They leave and it takes me a moment to put my head in the right place. I rub my eyes a bit and take a few deep breaths.
It’ll never be the same again. And I’m -not- okay with that. However, I’d be more of a fool to go after it again when the truth is right in front on me. No more living with my eyes closed. I’ve lived too long in the clouds and looking at that blue sky. I belong in the shadows just as fate had planned.
Standing up I pull the edges of my uniform to smoothen it out. And in the reflection by the window, I notice that my hair is a bit disheveled. It must be from my newly formed habit of running my hands through it. I fix that too before knocking on Uramura’s door.
“Uramura-san, may I come in?” I call him with the honorific that his office deserves, but I only do it as I’m delivering to him unpleasant news.
The door opens. “Ah Fujita-san. I’m a little tied up but if it’s quick.” He motions to the man sitting by his desk. Immediately I recognize him and thankfully I have enough wits about not to just pounce on him here and beat the crap out of him. I’m not in a very good mood.
“Ah” I smile and go step inside his office though I’m not invited. I want to know what these two are up to and why is Uramura speaking to him…
“I apologize for interrupting.” I say to Uramura but more pointedly to his “guest”. This man doesn’t know of me. Nor would he recognize me from that night in Kato’s estate, after all both the Itachi and I were in disguise and there was a lot of smoke then. I should be safe.
(OOC: I’m assuming you wanted to RP Miyagawa. I’ll write in Uramura and you can also write him if needed.)
(Miyagawa)
I’m surprised that Uramura doesn’t introduce me, AND that the rather shabby-looking officer who just barges in his office doesn’t recognize me either! But given the quality of the men the TMPD settles for… who’s just staring at me!
I apologize for interrupting
I don’t stand. “Assistant Deputy Interior Minister, Miyagawa Kichirou,” I introduce myself, giving Uramura a -look-. Kawaji’s men, never showing proper respect… I suppress a sigh. “And yes, I was asking Chief Uramura a favor – I need to borrow a member of the TMPD with unique skills.” I tell them both. Perhaps this man can go and -fetch- her.
Saitou:
The degenerate doesn’t hide his annoyance as he introduces himself. Typical for a man like him who is too big for his breeches.
“Miyagawa-san Kichirou? Ah! You’re the son of Mikio the Elder. A prominent statement from the Tosa region.” I go to his front and give him a proper bow, “Forgive me sir. If I can be of assistance.”
But then Uramura gets in between us. “Ah Fujita-san that’s not necessary.”
I bow again slightly and perch myself to the nearest window pretending to wait my turn.
“Now Miyagawa-san, what favor can my office afford you today? ” Uramura asks.
I look out the window pretending not to pay attention to them. But certainly, what favor are you looking for Kichirou… and at a time like this.
I’m pleased as the officer seems to understand who I am! I nod in a genial fashion. “Yes, the loss of my father is a loss for Japan, he died so early… If I can provide even a fraction of his promise…” I look away, to the middle distance, as if lost in thought. “I wish to honor his legacy, no matter how it burdens me.”
Uramura-san calls him Fujita. Where did I hear that name? Ah, well, I know many people. No… wait… is he the dirty cop Mama-sama said that approached her son? But she also said he was babbling on about being visited by the ghost of Saitou Hajime. Really, that Shinsengumi obsession would be his downfall… and it was!
Now Miyagawa-san, what favor can my office afford you today?
“Ah, well, I came because it is a tricky situation, and a bit of an embarrassment for our team,” I kindly include Uramura on the “team” even though Kawaji is very, very -independent-. “We are liaising with the Foreign Ministry to support an American trade and diplomatic delegation, and it turns out that some of the Americans brought their wives.” I chuckle at that, what nonsense those Americans endure from their women. Coming on an overseas trip? “They feel uncomfortable with male translators and guides, and have asked if we have a woman who can be of assistance.” I chuckle again. “Ah, the -idea- of such a thing, of a Japanese women rotted with that sort of knowledge… but then I was told that you had recently hired a woman translator.”
I look back at the Fujita man, who has strangely remained in the room, but no matter. “Could we borrow her for the duration? I’m certain you have need of her, why else hire one?” I grin back at the man, “but I can’t imagine why you would hire a woman. She must not be the distracting sort, so she would suit the wives of the delegates well, I would think.”
Was she pretty? I barely looked at her as I was trying to capture the little minx… now only if I could find -her- again… ah, but business, first, I tell myself. I look at Uramura, trying not to be impatient. He can’t turn me down on this simple request, after all.
Uramura:
Why is Fujita-san lingering? But I can’t argue with him right now as I have a marginally important guest. So I turn my attention to Miyagawa-san in need of assistance. And as he starts to speak, it’s made clearer and clearer his intentions, but how did he know I’ve recently hired…
I can’t help but glance back at Fujita-san. It’s not a coincidence that he’s here. So he knows of her accepting the job already and his nose… I heard he was good but not this good or is this just coincidence?
“Ah I did hire such a woman and she recently started earlier this week.” I smile amicably to Miyagawa-san. “She’s only started and I’ve yet to find out if she’s truly competent.”
I hear a cough and look towards Fujita.
“Actually Uramura-san, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I was sent here by the Materials Department head to let you know that the woman has quit the job without much as providing a reason. She may not have been very good sir as her direct supervisor had complained about the quality of her work.”
That’s unlike Fujita-san, speaking to me like he’s my junior or a gopher of our clerical department. He must’ve had something to do with her leaving. But I thought they were over so why did he… But I can’t let Miyagawa-san know that there’s something amiss here.
I cough… “Well this is in fact embarrassing. Thank you Fujita-kun.” I address him as my junior as he’s certainly acting like it for now.
Then I turn to Miyagawa-san and bow, “Unfortunately as you heard, we just lost -another- translator. But you are very much right Miyagawa-san, Japanese women who have such knowledge is rare which is why I offered the job. But I suppose she was not skilled after all.”
Hopefully Fujita-san understands -why- I offered his former mistress the job, the logical reason though of course I felt sorry for the woman. Though it seems maybe Fujita-san hasn’t really made up his mind about Yagi-san and still wants to keep her.
“So as it stands we have no women interpreters at the moment.” Then I look at Fujita-san and propose to Miyagawa, “But I almost forgot, Fujita-kun here is one of the best English interpreters as he spent some time in England, though he is rather -dry- as company.” I chuckle a little, it feels good to take a jab at Fujita-san, even if I know he’ll pay me back later.
Ah I did hire such a woman and she recently started earlier this week. She’s only started and I’ve yet to find out if she’s truly competent.”
“Well, we’re going to need her soon,” I inform Uramura. But then that strange man coughs!
Actually Uramura-san, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I was sent here by the Materials Department head to let you know that the woman has quit the job without much as providing a reason. She may not have been very good sir as her direct supervisor had complained about the quality of her work.
I’m shocked – already? “Women are fickle creatures,” I muse. And this Fujita seems rather low-ranking, if he just carries messages around. Explains the lack of decoration on his uniform – rather plain.
Unfortunately as you heard, we just lost -another- translator. But you are very much right Miyagawa-san, Japanese women who have such knowledge is rare which is why I offered the job. But I suppose she was not skilled after all
“This is very distressing!” I say, shaking my head. I thought I had her captured -discreetly- where I could then present her to Mama-sama and get the old bitch off my back for -good-. “This is a very important mission – I cannot detail as to -why-, of course, but it is vital to our government. Perhaps you could give me her address and I could have her assessed by my staff? Perhaps she’s unsuited for office work – few women have the sense for things like that, I understand. It’s their nerves, so… delicate.” For some damned reason her address was redacted on the file. But Mama-sama said that she had been “playing” with some cop here, a younger man, so perhaps that’s why? Ah, Hayato-kun, what taste you have in women…
And then… he offers me this very junior (but old-looking) officer who has been making himself a strange presence in the room is offered up as a translator? I must look skeptical. “I was asked specifically to find a -woman- for the American wives’ comfort – this fellow, and meaning no offense, Fujita-kun, you have a very… intense face!” I chuckle. And his expression has only become -worse- since we’ve been talking!
But this is all nonsense. I need to get to that woman.
Saitou:
He’s after her but why? I thought I’d have to hunt this man down but I see it may not be as difficult to get to him as I initially thought. He acts distressed after I gave Uramura the bad news and just in time I think.
“This is a very important mission – I cannot detail as to -why-, of course, but it is vital to our government. Perhaps you could give me her address and I could have her assessed by my staff? Perhaps she’s unsuited for office work – few women have the sense for things like that, I understand. It’s their nerves, so… delicate.”
Important mission? He’s probably harboring that Mama-san -somehow-. I don’t say anything and let Uramura handle this one. I -know-, he knows that I will not forgive him if he puts her in danger. But Uramura is not incompetent, unlike the others here and that lapse in judgment in offering Hide a job here? It’s his softness, that unfortunately can be taken advantage of by others.
I was asked specifically to find a -woman- for the American wives’ comfort – this fellow, and meaning no offense, Fujita-kun, you have a very… intense face!”
I smile closing my eyes, first in front of Uramura and then this degenerate. “Ah I’m sorry sir but unfortunately this is the face I was born with. But just in case I maybe of service Miyagawa-san, please do let me know how I can reach you.”
Uramura:
Eventhough Fujita is smiling, I can feel the a sort of electricity coming out from him. It’s been said that former swordsmen has a certain energy and it takes another swordsman to know. I’ve left my sword for the bureaucracy that is the TMPD in service to the Meiji but I’m glad I still can sense it. Miyagawa seems clueless to it but he seems just another bureaucrat hanging on the coattails of his late father.
Perhaps she’s unsuited for office work – few women have the sense for things like that, I understand. It’s their nerves, so… delicate.”
“Perhaps Miyagawa-san.” I bow. “But unfortunately, this woman is under a witness protection program and we are not at liberty to release her address.”
In fact I recently reviewed her case myself (thank kami!) as part of her employment here and found out that one of the main suspects was released by the Osaka police as the son Hayato took all the blame. And not surprisingly his mother immediately disappears. If that was here in Central Tokyo we would never fall for such a -weak- testimony.
Either way that should satisfy both of them. “Well I’m sorry to we couldn’t assist you further Miyagawa-san. If things change and we are able to locate another woman interpreter, we’ll certainly let you know.”
(OOC: If Miyagawa decides to leave, Saitou will go escort him until he leaves the building.)
That Fujita-san… making a joke… but then I remember Hayato-kun’s description of the face of the cop. “Smiles with his eyes closed and a big dumb grin. Openly asked for a bribe! What the mighty TMPD has become!” We both had a laugh and a toast to that, the night before his ‘wedding’…
I’m annoyed at Uramura’s refusal to provide contact information! Just as closed-mouthed and stubborn as Kawaji. I frown. “I would think, sir, that our shared goals of the development of our nation are more important that -that-,” I say, dismissively. “Should you reconsider, sir… -or- find a suitable replacement…” I look over at Fujita-kun. “Perhaps he could work, if his manners are decent, I’ll let you know.” If he is the same man, and, even if low-ranking, he seems to be able to walk into a superior’s office without much formality. Perhaps he has access? Better than my current connections? He did seem to take some… disquiet to how Uramura spoke to him. And Hayato-kun said he took the money quickly. Greedy -and- resentful – those make the best moles!
I stand, taking my hat and cane (both in the newest but -modest- fashion from the West). “Thank you for your time, Uramura-san, even if you’re leaving me -rather- disappointed.” I go to leave.
Saitou:
“I would think, sir, that our shared goals of the development of our nation are more important that -that-,”
I’m glad Uramura doesn’t take the bait and courteously shows both of us the door. Development of a nation more important than its integrity? Ah but he is -corrupt- just like the others I’ve taken with my blade.
“Perhaps he could work, if his manners are decent, I’ll let you know.”
He leaves and I follow him until we step outside.
“Ah I couldn’t say anything there Miyagawa-san, but I -may- be able to help you on locating that woman. I’d do the job myself but as you said, my face is a scary one that only my mother loves.” I chuckle and lightly match his gait. “Would you be interested sir in that information? If so just give me your calling card and a “finder’s fee” and I’ll be -sure- to get what you need.”
And then some…
I remain disappointed and -underwhelmed- by this man of Kawaji’s – no drive, no ambition! Just small-minded men following -rules-… don’t they want more? Are they content with this? Tiresome, tiresome… not that those sort of men are competition for an ambitious man such as myself,
But then that Fujita man follows me out and speaks to me outside.
And makes an offer?
“Hmmm….” I put on a thoughtful look. This man must not be as stupid as that grin suggests, and if he’s the same cop who approached Hayato-kun in Osaka… perhaps he is of a similar type to myself! Ambitious, but stuck at the TMPD with paper-pushers and do-gooders. It wouldn’t be bad to have a man like him “inside”, for if he’s that close to Uramura… it’s only a step to Kawaji.
“It’s a lot of work, for a woman translator who perhaps -failed- out of the job,” I say. “Perhaps the Foreign Ministry can help find me someone else… but…” I grin at Fujita. “Can’t let them get one over on us, yes?” I chuckle. Rivalries between the cabinet departments are fierce in this new government!
“While your request is… extraordinary,” I say, taking out my card and scribbling on the back, handing it to him. “I don’t know you, Fujita-san, I’d like to take your measure first.” I make sure to speak more respectfully than Uramura did, he’ll probably be impressed that one such as I do so to him. “This is a place I spend many an evening. But ah… don’t come in uniform. Clean up a little, it’s for established gentlemen, after all.” As I put my pen up, I pull a bill out of my pocket. I’m not as obscenely wealthy as Hayato-kun is (or was?), but I have plenty to throw around on petty things like this, which I slip to him as I shake his hand. Perhaps he can spend that on something suitable. He will see the benefits of being connected to one such as I…
“I’ll be interested on how you can help. It’s good to meet a forward-thinking man.” I turn to leave and depart on my waiting carriage. I am a busy and important person, after all, but if I can get to that woman… ah, then I’ll be free to devote myself to taking down Kawaji.
(OOC – you may close. The money is equal to about $2-300 in today’s spending power. On the back of the card, is an address for a place named 肌色 (hadairo))
Saitou:
“Can’t let them get one over on us, yes?”
“No sir!” I put on a silly grin just for him. Only an idiot would be in awe of this man.
“I don’t know you, Fujita-san, I’d like to take your measure first.”
He hands me a card, one plainly showing his position and location in the Department of the Interior and scribbles an address “Haidaro”. Not a respectable place. I’m surprised how -sloppy- this man is.
I feign excitement in being associated with the man. “I’m proud to be of service to you sir. -Finally- a man who is willing to take a chance on me.”
I shake his hand and just as expected, he slips me the money. I smile at him and casually place my hand into my pocket as a carriage pulls up. I whistle a little, faking admiration for his good taste.
“I’ll be interested on how you can help. It’s good to meet a forward-thinking man.”
“Thank you sir.” I bow as the carriage leaves. I -despise- men like him. I consider what to do next, now that I’ve got a way to get a hold of him. I could do this the -easy- way or… should I play along? But playing along was never my style. Not for men like him.
(OOC: Close)