I’m at the address Lt. Musashi gave me. It’s just a normal house in a neighborhood of homes walking distance to the Prefectural Police here. When I was new here I thought his place was a rather sleepy town and I didn’t appreciate it for what it was. I thought to myself well Muriyama Buchou has an easy job, save for the occasional rowdy tourist breaking the “peace” and monotony of the town.

I’m still in my uniform, there’s no need to hide who I am here in Ito even from that Mama-sama especially if my suspicions are correct. But I need to confirm them so I call out.

“Is Muriyama Buchou in?” I call over the gates.

A middle aged woman comes to the gate and looks me over as if assessing me. “You’re not from here.” She says, “What do you need from my husband?”

Taking off my cap I reply, “I’m an old acquaintance ma’am from Tokyo. My name is Fujita Goro from the TMPD.”

She purses her lips a little but goes ahead and opens the gate. “He’s at the back, if you can please wait here in the courtyard.”

I nod and wait. His house is somewhat humble, not like the large estates that I would’ve expected from the province. I mean even in Aizu there are at least two to three courtyard areas as those houses were homes of former samurai. I wonder is Muriyama not from the Samurai class? Or perhaps he is one like my father, the lowliest of foot soldiers?

“Oh Fujita-san!” The short and stocky man comes out. “It’s been a while.” He greets me as if I’m a long lost friend which is a little unusual.

“I’m sorry about Mari, my wife. I hope she didn’t give you a hard time.”

Shaking my head, I grin. “Well I am in uniform, so perhaps she thouht I brought trouble to the Chief?”

I see him avert his eyes and ruefully smile. “Well it’s not like the Central Police would be interested in a small prefectural and remote area.”

“I don’t think it’s that remote.” I look up, it’s a nice sunny day albeit a little cold, so I put my cap back on.

“Ah what am I doing? I’m sorry Fujita-san. Please come inside.” He leads me to a small receiving room, not too dissimilar from what Hide and I -had-. But there’s no sword stand in the alcove which makes me think he isn’t of the Samurai class which makes it impressive that he once held the position of Prefectural Police Chief here in Ito.

I’m offered a seat and I sit seiza in front of him and remove my hat once again. He does the same after closing the shoji door.

“It’s better that my wife doesn’t hear.” He laughs softly. “My change of circumstance has been more difficult for her than for me.”

I smile a little at that. So his wife is so supportive of him that she’s more upset that he lost his position and I would imagine she’s upset with the way he was kicked out.

“So tell me what brings you here Fujita-san? Is your family alright in Tokyo?”

I nod my head slowly. “They’ve adjusted.”I bow low to him, “I’m very thankful for all the assistance you and your men provided me back then.”

“Well you could’ve let me know earlier that Yagi-san was your better half.”

“Ah well, I wanted to keep it professional.”I say and I meant that. “But tell me Muriyama-san have you recently retired from the Police?” He’s about my age give and take, in his prime. “I had sent a message to the Precint and Lt. Musashi said that I may contact you here.”

A knock interrupts us. “Anata, I’m coming in.” And his wife comes in with tea. I almost grimace at this. I still don’t like tea but I go ahead and take it. She bows and leaves us.

“Did anyone ever tell you Fujita-san that Shizuoka, especially if it comes from our town of Ito is the smoothest tea in all of Japan.”

I grin slightly, “I think that’s one reason why Hide came here, aside from the sea, she loves tea.” I go ahead and take a sip. It -is- good and I can probably stomach one cup.

He places the cup down. “I suppose I should answer your question, rather than skirting around it.” He sighs, “A few months ago I was removed from my post with accusations of bribery and corruption.”

My brows furrow. Him? “But of course that’s not true Buchou…”

“Well it wasn’t just me but a few others of my men who was deemed to close to me.”

“And I suppose Musashi, wasn’t?” He seemed to have a bit of trust in Musashi after all Muriyama assigned Musashi to us for our security.

“Well not everyone was removed. A few remains in the Precinct, mostly the junior officers. Musashi has always been low key.”

I knew this is what likely happened because the only way to control a small town like this, is to also control the local police. “So who replaced you?”

“Yamato Itsuki, he’s not from here but he brought a small contingent with him.” I see his hand forming a fist, “Their mandate came from the Interior Ministry.”

“Surely you opposed this?” But the Department of the Interior is involved but it must be…

“Of course I did. We all did. “We were accused of taking bribes from the Tanaka group and of course some planted evidence sealed our fates.” He shakes his head and exhales, “We even tried to get to Tanaka himself to clear our names but he was murdered before we could get to him.”

I can’t help but let a grim look settle on my face. I killed Tanaka and I remember his last words to me… Back then I needed to kill him swiftly. My justice required it. I couldn’t wait anymore and certainly a result like what happened in Osaka was -not- acceptable.

“I’m sorry this happened.” I bow to him again.

“Please please Fujita-san. It’s not your fault. Truly… -I- should’ve protected my station and my men much better, after all this isn’t unheard of.”

And he is right. Back then there were reports of this happening on a sporadic basis and in each instance it was due to ambition, power or greed. I don´t tell him however that I already know who is the likely culprit that’s operating and likely financing all this in the background.

Although he sounds like a man whose been defeated and accepted the situation, his eyes and his white knuckles doesn’t show it. That and I may need support as unlike Kyoto, I have little connections here in Ito. “They should be investigated but the problem is they control the Precinct… Any investigation will be moot.”

I look at him straight, “Those men loyal to you that you spoke about, do they have the same determination as you Chief?”

“What are you planning Fujita-san?”

“Answer my question first.”

“Of course. This is our home town. We grew up here. The loss of face was one thing…”

“But the losing your town would be another.” I finish for him. “I can’t tell you yet what I’m doing here in Ito but if you and your men agree to assist me then I assure you that this injustice will be put to right.”

“Fujita-san…” He blinks and slowly nods, “Whatever you need, just let me know and we will mobilize.”

“Thank you Chief. For now, lay low and can you give me the names of Yamato’s men? I’ll be sure to pay them a visit.” Standing up, I take my sword. “Well I don’t want to overstay my visit.”

“Here’s how to get a hold of me and the list of names.”

With a nod, I show myself out.