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Kyuushutsu (Rescue, Deliverance): Chapter Two

by Terry L. McElrath ::: 06.Jan.2005

Pausing only long enough to beat some of the travel dust from his clothing, Himura Kenshin slid open the shoji that led to the inn's common room. As always, he took a moment to check out the occupants before entering. When the door opened, conversations died as the Ishin Shishi fighters looked up and recognized who was standing there. Kenshin walked in, closed the door, and began removing his arm guards as he crossed the room. He paid no attention whatsoever to the other men as they shifted uneasily away from him.

Innkeeper Tsunoda hurried over to stand before Kenshin. "Himura-san?" he said, bowing nervously. "Katsura-san is waiting for you in his room. Would you like me to have a dinner tray prepared for you?"

"Aa," Kenshin said, after a moment. "I'll want a bath as soon as I've finished speaking with Katsura-san. I'll eat afterwards." He stepped past Tsunoda and went down the hall towards Katsura's room. Uchida Junijiro, Katsura's new second in command, came out of the dining hall and intercepted Kenshin before he got there.

Kenshin stopped and looked coolly at the man standing before him. Uchida had recently come up through the Ishin Shishi ranks to become Katagai's replacement after he was killed five months ago. Kenshin didn't know him very well, although he seemed to be competent. But while Katsura obviously trusted him, Kenshin didn't. As far as Kenshin was concerned, Uchida was still an unknown quantity. For now, Kenshin wouldn't do or say anything to indicate that he distrusted Uchida, but he would definitely keep his eye on the man.

"Himura-san," Uchida began, "Iwamura-san gave me your message. Everything has been taken care of. You did very well."

"I did my duty," Kenshin said, dismissing Uchida's praise.

Uchida simply nodded, uncomfortable under the ex-hitokiri's steady gaze. He found those glowing amber eyes extremely unnerving. He could feel Himura's impatience to see Katsura and moved aside to allow him to continue down the hall. Himura inclined his head and walked away.

Kenshin stood before Katsura's room and knocked softly on the shoji, sliding it open when Katsura bade him enter. He took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the soft lighting. Katsura was sitting in front of an open shoji, looking out across the moonlit garden. Kenshin crossed the room, bowing deeply before kneeling on the tatami. He removed his swords and set them aside.

Katsura Kogorou turned to smile at Kenshin. "You returned earlier than I expected, Kenshin. Did everything go well?" he asked, quietly.

"Hai, Katsura-san," Kenshin confirmed, quietly. "The shipment was delivered safely." Reaching into the front of his gi, he took out the document that Commander Suga had entrusted to him and gave it to Katsura.

Katsura took the envelope, but scarcely heard the comment, having noticed the dark stains on Kenshin's gi. He looked up at Kenshin and frowned worriedly.

Confused, Kenshin looked down at himself, following Katsura's sharp look. Noticing the bloodstains for the first time, he looked back at his leader and reassured him. "It's not mine."

"Ah," Katsura said, relieved. "Perhaps you should give me a full report now."

Before Kenshin could begin, a soft knock came at the shoji. Tsunoda answered Katsura's summons, carrying in a tray laden with a tea pot, cups and a plate of chigashi. He placed it on the floor next to Katsura.

"Arigatou, Tsunoda-san. I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Katsura said, smiling.

"You're welcome, Katsura-san," Tsunoda replied, bowing while backing out of the room.

Katsura poured the tea, handing a cup to Kenshin and indicating that he should have some of the tea sweets. Kenshin accepted the cup with a soft "arigatou," taking a sip before beginning his account of the day's events.

It was several minutes later before Kenshin was finished. Katsura had not allowed him to give a short statement. Throughout Kenshin's narrative, he kept interrupting, asking pointed questions, demanding additional details. His concern became evident when Kenshin began describing the confrontation with the ninjas, relaxing only when he was convinced that Kenshin had come away from the dangerous fight unharmed. Katsura ended the debriefing by asking Kenshin for his opinion of the three men he had worked with.

Kenshin took time to think before answering. "As none of the men had to fight, I didn't see them in action. However, Ikeda showed initiative in responding to a difficult situation. I would not hesitate to work with him again."

"That's good to know," Katsura said, thoughtfully. "We are always looking for level-headed fighters. I'll have Uchida keep him in mind." With a chuckle in his voice, Katsura tilted his head, looking askance at Kenshin. "Did you enjoy your day outside? How are you feeling? Are you tired?"

Kenshin blinked, surprised at the unexpected questions. "I am fine, Katsura-san, and it is good to be back in Kyoto," he said, seriously.

Katsura refilled their cups and looked back out into the garden. His eyes were drawn to the shimmering reflection of the nearly full moon on the water of the lily pond, and he enjoyed the brief sensation of serenity. Kenshin watched him, but said nothing, respecting his introspective mood.

Finally, he sighed and turned to look directly at Kenshin. "The Shinsengumi are becoming more active. Their numbers are increasing daily, there are nearly 300 members now. Their spy network is very impressive and they have been seriously hampering our activities. It is no longer safe for me to stay here at the inn. I am relocating to the safe house near Toji-dori later this evening."

"I will accompany you, Katsura-san," Kenshin said, concerned for Katsura's safety.

"No, Kenshin. Uchida will go with me." Katsura noticed Kenshin frown slightly, but dismissed it as disappointment that he wouldn't be acting as his bodyguard. "I have another assignment for you, if you feel up to it."

"Of course, Katsura-san. What do you want me to do?"

"Arigatou, Kenshin. One of our strongest supporters, Nakajima Ryuichi, has received a number of threats from the Shinsengumi. I want you to take him to the safe house off of Kitayama-Dori tonight."

"Hai, Katsura-san," Kenshin agreed, nodding. "When and where do I meet him?"

"He will be waiting for you at the Hirano Jinja. You need to be there by 10:00 pm. You won't have any trouble recognizing him. He's almost six feet tall, very thin. His hair is short, cut in a western style, and he wears wire-rim glasses," Katsura said, giving Kenshin a brief description.

Kenshin glanced over at the clock on the wall, noting that it was almost 9:00 pm. If he hurried, he would still have time for a quick bath. He really wanted to get out of his dusty, bloodstained clothing and wash the dirt and sweat off of his body. "Hai, Katsura-san, I will be there," he said. He was not happy about Katsura having only one guard this evening, if the Shinsengumi were becoming such a threat. "Perhaps you could wait for me to return from this assignment before you go to the safe house," he suggested.

Katsura shook his head. "No, Kenshin, that won't be necessary. I will be fine and I feel bad enough as it is, sending you out again after the day you've already put in. If Nakajima-san weren't so important to the Ishin Shishi, I wouldn't ask you to do this."

Bowing his head, Kenshin accepted Katsura's decision.

"Now go on and get something to eat before you have to leave," he said, quietly, "and come to see me tomorrow morning. I want to talk to you about your next assignment then."

"Hai, Katsura-san," Kenshin said, standing up and slipping his daisho through his obi. He bowed before beginning to leave. Katsura's voice stopped him before he had taken more than a couple of steps.

"Arigatou, Kenshin, for making sure the shipment was delivered safely."

Looking at Katsura, Kenshin again bowed, then silently left the room. Once in the hallway, he quickly walked down the hall, looking for Tsunoda. He found him in the kitchen, making arrangements for the next day's meals with the cook. When the innkeeper saw Kenshin standing in the doorway, he hurried over, bowing hastily.

"I will have to eat while I bathe. Prepare whatever is quickest and bring the tray to the bath room as soon as possible," Kenshin ordered, curtly.

"Hai, Himura-san, it will be ready in only a few minutes," the innkeeper said, snapping his fingers at his cook, but Himura was already gone.

Up in his room, Kenshin collected one of his Ishin Shishi uniforms and headed back downstairs to the bathing room at the back of the inn. Once there, he laid his clothing and arm guards on the bench, setting his swords in the rack next to the furo. He then took off his dirty clothes, tossing them into a basket in the corner. Removing the cord holding his hair in place, he scooped up a bucket of warm water and dumped it over his head. Repeating this two more times, he managed to get most of the dust out of his hair. Working up a lather, he quickly washed his thick hair, then his body, rinsing off hurriedly.

He had just gotten into the furo when he heard a knock and Tsunoda's voice announcing that he had his dinner tray ready. The innkeeper had come prepared, as he brought in a small table, which he set beside the furo. Kenshin thanked the man, who bobbed his head and rapidly left the room. Even though he knew he only had a few minutes to enjoy the hot water, Kenshin was grateful for the opportunity to relax his tired body. It had been a long day, after all. He ate steadily and sighed when he climbed out of the water as soon as he was done. Using one towel to dry himself, he wrapped his hair in another. After getting dressed, Kenshin combed out the snarls in his hair, tying it into its customary high ponytail. With his daisho at his hip and wearing his arm guards, he left the bath room. In only a little over an hour since he had arrived, he was walking out of the inn and on his way to his next assignment.

Slipping through the shadows of the back streets and alleys of Kyoto, Kenshin made good time, encountering no one along the way. He arrived at the old Shinto shrine on schedule and immediately located Nakajima, recognizing him from Katsura's description. Nakajima was not alone, however, as he was accompanied by a woman whom Kenshin assumed to be his wife. Before joining them, Kenshin thoroughly checked out the complex, looking for guards or traps. All he found were a few elderly monks, sleeping in one of the small buildings.

Nakajima Ryuichi was very worried. He and Haniko had been waiting at the shrine for the man who would escort them to the safe house for several minutes now. It had been nerve wracking trying to get here without arousing any suspicion. He knew of several Ishin Shishi supporters who had been harassed and imprisoned. When he began receiving threats from the Shinsengumi, he had asked for protection, not so much for himself as for his young wife. If something happened to him, he knew she would be lost, since most of her family and clan had been decimated during the Revolution. Haniko gasped when a figure detached itself from the shadows. Nakajima immediately stepped in front of her, fumbling for his sword.

"Katsura-san sent me," said a soft, expressionless voice. A small man stepped up to face Nakajima, looking from one to the other.

"This is my wife, Haniko," Nakajima said.

"Sou ka," Kenshin said, bowing politely to the woman.

"You're here to take us to the safe house?" Nakajima asked, although it was obvious. He found himself almost babbling in his relief.

"Aa. We must leave now," Kenshin said, walking away.

"What is your name. . ." Nakajima started to ask, only to be stopped by a cold glare from softly glowing amber eyes. "Uh, of course, sumimasen, it's none of my business," he stammered. After that, he kept quiet.

Holding Haniko's hand, he was soon lost as they followed their guide through the maze of darkened streets. While the man didn't talk, at least he kept the pace slow enough for Haniko to keep up without tripping or stumbling. Haniko said nothing and did not ask to rest. Nakajima knew how tired she was and admired her determination to not slow them down.

Kenshin was not taking a direct route to the safe house. He deliberately doubled back, took false turns and worked their way towards their goal in a roundabout manner. Doing this would take considerably longer to arrive, but would make it much easier to determine if they were being followed. They were nearing their destination, when he detected the ki of several strong fighters ahead. Stopping, he held his hand up, warning the couple behind him.

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After Kenshin left, Katsura stayed where he was for a few more minutes, admiring the tranquillity of the silvered garden. With a regretful shake of his head, he stood up and closed the shoji. He still had to pack his few belongings and gather up the paperwork he would be taking with him.

Katsura was weary of the nomadic life he had been forced to live since the attack on the Ikedaya. Like Okubo Toshimichi and Saigo Takamori, the other leaders of the Ishin Shishi, he was a hunted man. With the rise of the Shinsengumi, he was at greater risk than ever. It could not be helped, though. The entire future of Japan was at stake and the success of the Revolution was all that mattered now. He would do whatever it took to ensure the Imperialists won. His personal comfort counted for nothing.

Half an hour later, Uchida joined him in his office, where he was completing the final details on a document. Patiently, Uchida waited for Katsura to finish his work. Finally, Katsura looked up after setting his seal on the envelope and handed it to Uchida.

"See that this is delivered to Yamagata-san as soon as possible, onegai," Katsura ordered, picking up another packet of papers and handing it to Uchida, as well. "Have these taken to the safe house. I've decided not to bring them with me."

"Hai, Katsura-san," Uchida said, leaving to find a courier. He returned in a short time to find Katsura talking to Tsunoda.

"Arigatou gozaimashita, Tsunoda-san," Katsura said, bowing. "I want you to know how much I appreciate the excellent care you have given to me and my men."

"It is nothing, Katsura-san. I would do anything to help the Ishin Shishi. My family would not be alive, if it weren't for your protection," Tsunoda replied, his voice rough with emotion. "Onegai, come back to stay with us again when it is safe, Katsura-san."

Touched by the man's gratitude, Katsura nodded. "I will, Tsunoda-san. I always enjoy staying here." Turning, he faced Uchida. "We must go now, though."

Uchida bent down and picked up a small bag of Katsura's personal items. His other possessions had already been sent to the safe house. They walked out of the inn, followed by the innkeeper, who watched until they disappeared in the dark.

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Focusing his senses on the men ahead, Kenshin knew there were at least six of them and they weren't moving. Who are these men? he wondered. There was only one way to find out. He led the couple over to the shadowed side of the alley.

Speaking quickly, Kenshin said, "I'm going to check out the situation up ahead. Don't move. I'll be right back." He vanished before they could say anything.

Nakajima looked around frantically, wondering where their bodyguard had disappeared to. One second he was standing in front of them, the next he was gone without a sound. It was eerie enough to make the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Running along the rooftops, Kenshin silently approached the group of men. There were seven in all and they were standing at the mouth of the alley. As he got closer, Kenshin's eyes narrowed when he recognized the Shinsengumi uniforms they were wearing. Moving noiselessly, Kenshin crept nearer. Are they part of a checkpoint? If they were, he would have to take the Nakajimas back down the alley and find an alternate route to the safe house. However, the group appeared to be engaged in a heated argument. Apparently, several of the men wanted to continue going along the street, while the others wanted to take a shortcut down the alleyway.

"It's just plain dangerous to go down dark alleys, everyone knows that!" One man plaintively insisted.

"The only thing everyone knows, is that you're a baka who's afraid of his own shadow!" one of the other men said. The others openly laughed at the poor fool, causing him to put his hand on his sword angrily.

"The only danger to be found in this area is us! Who would be foolish enough to take on the Shinsengumi?" another man boasted loudly. That brought on a round of boisterous approval.

Silently, Kenshin urged them to bypass the alley. When it was pointed out that they would be given a punishment detail if they were late reporting in, everyone suddenly agreed that the shortcut was the best choice. Kenshin was gone, running flat out, before they had done more than enter the alley.

Jumping back down into the alley, seriously frightening both of the Nakajimas in the process, Kenshin took stock of the situation. Swearing softly to himself, Kenshin realized that they were in a bad location. There were no side streets they could use to bypass the swiftly approaching Shinsengumi squad. He looked around for a doorway that would lead into a building that they could hide in. There was nothing but walls on both sides for quite a ways. Without cover, they couldn't even retreat very far before they would be seen.

"What is it?" Nakajima whispered, apprehensively.

Facing the couple standing uncertainly beside him, Kenshin motioned for them to go back the way they had come. "Go! Quickly!" he said, hissing when he heard the first clip-clop of the woman's geta as she tried to hurry. "Quiet!" Surprisingly, she immediately understood and stopped to take off her shoes.

Running silently, they went back down the alley, Kenshin bringing up the rear. One building stood out a little further than the others, creating a dark corner. "Stop!" he called, softly, halting to consider the hiding place. It wasn't good, but it was the best cover they would find before the squad came into view. Quickly he guided them behind the building and into the shadow.

"What's wrong?" Nakajima asked, anxiously.

"A squad of Shinsengumi is coming towards us. Don't worry, I'll take care of them," Kenshin replied, with utter confidence.

Haniko whimpered when she heard the word Shinsengumi and moved closer to her husband. Nakajima put his arms around her reassuringly. He could feel her trembling, but she didn't make another sound. "It will be alright, koibito, I swear!" he whispered in her ear. "He will protect us! Katsura-san promised he would send his best bodyguard."

"Stay here and be quiet! Don't move until I come back." With that, he was gone again, running back towards the fighters.

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Katsura and Uchida walked steadily through the dark side streets of Kyoto. Nothing was said for a while as each man was preoccupied with his own thoughts. Every so often, Uchida would have them step into the shadows, so that he could listen for any indication that they were being followed.

It was Uchida who broke the silence. "Katsura-san? Were any difficulties encountered while delivering the shipment today?"

"Hai. It seems that two ninjas followed the wagon, but Kenshin took care of the problem," Katsura said, quietly.

"Two ninjas, Katsura-san? But, how? How could they have found out?" Uchida questioned, upset by the possibility of a spy in the Ishin Shishi ranks. It had happened before, when Katagai was still alive, with disastrous results. Since he had become Katsura's second in command, Uchida had gone to great lengths to check on the backgrounds of anyone who had access to important information.

"That's unknown. What we do know is that they were unable to pass on any significant information before Kenshin killed them."

"Himura-san killed both ninjas? He didn't look injured when I saw him earlier this evening," Uchida said, sounding surprised.

Katsura chuckled. "He wasn't hurt, Uchida. He's the best fighter the Ishin Shishi has. That's why I sent him."

Uchida just shook his head. Even though he knew of Himura's capabilities, he was still impressed. Just then he heard the sound of running footsteps. Pushing Katsura into an alcove, Uchida took a position in front of him, drawing his katana. Uchida sighed in relief when he recognized the man rushing towards them.

"Asahi! Over here!" Uchida called to his lieutenant, who came to a stumbling stop. "What's going on?" It had to be important for him to have followed them like this.

Panting, Asahi bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath enough to be able to talk. "Uchida-san. . . it's Ebisawa. . . he was brought in. . . seriously injured. . . the doctors don't think. . . he'll live."

"Did he complete his mission?" Uchida demanded.

Still breathing hard, Asahi nodded. "You've got. . . to hurry, sir!"

Running his hand through his hair, Uchida thought furiously. The safe house was still too far away. If Ebisawa was dying, it would take too long to get Katsura there and return. Of course, Katsura could come with him, but he doubted he would want to do that. Wait a minute! Uchida suddenly remembered a strategy meeting of Ishin Shishi troop commanders was being held near here. Katsura would be safe there, while he questioned Ebisawa.

Katsura had been listening to Asahi give his report. He knew that Ebisawa was one of Uchida's best onmitsu. Ebisawa's mission must have been very important for him to become this upset. He waited patiently for Uchida to decide what he wanted to do.

"Katsura-san?" Uchida said, facing him, "I must go to where Ebisawa is being treated. The information he has managed to collect is vital to the success of the next Ishin Shishi campaign. If it is at all possible, I must talk to him. There is a meeting of troop commanders very close by. If you would not mind waiting there for me, I will return as quickly as possible to escort you to the safe house."

"Alright, Uchida," Katsura agreed, nodding. "Let's go. The sooner we get there, the sooner you can see Ebisawa."

With Asahi following, Uchida led the way to a modest house only a few blocks away. After giving the proper identification to the guards on duty, they walked along a garden path that took them to the main entrance.

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As he ran towards the oncoming Shinsengumi squad, Kenshin carefully studied the auras of the fighters. All Shinsengumi were strong swordsmen, but one man in particular stood out in this group. His ki flared with confidence and skill. He would be his first target.

As they came within sight, Kenshin stepped out of the shadows. The Shinsengumi stopped, watching him suspiciously. He noted that his quarry happened to be standing in the center of the group. Coldly, Kenshin gave what had become his standard warning. "Go back the way you came. Or die."

One man stepped forward, presumably the squad leader. "Do you know who we are? You can't threaten the Shinsengumi! You'll pay with your life for that insult!" Suddenly all seven men charged forward, drawing their katanas and yelling fierce battle cries.

Kenshin's amber eyes glowed intensely as he stood relaxed, hand on the hilt of his katana, watching the squad members approaching. "You should have listened to your friend."

When their victim disappeared, the stunned squad members stumbled to a halt, facing outwards to look for the swordsman. Without warning, an agonized scream resounded as the swordsman reappeared above the center of the group, driving his sword down through their strongest swordsman's shoulder, all the way through his chest and into his abdomen.

Recovering from the Ryu Tsui Sen in a semi crouch, Kenshin spun to his left while smoothly pulling his katana free from the body. Using the spin to his advantage, he attacked a man standing frozen, mouth open, with an upwards slice, slashing him from groin to throat. Before he could collapse, Kenshin was already moving, effortlessly avoiding a strike from behind.

Sliding to the left, he converted the follow-through from his previous attack into an angled downwards cut, slicing the next man from shoulder to hip – cleaving through his collarbone and ribs – before he could complete his thrust. The man's scream turned into a gurgle as Kenshin drove his wakizashi through his throat.

By this time, the remaining four members of the squad had recovered from their shock and were trying to surround the lone swordsman. The squad leader abruptly noticed that the moonlight was revealing lustrous red highlights in the swordsman's long hair. All of a sudden he realized who they were fighting.

"He's the Battousai!" the squad leader yelled.

Paralyzed only momentarily by this announcement, the four Shinsengumi fighters attacked as a team. With a subtle flick of his wrist, Kenshin deflected a powerful stroke aimed for his throat with his katana. Lunging to the side, his wakizashi pierced another Shinsengumi fighter's heart at short range.

As the last three Shinsengumi fighters ran towards Kenshin, he leaped upwards and flipped over their heads, twisting to land facing them. He fell easily into battou-jutsu stance, waiting patiently for them to figure out that he was now behind them. Looking wildly around themselves, they spun and charged again. When they came within three steps, Kenshin stepped into a battou-jutsu at god-like speed, leaving two men with their throats cut, blood gushing onto the ground.

Blocking the final fighter's descending slash with his wakizashi, Kenshin retaliated with a flashing Ryu Sou Sen. Sent staggering backwards from the power of the successive strikes, the Shinsengumi squad leader collapsed, groaning weakly. Eyes already beginning to glaze over, the fallen fighter watched Kenshin walk forward and raise his katana. With a swift downward stroke, the man's suffering was ended.

After cleaning his blade, Kenshin walked back down the alley. He was concerned that the screaming and yelling had attracted too much attention. They would have to leave the area as quickly as possible. He found Nakajima holding his wife, her face buried in his shoulder, just as he had been before the fight. Kenshin could see that she was shaking like a leaf, but was not making a sound.

Nakajima was startled when their bodyguard appeared. It had been horrible listening to the awful screams echoing down the alley. To make matters worse, he hadn't missed hearing one of the men yell ‘He's the Battousai!' Their bodyguard was the Battousai? The deadliest assassin of the Bakumatsu? "Is it over?" he whispered. He could feel Haniko stiffen in his arms, as she listened for the reply.

"Aa. We have to get out of here, before somebody comes to investigate," Kenshin said, quietly.

"Alright. Come on, koibito, we're leaving. It's over now, we're safe." He kept his arm around her shoulders as she slipped her geta on. Holding hands, they followed their guide down the alley, Nakajima's thoughts focused on the identity of their small guide.

Kenshin slowed down as they approached the fallen Shinsengumi squad. Frowning in thought, he turned to the couple. "Perhaps your wife shouldn't look, Nakajima-san," he said, sympathetically. "It isn't a pretty sight."

Nakajima looked over his shoulder, his eyes widening when he saw all the bodies lying sprawled in puddles of blood. Haniko moaned and covered her face with her hands. He quickly pulled her into his arms and turned her face away from the grisly scene.

"Come. We must keep going," Kenshin said, urging them forward.

Nakajima bent down and lifted his wife into his arms. "Don't look, koishii," he whispered. Walking carefully, he followed their guide past the bloody corpses towards the street. Once they were out of the alley, he set Haniko gently on her feet. Placing a finger beneath her chin, he tilted her face up until he could see her eyes. "Koishii, daijoubu ka?" he asked, concerned.

"H-hai," she answered, her voice shaky.

"You have been so brave, koibito. It will only be a little longer, I promise. We're almost there," he reassured her. Looking at their guide, who was watching them, he repeated: "We're almost there, aren't we?"

"Aa. It isn't much farther," Kenshin said, turning to continue walking.

Kenshin set a slow pace, well aware of Haniko's exhaustion. Fortunately, the rest of the trip was uneventful and within a few minutes they were at the safe house. After identifying themselves, Kenshin made the introductions and the Nakajimas began to relax for the first time that night.

Nakajima was amazed when he got his first good look at the Battousai. Why, he's just a boy! And that hair! He had never seen hair of such an unusual color before. That Katsura Kogorou had sent him spoke highly of his trust in the assassin. After all, he had said that he would send his best bodyguard. But Nakajima had never dreamed that the greatest hitokiri in the history of Japan would protect them. All in all, he was obviously a very singular young man. When he looked closely, he could see dark bloodstains on his gi. He had placed his life on the line to defend them and Nakajima was very thankful.

"Domo arigatou gozaimasu," Nakajima said, bowing with deep respect. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your protection tonight. Onegai, if there is ever anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to ask and I will do everything in my power to help you."

"Douitashimashite, Nakajima-san," Kenshin said, returning Nakajima's bow. He was somewhat embarrassed by his gratitude. He became even more uncomfortable when Haniko stepped up to him.

Bowing gracefully, she murmured "domo arigatou gozaimasu, kenkaku-san" so softly Kenshin had to strain to hear her. She was very pale, her eyes dull from exhaustion.

"Douitashimashite, Nakajima-san," Kenshin repeated, bowing once again. He found displays of appreciation awkward. Anxious to return to the inn, he said "oyasumi nasai" to the couple and quickly left.

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When the shoji was slid open, Uchida stood aside to allow Katsura to enter first. The guard's eyes widened when he recognized the Choushu leader and he immediately bowed in respect. Katsura returned the bow before following the guard through the house, Uchida and Asahi trailing along. Talk ceased when they walked into the meeting, fourteen pairs of eyes checking them out. Someone said "Katsura-san!" and six Ishin Shishi commanders jumped to their feet, bowing.

Smiling, Katsura bowed in return. "Onegai! Sumimasen for interrupting your meeting. I was just wondering if I could wait here for a short while, while Uchida-san takes care of some pressing business."

"Of course, Katsura-san!" Gushiken Eitoku, the most senior commander present at the strategic meeting, said. "We would be honored, if you would stay with us."

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Commander Gushiken-san," Katsura said, turning to Uchida. "You can go now, Uchida, I will be fine here."

"Hai, Katsura-san. I will return as quickly as I can," Uchida replied, bowing. Motioning to Asahi, they hastily left the room.

Of course, Katsura knew all of the commanders present at the meeting. He even recognized most of their personal bodyguards. Walking over to where the others were standing, Katsura took a few moments to greet each of the commanders. Gushiken then led Katsura over to a low table, while a guard brought over a cushion and another went to fetch tea. In short order, he was seated comfortably, with a cup of tea steaming in his hand.

Noticing that the others were still watching him unobtrusively, Katsura smiled again and waved his hand. "Onegai, continue! Do not let me interrupt your meeting any more than I already have!"

Slowly, everyone settled back down and the deliberations began where they had left off. This was a tactical coordination meeting, the commanders sharing information that would increase the effectiveness of the current Ishin Shishi campaigns. The greatest concern expressed this evening, however, was the difficulties being presented by the Shinsengumi's amazingly efficient spy network. Many suggestions were made and the discussion raged on for nearly an hour.

After a while, Commander Gushiken turned to Katsura, sitting almost forgotten in the corner. "Sir? Do you have any information that would help?"

Katsura thought for a moment before answering. Okubo and Saigo had decided to recruit several western-trained onmitsu, but this was highly classified information. Would it be wise for him to tell the commanders?

Before Katsura had made a decision, a bloodied guard ran into the room. "The Shinsengumi are attacking!"