chosen the right path, not for himself, but for the great country of Japan, and all the people who called her home.
Sleep that night, however, did not come easy, but he had had a feeling that it wouldn't. As disturbed by the dream as he was, he had already promised that he would not hide in depression and self doubt, so when he awoke the next morning, he tried his best to lock the dream away. ' I can think of what to do with myself when my job is finished.'
He dressed in his uniform and went downstairs to breakfast, ' I slept later than I thought.' he thought as he noticed all the men who were either finished, or nearly finished with their meals. He made his way to a corner and ordered a simple bowl of rice and some fish.
He wasn't surprised when the Katsura's young servent, ' Yosho, was his name, I think' approached him.
'' Himura-san.'' He bowed, '' Katsura-san has requested your presence in his office when you are finished with your meal.''
Kenshin nodded. '' Arigato, Yosho-san, tell him I'll come as soon as possible.'' Yosho bowed again and left for Katsura's office.
Kenshin sighed, even though he knew that it was polite, he could never get used to people bowing to him. Sure, he was just fine bowing for others, ' others who deserve it' he thought sourly as he recalled the actions of the pompous samurai from the other day, but when it came to actually being bowed to, he didn't think he deserved it.
Kenshin was surprised when Okami approached him with his food. ' I don't think I've ever seen her serve, of coarse I haven't been here long, but still...'
'' Ohaiyo, Okami-san.'' Kenshin said.
'' Ohaiyo, Himura-san.'' she replied, a little saddened by the different tone of voice. '' I understand you had your first assignment last night, if you ever need someone to talk to about your job, I'll always be willing to listen. ''
Kenshin was a little surprised that she knew so much. '' I thought my job was to remain a secret, except to uh, Iizuka's men.''
Okami waved her hand and sighed, '' Katsura trusts me with many things, he wanted to make sure you had someone to talk to. And like I said, I will be willing to talk. Your job is very stressful, and most men can't handle it.''
Kenshin shook his head, '' I know that it's unforgivable, I never expect to be forgiven by the people close to the men I kill, however, those men make life for many people worse, and it isn't fair to those people. The needs out weigh the wants of the few.'' he said to her. '' I'll deal with the repercussions later, when I'm finished and the people of Japan live in peace and equality.''
Okami was taken aback by this statement. ' What has this poor boy been through to understand such things so early in life.'
Kenshin set his bowl down. '' That was very good Okami-san, thank you for preparing it.'' he stood up and slid his swords back into his obi. He bowed and made his way to Katsura's office.
'' Come in.'' The voice of his commander sounded through the shouji. Kenshin slid the door open and took his place on the mat in front of Katsura's desk.
'' Ohaiyo, Kenshin. How are you feeling today?'' Katsura said, Kenshin noticed a hint of worry in his normally hardened eyes.
Kenshin thought about his answer carefully. '' I feel, I don't know how to describe it one word. I feel terrible for stealing that man's future, but at the same time I feel accomplished. With him gone, he can no longer directly contribute to the suffering of innocent people. Then there's the body guards of every man I kill. They don't directly contribute to the suffering of the weak and oppressed, however, they protect the people who do. I felt wrong for killing them, but, they chose their side, as did I. And given the opportunity, either one of us would kill the other. I feel like I've chosen the right path, Katsura-san, not for myself, but for Japan and her people.'' He finished, basically telling him what he told himself.
Katsura nodded. '' Iizuka told me the details of last night, and I have but one criticism. You are not to be known of, by anybody, which means you can leave no witnesses. To do so may cause an unnecessary battle that will only make this war harder, or give an accurate description of you to the Bakufu,which would make you job harder. As soon as you confront your target to deliver justice, you have to kill any and all witnesses, including any body guards who are near enough to know you are there. You cannot give them the opportunity to flee like you did last night. ''
Kenshin's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. 'He's right, any of those men could have could have left and his identity would be common knowledge. '' Gomen, Katsura-san, I understand, and it will not happen again.''
Katsura nodded, '' Remember to avoid unnecessary blood shed, Kenshin. Preferably, if you can get to your target without anyone Knowing, then by all means, do it.''
'' I will try my hardest to reserve my blade for only those who are truly deserving.'' Kenshin responded.
'' You don't have any assignments tonight, however, expect one in the coming days. Here is a list of the safe houses in the area, there are 4 that you have access to, I would take the afternoon to meet the owners. You are dismissed, good luck Kenshin, you have renewed my faith in you.''
Kenshin bowed, replaced his swords in his obi, and left.
To Kenshin's surprise, when he arrived back in his room, he found his pay packet sitting just inside the shouji. '' Wow, ths is 20 ryo'' He gasped. He put the money in his wallet and left the Inn. He had decided to get another pair of hakama, since the fabric wasn't quite as durable as the fabric for the gi, and it was a lighter color. ' The blood was so much brighter against the grey than the blue.' he thought grimly.
As he was walking he noticed all the stares directed at him and instantly started to feel uncomfortable. He knew it was his hair that was attracting the attention, but subconsciously his mind kept screaming at him that they knew, knew that he was a killer. He shook the feelings, locking them away with the dream. ' I wonder how much of myself I will lock away before this is all over' he thought absently. Now that the disturbing thought was gone though, he started to feel irritated, rather than uncomfortable. ' Maybe a hat is in order.' He thought as he shifted his search from the seamstresses shop to a hat shop. To his delight, the two stores were next to each other, so he placed his order for a new hakama, then bought his hat.
' 2 hours.' He thought as he made his way down the street once again. ' I'll be able to hit the two nearest safe houses'. He pulled the paper out of the pocket in his gi.
'317 Mandarin: Imperial Court ' Was the address. ' The day is darkest just before the dawn.' Was the code. He laughed at how corny that as. ' I wonder who comes up with this stuff.' He thought as he stuffed the paper back into the pocket.
As he walked, he contemplated the fastest way to get to the house. ' The allies, probably.' he thought to himself, ' especially since I'm going to the imperial court, there ought to be a lot of Samurai, and I will not bow to them.' he nodded to himself and disappeared into an ally way with swift precision. 'No one even noticed .' he smirked as he spread his awareness out to check for surprised or curious ki. ' don't want anyone following me.'
He arrived at the safe house 15 minuets later. ' How should I approach this.' He thought. He didn't want to draw attention, however, he didn't want to look suspicious trying to sneak up to the door. He decided to casually walk up to the house, as any normal person would do, to avoid suspicion.
The walk across the street seemed to take an eternity as he spread his inner senses as far as he could. ' No one suspects anything.' he thought with relief, ' I'm glad Shishou taught me how to sense ki.'
He knocked on the door and waited. An old woman answered the door and smiled. '' Hello young man, can I help you with anything?''
Kenshin nodded, '' The day is always darkest before the dawn, Onna-san.''
The womans eyes widened and she smiled. '' Come in, come in.'' She opened the door the rest of the way and Kenshin walked in swiftly.
'' So, you must be a new recruit. I was unaware Katsura hired children, however.'' the older woman said, '' My name is Kanna, by the way. Higurashi Kanna. My family is believed to support the shogun unconditionally, which makes this quite a successful safe house.''
Kenshin nodded. '' I am Himura Kenshin. and I am not a child, I'm 14, even if I'm small for my age.''
Kanna's eyes widened again. '' Still, 14 is quite young, you must be exceptionally skilled.''
Kenshin nodded, modesty to the wind. '' Katsura-san brought me back with 12 other men from the Kiheitai under Tatsugi. I have a very, specific, job. I'm not a normal soldier like most of the men. ''
Kanna could guess what he meant. '' So your the new sword of heavenly justice? I was wondering when Katsura would employ another. The last one died only a few weeks after he started. He was skilled, but arrogant. I remember meeting him, I'm sure thats' what led to his untimely demise. I wish you luck, Himura-san.''
Kenshin bowed. '' Good luck to you too, I can only guess what would happen if they discovered this place, I hope that never happens.''
Kanna smiled. '' Thank you for your worries dear, but you shouldn't bother, I don't. ''
Kenshin nodded and left. Altogether it had taken him 25 minuetsto get to the safe house and meet the owner. ' I still have 1 hour and 35 minuets before my hakama is ready.' he thought as he pulled the paper out of his pocket once again. he looked at the next address.
'170 Ohagi: Gion District' he sighed. He really didn't like that part of town. Rude drunks and sleazy prostitutes weren't exactly his ' ideal crowd'. '' Betrayal of innocence for a new era' was the code for this particular safe house. ' Oh the irony' he thought. Everyone in the pleasure district had betrayed their innocence, though not in quite the same way.
Using the back routs he had quickly become familiar with, he made his way to the next safe house, reaching it about 30 minuets later. This time it was a brothel. ' Great.' he groaned. He strolled up to the door, feeling more tense than last time.
' Even if this part of town is full of drunks.' He thought as he extended his senses, searching for the ki of the person who might have discovered him, ' I would assume it would look strange for a boy my age to enter a brothel, considering the fact that I do look younger than my age...' He frowned a bit at the thoughts. However, by the time he had reached the door and knocked, it seemed that no one had thought anything about it.
A scuffy man, most likely the owner of the brothel, opened the door. '' Wha'cha want kid?''
'' Betrayal of innocence for a new era, sir.'' Kenshin answered.
'' Come in, we'll go upstairs to talk.'' He said leading Kenshin to a private room on the second story.
Despite his appearance, this man turned out to be just as preceptive as Kanna-san and quickly guessed what his new job was after the short conversation they had had so far.
'' Toshimi Iruka, and after this I hope I don't see you again, at least for a long time kid.''
'' Himura Kenshin.'' Kenshin answered, '' and I too, hope that I don't have to use this place. I would rather not have to run to the safe houses at all.''
Iruka nodded. '' When you get back today, be sure to talk to Katsura. As you know, I get a lot of drunk men in here. You hear things when men lose their inhibitions. I hear the Shinsangumi is gonna recruit a large number of men soon, their also changing their ranking system, their gonna tighten the leadership down. Their gonna add 5 more captains and another vice commander. I'll keep my ears open, but thats all I have at the moment.''
Kenshin bowed. '' Thank you for the information, Toshimi-san. Good luck.''
Iruka nodded. '' Good luck to you too, now get out of here before you draw too much attention to yourself.
Kenshin left, with 25 minuets to spare. He made his way to the seamstress's shop. After he picked up his extra hakama, he slipped into the shadows of the setting sun to the allies and made his way back to the inn as quickly as possible.
As soon as he arrived back at the inn he made his way to Katsura's door. Luckily, the leader of the Choushuu Ishin Shishi wasn't busy at the moment. '' Come in.''
Kenshin entered the office. Katsura looked up, slightly surprised. '' Kenshin, your back earlier than expected. You couldn't possibly have been to all the safe houses already.''
'' No sir, I've only made it to two. However, I just got back from Iruka-san's brothel and he had some interesting news he wanted me to share with you.''
Katsura's head shot up. '' What is this news?''
'' he's heard some of the Shinsangumi who come into his shop talking about a reform in their ranks. Their supposedly recruiting a high number of new soldiers, and reorganizing their current leadership system. There will be 10 captains and squads now, presumably with the same number per squad as now, since they are getting new swordsmen for their ranks. Their also adding a new vice commander, although Iruka-san was unable to find out his identity.''
Katsura nodded. '' Good work, Kenshin. I would stay in for the rest of the night though. Their sending extra patrols out tonight in hopes of catching the assassin. They'll stop and question anyone they see tonight.''
Kenshin nodded, bowed, and left the room.
Kenshin went out to the dining hall and smiled. ' Just in time for dinner.' He was walking to the table in the corner he had used earlier that morning when Sousuke called him over to his table. He noticed Tatsuki sitting there as well.
'' Hello Himura.'' Sousuke said, '' Why don't you join us for dinner, ne?''
Kenshin walked over and sat at the table. Tasuki was the first to speak up, '' I'm sorry about what I said yesterday at breakfast, Himura, about the Hitokiri. Sousuke told me about your mission, and your position.'' He said, '' I know your not a cold blooded killer.''
'' Don't apologize, I'm sure it's a common reaction. Assassins do tend to strike you as merciless.'' Kenshin said, almost sadly.
Sousuke spoke up, '' Like I said yesterday, someone's gotta do the dirty work. I'm just glad it's a level headed kid like you. I can tell you didn't enjoy it, but you're not letting it destroy you either, right.''
Kenshin shrugged his shoulders. '' I don't really know what to make of it yet.'' He said, '' I've only had one assignment, only time will tell.'' he said a bit cryptically. Kenshin decided to change the subject, not exactly comfortable talking about his job to the others. '' I visited a couple of the safe houses today.''
Sousuke's head shot up. '' You got a list of safe houses?'' he said.
Tatsuki hit him on the back of the head. '' Of coarse he did, he's the Hitokiri.''
Now Kenshin was confused. '' Doesn't everybody get a list of the safe houses?''
Sousuke shook his head. '' Not every soldier needs it. Most of us travel in large enough groups to be able to either hold off the enemy, or have our own connections within the city. Only the soldiers in commanding positions, like Iizuka-san, Katsura-san, and Katagai-san go to the safe houses registered with the Ishin forces, so do the Hitokiri.'' Sousuke said, feeling slightly stupid for forgetting Kenshin's job like that.
'' So thats how Kanna-san and Iruka-san knew I was the new Hitokiri.I thought they were just perceptive.'' Kenshin said. '' Anyway, I got some news from Iruka-san. He runs a brothel, and there are always lots of drunks. A few days ago, a few Shinsangumi members were in there. He overheard them talking about new recruits and reforms in the ranks. Their looking to double their number of swordsmen and number of squads, so watch out when you go on missions. I would assume that they are doing this so they can run more patrols.''
'' Thanks for the info Himura.'' Tatsuki said. '' Do you know when this'll all start?''
Kenshin shook his head. '' Though, I'm quite certain that it'll become quite obvious when it does.''
The conversation had strayed off from such a serious discussion soon enough, and Kenshin listened to stories the two older men told him of battle they've fought up to this point. They were having a fairly good time, until Tanaka decided to come and ruin it.
'' Well well, what do we have here. If it isn't the assassin and his little friends.'' he mocked. Kenshin glared at him, but didn't say anything.
'' Go away Tanaka.'' Sousuke said coldly, '' I don't feel like putting up with your shit tonight.''
Kenshin stared at Sousuke.
'' Hmph. You were there last night, I don't see how you can still stand to be around this bakemono. You saw how he killed those men, in cold blood.''
'' I wouldn't call it cold, after all, he did give the body guards the chance to leave.''
Tatsuki decided to join in the conversation. '' Please, Tanaka, cold blood? What would you have done? I seem to remember you wanting the job of the Hitokiri.''
Kenshin stared in disbelief at Tanaka, his respect for this man dropping every second.
'' I would have been better suited than this child. I can handle killing people, but I be this brat is beating himself up over it. '' he laughed.
Kenshin's eyes narrowed. ' He's talking about life as if it doesn't matter! ' He looked up at Tanaka, with blue eyes as cold as ice.
'' You shouldn't talk about human life so flippantly. You're too arrogant, and don't appreciate the future you steal from the men you kill, you aren't fit to be a hitokiri. With an attitude like yours, you wouldn't last 3 weeks.'' Kenshin growled out.
Tanaka was slightly taken aback by the icy tone which matched his eyes. ' Trying to act tought... bastard.'
'' Don't think this is over.'' he said as he walked away.
Kenshin shook his head. ' Why did I over react like that?' He pushed the thoughts away, however, when he saw his new friends worried glances.
'' I'm fine, it'll take more than an ahou like that to make me rethink my stance on my job.'' He said.
'' What exactly do you think of your job?'' Sousuke inquired.
'' The needs of the many outweigh the wants of the few. I cannot allow these men to continue as they have, for it's not them, or their family who suffers for their corruption, but the weak and oppressed people. ''
Tatsuki bowed his head. '' Thats very noble of you, I hope you never stray from that path.'' He looked up and met Kenshin's eyes, ''Sousuke and I will always be willing to talk, so don't keep your feelings bottled up, okay?''
After two weeks, things had started settling down. Kenshin was feeling more at home in the inn, but could also feel himself changing. It seemed like he had to lock more and more of himself away after every kill. He had received 12 more black envelopes in the 14 days since he received his first one.
The more of himself he locked away, the more withdrawn and quiet he became. The only people he talked to now where Tatsuki, Sousuke, Okami, Katsura, and grudgingly Iizuka. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he never really liked the head of intelligence and recon. Sure, he trusted the man, but his sleazy attitude and all around aloofness bothered him. Still, he didn't know why. When people he didn't know would say hi he would incline his head politely, but usually didn't answer him back.
He also noticed the fear. It only took a couple of days for all the soldiers to figure out what his job was. ' No doubt that teme Tanaka.' he thought grimly. He didn't know why, but Tanaka seemed to really hate him. Tatsuki was positive it was because he beat him at sparring and got the job he wanted. But for the life of him, Kenshin couldn't figure out why anyone, especially him, would want that job. ' As I told him, with his mindset he wouldn't last 3 weeks.' He thought, remember what Kanna had told him. The previous man had been too arrogant and had died early. Even if Kenshin didn't like the man, he didn't want him to die. ' He's a good swordsmen, and is valuable to the cause.' he told himself, ' And I'm sure he has a find future ahead of him... if he would stop being such a jerk' He scowled.
Tanaka seemed to take every opportunity to anger Kenshin, however, it didn't work. For the most part, Kenshin had a very high level of patience, and it took a lot to out do his Shishou when it came to insults. But he'd become especially patient in the last few weeks. he guessed that it was just another part of him he had locked away.
Kenshin's face was less expressive with each passing day. As he locked parts of himself away to deal with his job, he started to replace locked away bits of his personality with an emotionless mask. His friends didn't seem to notice, and if they did just kept it to themselves.
He had also visited the last two safe houses that he was assigned to. They were nothing special, a shrine on the east side of town and a small house close to main street.
The Shinsangumi were also becoming quite irksome. As Iruka had told him, there had been changes, exactly the changes that him and Katsura had predicted. With more patrols, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Iizuka's men to clean up the assassinated men. A few times, they hadn't had time and the shinsangumi had been able to study the wounds on the bodies. Apparently, the first and third captains, Okita Souji and Saito Hajime were quite good at figuring out the different angles types of attacks were used. Although they couldn't appropriately identify any of the specialized hiten techniques, they could identify the fact that battoujutsu was a favorite attack of Kenshins, which was true. Kenshin preferred to use it, to give his victims quick, clean deaths. Thus, Kenshin was deemed Hitokiri Battosai, and a reward was placed for his capture, even though no one knew what he looked like.
Kenshin saw Iizuka walk out of the hallway that lead to Katsura's office and start walking towards him. ' Another assignment.' he sighed. Iizuka handed him the black envelope secretly and winked. '' Good luck tonight, battosai.'' he mocked before walking away. Kenshin finished the last bite of his breakfast and made his way upstairs.
When he was inside his room he opened up the envelope and quirked an eye brow. ' Is this a mistake... I'll talk to Katsura-san.'
He had opened the envelope and found two names on the paper. That wasn't normal, usually when he received dual assignments, they were in separate envelopes. Also, there was only one address. He stuffed the death note into his gi pocket and made his way to Katsura's office. The Shouji was open, and Katsura was already looking into the hall, as if he were expecting someone.
'' Ah, Kenshin, I expect you have some questions about your assignment. '' katsura said. kenshin nodded and sat down.
'' Two people,same place and time. I figured it would be a waste to give you two envelopes. ''
Kenshin nodded. '' They will be taken care of.'' he stood to leave.
Katsura nodded. '' good luck.''
It seemed to be a meeting of some sort. ' Foolish to have it in the middle of a clearing, especially one as small as this with so much cover for someone to hide.'
He still had about 20 minuets to sit around and wait for his targets. to his surprise, one of them arrived early, nearly 10 minuets early, and with no guards. The other man arrived early as well, he too, had no guards. Kenshin found this queer, so he decided to remain hidded and see if he could hear their conversation.
'' Those idiots won't know what hit 'em'' the fatter of the two said, '' I've got he whole thing set up, we'll get about 79,000 ryo a piece out of this, and the bakufu will be all the more ignorant. ''
The other man didn't look to sure. '' I..I don't know, you know how the Shogun treats people he thinks are guilty of treason, and stealing from him would be considered as such.
'' You don't need to worry.'' The fat one said again, '' trust me, nothing can go wrong.''
Kenshin nodded to himself. ' That explains the lack of body guards. The less people who know the better, but that doesn't matter for them anymore.' He thought. He locked the rest of his emotions away and walked into the clearing, blue eyes of ice staring his victims up and down.
'' I have come to serve heavens justice.'' kenshin said, voice matching his eyes. '' For the crimes you have committed against the people of Japan, you will die.''
The men looked in horror, before black over took them. '' May you be better people in your next life.'' He said as he walked away. Iizuka, Sousuke, and Tanaka appeared out of the bushes, like they always do. Iizuka looked at him.
'' I'll let you handle the rest.'' Kenshin said as he walked by. Iizuka turned around and walked in stride with him.
'' That was good tonight, you didn't even give them time to beg this time.'' He said. '' The shinsangumi are getting more and more restless, they're upping their search of the Hitokiri Battosai. You should hurry back, you've got blood on your Hakama.''
Kenshin looked down and noticed that he was right. he smiled grimly. ' That'll be annoying to wash out.'
He spent that night scrubbing his Hakama, and his hands, but knew that the blood would never really come out.