Kyoto September 1864

It was breakfast time in the common room. The captains were eating peacefully, Shimu having picked to sit beside Saito that day. He was happily looking around until he smelled something and barked.

"Shimu?" Saito said, looking at him. Shimu barked again and stood up very excitedly, wagging his tail.

"He's pretty excited." Harada pointed out.

Nagakura looked over at Harada. "Think he senses something bad?"

"Idiot.." Hijikata sighed. "His tail is wagging. He'd growl if it was bad."

"Well, if he's wagging his tail, then it can only be one thing.." Okita said.

The door slid open with a sigh heard behind it. "Can't get anything past you, Shimu." Haruka said as she stood in the doorway. Her faithful companion barked at her and ran circles around her. She crouched down and scratched behind his ears. "I missed you too, Shimu."

"Welcome back, Shinomi-kun." Gen said. "Did everything go well for you?"

Haruka sat down next to Chizuru, with Shimu laying in her lap immediately after. "It was fine. I didn't expect to be training my own newcomers though.."

"You also had new members then?" Sanan asked.

"I guess it was time for more than just four Okuzume members." Haruka paused as she remembered something. "Sorry if I have some visitors from time to time. They report to me if they are near Kyo."

"You're gonna get busier just like us, huh?" Nagakura said.

"If they're sent this way, yes. But, we'll see."

Okita grinned. "At least you're back! Things were pretty boring without you around."

"Why do I feel like there's more to that?"

"Eh? Why are you looking at me like that Ka-san?" Okita smiled. "You seem to think I've done something wrong?"

"Usually you do. And that smile says you did something."

"Aw, come on. I can't be happy you're back? Maybe you've been hanging out with Hijikata-san too much."

Hijikata's eye twitched. "What was that?"

"Nothing~!"

Chizuru gave a strained laugh as the others joined too. Haruka just sighed as the bickering between Hijikata and Okita continued. Eventually, it was broken when Kondou spoke. "It won't be long till I join Heisuke in Edo. He wrote that I will be staying in your estate?"

"Yes, that's right. My retainer, Miko, will be there as well if you need anything."

Harada crossed his arms. "I forget sometimes you actually are an official."

Nagakura nodded his head. "Yeah! You blend in with us pretty well."

Okita raised an eyebrow. "You two are praising her a lot. What gives?"

"Eh? We aren't doing that." Nagakura said.

"Y-Yeah. It just feels that way sometimes."

Inoue spoke up. "Let me get you some tea, Shinomi-kun." As he stood up, both Nagakura and Harada followed.

"We'll get it for her!" Nagakura said.

"Yeah."

"Can't Inoue-san get it himself? He did offer." Haruka said.

Nagakura gave a small laugh. "Yeah, well, Gen always brings us tea so we can do it for once!"

Haruka looked at the two men before glancing over at Chizuru. So did Nagakura and Harada. Chizuru looked between the three of them before sheepishly looking at Haruka.

"…They broke your tea cup.." Chizuru said.

There was silence in the room as the temperature dropped. Haruka's eyes glared at Harada and Nagakura. "What do you mean they broke my tea cup…?" The two froze before Nagakura spoke.

"We were just putting stuff away! And well…"

"We saw your cup sitting there…"

"And thought…it would be fun to hide it…"

Haruka kept looking at them. "And then you dropped it. Is that what I'm guessing happened?"

They nodded their heads but the temperature kept getting colder and her stares wouldn't stop. "…Are you mad?"

"I'll give you one guess…"

The two stepped back towards the wall. Harada looked over at Hijikata. "Hijikata-san..Can you do something? Like getting her not to kill us..?"

Hijikata just sipped his tea. "I'm not the one who messed with her stuff. Face your own damn consequences." The showdown between the three of them continued until Haruka made a move to stand up, and the two men made a dash for the door. "Get back here!" Haruka ran after them while Okita could be heard laughing from the common room as they got further away.

"Come on, Haruka-chan! We didn't mean it!"

"It was an accident, Haru!"

"I don't care! You broke my tea cup!"

As they did, the two saw a split in their path. They looked at each other with a grin.

"Sano!"

Harada gave out a laugh. "She can't catch us if we split up!"

Haruka saw them splitting from each other. "Really!? Splitting up!? Then I'll just go after, Shin!"

"Shit!" Nagakura took a right turn as Harada went straight, running past someone in the hallway, almost crashing into them. "Sorry!" He yelled over his shoulder. Haruka, however, wasn't as lucky when she turned the corner and ran into the person.

"Ah!" She fell down onto the ground and looked up. "Damn it..I'm sorry…" In front of her was Takeda.

"Hmph. I didn't know you were back." He said, extending his hand to her. She looked at him for a second before accepting his offer to help her stand up.

"I just got back.."

"And you're already chasing down men. You work fast."

"Only because I found out they broke my tea cup."

Takeda blinked. "Did they? I do remember them cleaning something recently. Perhaps they really did. Why don't I buy you a new one?"

Haruka blinked back. "Ah…No, that's fine. I'm having them both pay for a new one."

"It's really no problem if I buy it for our fair Okuzume." Takeda said with a grin. Haruka, however, didn't really respond but with slight annoyance. "I appreciate it, Takeda, but I have things under control. If you excuse me, I have two idiots to track down." She then walked away as Takeda watched, sighing when she was out of earshot.

"Those two are seriously going to pay…" Haruka was walking down a hallway after an hour looking for both Nagakura and Harada. She was still slightly mad but had cooled down. She then saw the room she was looking for open and poked her head inside a bit. "Sakai-kun? Are you busy?"

Sakai looked towards the door and smiled. "Shinomi-san! Welcome back!"

"Thanks." She came into full view when she noticed someone else in the room sitting across from him. "Hm? Hijikata-san? You have business with Sakai-kun, too?"

"I did. Which reminds me, Sakai, take some pay off from both Harada and Shinpachi."

Sakai tilted his head. "What for?"

"For breaking her tea cup."

Sakai turned his head to Haruka "They broke your tea cup!?"

"Yes. And when I found out, they ran away. I couldn't catch them though, so I was coming here to ask you the same thing."

Sakai sighed. "They are…certainly bold…" He cleared his throat. "I'll be sure to take it from both of them." He then quickly made a pouch of money and handed it to Hijikata. "And this should be enough."

"Thanks." Hijikata took the pouch and stood up, heading out the door, about to pass Haruka. "I'm heading out. Want to come along?"

"For what?"

"We're getting new uniforms."

"New uniforms?"

"Finally getting rid of those blue ones Serizawa left. They were cheap as hell."

Haruka tilted her head. "Really? I kinda liked them."

"Seriously?"

She shrugged. "I just liked the color. But sure, I'll go." Then there was a look on her face. "Just let me get something from my room first."

"Alright."

The two of them headed to Haruka's room several through hallways. She looked over to Hijikata. "I'm…sorry I lashed out the other day."

Hijikata was a bit thrown off. "You're apologizing? I was the one who entered your room."

"Yes..But I could have handled that better."

"Then I should apologize as well, I didn't mean to read something private of yours. Or enter your room."

"You're forgiven."

"What was it anyway?"

"Just..some records of mine. You try keeping track of all those officials, especially when there's a new one or a son takes over." She lied. He picked up on her deception but chose to stay quiet about it.

"Basically, you keep a record to keep from getting a giant headache."

Haruka gave a small laugh. "You would too, working as long as I have."

"Then it's no coincidence you have his name in there."

They came to a stop in front of her room, she stepped in front of her door and spoke to him. "Yes. I'm looking into all three on my own time. Our interactions happening twice like that couldn't be by chance after all." She then slid the door open. "I'll just be a moment."

She headed over to her desk and picked up the bag filled with the charms she picked out. Picking through them until she found the one she was looking for, setting the small bag on her desk. Her eyes caught a glimpse of something that wasn't there before, a book placed cover down. Raising an eyebrow she picked it up, opened it, to find it filled with poetry.

"The crescent moon is shining at the bottom of a puddle formed by the spring rain…"

She tilted her head to the side before reading another.

"If a plum flower blooms, even if only one, it is still a plum flower…"

She closed the book with a curious look as she saw the cover and walked to her door. "Hijikata-san? Is this yours? The writing is familiar." Handing him the book, Hijikata's face looked surprised with a hint of red.

"Why do you have this..?"

"I found it on my desk. I didn't see it earlier. But that is your handwriting, isn't it?"

"Damn it…SOUJI!"

There was a loud scurry from one of the corners of a nearby hall, like an animal that was suddenly startled. Several footsteps at that. Haruka just gave a sigh. "Oh. So that's what he did."

"Did you..read anything?"

"I did. Souji hid the cover so I didn't see the writing on it, but…they aren't terrible poems."

"..Really..?"

"I mean they're better than what I could do. And I can tell you put effort into them. I'm sure eventually your feelings will be clear through them if you keep doing it."

"..."

"Ah…Was that too much?"

"No." He sighed. "Let's just...go." He started to walk away as Haruka closed the door to follow him, made their way to his room putting that book away, and headed out of the compound. It was a silent walk until they reached the main streets filled with people as usual, always busy, noisy, and moving like a river.

"Can't say I missed this sight much." Haruka said.

"It's not like Edo wasn't this busy either."

"It didn't seem as crowded when I was there."

"Really?"

"I mean it was busy but not like it used to be, but still pretty crowded."

"Huh. So which do you like better, Edo or Kyo?"

"Ah, well…I guess Edo. It's not home but it's close enough."

"I see." They entered the fabric shop to see a few people inside. The owner noticed them and came over. "Ah, Hijikata-san. You've come back. And with a friend as well. May she be getting something as well?"

"She's just accompanying me today."

"Hey.." Haruka stared at him. "I might be interested in something. You never know." She then, in slight annoyance, went over to look at some fabrics.

The owner laughed a bit. "Did you decide on a fabric from the other day?"

Hijikata nodded. "I think replacing the blue with black instead is best."

"And you are keeping that white pattern, correct?"

"That's right." He then handed the owner the pouch of money. "This should be enough to cover them."

"It will be a few days before they are ready." The owner then saw Haruka come over with a light blue fabric. "Ah, so you did pick something out."

"Yes. Could a pouch be made out of it?"

"Of course!" He took the fabric she was holding and some money she had. When they were done with everything, the two walked out of the shop. "Is that for yourself?" Hijikata asked.

"I..may have lent Heisuke mine."

"Lent it?"

"Just trying to help you guys out a little…Ah! That reminds me!" She reached into the pocket of her kimono and pulled out the omamori and handed it to him. "This is for you, Hijikata-san."

"An omamori?" He asked while looking at the purple charm with a Koi fish on it. Haruka nodded her head. "I got everyone one. Thought you'd like a bit of home and some protection."

He chuckled. "Looking out for us, huh? Don't you do enough of that already?"

"Oh, just take it as a gift and don't judge me for it. Besides, Shota, Chizuru and I already take up much of your space, just showing some gratitude."

"Alright." He smiled. "Thanks."

Ezo

"Ehh!? Travel to Edo!?"

In the main house of the Shinomi village sat three people at a table over tea. A tall muscular man with green hair, turquoise eyes, and a purple kimono with the Shinomi crest on the left side of his chest. Across from him sat another man, red hair that reached his shoulders, green eyes, red kimono, crest on his sleeves near his wrists, and tan skin. Between them sat an older woman, long faded brown hair, orange eyes, wearing a dark blue kimono.

"Yes, to Edo." She repeated herself.

"Oba-san, is this really a good idea?" Said the green eyed man.

"Yeah!" Said the other. "One, it's a long trip. Two, we'll be leaving the village unguarded!"

"Daichi, Junichi, I know all that. But your fathers agreed to take over for the both of you to be my protectors for this trip."

Junichi ran his hand through his green hair. "Okay. Say we go. Why the hell would you just answer to Miko like that? What exactly did she write?"

"Well..It is a family matter."

Daichi tilted his head. "Family matter? Did something happen to Haruka?"

"Oh, no. She's fine. She headed back to Kyoto. However, there's…someone who wants to join us."

Junichi crossed his arms. "What? Another lost demon to add to our ranks?"

"As far as she wrote, a human would like to join us."

"A Human?"

"Miko wrote that he would like to be adopted as Haruka's brother."

Daichi's eyes lit up in surprise. "Brother? You aren't considering it are you?"

"Yeah. And what about Mina?" Junichi added.

"That's why I'm going. I would like to see this young man for myself. Miko said both he and Haruka get along well. So if she sees something, it's worth checking it out, isn't it? Minato would love another sibling, don't you think? And a little trip out of the village sounds nice." She smiled.

Junichi sighed. "Haruka's gonna kill us once she finds out we took you out of the village, Oba-san…"

She laughed. "Oh, I'm her mother, she'll understand once everything is explained." Junichi and Daichi just looked at each other and gave in. She was in charge when Haruka was away, not exactly like they could ignore her wishes.

"Alright, Alright." Junichi said. "But you don't wander off, okay? You stick by us until we get there."

"I'll be fine, Junichi. I won't cause trouble."

Daichi then got up. "I'll help you pack. And then we can be on our way tomorrow." He went on his way towards her room. "Junichi, could you send a message back to Miko telling her we are leaving tomorrow."

"Mm. Alright." Junichi got up and went to find ink and paper. When he found them, he wrote out the message. He then went outside and whistled, soon a bird landed on a nearby perch. "There you are, Botan." Botan, a lovely black crow, cawed at Junichi as he petted her. "Good girl. I'm gonna need you to deliver this letter to Miko. She's in Edo."

He tied the letter to Botan, making sure it was secured tightly. "Alright. Go, Botan. And stay there until we arrive." Botan cawed again before taking up high into the sky. "…Maybe I should go secure a boat for tomorrow. Would make things easier." Walking to the entrance to the village, he caught the attention of a young boy with red hair and blue eyes. "Jun! Where are you going?"

"To the port."

"Can I come?"

"What? Kenji, no. Go find your brother."

"But I don't know where Daichi-nii is."

"He's at Oba-san's place. You can probably help them out."

"With what?"

He opened his mouth for a second before he realized what a huge mistake that would be. "Uh..Oba-san's looking through some stuff. Ya know, finding stuff for winter. You should go help them out."

"But that sounds boring."

"How about you go help them and I bring a bunch of Dango back?"

"Really!?"

"Yup, as soon as I'm done with my errand."

"Okay!" Immediately, Kenji ran off to the main house and Junichi sighed in relief. "That was almost disastrous…Right, boat!" He ran out of the entrance to the nearest town with a port.

Kyoto October 1864

Near the courtyard closest to the entrance, the sound of wood hitting each other could be heard. Haruka and Chizuru were training together with Shimu sitting off to the side. This was something they picked up months ago and did together when they had the chance. The two lowered their swords as they just clashed with each other.

"That's getting better. Still you need to hold a little bit tighter, Chizuru."

"Ah, right. I think I'm still afraid of hitting you by accident…"

Haruka sighed and smiled. "I can take a few hits, you know. Besides, I got a few bruises training with my own master when I was younger. Though…Most of those were from when I tripped over my own feet."

"Really? You tripped often?"

"He always wanted me to come at him full force. Of course, I'd get over confident and didn't watch my step. Or he'd purposely make me trip. …Or Junichi would…Bastard."

Then from the doorway was a voice. "Sounds like you had a tough master."

The two girls turned to the doorway, Shimu barking and wagging his tail. "Oh, Kondou-san, Takeda-san." Chizuru said.

"Are you leaving already?" Haruka asked.

Kondou nodded his head. "Yes, I won't be gone for too long."

Takeda crossed his arms. "We'll see what we can do about bringing Itou-san to our side."

Haruka tilted her head. "You're going with him, Takeda?"

"It's unsafe for him to go alone as Chief. So I volunteered to join him. That's not a problem is it? Considering we will be staying in your estate?"

She shook her head. "No. Just don't piss off Miko."

"Oh? And why would that be?"

Haruka grinned. "She has a bad habit of shooting delinquents. So again, don't go pissing off my retainer, Takeda."

He looked a bit unsettled. "S-She carries a gun?"

Chizuru's eyes widened a bit. "Sasaki-san was being serious when he told me that?"

"She found her own way to protect herself. And believe me, we tried several things before she picked up the gun. She is a bit of a western fanatic."

Kondou laughed. "It seems you have many friends who are. But we will be sure to not make her mad. Right, Takeda-kun?"

"Y-Yes, Chief.."

Kondou then had a thought come to him. "Seeing you two practice made me realize, I've never seen you and Shinomi-kun spar, Takeda-kun."

"You're not suggesting we do this right now are you? We really should be heading out."

"What? Afraid of a little sparing Takeda?" Haruka held out her bamboo sword at him. "It'll be quick."

Takeda looked a bit angered as Kondou smiled. "Seems Shinomi-kun is claiming victory. Are you going to accept her invitation?"

Takeda took the sword and walked forward. "I will." Chizuru moved back next to Kondou as Haruka took her sword and moved to her spot. "I will not go easy on you." That seemed to put Haruka in a good mood. "I would be disappointed if you did, Takeda."

They both got in their stance as Kondou looked at them both, making sure they were ready. "Begin!" Takeda made the first move, attacking head on. Haruka dodged to his right side and swung, only to be blocked as he turned around fast. He pushed her back before thrusting his sword quickly at her, as she dodged and blocked. He continued a barrage of them, pushing her back, before Haruka saw an opening and ran past him.

Knowing he would turn like last time, she stepped to the other side of him and struck his side. Or tried too. He lifted her sword up with his, before they separated from each other, Haruka being genuinely surprised. "Quicker than I thought…" Haruka said.

Takeda smirked. "Surprised?"

"The last time I was surprised like that was when I fought Souji."

"Really?"

"We were kids. But, your styles are completely different, even from people that use your style." Haruka lowered her sword. "Can we continue this another day? I've distracted you two enough."

"Oh? Are you giving up?"

"No. But I am genuine in sparring with you when you have more time."

Takdea looked at her for a second before lowering his sword. "Hmph. I hope you mean to keep that promise."

"Don't worry, Takeda-kun." Kondou said as he walked towards him. "Shinomi-kun is true to her word. And I would like to see a full match between you two!" He patted him on the shoulder. "Shall we go?" Takeda nodded his head and handed Haruka the wooden sword back. The two of them left the Yagi Residence on their way to Edo as Haruka and Chizuru watched them off.

"Do you think they'll be fine?" Chizuru asked.

Haruka spun one of the swords in her left hand. "I might not like Takeda but he can be responsible when he wants to be. I think they'll be alright." She caught the sword in her hand and handed it to Chizuru. "Come on. Our training isn't done yet and my page shall not be left defenseless."

Chizuru smiled. "Right!"

Edo

"Thanks for coming with me, Miko."

"It's no problem, Heisuke. Besides, I am the host in Haruka-sama's absence."

The two were waiting at the port for Kondou to arrive. They had also been waiting for the arrival of Haruka's mother but they weren't sure when they would arrive. A ship came into the port and had started to unload both people and items. Heisuke, being excited, made his way down there with Miko behind him. Eventually, Kondou and Takeda appeared from the ship.

"Kondou-san!" Heisuke yelled.

Both Kondou and Takeda looked up and saw him, making their way towards him. "Heisuke! You seem to be doing fine!" Kondou said with a smile.

"Yeah. I've already found a couple of guys that wanted to join!" He then looked over at Takeda. "Oh, you're here too, Takeda."

"Of course I am. The Chief can't travel on his own, especially this distance."

Miko chuckled. "My, it seems I'm hosting more than I thought." Heisuke then remembered Miko was with him. "Oh, right. This is Chiba Miko, Ka-san's retainer."

"Ah, so you are Chiba-kun." Kondou bowed at her, followed by Takeda. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Kondou Isami, Chief of the Shinsengumi." He then lifted himself up. "Next to me is Takeda Kanryuusai, Captain of the 5th division and our war counselor."

"It's a pleasure to meet both of you. I suppose we should be on our way to the estate. You both traveled a long way, I'm sure you could use some rest."

The four of them walked through the busy streets of Edo. The estate was more towards the center, near the castle. As they walked, a crow was flying in the sky and could be heard cawing. Miko stopped and looked up. "Chiba-kun?"

Miko lifted her arm up and the crow landed on her arm. "Botan. What are you doing here?" The crow cawed and then pecked at her hand three times. "Oh? Really? I see." Miko then raised her arm fast and Botan flew off. "It seems I will be hosting even more than I thought."

Takeda raised his eyebrow. "More?"

Miko smiled. "Himiko-sama has arrived."

Heisuke's eyes widened. "She finally arrived?"

"It seems that way." She smiled at the other two men. "Haruka-sama's mother has arrived at the estate. More introductions will be made when we get there."

Kondou blinked. "Her mother has come? When she isn't around?"

They continued to walk towards the estate. "She was to visit while she was here but seems traveling here took longer than expected. Himiko-sama, I believe, decided to come here anyway as a trip away from the village. I don't remember the last time she visited Edo though. Maybe the first year Haruka-sama took up her father's position."

"She couldn't be bothered to stay for her own mother…" Takeda said.

Miko side eyed Takeda. "Haruka-sama was busy, was she not? Besides, I wouldn't allow her to be thrown off her work and her mother knows that."

Kondou chuckled. "You do your job for her well."

Miko smiled. "Of course! It's been my duty for years!" They arrived at the entrance to see a muscular man leaning against it. Botan was sitting on his shoulder as she cawed. He opened his eyes and smirked. "Miko. Finally back, huh?"

"I didn't expect you to arrive today, Junichi."

"Yeah, well, Oba-san's inside."

"Mm hmm. Well, let's go so introductions can be done with." She walked up to him and petted Botan before they all went inside and she took off. They heard talking in the common room as Miko led them there. Inside two people were sitting at a chabudai, with some tea between them.

"Ah, there you are Miko." Himiko turned to the man in front of her. "Daichi, can you get more cups?"

"Yes, Oba-san." Daichi got up and headed to the kitchen and Himiko motioned for everyone to sit. "I'm Shinomi Himiko. I hear you've been working with my daughter, correct?"

Kondou nodded his head and bowed. "I'm Kondou Isami, Chief of the Shinsengumi. It's surprising I get to meet Shinomi-kun's mother on this visit."

"Fate has its ways. Thank you for taking care of my daughter." She looked over at Takeda and Heisuke. "I'm Takeda Kanryuusai, Captain of the 5th Division and war counselor." Heisuke looked at her a bit nervously. "I"m Toudou Heisuke, the 8th Division Captain. But everyone calls me Heisuke pretty much."

Himiko's eyes lit up a bit at Heisuke. "It's nice to meet both of you as well." Daichi then came back with more cups and poured some tea. "This is Kurusu Daichi, my nephew. And this one is Hayashida Junichi, one of the guards of our clan."

"Hey, that makes me sound so unimportant, Oba-san…" Junichi crossed his arms. "I'm captain of the guards, thanks."

Kondou looked over at Junichi. "Ah, so you're the one who made her trip during her training when she was younger."

"Eh!? What the hell has she been saying about me? I did not."

Daichi chuckled. "Really? Because I remember it differently."

"I did not trip her!"

"So you didn't make her fall on purpose when you two fought as children?"

"I did no-"

"And make her nose bleed?"

"Ah-...well..I.."

Himiko looked over at Junichi with a firm look. "Haruka said she tripped over her feet. Was that your doing, Junichi?"

Junichi flinched and looked tense. "Well…Oba-san..I uh.."

Miko just leaned over to Daichi. "Nice job, Daichi."

He smiled. "Thank you."

Himiko gave him a stare they all knew well from Haurka. "You're older. You should know better than that."

Junichi just hung his head. "Y-Yes..Oba-san." They chatted for a while as the tea slowly disappeared and time flowed by. When there was no more tea left, Himiko folded her hands. "Junichi? Could you please show Kondou-san and Takeda-san their rooms? They must be tired after such a journey."

"Got it." Junich got up, along with Kondou and Takeda, leading them out. Junichi looked back and saw Daichi give him a signal to mean 'keep watch'. He nodded, leaving Miko, Daichi, Himiko, and Heisuke alone in the common room. Heisuke looked over at Himiko. "So you're really Ka-san's mother…"

"Hm?"

"Ah…I call Haruka, Ka-san. Cause she kinda acts like a mother towards all of us." Heisuke explained. "I did it by accident and it ended up sticking. But…It's gonna be a little weird now that I'm asking to be her brother."

Himiko smiled. "I can already see why she would see you as a younger brother."

"Really?"

"You do remind me of my Minato. The two of them were very close growing up. Having you around must have been lifting her spirits, right?"

"I know she misses him but why didn't he come with you?"

Himiko's eyes soften a bit. "I'm afraid that is impossible."

"Impossible?"

"I'm not surprised she hasn't told you."

"Wait, tell me what?"

Himiko folded her hands on the table. "Minato…is not with us anymore."

Heisuke had a shocked look on his face. "Not…You mean he's dead?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that is the case."

"...Damn it. Then all the times she talked about him…She was acting like he was alive…"

Miko sighed. "Of course she does. If she said her brother was dead, can you imagine the questions people will ask?"

Heisuke nodded. "Probably the same ones in my head already…"

Daichi tilted his head. "It's not our place to tell you. All you need to know is that she witnessed it, along with her father. Let her tell you when she's ready."

Heisuke frowned. "I feel bad. All this time I just reminded her of him…"

"Heisuke." Himiko grabbed his attention as she came over and sat next to him. "Please, tell me your story."

"My story?"

"Someone doesn't just ask for adoption leaving their family behind for no reason. So, what makes you want to become my son?"

"I..I'm the son of the Daimyo of Tsu…His bastard son, anyway. I lived with my mother here in Edo but we never really got close. She never told me who he really was until I found out when I was older and got paid every month to shut up and not look for him. But after meeting Ka-san…learning how much she missed Minato…I just feel she needs me. And having an older sister like her just feels right. I don't want her to keep being alone."

Heisuke then felt arms around him again. "O-Oba-san?" Himiko had hugged him, much like Haruka did weeks ago. "You are a sweet boy. Even for being involved with the Shinsengumi, you have this kindness to you. I can see what my daughter sees."

Heisuke just blinked his eyes, trying his hardest to not cry at that moment. He can't remember the last time his own mother hugged him. Himiko gave him a tight squeeze before pulling back to face him.

"Heisuke. If you truly want to become a Shinomi, there are things you must understand and keep secret."

"Secret?"

"There's a lot more than what my Haruka does. It's a much bigger burden than you think."

Miko placed her hand on the table. "It's one we all have to keep when outside Ezo. Rules we have to live by."

Heisuke blinked. "I can do that…Yeah, I'm sure I can do that!"

Himiko smiled. "Then, if you truly believe you can, then I welcome you as my son."

His eyes lit up. "Really!?"

"Of course!"

Daichi looked at the two. "I suppose we will have to write to Haruka about the news."

"W-wait! No, don't!" Heisuke said. "I..want to tell her when I get back to no Kyo. This was my idea after all…"

Himiko nodded her head. "Alright. Well, there's much to discuss. Miko, please bring us more tea."

"Yes, Oba-san." She got up. "I'll also start dinner." Daichi also got up. "I'll help. You often don't get a hand in the kitchen."

Miko smiled. "That would be great, Daichi."

A few days passed. Kondou had returned to the estate with Junichi and Heisuke after his meeting with Itou. Takeda didn't want to return just yet and went off on his own. Junichi headed to his room feeling tired as the other two went to the common room.

Himiko was by herself sewing some fabric. "You're by yourself, Oba-san?" Heisuke asked as he came to sit next to her. Himiko smiled at him and Kondou as he sat across from her. "Daichi and Miko went out to buy more food. We haven't had this many people here in years, so Miko wanted to make a feast."

"What are you sewing together? Something for Shinomi-kun?" Kondou asked.

"Actually, we gained a new clan member."

Kondou smiled. "Is it a newborn?"

Himiko smiled back. "No. They are..quite a bit older."

"Oh? You allowed a new clan into the group? Like Sasaki-kuns?"

"Shota's family was a special case. But it's only one person this time. And it was a surprise as they are from Edo."

"Oh! I thought you were just here to visit your daughter."

"It was a special case. My daughter being here was a coincidence. But fate had other plans I suppose."

"Now I'm curious about what they are like."

Himiko chuckled. "I'm sure you would get along very well with them."

Heisuke looked at them as they chatted. It really felt awkward as he knew he was the new member and Himiko was just playing along with his wishes. He sighed and placed his hands on his knees.

"Kondou-san."

"Hm? Yes, Heisuke?"

"It's me."

"Huh?"

"I'm the new member."

Kondou's eyes widened. "You? You joined Shinomi-kun's clan?"

Heisuke nodded his head and closed his eyes. "Look, you have to promise me to not tell Ka-san or anyone else. I wanna tell them when I get back…That I'm being adopted as Ka-san's brother."

Kondou looked at him in surprise as his face softened into a smile. "I see. Then you thought about this for a while then?"

"Come on, Kondou-san. She already treats me like a little brother. And spending time with her kinda made me see her as a sister. It felt right. But please! Don't tell anyone! I really wanna tell her myself!"

"Don't worry, Heisuke! I'll keep this from everyone. I'm just happy you found a family."

Heisuke smiled. "Yeah..A family."

Kyoto

The morning had been slow and quiet. Haruka and Shota were sitting in the common room after breakfast, shifting through paperwork out of her room for a change of scenery. Chizuru had brought them some tea as well and watched them work.

"Are all of those reports?" She asked.

Haruka didn't look up from her papers. "Mm hmm. So far…I am impressed by my subordinates. Not missing a detail, but sometimes they seem to be a bit too detailed.."

"Yeah." Shota said. "Isn't that better though?"

"Unless you want to continuously read about a bird flying by over and over…"

Chizuru tilted her head. "A bird?"

"Seems one of them really likes to identify birds. And again..with a lot of detail."

Shota smiled. "Hey, at least you learn about them! That's different!"

Haruka sighed and took a sip of her tea. "Uh-huh..Birds..very different." There was a bit of silence before someone slid open the door from outside. Okita popped his head in. "Hey, Ka-san."

"What is it, Souji?"

He grinned. "Didn't know you were in here. But someone's back!" He walked into the common room and behind him was Kondou. "Shinomi-kun. Yukimura-kun. Sasaki-kun. It's nice to see you all again."

"Oh! You're back, Kondou-san!" Shota said.

Haruka looked up. "How was Edo?"

"Everything was fine. And we even managed to get Itou-san to join us."

"Ah..well that's good to hear." She took another sip of her tea.

"Which reminds me.." Kondou nodded his head slightly to himself. "I met your mother, Shinomi-kun." Haruka stopped drinking halfway, choking on it. and coughing. "What..?" She voiced, strained, as Chizuru tried to help her. Shota looked surprised.

"Wait, you met her mother, Kondou-san?" Okita raised an eyebrow.

" Mmm hmm. She was coming to visit you, Shinomi-kun, but it seemed her timing was off. Honestly, I can see now where you get your personality from!"

Haruka just stared at him for a little bit before looking over at Shota. He just held his hands up. "H-Hey! I didn't know. I would have gotten a message from Botan if I did, Haruka-nee!"

She sighed, propping one arm on her leg and her hand over her eyes. "Oka-san…Why would you leave the village like that…" She wasn't really happy about it but her mother can do as she likes when she's away. "I'm gonna guess you also met Daichi and Junichi, Kondou-san?"

"Yes, I did. They seem like good men to be protecting your village."

Okita crossed his arms. "That's not really fair. I only met your dad but Kondou-san got to meet both of them! When do I get to meet her?"

Haruka shot him a look of disbelief. "Souji, cut it out." But he kept giving that grin of his as he looked playful today. "What? Are you afraid I might say something embarrassing? Like Hijikata-san going into your room?"

"Souji…"

He just laughed. "Relax. I wouldn't go that far with things."

Haruka just shook her head as Chizuru spoke up. "Kondou-san..You said Itou-san would join us? Did he come with you?"

"Ah. He will be joining us here soon with a few of his men. Heisuke will still be in Edo for a while as well, training and recruiting."

"O-oh, I see."

Haruka cleared her throat. "Well…I suppose things will be getting lively for a while. Do you even have room for more men in Meikawa?"

"There's a couple of rooms left I think." Kondou said.

"Yeah." Okita said. "But once Heisuke brings the guys, they'll be packed for sure."

"For now, we should be alright. And if it comes to that, we can look for a place later once we are sure how many are joining."

Haruka seemed satisfied with that answer. "Alright. Well…Now I need to make up an excuse for Itou-san for my presence here so he doesn't question me too much."

"Just tell him you're our friend or something." Okita grinned.

"Souji…He knows exactly what I am. I don't think that will work. I'll come up with something…"

Late October 1864

New faces were entering the Yagi Compound one by one. Haruka, Hijikata, and Kondou were at the entrance while farther back, near the entrance to the building, were the others hanging out looking at the commotion going on.

"So that's Itou-san, huh?" Nagakura said. "Heard he got a full Menkyo and everything.."

"His belief is opposite of ours." Saito shifted onto his other leg. "I'm worried about him joining us like this.."

Harada crossed his arms. "So he's like the Choshu…Can't say I don't find that suspicious.."

Okita looked at Shota next to him. "How do you feel about him? You must have met him, right?"

"Uh…" Shota thought about it. "I haven't really met him. My job is in the shadows. But from what I've witnessed…" He stuck his tongue out, gaining a smirk from Okita.

"That bad, huh? I'll keep my eye on him." He then noticed the man next to Itou. "What about that guy next to him?"

"Miki Saburo. Itou-san's younger brother."

"Seriously? He doesn't look any better…"

"Depending on how you get along…You might be okay or you might be getting into fights. Honestly, he's like another Takeda but different."

Saito looked over at Shota. "Does this mean we should keep Shinomi-san away from him too?"

Shota shrugged. "They actually get along from what I've seen." Okita crossed his arms and glanced at both Miki and Haruka, before settling on Miki. "..Guess I'll keep my eye on him too."

At the entrance, Itou, Kondou, Hijikata, Haruka and Miki were walking. Itou spoke to Haruka. "It is surprising to see you here, Shinomi-Sama."

"Ah..Not that surprising at all actually…And San is fine."

"My, you don't have to be modest, dear." That made both Haruka and Hijikata feel a bit unsettled.

"Yes, well, I'm here officially. In Kyoto, I mean."

"And you're staying with the Shinsengumi?"

"Matsudaria-Sama asked me to take care of them since I was to be stationed here. I effectively am here as a second location for the Okuzume Squad to report to as their Captain. And since knowing Kondou-san as a child, he offered me a space here. I couldn't refuse his kindness."

Itou looked surprised before smiling at Kondou. "That is very generous."

Kondou nodded with a grin. "Well, I would feel bad if I didn't look after her for her father."

Miki crossed his arms. "Isn't it bad for a woman to be here though? I mean it's full of men."

Itou gave his brother a glare. "Saburo."

"..Sorry."

Haruka sighed. "It's alright, Miki. I understand where you are coming from."

Hijikata chuckled. "The men won't come within 10 feet of her. They're scared shitless of The Shogun's Demon."

Haruka gave him a warning glare. "Oh really? Like they aren't scared of you, Demon Vice Commander?"

"That's different."

"In what world is that different?"

Kondou cleared his throat before the two possibly started a fight. "Well, how about we all go inside. We should get to know each other a bit more now that we will be working together."

Itou smiled. "Yes, we should." Kondou led Itou and Miki inside, followed by Hijikata. Haruka stood there for a bit watching them as they disappeared from her eyesight. She sighed and shook her head. "You really had to call me that…?" She trailed behind them quietly into the residence as everyone tried to settle into this new arrangement.