#thanks ishin now i can have them be violent

[tact-and-impulse]

At Arm’s Length Chapter 4

The funny thing is, during one of my tests since the last update, there was a question that said “How would you theoretically rebuild an entire arm?” and in my head, I almost heard Koshijiro say “Yes, how would you?”. He desperately would have liked to know, for the events in this chapter. This is a gift, because it’s my birthday, and I’ve got new followers! Also, @animaniacal and @tinklefish have their birthdays this week and I know how much they like Koshijiro.

Chapter 4: An Indigo Ribbon

When Koshijiro was a boy in Chiba, there had been a stray dog in the neighborhood. It was especially good at wheedling for scraps, pestering the poor target’s legs until it got what it wanted. Zanza, or rather Sagara now that he had given up fighting for hire, was like that dog. For almost every day now, he lingered around the dojo and sat down with them at lunch.

“Terrible.” He said, in between loud chews. “This is just terrible. Jou-chan, you should work at your cooking instead of teaching.”

Kaoru had grilled fish today, to give Himura a break. She had done her best, and that was enough for Koshijiro to eat. His cooking was worse, anyway. He quietly picked through the white flesh with his chopsticks, and Yahiko gnawed at his portion. But Kaoru was grinding her teeth in irritation.

“Hey, Kenshin.” Sagara looked for support. “How can you stand this?”

“It is not that bad. It tastes differently every time.”

“Well, if you don’t like it, then don’t eat!” Kaoru snapped, throwing a large radish in their direction. “Freeloaders shouldn’t complain anyway!”

Sagara ducked. “I quit fighting, so I’m not making money. Have a heart, Jou-chan.”

Meanwhile, the vegetable had glanced off Himura’s head, and the man groaned. “Oro…”

But before the argument could go any further, they were interrupted, as a familiar figure stepped past the gate. “Forgive the intrusion during your meal, but this is urgent.”

“It’s fine, Chief.” Koshijiro set down his bowl and stood, ignoring everyone’s wide eyes. “Is it about that case?”

The man grimly nodded. “I’m afraid it is, and we require Himura-san’s assistance.”

***

Shortly after the Hiruma brothers were transported to prison, the police chief had summoned Koshijiro. “I did think on what you said, so I’ve been editing the current rules. I’m going to be more active in overseeing the men, and I changed the patrol routes to increase efficiency. And if it’s no trouble, I’d like you to train the less experienced officers. You can keep them in line, give them tasks they can’t refuse, and deliver consequences as you see fit.” He handed over a roster of fifteen names. “You can take time to think it over.”

“I won’t need it; I accept. I’m grateful to be more involved.”

“No, thank you, Kamiya-san. I’ll adjust your pay, of course. Especially since…” He cleared his throat. “I heard that the Ishin Shishi soldier, Himura Kenshin, is living with you and your daughter.”

Koshijiro blinked in surprise. “That’s true, he is boarding with us. Who did you hear this from?”

“During that incident with the Satsuma policemen, Yamagata-san visited and spoke to Himura-san. It was not long after you returned to Tokyo.”

“Yamagata…Aritomo?” The general of the Kiheitai, the Emperor’s army? Suddenly, Koshijiro recalled the mustached man, walking into the police station when he rejoined the department. “I suppose he knew Himura-san from the Bakumatsu.”

The chief nodded. “Yes, it seemed that way. Are you aware of Himura-san’s work?”

“…yes.”

“Then, you may understand why I’m interested.” He slid over a folder, opening the contents. “There’s a man who poses a great danger to our officials. Internally, we’ve been referring to him as Kurogasa.”

Koshijiro skimmed through the papers. The number of casualties was strikingly high, and the targets appeared to be politicians who were formerly Ishin Shishi. The most recent case was in Shizuoka, almost two months prior. Even the infantry were unable to stand a chance. “And you think Himura-san can defeat this killer?”

“I am seriously considering it. If we need him, I will let you know.”

***

Now, the police chief sat opposite Himura and informed him of the case. Koshijiro was aware of the details, of how grown men were paralyzed before this serial killer. It seemed unbelievable to read, but the many interviews of the wounded could not be ignored. Koshijiro had wondered if it was some sort of chemical gas, but Himura thought differently.

“That sounds like the Shin no Ippou, of the Nikaidou Heihou style.” He mused. “After the war, someone could have easily lost his way and became drawn to bloodshed. But to remain so, after ten long years…” He trailed off, choosing to drink his tea.

“Kenshin?” Kaoru gently asked. “Are you alright?”

He lifted his head slowly, as if he had just woken up, and he gave her a smile. “Yes, this one is fine.” He then turned to the police chief. “What would you have this one do?”

“If you are able, I would like you to take him down.”

“This one has taken a vow to not kill his opponents.” Himura informed him.

“Even if you cannot, getting him into custody will be enough.” The chief drew a piece of paper from his pocket, and hurriedly scribbled. “Tonight, Tani Juusanrou of the War Ministry will be in Tokyo. He’s already received a death threat from Kurogasa, so we need more people to protect him. Even if you are an outsider, this would be a good opportunity to face this killer, once and for all. Here are the details. I hope to see you tonight, and Kamiya-san, we’ll meet again at work.” The chief handed over the note, bowed deeply, and departed.

The mood was decidedly somber for the rest of the day. Sagara left to wherever his latest whim took him, while Kaoru continued to teach Yahiko. With his work finished, Koshijiro sat against the wall of the dojo and watched them practice one of the basic kata. The boy was progressing rapidly; if he was in a class, he would easily rank among the top five students.

“By the way, where’s Kenshin?” Yahiko asked.

Kaoru noted that he should mind his steps, before replying. “He mentioned that he was taking a walk. He’ll be back before dinner.”

“I hope so. We’ll probably die, if you cook again, ugly…ow!”

She had tapped his shoulder with her shinai, and she sweetly admonished him. “You have to concentrate, Yahiko-chan.”

“And demonstrate proper respect for your teacher. I heard you insult her once before, but twice is more than enough.” Koshijiro was irked, and he struggled to stand to his full height. Last time, he had entered the conversation too late, and Yahiko was injured. Now, there were no excuses left.

Yahiko did have some remaining self-preservation, because he gulped. “Er, I’m sorry?”

“I’m not the one you should apologize to.”

He pivoted to Kaoru and managed to sound contrite. “I’m sorry.”

“Geez, you listen to Otou-san, but not to me.” She ruffled his hair, ignoring how he grumbled. “Well, he’s better at disciplining, but we’re stuck with each other. Let’s practice the kata one more time, okay?”

About halfway through the kata, Himura returned. He was quieter than usual, and Koshijiro had intended to leave him alone. However, the man suddenly spoke, his gaze on the wall. “The sword that protects life. What made you think of the idea, Kamiya-dono?”

“It took some time to develop the concept.” He admitted. “Strength has value, but only when there is a reason for it. Take Kurogasa, for example. He may have been skilled once, but now, he is irrational and cruel. As for me, I grew tired of fighting, just to hold on to what I held dear. But this world is still violent, so I cannot lay down my sword. And yet, I have faith in this era, which promises peace without bloodshed. So, Kamiya Kasshin is a compromise, to channel necessary strength and remember why we fight. ‘The sword that protects life’ is a motto for the present and a wish for the future. But you would have heard Kaoru’s interpretation, so why do you ask?”

“This one is only curious.” He innocently blinked, but his tone grew serious. “Then, if a person had to kill to protect others, what is Kamiya Kasshin’s solution?”

“That is the flaw in my logic.” Koshijiro grimaced. “As a soldier and as a police officer, I had to think of the greater good. I cannot give you an answer, and for that, I am sorry.”

“No, it’s alright.” Himura paused. “This one has idled long enough, so this one will prepare dinner.”

After the sun dipped just below the horizon, they ate their meal in silence. At length, Yahiko asked. “Are you going, Kenshin?”

“Yes, it is best to help out the police. And this one is acquainted with Tani-dono. With luck, he may remember this one.”

Kaoru’s forehead creased with worry, and then out of irritation when they heard Sagara’s holler from the gate. She stood with a scowl. “Geez, he might as well live here.”

However, the former fighter’s rowdy presence lightened the atmosphere. He shared stories about the friends he played dice with, and although they bordered on inappropriate, the distraction was welcome. At last, the police carriage arrived and they saw Himura off.

“If it truly is the Shin no Ippou, this may prove to be difficult.”

“You mentioned that earlier. Do you know who this Kurogasa is?” Koshijiro inquired.

“Perhaps, but that was only a rumor.” He answered. “Regardless, this one will find out tonight.”

“Me too.” Sagara stepped forward, clapping Himura’s back. “This is too interesting to miss, so I’m tagging along.”

“Good night.” Yahiko yawned; it was about his bedtime.

Kaoru stepped forward. “I’ll have the bath ready, when you return.”

“Thank you, Kaoru-dono.” Himura looked to her, before smiling at everyone. “We’ll see you all in the morning.” Then, he and Sagara walked into the darkness.

***

Koshijiro woke, in a cold sweat. It took him a few seconds, to realize that he only had a dream. A nightmare. In Satsuma, his feverish mind had conjured scenes of how his life could have ended. A grenade landing at his feet. A sword running through his flesh. A gun barrel pressed to his temple. And the aftermath of bleeding into the ground and thinking that he did not want to die. This time, it was of the explosion, if he had been standing more to the left. As he forced his breathing to slow down, silence rang in his ears.

Since he had returned home, his sleep had been empty of any memories of the battlefield. It seemed that was only temporary. He slid out of his futon, intending to walk off the agitation. He used to practice in the dojo, but with only one arm, he could not properly hold a shinai. Instead, he settled in his usual spot on the porch. The wind was cold, but that meant it was real.

“Otou-san? You’re awake?” Kaoru’s voice floated over, and he looked behind him, to see her rubbing her eyes.

He decided not to tell her about his nightmare; she would only be concerned. “If there’s a killer on the loose, someone has to protect the house.”

“We’re not that important to be targeted by a serial killer.” She countered, moving to sit beside him. “But I couldn’t sleep either. I don’t know why, I shouldn’t be worried. Kenshin can handle himself, and Sanosuke is with him.”

“Yes, that is true.”

For a while, there was only the sound of the wind.

“The moon’s full.” She commented. “Once, I saw Okaa-san sitting out here with you, on a night like this.”

“Ah, that was when she wanted to see the cherry blossoms in the moonlight. You remember something like that?”

“Mm-hmm. Because Okaa-san’s face was so happy.”

“Your mother always was, over little things like buying ribbons for you.”

“And she liked tying them for me. She liked indigo best; it’s why that one’s my favorite.” She yawned again.

“You should go back to sleep.” He gruffly said.

“Yeah, I will. I have to get up early, so I can fill the bathtub. Good night.”

After some time, he returned to his room. He did fall asleep again, but this time, he envisioned Kyoko, smiling over a cradle and saying how an indigo ribbon was so charming.

***

The next morning, Koshijiro noticed that Himura and Sagara had not returned. Breakfast was on the table, most likely because of his daughter. She wasn’t there though, and he glanced outside. Kaoru had dozed off on the porch, her mouth slack. With a fond smile, Koshijiro fetched a blanket to cover her.

He ate breakfast with Yahiko, who had noticed his sleeping instructor. “I should wake her up with cold water.”

“Leave her be. You can practice on your own for the morning.”

The boy perked up. “Okay!”

Then, Koshijiro started on his paperwork. He was a quarter of the way through, when he heard voices.

“I don’t think she slept at all, last night.” Yahiko was saying.

“Oh, yeah? Hey, Jou-chan, wake up. Wake up!”

Koshijiro walked out to see his daughter whacking the two boys with her shinai. She was not amused and ground out. “Welcome back. Huh? Where’s Kenshin?”

“He’s not coming back.” Sagara said. “This time, Kurogasa, or rather Jin-e, is after him. He didn’t want to put everyone else in danger, so he’s not coming back for a while. He wants me to look out for you.”

“But where did he go?” Kaoru pleaded.

“The riverbank, I guess. Hey, where are you going?”

She was headed for the gate. “I’m looking for Kenshin!”

“Well, that’s dumb. Look, I got injured because of Jin-e!” He pointed to his right arm, which was in a sling. “If you just wait here, it’ll be better that way.”

Kaoru spun around, tears welling in her gaze. “So after he fights Jin-e, is he going to wander again? And we’ll never see him again, just like that?” Her fists clenched, and she swallowed. “Okaa-san is dead, and Otou-san was almost taken from me too. Most of the students quit, and Kihei turned out to be a traitor. If that’s how it is, I’d rather meet the danger face to face!”

“Kaoru, you should stay here.” Koshijiro spoke up, feeling alarmed. “You’re behaving recklessly.” And if Himura wanted to leave for good, no one had the right to stop him. But he refrained from saying that; it would only make his daughter angrier and the best option was to calm her down.

Sagara’s interjection shattered that plan. “You’ll only get in Kenshin’s way.”

She crossed her arms. “I won’t be there for long. It’s not as if he’ll be busy, he’s definitely not fishing at the river.”

“What does fishing have to do with any of this?” Yahiko complained, but Koshijiro stiffened. That jab was meant for him.

Unfortunately, Sagara also noticed. “Oh, I get it. You have a story to tell us, old man?”

“Otou-san, you can tell them. I’ll be back!” And with that, she ran past the gate, her indigo ribbon flying.

“There’s nothing to say about that.” Koshijiro evaded. Well, if his daughter tired herself out, she would come home.

“Aw, come on, it’s obviously juicy.” Sagara was reluctant to let it go, but he jerked his head in the direction of the gate. “Jou-chan’s selfish, she can’t stand being separated from Kenshin. Oh, well, that’s how love is, so there’s nothing you can do.”

“You should not draw conclusions, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart.” Still, Koshijiro was disgruntled. He grudgingly knew that Kaoru was infatuated with Himura, ever since that attempted punch during the first meeting. But hearing someone else call it love didn’t settle right with him. Kaoru was still young, after all.

“Sure, old man.” He scoffed and turned to Yahiko. “You don’t mind being left alone?”

“No, Kenshin’s the strongest in Japan, so why worry?”

“Good point. Well, Jou-chan will probably bring him back. I’ll take that bath and then a nap.” He gave a jaunty wave with his good hand. “Wake me up for lunch.”

Yahiko did so, when the hour came. Koshijiro sat with them, eyeing the clock. Kaoru had not returned yet. What if she was still looking for Himura? Or worse, what if she had found him and they were alone?

Himura had better behave. Koshijiro’s chopsticks clicked together in his irritation, and he ate faster. Maybe, I’ll go to the riverbank myself.

However, that proved to be unnecessary. After the dishes were cleared, Himura shuffled past the gate, his bangs hiding his eyes.

“Kenshin!” Yahiko called out, running to greet him. Sagara followed suit, with Koshijiro behind.

“Aren’t you supposed to be waiting at the river, for Jin-e?” Sagara raised his eyebrows.

“Jin-e has kidnapped Kaoru-dono.”

“What?!” There was an echo, and then silence. Koshijiro had raised his voice. Sagara and Yahiko had flinched, but Himura didn’t react, his head lowered in submission. Koshijiro counted to three, before quietly ordering. “Himura-san, explain what happened this instant.”

“Kaoru-dono met this one at the river. She gave this one her ribbon, and then…” He clenched the indigo cloth in his hand, and Koshijiro’s eyes were helplessly drawn to his daughter’s possession. Then, Himura looked up. His expression was intimidating, as it had been before fighting Sagara, but this was more severe. It was as if cold fire burned in his gaze. “It was my fault. Jin-e wants to meet at midnight. I’m going to the forest, do not follow me. In return, I promise that I will bring her back.”

“You must bring her back.” Koshijiro corrected, and he forced himself to add. “Then, I have no choice but to count on you.”

Himura nodded.

***

I’m sorry, I should have stopped her. Koshijiro thought, as if that made any difference. He sat before Kyoko’s portrait, gripping his knee. As the day passed, he had only grown more anxious. Even though Himura would battle Jin-e at midnight, that caused more agony for the ones who were waiting.

Yahiko had repeated. “Kenshin’s the strongest, so he’ll save her.” Sagara had paced back and forth, before taking off somewhere.

And Koshijiro knelt at the altar, praying that his daughter was safe. Kyoko would not have forgiven him for putting their daughter in danger. He didn’t expect to forgive himself either. Jin-e was a serial killer who paralyzed his enemies to death. What if he decided Kaoru was no longer useful as a hostage? If only he had both of his arms, he could have gone with Himura. But he didn’t, and he had to trust that Himura would win. He would most likely kill Jin-e, yet Koshijiro could not bring himself to protest the idea.

If it is a last resort, it is justifiable. Is that a betrayal of Kamiya Kasshin? It would be, but Kaoru’s life is more important than the school. I suppose, I truly was not fit to answer Himura’s question of killing to protect people.

His thoughts were interrupted by Sagara’s return. He was slightly out of breath; he must have ran. “Still waiting, huh. I’m curious, who’s that picture of?”

“Kaoru’s mother.”

“Jou-chan takes after her, huh?”

“Yes, she does.”

“…Kenshin will get her back. Don’t worry, old man.” He sounded as if he was trying to convince himself. “So long as Jin-e doesn’t use his mind trick again.”

“And what is that, exactly?” He tightly asked.

Sagara stepped back. “Uh, it’s not that big of a deal. Just felt like I couldn’t breathe for a second, but I snapped out of it. A strong will is enough, apparently.”

“I see.” That was probably the Shin no Ippou, that Himura had mentioned. Koshijiro furrowed his brow. “Are you implying Kaoru does not have a strong will?”

“Whoa, hang on, old man.” He suddenly looked sweaty. “It’s just that, well, out of all the people last night, only Kenshin and I broke out of the Shin no Ippou. Even the policemen couldn’t manage it.”

“I believe you. But she had the will to stay here, while I was gone. She didn’t complain, no matter how lonely she must have been.” Ah. He wanted to groan. Over and over, his daughter had been left behind, to be alone. And for once, she had declared that she could no longer stand it. “And so, she went after Himura.”

“There you go.” Sagara said. “Anyway, I’m beat, so I’m taking the spare room.”

Then, it was quiet until Yahiko popped his head in. “I can’t stay up until midnight. Tell me when they get back, Kamiya-san.”

“You should rest. You’ve had a long day.”

“Yeah, so should you. Kenshin’s strong enough to defeat Jin-e. And Kaoru isn’t much of a girl, but she’s stubborn so that’s something.”

“She might not appreciate hearing that.”

“Whatever.” The boy shrugged. “Good night.”

The remaining hours were a blur. Koshijiro could not sleep, and restlessness took him to the porch again. He dozed in fits, waking frequently. Before he knew it, the sun was rising, and with it, two silhouettes passed the gate.

“Otou-san, we’re home!”

He exhaled, and his joints protested as he stood. “Welcome home.” Himura’s shoulder was bloody, but Kaoru was unharmed. “Thank you, Himura-san.”

He smiled. “This one only kept his promise.” They entered the house, and Sagara and Yahiko were barely awake. They were attempting to make breakfast, and the fish was burning.

“Geez, you two are making trouble per usual.” Kaoru rolled up her sleeves. “Look, here’s how it’s done.”

“Oh, you’re back.” Yahiko muttered, but there was a note of relief in his voice.

Sagara gave a lopsided grin. “Glad you’re back.”

“Yeah, I’m glad. But you two got some sleep, so keep cooking.” She instructed them, as if she had only been away at a friend’s and not kidnapped.

“She doesn’t seem troubled by what happened.” Koshijiro noticed. “What became of Jin-e?”

“He killed himself.” Himura quietly said.

“Then, you didn’t.”

“No. This one’s question from yesterday was answered by Kaoru-dono.”

If a person had to kill to protect others, what is Kamiya Kasshin’s solution?

“I see. And what is that answer?”

“It is not to give in to killing, even when it is tempting to. It is to remember that life should be protected.”

It was an ambitious and innocent answer, and only his daughter could have come up with it. It was just as fitting, for the ambitious and innocent era to which she belonged. “It is a good answer, as expected of the master.”

Kaoru had been listening, and she beamed. “Thank you, Otou-san.”

Sagara stepped over, throwing an arm over Himura. “By the way, you didn’t come back until now, huh? Nice, did you do it with her?”

Koshijiro made an excruciating turn towards them.

“We didn’t do anything!” Kaoru lunged at Sagara, and he dodged her. Meanwhile, Koshijiro left, heading down the hallway. He emerged with Himura’s bedding, and the man tilted his head.

“Oro? Is there a problem with this one’s futon?”

“No, you’re sleeping in the shed tonight.”

“Oro!”

Sagara and Yahiko howled with laughter, and Kaoru’s face was red. “Otou-san!”

“After he sees Dr. Gensai for his wound.” It was the least he could do, for the man who had brought his daughter home.