OOKAMI NO HI

By SHURO

Chapter 1

Heavy droplets fell from dark gray sky feeding dry earth.
Two men sat, leaning on the thick wooden pillars watching the rainfall.
They were dressed in their miburo cloth.
One of them was tall and thin with small amber eyes and rough features.
The other was completely different; he wasn’t tall, with white skin, warm dark eyes and happy expression.
Both of them had long black hair but while shorter mans bangs were thick, framing his face, taller man had only few bangs falling before his eyes.
Taller man name was Saitou Hajime; he was captain of 3rd unit of Shinsen Gumi while the other one was Okita Soushi, captain of 1st unit.
It was early spring of 1865 and they were both 21 years old.
Last year they had great victories, first over Ishin Shin, 5th June as they killed most of their leaders gathered in Ikedaya Inn.
After that sparks of revolution died for a while but still there was some smoke.
In meantime Saito was on a mission and got rid of Itou Kashitarou, Shinsen Gumi’s Military Advisor who left them taking some men with him.
Okita and Saito were often together, being two of strongest men of Shinsen Gumi.
But this closeness didn’t show in talk, Saito wasn’t that kind of person but they often patrol together as well as they drank sake.
Suddenly Saitou's eyes narrowed at the sight of slim figure sheltered with fragile bamboo umbrella while Okita dropped his mouth.
Turning his attention to Okita, Saitou asked “What is with you Okita?”
Okita turned his eyes to Saitou but didn’t close his mouth.
“I think that is…”
But he was cut by a cheerful voice.
“Okita, is that you?” Little bit feminine voice asked running to them.
“Tokio what are you doing here?”
Young, handsome man with coal black eyes, perfect skin and long black hair tied in high tail runs to them crossing the short distance between them.
Tokio jumped throwing arms around Okita’s neck leaving long sleeves of his simple black kimono to flutter behind him.
Okita also hugged him back as Saito eyes widen with surprise.
Soon they parted and the talk began.
“What are you doing here Tokio?” Okita asked again.
Until then happy grin was changed with serious one which gave Tokio older look.
“Well it’s a long story but I will tell you, if you have time Okita.”
“And who you might be?” Saitou cut in.
“Oh, I didn’t notice you.” Tokio examined Saitou from head to toes before continuing.
“Saitou-kun, I am Hino Tokio, with no other titles for now…”
“Anyway I would like to hear your story now Tokio because I have time since we are waiting for a man daimyo sent.”
“Really? Well then your waiting is over.” Tokio smirked proudly.
“You want to say…” Smile grows wider on Okita’s face.
“Yes, I am the one daimyo sent. But still I don’t get why would you Okita, captain of 1st unit and Saito, captain of 3rd unit wait for me. “
Saito was quietly listening to their conversation.
‘How did the boy know that I am Saitou?’
“And how did you know it was me?”
Saito asked earning two cheerful men’s attention.
With a playful grin Tokio answered “I thought there is only one miburo with amber eyes. “
Saito smirked. “Well if you are so smart I guess you will know why do ‘we’ wait for your coming. “
Tokio thought for a few seconds before answering.
“There are two possibilities, one is that you wanted to meet me but considering your personalities that won’t be the case and second one is that you have to test my skills.”
“Then we shouldn’t waste more time and finish it so we could go to have some sake,” Saitou suggested.
Still with heavy pack on his back young man hopped back into the rain picking up umbrella he let fall on wet ground as he ran to Okita and came back to captains.
“I’m ready.”
Okita followed with Saitou and Tokio walked gracefully to the room where Kondou was expecting their new member.
On their way the young man, little bit soaked from rain woke curiosity in those who saw him.
It wasn’t everyday that you get a new member who looked good as this one.
Full, small lips and long lashes around deep eyes with perfect face immediately let rumors flow through Shinsen Gumi hoping that young man preferred men.

******

Leaving his package together with umbrella Tokio bowed at the entrance of the room.
“Come in,” Kondou said.
Gracefully with small steps young man did as he was told bowing deeply before Kondou beside who were now Okita and Saito seating.
“You may rise.”
After Shinsen Gumi’s captain carefully read letter young man gave him he said:
“According to this letter you truly are Hino Tokio sent by our daimyo to join us. But still you have to pass the test and show your real skills. We will go to dojo to test you now.”
Kondou said motioning for them to get up.
“Kondou may I have word with you before the test. “
Captain looked at Okita little bit surprised at this kind of unusual behavior for Okita before answering.
“Yes you may Okita, Saitou lead Hino to the dojo. “
Soon after it Kondou and Okita were alone.
“What did you want to talk with me about Okita?”
Okita took deep breath before answering.
“I have a favor to ask…”
“Since you never asked for a favor I will do everything in my might to help you, speak my friend.”
Okita, usually careless was now to determinate that Kondou almost got worried for his state.
“Its about Hino Tokio…”
“You know him?”
”I do, Tokio is my childhood friend, and we learned together Tennen Rishin-ryu from Masanobu.”
“You don’t intend to ask me to let him in even if he doesn’t pass the test?”
“No, no, no…” Okita waved his hands with smile being more of him in that moment, “Tokio will pass the test, he is as good as I am.”
Kondou had his doubts about that but didn’t comment.
“I want to ask you to put him in my unit.”
“I will.” Kondou said getting up.
“Wait, there is one more thing. “
Older man got back to his previous position giving Okita once again his full attention.
“You are full of desires today Okita.” Kondou teased slightly.
“I want you to know that Tokio will be sleeping in my quarters with me. “ Kondou almost chuckled at this.
“I know you are surprised Kondou but I have my reasons, Please leave it be and don’t ask any questions, you know me long enough so you could trust me.”
“Alright Okita but I also have something to ask you for that.”
“And what?”
“I want you to let Saitou fight with Hino instead.”
Okita gave him one of his wide smiles nodding.
“That will be interesting.”

******

Tokio followed Saitou in silence.
Having few ideas of her own about what Okita wanted to talk with Captain, Tokio hoped that he will have success or else…
The house they were in was right across dojo.
Dojo itself was quite pretty and spacious, made of best wood.
In that moment there were not many men in the dojo, few solders and Hijikata and Harada who were sparring in that moment.
Saito leaned on the wall and Tokio stood by his side watching the fight.
‘This kid is strange, with Okita it was so Okita-like and now it is as cold as rock, but then don’t they say: there is more then eyes can meet.’
Saito thought watching the ‘boy’ secretly.
‘I wonder how old is he?’
But he didn’t only wonder.
“How old are you boy?”
Tokio shot daggers at Saitou with his look for this remark.
Dangerously low voice gave him an answer. “I cant be a boy since I am almost 19 years old.”
“So ‘man’ I guess you are experienced then?” Saitou dared.
“Although you apparently don’t believe it, I am.”
“Then tell me, who will win of those two?”
Saito asked pointing to Harada and Hijikata.
Tokio was quiet for a minute intensely looking at the fighters. “Vice Captain Hijikata will win."
“You recognized them too?”
“Of course, there is only one man with that fighting style and those piercing eyes as Hijikata and only one with rooster hair cut as Harada.”
“And how do you know so much about Shinsen Gumi?”
“From Okita…”
“But I still don’t think that is wise to judge end of the battle by ranks. “
“I didn’t.”
Calm reply came. “ And how did you judge it?”
“It is so obvious that even blind could see it. Harada although is good doesn’t posses self-confidence in battle against more famous fighter like Hijikata so he is prepaid for defeat, and you know it yourself that there is no chance you could win if you fear of defeat. “
“Maybe I underestimated you Hino. ”Saitou spoke.
‘Kid is not bad…’
This time Tokio didn’t answer and simply continued watching duel.
Soon Kondou and Okita came in too and as Okita came to Saito and Tokio, Kondou took his usual place when he was inspecting his men.
“Tokio will you come with me and Saitou to restaurant for a cup of sake later?” Okita whispered standing beside Tokio.
“Did I ever say no?” Reply came as Harada fell on the floor.
Fight was over; Harada got up and after thanking Hijikata for a battle, walked to Saitou and others.
Hijikata went to seat beside Kondou.
“Want to go for a cup of sake?” Harada suggested.
“Fist, this ‘boy’ has to pass his test.“ Saitou answer painting at Tokio who didn’t bite the bait.
But before Harada could comment Kondou spoke.
“Men, there is news from daimyo. “
At that everyone in the room shut up listening carefully.
“He is sending us a new member and since its daimyo’s recommendation there is no need for formal test. So I call Hino Tokio to step before me together with captain Saitou. “
Everyone except for Okita and Kondou were surprised at this.
The two of them stepped before their captain.
After bowing to each other they took fighting stances firmly holding their shinai’s.
Before they started Okita yelled: “Don’t underestimate him Saitou!”
Soon two fighters shinai’s met creating sparks between them.
Both of them were quick and skillful making rest of men gasp in surprise.
Clash followed clash until Saitou decided to change tactic and use his special attack.
“Gatotsu!”
With unbelievable speed and knowing Tokio easily escaped attack.
Surprised Saitou turned his attention to his opponent.
“Obviously I underestimated you drastically.”
“Obviously you did. And here comes big finale!”
Tokio run to him yelling.
“SADANZUKI!”
Still surprised Saito managed to dodge first two hits but the third hit his shoulder leaving him off guard long enough for Tokio to move his shinai close enough to Saitou’s throat.
Some members even chuckled at this and even Kondou and Hijikata were little bit surprised.
“That was good ‘boy’,” Saitou smirked.
“Only because you underestimated me.”
Tokio lowered shinai and bowed to Kondou.
“Hino, you are accepted in Shinsen Gumi, you will serve under Captain Okita, he will tell you everything you need to know.”
“Thank you Kondou-sama.”
Tokio thanked before getting up and walking to Okita.
Giving him a smile Tokio asked, “Can we go to the bar now?”
Saitou who also joined them in mean time agreed.
“Lets go, I am thirsty. “
Group of four warriors walked to the bar in silence.

******

AN. That would be first chapter, if I get enough reviews I will write better and quicker so R&R!
Feedback: Mail Shuro