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tact-and-impulse · 5 months ago

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At Arm's Length Chapter 25

Thanks for waiting! I had a busy few months at work, and the muse finally woke up when I was working nights. On FF.net and AO3!

Chapter 25: Red Maple Leaves

The return home was uneventful, and as the train passed by the surrounding scenery, the landscape was deepening in shades of autumn. The three of them were laden with seasonal gifts from the Aoiya too: boxes of sweets, paper, inkstones, and matcha. Business was clearly good. They were enthusiastically told to return for a full vacation, and while it was definitely a pleasant idea, they needed a break.

“It’ll be October in a week, and that means your birthday, Otou-san.” Kaoru turned to him, beaming. “What would you like?”

“A peaceful day.” He dryly said. “Except that, all my wishes have been fulfilled.”

“How do you usually celebrate, Kamiya-dono?” Himura was sitting across from them. Since yesterday, he had adhered to the arm’s length distance from Kaoru, but their shared glances were telling enough.

However, Koshijiro wanted to be home first, before further discussion.

As for Himura’s question, he answered. “Mostly, it’s quiet. We tend to the family graves and if there’s an event in town, we’ll attend. We have dinner together.”

“Otou-san’s favorite foods, especially takikomi gohan.” Kaoru confided. The seasonal dish made the most of fall’s bounty, cooking an assortment of ingredients in broth and rice.

“Kaoru also enjoys it.”

“Father and daughter have similar tastes then.” Himura grinned. The conversation turned to their favorite ingredients; it appeared Himura was going to remember them. The smile didn’t leave his face as they disembarked.

A partly cloudy sky was over the house. The main gate was undergoing repairs but the new beams looked sturdy. Red maple leaves were strewn across the front yard, as if to celebrate their safe return. Then, Yahiko barreled out of the house to greet them, and the rest followed in the exclamation.

“Welcome back!”

***

After the entire ordeal, a normal day was a blessing. Koshijiro dusted the altar, and bowed to Kyoko’s portrait. When he lifted his head, Kaoru was at his side, beaming in a rosy kimono.

“Happy birthday, Otou-san!” She hugged him, and he patted her head.

“Thank you, Kaoru. After breakfast, we’ll head to the cemetery.” Both his and Kaoru’s headstones had finally been removed, and he wanted to see for himself.

“Kenshin wants to come too.”

He wasn’t the only one; the others also hovered by the gate. Other than Shinomori’s flitting gaze and Sagara casually rolling his shoulders, they seemed relaxed. However, the experience was too fresh to lower their guards yet. The group stopped by Reijo’s new grave first, spending a few somber minutes of silence.

Makimachi tried for positivity. “It’s not a bad spot at all, the shade is cooler.”

Surprisingly, Yahiko then added. “My parents’ is under a tree.”

“Oh, really? Is it the same cemetery?”

“Yeah. Their grave is over there.” He pointed eastward, his face giving nothing away.

“Would you like to visit?” Kaoru gently asked, and although he shrugged, he had already picked up his feet. They followed him to a small plot, where the headstone read ‘Myoujin’. Small weeds had sprouted, and Yahiko hastily tore them up.

“I haven’t been here in a while, it was too crazy…”

“May we help you?” Himura offered. “And we should pay our respects as well.”

The answer was a small nod, with reddening ears. Since he didn’t protest, they all took part in the cleanup. The result was much tidier, with the additions of two sticks of incense and a wreath of susuki grass crafted by Takani. In a choked voice, Yahiko said. “It looks great. Thanks.” He clasped his hands and squeezed his eyes shut.

Koshijiro also lowered his gaze, praying. Thank you for giving Yahiko life; he carries your family name with such pride. He’s a promising young man, and we’ll do our best to guide and care for him.

Once the Kamiya family graves were tended to, they headed downtown. It was Koshijiro’s plan to revisit everyone who attended the mock funeral, and return the kindness in some form, whether it was through purchasing their market wares or sneaking in a new candle for the longer nights. And nobody failed to be surprised at Kaoru’s healthy appearance. Each stop seemed to heighten the enjoyment; it then became another kind of game to speed away before the recipients realized the extra change or the gift. Watching the others gasp for breath and laugh, Koshijiro couldn’t help but smile.

Lunch was a quick meal of cold soba, given how much they’d been running around. The handmade noodles were springy and pleasant to chew, the dipping sauce was well-balanced. The bowls were empty in no time, and they were off again at a more leisurely pace.

A play was advertised in the nearby theater, and they were lucky enough to find good seats. It was an adaptation of a book that Koshijiro had brought Kyoko long ago, and although he vaguely recalled the main plot points, it was refreshing to watch in person. They were all attentive to the performance, especially Kaoru and Makimachi. The finale was a heartfelt reunion of the two main lovers, to the entire theater’s applause.

At this point, it was sunset, and they walked home under a glowing orange sky. Kaoru turned to him. “By the way, Otou-san, we’re going to have some visitors when we’re back.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t worry, you know who they are!”

Noisy conversation was coming from the dojo, and when they entered, there was a loud cheer. Smiles abounded from their friends: Maekawa and his wife, Dr. Gensai with his family, a handful of kenjutsu students and other local teachers, the group of fifteen rookie officers, and even Tsunan whose dark eye circles had somewhat lightened.

Tae and Tsubame were near the door, ushering them in. The former explained. “I spoke with Kaoru about planning this. It seems everybody accepted their invitations, I hope we’re not too intrusive.”

“Not at all. It’s a shame this wasn’t at the Akabeko. Perhaps, next year.” It really wasn’t a bother, although it would��ve been nice to send more business to Tae. He took his seat, noticing that his daughter and Himura had already found cushions next to each other.

“Speech! Speech!” Sagara hollered, and Koshijiro flashed him a disgruntled expression. The chant was picked up by Yahiko and the rookies, so with a sigh, Koshijiro stood. A sake cup was pushed into his hand, as a hush fell over the dojo.

…I don’t like public speeches.

“Firstly, thank you for being here. It’s been a harrowing few weeks, but your kindness and support were vital to our success. I’m glad to share this evening with all of you. Thank you.” He lifted the sake cup in a toast, and everyone followed suit. “Now, let’s eat.”

“Cheers!”

Then, it was a whirl of commotion, conversation interweaving with the sounds of heart eating. There was takikomi gohan, and Koshijiro’s first mouthful had a gingko nut to his pleasant surprise. Seared tuna, vegetables in sesame sauce, and agedashi tofu rounded out the rest of the menu.

He looked across the room, from Sagara leading some of the rookies in a rowdy offkey song, to Takani’s obviously wry responses and Shinomori’s attentive nods to Makimachi’s excitable mood, to Yahiko dramatically regaling a wide-eyed Tsubame. Finally, he saw Kaoru, helping Himura on his recovering side, to make sure everything was in reach for him. He caught Himura’s lowered gaze on the back of her head, the smile at the corner of his mouth. For a moment, the scar was practically invisible. And the memory of a certain talk by the river popped into the forefront of Koshijiro’s mind…

He downed his sake cup in one shot. Just for tonight, he would evade the subject entirely, the looming reality of what would happen next.

***

But soon after, on a day they spent at the Oguni clinic for their check-ups, Takani announced. “Since everyone is on the mend, I think it’s time. I’m returning to Aizu, to join a clinic.”

The others were clearly stunned by the news, while Koshijiro said. “I haven’t received another response yet from the Aizu police, regarding your lost mother and brothers.”

“It isn’t just for them. I want to move forward, and I know this is the right step for me. I’m saying goodbye to the rest of the clinic patients and tying up loose ends, before my train leaves in a week.” She appeared resolute, and the confidence in her face was apparent.

“Still, it’s so sudden…” Kaoru trailed off. “Then, do you need help moving?”

“I don’t have many things, but thank you for the offer.”

“It’s not that far anyway.” Sagara pointed out. “You can get there by nightfall.”

“Only if you sprint at full speed, and only with your reckless behavior.” Takani tartly replied, as Himura lifted his head.

“At the very least, we can have one last meal together, as a send-off.”

“Yes, that sounds like a plan.” Then, her gaze clouded over. “There is something you have to know, Ken-san.”

However, he seemed to be expecting it. “It is about this one’s health.” Takani affirmed it, and this was regarding the toll of Hiten Mitsurugi on his body, which was news to everyone else except Kaoru and Koshijiro. It didn’t faze Himura and he wasn’t regretful either.

But Takani then said. “If I had to estimate, in four to five years, you won’t be able to use Hiten Mitsurugi at all.”

Silence fell over the group, but Himura only nodded. “Thank you, Megumi-dono.” He didn’t say much more on the walk home, merely enjoying the brisk wind. His expression was contemplative. It was a bitter twist; his new vow was about using both sword and heart to live on. What would he do?

Koshijiro was mulling over this, as he prepared for a late work shift, covering a sick colleague. He stepped into the front yard, the fallen leaves crunching under his shoes, and noticed he wasn’t alone. “Hello, Himura-san.”

His hands were folded in his sleeves, and he softly said. “Kamiya-dono. May this one accompany you to the station?”

“Of course.” It wasn’t until they were on the main path that he ventured to ask. “Is there something the police can assist you with?”

“This one is actually going to speak with Saito-dono.” He revealed a sealed letter between his fingers. “Are they still searching for Enishi?”

“No, the trail has gone cold, from our standpoint here. But the chief had mentioned wanting to repay you for your deeds, and offering you a position as backup in emergencies.” Himura had become a minor celebrity among Koshijiro’s coworkers, given all that he’d done for the safety of the public.

“The payment is not necessary, but this one would like to participate in emergencies.” He conceded. “For as long as this one can wield a sword. After that…”

“Then, what about a shinai or bokken?”

His eyes widened. “Oro?”

Koshijiro pressed on. “It would be a way for you to keep your new vow, while minimizing the physical stress to your body. If you’re willing to learn Kamiya Kasshin, to continue protecting life, we would be happy to have you as a student.” In fact, Kaoru would be ecstatic.

“That is…” Himura was struggling for words, his voice shaky and uncertain. “This one will likely never be a master of Kamiya Kasshin.”

“And you don’t need to be. Even learning the defensive maneuvers would be enough. But you don’t have to decide now.” They had arrived at the station, and Koshijiro directed them away from the bustling employees and straight to Saito’s desk.

Saito barely acknowledged their entrance, pulling a sheet from a moderate stack of paperwork in monotonous routine. He wasn’t alone, a familiar tall individual sitting in the opposite chair. Free of any bandages, Sawagejo raised a hand in greeting. “It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. How are you doing?”

“Back to normal, which means I’m going on another assignment soon.” He nodded towards Saito.

“Not as intensive as recent events, but an adequate investigation. So, why are you two here?”

Himura stepped forward, handing over the letter. Their gazes locked for an instant, and then, Saito perfunctorily opened it. The message must have been short, because he tossed the paper on his desk and narrowed his eyes.

“Why now?”

“This one believes there will not be a better opportunity in the future. It is the final chance to settle our dispute, as former Ishin Shishi and Shinsengumi, for good.” With that, Himura bowed. “Kamiya-dono, this one will return home first.”

After he left, Sawagejo asked Saito. “Did he challenge you to a fight?”

“One last duel. In a place known to both of us, at midnight. But you won’t be there, get moving. Kamiya, wait.” He ignored the griping of his new subordinate, waiting until the door shut again. “This time, he’s serious.”

“Yes, he is.” It made sense to Koshijiro, that Himura would request this fight before it was too late. However, he couldn’t repress his concern; neither of them would have any reservations in a true duel.

“Hmph. And there’s no outside interference, like the previous time. Unless, you decide otherwise?”

“The dispute is between you two, but I hope you will receive what you want from it.” Slightly irked, Koshijiro added. “Is there anything else you would like to know?”

He laid a hand upon the hilt of his katana. “No. You’re dismissed.”

The rest of the shift was quiet, but Koshijiro purposefully stayed longer, late into the evening. He did not notice Saito leave. The clock hands aligned at midnight, without further sign of the assistant chief. An hour dragged in excruciating silence. At last, his impatience got the better of him, and he headed to the small office.

Saito was still there, smoking by the window. His eyes bored into Koshijiro, unimpressed. “Of course, you stayed.”

“I wasn’t planning on following.” He defended. “But it is past the time for your duel.”

“I never said I accepted the challenge.”

Actually, that was true. “…This chance will not happen again.”

“I’m aware. But I wanted to settle the score with Hitokiri Battousai, and after seeing him, I realize that possibility has vanished. I will have no joy in fighting the man he is now. The hunt has ended.” He blew out a dense stream of smoke, obscuring his features. Barely audible, he gave a low resigned utterance. “Fool.”

The rivalry may not have culminated in a bloody battle, but that was perfectly fine with Koshijiro. “Did you find what you wanted, at least?”

“I had the answer a while ago.” He extinguished the cigarette. “Your shift is long over and the weather is growing colder. It’s already snowing in Hokkaido.”

Koshijiro took it as an order to go home, although he didn’t expect Saito to lock up as well. The night air was bracing, the moon high overhead. “Then, good evening, Saito-san.”

“Don’t look so relieved, Kamiya. You have your work cut out for you, in this department and your dojo. Good luck.” His voice was sardonic, but in the time of their acquaintance, it was the most well-intentioned statement yet.

“In that case, I wish you the same in your mission to slay evil.” He paused. “And in carrying the memories of your fallen brethren. They were truly fortunate indeed, to have your loyalty.”

Saito didn’t verbally respond, giving Koshijiro a long stare. Then, he curtly nodded and went on, straight as a rod, in focused pursuit of the absolute justice he desired.

The house was mostly dark, save for a lantern in the dining room. Kaoru was mending an article of clothing, probably a haori, and she looked up with a smile. “Otou-san, welcome back.”

“Thank you, Kaoru. You’re still awake?”

“I’m not tired. I was waiting for you and Kenshin.” She set her needle aside, and her expression was thoughtful. “He’s been gone since dusk, and…he told us where he’d be.”

“You don’t have to worry. The matter was concluded before it even began.”

She exhaled. “Oh, good. Did you want some tea before bed?”

“I’ll have a cup, but I’ll stay with you as well.” He sat on the cushion across, noticing the haori was about Yahiko’s size while she retrieved the tea.

“Otou-san?”

“Hm?”

“Um…well, I was wondering.” She had also taken a cup for herself, staring into the bottom. Haltingly, she said. “I know your first impression wasn’t great, with the arm’s length rule, and how everything’s occurred since then, but…what do you think about Kenshin?”

He hadn’t expected her question, and he steadied his grip on his drink. “Kaoru, I don’t hold your capture against him.”

“Geez, Otou-san, I could tell that much.” She sipped from the top, before resuming her mending. “But if there’s anything you don’t approve of him, for a valid reason, I want to hear it from you.”

This was treading into the territory Koshijro was wary of, and he cleared his throat. “I see. Then, nothing.”

Her mouth fell open. “What? Really?”

“He’s a swordsman, with the protective, honorable, and courageous traits of the best. He’s kindhearted and responsible around the house. And…he deeply respects and cares for you. I’ve noticed how you make each other smile.” Embarrassed, he glanced away, only to face Kyoko’s altar picture. He could blame the late hour for his rambling. “I did misunderstand at the beginning, but perhaps, deep down, I anticipated it would come to this. Your mother and I always wanted you to choose for love, so…if he is your choice, I won’t disagree.”

“A-and the rule?”

Then, they heard the door slide, and Himura shuffled in. “This one is home.”

“Welcome home, Kenshin!” Kaoru immediately stood, her cheeks a little flushed. “You must be cold, we have fresh tea. If you’re hungry, I can make chazuke.”

“Tea would be enough, thank you.” He joined them at the table, and he peered at the fabric. “Is this for Yahiko?”

“It is, he’s growing out of his clothes. My first student has to look presentable, after all.”

“He will certainly appreciate feeling warmer too.” The atmosphere between the two was very cozy, soothing even.

The shadows shifted, and the lantern illuminated the looming figure of Shinomori. “You’ve both returned.”

Kaoru gasped. “Sorry, if we woke you.”

“I don’t sleep heavily in the first place.” He did sit down and take a teacup though, his voice hesitant. “Himura. How was your challenge?”

Despite how tired he must have been, he offered a gentle smile. “It seems this one has been given up on. Saito-dono did not accept.” He met Koshijiro’s gaze.

“No, it appears he lost interest.” The conversation lasted a few minutes longer, a mundane talk of what to eat for their dinner with Takani, before they went to bed for the remaining hours of the night.

They had a lazy morning in, and it was shaping to be a similar afternoon when Makimachi declared they had visitors. “Eiji-kun, is that you?!” She had met the boy with Himura, on the road to Kyoto. Her eyes then boggled. “And the…the Bodhisattva…”

He wasn’t alone, accompanied by Tokio and a bigger Tsutomu now standing beside her. He looked rather serious. “We’re here to say goodbye.”

Tokio explained. “My husband’s duties have abruptly called us elsewhere. He’s gone ahead to our new home, but I wanted to thank you for your friendship over the past few months. We wish you well.” She bowed, and the boys copied her. “If our paths cross again one day, I hope it will be under more peaceful circumstances.”

“Agreed, and please take care.” Koshijiro responded in kind.

Makimachi couldn’t resist inquiring. “And where are you moving to?”

“That would be a secret.” Tokio mildly answered. “But to you, Takani-san, send my regards to Lady Teru in Aizu.”

“Absolutely. If you happen to be near our home province, send a message.” She provided the name of her future workplace, a large clinic in the heart of Aizu. The trio departed, not lingering a spare minute and without looking backwards.

“Sent his family to deliver the news, while he stalks off in the middle of the night.” Sagara cracked. “I wonder where he went.”

In understanding of what Saito had said, Koshijiro turned his gaze to the north. “I suppose, a place fitting for wolves.”

At the station, Saito’s desk was completely cleared, as if he had never worked there. A short notice had been given to the chief, who announced that Assistant Chief Inspector Fujita had been reassigned by higher-ups. For Koshijiro, he privately said. “Also, he left an evaluation for you.”

“…What did it say?”

Chief Uramura only smiled, handing over the paper. “I think it’s best that you read it yourself.” The words were shockingly generous.

Remarks on Officer Kamiya Koshijiro: An interferer with many personal attachments, but more skill and discipline with one arm than anyone else in this department.

***

The end of the week drew near, and the day before Takani’s departure, Shinomori spoke to Makimachi. “It has been long enough, for the Aoiya to be without us. It’s the right time for us to leave. The first train leaves at dawn tomorrow.”

“Eh?! Tomorrow? But we still haven’t seen Asakusa and Ginza…”

“The ground will soon freeze in the mountains. We need to find a place with more sun for them.”

It clicked for her. “Oh! You’re right.” She held up her hands in apology. “Sorry, sightseeing will have to wait for next time! We have to go home with the others.” They could only be Shikijou, Hyottoko, Beshimi, and Hann’ya. But it was good, that they would rest easier in Kyoto before the snow fell.

While she and Shinomori packed their things, Koshijiro and Kaoru went to the market, buying castella for the pair to take to the Aoiya. It was a short errand; on the way back, Kaoru said forlornly. “Everybody’s leaving at once…”

“It feels sudden, but Takani-san will learn new treatments in Aizu, and Makimachi-san is the leader of the Oniwabanshuu, with Shinomori-san supporting her. They’ll grow for the better, and so will we.” Koshijiro responded. Still, it didn’t totally dispel her mood.

In the foyer, Makimachi was tying off her packed bag. When asked about Shinomori’s whereabouts, she informed them. “Aoshi-sama and Himura are having tea. Something long overdue, apparently. But Kaoru, you’ll write, won’t you? And I can come visit when it’s springtime?”

“Yes, of course! I want to stay in touch too.” The girls interlaced fingers, palm to palm.

“We can practice spar again, that was fun in Kyoto! And we’ll both do our best, me with Aoshi-sama and you with Himura.”

“Misao!”

“Right, I forgot Kamiya-san’s here.” She grinned.

Flustered, Kaoru made the excuse to cut slices of castella. However, the tea talk must have ended. They weren’t acting differently, the taller man unreadable as ever and Himura with an easygoing smile as he took a piece of cake.

Dinner was at sunset, golden light pouring over the autumn foliage. Sagara had procured a grill, so they had a raucous time, cooking over the charcoal smoke. Sanma with salt, chicken skewers, mushrooms, cubes of pumpkin. Yahiko raided the kitchen for leftovers, eager to add onigiri to the mix. Kaoru found the sweet potatoes at the last minute, and she was thrilled by Himura’s wide smile as he bit into the first one. Everyone had their fill, encouraging each other to try a freshly grilled item. Koshijiro put their happy faces to memory, as he ate in contentment. At the end, Takani served tea, and Makimachi opened a box of sweets, sharing that the cinnamon-flavored yatsuhashi were Shinomori’s favorite. The fire dwindled to embers, and all too quickly, the night passed.

The sun hadn’t even risen over Shinbashi Station, yet the train was boarding early. Shinomori dipped his head. “Thank you for hosting us. It is one of many things we owe you. And we can have tea again another time.”

Makimachi gazed at each of them in turn, but she put on a brave smile. “We’ll send plenty of letters, and New Year’s gifts too! See you later, everyone!”

Then, they had to board, their figures intent on their destination in the mountains. In a matter of minutes, the train began to pull away, and Makimachi exuberantly waved from the window; as for Shinomori, he granted the flicker of a smile.

Takani’s coach arrived later that morning, the safe passage obtained by Dr. Gensai as a parting gift. Yahiko carried her bags to the opposite seat, not even struggling with the weight. “This is nothing, you saved me from poisoning that first time.”

She had a bittersweet smile. “Ah, yes. It felt like so long ago, but it really hasn’t been. I’m grateful for how kind you all have been. Please take care.”

“You’re always welcome at the Kamiya dojo, and thank you for looking after our injuries.” Koshijiro passed her a slip of paper. “This is the info for the Aizu police, they’re aware of your arrival. We wish you well.”

“I won’t stop looking. Once I’m settled in, I’ll expand my search.” She promised. “Ken-san, remember what I said. If you feel anything wrong at all, please send a telegram to the new clinic and I’ll rush over.”

“Thank you, but this one will try not to disrupt your work.” He kindly said. “You have the important duty of caring for those who need your expertise. Do your best.”

“Yes, I will.” Then, she turned to Kaoru, lifting a familiar medicine chest. “And this is for you. These are the prescriptions and medicines for emergency treatment, everything’s labeled with the correct dosing, and…look at you, you’re so gloomy.” She tutted.

Kaoru was downcast, now that the moment of parting was here. “I just hate saying goodbye, and to do it again and again…”

“Aw, come on, Jou-chan.” Sagara clapped a hand on the top of her ponytail. “Whether it’s Aizu or the Aoiya or at Tomoe’s grave or even just the dojo, we can visit each other any time. This isn’t goodbye forever.”

Takani’s eyebrows shot up, as she concealed a smile behind her hand. “You really do say nice things sometimes.”

“I say nice things all the time.”

She let out a short laugh. “If you’re ever in Aizu and need your left hand treated, I can see you as well.”

“Thanks.”

“With that said…” Takani promptly thrust the chest to Kaoru, who leaned forward with the burden. “But the most important medicine for Ken-san isn’t in there. It’s your smile, the smile of the one he’s chosen. Not me, not Tomoe-san, but you. And maybe, it could even heal a scar.”

“…I understand. Megumi, let’s meet again someday soon.”

Her countenance lightened, and she set her shoulders in confidence. “Well then, everyone. Goodbye.” And then, she elegantly climbed into the coach. The driver snapped the reins, joining the bustling crowds.

They drifted away from the station, and Yahiko pointed out a restaurant, a line already starting to form. “We came all this way, so can we eat a Western lunch?”

But before anyone could reply, shouts broke the air. “Found him! Stop that spiky-haired bastard!” Two officers in unfamiliar uniforms were running in their direction. Were they referring to Sagara?

Kaoru suddenly exclaimed. “What is this?!” She pointed to a nearby wanted poster, with a surprisingly accurate portrait of Sagara.

Himura took it down, reading the text. “For the crimes of disrupting the peace, damaging the silk trade, assaulting Magistrate Fudosawa…”

“Damn, I didn’t realize they chased me all the way from Nagano.”

They stared at him, and Koshijiro recalled his story. “When you fought alongside your father, against those corrupt individuals…”

“Yeah, they were linked to the Ishin Shishi.” He stepped forward, closing the distance to the men and in a blur of motion, knocked them out. But it wasn’t over. A block away, more uniformed men were shoving through the pedestrians. “And they brought all their friends too.”

Yahiko was slack-jawed in dismay, and Kaoru blurted. “Sanosuke, what even-”

“Oops. Gotta run.” And he sprinted off, gone in the blink of an eye, leaving the four of them dumbstruck.

He never came to the dojo that night, or even the following morning. He had to be laying low; the Nagano officers were prowling the streets, but they stuck to the gambling halls and row houses, from the gossip at the station. None of Koshijiro’s colleagues were pleased by the unexpected arrival of these men, or their crass behavior. One of the ringleaders had shouted outside, demanding to speak to the chief. Chief Uramura, who had just healed from his injuries, had attempted a more polite conversation. It didn’t go over well, the other man barking in his face.

“From what I was told,” Koshijiro shared over dinner. “Sagara-san is a person of great interest to their employer. The magistrate on the poster had been found beaten in his house.”

“Probably deserved it, since it was Sano.” Yahiko said around a mouthful of udon. “But now, he’s a fugitive.”

“I’m wondering why he didn’t tell us the Ishin Shishi connection.” Kaoru murmured, stirring her soup spoon.

Himura thought aloud, his eyes deeply serious. “Perhaps, he anticipated this would occur, and did not want to involve us. And as a former member of the Sekihoutai, he has his pride.”

“So, what can we do to help him?”

Yahiko suggested. “Throw the Nagano people off his trail? Leave fake clues, mislead them away from where Sano could be?”

“Yes, or switch targets to the magistrate.” Then, Himura tilted his head. “There is someone who owes this one a favor. Tani-dono, who was shielded by this one and Sanosuke when Jin-e attacked. It would be a gamble, but they are related through the Ishin Shishi.”

“These are great ideas!” Kaoru agreed. “In the meantime, we can make the strangers feel as unwelcome as possible. I’ll talk to Tae, she still needs Sano to pay off his tab, and we’ll spread the word.”

“I can also speak to the chief, to inform further along the chain of command.” Koshijiro frowned. “If the corruption’s deep enough in Nagano, it will be readily obvious.”

So, they set out with their plans. Himura relayed that he had a good conversation with Tani; Koshijiro was very curious as to the details, if it forced the politician into writing a letter to the magistrate. The intruding officers had less presence each day, Yahiko cackling that they were frustrated and lashing out at each other. Kaoru stated that in town, they were rebuffed, ignored, or given nasty looks. Despite the changes, Sagara’s absence continued. They visited the row house where he occasionally stayed after a night out; the bedding was unkempt, he had obviously slept there, but no other signs of life.

After a week, an unfamiliar young man approached. Or rather, he peeked over one of the side walls and hissed in a confiding tone. “Our friend Sano says to meet him at the docks at midnight, he’ll be waiting.”

When the hour arrived, it was Tsunan who pointed them to a small fishing boat. “Over there.”

Sagara was standing by the oars, an eager expression on the dark sea. “It’s about time. I’m leaving Tokyo.”

“In that thing? You’ll capsize!” Yahiko protested.

“I’m not going that far, my first stop is in Osaka. Then, I’ll go south, travel along the coast. I’ve never been to the other islands, like Shikoku, or the mainland and beyond. There’re plenty of strong people in the world; I’m looking forward to challenging them.” His eyes blazed hungrily. “But I wanted one last goodbye, like everyone else did.”

“We’re trying to smooth things over here, but as you rightly said, it isn’t goodbye forever.” Koshijiro shook his hand. “See you later, Sagara-san.”

“See ya, old man.” He grinned. “Go easy on Kenshin, okay?”

At that moment, a whistle pierced the air. By the heavy footsteps, they were on the verge of being discovered. Koshijiro volunteered to stall, but when he climbed up to the streetside, he found a familiar silhouette, directing the Nagano officers away from the docks. “Chief Uramura.”

“Officer Kamiya. Thank you for working overtime, but I can take it from here.” He lightly said. “As for your earlier question, it seems a certain person will soon be removed from his post.”

“I appreciate the update, and your understanding.” He nodded to the disappearing shadows. He crept down the docks again, to hear his daughter speaking.

“No matter what, you can always come and see us. We’ll miss you.”

“Thanks, Jou-chan. Next time I visit, there should be a wedding. Plus or minus a kid on the way.”

“What?! That’s, you…!” She spluttered, her face red. Koshijiro’s own expression was flat and unamused.

Then, Sagara turned to Himura. No words were exchanged between them, only a look of mutual understanding and a hearty slap of their palms. With a broad grin, Sagara crammed his legs into the boat and grabbed the oars. A few splashes, and the snug vessel slipped out to the bay’s undulating waters.

The atmosphere at home was less tense, now that it was concluded, but stillness had settled in. It was true sense of quiet, that expanded in each room, and prompted an overdue cleaning session to busy their hands. When Koshijiro had finished his tasks, he took his break on the porch, next to Yahiko. He had a small glinting item in his fingers, thoughtfully staring at it, and explained.

“It’s the key to Sano’s row house, for me to use.”

“And why did he give it to you?”

“Sano said that it’d be awkward to stay in the same house with a couple.”

The phrasing of ‘couple’ was something to be left for another day; instead, Koshijiro said. “Maybe for him, but you’re still young, Yahiko. Yes, you’ve seen and done things beyond your age and beyond the capacity of many men. However, you’re eleven years old. I would prefer that you stay here, because this is your home and we can look after you. It isn’t easy to live alone, especially in the row houses. Also, when Sagara-san returns, I doubt the row house is the first place he’d visit.”

“Yeah, he’d come to the dojo right away.”

“Indeed.”

“Actually, I don’t really want to leave either. And you’re staying too, Kamiya-san.” He scratched his cheek. “I never got to know my dad; I don’t even know what he looked like. I guess…he’d be something like you. Not the face, obviously! But like, the way you talk and stuff…”

Koshijiro was also embarrassed. “Kyoko and I never had a son, so I suppose we’re in the same situation.”

Yahiko gave a toothy grin. “Yup!” They sat in companionable silence for a bit, until the boy asked. “So, what’s Kenshin going to do?”

“The same as usual, only minding the limits of his physicality. A more difficult balance now, but he will persevere, as he promised.” He hadn’t provided an answer yet in regards to learning Kamiya Kasshin, but the possibility remained open.

Yahiko made a scrunched face in exasperation. “I already knew that! I was talking about him and Kaoru. Even if it’s not a big deal, how much longer will the mushiness last?”

“…I think that’s best answered by them.”

“Ah, there you are!” Kaoru rounded the corner, a broom in her grip. Himura was amiably following in her wake. She gestured to the crisp cover of multicolored foliage and pine needles in the courtyard. “Let’s keep at it until dinner.”

“There are plenty of ingredients for takikomi gohan tonight, a reward for such hard work.” Himura caught a falling maple leaf in midair, and he offered it to Kaoru with a smile. “For you, Kaoru-dono.”

She happily accepted. “How pretty. Thank you, Kenshin.” Had their pinkies touched? It was hard to tell.

“Ugh, come on.” Yahiko griped, but he didn’t sound genuinely upset. “Here, I’ll take the broom while you two are occupied.” They did pick up their feet, but shared little smiles while the yard was cleaned.

Koshijiro knew exactly what he was expecting, but he would wait.

#rurouni kenshin #kenkao #at arm's length

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