Bodyguard work?EUR?
I narrow my eyes as I dragged on the cigarette. Looking around I see a few people trying to stay as far as possible from the smoke coming from my tobacco. I suppose it is rather rude of me to smoke inside this cabin. For a moment I consider throwing the rest away but decide not to. Cigarettes are expensive and I?EUR(TM)m just about ready to pummel someone in place of Kawaji.
Bodyguard work?EUR?
And it?EUR(TM)s not even a politician he told me when I asked if it is something deeper?EUR?. If I was going to go back into being a spy. A flat out ?EURoeno?EUR? was his answer, ?EURoeJust keep her alive.?EUR? I shake my head and puffed continuously, while tapping my fingers on the window sill. A woman?EUR? I?EUR(TM)ve had enough trouble with them the past few years, I even chose to leave my wife for such reasons, although it?EUR(TM)s been so long and quite a few that I don?EUR(TM)t remember exactly what the circumstances were that I moved out of the house. I feel like the past years everything was just blank, indulging in petty vices to move the time when I wasn?EUR(TM)t working.
Finally the train pulls up the platform and I make my way out. Kyoto, how this place takes me back?EUR? How I hate it and yet how I know how important it is. Walking down the streets I feel like a ghost. I wonder if spirits will suddenly appear here?EUR? Or vengeful ones at least?EUR? As I pass by the bridge I look over to one side, by the end of the bridge right at that corner I spilled someone?EUR(TM)s blood. Funny I never gave it a second thought until now.
It is a long walk to the Kyoto Police Department I notice, perhaps I should?EUR(TM)ve taken a carriage?EUR? Suddenly I feel myself smirking as I listen to the little oni inside my head.
Is it that? Or are you just growing old Fujita-san?
I am not old ?EUR“yet-, I reply back to it.
The Precinct comes into view and without the least hint of hesitation I go inside. I want to give Kawaji a piece of mind in ?EUR“person-. That?EUR(TM)s the only reason why I?EUR(TM)m here in Kyoto after all. I?EUR(TM)ll be damned if I take on that stupid assignment?EUR?
Bodyguard work?EUR? For a woman?EUR? An unnamed one?EUR? Why couldn?EUR(TM)t he just pick one of the local recruits for this? It is so damn obvious why?EUR? He?EUR(TM)s trying to keep me busy and out of his hair?EUR?
June 1, 1885 – In Kyoto
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I was just about to go to lunch when a rather tall man came barging into the lobby declaring he is to speak with the Police Commissioner. He’s dressed in uniform so perhaps he is the one Kawaji-san had assigned. Why he just came now is beyond me… But I did receive warning from Kawaji-san on how to approach this man.
Kawaji might think he is one of the best but I do not like his mannerisms at all. Coming in here like he owned the place.
“He’s left already this morning.” I tell him head on, “Are you Capt. Fujita?”
There’s no need to exchange pleasantries… Why did Kawaji-san pick such a man… I wonder if he’ll be of any use.
“Yes I am…”
I look around once… If he’s not here then it’s time for me to leave. From the looks of his uniform he is the Chief of Police in Kyoto, the bars on his shoulder indicate that. A short, stout man but probably quite powerful. Although he does look… Quite… Ah I shouldn’t think like this.
“I’ll take my leave then.” Showing him my back I head for the door. I used to know quite a few officers here, but six years is a long time… A change in the Chief usually meant changes in personnel as well.
“Matte!” I reach out my hand. “Wait Fujita-san. You have an assignment here!”
What the hell is wrong with this man? I can feel a sweatdrop coming on, but I need to believe Kawaji… If he can put up with a man like this Fujita…
I ran to the door blocking his exit.
“I need to brief you on the case Fujita-san.” I indicate my office, “Please follow me in there.”
I’m not letting him get away this easily…
I sigh and look at the watch towards the left. A long time ago I wanted a watch, I found them quite fascinating. Since it’s not another few hours before the train leaves for Tokyo, I might as well hear what this man has to say.
Maybe I can use it later… Hang it over Kawaji’s head so to speak.
Grinning I humor him and step towards his office.
Just like a few days ago I hand Fujita-san the file of Asuka Saya and re-counted the events surrounding her need for protection. I’ve not known her since I have been busy and in terms of Keishikan appointment, I am still relatively new to Kyoto. My predecessor was a commendable man but he had wanted to retire. Most of the others followed suit which is why only the younger of the staff is left, but they are a good lot.
“Asuka Saya, is one of the first few women enlisted in the Keishikan. She has an injury and cannot protect herself well, however because of her ties in Shimabara we found that using her to go underground was an effective method to get to know who among the Yakuza are left.”
I frown.
“You probably know already Fujita-san that gambling and prostitution is big problem in Kyoto now. If we crack this case, the results could be surprising. She is to testify once we get enough incriminating evidence on the mastermind of these illegal activities.”
I’ll tell him nothing else, not until we know for sure. A scandal could result if we are wrong and the less people who know the better.
Tossing the file on his table, I look back at the Chief of Police. Why he thinks I cannot deduce what this meant burns the hell out of me. But I keep my thoughts to my self. Just briefly nodding here and there. Of course once again, this proves that there are still those corrupt in power… There always will be and there is a need for the likes of myself.
Saya… An old friend of mine whom I helped get a position here in the Keishikan so she can avoid the hell holes of Shimabara. To say that I’m annoyed is an understatement. It would seem that when Kagawa-san retired, this ahou thought he could use her… I look down not meeting his eyes. I am angry…
I close my eyes and think for a long moment. There was a reason aside from keeping her here safe… It was for the mutual benefit of the Keishikan and a direction for her life… Yes that’s what it was. Finally my head clears and I’m more calmer.
“I’ll take it. Where are you keeping her now?” I look back.
(OOC: This post is related to this
He’ll take it? I’m a bit surprised… I thought that he’d be a bit more difficult as I heard him and Kawaji-san arguing on the phone a few days ago. And why he’s not pushing for me to reveal more… This is puzzling.
I smile and give him my address.
“She’s safe there for now.”
It’s my house of course. The safest place I could think of.
“Give them a visit tonight so she can be ready. Just tell them Toshio sent you.”
Chuckling I take the address from him and look it over.
“I suggest next time good sir, that you re-consider where you keep your “witnesses”. Your own house is probably not the best place.”
I can’t help but shake my head. I am now less annoyed with him, only because… I gesture like that meant that he did -try- to think about the welfare of his men… or woman for this matter.
“Please tell her I shall come for her in a few days. I have to get a few things in order first.”
A hideout… Away from here… Away from the metropolis…
What the hell???
“How did you?”
From what I can remember I didn’t even introduce myself…
Lighting up a cigarette I head for the door.
“I have one of those…” I indicate the bronze plaque on his desk.
Toshio Kuroda
Grinning, I head out. He knows what to do and pleasantries were never my forte. There’s still quite a few hours. Now -how- to spend them… But first some soba… There was that nice one near the Yagi’s. I’ll have to think of a place after all and thinking on an empty stomach never worked well for me.
Closing the door, I laugh. I still don’t know how -good- he is… But it was my blunder on having my name plastered there. But I like my name… It took hard work to get it on that bronze plate.
(OOC: ends thread)