When the constant motion finally ceased, the ship's noise faded as well, save for Sagara's voice ringing through the mess hall.

"So, I see them carrying the straw hats into town and my dad's acting like I'm a total stranger. Of course, I give it right back! Then, he drags me along, pretending to treat me to lunch because I saved his other kids." His story had occupied their attention, helping time pass. It had taken a while to get to this point, since he had gone into extensive detail of his fights on the road. He had encountered his sister first, accompanied by a younger brother who he'd never known. "I'll wait to tell the next part. Have we stopped?"

Word came that the anchor had dropped, and collectively, they went up to the deck. They had safely arrived at the port, to an early evening. Lights flickered in the distant city streets. The sailors had set the ramp for them to disembark, talking about refueling.

Hayashi nodded at Koshijiro. "This is where we part ways. I may bring the family to visit Tokyo, when the girls are old enough to travel."

"Please do. And thank you for all your help." They bowed to each other, and Hayashi took over command of his vessel. One of the orders must have been to sound the ship's bell as their group disembarked, because this was carried out by Ehara, with a glimmer of a friendly smile.

But they had one more thing to take care of. The criminals had been transferred to the military police, preparing for extradition. Woo was among them, his face still swollen from the beating. The very last in the line was Yukishiro. He was surrounded by officers, head lowered. That was Takani's cue and she unlocked a drawer in her medicine box, retrieving the book from safekeeping. She handed it to Kaoru, glancing at Yukishiro with trepidation.

Kaoru quietly addressed Himura. "This is alright, isn't it?"

"Yes…it should be."

She took a deep breath and stepped forward, offering the diary. "Here…this belongs to you now. Please read it."

His eyes were dull, sliding from her to Himura. However, he did accept, holding the spine with both cuffed hands. Then, he disappeared in a group of uniformed officers.

I'll follow up on him. Koshijiro thought. Although Saito was confident that Yukishiro had lost his willpower, he still didn't trust the young man. He watched the military police for a moment longer, before his daughter called out for him to catch up.

At the end of the docks, someone was waiting. The dark blue atmosphere of dusk couldn't hide the figure's tall stature, which didn't budge as they approached. Hiko curtly nodded at his apprentice. "So, you're breathing. The tanuki father made it sound like you were on the verge of death."

"I certainly did not." Koshijiro argued.

"Why else would you have written?"

Himura blinked in surprise. "Kamiya-dono, you wrote to him?"

"I was grasping for ideas on how to help you." He deflected, suddenly embarrassed.

"But that was very kind of you, Kamiya-dono." Himura gave a grateful smile. "Although, Shishou…when did you arrive?"

"This afternoon."

"Then, you should stay with us!" Kaoru beamed. "Like I said before, you're always welcome."

Escaping attention, they took the back roads, the same route Koshijiro had used when he came home. Saito didn't pass the gate, waiting outside for his family. Tokio returned the key with the update that it had been uneventful in their absence. Her gaze landed on Kaoru, her expression softening.

"I'm glad to see you're well, Kaoru-san."

"And I'm glad to be home. Will you join us for dinner?"

"I'm afraid not. Tsutomu's bedtime is soon and he'll be fussy. We'll leave you to rest." The toddler was in his father's arms, a paternal gesture that had drawn everyone's blatant staring. Tokio then added. "Eiji-kun has made a gift for you."

"It matches the other one I made." The boy muttered.

"Thank you, I can't wait to see it."

With the farewells finished, they settled inside. The house was soon filled with quiet conversation and rustling movements, of comforting sounds. Dinner was quickly made: tamagoyaki, both salty and sweet; stir-fried burdock with sesame seeds; eggplant cooked in ginger and bonito flakes; the remaining miso divided into soup bowls beside the rice portions. And it was the most delicious meal they'd had in over a week. Not a speck was left over, after multiple helpings were served.

Sagara had resumed his story, reaching the climax where he had defeated the gangsters and their leader, a former sumo wrestler. "I did restrain myself a little, so nobody was hurt too bad. But I had to get going, and my old man's looking after my siblings." Then, he yawned and that set off a chain reaction of more, especially among Yahiko and Makimachi.

Exhausted, they settled in early, but there was the inevitable question of space. The girls shared Kaoru's room, Sagara offered to bunk with Himura, and Shinomori was going to stay with Yahiko. That left…

"This'll do." Hiko set his sloshing gourd on the floorboards, and unceremoniously planted himself in the free corner of Koshijiro's bedroom.

Koshijiro suppressed a sigh. Well, he had asked for this, in a way. "If you need blankets, the closet is across the hall."

In response, he drew his coat around himself and folded his arms. It made Koshijiro feel incredibly awkward about slipping under his own covers. He closed his eyes, desperately trying to drift off.

"Your words reached him." It wasn't exactly an expression of gratitude, but it was probably the closest the incorrigible man could muster.

"Himura-san has always been selfless. But you already knew that."

"Hmph. It's what instigated our argument, all those years ago. Not that he would ever have been content to stay in the mountains like I have, which doesn't matter anyway. This place is his home now."

The next thing Koshijiro knew, it was just before dawn. His throat was dry, and he slowly sat up, but he soon realized there was no need to be quiet. The corner was empty. He shuffled out of bed, and the draft told him the front door was open. He padded over, finding two familiar silhouettes at the threshold.

"Are you sure you don't need anything else, Shishou?"

Hiko was fully dressed, ready to depart. "Don't fuss over me. Unless you want me to stay longer? The tanuki father behind you might disagree."

Koshijro jolted but instead said. "Thank you for visiting. It was kind of you, and as Kaoru said, you're welcome when you're in the area again."

"Do you plan to be?" Himura asked, a slight begrudging inflection in his tone.

"I have a feeling I will, and soon." The man smirked, and with his coat sailing in the wind, he briskly strode off.

"Shishou is unpredictable as always." A sigh escaped Himura. "This one apologizes if he disturbed you, Kamiya-dono."

"Not at all. It wasn't…terrible. Anyway, you should go back to sleep, Himura-san." He gruffly said. Himura didn't protest, only nodding, and Koshijiro watched him before returning to his own.

For now, they took the well-deserved time to recuperate. To ward off unwanted visitors, Koshijiro had taken a regular position at the front, letting in Tae and Tsubame. The morning sunshine cast over the porch, and Kaoru's figure, enjoying the garden. Tsubame immediately cried, overwhelmed with relief, and tears glittered in Tae's eyes.

"Are you sure you're alright?" She cupped Kaoru's face, her voice wavering. "Oh, thank goodness. You're alive."

"Kaoru-san, you're here…Yahiko-kun!" Tsubame warbled, at the sight of him. She grabbed his sleeve, almost afraid to let him go.

"See, Tsubame? I told you we'd be all together again."

"You did…you really did…"

Then, Dr. Gensai arrived with his granddaughters, who immediately tackled Kaoru in their exuberance. Koshijiro provided an abbreviated version of events, while the doctor wrote a list of foods to recover her strength. Other than the bruises on her neck and mild weight loss, Kaoru was declared to be in good health.

"Nothing that plenty of quiet time won't fix." Dr. Gensai heartily said. "And the same goes for all of you!"

But they couldn't hide forever, and Koshijiro expected questions would arise. He didn't quite anticipate the large crowd at their front door, at the end of the week. The noise was reaching a fever pitch, it would disturb those sleeping.

"Please, I'll explain." He held up his hand, getting their attention. "Kaoru was abducted, by a group with ill intentions. They attempted to fake her death, but we discovered the truth and planned to recover Kaoru as soon as possible. To conceal our intentions from the enemy, we held a mock funeral. We have safely brought her home now. I humbly apologize for deceiving everyone." At this, he lowered himself to his knees, bowing fully. "We are still recovering from this ordeal; I would like to ask for some privacy."

The curiosity lingered, although people dispersed. The clamor gave way to sentiments of recovery, as well as how remarkable a tale it was. At the very end, a handful of people remained, who were instantly recognizable. The chief, Shinichi, Maekawa, and a couple of his students.

Maekawa strode towards Koshijiro, his expression caught between glad and indignant. "You devil! You fooled us all!"

"I'm sorry." He allowed Maekawa to grab his collar and shake him vigorously. At least, it was reassuring that his friend was getting stronger.

"Well, I hope you've arrested the bastards who did it!"

"They're in custody."

However, Chief Uramura cleared his throat. "That is the other reason why we're here."

Foreboding washed over Koshijiro. "What's the news?"

"Yukishiro Enishi has vanished."

Inside the house, their group had to convene. It was a frustrating development; security personnel had fallen with the attacks, and the disappearance had occurred overnight. Yukishiro must have been long gone before anyone realized. Even if Woo was on a ship bound for Shanghai and the rest of the men had not broken out, it was a gross oversight. The chief then departed, saying he was already gathering a search party. Nevertheless, Koshijiro was chagrined.

"This one is not surprised. Enishi is resourceful." Himura's reaction was mild. "But he will not fight."

"Just in case, I'm going to the station." Koshijiro said. "Kaoru, will you stay at home?"

She had looked from Himura to him, before pressing her lips together. "Okay. I trust both of you."

"Actually, I wanted to speak with you!" The voice drew their attention, and all eyes swiveled towards the figure in the back. Shinichi sat on his heels, lowering his head. "I'd like to become a student of Kamiya Kasshin!"

"W-what?! Really?"

"I saw Officer Kamiya and this young boy battle a cannon-armed man for the people of Tokyo. I've been thinking about that day over and over, and I want to join the dojo."

Koshijiro had no idea Shinichi was interested. Did he have kenjutsu experience? But as long as he was motivated and willing to use a sword to protect life…that was certainly welcome.

The stunned silence was ended by a protest. "Young boy? I'm Myojin Yahiko, and I'm the first student. The second student's spot is taken, but I guess you can be the third! I'll show you around, I guess, as long as you can keep up."

"Thank you, Yahiko-senpai!"

Yahiko puffed up at the new honorific. "Yeah, you're welcome!" And then, they hurried off.

"Hold on, as the master, I have to evaluate you first!" Kaoru shook her head in disbelief. "Not that I'll say no, but geez, they're rushing."

"Then, we should catch up with them, Kaoru-dono." Himura stood, swaying a bit, and she placed her fingers on his forearm.

Koshijiro waited until the light touch stopped. "Tell Officer Shinichi that he needs your approval, Kaoru, but he is hardworking and courteous. I'll support him as well."

"Of course, Otou-san."

Makimachi grinned, her braid whipping as she followed in their wake. "I'll keep a lookout while you're gone! And once Megumi's done with clinic stuff, I'll let her know too."

Shinomori and Sagara chose to accompany Koshijiro. The former had offered to interrogate the guards. "We are relying on secondhand knowledge; it would be better to find out the truth from the sources."

Sagara nodded. "Yeah, we can find out if they're slacking off. I did see the Hiruma brothers in Nagano."

Koshijiro halted. "Weren't they supposed to be in prison?"

"That's what I thought!"

What were they even paying security for?! "…I'm counting on you, Shinomori-san."

The man nodded impassively, though Sagara raised an eyebrow. "Hey, what about me? Wait a second, let me join you, Aoshi."

"You can, as long as you don't interfere. You may even learn something."

"Was that a joke?" He bumped his fist against Shinomori's shoulder. "Alright, let's do it."

"What will you do, Kamiya-san?"

"Either Yukishiro is dead by those who wish to silence him, or he was freed by those loyal to him. But the starting point is inspecting where he was."

The jail's workers flinched under their collective scrutiny, but not much fuss was made. Shinomori's cool demeanor and Sagara's knuckle cracking herded them into docility, sparing one man to fumble with a set of keys. Koshijiro glanced at the adjacent cell, noticing it was empty.

"Was there anyone next to him?"

"An old fellow, who's been here occasionally for disturbing the peace. He's not right in the head from previous reports, never given us a name. But he was out of here by last night."

Koshijro frowned as he carefully scanned. The lock was intact, suggesting it had been picked. Otherwise, the interior was bare, no sign of struggle or bloodshed, but a sweet smell was oddly out of place. White plums. Now that he recalled, it was reminiscent of the night when Kaoru was kidnapped. And Kaoru's clothes from the island carried that same scent. Did Yukishiro wear perfume, a very feminine one at that? Was it associated with the deceased Tomoe?

He circled both cells; there was a leak in the ceiling, but hardly a viable escape. The bars were perfectly straight, and the bricks weren't loose. He went into the main corridor, noting a creaky floorboard. Otherwise, it was a clear path to the outside, as long as someone could be silent. It wouldn't have been a challenge for Yukishiro. Koshijiro then proceeded to walk a full lap around the building. Blind spots abounded, and the cover of night would have helped.

No bloodstains though, so Yukishiro was likely alive, yet without a trace. Where would he go? He didn't have a weapon; the tachi had gone to China, part of a reparation. Koshijiro sighed…and bumped into a figure. As an apology left his mouth, he realized it was a stranger he knew. Worn clothes, a thick beard, and a repeated phrase.

"It's all good, it's all good." Despite his unkempt appearance, the odor around him was cloyingly sweet. White plums.

Koshijiro reared back. "You."

"Thank you, sir." The man bowed his head, his glasses slipping off his nose. "And also, I'm deeply sorry for the trouble my son caused."

Realization struck him. "You are Yukishiro Enishi's father. Where is he?"

"Hm, not here, but we won't bother you any longer."

"Why are you here?"

"I was planning to visit the man who was there during my daughter's death."

Koshijiro's vision wavered. He gripped the man's shoulder, upon a disarming pressure point. "If you hurt Himura-san, I-"

"No, no! I thought I would bring him a small gift and sit for a while, but it wasn't needed. You were at his side, after all."

Embarrassed, he let go. "Oh. I apologize."

"You're a very good father. Much better than I was!" He chuckled but the sound was sad.

"You still have time to make things right. As long as you live, you can have another chance." He echoed his wife's words, from long ago.

The man gave an uncertain smile. "Kind words. From a kind person."

"Not nearly as kind as you think." He paused. "I don't think I should encounter your son in the near future. Some things cannot be forgiven easily."

"I understand. It was hard for me too, to forgive. Yes…it takes time."

Koshijiro stiffly nodded. "Then, goodbye."

"Goodbye." And the elder Yukishiro shuffled away, melting into the crowd.

Koshijiro was still standing in place when Sagara jostled him. "Uh-oh, did he turn into a statue again?"

"Is something wrong?" Shinomori inquired.

"No, I'm fine. I had an unexpected conversation, but everything will hopefully turn out alright."

The yellow chrysanthemums were blooming, and four little bouquets were appropriate offerings.

"You're right. This is weird." Kaoru knelt before the grave marker bearing her name.

"We'll remove it soon." Koshijiro said. "We won't need it for many years to come." Many, many years.

"Same for yours. How quickly can we get rid of them?"

"It will probably be around the same time as Reijo is given her own plot."

Kaoru nodded somberly. "I heard she was identified? I feel so sorry for her." The girl had been called Hanako, a slum beggar who had unfortunately remained at a toddler's level of growth. The last time she was seen, an elderly lady had noted she was coughing. Whether she had died from illness or the hands of evil, it would never be confirmed.

"We can pray for her as well." They bowed their heads, and Kaoru clasped her hands together.

Koshijiro offered silent gratitude to Reijo, with the hope she could rest in peace. Gein was dead and wouldn't harm anyone else. Then, he turned his thoughts to his wife. Forgive me, Kyoko. Our daughter was in danger, and I swear that this will never happen again.

When they were finished, Kaoru remarked. "You know, while I was on the island, I dreamt of Okaa-san. She was standing under a wisteria tree, and she gave me a branch. She kissed my forehead and told me 'Stay strong'. It felt so real." She pressed a fingertip to the corner of her eye but she smiled. "Like she really was with me."

Those were the same exact words in his mind, when they realized Kaoru was alive. He had been by Kyoko's picture on the altar, and she had carried that hope to their girl. The wisteria must have been her personal touch, a symbol of resilience. Koshijiro's heart ached. "I knew she'd watch over you."

The walk home did tire her out though, and he encouraged her to take a nap. He then had to write a report, documenting the closure of the Jinchuu case. He didn't really like the name, given that it was Yukishiro's term, but it had stuck in the office. It was close to dinnertime when the last page was filled, and Kaoru knocked on his door.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Oh, yes. We're eating mackerel pike tonight. Daikon and sweet potatoes too, since Kenshin requested them. And, well," Color rose to her cheeks. "Kenshin wants to visit Kyoto for a day trip, and he invited me to join him."

"…Do you want to go?"

Kaoru nodded, her gaze steady. "I'd like to pay my respects to Tomoe-san too."

"Then, I'll come along to chaperone."

He expected the usual protest, but instead, she said. "We're taking the first train. I'll start packing." She walked away, and he was left alone, brow furrowed.

No 'you don't have to'. No 'nothing will happen'. This was clearly significant. He dropped his pen. If only I heard what they said to each other!

The plan was also conveyed over their meal of grilled fish. Himura was nonchalant. "We will return the day after tomorrow."

Sagara made a suggestive wiggling gesture with his intact fingers. "An overnight trip, huh?"

"Stay at the Aoiya!" Makimachi ordered. "Jiiya will give you the best rooms, and ask if the wagashi shops have reopened. There'll be mushi-yokan with chestnuts and persimmons, and inoko mochi that look like cute little pigs! I'm craving them already…"

Kaoru couldn't resist teasing her. "Would you like to join us, Misao-chan?"

"Oh, um, Aoshi-sama wants to see the seven shrines, the ones dedicated to all the gods of fortune!" She grasped his arm with fervor. He shot her a glance but she continued. "And we haven't done that yet, so we'll stay in Tokyo for a while longer."

It was an obvious ploy to spend more time together, but Shinomori didn't refute the plan. "It is as Misao says. We will be here when you return."

"I'll guard the dojo." Yahiko offered.

"Thank you, Yahiko." Koshijiro added. "And please, be kind to Officer Shinichi. That's what a good senpai would do."

"Don't worry, Kamiya-san! I'll show him the ropes, and make sure he drinks water." His eyes lit up. "Wait, can I use your book?"

"Yes, and remember to put it back." After dinner, he showed Yahiko where the book was kept in a drawer, under the family altar. The boy flipped through the pages, then abruptly stopped. He jabbed his thumb at the change in handwriting.

"Hey, Kaoru wrote in here! It's the lesson plan for beginners."

Koshijiro peered over his spiky hair. "It seems she did. That will be very helpful."

"Can I add to this too?"

"You can write separately on different paper, and have Kaoru and I read it first. When you are master of the school, you will inherit the book."

He grudgingly agreed. "Okay. Guess I'll wait. My technique will be perfected then…"

"Hm?"

"Nothing! Good night, Kamiya-san!" Flustered, he snapped the book shut, set it in the drawer, and raced in the direction of his room. Well, he had years to go, but he would become an excellent head instructor with plenty of experience.

The thought was pleasant and Koshijiro headed for his own bed. He turned the corner and noticed his daughter, listening to Takani.

"-salve containers. I included bandages if anything opens up, and more aspirin only when the pain is unbearable." She gave the bundle to Kaoru, with a firm voice. "Remember what I told you, the last time we were in Kyoto. He won't tell you if he's on the brink."

"Of course, Megumi. I won't ever forget." She went to pack it in her belongings, and Koshijiro approached.

"We appreciate it, Takani-san. Were you speaking of Himura-san?"

"She didn't tell you?" Takani frowned. "Ken-san's body isn't ideal for his sword style; in a matter of years, he'll be unable to fight. It's the toll that Hiten Mitsurugi has taken. If he overexerts himself again…I really believed it was the end during this nightmarish 'judgment'. But like I said to Kaoru, she cannot be weak for his sake. She's the one who has to help him, if he's occupied helping others."

Koshijiro hadn't realized that was the state of Himura's health, but it made sense. An expert swordsman could easily develop incurable joint pains. With the physical prowess of Hiten Mitsurugi, it must have accelerated for Himura. "I understand. We'll keep close eyes on him."

"I know. So, I'm relieved." Her voice fell to a murmur before picking up again. "I'm off to bed, I have an early start. I'm working with a midwife tomorrow."

"That's good. I hope you learn as much as you can."

"I intend to." By this point, Kaoru had returned, and Takani squeezed her shoulder. "Safe travels, and I'll see you later."

"Thank you, Megumi. Otou-san, did you need anything?" The bruises around her neck were a faint greenish color, which was better.

"Nothing at the moment." He patted her head, smiling at her pout. "Good night."

The train was slightly delayed, but they reached Kyoto without further issue. They arrived at the Aoiya first, to drop off their belongings, and were greeted raucously by Okina. He was dismayed by the absences of Makimachi and Shinomori, unaware of the glances and smirks of the other Oniwaban.

"We're back in business, and fall is a popular season! Your rooms will have fantastic views, you'll see what I mean. Tell Misao and Aoshi to hurry up, the Okashira's leadership is sorely missing!" Amidst his complaints, he did provide directions to the nearest flower seller.

Yellow chrysanthemums were also abundant here. Himura purchased a small bucket, and Kaoru had brought a short letter. She was a little shy but summarized the contents. "I wanted to let her know that her diary is with her brother. And I'm grateful that her memory protected me during Jinchuu and on the island. That's pretty much it." Her cheeks were rosy, and Himura smiled fondly at her.

It was a kind gesture and it reminded Koshijiro. He carefully broached the subject. "There is something I must share." Then, he told them about his two encounters with the elder Yukishiro. "I should have, but I never asked if he wanted to meet you, Himura-san."

But he shook his head. "It's alright, Kamiya-dono. Enishi needs him now. Time has begun moving for Enishi again, and he will have to consider how to atone for his actions. Not with death, but his own answer. His father can help, but they have spent many years apart, so it will take time." He navigated the path to the cemetery, only slowing when they approached.

The grave had already been cleaned, arranged with two bundles of white cosmos, but the centerpieces were a small glass bottle and a hairpin. Koshijiro recognized the latter.

Kaoru leaned close to the bottle. "It's white plums. Do you think they visited?"

"It's the same hairpin that was bought in Tokyo."

Himura had been still, and he closed his eyes. "If they have each other, Tomoe will smile upon them. This one is content with such knowledge."

He tucked their offering among the others and Kaoru lit the incense. Then, it was silent as they prayed for the deceased Tomoe, for her to rest in peace. Koshijiro extended his thoughts to the father and son, to find peace within themselves. It was not an easy thing by any means, but if they could start there…

"I hope that was enough." Kaoru said.

"What did you say?" Himura gently inquired.

"Um, thank you, and I'm sorry. Kenshin, what about you?"

"The same as Kaoru-dono. Sorry, and thank you." After a moment, he added. "And goodbye."

The significance was not lost on Koshijiro. Himura was expressing that he was ready to move on. Kaoru had recognized it too, looking softly at him. The wind sifted through the surrounding trees, and crackling leaves fluttered.

Himura offered his hand towards her. "Shall we go, Kaoru-dono?"

She readily accepted, her eyes shining. Koshijiro didn't move immediately, watching for a few moments, how the two of them took each step together. Then, Kaoru's ponytail shifted, and his stare moved to the blue sky. He feigned interest in the clouds; he sensed that she was looking back, but he continued to gaze upwards.

"It's a nice day. You two lead on, I'll be taking in the scenery."

So, if they continued to hold hands the entire way, he wouldn't know. After all, his eyes were elsewhere.

Author's Note: Thanks for the wait, I had a busy few months! I think it was interesting to have Oibore and Koshijiro meet. Both have some similarities, in that they were both samurai and had daughters and lost their wives. But the difference is pointed out by Oibore; he wasn't a good father and Koshijiro is in this story. And that has ultimately affected their lives and the lives of their children. Now, onto the final arc!