Old Grudges, New Troubles

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1. I asked Kano to come to a lonely part of Yoshiwara where we could be “alone” I told him. Upstairs is a room but I’m spending tonight at the lower floor of the izakaya where’s there’s a small slew of people drinking. I’ll get him alone soon enough but not tonight.
   “Saitou-san!” He smiles and I wave him to sit by me.
   “Let’s drink Kano.” I pour for him and he happily accepts. I even give him some grilled squid because I hated it.
   We drink some more and he looks around, “Why all the way here Saitou-san?”
   I shrug. “I’ve had enough of too much company.”
   He smiles, “So does that mean…” He takes a bite of the squid and winks at me, “You like my company?”
   “Direct aren’t you?” I smile, “Why yes. Compared to your “new friends” lately.”
   “Ah about that,” He reaches and touches my arm and squeezes it, “Don’t worry about that ne? Suzuki-san is always a hothead and gets ideas in his head.”
   “I never really did like -him-.” I say in quiet voice. He was always on to me even when Ito was alive. He would oppose my joining of the group although I must say he either had good instincts or were very astute as to what was happening.
   I pour him more sake, “Now that we’re all supposed to be working together, isn’t there a way to make peace with the guy?”
   He waves his hand, “That guy? Saitou-san,” He pats my arm again, “Like I said, he’s a hot head and always plotting. Why just the other day I told him about that woman Yagi Hide who I met randomly in Tokyo and all he could go on and on about was that Gennojou needed to be licked.” He shakes his head and rolled his eyes. “Sure I was annoyed at the woman for being so -rude- to me and feeling so self-important with that -bump- on her stomach, but he…” He takes a swig of his sake.
   “He what?” I ask quietly my demeanor somewhat changing.
   “You’re like him sometimes you know?” He looks at me, “He’s got that same look you’re sporting right now.”
   I smile and close my eyes, catching myself, “Sorry I can’t help it, it’s my face. I was born with it.”
   “Now that’s more like it Saitou-san,” He smiles and starts eating the squid.
   “So what was it about Gennoujo?”
   “Well obviously he’s dead.” He leans in, “But Mikisaburo had Shinohara go to that medical building this morning and threatened the head nurse to reveal the whereabouts of his daughter. He said someone had to pay and it doesn’t matter if it’s his children or his children’s children. Better both.”
   I swallow, my blood running cold. “So did he find out?
   Kano shakes his head, “Only found out the name of the doctor. Apparently some policeman refused to keep records there so we’ll be following that doctor on his house visit. He threatened that nurse of course. She won’t be talking.” He grins smugly, “Imagine even up to today expecting special treatment. Those bakufu servants really expect things to be handed to them in a silver platter.”
   “Maa…” I look away, “Too small a fry for me to waste my time in.”
   He laughs, “Well I was curious why the woman is here in Tokyo and I’d rather be doing something else.” He reaches out and suggestively toys with the edges of my sleeve.
   “Let’s walk back.” I stand up, “I don’t want you getting in trouble if they thought we stayed out too late.” I can’t kill him tonight. Not yet.
   “Oh Saitou-san, I wouldn’t mind getting -into- trouble for you.”
   I grin and and leave some money on the table. “Soon Kano. We’ll have our time.” And then I will kill you for putting them in danger.

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