Kenshin sat in his room, just spinning his top mindlessly. He hadn't had a job in a few days, it was the longest he'd gone without killing someone in 3 weeks. It felt good to just relax, but at the same time he felt as if he was wasting time. He wanted this to be over as soon as possible. He hated the war, hated the blood, hated the killing, but knew what had to be done. He had sworn to himself when he first started that he wouldn't wallow in depression, so he shook his head furiously, and locked the thoughts into the ever growing area in the back of his mind.
He picked his top up squeezed it in his hand before putting it back in the safe pocket of his gi. He grabbed his swords, slid them into his obi, and swiftly left the room. It was near lunch time, so he decided to head into the dining hall early, see if he could pick up any information from the conversations of the rest of his comrades.
There were quite a few people in the hall when he entered and he noticed everyone staring at him. ' It's not because of my hair anymore.' he thought darkly, ' their all frightened of me....'
He could feel the hesitation rolling off of them in waves. He ignored it, though. He knew what he had to do, and knew that some people weren't going to like him for it.
One thing that did cheer him up though was the fact that he was finally starting to grow. He had noticed his hakama fitting tighter and mentally thanked Tachi, the seamstress, for making them a little larger than they needed to be when he first bought them. He had grown a good 3 inches since he arrived, bringing him closer to the average 14 year olds size. His shoulders also broadened just a bit. Sousuke had been the first to notice, when he went to bed one day and woke up taller the next. The 3 inches had been gradual, but quite speedy none the less. He wasn't sure how much taller he was going to get, but he had upped his practice on his off days to compensate for the clumsy feeling he developed while growing. It didn't last long, but he wasn't willing to take any chances. ' This is war, and I can't not fight just because I'm growing.'
He sat down at a table in the corner where he usually sat with Tatsuki and Sousuke. They always went out of their way to make Kenshin feel better. Just a couple days ago, after a particularly bad night, they drug him out for a drink at one of the favorite bars, it was fun, even if it did end a little frantically.
Flashback
Kenshin had just finished his largest assassination yet. While there had only been two targets, each one had 8 body guards, 18 people in one night. And yet, not a drop of blood had been spilled on Kenshin. He hurried back to the inn, blending into the shadows on the sides of buildings, even if he had no blood on him, he didn't want to risk a run in with the Shansangumi.
It was still early, only 15 minuets past 9. He headed for the dining hall and sat in the corner. One of the normal serving girls brought out some food and he ate it, kind of detached. He was fully aware of coarse, of what was going on around him, his shishou had always taught him to never let his guard down, but he wasn't really all there. Most of his thoughts were occupied by the nights events, and even his usual argument wasn't keeping him from being saddened over the number of victims.
'18' he thought bitterly. He started to grow irritated at the men who were on the envelope. They were starting to get more and more body guards. While sometimes he was able to sneak past them, other times, like tonight, that option was not open to him.
He was about to go back up to his room when Sousuke and Tatsuki sat down on either side of him.
'' hey Himura, how are you doin?'' Sousuke said.
Kenshin just shrugged. '' I've had a long night, I was thinking of turning in early. ''
''Oh no you don't, Himura.'' Tatsuki spoke up, ''I head about what happened from Iizuka-san, and Sousuke and I think that you need a night of relaxation and fun with friends. Come on, we're going out drinking!'' He said happily.
Kenshin's eyes widened slightly, '' A sake bar?''
Sousuke nodded. '' We know a good place, it's an area that supports the ishin shishi, so it's always a friendly atmosphere.''
'' but -'' Kenshin started.
'' No buts Himura, your coming with us, you'll thank us for this later.'' Tatsuki laughed.
Resound to his fate, Kenshin nodded and followed the two out the door and into town. He almost tried to move into the shadows, but reminded himself that he didn't need to do that. ' It'll only make me look suspicious.' He reprimanded himself. They arrived at the bar in a quick 10 minuets and took a seat in a far corner. Sousuke ordered three flats of the best sake they had to offer.
'' This stuff is great, it really melts away your uncertainties.'' He said as it arrived.
Kenshin poured himself a glass and took a drink. He had to admit, it was pretty good. Near the quality of the sake his shishou used to get his hands on. After a few shots he was definitely feeling better, a comfortable tipsy feeling. He talked and joked with Sousuke and Tatsuki, although they did most of the joking. Kenshin was quite serious about almost everything he did.
After an hour of being at the bar he felt a lot better. ' leave it to these guys to brighten my mood.' He thought as he laughed at a story Tatsuki was telling about Sousuke getting woken up by Okami with a bucket of cold water.
Suddenly, all the noise in the bar stopped and everyone looked to the doorway.
' Shansangumi!' Kenshin thought. '' Kuso.'' he said under his breath, more angry at himself for not noticing them sooner. ' Maybe I had a bit too much to drink.'
Sousuke put a hand on his shoulder, '' Don't worry Himura, nobody knows what you look like.''
Kenshin nodded and disguised his Ki to that of an average swordsmen, just in case any of these men could sense Ki. He had his doubts, but it's always better to be safe. The four shinsangumi members walked into the bar.
'' Listen up you dogs, we're from the third squad of the shinsangumi. I'm third seat, Tatewano 're looking for the Hitokiri Battosai. If any of you knows anything about him, speak now. If you with hold information from us, you'll be branded a traitor and we'll kill you where you stand. I can sense a liar, so don't try to hide anything.''
Kenshin stood up and motioned for his friends to do the same. They nodded and the three left their money on the table and started for the door.
Ishita held his hand out in front of Kenshin. '' Where do ya think your goin, red? Huh?''
Kenshin glared at the man with icy amber flecked blue eyes. '' I'm leaving. No one knows what battosai looks like, or where he hails from. If you don't know this information, obviously we don't either. I still hold the right to walk out of a bar, do I not?'' Kenshin growled.
Ishita paled a bit. '' f-fine, leave, It's obvious to me that you are of no use to us.''
Kenshin looked away from him and kept walking. Sousuke was trembling with suppressed laughter, trying to keep it in until they were far enough away.
'' Oh man, that guy was scared out of his wits!'' He laughed when they turned the corner into an ally.
Kenshin grumbled. '' The shinsangumi is a bunch of morons. The only people we need to be concerned with are the commanders and captains. '' Kenshin said. '' If that was a third seat, then I don't want to know how useless the rest of them are.
'' Amen.'' Tatsuki said.
End flashback.
One of Okami's girls came in with a bowl of rice and some fish and tofu. '' Here's your dinner, Himura-san.'' She said with a wink.
'' Arigato.'' he sighed. This particular girl had been growing bolder and bolder with her flirting and he didn't quite know what to make of it. Sure she was pretty, but, she flirted with every other man in the inn as well. He had decided to ignore her and save himself for someone else, if someone would want a stained man like him, of coarse.
But, that was, yet again, a thought for later, so shook his head of the thoughts and concentrated on what was important at the time, his food.
He was almost finished when Tatsuki ran into the dining hall with the most serious look on his face that Kenshin had ever seen. He spotted Kenshin and made a bee-line for him.
'' Himura, it's an emergency, Katsura needs you NOW!'' He said hurriedly. Kenshin set his bowl down and picked up his swords, not even bothering to put them in his obi before he started towards Katsura's office.
The shouji was still open an Katsura waved him in. Kenshin noticed that Sousuke, Tanaka, Iizuka, and Katagai were in the room as well.
'' Whats going on sir?'' Kenshin asked as he sat down with the others.
'' It's not good Kenshin. The Shinsangumi are planning a raid on one of our weapons warehouses. It won't be for a few more hours, but it'll still be close. I've already sent half the men to start loading crates into wagons, their disguised as barrels of rice. I want you and Sousuke to go to the warehouse now. Sousuke, you're too direct, you know where all the other warehouses are, I want 2 carts to go to each. Kenshin, I want you to take the owner of the warehouse to Iruka's safe house, then hurry back and keep a constant perimeter. Kill anyone who doesn't belong. There are 6 of our men set up here.'' He said as he handed Kenshin a map with six x's, the locations of the look outs. '' Make sure that their all alive. Remember, no one knows your identity yet, so make sure no one can leave and report to their superiors.''
Kenshin and Sousuke nodded and left, the others staying behind to get their own debriefings. Kenshin led the way through the ally ways, taking deliberate wrong turns to throw off any possible pursuers.
'' This is your first mission outside of your job isn't it Himura.'' Sousuke whispered as they made their way.
Kenshin nodded. '' It is. I'll come back to check up on your progress every 15 or so minuets, and alert you to any patrols coming your way.'' Kenshin said. '' Be ready to fight at a moments notice and make sure the men know that too.''
Sousuke nodded.
They arrived at the warehouse 20 minuets after leaving the inn. Sousuke took charge as soon as he entered, making sure that the men were being careful and efficient. Kenshin found the man he was looking for.
'' Matsumoto-san?'' Kenshin asked the middle aged man. He jumped and turned around. '' I'm Himura Kenshin and I'm here to take you to the safe house, we must leave quickly.''
'' Matsumoto Sasuke. Yes, lets hurry.'' He said. Him and Kenshin left and soon found themselves running through the maze like allies. Kenshin masked most of his ki, keeping only enough out to make him feel harmless. It was risky though, if anyone was as experienced as himself with reading ki, they would be able to tell that he was masking it, but it was a risk he was willing to take.
Matsumoto and Kenshina arrived in the gion district. ' Only a few more... there.' Kenshin saw the brothel. '' We're here. Iruka-san will take good care of you.''
Kenshin nocked on the door and Iruka opened it. '' I've been expecting you.'' He said as he ushered Kenshin and Matsumoto inside.
'' I have to return to the warehouse, Katsura-san will send someone when the coast is clear.'' Kenshin whispered to Iruka.
Iruka nodded, '' No one will now he is here.'' He answered. Kenshin nodded and disappeared out the door. He made it back to the warehouse quicker this time, since no one else was with him.
'' I'm going to make my rounds, keep your guard up Sousuke.''
His friend nodded and Kenshin left. The first thing he did was check all the look outs. Luckily, they were all still alive and well. He as making his way around when he felt a hostile Ki that didn't belong. He disappeared into the shadows and made his way to the building where the spy was sitting.
' Shinsangumi.' He thought distastefully as he saw the man sitting in a nook on the roof, gazing at the streets below. He walked up behind him and unsheathed his sword.
The man heard his sword come out of the sheath and turned around. Kenshin recognized him as the shinsangumi member from the bar, and apparently, he recognized him as well.
'' Who are you?'' Ishita growled out as he drew his sword.
Kenshin thrust his sword into the mans gut and cut sideways, disemboweling him. The last thing Ishita heard before he died was Kenshin's answer.
'' Choushuu Ishin Shishi, Himura Battosai.'' Kenshin answered. He cut his head off for good measure. ' Don't want information to leak out because I was being spiteful'
He moved the body out of the way, so people wouldn't be able to see it, cleaned and sheathed his sword, and started his patrol again. He went back to the warehouse to check up on the situation.
'' How much longer?'' he asked, startling everyone in the room.
Sousuke turned around with his hand over his heart. '' How long have you been thee Himura, you scared the daylights out of me!''
Kenshin didn't answer. '' I've found one spy so far, you should hurry, their bound to notice he's missing eventually. It was that third seat, Ishita, from the bar.'' Kenshin said flatly.
Sousuke cracked a grin. '' Did you tell him who you were?''
'' As he was dying. But how much longer?''
'' Probably 20 minuets before we can start moving the first carts. 45 until we get the last ones out.''
Kenshin nodded and disappeared again.
This time, as he was making his rounds, he felt 5 hostile Ki. ' A group this time.' He thought grimly as he moved to wipe them out. He saw them walking toward where their comrade was. Kenshin wasn't going to give them the opportunity to find out he was dead, however. He walked up behind the group soundlessly, slid into stance for the battoujutsu, and struck, taking out the two in the back. Their heads slid of their necks and made two identical thumping sounds, followed by their bodies.
The three left alive turned around and gasped. '' You!'' One of them pointed at Kenshin. '' Who are you?''
Once again, Kenshin remained quiet. He lunged forward and began the attack. The first man tried to be head him with a side slash. Kenshin ducked under it and spun around, cutting his stomach open. He then turned his attention to the next man, who tried to impale him with the Haratsuki technique the shinsangumi were known for. Kenshin dodged to the side and brought his sword around from the back, cleanly separating the mans head from his shoulders.
The last one was frozen. He looked up in time to see a flash of silver and red before darkness overtook him as well. '' May you find happiness in your next life.'' Kenshin said as he walked away. ' They need to hurry.' He thought. No doubt the next group would be larger. ' I can take out a group, but even I can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.' Kenshin thought to himself as he kept his search for out of place enemies. Once again, he decided to check up on the scouts Katsura had posted.
'' Nishiwaki-san.'' Kenshin said from beside him. He looked over.
'' Hello Himura-san.'' He said. Kenshin nodded.
''I see you've been busy.'' He said as he examined the body of the man hidden by the edge.
'' The bastard tried to sneak up on me, but he was rather clumsy.'' Nishiwaki said. Kenshin nodded.
'' Stay safe.''He said as he disappeared.
None of the other scouts had been found out yet, much to Kenshin's relief.
'' Is there no way you can speed this up? I've already encountered a group of 5 shinsangumi. No doubt they'll send more soon.'' Kenshin said, once again scaring the wits out of Sousuke.
'' We're going as fast as we can, but how are you so silent?!''
'' Shishou taught me to move silently through a forest. This is childs play. Have the others arrived yet?''
Sousuke nodded, '' Katagai wanted you to go meet with him, he's in the back getting the horses read with Tatsuki.''
Kenshin nodded.
'' Katagai-san. I have a report.''
Katagai nodded, still getting the horses ready.
'' I killed one shinsangumi member hiding as a scout, Nishiwaki-san killed another who tried to sneak up on him. I've also encountered a group of 5 shinsangumi, we need to hurry, I don't doubt that they'll send larger groups soon. ''
Katagai nodded, '' Tanaka has already taken a cart and a team of horses, he left a few minuets ago. He should return shortly. I want you to keep your perimeter check, don't let anyone get close to here. Give it another 30 minuets and we should have the warehouse cleaned out.''
'' Won't that be suspicious, if they just find an empty warehouse?''Kenshin asked.
Katagai shook his head, '' We're leaving barrels of rice. We brought them in the carts. We'll take them back to the inn in a few days.''
Kenshin nodded. '' Yes sir.'' and left.
As he was going he froze. '' Thats... 6, no 9, nine this time.'' he whispered. He followed the Ki and sighed. ' at least it's not mimiwarigumi this time...' He thought. He dropped down from the roof behind them and began his attack. Like last time, he used a well executed battoujutsu attack, the ryu kan sen, and took out the 3 taking up the rear. ' And then there were six.' he thought grimly. They lunged at him and he began his counter attack.
'Straight thust, dodge to the side, spin, and take his head' he thought as he killed the closest opponent. He then moved on to the next one who was using Haratsuki. He ducked and gutted the man before turning around and taking the head off another man before he had time to block. He sheathed his sword and fell into another battojutsu stance. he ran forward and flew into his attack, taking out three more fools who didn't get out of the way. '2 more' he thought. They came at him from opposite sides, trying to overwhelm him. Kenshin pulled out his wakizashi and stabbed both of them, one through the stomach with his Katana, and one through the throat with his wakizashi.
'That makes 15 today.' He thought grimly. He was starting to get tired. Running Matsumoto-san to the safe house, scouting the same perimeter 4 times, and fighting 15 people was quite exhausting.
He finished his perimeter check and went back to the warehouse. ' It's been 30 minuets, we should be out of here.''
To his relief, Katagai as waiting for him with a smile. '' Good work Himura, we're getting the last care out now and then heading back to the inn. You should return as soon as possible. Katsura-san will want to hear your report.''
Kenshin nodded. ' Finally.' he thought. He got back to the inn around 4:30. Okami and her girls were busy with the early dinner, expecting almost all the men back from the huge mission. Kenshin sat in his normal place in the corner. Slowly, everyone started trickling back in and he found himself sitting with his two friends,eating rice and miso with a piece of fish.
'' Mission accomplished.'' Tatsuki said. '' It was nerve wracking driving those carts too and from, especially since we weren't taking body guards. I kept thinking that I was gonna get attacked by a whole squad of the shinsangumi.'' He laughed.
Sousuke chuckled. '' Yeah I know what you mean, I felt pretty safe though, Himura kept any and all people away from the warehouse.''
Kenshin nodded. '' Whats important is that the weapons are safe and Matsumoto-san won't be branded a traitor to the Bakufu.''
Yosho walked out into the dining hall and to their table.
'' Katsura-san wishes to speak with all three of you after dinner.''he said. They nodded and cut their conversation in order to finish their meal.
'' So, Kenshin, what is your report?''Katsura asked.
Kenshin cleared his throat. '' There was one member of the Shinsangumi trying to hide as a scout, I took care of him. It as the third seat of squad three, Tatewano Ishita. Nishiwaki-san also killed a shinsangumi member who tried to kill him. The other scouts didn't have that problem. I was also confronted by two groups, one of 5 and one of 9 mibu wolves, although none of the swordsmen were terribly skilled and none walked away from the fights.'' kenshin reported. Katsura dismissed him, and kenshin left for the washroom.
He didn't have and blood on him, but he could still feel it, still see it on his hands. He scrubbed them that night, trying to rinse the guilt from his dirty hands.
To be Continued.