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The Courtship of Lady Tokio

by Misaki Toyodome

Chapter 20 - From Edo to Kyoto to Edo

2nd September 1864

Dear Father,

No doubt, you will have heard from our Lord about the cancellation of my engagement with Lord Saigou Fuminori. I do not know what details you have been furnished with, but I hope that I will be able to clarify a few points. Perhaps by doing so, I will be able to alleviate your understandable anger at me. Father, I do not want you to be angry, although I know you must be. Please forgive me. After all the trouble people went to, and all the hopes that were staked on my union, you must believe me when I say that I am utterly sorry for your disappointment. For my part, I was determined to see through my duty, for honour's sake and for Aizu. But it is true that the affair turned out to be less than honourable.

Regarding recent movements in Kyoto –

What unsettled all of us here at Koumyouji were the rumours that Choushuu was approaching Satsuma with a view to establishing an alliance. My suspicions appeared to have been confirmed by when we had word that Sakamoto Ryouma was visiting the Satsuma hantei. I presume that you were informed, Saigou Fuminori was discovered to be hiding this information from my Lord, and that this was the direct cause of the annulment of our engagement.

However, I must admit, I may have acted over hastily. Much to my chagrin, I must confess that little evidence has surfaced that Sakamoto was an envoy of Choushuu. And now, the situation in Kyoto has entered a tense stalemate. Although after the Ikedaya Affair and Kinmon no Hen, Choushuu has been subdued overall, the assassination of Sakuma-sensei, and more personally, my own experience are proof enough that it is dangerous to underestimate their capabilities to create unrest. (I assure you again that I am well, and no permanent harm was done.) The Shinsengumi are active in pursuing reports of Choushuu movement and conspiracies, but recently their duties have been mostly concerned with the routine practice of law enforcement. I am slightly unnerved to hear of some accounts of enforced seppuku among the ranks, in accordance to the Shinsengumi charter – it is a harsh, uncompromising code, and its judgement makes for no allowances, it would seem. However, I owe them my thanks, and also my life. This is a gratitude and debt that I will not forget.

The situation with Satsuma is more complicated and will need to be handled with delicacy. Recently, it is becoming ever more apparent that they intend to vie with Aizu for control of Kyoto. This is against Imperial missives and as a result, Aizu has been placed in an awkward position. Aizu should not be forced to withdraw, and it is our duty not to do so, but we certainly do not desire confrontation with Satsuma. This would be playing directly into the hands of the enemies of the Bakufu.

Father, I know that you might think that if my union had proceeded as planned, that the circumstances might be easier to manage. I beg your permission to say to you that I think otherwise. Satsuma has now started to press for power in Kyoto. It will not be long before Aizu and Satsuma clash. In that case, I would have been another thorn in Aizu's side, another obligation, another bond with which to tie my Lord's hands (as insignificant as I am in the scheme of things, Matsudaira-kou is a kindly person, and he would not have the heart to sacrifice me, we both know). As for the likelihood that Choushuu revives – it is troubling that this is looking more likely as each day passes.

There was a time when I thought Choushuu were doomed. What I underestimated was just how much public and popular support they enjoy. Especially in Kyoto, where the Bakufu are not well thought of these days. Many people have come to regard the Tokugawa regime as holding illegitimate power over the Emperor. These people assume that Choushuu and the Ishin-shishi are pursuing the "real policy of sonnou". They also accuse the Shogun of betraying Japan to the foreign powers. It is thanks to this popular support that Choushuu have managed to survive. Also, it will be this popular opinion that might sway Satsuma to form an Alliance with Choushuu. That, and also the matter of this year's rice harvest.

Nonetheless, I acknowledge that this is not likely to happen in the very near future, if only for the fact that Choushuu and Satsuma have thus far seen each other as bitter rivals. They do have a common enemy in Aizu however. Father, if the Bakufu do not win back the trust of the people, the ordinary people, I fear very much for the future. It may very well be the Bakufu who are doomed, and Aizu will suffer. I know that this is going against the previous scenarios that I discussed with you. But circumstances have changed. The climate has altered, and the power of the masses is growing. It is no longer simply a matter of theories and academics and higher circles of politics. The change is occurring at the very fundamental level, at the grassroots. People are no longer content to let the ruling classes govern the direction of their country, and I do not blame them. In this context, I do hope that you will allow me to say, I would rather be a spinster of Aizu, belonging to the land and people that I know and love, than an unhappy bride of Satsuma, subject to its machinations.

It is such a complicated web that is being woven. One cannot know which way to move. All anyone can do is to do what they believe to be for the best. I am sorry that I do not have better news for you. I am sorry that I was not born a son, so that I might bear my share of the responsibilities and the burdens that have befallen us. I am sorry that I have disappointed you. I am sorry, and I beg for your forgiveness.

Your repentant daughter,

Tokio.

- 24th September 1864, Toukaido -

Takagi Kojuurou refolded the letter and placed it back in his documents wallet. He sighed. He had sighed every time he read that letter. Tokio – his eldest child, she was a blessing in many ways, but a dilemma too. And she was not being entirely honest with him, it would seem. Although she had acquiesced to the marriage, she had revolted internally, and he knew this. But they had thought it was for the best. He had not foreseen that it would come to this. Certainly, in the light of things, he felt glad that he did not give her hand to Saigou. At the same time, it added to the list of things that were bearing heavily on his mind. His daughter was right – they could not afford to conflict with Satsuma. And if things had been different, she would now be married, and politically protected, and the powers of Satsuma and Aizu combined would have been enough to sustain the waning Bakufu. He had wanted the union with Saigou just as much for the stability it would bring to the relationship with Satsuma, as much as for the protection it would afford her. Had she married into the powerful clan, she would have been sheltered from the worst of the civil unrest.

She was not being entirely honest. Not that she was lying, but there was something that she was not telling him. He did not doubt that she regretted the turn of events for the impending turbulence it entailed for Aizu, but he also had no doubt that she was secretly rejoicing at the nuptial cancellation. If things had gone according to plan, he would now be travelling to celebrate his eldest child's wedding. Whereas now, he was travelling in order to help contain the damage. The road from Edo to Kyoto was long, and it afforded him plenty of time to think. Too much time maybe – the more he thought, the more apprehensive he became. In another day, they would reach the Imperial capital, and in another day, he would be plagued with more questions still. Bearing that in mind, he slowed the pace of his horse, and signalled to his escort that he wished to rest – why hurry to face trouble?

- 25th September 1864, Koumyouji -

Tokio waited apprehensively at the gates of Koumyouji. A runner had arrived earlier that day with the news that the company of Takagi Kojuurou would be arriving that afternoon. As soon as she heard, she had tidied up her room, made sure that her dress was proper, and then made her way to wait out front. She was nervous – and she had good reason to be. She hated disappointing her father. Although her father never said anything, there were times when she was sure that he wished she had been born a son. In order to spare him further disappointment, she had tried to be as irreproachable as could be. However, this time, there would be no escaping the fact that she had let her father down.

'It is not entirely my fault, though. If Fuminori had been an honourable man, things would have been different.' She set her chin stubbornly.

She resolutely blocked the memory of what Hijikata had said, and almost succeeded.

'All this for your personal vengeance against Saigou, and for Saitou's benefit?' Hijikata had been so angry.

She absent mindedly brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, but it fell down about her face again. A guard attempted to engage her in conversation, and she smiled at him, but her mind was on something else.

'This world was not meant for creating strong women,' she thought to herself, and sighed a little sigh. If she had been born a son, things would be different, and her father would not worry so. And her father did worry. He worried about providing for her, about protecting her, about whether he had been wrong to allow her to work at court, about her vulnerability as a young woman in a man's world. If she had been born a son, she would be allowed to do the providing, the protecting, to work to the best of her abilities. 'Not man, not woman, but merely human.' She wanted to be just human.

She tensed as she saw her father's company turn the corner and make their way to the gates. She walked out towards them to greet her father. Takagi Kojuurou stopped his horse as he regarded his eldest child. She bowed low. Around them, the guards and other members of the compound busied themselves welcoming the arrivals. Tokio guided her father's steed into the courtyard. He dismounted, smiling, and she bowed again. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently raised her from her bow.

"Daughter..."

"Otou-sama, nagatabi otsukare sama deshita."

She looked at him and smiled.

"I hope that my coming here won't be too much of an imposition, seeing as how circumstances changed." He smiled back, though her face clouded over momentarily.

"... I am sorry, for all the trouble..." She said hesitantly.

"I know." He sighed. He looked around at the people busy unloading their luggage and taking the horses to be stabled and watered. "I will talk to you later. First, I shall pay my respects to Tono." He gathered the few documents that he needed to consult with Matsudaira about sooner rather than later. "And don't think for a second that I don't know that you're hiding something." He looked sternly at her, before heading inside. Tokio bit her lip wryly. She would have to keep her wits about her in order to outsmart her father – after all, he was the one who thought her everything she knew. Or nearly everything; she had picked up a few tricks of her own since coming to Kyoto.

- 27th September 1864 – Mibu

After trying to ignore Okita grinning at him maniacally for the last while, Saitou gave into his urge to thump him. Hard.

"Ow, Saitou-san! What was that for!" Okita screwed up his eyes and rubbed his head.

"Because short, grinning idiots deserve to be thrashed." Okita had entered Saitou's room and proceeded to sit down without a word but grinning madly, and Saitou was in as unreasonable a mood as ever.

"Look, just because you belong to a race of tall and ungainly cranks doesn't mean I'm short. And for that, I'm not going to tell you what I was going to tell you."

"Thank heaven for small mercies."

Okita wrinkled his nose and stared. Silence ensued as Saitou did not give Okita the satisfaction of asking. But the grin came creeping back, until he caved.

"Well, I'm going to meet my future father-in-law."

"Ahou." Saitou's nostrils twitched. "Who's the unlucky girl?" He knew that the good looking youth had many female fans.

"Unlucky girl indeed! I'm sure Takagi Kojuurou-san will be absolutely delighted to give his daughter's hand to me." Okita said slyly, smirking mischievously.

The change in the atmosphere was immediately apparent. Saitou, who had been acting bored and irritable, was now trying to mask his sudden interest with an air of nonchalance. After a pregnant pause, Saitou said simply,

"...Takagi Kojuurou has no time for fools."

"Fool indeed! I've been summoned to meet him personally!"

"If you're serious, hopefully you're meeting him in Edo, that way we'll have peace and less idiocy for a few weeks."

"Fine, I'll tell you." Okita rolled his eyes, not one to keep this to himself. "Tokio-san's father is in Kyoto. He was supposed to be travelling down to attend the wedding but now..." Of course, that made sense. Saitou didn't bat an eyelid. "And seeing how it would be such a waste to let all the preparations go to naught, I thought it would be the least I could do to offer my services as a replacement groom. I am highly eligible after all." Okita finished glibly.

Besides the perfunctory 'ahou', Saitou did not respond. Takagi Kojuurou was in Kyoto. His mind worked over this new piece of information. He should really pay his respects. This was a man he respected, and to whom he also owed a debt of gratitude. There was also the added factor that he was Tokio's father. It would be inappropriate though to simply show up at Koumyouji without an appointment. And Okita was claiming that he'd been personally granted an audience?

Just then, Hijikata roughly slid open the door.

"Souji! What the hell are you doing? Are you ready yet?"

"Hai hai Hijikata-san, I was just telling Saitou-san that we're heading to meet my future father-in-law."

"Stop messing around." Hijikata snapped. "Souji, one word out of you regarding that damned girl and I swear..." His voice trailed off threateningly.

"You swear what, Hijikata-san?" Okita rose to his feet and adjusted his robes.

"Ahou." Saitou also got up. "... I take it you're going to Koumyouji to meet with Takagi Kojuurou?"

"Aah," Hijikata looked at him warily. "We've been asked to debrief the man about the current state of affairs in Kyoto, as well as our activities."

"In that case, I suggest that you leave the village idiot behind." Saitou jerked his chin at Okita, who tried to slap him in mock offence. "Takagi-san is not someone to be trifled with." Hijikata said nothing but simply studied Saitou. Saitou knew that Hijikata did not trust him as far as the name Takagi was concerned. 'No matter', he thought. Aloud, he said, "I intend to go to pay my respects at any rate, sooner rather than later."

Hijikata knew what was being implied – either Saitou would accompany them today, or he would meet him privately at a later date. In fact, Takagi Kojuurou had asked after Saitou, although he had not specifically invited him (nor Okita, for that matter). A private meeting between the two – this was the less desirable option. As a group, Hijikata would have some control over the level of interaction. In private, who knew what would be discussed. Hijikata nodded sharply, reluctantly.

"Very well. But if you're not ready in thirty seconds, we're leaving without you."

"Hey, what about me?" Okita looked confused, unwilling to give up his place for Saitou's sake.

"You too." Hijikata was positively disgruntled. He couldn't uninvite the First Captain of the Shinsengumi when he had just invited the Third Captain. But Okita and Saitou – the two of them together were a source of serious consternation for the serious-minded Vice Commander. As he left the room, rubbing his forehead, he heard them pick up where they left off.

"I think Okita Tokio has a lovely ring to it, don't you, Saitou san? ... Ow!"

-Afternoon, Koumyouji -

"So, that is how it is in Kyoto these days..." Takagi Kojuurou's face wore a look of deep concentration. Kondou bowed his head slightly.

Kondou, Hijikata, Yamanami, Okita and Saitou had been there for nearly an hour now. Yamanami had done most of the talking, deferring to Kondou every now and then, and smiling affably, a clear contrast to Hijikata's hard-lined eyes.

"... Well, I am relieved to hear that you are trying to avoid confrontation with Satsuma," Kondou inclined his head at Kojuurou's statement, "it is prudent, for now at least." Hijikata suppressed a wicked smile; prudent was not necessarily a word associated with the Shinsengumi.

"We do what we can, Takagi-san."

Kondou looked serious. The Aizu official studied him, and then the others in turn. Yamanami, Vice Commander and military advisor, the level-headed scholar warrior – he had talked knowledgeably about the situation and compassionately about their cause. Hijikata, Vice Commander – Tokio had mentioned with a grudging respect his ability to order the disparate groups of people under the Shinsengumi flag, but also remarked that he might be a bit lacking in the personality department. Takagi Kojuurou glanced back at Kondou. Yamanami might provide the brains, and Hijikata the drive, but Kondou was undeniably the one who gave direction to the group and was the undisputed leader. Kojuurou then focused briefly on the young men seated behind their commanding officers. He found it difficult to imagine that such a guileless person as Okita appeared could wield the deadly sword that the citizens of Kyoto spoke of with such fear and awe. And then there was Saitou Hajime. Kojuurou had been impressed when he had seen him. He had greeted the young man warmly, and congratulated him for his work and position in Kyoto. In a couple of years, the youth who had left Edo under threat of death had assumed the authority of a man with an ideal.

After a long pause, Kojuurou started to speak again.

"I really appreciate all of you taking the time today to come and talk to me." Kojuurou bowed low. The Shinsengumi men immediately returned the gesture. Hijikata looked up at him, his head still lowered. Takagi Kojuurou had treated them with the utmost respect, the same mild-mannered deference that seemed ingrained into Tokio. "Tales of your prowess have spread to Edo. I understand that your reception in Kyoto might be somewhat reserved, but in Edo, you are renowned. You are admired there for your loyalty to duty."

"You are most kind, Takagi-san."

"Here though, I am told it is different." Kondou did not answer. Hijikata bit the inside of his cheek. "They accuse you of being power-hungry. They say that you are manipulating the political circumstances for your own gain." Kojuurou sighed. "They resent your non-Samurai background. They resent that you are from Edo."

"Well, it does make for some problems, but we know our cause."

"Problems?"

"For one, if they accepted us here as they seem to do in Edo, we'd have less trouble with new recruits." Kondou gave a weak laugh, trying to make light of the facts. New recruits often ran away once they had a taste of the harsh reality of the Shinsengumi, and according to the Shinsengumi code, defectors faced the penalty of seppuku.

"... How long has it been since you have been back to Edo?" Kojuurou inquired.

"We have not had the chance to return since we arrived here." Kondou said with a shadow of a wistful smile. Kojuurou folded his arms and tilted his head in thought.

"... Perhaps it might be an idea to take a trip back. Certainly, you'll find people who would be interested in joining, especially if the Commander himself were to invite them." Kondou bowed his head, his mind rapidly working the suggestion over. "And now that I think of it, there's something else that I might ask you to consider." Kojuurou slapped his knee as if to indicate that this was a good plan. "As you know, I have been petitioning the Shogun to take some decisive action against Choushuu, especially in the wake of Sakuma-sensei's unfortunate demise. However, the Bakufu are reluctant to engage in a full-scale campaign against the Choushuu region itself. Perhaps if you were to present yourself for an audience and relate your firsthand experiences of their activities, it might be more convincing. What I have to say is dismissed as simply academic, whereas you could provide real and tangible evidence of their rebellion. Of course, Aizu would sponsor your audience with the Shogunate."

Kondou's eyes widened at the proposal.

"I would be honoured and am humbled by this proposition."

Kojuurou smiled.

"We'll see Matsudaira-sama after this then, and we shall discuss it with him." Kojuurou straightened his back and continued. "The Aizu-han are proud to be associated with the Shinsengumi. There were those who were apprehensive at first. I will not lie that they held your background against you, and claimed that people of peasant origins were unable and unworthy of Samurai work." Hijikata bristled inwardly at the prejudice of the Samurai classes. "But your dedication has proved your worth. Through your commitment, you have shown yourself to be finer Samurai than those born to the right. And for that, Aizu commends you." They held their breath. Words of great praise addressed to those of lowly beginnings. "May history remember you all, as the greatest union of Samurai that ever graced Japan."

"Excuse my intrusion," Tokio murmured quietly by way of announcing her entry to the room. Behind her, two maids carried in refreshments for the four men (Kondou had left with Kojuurou to consult Matsudaira about the proposed trip to Edo).

"Tokio-san, it's great to see you again!" Okita moved forward enthusiastically to greet her.

"I am so glad to see that you are better, Okita-sama." She couldn't but smile at Okita.

"Thank you, Tokio-san, for all your hospitality."

"It is a pleasure to have you here, Yamanami-sama." She watched the maids leave. "I hope that my father has not been boring you excessively."

"Your father's really nice; he'd make a great father-in-law." Okita grinned, and Tokio seemed momentarily puzzled as to how to respond. Ignoring Okita, Hijikata cut in.

"And he had quite an interesting idea, as a matter of fact. About sending Kondou-san away from Kyoto." Hijikata studied her reaction. She lowered her head, but he noticed that she narrowed her eyes.

"Well, it's hardly sending Kondou-san away, is it Hijikata-kun? I mean, it is a very good proposition." Yamanami intervened. Turning to Tokio, he explained. "Your father had the idea that the Shinsengumi should recruit new members in Edo, as he's sure that there will be many willing to join us, and also that it might do to inform the Bakufu in person of our work's progress here."

"Well, I do hear that the Shinsengumi are popular there." She tilted her head – Hijikata recognised that mannerism, Kojuurou did it too. "And it would be good for the Bakufu to have some firsthand accounts of events in Kyoto."

"Which is what your father said. But essentially, he wants Kondou-san to run errands for him, right?"

"Hijikata-kun." Yamanami's voice carried a warning against the bite in Hijikata's tone.

"My father probably thinks that it is a good way to elevate the Shinsengumi's standing in the eyes of Edo," Tokio replied mildly, seemingly non-plussed. "And I suppose that recruits from Edo would be less susceptible to the local atmosphere and therefore less inclined to run away." She said it so mildly. Saitou met her eyes and smirked from behind Hijikata. Yamanami and Okita looked taken aback. "Forgive me for being so bold to say so, but I imagine that defectors lower the morale of the entire company."

"Which is why they're hunted down and made to face the consequences of turning their backs on Bushido." Hijikata wanted to see her blanch at the harshness of the punishment they meted out.

"I see." Saitou noticed the distaste in Tokio's eyes. "Although it must add insult to injury when you fail to find the deserters." Hijikata glared at her openly. It was true that most of their members were from the Kansai region, and as a result, deserters with a local background often managed to evade capture. Then it dawned on Hijikata – Kojuurou had suggested recruiting from Edo not only because of their popularity there, but also because the unfamiliarity of the territory would dissuade new members from trying to escape. And even if they did try, their lack of knowledge of the terrain would hamper them and increase the chances of bringing them back in. He met Yamanami's eyes – Yamanami had also realised the layered meanings.

'Like father, like daughter,' Hijikata thought harshly. It rankled on his nerves that he had not grasped this earlier. Tokio lowered her eyes with quiet amusement. Yamanami was studying Tokio with interest; Saitou assumed that Hijikata had not informed the man of Tokio's penchant for intellectual sparring.

"Tokio-san, y'know, with Kondou-san gone, I'm going to be very busy taking over as the leader of the Shinsengumi." Okita drawled, oblivious to the atmosphere (or rather, as Saitou knew, trying to diffuse the tenseness).

"You are going to be the interim Commander?" Tokio laughed plesasantly. "My congratulations on your promotion."

"Yep. Commander Okita. Think your father will be impressed?"

"Souji – " Hijikata's voice rose.

"Ahou ga." Tokio caught Saitou's eye as he said this, and though his impassive face gave away nothing, she smiled at him, and only at him.

- Early Evening, Koumyouji -

"I am grateful for all your kindness and trouble today." Kondou bowed low to Takagi Kojuurou.

"It was no trouble, and in fact, you will be doing us a favour. My best wishes with you on your trip." Kojuurou nodded sagely.

"We were honoured to be allowed an audience with you today." Yamanami said on behalf of the group. They all bowed. With an unspoken cue, all of those present rose to their feet and after exchanging a few more greetings, started to leave the room.

Kojuurou's gaze lingered on Saitou. In the late afternoon, he had had a chance to meet with Okita and Saitou. He had asked them to recount the events of Tokio's kidnapping, and Okita had obliged with much animation.

"I apologise for all the trouble that my daughter has caused," he said afterwards, looking sincerely regretful and also relieved that she had been found safe.

"It wasn't her fault, and Tokio-san is a joy!" Okita protested. He nudged Saitou.

"... She is an interesting character." Kojuurou noticed a faint trace of reluctance in Saitou's voice. Saitou coolly met his gaze.

"Interesting is one way of putting it. Irredeemable would be another." There – he thought he saw a ghost of a flicker in those guarded eyes. He did not press any further. After all, he could very well be imagining things.

'He is a fine man. Even if he is a little strange.' He recalled the taciturn youth who had appeared before him in Edo – accused of murder and prepared to meet death. The reticence had remained, it would seem, but he had really come into his own in Kyoto, with the Shinsengumi.

"Father..." Tokio slid open the door behind him and came to stand by him. He smiled at her.

"They've left." Tokio bowed her head.

"And Kondou-sensei will be heading to Edo?"

"Aah. He'll depart in a few days." He smiled a little indulgently at his daughter. "You were right. The Bakufu has distanced itself too much from the heart of the people. And Kyoto is the heart of Japan. Kondou-san should be able to make an impression."

"He will try to show what the people feel, as opposed to what the Bakufu thinks they feel." She murmured, nodding her head.

"And they are as you said they were. Wolves. Miburo is a fitting nickname. Though the Okita boy looks more like harmless pup." She smiled. "He's sick." A statement, not a question. "Did you recommend a doctor?"

"Yes." She cared about Okita, he could tell. He wondered whether he was the something that she was hiding from him. After all, he was very good looking.

"He's in good company though." He reassured her, trying to gauge her reaction. "At least, I think so. They seem to be honourable men. And I was reassured to see that I had not made a mistake with young Saitou Hajime either." There – the same guarded glimmer in her eyes. He blinked. He could very well have imagined it. He almost believed that he had.

As they walked back to Mibu, Kondou was explaining enthusiastically about the logistics of his upcoming trip. Yamanami was smiling and encouraging Kondou, but Hijikata scowled. He had decided that he did not necessarily have a problem with Takagi Kojuurou. It was the daughter that galled him. Okita, not overly interested in political affairs, was humming to himself. Saitou was listening to Kondou, but his mind was replaying that afternoon's encounter with Tokio.

He had left the room to stretch his legs and as he wandered around one of the inner gardens, she had found him. Making sure that there was no one else in the vicinity, she had reached for his hand, and he had let her take it.

"Okita intends to ask your father for your hand." He told her in his characteristic drawl.

"Oh! Really? I'm extremely flattered." She chuckled.

"Ahou."

"Well, as someone who's approaching the expiration date for eligibility, I'm grateful."

"Ahou ga."

"At least he intends to ask."

"Okita is all words and no actions on this front."

"Whereas you are...?"

"Hmph."

"My father will be keeping a careful eye on things here for a few weeks."

"That is why he's here, isn't it? It's the prerogative of fools to point out the obvious."

"... I will not be able to see the river at night for some time."

No reaction.

"You will be careful, won't you?"

"Tokio-san, I don't see why it is that you're the one who worries about me, when I'm the one who's always helping you out of scrapes." His hand had squeezed hers a little tighter though, belying the dryness of his voice. She had smiled.

'She won't be out at night while her father is here.' On one hand, he felt relieved, remembering Yamazaki's caution. On the other... Just then, without warning Okita whacked him from behind. Glaring murderously at his colleague, he refused to show pain by rubbing the rising bump on the back of his head.

"That was just because tall and ungainly cranks deserve a thwack in the head." Okita smiled infuriatingly. Just as Saitou reached out to grab him, Okita pointed behind him and yelled, "Aahh!"

"If you think I'm falling for that -" Saitou spat out.

"Souji! Saitou!" Hijikata barked, just as Okita drew his sword and Saitou saw Ishinshishi running. Cursing, Saitou ran after them. As he drew level with Okita, Okita grinned at him and called out.

"Saitou-san, I know her father now too! Does this mean that I get to escort her places from now on?"

Saitou had no time to respond as the Ishinshishi scattered. Okita and he followed three men onto a bridge, while the older men went after the others. Soon, amidst the clashes of steel against steel, and the screeches of fighting men, a barrage of insults between the First and Third Captains of the Shinsengumi rang out into the sunset.

An on-rushing assailant was now squirming in the dust, several yards from his right leg. A deft arc of Saitou's blade, a sliced jugular, and a blood-spattered Okita.

"Hey, Saitou-san, watch the clothes. Poor Tokio-chan's gonna have an awful time getting those stains out."

Saitou spun around, and before the enemy who had thought it a good idea to sneak up from behind could react, his face was caught in the vice-like grip of Saitou's right hand.

"Hey, Okita!"

Okita turning to see what his irate comrade was wanting now, barely had time to raise his sword as Saitou, with great strength, raised his captive, still struggling in his grip, and launched him toward Okita.Okita could not avoid yet another visceral drenching as he sliced through the mid-riff of his hurtling foe. Uncharacteristically, Okita started to curse at Saitou, even as the last remaining man charged. He would end up caught between Saitou and Okita, who seemed more concerned with knocking each other out than fighting him. His final thoughts were of regret, that he had not even merited a few last words as Okita's blade skewered him.

This terrible violence was made even more distressing to the hidden crowd who were watching and covering their eyes alternately from behind the shutters of the buildings by the seeming indifference these Miburo treated their quarry with, trading insults as they slew. This, they did not understand, nor could they ever. It did very little to improve their standing with the citizens of Kyoto, who saw them blood spattered and foul mouthed, and were appalled by what appeared to be an almost unconcerned attitude towards the violence they were engaged in.