Akira went to the Kamiya Dojo the next day for his private lesson, though by now his spirit was significantly less than before. The weight of the shinai on his back was no longer a pleasant feeling—it filled him with dread. He didn’t deserve to be learning from Kaoru, now that he was involved with Maeda and Kagewara, for they were undertaking a dangerous task. He knew it was wrong, but he would not fight them. For that reason, he shouldn’t have been meditating over peace and protection.

But he went anyway, under Mari’s insistence. He’d said he would, and any sudden change would be suspicious. Kagewara warned him that Kenshin—really Hitokiri Battousai—was often involved in police business, and could easily incriminate him. It was important that he act as normal as possible.

"Akira-san!" Kaoru waved to him from the dojo gate. "I’m glad you came—I’ve been looking out for you. Come in."

He bowed and followed her inside to the dojo’s main room. The moment he entered he began to feel nervous. Yahiko was practicing by himself in the center of the room, and Kenshin, pretending to watch though he was really asleep, sat in the corner. Off to the side were a man and a woman he didn’t recognize; the woman was bandaging the man’s hand. They all—except Kenshin—paused to stare as he stepped inside.

"This is my new student, Shiburo Akira," Kaoru introduced. She was practically aglow with excitement. "Be nice to him: he pays."

"Good," the man on the side grunted. "Maybe then we’ll get some decent food around here." The doctor promptly knocked him on the head and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "damned freeloader".

"Come on; let’s go," Yahiko complained impatiently.

Kaoru made a face at him. "Stop being jealous, Yahiko."

"I’m not!"

Kenshin awoke just as the lesson began, drawn from the light sleep by the sounds of their kendo. He smiled at Kaoru’s liveliness, and the pouting expression on Yahiko’s face. It felt as if things were returning to normal around the dojo, and having a student only made things more pleasant. But there seemed to be some concern on Akira’s face now…

Kenshin’s thoughts were forgotten as Megumi called over to him. "I’ve finished with this slouch," she said, giving Sanosuke a superior glare. "Would you like to help me prepare lunch?"

"Oh, that won’t be necessary," a new voice chirped. Everyone turned to the door, staring in bewilderment as a woman took off her sandals and stepped inside. Two boys followed suit, and all three were carrying trays of delicious-looking food. "I’m sorry for intruding," she said politely, "but the door was open."

Sanosuke frowned, climbing to his feet as he replaced his arm in his sleeve. "Who’s the broad?"

"Hey!" the taller of the two boys snapped. "That’s no way to talk about my mother!"

Kenshin climbed to his feet, recognizing her immediately. "Tokio-dono!" He grinned and moved to greet her. "What a surprise."

"I thought I might bring you all lunch," Tokio said, offering the tray. "There should be enough for everyone. I wanted to meet you all."

Kenshin’s friends all exchanged glances. "Tokio?" Yahiko repeated. "Wasn’t that the name off…" He broke off.

Once the general shock had worn off, Kenshin introduced everyone to everyone else. "It is good to see you again. How is your family?"

"Quite fine, as you can see. Thank you." She began to set out all the food for them, Tsuyoshi and Eiji helping. "First of all I’d like to apologize for my husband’s absence; he’s working today, even though he’s supposed to be on vacation."

Sanosuke watched her critically. "You actually married that ugly bastard? Yesh."

"You must be that fool Father told me about," Tsuyoshi retorted, lifting his eyebrow and grinning in a way that reminded them all of Saitou. "Sagara. Feh."

"Watch it, kid, or I’ll teach you and your papa a lesson."

Megumi walloped him again. "Don’t be so rude. They’re guests."

"Yeah, well, nobody invited them." He took a bite of the food she’d brought, however, and his attitude began to change. "At least she’s a better cook than the girl."

Tokio grinned ironically. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

"Yeah, but not much of one," Yahiko muttered.

They ate lunch together, and everyone began to grow accustomed to their visitors’ presence. Tokio’s lively stories quickly captivated the attentions of the women and Kenshin, and Tsuyoshi behaved so much like his father that Saitou may as well have been there in person. Several times Sanosuke had to be restrained and reminded of his opponent’s youth. For his part Akira tried to stay out of the conversations, only occasionally speaking to Yahiko or Eiji to avoid being accused of not participating again. He felt sick with fear; could Kenshin and the others see how pale he must have been? This was the same woman Kagewara had told them about: Saitou Hajime’s wife. And now he was eating a meal with her! It was almost too much for his weak nerves to bear.

Thankfully, Kaoru resumed their lesson after the meal, and he was able to focus on the kendo to keep his mind occupied. Yahiko, Tsuyoshi, and Eiji met to discuss their different sword training, and Tokio sat with Kenshin, Megumi, and Sanosuke to talk. Sanosuke hung on her every word, perhaps hoping for some slip of her tongue that would grant him black-mailable information on his enemy. The image of Saitou doing the laundry or helping to cook a meal infected him with a fit of laughter that lasted over a minute and resurfaced time and time again over the course of the afternoon. An even more humorous scene was when Tokio learned that Sanosuke was close friends with Tsukioka Tsunan, her favorite artist. Compared to Tokio’s, Tae’s obsession seemed to be a mild liking.

When the kendo lesson had finished, the groups changed once more. Akira started a conversation with Sanosuke and Megumi, as the three of them were close in age, and Kaoru took a seat next to Tokio. "Kaoru-chan," the older woman whispered as Kenshin was inattentive, "I’d like to speak with you later."

"Me?" She frowned. "What for?"

"You’ll find out." But then Kenshin returned, and she hushed. Kaoru looked baffled, but caught on soon enough and didn’t mention it.

"I am again caught between two women," Kenshin observed, chuckling a bit nervously. "It seems that they conspire against me."

Tokio couldn’t pass up this chance. "That may be so, Himura-san," she said with a wink. "I’m surprised that Kaoru-chan hasn’t put her plan into action by now."

"T-Tokio-san," Kaoru hissed, blushing fiercely, "what are you—"

"Oh please," she replied coolly. "You’ve lived together how long? Don’t tell me you don’t have one."

The younger woman cringed, too flustered and embarrassed to allow herself to look at Kenshin’s face—whatever his reaction. She was stuttering on a reply when Yahiko and Tsuyoshi moved to the center of the dojo floor, both brandishing bokutou. She frowned. "Hey, what are you two doing?"

"Sparring," Yahiko grunted back. "Don’t worry."

"I wasn’t until you said that. Kenshin." She turned to him for his opinion.

"Can it harm anything?" he asked with a shrug.

"Oh, of course it can’t," Tokio interrupted. "They’re fine. Tsuyoshi won’t hurt him."

Kaoru felt herself silently fuming, and Tokio laughed. "I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to speak down on your student. Let’s just watch, shall we?"

"Alright…"

Yahiko took up Kamiya Kasshinryuu’s characteristic ready position, and Tsuyoshi, grinning, prepared as well. Conversation ceased as they waited for a signal to begin. At last Yahiko was tired of the pause, and he charged. They exchanged a round of blows, wood smacking loudly against wood in the large dojo. They broke apart to catch their breath before meeting again. Kenshin watched, and recognized several of Tsuyoshi’s movements as being fragments from the Shinsengumi’s style. Saitou must have taught him he thought to himself. He has not been exposed to a normal school, though. Saitou’s school must have been dissolved by now… He glanced at Kaoru. She looked very tense while watching her student: her hands were curled tightly around the material of her pants, and her breath was held. A moment later she realized this and let it go. She must recognize the style, too. From my fight with Saitou.

Tsuyoshi stepped back, laughing as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "You’re good, Myoujin," he said truthfully. "I read the report of what you did in Kyoto, but I didn’t believe it."

"Believe it," he snapped back, raising his chin. "This Myoujin Yahiko doesn’t lose his battles."

"Is that so?" The older boy smirked, flicking his bangs out of his eyes with a sweep of his hand. "We’ll see." He moved into a new stance: left leg bent and right stretched in front, sword held horizontally in his left hand. The fingertips of his right hand touched the wooden blade. "How will you do against my father’s technique?"

"Gatotsu," Kaoru whispered a bit fearfully. The scene was raising old images in her mind, ones that filled her with dread. She bit her lip to remain silent.

"That little bastard," Sanosuke muttered from the corner. "Looks like his ass hole dad." Megumi quickly hushed him.

Yahiko adjusted his grip on his sword, feeling a droplet of sweat slide down his temple. Think, Yahiko, he thought fiercely. Kenshin could have beaten Saitou—you can beat this brat. He focused, running through the different techniques he knew.

Tsuyoshi began the attack, solidifying the familiar image in Yahiko’s mind. He dodged to the side just as his opponent struck, pivoted on his right foot, and spun in a tight circle. He aimed his sword for the base of the boy’s skull.

But Tsuyoshi’s reflexes were fast. He also twisted, raising his right arm instinctively to block the attack. He grimaced as the wood struck painfully against the limb. There they stopped, glaring at each other.

"That just now…" Kaoru murmured incredulously. He copied Kenshin.

"You surprised me again," Tsuyoshi said, grinning even as his arm stung incredibly. "That was excellent."

His opponent was beaming. "You may have blocked," he said boastfully, "but if this was a real sword, your arm would have been cut off."

"My head, too." They both started laughing, and the spectators relaxed as they disengaged and shook hands. "You’re okay, Myoujin. But you stole that move, didn’t you?"

Yahiko put his hands on his hips and laughed. "Doesn’t matter as along as I can pull it off." The two boys moved off again, returning to their previous discussion. Eiji joined and congratulated them both. Soon the three were arguing over the sword moves performed.

The room began to resume its pleasant buzz of conversation. "You’re student’s impressive," said Tokio. "That technique is my husbands."

Kaoru smiled, quite proud herself. "But he had some help; he learned that from Kenshin, not me."

"But as he said, he was able to do it," Kenshin added.

Akira, amazed by the display of the two young boys, turned to Sanosuke. "That move Fujita-kun performed," he questioned. "What was it?"

"Gatotsu," the street-fighter replied gruffly. "One of his dad’s moves. He and Kenshin fought once." He paused, wondering whether or not he should be telling him this. He decided it was harmless. "But Yahiko surprised me—he’s better than I thought."

Megumi nodded. "He’ll be like Ken-san someday, that’s for sure."

When the afternoon had progressed to a late degree the group began to disperse. Akira paid and thanked Kaoru before going quickly on his way, and Megumi went with Kenshin to prepare for the evening meal. The boys were still talking, though, and Tokio took her chance to meet with Kaoru alone. "Can we talk a bit?"

"Certainly," Kaoru replied, trying to be cheerful even though she was made nervous in the company of the older woman. "What is it?"

"I wanted to talk about Himura-san," said Tokio, guiding Kaoru to a private corner of the room. "It’s very important and very serious."

She nodded dumbly, anxiety growing by the low tone the woman was using. "Is something wrong?"

"Very. As I understand it, you’ve been living with him for almost half a year already, and nothing has happened between you two! What’s wrong?"

Kaoru blinked rapidly, taken off guard. "What? What do you mean by ‘nothing’s happened’?"

"I mean you and Himura-san," the older woman began to explain. "Haven’t you tried anything? A subtle hint, a not-so-subtle hint, anything?"

"Hint of what, Tokio-san?"

"Why, of your feelings, of course! How can you know him so long and not attempt to give some indication?"

Kaoru stuttered, feeling a bright red tint in her cheeks. "B-But Tokio-san, what are you—"

"Don’t pretend to be so innocent," Tokio said pointedly. "I’m an old and married woman now, and I can tell these things. It’s all over the both of you, and I have to say that even watching you is frustrating."

She was speechless. The accusations froze her mind in shock and she couldn’t think straight. "What?" she stammered incoherently. "Huh? Uh…"

Tokio couldn’t help but laugh at the young woman’s flustered appearance. "Oh, you poor dear. You look like…well, like a rabbit being stared down by a wolf, actually. I know the look." She considered a moment. "It’s no wonder neither of you can make a move."

"Make a…Tokio-san, please," Kaoru hissed. "Even if I knew what you were talking about—"

"Of course you know. Now let me tell you a little bit about men—listen carefully." Tokio took on a moment to collect her thoughts. "I’ve been thinking about you and Himura-san for a while. I only have this advice to give: jump him."

Kaoru nearly toppled onto her back, and her if skin could have turned a brighter shade of red she would have been glowing. "Excuse me?" she breathed hoarsely.

"Men are ruled by their sex organs," the older woman continued knowingly. "I have experience. What you’ve found is a rare specimen, but it’s clear the man is attracted to you—and it certainly isn’t your cooking he’s interested in, if you know what I mean. It must be quite a strain on him."

By now Kaoru was beyond any comprehension of what was being said.

"Hey, what’s with you two?" Sanosuke asked, observing the girl as she flopped on her back in a self-induced catatonic state. He made a disconcerted face. "What’d you do to the girl?"

Tokio shrugged innocently. "Just a little woman talk."

Dinner was prepared, and they shared another meal. Afterwards, Tokio thanked everyone and bid them good evening. "Himura-san," she said to the man in secret before departing, "if I may give you some advice?"

"Certainly."

"Behind every great samurai is an even greater woman. See over there?" She nodded her head just barely in Kaoru’s direction. "Never pass up a gift from the gods."

Kenshin blinked, glanced in the implied direction, and nodded slowly. "Yes, Tokio-dono. Thank you."

Later that night Akira convinced Mari to go out to the city with him, away from anywhere that Kagewara or Maeda could have found them. He told her all about the events of that day, from meeting for his lesson to watching Tsuyoshi’s Gatotsu. She listened without offering any comments. Her silence unnerved him. He often admired her for her cool, collected demeanor and infinite calm, but now it disturbed him; he wondered what she was really thinking. "Doesn’t any of this bother you?" he asked at last. "Everything that’s happening…we’ll be criminals."

"Kagewara-san came to see us today," Mari said quietly. "He’s offered to pay us a lot of money for doing this. Not only that, but we’ll be offered a position as part of the Night Wolves."

"Are you really going to do it? The Night Wolves are outlaws."

"The offer goes to you, too."

Akira cringed, again feeling that empty pit in his stomach. "Mari-san," he persisted, "I have a really bad feeling about his. They’re using you, and…" He bit his lip, shuddering at the images his mind produced. "I don’t want you hurt. You’re…you’re everything to me, and if something happened to you, I…"

Mari stopped walking, staring at him directly. Her wide, beautiful brown eyes met his, as if searching to find those words in his heart as well as on his lips. "Thank you," she replied with a bit of hesitation. "This…well, it means a lot to me that you care." She smiled a bit and glanced away in embarrassment. "It really does. But you don’t have to worry, because nothing will happen." She took his hand and held it tightly. "Brother and I are best in our school—we’re strong and smart enough to do what Kagewara has asked. This will be a great change for all three of us. Be strong. For me."

Akira nodded. He couldn’t argue, not with her. And when she leaned over and kissed his cheek all his fears were forgotten. All his trust he placed in her alone. She believes in me. Hand in hand they returned to their part of town.

When the police captain arrived at the Kamiya Dojo that evening, Kaoru was instantly wary. She knew the look on the man’s face—he wanted help. Help from Kenshin. By then Sanosuke and Megumi had both returned home, but she quickly gathered Kenshin and Yahiko in the main dojo to hear what he had to say.

"I hate to do this," the captain began in his characteristically tight voice. "I know you’ve been gone quite some time, Himura-san, but we need your help. Or, actually, my superiors do." He cleared his throat. "They asked me to speak to you, as I’ve asked you for favors before."

"I know you would not come if it was a small matter," Kenshin replied, leaning easily against the wall. Beside him, Kaoru didn’t look so calm. "What is the problem?"

"I don’t know all the details," he admitted, "but it has to do with an organization known as the Night Wolves. A special task force is being assembled to flush out their hiding place two days from now. They’d like you to help."

But before Kenshin could respond, Yahiko spoke up. "I don’t know anything about these ‘Night Wolves’, but he’s not going. You guys are too pushy—he just got back from one of your jobs."

"That’s right," Kaoru added. "Kenshin isn’t one of you anymore. He doesn’t work for the government, and you can’t just pull him into this again."

The captain frowned. "Actually, I don’t know anything about Himura-san’s last job. It was classified. So is this mission. But it wouldn’t involve Himura-san traveling anywhere, as the hide out is just outside Tokyo’s east border. It would be only one night."

"Hmph," Yahiko snorted. "Last time it was almost three months!"

"Yahiko," Kenshin spoke up at last, casting him a stern glance. "This is not that kind of mission."

Kaoru stared at him with worry. Already a potent sickness was settling in her stomach. "Kenshin, are you thinking about going?"

"I will consider." He turned his attention to the captain once more. "Can you tell me any more?"

"I’m afraid not. Only that the mission leader will be Fujita Gorou."

Saitou? This must be more important than the captain knows. Kaoru’s face showed an expression of understanding, as if she’d read his thoughts. She is afraid I will leave. Though I would rather not participate in this kind of work anymore, can I turn my back? These Night Wolves…do they associate themselves with the Mibu Wolves? And if they do, how can I not go?

"Alright," Kenshin said at last, meeting the captain’s gaze. "I will do this." Kaoru and Yahiko both began to protest at once, but he help up his hand and they fell silent. "Tell me what I should do."

"A messenger will be sent here tomorrow evening," the captain replied gratefully. "He will guide you to the others. I’m sure Sir Fujita will brief you once you’re there. Thank you very much for this, Himura-san." He stood. "Now, if you will excuse me."

"Of course."

"Good night."

"I don’t believe this!" Yahiko exclaimed once the man had left. "How can they just do this all the time? Kenshin, stop letting them take advantage of you!"

He smiled at the boy’s temper. "There is no need to worry, Yahiko. This will be a simple matter."

Kaoru bit her lip, gripping tightly onto the material of her outfit. "Kenshin…?"

"Hm?"

"So…" She choked on the words in fear, feeling weak all over. "…you’re going?"

Kenshin watched her for a moment, making her nervous. At last he only smiled sweetly. "Do not worry, Kaoru-dono," he assured her softly. He touched her hands, and with gentle care unwound them from the fabric she was strangling. "I promised I would come back with you then, and I will make that promise again now. If you wish I will even take Sano with me to keep me out of trouble."

"With that bastard along," Yahiko interrupted smugly, "you’re likely to get into more trouble. Take me."

"No," he said almost instantly. "If these Night Wolves are what I think they might be, it will be complicated."

The boy’s expression quickly changed from arrogance to frustration. "But Kenshin, I’ve been working really hard. I want to fight with you!"

"Even against Shinsengumi?"

This caused him to stop. "You think that’s what this is?" Kaoru asked quietly. "Aren’t they all gone?"

Kenshin shook his head. "I am not sure. But Saitou is not assigned to minor cases, and I imagine he usually works alone. For Saitou, a former Shinsengumi captain, to be leading a task force against ‘Night Wolves’…" He sighed, frowning. "The situation is indeed complicated. But Yahiko." He held the boy’s gaze firmly. "Please, trust me now. I understand your will to fight, but this is no simple fight. I may find old enemies there. I do not doubt you, but these are men with decades of experience. It will be easier for me to do this knowing you and Kaoru-dono are safe."

Yahiko was unconvinced and hurt by Kenshin’s decision, but he only nodded. Without another word he left the main room. Kaoru was urged to call him back, but she didn’t. She sighed and looked to Kenshin. "Every time you do that it makes him feel worse," she said.

"Yes, but I do not want him there. Someday he will understand." Kenshin climbed to his feet. "Shall we go to bed as well?"

"Oh, yeah. Alright." They began to walk back together, but then she stopped him. "Kenshin, you said you might fight some of the Shinsengumi. But…will you…"

He interpreted her concerns exactly. "There is no need to worry, Kaoru-dono. I assure you that everything will be all right. I will return just as I am now. Sano will watch out for me."

Kaoru nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Kenshin. I’ll look out for Yahiko, too."

"Thank you." With a final exchange of smiles they split up to go to bed.

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