After spending the night updating Ojii-san about our situation in Tokyo and my purpose of being here, I find myself waiting for a more appropriate time to leave the house. I’m dressed mostly in western clothing with only my uniform jacket missing.
I smoke a bit upstairs thinking of how I would approach Tokio. Simply I want the freedom to marry Hide and of course for Makoto and Ai to be under the Fujita house. It’s not so much the name Yagi that I can’t bear, the Yagi name is a well respected name in Kyoto and certainly a name I respect but I can’t bear the thought of my two children being under anyone else’s protection.
Ojii-san seems to understand my need to settle this with Tokio though he hardly said a word last night, merely nodding his head. I wanted to ask him the same question that I failed to ask Hide before I left. If I failed to convince Tokio could we continue on as we were? But I know the answer is “No”. That it would be better for her to move on if I can’t get this done.
After all in this Meiji era, even with the laws giving more protections for women, the head of the house still makes the decisions on these matters. That’s how I was able to keep Yaso in the family register for all these years. My refusal to remove Yaso’s name in the Fujita register vexed Tokio to no end but it was the last bit of proof that she was once a part of my life. So who would believe that a man like me can’t easily divorce Tokio and put my children in the register? No one, especially not her brothers who’s suddenly in our business. Even Hide herself has been restless of our situation and so I -must- try to do -something-.
I hate that woman.
And so all the more reason to…
-NO-.
You idiot. You and your sense of honor. Yet you abandoned the other one. The good one.
Shut up!
I blink. I can’t keep ruminating like this. I must move forward. I’ll do anything not to fail.
Anything?
Anything.
And so it was with those thoughts that I found myself in Kurosawa’s residence just before noon. I’m greeted by the maid and am led inside in the receiving room – apparently I was expected.
“Goro!” I close my eyes for a moment. “There you are. I’m glad the trip hasn’t left you haggard looking.”
I turn and there she is all smiles. I nod politely at her. “I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
She turns around slightly as if showing off her kimono, which looks to be new. It’s black with lotus flowers on the lower end and a pale white embroidered obi with gold accents. How much did that cost?
“Do you like it?” She asks and I blink and catch myself. It has started hasn’t it?
Politely I nod but manage a small smile. She does look pretty in the kimono.
“You came late I thought you may have missed your train.” She looks at me with a discerning eye. “But you must’ve taken the very first train here to Aizu to arrive just now.”
I’m careful on this one. She knows of Ueda-sama and telling her I spent the night there might set her off. “I came as soon as I was able.”
“I didn’t ask the maid to prepare anything.” She comes rather near and I try not to back away but it doesn’t escape me, that scent. The scent of the Paulownia wood. I -liked- that smell. “Well I did buy some carp but I thought it might be better if we just get around town today. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out and I do need an escort.”
“Do you not go out with Morinosuke or Kurosawa-sama?” I ask.
“Oh no no. They are much busy men.” She laughs, “You know that. Besides you should take your wife out some time and get her in a good mood once in a while.”
“Tokio about that…”
Suddenly she moves across the room, “Do you see this Goro?” She points at an elaborate Ikebana arrangement. “I made this to welcome you home.”
I tilt my head. Home?
“I hope the -head- of the Fujita house likes his present.”
I grit my teeth a little. Of course, it doesn’t escape me that she’s used the term “head”. “Of course Tokio. It’s very beautiful.”
“Now please let’s you and I have a good meal outside, just like other couples in Aizu. If we can get through a meal together, then maybe you can bring me back here and we can get back to dealing with -your- business ne?” She says almost in a sing song voice.
I’m sure she’s up to something. But what precisely? Aside from making sure the town of Aizu sees us together… Perhaps she just wants to silence the rumors on why she’s now alone in this old town. Do I want to go along with it? It certainly seems like a small price to pay to finally get what I want.
Closing the distance between us, I take her hand. “Now where in Old Aizu do you want to dine Princess?” She beams at this. Of course I know to call her that when she wears an obvious perfume named after it – the Princess Tree – the Paulownia Wood.
“Goro! You remembered!” She giggles like a child. “It’s too bad you didn’t wear your uniform. I still have the medal you won during the Seinan war. The Order of the Blue Paulownia.”
I almost frowned at this but I caught myself. The Seinan war was a war of attrition and for all the wrong reasons. This time the Aizu clan won it for the Meiji government – how foolish is that?
“Let’s have a good lunch.” I smile closing my eyes as we exit the house, the maid locks the gate behind us.
(OOC: Any character can spot them, follow them or what if you like. Tokio is taking them around town, really more like parading him around town and eventually will end up in a restaurant in the middle of town. At this point Saitou is not going to catch anyone. Tokio will keep him pretty distracted. Will post more later.)
(Shintani Kenkichi)
The leads have gone cold…
I mean, I’m here for the boss’s assignment, but I’m waiting on those court records. I wasn’t stupid enough to approach the house of the wife/widow, but I was asking around at the neighbors, but no luck. One household was in uproar as the niece of the household was expecting some visitor… so the maids there had no time for profitable gossip.
And the leads for the mistress have gone cold. Her and the older boy, it’s like they disappeared. Rumors seem to swing in either the new man or all the way to the suicide option. But the boy? There seems to be little concern for him.
I’m rounding a corner and … well, I didn’t believe that anyone could look like the weird drawing the boss made but yeah… I duck back to where I came and let him and a -very- pretty lady pass. Shit, that is him, isn’t it? The Saitou-san that the boss’s sister is wrapped up in…. can’t mistake that hair.
Should I tail him? The boss said under no circumstances, that this man is a -very- skilled officer in the TMPD and before that…. he said that Saitou-san’s not to get wind of anything we’re doing.
But I do follow, a block or two behind. He’s tall, and the woman… well, she’s a stunner, but dressed a little too fancy for a fall afternoon. And just chatting away… it seems that other people notice her, too.
I’ll give it a bit longer. I need to see what I can find around the office of the attorney, but given that it’s mid-day Saturday he still may be there. I can kill some time. And maybe this will help whatever the boss is working on. It’s hard to tell if this Saitou-san wants to be with the woman… but look at her!
I shake my head. Business. And it could be this pretty lady is all too willing to take the boss’s nieces away.
(OOC – Shintani will follow for a bit. He’s keeping his distance.)
She ended up dragging me close to the former castle grounds. I look up at the former castle, the keep gone with only a torn down watch tower remain – amazing that it’s the only signs that so much fighting and lives were lost here.
“I’m glad you remember.” Tokio looks up at me, “Don’t ever forget what they did to the people of Aizu.”
I simply nod.
“There’s this new establishment Rinkaku that I want to visit.” She looks on, “Only couples are allowed inside so although it’s an odd time – I want to try it.”
“Of course Tokio.”
She places an arm around me and I feel odd, like it -stings-. It’s not like this is the first time we’ve walked around like this, but that I haven’t spent enough time walking with Hide around like this. Her arm on mine and instead it’s this woman, no rather, the other mother to my children. Still your wife.
“Well Good Day Mr and Mrs. Fujita!”
I turn slightly. I know that voice.
“Well if it isn’t Yamakawa-sama!” Tokio squeezes my arm. “I’m surprised to see you in Aizu.”
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen him and right behind him is Morinosuke. What is Morinosuke doing with the former Aizu Karo? The governor who essentially replaced the Daimyo in Aizu’s administration?
“I’m only here for a week. I finally took a vacation from the army.” He looks us over. “I’m so glad to see you two are doing so well. I’m surprised both of you are in Aizu are you also on vacation?”
Morinosuke keeps quiet and glares at me. Then his eyes go to his sister, slightly narrowing.
“Well you see…” It seems he is oblivious to our situation, of course he sponsored our marriage so I start to tell him. It’s no longer what he thinks.
“Goro is doing so well in the TMPD, that he -suggested- that instead of teaching in Tokyo that I should find a way to be useful to Aizu instead.” She squeezes my arm again and looks up at me with a very beguiling smile. “Isn’t that right Goro?”
“She’s decided she wanted to be closer to family.” I simply say.
“How is my god child Tsutomu? He’s approaching that age now isn’t he?” He grins at me.
“He’s still in Tokyo studying, finishing up his last year.” Tokio interjects.
“Ah so how does that work? I know Goro here is usually sent out in the field for weeks on end.”
“They have a maid in Tokyo who takes cares of their needs.” Morinosuke interjects and I try not to glare at him.
“That’s good.” Then he looks at Tokio, “I’ve not spoken to Takamine-san in a while. I’m sure he was rather sad to hear the news of your departure but very proud that you’d come back here to Aizu to rebuild. Some of us have to.”
“Of course Yamakawa-sama.” She beams so proudly and yet, I do wonder. What has she been doing in Aizu really?
“As for you Goro. We should once in a while visit in Tokyo. I’d be delighted to see Tsutomu and talk about his future.” He grins and pats my shoulder, “And yours as well.”
(OOC: Below happens concurrently as the scene with Yamakawa)
“Thanks for coming with me Mariko-chan. I wouldn’t know a good place to buy these lacquer bowls.”
“Well it’s very rare that Ueda-sama would want such nice quality.” She looks thoughtful, “I thought he lived simply and besides he wouldn’t be able to see the art inside? So who is that for?”
“Oh.” I hesitate to tell her, “It’s for a lady friend of his.”
“Oh that pervert!” She laughs.
“Mariko!” I shush her. “That’s very disrespectful.”
“Well there was talk back then when he had all you girls living in his house.” She snickers but then stops in her tracks and pulls me over.
“What’s…?”
“Don’t look now but it’s -her-.” She points across the street while we’re behind some wooden boxes.
“She certainly is dressed to the nines.” Mariko tells me. “That’s the flower of Aizu, Tokio-sama.”
“Tokio-sama alright.” I seethe at that.
“I heard she was a lady in waiting to the Teruhime.” She frowns, “And she’s married to some high flying Police man in Tokyo – an Aizu man at that!”
“Shush! That person beside her -is- that man.”
“Oh really?” She peers back out. “Wow. They do look quite the pair. I guess the rumors are true – Oi do you know that it’s said he abandoned his pregnant wife in Gonohe for her?”
I breathe in deeply. I thought he was here to settle his business and finally make true to Yagi-san? He’s doing it again isn’t he!!! I throw the bowls to the dirt floor. “I’m going to tell them off! They have NO SHAME!!!”
“Akane! Akane!” She tries to grab my hand.
“Hold on there…” Suddenly I’m pulled back by very large hands. “Don’t go there without a plan and NOT knowing what’s happening.”
“Let go! Let go!” I almost shout but he puts a hand over my mouth slightly and the tears start swelling from my eyes.
“I know what you’re feeling right now Akane-chan.” He looks at me seriously, then sighs and slowly releases his hold on me. He shakes his head, “I don’t know what he -thinks- he’s doing.”
“I hate that woman and what about Yagi-san? They just had a new baby.”
“Oh?” Then he turns to Mariko who is just wide eyed at both of us. “Hey, you’re a friend of Akane’s right? Can you make sure she gets home and NOT come back here?”
Mariko slowly nods while he picks up the package of lacquer bowls from the ground.
“Thankfully these are pretty sturdy bowls Akane.” I don’t look up at him, “Please go home and just wait there. I’ll give him a good beating up if he’s up to no good.”
“Sagawa-sama…” Of everyone who was involved – only he seems to have turned a corner.
“Don’t worry Yaso was a friend of mine too even if I did let -that- happen.” He looks across the street where all those who ruined my onee-chan’s life stood in one place.
(OOC: This conversation is not heard across the street but is possibly closer to Shintani. Up to you if he hears this or not.)
(Shintani Kenkichi)
God these old Samurai families are -weird-.
I stay far enough away that I can’t hear what happens when Saitou-san and the woman meet up with some other people but I recognize one… it’s attorney Takagi – his picture was in the local paper.
But he looks like he wants to murder Saitou-san.
And if Saitou-san’s back gets any stiffer… while the woman clings to him.
But you can tell they’re all politeness and manners. Give me my old crowd in Yokohama anytime…
Then – some women were discussing the buying of lacquerware and then …
One woman is throwing a bowl and declaring her intent to confront the group Saitou-san is with. And she says Yagi-san – and the baby – so this woman knows the boss’s sister? Or at least of her? Why is she so angry?
Then a man comes by and restrains the woman. Who is Yaso?
I stay and keep “shopping” for lacquerware. If the man here does go after Saitou-san… well, what then am I supposed to do? Boss said to keep out of it. And now that I know that Takagi isn’t in his office maybe I could break in… but I’ll stay for another minute.
It’s wonderful that Yamakawa saw us! How fortunate! I’m sure Morinosuke will go along with it. After all, if he wasn’t he would’ve said something right then and there. I lead Goro towards the Rinkaku where I’ve already made a reservation.
“Welcome Mr. & Mrs. Fujita.” The staff bows to us and we’re led into an elaborate receiving room just off the entrance. There is a hanging scroll, that mention a poem on renewal vows.
“What are we doing here Tokio?” He finally lets me go. He hung on for a while didn’t he? He -always- did when I let him come close.
“Lunch.” I smile and lean in whispering, “Well more like a tea ceremony.”
I look up as the host comes, a Buddhist monk specifically. “Welcome to the Rinkaku. It must be a special occasion for you two, to relive your marriage vows by having reserved a tea ceremony room.”
“I’m very thankful and looking forward to it Bhikkhu-sama.” I bow and look at Goro to follow suit. I’m sure he remembers how to conduct himself in front of a Buddhist monk doesn’t he? Or has the wayward life that he led in Tokyo ruined him? But he does as I indicate and I see he’s not totally bereft of decorum. He’s graduated from being a mad dog or wolf as they say.
“Very well. If you can please follow me. I’ll lead you inside and we can start the ceremony.”
“I need to get inside!”
I look at Goro, wondering what the ruckus is just outside the receiving room.
“Please sir. Our establishment is a sanctuary and we need you to keep your voice down.”
“Well let me inside and I will keep my voice down.”
“Sir! Please calm down or you’ll scare our patrons.”
I look at Goro and frown deeply. No one can forget that loud annoying voice. Always so uncouth. That friend of his Kanbee.
“I’m very sorry for the disturbance Fujita-san but if you’ll just follow me – I can get you into a much quieter room.” The monk insists.
“Tokio, why don’t you go on ahead and I’ll take care of the unwanted visitor.” He smiles at me. Ah, he must want this too if he’s willing to get rid of Kanbee right now.
I bow to him politely, greatfully and agree to go with the Monk inside.
“He’s from the Police in Tokyo, so you can count that my husband will make sure that ruffian outside doesn’t bother you again.”
“Thank you Fujita-san.”
I look around the entrance and see that he’s at least not made too much of a mess. Just a bunch of the women staff trying to restrain him from further entering the establishment.
“Let him go.” I tell them. “He’s looking for me.”
Kanbee stops to struggle and so did the women ganging up on him. I look at my old friend, all red in the face and take him by the arm outside – straight to the alley beside the building.
“What are you doing here Kanbee?”
“I should ask you that myself!”
I sigh and finally let out that breath that I’ve been holding since this morning. I reach into my pockets and pull out a cigarette that Hide gave me and light up.
“Careful your monster of a wife might smell you.”
I shrug. It’s only been a few hours and I’m already exhausted.
“What are you doing here?” I ask him again.
“Akane saw you earlier. I told the girl if you were up to no good I’d beat you up.”
I can’t help snort. “It would do you people well not to get involved in my business.”
“You never do learn do you? If you’re planning to get back with that woman…”
I shrug. “I need something from her.”
“What could you possibly want from that deranged woman?”
I look at him. Tokio was unstable. Deranged? Maybe but… “Careful Kanbee – she’s still the mother of my sons.”
“I know.” He sits down on one of the boxes, “But this is dangerous Goro. You give an inch to that woman and she will ruin you… -Again-.”
I throw him a disdainful look. Of course he knows. “My daughters cannot be illegitimate forever.”
“You control the house. You don’t need to do any of this.”
“But Kanbee, I’m still hoping we can eventually work this out without making a mess of it like before.”
“Not like this Goro. You’re parading around town like she’s still your wife and coming -here-. You do understand what happens inside do you?”
“Ahou… Of course I do.”
“How are you going to tell Tokio that you need to be free? To finally marry the woman you want to be with now?”
Looking away I take a longer drag on the cigarette, “I’ve decided I won’t ask. For now it’s enough to get her to agree to have Ai and Makoto in the Fujita house.”
“What?! Goro… What are you leading at?”
I shrug. Nothing I suppose. Perhaps I should tell him, I’m going for the low hanging fruit? A sure win? Rather than go back to Hide with -nothing- and surrender my girls to her brother.
“Look.” I glare at Kanbee, “Don’t get in the way. If my children doesn’t become part of the Fujita house, I will -never- forgive you.”
“I should take offense to that, you said something similar to me back then.” Kanbee stands up. “You shouldn’t have come here by yourself. You could never handle her. You think a stupid renewal tea ceremony would be all that it takes? You’ll regret you didn’t listen to me.”
He spits on the ground. “Damn it! You never listen to me!!” I watch him leave. Closing my eyes I smoke some more before going back inside to go through the motions of the ceremony and whatever else Tokio wants.
(OOC: there can be a witness or not. Saitou speaks low but not our Kanbee. Once Saitou goes inside there will be nothing to see. I will move them to a new thread for the afternoon/evening scene.)
(Shintani Kenkichi)
So a tea house? Saitou-san in the alley talks quietly, but not the big guy.
A marriage rewenal? Oh -shit- the boss is going to -flip-. His sister is going to be on the wrong side -forever-. He said something about making the kids part of the house too – this is going exactly like it shouldn’t.
I think of my Ma. Always listening to -promises- from men like this one. Did any of them – including my father – have anyone who tried to talk sense into them? Did they just do what they wanted, leaving my Ma to keep waiting?
There’s one thing a former street rat from Yokohama knows how to do – besides pick pockets. It’s setting fires. It’s a useful distraction, and the import agents and merchants are always willing to pay someone to do their dirty work for them. Yukuza get too messy, but street kids? We asked for so little…
I’m not stupid to burn down the actual tea house… but I rip some pages from my notebook and take out some matches. The brochure on the train said that the teahouse had only recently been moved here so it’s not some nice, settled garden. There’s still debris laying around in little piles.
I start a -good- fire there – one that will smoke a lot and get attention, and it is getting to some of the other leftovers – why were they so lazy in cleaning up? Then I pick up a piece of lumber, which is going good now. I go by the entrance.
“Takagi! We see you! Justice for Nakae Aimi!” I’m not sure why I go with that… but I can’t shake her story. But it works, as some of the attendants come out from inside. Other people nearby start murmuring – another person calls out her name, then another calls out a jeer to Takagi, and others run for the fire, others, out the gate. I drop the wood, and run out of the gate.
“Fire! Fire at Rinkaku!” I hear people calling out, and people rushing away, and some towards… it’s a good time to escape. Saitou-san shouldn’t be able to catch up, should he?
I stashed my stuff a few blocks away. Not done yet, it’s time for another ruse… I dart into an alley. I might just have to send a telegram after all. Arg. Some -investigator- I’m turning out to be. I’m letting two women I’ve never met get me all involved in this samurai family nonsense.
(OOC – Shintani is near the the tea ceremony room. He’s keeping an eye out for Saitou or the police but not anyone else)
Hajime: I smell smoke and I stand up from being seated in Seiza. The tea now forgotten. I rush to a window overlooking the garden and I see a fire. Still far from the building but…
“Takagi! We see you! Justice for Nakae Aimi!”
Who is that? I watch as a smaller man makes a run for it and I’m just about to jump out the window when, I feel a tug.
“Goro! Goro! Get me out of here!” I look back at Tokio. Her eyes wide but I scan out the window again and the man who likely set the fire is nowhere to be seen and quickly the staff forms a line outside and started passing buckets. It’s not a large fire…
“Let’s go.” I tell her and look at the tea that’s set out… And thankful that the camera session that she had also requested is now being postponed or rather cancelled. “I’ll get you back into the house and then I’ll investigate out here.”
“NO. Just please take me to the house and stay with me there.” I’m surprised. It’s been many years since she’s clung to me like this. Usually it’s her running away. But that’s too late. I shouldn’t even be here -anymore-.
“I’ll take you to Kurosawa’s.”
(OOC: Saitou and Tokio leaves for Kurosawa’s house.)
Kanbee:
“Fire! Fire at Rinkaku!”
What? Did that idiot set the building on fire? I run back to the area and see that the fire is towards the other end of the garden away from the building.
A distraction then? Maybe he set it himself?
But I see a young man scampering away after shouting something Nakae Aimi. I’ve heard of her but what does she have to do with the Takagis? I run after him. Whenever I hear the name Takagi, it only means trouble for us old Gonohe residents.
“You!” I run as fast as I can and catch him in one of the alleys a couple of blocks away from the teahouse. Gripping him by the neck I push him against a wooden wall. “Who are you and what do you have against the Takagi?”
I’m running and then a -force- pulls me by the neck. I’m slammed against a wall.
Who are you and what do you have against the Takagi?
I wriggle slightly. I can’t breathe much less talk…
“Put me down, man. I won’t run if you actually let me breathe.” He’s bigger than me and unlike a lot of big guys, fast. And he’s not young, either. “Sounded like you have something against them too, back there in the alley.” Or at least is smarter than that Saitou-san, walking into what sounded like a trap.
Kanbee:
“Sounded like you have something against them too, back there in the alley.”
I’m stunned. He’s been watching us.
I turn him to face me but don’t let go of my grip. I grin at him.
“You’re quite the little runt aren’t you and you don’t sound like you’re from this region.” I push again against the wall. “Now talk or I can take you with me to the police station and you know us Aizu folk, we -know- how to work -together-.”
Ugh, so he’s the sort that’s jovial.
Now talk or I can take you with me to the police station and you know us Aizu folk, we -know- how to work -together
“I see… I saw you work together to keep your womenfolk from attacking each other? That Akane-san seemed to carry a grudge, and the only working together I saw was you restraining her. And it didn’t seem like you were doing it for the benefit of the Takagi party – after all you called his sister deranged.”
I look up at him, keeping my tone light. He’s strong but there’s a bit of a tremor in the arm that’s holding me in place. These old samurai really let themselves get torn up, don’t they?
“I think we’re on the same side.” I grin slightly.
“So you`re after Morinosuke?”
I scoff a little. I don`t care much for that brother`s of her neither but this boy is a total stranger spying on us. Besides Akane needed help, there`s no point letting her fight a battle she can no longer win. Hell even I couldn`t reach the idiot!
He tells me we`re on the same side and grins. I match his with a smirk. “I get to decide that, not you. Now start talking or we might not end up as good friends after all.”
“So you`re after Morinosuke?
“It turns out that I have several people of interest, but I’m here primarily to investigate a case he’s been involved with,” I say.
I get to decide that, not you. Now start talking or we might not end up as good friends after all.
“I’m here on behalf of a brother who doesn’t want his nieces torn from their mother like Nakae-san’s were.” I look him over. “But your friend doesn’t seem to be aware of what Takagi has been up to, and that he could be putting his children with Yagi-san in danger.”
“Now can I get down before your arm gives out?”
“Now can I get down before your arm gives out?”
I put him down but don’t let him go, -go-.
“Who is this brother? I assume you’re speaking about Yagi Hide.” I frown and look him up and down, “No trust is lost I guess between Goro and his brother-in-laws.” I laugh sarcastically. “He has bad luck with brother in laws just like that Morinosuke.”
“And what danger are you speaking about?” Sure I don’t like Morinosuke-kun but as far as I know he’s not the sort to get himself involved in shady matters. Surely not putting Goro’s children in danger.
No trust is lost I guess between Goro and his brother-in-laws. He has bad luck with brother in laws just like that Morinosuke.
I shake my head. “My boss sent me here because he’s a lawyer, too, and read about the case where a mistress’s children were claimed by her lover’s widow because they were on the registry – with Takagi representing the widow. In the legal papers, Takagi bragged about wanting to try it on a case where the father was still living. Just to investigate and get court records – I recognized Saitou-san from a picture the boss drew and followed.” I shrug. “Not a part of my mission, as it were – I was told to stay away from him but I got curious.” Yeah. I’ll call it that.
nd what danger are you speaking about?
“So the danger is yes, the daughters of Yagi Hide could be claimed by Fujita Tokio on the grounds of ‘lax morality’.” I stretch my neck a bit, it’s been a while since I was pinned up like that. “But maybe you don’t see that as danger? But you were full of warnings yourself, earlier.”
“So your mission is to get more information as to Morinosuke’s true motives? And you claim spying on us or rather -him- is not a part of your mission.” I laugh, it’s a rather ridiculous proposition. “Boy it is part of your mission. I’m sure you’ll be going back to your boss with all the information.”
I’m still close enough to him to slam him back to the wall.
“And as for who can claim who. I will tell you right now, that’s probably the last thing that deranged woman would want to do. Claim the daughters of his mistress.” He stretches his neck and I don’t like that cocky attitude of his but I’m not about to let Goro blame me in case what he says -is- true. “Now you know Goro would never believe me. You saw back there.” I nod my head to the direction of the teahouse. “But maybe you can tell that to him yourself.”
Boy it is part of your mission. I’m sure you’ll be going back to your boss with all the information.
“When people get into near-fights in the marketplace – or have -loud- private conversations in alleys,” I shrug, “it can’t help but become part of the mission.”
“I want to help the boss.” I look away. “He helped me. If this remarriage thing is not part of the picture… I guess that’s between his sister and Saitou-san. I’m here for the kids.” After all, aside from Ma, nobody looked out for me. Although my neglect is preferable to being wanted for the wrong reasons, I suppose.
I will tell you right now, that’s probably the last thing that deranged woman would want to do. Claim the daughters of his mistress.
“-Maybe-. But deranged people don’t act in the way you expect them too. And even if she doesn’t -want- them, it’s leverage. Or just a way to extract punishment – after all, that women only took the youngest into the family, the oldest girl was sent out to be an unpaid servant.” I look at him. “My boss tried to think like you too, but he wants to be prepared for the worst.”
But maybe you can tell that to him yourself
“Before he registers any children, he should know what sort of legal breakthroughs his brother-in-law has been up to.” He seems a bit put out that his friend wouldn’t listen to him, but I guess Saitou-san is a stubborn man. “It’s in the papers, and Takagi seems proud that he helps people steal children.”
I’m here for the kids.”
“Well since you are and you don’t seem to have the balls to face him.” I still hold him by the neck, “We’re going to wait for him to return to Ueda-sama.”
he should know what sort of legal breakthroughs his brother-in-law has been up to.”“It’s in the papers, and Takagi seems proud that he helps people steal children.”
“Aizu people are not as bad you think.” I tell him as I carry him out of the alley. “That Morinosuke has children himself. Three daughters in fact so if all you have are information from the papers, that may or may not be true. For all I know it could be posturing.”
I sigh and cross the street with this man still in my arm. “But I don’t want Goro to lose his children and he wont’ believe me so. And you won’t tell me your name.. Nor of that brother in law..” I grin, “He’ll just have to beat it out of you.”
(OOC: Shintani can try to get away and that’s fine. Kanbee is at his limit. Or if not then there’s a thread waiting for them at night. End here for Kanbee)
Well since you are and you don’t seem to have the balls to face him. We’re going to wait for him to return to Ueda-sama.
Oh geez… the boss is going to kill me. Of course, he may not actually show up to where this man thinks he will. Maybe he’s off having a wedding night with the new-old wife, after all…
Aizu people are not as bad you think. That Morinosuke has children himself. Three daughters in fact so if all you have are information from the papers, that may or may not be true. For all I know it could be posturing.
“I’ve been investigating. Talking to people, not just reading the papers. Any idiot could just do -that-. And he may be a nice family man, but he got himself involved in a nasty case. Nasty enough that it was a good cover for my distraction this afternoon.”
I really don’t appreciate being carried about like a sack of rice.
And you won’t tell me your name.. Nor of that brother in law.. He’ll just have to beat it out of you.”
I roll my eyes. Real joker, this one. “It’s not like I know your name either.” But… I guess we are on the same side. Not that I was supposed to have a side. This is why a man -keeps to himself-.
(OOC – he goes along with Kanbee, lol. Close)