Chapter 9- Path of Elimination

Just as promised, Yachi showed Matako around the hideout after breakfast. He led her outside to the see the barracks. All vehicles, guns, ammunition, and supplies were stored in these buildings. It alternatively provided the living space for lower ranked members. She saw the doorways to the massive generators buried underground. In the main hideout, Yachi pointed out the briefing room and Takasugi's quarters which were behind it. The last stop on the tour was communications. She found Takechi here discussing matters with several other Kiheitai she had seen at dinner the night prior.

"Oh Matako-san. What brings you here?" Takechi asked.

"I thought I'd get used to navigating this place. So what are you doing Takechi-san?"

"Ah… I'm checking over the network. These men here, along with our scouts, keep an ear open for any critical data. For example: If the Shinsengumi make a move in our direction, we'll know about it. If the space pirates attempt to betray us, we'll be informed."

Matako said, "I get it. So you're the supervisor right?"

"More like a strategist for Takasugi's operations. This is one of my many duties."

"Wow Senpai, I guess I was wrong. You're not just a lolicon after all."

"I'm not a lolicon, I'm a feminist!" he said.

She said, "So how would you feel about me bringing my little sister here?"

"Little sister? How old is she?"

"Thirteen."

"Amazing, in just two or three years she would blossom into a fine young woman."

"Do you here yourself?" she asked, "You sound exactly like a lolicon!"

"I just said I'm a feminist. I just happen to like children!"

Matako sighed. Her vocal chords would dry out at this rate.

Takechi was silent for a minute and then asked, "About your sister..."

"I lied."

"About having a sister or you bringing her here?"

"About both!"

Takechi turned away.

I can't work like this. Her words burn into my very soul, cursing me for my irreversible nature. His thoughts trailed into melancholy which showed with his depressing frown.

"Senpai" said Matako.

Takechi wondered, "Senpai? She called me that a moment ago too. She hasn't the least bit of respect for me, yet she refers to me with the proper honorifics. I really don't get it."

Takechi asked, "What is it?"

Matako said, "Will you keep me in the loop? I'd like to be of use to Shinsuke-sama in any way I can."

He stroked his chin and said, "To be honest with you, I'm not the fighting type. I'd be relieved to have someone to count on."

She smiled saying, "We've got a deal."


A week passed. Matako took this time to memorize the many rooms of the base. She spent the afternoons conversing with Takechi, the evenings she spent socializing with the men. Kijima spent a few hours a day decorating her room. She at last had all her clothes, shoes, and guns neatly stored in her closet. She had the entertaining room themed after a western design. But eventually she ran out of ways to improve her lodging. Sometimes she would visit the sound-proof range Takasugi had constructed by her request. She spent several hours here sharpening her skills. Afterwards she would wander aimlessly around the base. She was bored, but enjoyably so. Matako knew that eventually Shinsuke would require her services. Until then, she would kick back and relax.


The day came when Takasugi summoned her. Unlike the standard briefing, this one would take place in his personal quarters.

Matako knocked on the door.

"Come in Kijima." she heard from the other side.

She slid open the door and found Takasugi sitting in his living room. His hands were wrapped around his Shamisen. He began to play. She was unfamiliar with the song, but found it soothing. Takasugi beautifully switched his pick between the strings. He continued to play even as she sat down.

At last, he said, "I have someone I'd like you to kill."

Matako said, "I am ready Shinsuke-sama."

"Our spy network discovered a Bakufu agent nearing our doorstep. I've sent Okada to deal with him. I would like you to deal with the official who sent him."

"How did they find us?"

"I suspect they may have noticed the change in criminal activity. The pirates arrive more readily while the gangs retreated. No matter, nothing has changed. The politician will become one of many I've killed. We will eliminate enemies with close ties to the Shinsengumi. It would be hazardous if they discovered our agreement with the space pirates. The Harusame may get cold feet and deem us a risky business partner."

He slipped a folder forward. Matako handled the documents it contained. The official was a middle-aged human woman. According to the information on her, she was of high status in the government, having ties with the Shogun even.

"This is sure to cause a stir." said Matako. "Is there any way in particular you'd like her killed?"

"I leave all the details to you. Create a scene if you wish, but dust your tracks. I'm sure you won't disappoint me Matako."

"I won't." she said.

"We will continue to weaken the government. Once the most threatening have been eliminated, only the cowardly and corrupt will remain. Both should prove easy to manipulate."

Takasugi laid his Shamisen to the side. He stood up and Matako followed suit.

Shinsuke said, "I must be off."

"Is it okay if I know where?" she asked.

He said, "I'm going to visit a certain mechanic. I think he may be able to fix a problem of mine."

Matako left it at that. They stared directly at each other for a moment. Matako gazed into his emerald iris. For a moment, she felt as if she were looking at a room she was forbidden to enter. She then bowed and said, "Good luck Shinsuke-sama."

He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "And to you." She felt a rush of heat travel up her face. By then, Shinsuke was already heading out the door. Matako was left both flustered and contemplating her next kill.


It took a moment for the crowd to discern her blood from the velvet carpet. Her body was rolling down the many steps. She fell down the last step with her back on the ground. Three bullet wounds had pierced through her shirt. The crowd screamed and fled in all directions. An ambulance was called while guards searched desperately for the assassin.

Matako had been close enough to accurately take the three shots. Without a silencer, the entire audience had heard the blasts of her pistols. This was the judgment of the Kiheitai...

Her sandals stretched and pulled as Matako made her escape. She had been only a few buildings away at the time. Someone had most likely seen her. It had little consequence since she had her hair tied under a straw hat, a scarf around her face, and a baggy coat over a commoner's kimono. It was hardly her regular attire.

Matako headed through the middle-class apartments. She could pass through the shady backstreets and then catch a train. She wondered if Shinsuke would have returned by then.

"Stop right there!" she heard. Matako had only moments to move. The air behind her heated up and then viciously hit her. She was blown off her feet. Matako pulled out her pistols and resumed her retreat. Her back stung from the small fragments of brick which had rained on her. She glimpsed over her shoulder for a moment. It was just long enough to realize her attacker was a Shinsengumi. He had light brown hair, wore a non-standard uniform, and had in his arms a bazooka.

Crap. This is bad. I'm dead if he fires that again.

Matako suddenly felt another threat. She could sense an assailant was waiting for her up ahead. Matako began to remove her cloak.

One of the politician's guards jumped out with his blade drawn. He swung it at Matako. In response, she tossed her coat at his face, blinding him for a moment. His katana easily cut through the fabric. Matako had already used the distraction to shoot him down. She dashed behind him to conceal herself from her other attacker. She knew he was close behind now. Matako twisted her pistol around and fired it at him. The Shinsengumi pulled out his sword and skillfully blocked the bullet.

"Keh." she muttered. Things were getting out of hand. A guard was dead and a Shinsengumi elite was after her. If she ran into public, her hit may prove more theatrical than Shinsuke would prefer. She moved swiftly to the left. Matako made note of her environment, hoping to find any means of escape. She saw a chain fence up ahead. It overlooked a company's parking garage.

Matako frantically looked over the fence for a way down. She spotted an open dumpster alongside the fence. It would have to do. She scaled the chain links and dived into the heap of trash bags. Matako agilely rolled out, landed on her feet, and entered the garage. It would be difficult for even the likes of him to catch her in there. She crawled stealthily past the many vehicles until finding an exit she felt comfortable using.


"So the hitman got away?" asked a black haired Shinsengumi. The man pulled out a mayonnaise jar-shaped lighter from his pocket. He took a smoke and then held the cigarette between his fingertips.

"They were skilled, whoever they were." said the brown haired youth.

He went on to say, "Hijikata-san, that's the third dead politician this month."

Hijikata was putting out his cigarette on the asphalt. He said, "It wouldn't be a far fetch to assume they're linked somehow. Did you get a good look at the assassin?"

The other man said, "They were careful to not show their face. I would guess it was a woman. We have nothing else to work with though. I doubt we'll find fingerprints on the evidence."

"Hmm" said Hijikata. He crossed his arms and began to think.

He said, "We can't keep letting these assassinations go unchecked. It's a wonder we arrived on scene when we did. I'll speak to Kondo-san about having the Shinsengumi supervise these events."

Hijikata said, "Sougo, round up the others… The assassin is long gone."

Edo's annual festival arrived a week later. It was to celebrate the Isolationist Policy that had opened Edo's doors to the Amanto five years ago. On the day of the festival, Shinsuke vanished once again. He had briefly explained his reasons to his followers before hand. It appeared the Shogun would be present for the grand celebration. Takasugi decided now was as good a time as any to remove the figurehead. He looked to a mechanic named Gengai Hiraga for this. This man had been ordered against his will to prepare a show of machinations. Gengai was bitter over the death of his revolutionist son. Like Takasugi, all he had left was the desire to see Edo wiped clean. Takasugi had easily persuaded him.


"Bansai-senpai" said Matako.

Bansai pulled off a headphone and asked, "What is it Matako-san?"

"How long?" she asked.

Bansai said, "The Shogun should be arriving shortly."

Matako curled up as she waited anxiously for Shinsuke's return. She could hear fireworks in the distance. Its faint pop lingered for a few minutes. It expectedly became deeper and more frequent. The sounds were of the battle her employer had ignited. She attempted to visualize the state the festival was in. As if sensing this, Bansai began to play his guitar. It distracted her mind from its idol state until she finally gave in and focused on his ballet.

Shinsuke arrived half an hour later. Bansai immediately put down the Shamisen.

"Shinsuke, your rhythm is less fluid than usual. Was there a complication if I may ask?"

Takasugi merely smirked and walked on past. Matako looked at him, helplessly searching for words.

"Did something happen?' she wondered to herself.

Takasugi turned to peer at the confused faces of his Kiheitai.

"I underestimated him." he said, "It seems even a broken beast retains its bite."


Author's Note: I'm not sure that counts as a typical lolicon, but I'll leave that to Matako. Next up, we enter the Benizakura arc.