(Misao)
I don’t have to look behind me to see that he’s still following me. I’ve made no effort in shaking him because I want to know -why-.
On the train to Yokohama (where he sat one car behind me!) I thought about Saitou’s request. Of course I’ll help. But that he’s asking for help?
He also told me what I suspected – that Aoshi-sama is here, or -was-. I finally got it out of Kenshin-san… all of it, about the former Oniwaban potter who now helped in drug smuggling. I know we had people with lots of talents, including those who could make innocent items to smuggle messages or even medicines or poisons… I sigh. Why didn’t they keep better track when they told everyone to go “live normally”?
Not all of us can. Ninja is in the blood, and it can’t always be removed. That he’s working for an evil woman… back when Aoshi-sama explained things to me, he told me about Gein, who made the horrifying fake corpse of Kaoru-san. How the pride they took in their skill overcame any morals or scruples, and just for the chance to do what they were best at … they’d do anything.
We arrive at Yokohama station and I pretend to wait by the line at the ladies’ washroom (why is there always a line?) and then I grab Saitou’s friend by the arm and with a firm grip, lead him to an alcove.
“Now, -talk-. He didn’t tell me much.” The basics of the mission. A snarky comment about a ‘sweet reunion’ for me and Aoshi-sama. “What’s going on with him, and why are you following me?” Either this young man is -nosy- or Saitou’s up to something. Both are likely to be true.
Shindou:
Fujita-san ordered me not to let this Shinobi girl out of my sight! I’ve heard of them, the old protectors if the court in Kyoto. I didn’t actually think they were -real- but he’s not the type to lie about this… not when lives are on the line!
She gets off the train and I weave through the people. “Move out of the way!” I tell them. I’m not about to lose a girl even if she is a kunoichi! But I’m pulled to the side…
Now, -talk-. He didn’t tell me much.”
I stare at her confused. “Wait! Weren’t you supposed to lead the police to that illegal warehouse? Do you even know where it is aside from it being in this city?” I let out a sigh. So I’ve been following her for nothing?
“Fujita-san said your boyfriend definitely knows where the place is here in Yokohama. We need to stake it out and then I can go to the local police here to get reinforcements.” I look around. “Now where is your boyfriend?”
Wait! Weren’t you supposed to lead the police to that illegal warehouse? Do you even know where it is aside from it being in this city?
Oh, does he underestimate me, too? I sigh at his sigh. “I know where we’re going, -yes-. But why did Fujita-san suddenly asking for my help? What’s going on with him?” I look at the kid, “I’ve known him a long time, you know.”
Now where is your boyfriend?
I smile a bit. “I don’t have one, but, if I did, he’s not the sort to show up,” I tell him. The crowd is thinning out as the train we came in on empties. “Come on, let’s go check it out, but first, I need to change.” I look him over, in his shiny TMPD uniform. “Did you bring anything… quieter?”
Shindou:
“I know where we’re going, -yes-. But why did Fujita-san suddenly asking for my help? What’s going on with him?” I look at the kid, “I’ve known him a long time, you know.”
I look at her doubtful. Does she really know where we’re going? Fujita-san said her boyfriend would. And she’s saying she’s known him for a long time. I turn away and mumble, “Well if you’ve known him for so long then why don’t you know?”
I let out a long sigh and look back at her, “We’ve had a falling out of sorts and then he’s been busy. First it was dealing with that Fujiwara that actually ended up being Okita Souji and then that Fighter for hire Zanza… And of course then there’s Aioi-san.” I sigh even louder. “I wonder if Fujita-san got in trouble with Yagi-san since I brought Aioi-san to their home. It’s just that… Aioi-san said it was important and she needed my help for -once-…” I shake my head again. Getting caught by Fujita-san like -that-. It’s no wonder he chased me out and then lied to me about Aioi-san being -gone-.
But then she starts talking about her boyfriend and that she needs to change. Then starts criticizing -my- uniform! “Why would I? Wearing something like this deters trouble you know. And it’s not like I’m going under cover…” I used to but somehow those types of assignments seems to now come few and far in between, ever since I got assigned under him. Wait… Why -is- that?
She talks about changing and I remove my jacket and my belt right there and shove them in my bag. “Here I’m done changing.” It’s fairly simple to go from an officer of the law to another nobody who likes to dress in western garb. A white shirt and pants is all that’s needed.
Well if you’ve known him for so long then why don’t you know?
I give him a -look-. “If you know him then you know.” But do I, really? If it wasn’t for Sano then I’d know -nothing- about what happened in Shishio’s lair, as Himura-san is about as likely to talk about things as Aoshi-sama… during the event with Hide-san’s kidnapping, I saw the proud father, the worried lover, and of course the fighter…
And then what do I find in Tokyo?
He tells me some of what I know – the -bits- I get from Himura-san, and the -better- intel I get from Kaoru-san.
“I wonder if Fujita-san got in trouble with Yagi-san since I brought Aioi-san to their home. It’s just that… Aioi-san said it was important and she needed my help for -once-…
“Aioi – that’s the girl who broke them up this time?” Kaoru-san had lots of tales about -that-. “Why would you bring her to Hide-san’s house?” One thing I know about Saitou is how seriously he takes Hide-san’s safety.
And then there’s the way he says the woman’s name, a glint in his eyes… oh these people are -always- trouble.
Wearing something like this deters trouble you know. And it’s not like I’m going under cover…
“Wearing something like that down to the docks -will-,” I tell him. Does he really work for Saitou? But he at least takes off his jacket and some of the sparkly stuff. “Turn around,” I tell him. He does so, and I divest myself of my kimono and I’m ready in my shinobi gear. No shorts, as it is cold and I’m glad, he’d probably gawk at my legs.
“Come on,” I say, while it’s quiet and it’s the time in a winter afternoon where it’s dark but the lamp-lighters have yet to come around. I reach over and muss his hair, he still looks like a -cop-.
“I’ve only worked for him the past year.” I shrug. It’s been a heck of a year and I still can’t believe I resigned and he tried to get me back and then is now leaving me behind! But that’s probably my fault.
“Aioi – that’s the girl who broke them up this time?”
“Broke them up? Since when?” I look at her a bit aghast. “Aioi-san is a long time asset of Fujita-san. She was originally from Kyoto and… Well Aioi-san used to complain that he hardly paid her any mind and so she was left to -my- care.”
“Why would you bring her to Hide-san’s house?” O
“Why wouldn’t I? Aioi-san said it was important. It was for his sake and she made it sound like he was in trouble.”
She’s still going at my clothes. I look -fine-. But I go ahead and turn around for her. And I realize she’s undressing! Here? I can’t help but feel the heat rise from my face. I hope I’m not flushed…
But that feeling immediately leaves as she ruffles my hair. I’m no kid. “You know I’m older than you -and- taller.” She is short she probably had to go on her tippy toe to reach my head.
We walk a bit and I tell her a little of what Fujita-san told me. He didn’t tell me to tell her everything and I’m still not sure if she’ll be useful. Fujita-san seems to keep questionable company or at the very least, odd ones.
“He said your boyfriend knew several warehouse where illegal drugs were being stored…” I pause and get serious, “And also that there were women being held against their will to be sold to foreigners.” We need to get to them -first-, before anymore gets sold like cattle. The drugs can wait.
“He said there wasn’t time and that you and I need to take care of this.” He did tell me he was going to Ito but I don’t say anything about that. I have my orders to take care of first.
I’ve only worked for him the past year.
I nod. Really? He seems so… young! A kid like Eiji-kun. But Saitou doesn’t trust many people and let this guy be here, so…
Broke them up? Since when?
I nod. “Sai – Fujita – cheated on Hide-san with someone, or at least, that’s my intel.” I sigh a bit. I said I wasn’t going to get involved in all of that! But this guy goes on to tell me about what this Aioi was to Saitou – and to him. I look at him from the corner of my eyes. “Oh, your -care-? So you got involved too?” Now they’re just being entirely too messy… now wonder Saitou’s in the shape he was!
He also explains why he brought the woman to Hide-san’s house. And I can guess my old “roommate” did not handle things well. She and the rest of the family were sent to Aizu, Himura-san said. Nice for them to be taken out of all of this, at least.
I try not to laugh as he blushes when I change! Goodness, I’m more covered in my ninja garb than those Western dresses! But Shindou-san’s look as I fix his hait, I -do- laugh a little. “Aww, your look just says, ‘I’m a cop’. You got to fit in more in a port area.”
He said your boyfriend knew several warehouse where illegal drugs were being stored… And also that there were women being held against their will to be sold to foreigners.
“Not my boyfriend, and I know where we’re going” I snap again. Oh, now him too? I flutter my eyelashes at him and give him a sweet smile, the sort Okon-san gives when she’s charming someone out of information. “You seem to mind him, Shindou-san, don’t be so -jealous-” I say with a lilt in my voice, before walking ahead.
“The women first. I have someone else from Kyoto coming to help me after the bust, we’ve had experience lately with human trafficking rings,” I say, grimly. Okon-san really can reach those women, and I told her to bring Saya-san if she can be spared. Sometimes the men officers treat them like naughty girls instead of women who’ve been through hell. “Drugs? Those can wait.”
“Come on, the port isn’t far,” I tell him.
(Aoshi)
I observe from a distance. Is she… flirting with this boy police officer? I narrow my eyes. She’s not grown up at all, and remains unsuited to this life she stubbornly won’t give up.
But she heads off in the right direction, and I have my own matters to see to. An errant potter, for one.
(OOC – and exit Aoshi!)
Shindou:
“Oh, your -care-? So you got involved too?”
I look back at her, why does she speak that way? “Of course I’d be involved. I saved her once and well, who else would take care of Aioi-san? He was too busy.” I felt bad for the woman. I knew what she did working for him and though it is to our benefit, it wasn’t right. And after all that? He just leaves her at the machiya… Lonely.
“Aww, your look just says, ‘I’m a cop’. You got to fit in more in a port area.”
And she goes back to fussing at how I look. I’m starting to understand why Fujita-san stuck me with Makimachi-san… He’d not put up with this. But I suppose I have to. “Well as long as I blend in I guess. We can’t go in there guns blazing. If they do have captives there, they’d be put in danger.”
“Not my boyfriend, and I know where we’re going” I almost laugh as she pouts and talks about me minding her boyfriend. No such thing!
“You’re a grown woman Makimachi-san. There’s no need to act like a child and…” I take a quick look at her new garb – a ninja’s, “you can’t compare to Aioi-san.” I tell her the truth. I’ve meet many young ladies like her and they all think they’re -that- interesting just because they figured out how to bat their eyelashes and chirp like a bird…
“Let’s just get this done.” I shake my head and keep walking. Fujita-san didn’t tell me how to contact him which means, he’s assuming we’ll be successful. I still have the letter he wants me to give to the Yokohama police.
Of course I’d be involved. I saved her once and well, who else would take care of Aioi-san? He was too busy.
So much crosses across his face, but what I see is… yearning. I can understand, so I back off a little.
You’re a grown woman Makimachi-san. There’s no need to act like a child and… you can’t compare to Aioi-san.
I grin a bit, “is that so?” But then I look away. “Fujita-san teases me a lot about Aoshi-sama – the ‘boyfriend’. I’ll just say it is complicated, Shindou-san.” I scan the dark streets. “I think we’ll work together better if you are a little less like Fujita-san – but -do- be like him when it comes to having my back, and we’ll free these women.” He’s not so bad. He just shouldn’t parrot Saitou’s lines!
I indicate for him to follow a half-block behind me as I go from shadow to shadow. As we near the docks there’s more activity, purposeful… but also the activity of the night.
I find the warehouse I’ve been told about. There’s one guard, sitting by a door and cleaning his nails with a small knife. I motion for the cop to stay where he is as I leap on the roof, and thankfully, there’s a window. Dirty, but there’s enough opacity for me to look inside. Dimly lit, I see women laying around… my heart sinks. So many! I see some burly men inside, maybe five from my perspective, and they’re wearing… guns. Hand-guns. I sigh – I HATE those things!
From the roof I check out all sides, walking as softly as a bird. Something I learned young, as soon as I learned to -walk-.
I come back down, to where I left Shindou-san. I’m pleased that he didn’t go rushing in, Saitou must have given him some training. “One guy outside, more inside, armed with small arms. Lots of women,” I say quietly. “There’s a skylight window on the roof – it doesn’t open but it’s just glass,” I shrug, “but we need to go in without creating a situation where the women panic and it gets wild in there.” I look at him. “How would you approach this?”
“Fujita-san teases me a lot about Aoshi-sama – the ‘boyfriend’. I’ll just say it is complicated, Shindou-san.”
She grins but I’m sure that hit close to home with her admitting that it’s complicated. I almost feel bad for saying what I said. What name did name did he tell me again? Shinomori Aoshi.
“I think we’ll work together better if you are a little less like Fujita-san – but -do- be like him when it comes to having my back, and we’ll free these women.”
“You think we’re similar?” I ask mostly surprised. But I wouldn’t mind being considered within his league. After all it seems I was bested both times but I am less experienced as he is, though before working under him, I thought I was one of the -best-.
“I’ll have your back. We’re working together after all. But Makimachi-san, we’re here on a reconnaisance mission. We not only have to rescue the women but also capture the perpetrators. And that’s going to require some coordination with the police.” My orders are clear after all, no one gets to escape otherwise, it will ruin the other operation.
I do as I’m told and follow her a ways away. I can see why Fujita-san works with her, she has certain abilities that is useful as she goes and does what a kunoichi does which is survey the area without being found. Finally she’s back.
“One guy outside, more inside, armed with small arms. Lots of women,” I say quietly. “There’s a skylight window on the roof – it doesn’t open but it’s just glass,” I shrug, “but we need to go in without creating a situation where the women panic and it gets wild in there.” I
“Were not going to break windows.” I tell her, “In fact we’re not even going to sneak in, not right now at least.” I take a peek at the guard in the warehouse. “Is that the only entrance and exit to this warehouse?” I ask, “For the number of women you say are imprisoned there, and only a few guards? There must be more if one of the guards manages to get reinforcements in. We’re not going to be able to do this by ourselves even if you planned to sneak in there at nightfall.”
My orders are absolute after all. Not a single man escapes. “Fujita-san asked me to meet with the Chief of Police here in Yokohama. They can help.”
I wait for her to disagree. She’d be the type after all, to just want to sneak in and “rescue” everyoneshe can. “Is this the only warehouse? Fujita-san said Shinomori-san told him there’s probably more.”
You think we’re similar?
I nod, he seems to take that as a compliment which tells me that I’m right. Well, he’s not all grumpy and sarcastic and hopefully doesn’t have that weird self-destructive streak… although he -is- pining over a woman.
“I’ll have your back. We’re working together after all. But Makimachi-san, we’re here on a reconnaisance mission. We not only have to rescue the women but also capture the perpetrators. And that’s going to require some coordination with the police
“Of -course-,” I hold in a sigh. Misinformation about what ninja -are- is helpful at times but… “In Kyoto we work closely with the police, providing intelligence and whatever else is needed.” I know at the national level we’re considered vigilantes and near-criminals, but in Kyoto long tradition and ties show that we can work together.
In fact we’re not even going to sneak in, not right now at least
Oh good, he’s sensible.
That’s a good thing! I’ve worked -hard- to not be impulsive. As Okashira… and because if I see Aoshi-sama again, I don’t want him shaking his head about how I “jump in without thinking” or “take unnecessary risks” which somehow prove to him that I’m not suited for this life.
Is that the only entrance and exit to this warehouse?
I nod. “There’s some larger loading doors but they have been nailed shut from the inside,” I tell him. “I’ve seen this before in other trafficking situations, since the “cargo” wants to try to make a run for it but they can move on their own, unlike other contraband.” Had they been setting up the women to “work” then it would have a different layout. Here, they’re just in holding, waiting for wherever they’ll be sent to.
We’re not going to be able to do this by ourselves even if you planned to sneak in there at nightfall
“Sometimes I, or one of my associates, has snuck in in order to coordinate with the prisoners,” I tell him. “You see… I -hate- guns, and you police love ’em -and- most are lousy shots in a chaotic situation. If I can’t get them out when it goes down, I can get them to get down and try to stay safe.” Guns are such lousy weapons.
Fujita-san asked me to meet with the Chief of Police here in Yokohama. They can help.
“They’re good here, the chief has a good crew, I’ve been told.” Although the docks are their own world, in many ways, manpower is what we need.
Is this the only warehouse? Fujita-san said Shinomori-san told him there’s probably more
“For the women, yes. From what Aoshi-sama told Himura-san, there’s one with drugs, and attached to that is a workshop. It’s my understanding that Aoshi-sama will see to that himself. The imports are smuggled out through ninja arts by a former member.” I could take care of that, too. But in this I understand Aoshi-sama… a bit. The ones who left and sold their skills to be used for evil… it would be hard not to feel responsible.
Shindou:
“In Kyoto we work closely with the police, providing intelligence and whatever else is needed.”
I look at her. I did hear that the Kyoto prefectural police tended to have a bit more autonomy. But all that will change once Kawaji-sama manages to get all the prefectural branches under the TMPD. “Years ago I heard that there were some disturbance there. 50 of Kyoto’s police officers died.” Surely if she’s claiming they helped out, why did their police have so many casualties. But I put that aside for now. Fujita-san is willing to work with them after all. He’ll have to answer to Kawaji-sama later.
She confirms only one egress but there are loading doors. I look at her frame, she doesn’t look strong enough to bust those nailed door open. “We’ll have to find a way to get another escape route for the women.”
Makimachi-san tells me about her aversion to guns and how the police love them? “Isn’t that a bit presumptious Makimachi-san, saying all us police “love” guns.” I sigh, “I love -peace- and what’s -right- and if we have to, we’ll use all the tools we can get. A gun is merely a tool really.” It’s the intent behind it that counts. “Though you know I don’t carry one. I only carry a saber and well people like Fujita-san has a special permit to carry a real Japanese sword.” I still remember the feeling of his sword in my hands. The sword felt heavy but he seemed to wield so easily.
“They’re good here, the chief has a good crew, I’ve been told.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve never met the Yokohoma chief.” I finally show her the sealed letter from Fujita-san addressed to Adachi-san. I always hated having to just do what he says but I’ve learned that it’s just faster to do it. And his “pointers” while I was working under the Yakuza did help. “I don’t know what’s in the letter since Fujita-san’s just not one to really share much but he shares enough I guess.”
“For the women, yes. From what Aoshi-sama told Himura-san, there’s one with drugs, and attached to that is a workshop. It’s my understanding that Aoshi-sama will see to that himself. The imports are smuggled out through ninja arts by a former member.”
“I see so that’s what he meant by this Shinomori and you miss, in being motivated to get this done. Do you think Shinomori-san will be able to handle all those men in warehouse without letting a single one escape? Or would he need backup? I imagine he’d be distracted by the reunion with an old “comrade”…”
We leave the warehouse and port area and work our way to the central part of town. We’ll have to take care of the other warehouses… “By the way Makimachi-san, you probably have to stop calling Shinomori-san, “Aoshi-sama” if you wanted to be his girlfriend.”
Years ago I heard that there were some disturbance there. 50 of Kyoto’s police officers died.
I look over at him. “Oh, you should read some files, since I doubt Fujita-san will tell you.” But the way he says it, that -we- let the police get killed? “There was once a man named Shishio, a former manslayer from the war. He wanted to take over Japan, and brought together a band of associates, called the Juppongatana. It was one of those, Usui, who single-handedly killed those officers.” I think back to those old days. “I was told that it was Fujita who faced him, and took revenge for those fifty. As for us, during that? We worked together with the townsfolk to thwart Shishio’s plan to burn Kyoto.” I think back to that night, the jubilation that we stopped it… “I met Usui that night. I was distracted, and it was only the intervention of one of his comrades, a monk, that he didn’t kill me.” I smile a bit, “there’s more to the story, but how much was recorded? That Saitou – I mean, Fujita – let us all think he died in the collapse of Shishio’s lair!”
I love -peace- and what’s -right- and if we have to, we’ll use all the tools we can get. A gun is merely a tool really.
I nod, quiet. “It’s like this…” I sigh. “Guns mowed down my family, four ninja who raised me as a child, the best of their generation.” I helped Aoshi-sama rebury their bodies, I saw what it did to them… “Even once I considered getting ourselves a gattling gun, but… we still have our tools.”
Do you think Shinomori-san will be able to handle all those men in warehouse without letting a single one escape? Or would he need backup? I imagine he’d be distracted by the reunion with an old “comrade”…”
I give him a look. “Yes, Aoshi-sama can do it all single-handedly, and he convinced Himura-san, who have come otherwise.” He wouldn’t want my help -anyway-. “As for the ‘comrade’… he’s had to take out one once.” That creepy old man! There are some parts of the Oniwaban that I’m glad to leave to history, like making dolls out of flesh.
We start walking towards the police station, where of course Saitou has a letter all ready to give to the chief.
By the way Makimachi-san, you probably have to stop calling Shinomori-san, “Aoshi-sama” if you wanted to be his girlfriend.
My smile drops. “What we -may- be has yet to happen, so I’ll call him Aoshi-sama for all that he’s -been- to me, Shindou-san.”
We arrive and I pull my until-now hidden cloak over my ninja garb. I don’t look normal but at least I don’t stand out so much.
Shindou:
She tells me a fantastical story of Kyoto but there were rumors that the burning of Kyoto was more than just some truants who wanted to re-enact some event from the Bakumatsu. But something catches my ear, “Revenge? Are you sure? That’s not like him.” But as for the rest, I saw how that man single-handedly fend off all those rogue samurais and stop Yoshiwara from burning to the ground so I suppose it -is- possible.
I listen as she tells me of her story, that event with Usui that almost got her killed and then her family who was mowed down.
“Even once I considered getting ourselves a gattling gun, but… we still have our tools.”
“I guess that’s your choice.” It’s a sentimental one I think but if her family was killed by guns I can’t really blame her.
“Yes, Aoshi-sama can do it all single-handedly, and he convinced Himura-san, who have come otherwise.”
“I see. Uramura-san trusts Himura and so I’ll leave that portion to them.” I’m still uneasy but if that other warehouse is like this one, sparsely guarded then maybe that man and certainly Himura-san can handle it all. “I’ve heard many great stories of Himura-san. The man is quite -impressive-. Though he doesn’t have the build for it.” But as for Shinomori? I know nothing of him except that I’ve been told to let him help us.
“What we -may- be has yet to happen, so I’ll call him Aoshi-sama for all that he’s -been- to me, Shindou-san.”
I chuckle a little, “As the boss would say, suit yourself if it makes you happy.” Or at least that’s what I think he’d say if he were here. But as to what I’d say? I almost feel sorry for her and why he told me that Shinomori was her boyfriend, I suppose it’s to start us off in the right foot. At least I know much more about this Ninja now that she’s basically spilled her life story to me aside from what her expressions that easily betrays her. She’s obviously is pining for “the boyfriend” while pretending not to and hiding behind her use of honorifics.
But we’re here and we go inside. I check in with the front desk and without much ado we’re led directly to Chief Adachi’s office. He looks us over and I realize I’m not exactly presenting myself as proper policeman after Makimachi-san insisted I change my “look”.
I bow, “Thank you for meeting with us Adachi-san without much notice.”
“That man never makes an appointment. Your name was Naruhodo Shindou?”
“Yes sir.” I step up and give him the letter and he doesn’t even read it and instead tosses it to a drawer.
“Sir?”
“I’ve heard of you Naruhodo-kun.” He laughs with a bit of confidence. Then goes and lights up. “We tend to exchange names of promising junior officers. I think he just wants to know my list to steal them for the TMPD.”
“Sir, this is Makimachi Misao. She’s working with Fujita-san and I on this assignment.”
“So he’s sent the back-up?” He shakes his head and mutters, “Next time Fujita, I’m sending you fake cigarettes.” Then looks at us again, mostly assessing Makimachi-san.
“Well this is my turf and if something’s amiss it’s -my- responsibility.” He crosses his arms, “Well Makimachi-san, you can rid yourself of the cloak, if you want to work with us.”
I turn to Makimachi-san and nod. There’s no need to hide what she is.
(OOC: Adachi Koichi is a large man, a bit burly. Has a circle beard but not too thick)
Revenge? Are you sure? That’s not like him.
I grin a bit, “well, I had to get it from someone who isn’t always the best witness,” Sanosuke-san likes to exaggerate when it comes to stories about Himura-san… or Saitou! “But it’s said that back during his ummm.. past,” I hedge, remembering that he goes by “Fujita” for a reason, “he took what happened to his comrades -seriously-.” I hope this guy understands that – Saitou seems to put a lot of trust and responsibility on him!
“I’ve heard many great stories of Himura-san. The man is quite -impressive-. Though he doesn’t have the build for it.
“He is impressive – but what’s really impressive isn’t just his fighting skills.” I remember him promising to bring Aoshi-sama home to me – and he -did-, and not the one who nearly killed Gramps, but one closer to the one I once knew.
I pay attention as we enter the police station. Who’s looking at us, and Shindou-san’s… unease? Adachi-san receives us quickly, though, and without much trouble. He seems to already know what Saitou is up to!
So he’s sent the back-up?” He shakes his head and mutters, “Next time Fujita, I’m sending you fake cigarettes
I hide a smile at that – I think a Saitou without cigarettes would be more trouble, not -less-, but Adachi-san seems like he could face him!
Well Makimachi-san, you can rid yourself of the cloak, if you want to work with us.
Shindou-san nods at me, too, as if I need prompting? I uncover myself, “we’re an uncommon sight these days, and always wish to remain quiet as to what we are,” I remind them both. “The Kyoto Oniwabanshuu remains willing to assist, Adachi-san – we confirmed the location of the warehouse with the women and it -appears- lightly guarded.” There’s a large map on the wall and I indicate the place. “As for the one with the drugs, my… associate Shinomori-san is handling that. It’s believed that it’s also the lair of a -former- ninja, so there’s likely traps.”
Chief Adachi:
“we’re an uncommon sight these days, and always wish to remain quiet as to what we are,” I remind them both. “The Kyoto Oniwabanshuu remains willing to assist, Adachi-san – we confirmed the location of the warehouse with the women and it -appears- lightly guarded.”
Ooh… She’s a pretty looking miss. A little short. I can feel an affable grin plaster itself on my face. This job in the police can be uninteresting at times, with all men around. The department should hire more women, in fact I heard there’s one in Kyoto!
“You’re from Kyoto?” I ask and lean forward, “I heard there’s a police woman there. Is it true?” It can’t be right? We don’t allow women in but if it’s true… I pull back as I realize I’m too close to the girl. Not that I’d do anything! I just like to see cute ones up close.
“Ah sorry sorry.” I laugh and rub the back of my neck, “I’m getting distracted.” I go to the map where she’s indicated the warehouse are located. Both warehouses are far enough such that it would need two separate groups. “Lightly guarded you say? Hmm…”
“I’m glad you already did the reconnaisance kunoichi-san.” I rub my chin a little, trying to think. “But something seems off don’t you think? We have the appendages and perhaps the body. But where’s the head?”
“Sir.” Naruhodo-san steps up. “It is true that we don’t know the mastermind here, but our orders were clear! Not a single man is allowed to escape.”
“Well we would hope -not- young man.” I shake my head, “But you said “orders” and was that Fujita-san’s orders?”
“Yes sir.”
“Kunoichi-san I imagine this former “associate” that Shinomori will “handle” is just another cog in the wheel?”
“So what’s the -real- assignment?” I turn back and ask the young man.
“I’m not at liberty to say Adachi-san.” He bows.
And I wonder what this is about? I can’t help but growl a bit, “That dick wants me to stay within my lane. That’s it isn’t it? He thinks we’re no good and will only get in the way.”
I catch him looking at me. Appraising… not so much in a creeper way but in a way that shows that he underestimates me.
You’re from Kyoto? I heard there’s a police woman there. Is it true?
Okay and -now- he’s a little too close but I just smile sweetly. “Yes, yes there is. She’s very useful. after all there’s places where only a woman can go.” She’s Asuka-san and I really, really admire her, but she doesn’t let that limp slow her down. If anything, I’d imagine that it only makes her more unassuming when undercover…
“Ah sorry sorry. I’m getting distracted
Oh, so he -is- aware of it! I sometimes wish I was all tall and stunning like Okon-san, who would just toss her hair and beguile him. But I just keep the light smile on my face, and let him and Shindou-san hash out what he’s supposed to know and not to know.
That dick wants me to stay within my lane. That’s it isn’t it? He thinks we’re no good and will only get in the way.
I chuckle a bit, “Adachi-san, he wants us all in our lane,” between him and Aoshi-sama I’m just… on a job, not leading it. “But I don’t think what we’ve been assigned is petty – those women need our help and attention just as much as whatever Fujta-san is on.” That’s what we’ve all signed up for, isn’t it?
I look again at the map on his wall. “I think we need to set some perimeters – maybe a block out from each warehouse, and does the new sewer system go under those buildings? Do you have a map of those?” Underground tunnels make sneaking too easy for everyone.
Chiefa Adachi
Yes, yes there is. She’s very useful. after all there’s places where only a woman can go
“Oh so it -is- true! I might just have to make that trip to Kyoto one of these days.” But for now I’ll have to focus my attentions -here- and that dick Fujita…
Adachi-san, he wants us all in our lane,” “But I don’t think what we’ve been assigned is petty – those women need our help and attention just as much as whatever Fujta-san is on.”
“Eh?” I look at my new friend kunoichi-san and cup my chin. “You’ve got a point there. It’s certainly better to come off the hero to a bunch of damsels in distress.” I grin. All of them will be so appreciative of us, of me…. And maybe there can be a little something something when all of this is over. It’s been a while for a bachelor like me.
And as for that Fujita, “Kunoichi-san is right but don’t think we’re done here Naruhodo-kun.” I’m certain this junior knows more. Now I’m really curious about that letter that I threw in my drawer. Maybe I should read it? But I’ll do that later. After all after making a spectacle of it, to impress my visitors no way am I going to get embarassed like that!
Kunoichi-san asks to setup perimeters around the warehouses. I nod, “I’ll need some time to choose and brief -my- men. Then tomorrow my men will need to organize the perimeter. And it’s best to do the bust operations in the cover of night.” Kunoichi-san would understand that, after all she’s already talking about using our underground sewers!!
“You’re in luck Kunoichi-san! The sewer is newly built and only the police and the civil engineer has the maps!” I bring it out and lay it on the table.
“What were you thinking of doing in the sewers?” I think she wants to sneak in or sneak the women out. That’s what they do, don’t they?
Oh so it -is- true! I might just have to make that trip to Kyoto one of these days
I only nod, not grinning. Asuka-san can easily handle a man like him.
You’ve got a point there. It’s certainly better to come off the hero to a bunch of damsels in distress.
I look at the man, who has a look that is as -wistful- as it is -lustful-. “Adachi-san, what these women need will be kindness and understanding. They’re often country girls, induced out with promises of respectable jobs. Even if they’ve not been… abused -yet- they will be marked as if they were. We’ve helped girls in a related case before. I’m certain a respected commander such as yourself will be able to make certain your men treat them respectfully?” I hate these cases as the resolution isn’t pat or easy, and this one promises to be as big as the fall of the Tanaka network. Can Saitou really end this large group, once and for all?
You’re in luck Kunoichi-san! The sewer is newly built and only the police and the civil engineer has the maps! What were you thinking of doing in the sewers?
I look over the maps, comparing the streets above to those below It’s nice the maps aren’t public, but a trained ninja could survey and map these tunnels quickly. “I’d rather not, but the option is nice to have. We do need to make certain that the sewers are included in your perimeter, Adachi-san, as we’re under orders not to let a single miscreant get away.” He’s being very through this time.
I indicate places on both maps. “As I understand there’s a shift change at the docks at 5. After that, then? Not entirely dark, but it will be quiet.” I look over at Shindou-san and catch his eye. “We will keep the warehouse with the women under surveillance, and my associate will do so at the other.” I’ll have to leave a coded message for him, I guess, since there’s no other way to communicate with that stubborn man.
Shindou:
“Adachi-san, what these women need will be kindness and understanding. They’re often country girls, induced out with promises of respectable jobs. Even if they’ve not been… abused -yet- they will be marked as if they were. We’ve helped girls in a related case before. I’m certain a respected commander such as yourself will be able to make certain your men treat them respectfully?”
“Why of course kunoichi-chan!” And the Chief pats Makimachi-san’s shoulder. “We would never think of taking advantage of any of the women! Only in taking care of them however they please!”
I try not to grimace at that. Obviously the Chief is one of -those- men. Had I not known about Aioi-san, I’d have never imagined someone like Adachi-san to have gotten along with Fujita-san. But well…
Thankfully the Chief backs off and actually focuses on the matter at hand. He listens to Makimachi-san detail where to set the perimeters including the sewers! I guess she’s not half bad. I’d have done the same thing.
“As I understand there’s a shift change at the docks at 5. After that, then? Not entirely dark, but it will be quiet.”
“Not a bad plan. We will overcome them with our numbers! How many women need our protection kunoichi-chan?” For a moment I wonder if the Chief is back to… But he has such a serious look that it’s doubtful he’s making light of it. He’s making sure that he has enough men not only to capture those criminals but also to provide the necessary cover and protection to the victims. Or at least I -hope- that’s what he’s thinking.
“We will keep the warehouse with the women under surveillance, and my associate will do so at the other.”
I glance back at her. How does she plan to do that? Her Aoshi-sama isn’t exactly speaking to any of us. “What message do you plan to leave Makimachi-san? And can you also get a message to Himura-san since Shinomori and Himura-san are working together correct?”
Well that about wraps our visit to here. I have to say I’m feeling much better at our prospects than just the two of us trying to rescue and protect those women, while still capturing the criminals. I didn’t want to choose one over the other. But if I had to choose, I wonder what he would do? He’ll definitely go after the criminals first than securing the women if there were no other options. After all capture the criminal and you stop a future crime from happening. Help a woman and let the criminal go, the next time he commits a crime, he’ll go bigger since he’ll think he got away once, he can do so again. Definitely, Fujita-san will choose the former and eliminate those perpetrating the crime.
“You two can meet with me here.” Adachi-san points to one of the sewer entrances. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it -together- and no heroic antics from you two.”
“Of course sir.” I answer but I’m sure he wasn’t talking to me. He has that look of concern for Makimachi-san for some reason.
“We would never think of taking advantage of any of the women! Only in taking care of them however they please!
I see Shindou-san’s face and avoid wincing as Adachi-san touches me… ugh. In Kyoto we don’t have the same problem – the chief there is a good man and Asuka-san would -get- anyone trying to mess with one of the rescued women! But I can deal with his attitude later – and I’ll have Okon-san with me, too. First, though, we’ll have to get the women safely out.
Not a bad plan. We will overcome them with our numbers! How many women need our protection kunoichi-chan?
“Thank you so much for the numbers, Adachi-san,” I say, smiling. This part of “politics” wasn’t something I expected, but as the Oniwabanshuu works with authorities, I’ve found it essential. He is giving us a lot, though – even with Saitou’s word, it’s a lot to hand to a young officer and a Kunoichi. For all of the creepy vibes from Adachi-san, he is giving us a lot.
What message do you plan to leave Makimachi-san? And can you also get a message to Himura-san since Shinomori and Himura-san are working together correct?
“We have a way of leaving messages, Shindou-san,” I tell him. Procedures for city blocks aren’t so different from forests, after all. “Himura-san remains in Tokyo, keeping watch on Fujita-san’s home,” I don’t tell either that Hide-san and all of those children have been -sent away-, but I can’t focus on all of their -drama- right now. “But he was able to let me know Shinmori’s plans. While he faces what will be a skilled opponent, he won’t have the numbers we may face, nor the non-combatants that add complications as we do.” I just want it -coordinated-, with the fall of one warehouse not tipping off the other.
“We’ll make solid plans for the attack once I complete the surveilance.” I’m glad I dozed on the train – it’s going to be a long day tomorrow, but if this all works… it -will-!
If we’re doing this, we’re doing it -together- and no heroic antics from you two
That comment makes me look at Adachi-san! That’s not been my style for a long time – I have whatever’s left of the Oniwabanshuu to lead into whatever will be our role going forward. And, as Aoshi-sama’s mission shows, there’s still some of our past to clean up. I just nod – after all, I’m not like -those two-, who like to catch bullets and bleed for each other. “We both know how to be part of a team. Tomorrow night, then.”
(OOC – you may close)