When Katsumi heard what his job would be, he realized how lucky he should consider himself. After all, spying on a lone, broken, former samurai wasn't the worst job he could get; he could be knocking on people's doors and extort money. Was it because of his old age? He certainly hoped that was not the case; as much as he was relieved about it, he still had some pride in his old age. He just wished he could spend his last couple of years in peace; long past where the days of looting and pillaging. The way he is now, Katsumi was sure that his sword skills would be no match even for that samurai.

When the people here started depending on him was the mystery that he pondered about whenever he could. Maybe it was couple of years ago; people connected the dots and realized he was working for Hiroto. Due to his history as a thief and experience of working in a gang when he was young, Hiroto recruited him as a scout, but before he knew it, he became some sort of link between the people of this district and the gang. Soon he became the messenger – he was the one who brought the pleas of the people to Hiroto. He also prevented the gang from harming people by striking carefully designed deals. It wasn't long before they all accepted the protection in exchange for money. The district belonged to Hiroto.

The fact that Hiroto had control over the district didn't matter to Katsumi at all. After all, peace has been brought in and people felt secure. The life was finally tolerable.

However, that peace was a very fragile thing; if only a hair was out of place, the whole thing would crash down upon him. Sakata Gintoki was a thorn in Katsumi's side; all those careful measures, hours of diplomacy, would be lost because one person didn't play by the rules.

This old man was prepared to do anything for the sake of preserving that peace. Even kill someone like Sakata Gintoki.

The problem was, Katsumi just couldn't put a finger on Gintoki's agenda. When he first started spying on him, he just couldn't believe how boring this young man was, actually. To a normal person, one who hasn't seen many fights, he didn't really show any signs of being a skilled veteran. His days passed fixing stuff for people in exchange for meals. There was a lazy streak to him though, and he had a habit of complaining, and loved sweet things. How could this guy ever be a threat to Hiroto?

That part of the man, the darker, skilled part which has been carefully hidden since the days of the war was something that only a keen, experienced eye could catch. Yes, to all the others, he was just a lovely man; one of them. A person who has seen their share of fights would certainly notice that dangerous alertness in man's eyes, and those swift movements this man used against Hiroto's goons. That samurai was a walking killing machine and nobody could convince Katsumi otherwise. Sometimes he would look so strong that Katsumi wondered if even Hiroto might be able to hold against him.

Katsumi suppressed thoughts like that immediately. Even if Sakata Gintoki took down Hiroto, what would happen to people here? Who would defend them against other gangs when Hiroto's gone? Who knows how long this man would stick around, and then what? Another gang will just take Hiroto's place; a gang that will not be open to negotiations. Reminding himself of this every morning, Hiroto continued tailing Gintoki throughout following week.

Throughout that week, Katsumi learned quite a bit about Gintoki, which he added to his notes. The guy had a cat which he didn't like particularly, he was skilled in doing all sorts of housework, knew how to cook, and didn't particularly take money, for now. He also had a soft spot for children and they generally liked him. Sakata Gintoki was also a bit of a loner, which was understandable for a veteran of such a bloody war. The only off thing about him was that he would immediately find an excuse to remove himself from the company he was in, if the topic approached the war, and yet spent countless of moments looking at the wanted posters of joui patriots; it almost seemed as if he was looking for someone.

"But all this is actually useless, because it won't help us get rid of him." Katsumi muttered, going through the notes for who knows what time again. There wasn't a thing he could use against this man in those papers. The old man sighed. How much time does he have before Hiroto tells him it's time to act? How will he act? Pinching the bridge of his nose, he pushed those questions aside. The time has not come, so he will not think about it. It was that simple.

One evening, Katsumi found himself looking out of the window. That day he gave his usual report to Hiroto, but he didn't feel like it was usual. As patient as Hiroto was, even Katsumi could notice the gang leader was at his limits. He wanted to know how to get rid of the troublemaker. He sighed. He just had a lovely dinner with his wife and she was trying to start a conversation with him, but to no avail. He was too much overthinking to be able to make a proper conversation. At that moment, his wife sighed loudly and with a serious look on her face, put her cup of tea down.

"Katsumi," she began, "do you feel guilty?"

"For what?" He shot her an alarming look. He never told her what his job was.

"Katsumi, do you think I'm a fool? I know about your job. You're spying on Sakata-san, aren't you?"

"I see nothing escapes you," Katsumi chuckled. "Yes, I am the person that Hiroto told to spy on Sakata-san. There is nothing you or I can do about it."

Yoshiko smiled. She was glad she could read her husband so well, which was a normal thing, being his wife for about twenty years. She was probably the only one who knew Katsumi didn't like his job, but did it out of necessity. That is why she took it upon herself to help him bear the weight of it all. This job was just another thing that made her husband worry.

"Katsumi, what are you going to do if he becomes a nuisance?" She asked as casually as she could.

"I have orders to kill him."

"Yes, but what are you going to do?" She asked again.

Katsumi was silent for couple of moments. When he spoke, his voice was quiet and words came out slowly.

"I will kill him, as Hiroto ordered."

"I see." The contempt in her voice made Katsumi raise his head and look at his wife one again.

"Don't tell me you feel sorry for the guy, Yoshiko." Katsumi sneered.

"No I don't. I feel sorry for us. I know your job and all the things you've done, but you are not a killer."

"I killed people before."

"Yes, but only if you really needed to. Do you really think I'd marry a murderer?" She asked him quietly.

"I suppose not."

They drank tea in silence for couple of minutes.

"Katsumi," she began, "I don't want you to become a killer."

He looked at her. After another couple of moments in silence, he stood up, kissed her forehead and bid her good night. Hours later, still awake, he looked throughout the window and saw a silhouette of a man standing on the roof. The rain, which started that evening, was at its peak.

"I can't believe there's a possibility of me becoming a killer because of a man who is standing in the rain like this. I hope you die from this, you idiot."

With that he fell asleep.

The next day, Katsumi got up early. The day was as gloomy as him. He felt exhausted and irritated. The conversation with his wife kept him awake for hours after he turned off the light. He said goodbye to his wife and then slowly started walking towards Hiroto's house.

Hiroto lived far away from this part of the time. The house was large and heavily guarded by gang members. He never left the house, except for very important reasons, and mostly conducted his job there. Katsumi couldn't feel on guard every time he visited here. Sometimes he would think how the defense of this house was almost unbreakable. It was like a fortress. Even if you somehow managed to pass and defeat the guards outside, no one ever managed to reach Hiroto because of Ryuu and Seigo.

Ryuu was Hiroto's right hand man. He was the one who manages the patrols, scouts and the one who mostly went to collect the fee for the "protection". He was also the one who trained the new recruits. The other gang members looked up to him. Born in a rich family, he learned his way with people from an early age. Never having an interest in succeeding his father, he turned to underground and soon was found working for Hiroto. Ryuu respected Hiroto and his way of living very much, thus it was unimaginable to see him betraying the gang leader.

Seigo, on the other hand, was the brains. Hiroto's advisor; it was due to him that Hiroto became successful. His immense intelligence, ability to improvise on the spot and strategic skills soon established a solid gang with a steady income. Skilled in both sword and diplomacy, paired together with Ryuu, it was no wonder even the other gangs feared Hiroto.

"They are both going to be there," muttered Katsumi.

He was getting more uncertain with every step he made towards the house. When he arrived, he greeted the guard with a nod. Soon the escort arrived and brought him inside. The enormous man with menacing look told him to wait there. Instead of wandering away, the guy kept standing near Katsumi, watching his every move. He never felt so small in his life.

After a whole hour under the uncomfortable scrutiny of the guard, he was finally admitted. The meeting room was moderately big, with as few details as possible. Hiroto and his two aides, Ryuu and Seigo were sitting in the middle. The two men were quietly muttering something while Hiroto was casually eating jelly beans that were next to him. Hiroto seemed deeply immersed in thoughts. When Katsumi sat across Hiroto, the gang leader finally acknowledged old man's presence.

"I really hope you bring me some good news, Katsumi," he said impatiently.

"Well," Katsumi hesitated a bit, "I have a plan."

"Will that plan result in this guy being dead?"

"No."

"Will it result in him joining my gang?"

"No."

"Then you're useless and your plan is useless and I should kick your useless ass out."

"No, please hear me out." Katsumi said, urgent plea in his voice.

Hiroto eyed him for a moment. Then, taking another jelly bean, he addressed Katsumi again.

"Very well, tell me the final result of your plan."

"He will leave and never come back" said Katsumi, trying his best to sound confident.

Hiroto was ready to dismiss this plan. People who are not loyal but are alive, are very dangerous. Before he could do it, Seigo addressed him.

"Hiroto-san, this may be a good way to do it. It will show the guy we mean business, but it will also prevent the bloodshed. You know how people react to dead bodies."

"You don't even know what his plan is" Hiroto said, putting another jelly bean in his mouth.

"But that is what Katsumi wants to do, right?" Seigo looked at Katsumi.

"Y-yes." Katsumi croaked, suddenly very aware of the lump in his throat.

Seigo nodded. If this man revises the plan, then it may even work. Feeling much more relieved Katsumi managed a weak smile.

"Katsumi, when you set things in motion, there is no going back. I want this guy out of the picture." Hiroto said. "Jelly-bean?" He offered the bowl to the old man, who just shook his head.

Seigo and Katsumi spent the next hour revising. Ryuu was mostly silent, never moving from his seat and occasionally trying to snatch the jelly beans when Hiroto wasn't looking. Suddenly, Seigo stood up.

"Well, the plan is manageable. Ryuu, we need about dozen men for tomorrow night. We will meet at samurai's… whatever that is, on midnight." Seigo said.

Ryuu nodded and left immediately. That was the sign that the meeting was over. Katsumi bowed and left. Now that he was alone, Hiroto took the bowl half filled with jelly beans and pushed it to the corner. A small hand stopped the bowl.

"Kyoko, be a good girl, and please make sure everything goes well. Do not intervene, just observe."

The girl left the corner where she has been sitting during this whole meeting. It was a spot perfect for observing others unnoticed. She looked at the gang leader and bowed slightly.

"Yes, Hiroto-sama."

"You're late."

Seigo was standing in front of Gintoki's house impatiently with Katsumi next to him. At these words, Ryuu shrugged and pointed at the group of men behind him.

"I do not care why you were late. Train them to be more punctual, not just swing those swords for fun." Seigo snapped. "Anyway, once again, let me confirm this – old man, you're sure he isn't here?"

"Yes. He left this morning, and he probably arrived to the other destination couple of hours ago." Katsumi nodded. "He probably won't come back until tomorrow evening, in the worst case."

"Oh, he will come back," Seigo grumbled. "People like him, they always come back."

"So, I can start burning?" Ryuu asked, looking at the old house.

"No, wait just a damn minute." Seigo said and pointed at one of the men. "You! Do me a favor and disperse this bunch."

The man nodded and turned towards the road, where plenty of people have gathered, despite being midnight. At the sight of the man, the people immediately retreated back to their houses, but plenty of them were still looking through their windows.

"Can't be helped, Seigo-san." Ryuu shrugged. "People are curious, after all."

"Sure they are. Well, let's just prepare the best bone fire we can. It'll warm up whole neighborhood." Seigo grinned.

"Ah…" Katsumi suddenly stepped towards the house.

"Katsumi-san, is there something you need? I can't give you the honor of the first match." Ryuu said.

"I just remembered there's something I left there." Katsumi said.

Ryuu stared at him for couple of moments and then stepped back, letting Katsumi enter the house. Soon, he was back, carrying a cat in his arms.

"Old man, you really amaze me sometimes." Seigo laughed.

Almost immediately, the men started pouring gasoline all over the place and half an hour later Ryuu lit a torch, causing Seigo to chuckle.

"Sure, be dramatic if you want."

"Seigo-san, it's all about the style." Ryuu said, observing the torch with unnatural excitement. "Besides, wouldn't it be easier like this?"

"Do whatever you want. My job here is done." Seigo was now holding the cat and petting it. It purred quietly. "Oi, Katsumi, what's the name of this cat?"

"I believe it's Rei."

"What a stupid name. This cat deserves a better name. Ryuu, you have any good names for this cat?"

"I like Rei."

"You're so boring sometimes it pisses me off. Hey, do you think your sister would like it?"

"She likes animals." Ryuu said. "Seigo-san, I'll just drop the torch while you're not looking."

"What? Wait, let me turn around." He covered cat's head. "Rei, don't look at this. Okay, do it Ryuu."

Without any warning, Ryuu threw the torch unceremoniously at the house. The flames spread immediately. Seigo stared at Ryuu in disbelief.

"Seriously? You tell me to turn around and then just fucking drop it just like that."

"I slipped."

"You didn't! You so didn't! You're just messing with me now." Seigo yelled.

They were watching the house burn in silence. The men around them, their job being done, were waiting for new orders from Ryuu. He motioned to them that they are free, and soon only Seigo, Ryuu, and Katsumi were standing there.

As Katsumi watched the house burn, he felt a pang of regret. He tried reasoning with himself that this was for the best, but the feeling kept gnawing on him. Was this the right thing to do?

He turned around. People were now openly staring from their windows, not hiding the fear they felt. With a sigh, he turned to Seigo.

"Seigo-san, can I get my cat back?"

"Sure." Seigo gave him the cat back.

"Wait." Ryuu approached Katsumi and pointed at the cat. "My sister loves animals."

"Ah, but…" Katsumi sighed and gave him the animal. It didn't protest. "Just take it. I don't' really care anymore."

He turned around and left the burning house. All the way to his home, he kept looking at the people inside their houses. All he did, he did it for them. They were surely grateful. Their faces confirmed it. From this day onwards, everything will be just like it was.

The moment he stepped into his house and saw his wife wearing a concerned expression on her face, he knew nothing will ever be like it was before.

"Ah, it seems I really did the wrong thing, right Yoshiko?"

She smiled weakly. "You did what you thought was right. That is enough for me."

"It's okay, Kyoko, I know you're hiding there, you can come out now." Seigo said as Katsumi disappeared into his house.

At these words, the small girl jumped from the roof and approached them without a sound.

"Did you come here to make sure nothing will go wrong?" He asked. As she nodded, Kyoko approached Ryuu.

He gave her the cat without a word. She took the pink ribbon that was tied to her wrist and put it around the cat's neck.

"Your scar is visible, sister."

"It's okay," she said, cuddling the cat closer. "I'll put another one when I go back."

The next week Katsumi barely slept. Even though the life in the district returned to normal, the tension grew thick in the air. Seigo knew Gintoki would come back, and warned Hiroto, who in turn waited for that to happen. However, Hiroto wasn't a patient man, and after a week passed without an incident, he grew restless.

It was the people in the district who felt it the most. They gang members picked fights more often and petty brawls appeared more than before. Still, there were not many casualties and everyone usually went to do their business.

In the end Katsumi knew he did the right thing.

Despite that, he wondered why Sakata Gintoki hasn't come back.

"The poor kid just went somewhere else to live. Why are you still hung up about this, Katsumi? Just come to bed." His wife stood impatiently across him.

"Yeah, you're right." He stood up from the table. "Go to bed I'll join you soon."

As his wife turned around, he took a glass and filled it with water. A soft knock echoed through the room.

"Now who might that be?" Yoshiko wondered.

"Maybe it's Ryuu-san. It wouldn't be the first time he came here this late." Katsumi approached the door tiredly. "Who is it?"

With a loud thud, the door opened so abruptly and forcefully, Katsumi lost his balance. He fell on the ground and a foot stepped on his chest, forcing him to lie down. Yoshiko let out a scream as a wooden sword hit the floor near Katsumi's head so hard, it pierced the wooden plank.

"Yo, old man. Thanks for taking care of my cat. Now, would you mind answering me some questions?"

A/N: Okay I can't believe I actually had this one in the drafts for couple of months now. I thought it was just couple of sentences and then I opened it and wow it was total of 2k words! And as I kept reading I remembered the initial designs for my OCs and I'm so glad I saved this ages ago.

Anyway, yes I introduced three new OCs this chapter and they are all kinda important. ^^ At least I think they are important. Ryuu and Seigo were invented as I was planning the plot. I do not remember the initial plot, but I guess I planned for shit to go down in the next 2 chapters.

This is what I get for keeping all my plans inside my head. :/

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and the new OCs.

Thank you so much for reading this chapter! Any review would be appreciated ^^
Also, be sure to check previous chapters, if you haven't done that yet. Before I posted the new chapter, I fixed the previous ones.

Yell out.