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October 3, 1878 - Thursday
First Appearance of new character Ayame, and recasting of Susumu, and Enishi are indicated in bold.
Weather Post.
Megumi sleeps in, bathes, hopes her shoulder wound from Aoshi will heal soon and plays with Ayame and Suzume.
Tae leaves Kido’s house early in the morning, goes home to change. She’s understandably still upset and traumatized about her attack – but seems to have a few other issues, too, our Tae.
Tsubame and Saizou go to the Kamiya Dojo early, looking for Yahiko. Together they take Saizou over to Okita’s new dojo.
Okita arrives back at his dojo to find a note from Chiri-chan saying that she has gone back home with Aunt Akimawaru. He’s relieved and heads for bed. In the morning, he wakes up coughing – not a good sign, and makes himself some tea and a warm chest compress. Then he is doing his morning katas when Tsubame and Yahiko arrive to drop off Saizou before going to work at the Akebeko. Okita and Saizou bathe while waiting for Eiji to arrive for his first lesson.
The Kenshingumi is all present for another breakfast at the Kamiya Dojo. Hiko even helps with the cooking. Aoshi asks for advice on tactics for dealing with hysterical women. He gets some of Kenshin’s psychobabble and a few choice words from Hiko. Not convinced either one was any help. Aoshi thanks Kaoru for her hospitality and says the Oniwabanshuu will only be at the dojo for one more night. This is a surprise to everyone since most assumed more work was needed on the Bookstore.
Saitou leaves home and heads for Rakunmumble to meet with Oibore. He refuses to return Tomoe’s diary, but asks Oibore for help with the murders and for Enishi’s whereabouts. Oibore shows him where Enishi is, but has no help to give on the murders.
Aoshi rises early and wakes Shiro and the kunoichi.
The Chou takes up residence in Saitou’s office for the day. He’s makin’ his list and checkin’ it twice. He may already know some of those who have been naughty, but he still hopes not. He’s waiting on the lab report and trying to find out the identity of the slaughtered family.
Misao says good morning and then blows out of the dojo to think about things – in a tree. She’s excited about school – good connections for the Oniwaban and is certain their future is bright, but still worried about her family. She seems to be having thoughts about a certain street fighter, too.
Sano is headed off to the dojo – probably to brag about his winnings at gambling – when six thugs decide to “convince” him to join their plan to teach others the futae no kiwami. Needless to say, Sano beats the crap out of them. Go Sano!
Misao turns up to help and one of the perps pulls a knife. Sano, seeing the guy headed for an off-guard Misao, takes the knife wound for her. Misao kicks the crap out of the last one standing as the others split, leaving 2 unconscious. Misao helps Sano get to the dojo. Police officers fin the two unconscious men and Saitou orders them detained for questioning. Then he follows the trail of blood to the dojo.
The Lone Wolf is out skulking in the streets of Tokyo. He finds the leavings of Okita’s work on the men who attacked Tae. The men mention the Shinsengumi and Saitou tells them are lucky they survived. Then he sends them home. He knows it must have been Okita who defeated them, but at least these losers weren’t after Okita. Saitou takes note of their residences just in case he can get corroboration of their crimes later.
Tae is bruised and aching, but back at work at the Akebeko. Yahiko is after her to tell him what happened, and Tsubame is worried and blaming herself. One of their drunken customers tries to hit on Tsubame and she floors him. Literally. Chou drops by for lunch and takes out the trash. Then he gets Tae to tell him about the attack. She conveniently leaves out Okita and Kido, but gives Chou enough information to go after the men.
Kaoru comes in the back way to have lunch and to tell Tae her good news. Instead she finds a black and blue Tae and coaxes her to tell all. Meanwhile, back in the restaurant, Enishi chooses the Akebeko for his lunchtime pleasure. If you can call it that. When Kaoru comes out from the back, their eyes meet and Enishi ominously thinks that he’s not finished yet.
Kamatari spends the morning bathing, working out with that killer scythe and making herself prettiful before settling down to work at home. Her boss pays a visit, wanting a report on Okita – whom she is supposed to be watching. Kamatari has none to give, and is feeling pretty useless – until Saitou insists he still wants her on the case and that his life is at risk. He says he will watch Okita today, but Kamatari needs to be back on the job tomorrow. Kamatari steels herself to do her job, and after Saitou leaves goes off to work off her anger with herself on her scythe.
Eiji awakens early, anxious to begin his lessons with Okita. Saitou takes him out to breakfast and drops him off at the dojo. Saitou gives Eiji 4 simple rules to keep himself safe – including calling Saitou “Fujita-san” in public.
Kaoru and the mysterious diary seller! Kaoru returns to pay for the book, but the seller’s shop is empty and she is left wondering. She teaches at the Maekawa Dojo today.
Enishi leaves the longhouses Enishi then runs into Oibore and the two acknowledge each other – after a fashion. Enishi is not pleased to see his father, but does give him his longhouse to stay in. Then he leaves, not intending to return.
Ayu, Shinichi and Aisa the duck are back at her new, expanded shop. They have a visit from Oibore – whom Ayu feeds and serves tea, and Hiko. Hiko buys tea and candy for his hostess, Kaoru. Shinichi gives him candy for Kenshin.
Hide responds to her brother’s letter and goes off on morning errands. Saitou sees her looking lost, and she asks his assistance in finding a local nursery. Saitou guides her there and she makes notes of the possibilities for Okita’s Dojo garden. Then she and Saitou go to send her letter to her brother by telegraph, with Saitou asking her about her brother’s knowledge of the surviving Captains of the Shinsengumi.
Katsu gets an explanation from Iwaki, the drunk samurai he took home the night before. Iwaki, a bitter samurai from the Bakumatsu, agrees to help Katsu try to dig up some information for his newspaper.
Kenshin rests on the engawa, exhausted after helping with Sano’s surgery. Aoshi and Megumi join him and Megumi tells both Kenshin and Aoshi about Anji’s visit to the Gensai Clinic. Then Misao arrives, after making sure Sano is resting comfortably, and tells them everything she knows about the attack, too.
There were 6 men, one masked, who attacked. No weapons until one man drew a knife to take out Misao. Sano made sure that did not happen by taking the blade in her stead. Aoshi is livid that his Okashira has been attacked, and appreciative of Sano’s actions.
Omasu makes a splendid special rejuvenating tea and everyone really appreciates it. Now if only we had it here for all our Players!
Sano wakes up in his room at the dojo – the one so recently vacated by Shiro and Aoshi. He tells Kenshin what happened and that the masked man knew about the dojo and everybody in it. The masked man threatened to harm those at the Kamiya dojo if Sano did not co-operate and teach an army to use the Futae no Kiwami. Sano tells Kenshin about Anji’s warnings and his belief that Yamagata was behind it. Kenshin finds that hard to believe, but they agree that they must find Anji.
Misao comes to visit, dressed in that pretty pink uniform of hers and Sano seems to feel a little bit better. Smirk.
After Misao leaves for school, Megumi and Sano discuss the danger to everyone at the dojo and Anji’s involvement. When Sano asks Megumi if she has something in her medicine box to help him sleep she is only too glad to oblige. She delivers the smack down with The Medicine Box of Doom!
That only works until the entire dojo is rouses by Megumi’s screams…
Anji meets his attackers again. This time he is captured, drugged and incarcerated!
Shiro entertains Okon, Ayame and Suzume with the story of the birds! All three of these beautiful young ladies are captivated by his storyteller charms. Megumi, however, goes off to angst elsewhere on the dojo grounds.
Saitou walks along the banks of the Sumida, finding a place to catch a few moments of peace and sleep, observed only by Oibore.
The Chou goes off to investigate Tae’s attack. He finds the spot where she was accosted, complete with empty sake bottles and loose teeth. Then he heads for the precinct to check for the lab report and write up a report on Tae’s attack. He receives the lab report on Fujita’s glove just before Kamatari arrives. They are discussing their plans for fun and games when a messenger arrives with messages for both Kamatari and Saitou from Okita. He is going out of town to look for his sister in Yokohama.
Enishi arrives, with Saitou closely on his heels. The two Juppongatana make no move to leave until Saitou reads Chou’s report on Tae and gives Kamatari the addresses of the men, instructing both Chou and Kamatari to arrest them.
They leave the office – but not the vicinity.
Megumi is still not feeling very well. She tries being alone, but that doesn’t help.
Megumi heads for the dojo, still trying to find her way in the morass of feelings, illness and confusion. She confiscates the knife that injured Sano to replace the one Saitou relieved her of at Kanryuu’s mansion. Hiko nearly catches her in the act. They have some very odd conversation (even for Hiko) and are joined by Aoshi, Shiro and Okon.
Kamatari pulls herself together after her morning visit from Saitou. She works out with her scythe and then makes herself all prettiful before heading off to the precinct to see Chou.
Kenshin goes off to the kitchen and makes rabbit shaped onigiri. Misao joins him and has lunch before going off to school. Hiko comes in and delivers the candies sent by Ayu and Shinichi to Kenshin. Okon and Omasu come looking for Misao and all the kunoichi go off to a clan meeting in their room at the dojo.
Once they are alone, Hiko requires lunch and an explanation of Kenshin’s recent activities. Kenshin tells him a bit about Jinchuu, then about his injuries when Hiko asks after them. Then he admits his stay in Rakuminmura and tells Hiko he and Kaoru are engaged.
Hiko questions the timing, but their conversation is interrupted by Megumi’s scream…
Ayu and Shinichi go back to the shop. Saitou and Eiji come looking for treats and Hide. Ayu, of course, is always glad to feed everyone. Including a very elegant Kido who comes in to see what is in this new shop. Ayu makes Kido some special tea and Saitou exchanges a few words with the revered widow of Katsura.
A messenger brings word to Hide that Okita has gone out of town. Saitou asks Ayu to allow Eiji to stay. Eiji and Shinichi are becoming good friends. Kido wonders if Ayu was Takasugi’s lover. Once Saitou leaves, the ladies discuss Katsura’s ideals and Kido’s desire to continue to make a difference.
Aoshi gives Shiro instructions and a map of clan contacts to be memorized and shared with Okon and Omasu. Okon and Omasu also receive information to help get the bookstore ready for them. Misao turns up and everyone wishes her a good first day at school, including Megumi.
Okita and Saizou enjoyed their first day of lessons with Eiji and are relaxing on the engawa when they receive an important message from Chiri-chan. She just received word from her father, Nakagura, that Okita’s sister Mitsu was spotted in Yokohama. Okita prepares to go to Yokohama to find her, having notes delivered for Kamatari, Hide and Saitou (and Eiji). He also writes a note for Tsubame, intending to deliver it to the Akebeko on the way to the train station.
Outside the Akebeko, Tsubame is upset about Okita leaving and her family being unhappy about her brother’s marriage. Yahiko cheers her up. Meanwhile, inside the Akebeko, Susumu is
Tae takes a walk to Ueno Park, trying to sort out her feelings and recover more fully from the attack. Doesn’t help. Still, she gets credit for at least an inning of angst here at Himuragumi!
Kaoru teaches at the Maekawa Dojo – arriving rather late after her extended lunch at the Akebeko. Megumi is waiting for her outside with Ayame and Suzume, to return her diary, saying she did not want any of the Kamiya Dojo men to find or read it. Naturally, Kaoru is not too thrilled that Megumi read it – even if she says it was only one page! Just Kaoru’s luck she chose the page saying Kaoru and Kenshin were planning to marry, wasn’t it?
Megumi apologizes, and tells Kaoru about Sano’s injury. They all leave to walk home together.
Saitou converses with Enishi. Enishi wants the diary. Saitou wants his former accomplices. They reach an agreement of sorts and Enishi leaves.
Chou and Kamatari stay outside of Saitou’s office, spying on him, until Shura interrupts them. The Chou does his usual James Bond imitation that comes out more like Bozo T. Clown. She goes in to see Saitou, and the dynamic duo go off to do some police work.
Megumi, in a pissy mood, finally goes off to rest in Kaoru’s room. She’s still a bit under the weather. Reading Kaoru’s diary doesn’t seem to improve that. She screams when she reads that Kenshin and Kaoru are engaged, causing an injured Sano and Sano to run to her aid. Hiko responds in his own good time. Megumi quickly hides the book from view, but when Hiko starts asking pointed questions, Kenshin suggests she might want to see to Ayame, who is just outside the door – peeking in.
Shiro heads off to meet with the Oniwaban contact Aoshi suggested: Sato-san, a street vendor with contacts. He runs into Okon on the way and she accompanies him. Susumu and Oibore stop by, keeping them from open discussion with Sato-san – but that doesn’t stop a good ninja! Susumu buys Oibore a meal, and Shiro entertains Sato-san with a story. Susumu, overhearing Shiro’s tale, repays him in kind. Message delivered, Shiro and Okon head off to the bookstore.
Aoshi takes Misao to school, giving her some of her Grandfather’s kunai as she leaves for class. While she is in school, he spies, investigates the area of her assault, and spies some more. After school, Misao remarks that she is behind – but not too much. Aoshi promises to help her and then takes her to the bookstore.
Sano goes back to his room after Megumi’s screaming episode, the worse for wear. Kenshin tells him Megumi was not feeling well and that Dr. Gensai performed Sano’s surgery with Kenshin’s assistance as a result. Sano needs attention and food, so Dr. Gensai comes to see him bearing bandages and bunny onigiri, vegetables and tea. Dr. Gensai and Sano chat about Misao a bit, then Sano gets some sleep. Tae, Tsubame and Saizou III come to visit and chat. Yahiko stops by and then Sano sleeps some more.
Susumu treats Tae in the back room of the Akebeko, trying to coax her into telling him what happened to her. He is pleased to hear she has reported her attack to the police, and advises her to take it easy for a few days. (Too bad she didn’t take that advice! No, I didn’t see anything there about drinking herself into oblivion in his advice…)
Megumi, Kaoru and the little girls leave the Maekawa Dojo and go back to the Gensai Clinic. Kaoru agrees to give Megumi and the girls self defense lessons. Megumi, fox ears in place, tells Kaoru about Hiko’s kiln. The two discuss Megumi and Aoshi briefly, with Kaoru inquiring if Misao and Sanosuke know about this new possibility.
Susumu turns up, asking for Dr. Gensai, just as Ayame is schooling Suzume on how to pronounce Hiten Mitsururgi! Megumi invites him to dinner while they wait for Dr. Gensai. Susumu has come to train with the good doctor. He and Megumi get to know each other a bit, although he didn’t get off to a very good start by asking Megumi if the girls were her children!
Tae arrives…she cut her hand badly at the Kamiya Dojo while slicing vegetables. Susumu treats her for the second time today! When Dr. Gensai arrives, Megumi shares the news of Kenshin and Kaoru’s wedding. Dr. Gensai isn’t pleased that Kenshin didn’t tell him about it earlier or ask him for his permission. Uh Oh! Kenny better watch it, he’s not the only man who’s overprotective of Kaoru!
Megumi is called to a late night emergency childbirth and Susumu walks Tae home.
Hiko and Kenshin resume their discussion after Megumi’s scream. Kenshin asks Hiko if he does not approve of his upcoming marriage to Kaoru. Hiko insists that he must be certain that Kenshin’s spirit is resolved. Kenshin shares his thoughts with Hiko, and Hiko approves – but not before he administers a dose of reality: Kenshin will become a husband and eventually a father. Funny how that had never occurred to him. Nope. Not even once.
After some Rurouni rationalizations, Kenshin goes off to meet Kaoru by the Sumida. Tae comes to the kitchen and chats with Hiko – recognizing him as the famous potter. After he goes off to work at his kiln, she starts cutting up vegetables – and her hand! She goes off to the clinic and Tsubame comes in and sees the evidence that Tae cut herself.
Enishi wanders the streets after leaving the Precinct. He runs into Shura – and occasionally confuses her with ‘neesan. Sigh, don’t we all. (Holds up sign: Tomoe= Tall, Long Hair, Shura= Short, Long Hair) In his saner moments, he walks Shura back to her hotel – then gives her the money for a better one! He’s ever the gentleman with women, that Enishi. Well, except when he’s kidnapping them. But maybe he’s gotten over that….we’ll see. Shura offers her father’s tanto in exchange, but Enishi declines.
Saitou emerges – he’d been following Shura. He demands an explanation and isn’t very satisfied with Shura’s response. She can’t very well explain someone she just met – but that is Saitou’s point after all. He suggests that she should avoid Enishi. (Awww….but he’s so cute!)
Aoshi snoops around Misao’s school. No surprise there. Then he extends his reach to snoop around the place where Misao and Sano were attacked, finding evidence of the struggle.
Leaving the clinic, Kaoru heads for the banks of the Sumida where she hopes to meet Kenshin. He doesn’t keep her waiting long. He fills her in on Sano’s attack, cautioning her to be extra careful as they knew all about the Kamiya Dojo. Then he struggles to be as honest with her as he had been with Hiko, failing pretty much. Kaoru tells him she saw Enishi at the Akebeko, but they did not speak. As they are about to eat dinner, Oibore joins them and Kenshin gives him his bento.
Kenshin introduces Kaoru as his fiancée and Oibore wishes them many children, sending Kenshin into another heart fart. He continues to delude himself on this issue. Kenshin again experiences strong associations between the scent of White Plum, Tomoe and Oibore. Tomoe’s influence, no doubt.
The couple takes a short walk along the river and Kenshin manages to confess his true feelings for Kaoru. She, too, confesses her love for Kenshin. Everybody smile!
Aoshi and Misao head for the bookstore after her first day of school. It still needs work, but all the Oniwabanshuu are there and working to get it ready for them to live in Pronto! Shiro and Aoshi share information about the Yamazaki’s. Okon and Omasu take stock of all the things the bookstore needs, and the clan generally enjoys preparing for their new home in Tokyo. Aoshi considers how best to hone their ninja skills. Ninja Day Camp perhaps?
Aoshi escorts Misao back to the dojo to change clothes.
Okon and Omasu do some shopping in the marketplace. Unfortunately, Okon seems to have some attention of the stalker kind. Not good, not good at all! They handle it just fine, but it does seem as if our kunoichi from Kyoto need to brush up on their “working together” skills. Yep. Ninja Day Camp!
Hiko works at his kiln, observing, remembering and lending a general air of reflection to the night. Shura passes by and offers up a song. Then Tsubame and Saizou pay him a visit.
Shura moves to the Inn Enishi suggested and gets some sleep. Restless, she leaves to prowl the streets of Tokyo.
Chou and Kamatari go off to get the warrants for the thugs that attacked Sekihara Tae, but before they can go after the perps, Ayu brings Eiji and Shinichi to the Police Station looking for Saitou. Chou and Kamatari escort them to Saitou’s office, but he and Shura are already gone. Eiji and Ayu leave notes for Saitou and Chou and Kamatari go after the thugs.
Saitou receives word about Enishi’s “gift” of Hyouko. The wolf seems pleased as he sets off to retrieve the prisoner and the diary.
Shiro oversees work at the new Oniwabanshuu bookstore in the afternoon. He and Baachan chat a little. Hmm….remarks from a stranger observing the work draw Shiro’s attention. Perhaps not all the ninja clans are pleased to see the Oniwabanshuu resettling in Tokyo? Omasu and Okon return from shopping and discuss their strange “stalker” with Shiro over dinner. Aoshi returns without Misao.
Sano’s room at the dojo. Misao visits after her afternoon at school. Misao and Sano chat under the watchful ear of Aoshi on the roof above them. The seem to be getting along pretty well since they are holding hands. Kenshin brings in some dinner to share with Sano. Aoshi leaves a sign for Misao that he is spending the night at the bookstore. After Sano falls asleep, she decides to go stay at the bookstore.
Shura goes to a Chinese Restaurant – Ayu, Shinichi and Eiji join her for dinner! When they are bothered by a rude ruffian, he gets knocked out by the resident baba in the shop and then Shura drags him out into the street! Ayu is very impressed. Guess she likes her women strong and pretty, too. Susumu is headed to see Ayu, but he’s hungry AGAIN, so he stops off for Chinese. After eating, Shura goes home to her new hotel and the reunited siblings go back to Ayunee’s.
Chou and Kamatari arrest the perps who attacked Sekihara Tae, with an able assist – or was it a distraction? – by Shura.
Sekihara Tae goes home – escorted by Yamazaki Susumu. He reminds Tae of an old flame, making her sad again.
Kenshin relaxes in the bath house until he hears Kaoru. Realizing she found Hiko’s kiln, he stays far, far away. Later, he heads for the kitchen to get some dinner for himself and Sano.
Ayunee and the kids arrive home. Susumu and Hide, old friends from the Bakumatsu, get reacquainted. He calls her Tsubaki and tells her he’s studying to be a doctor. She tells him he just missed Okita, who is out of town. She tells him about the current situations of both Saitou (Fujita) and Okita.
The calm family life at Ayu’s is deceiving. She receives a late night visit from someone with a grudge from the past. This shinobi visitor awakens Susumu, too. He joins his sister on the roof – bemoaning his lack of preparedness. Ayu also feels unprepared. She wants Susumu to teach shinobi tactics to Shinichi as well as teaching Hide how to defend herself with a knife. Their conversation leads to the inevitable: the truth. She tells him that Himura saved her life in the Bakumatsu and Shinichi’s father is Takasugi. Susumu’s reaction is as passionate as he is. He speeds away, trying to deal with what seems to him to be her ultimate betrayal. He leaves Ayu alone on the roof to defend her family until dawn.
Megumi returns from her medical emergency and meets Enishi on the street. He sees her home safely. She reviews her very busy day and decides to go visit an onsen in the morning.
Kaoru retires to her room to write in her diary – and falls asleep in the process.
Kenshin closes up the dojo for the night – but finds a surprising message tied to a lantern placed on the Kamiya Dojo front gate. He is not at all pleased as he takes the lantern and message and retires for the night.
Aoshi returns to the dojo just long enough to let Misao know he going to spend the night at the bookstore.
October 2, 1878 - Wednesday
Watch for these New Characters! Shiro, Okon, Sekihara Tae, & Kido Matsuko. Their names appear in bold to mark their first appearance at Himuragumi! Welcome New Players!!!!
Weather
Our day starts with Okita cleaning the dojo with Chiri-chan. Hide comes to visit and they both admit they are each other’s “first love”. (Everybody say Awww….)
Saitou finally goes home for a few hours rest. He, too, is still injured from Jinchuu – and frustrated by how long he is taking to heal. He and Eiji get up early and chat a bit – and Eiji tells Saitou that Kenshin visited with Tokio. Saitou tries to hide his anger about it and asks Eiji to tell Tokio that he will be bringing a friend home for dinner – one who likes sweets! Eiji is curious, but Saitou avoids his questions – but does ask if Eiji would like to train with this friend. Eiji is very happy about that! Before going off to work, Saitou asks Eiji to let Tokio know that he will want to speak with her about Kenshin’s visit after their dinner guest leaves.
Hiko rises early for morning meditations – not an easy task at the overbooked Kamiya Dojo. Tsubame and Saizu come looking for Yahiko. Omasu and Aoshi are also up and about – but Aoshi leaves to follow Fujita when he passes the dojo. Tsubame asks Hiko to take her to Okita’s dojo when Yahiko doesn’t show up. On the way there, they run into Seta Soujiro and Yahiko. Megumi checks on Dr. Gensai and his patient at the clinic. Misao bounces in, wanting to make sure that Megumi knows she’s ok if Megumi and Aoshi have a closer relationship. Yahiko, who spent the night at the clinic, gets up and Megumi feeds them both ohagi. Is that a breakfast dish? Well, at least it’s more edible than whatever Kaoru might fix.
At the clinic, Anji has dreadful dreams from prison, then awakens to current bad memories of the deaths and destruction of the previous day. He meditates until entertained by Ayame and Suzume. Megumi comes in to check on him and his condition. He introduces himself and Megumi recognizes his name. He asks if she knows Sano, and she offers to send Sano a note asking him to come to the clinic.
Seta didn’t find anyone at home at Kamatari’s last night, so he’s out on the streets of Tokyo and using those bandages he got from Megumi on the arm of his fluffy stuffed panda. He runs into Yahiko, Tsubame and Hiko on their way to Okita’s Dojo.
On the way to the precinct, Saitou passes the dojo, but doesn’t have time to talk to Kenshin now. Aoshi spots him and follows. He goes to the clinic, where Yahiko literally runs into him. They exchange insults, and Megumi tries to call Yahiko back inside. That tells Fujita what he wants to know – that Megumi is safely at home. Aoshi and Megumi share a morning moment. He invites her to dinner – somewhere else, but they both realize she’s not feeling well. Then Megumi notes that Fujita is still loitering – getting an eyeful Saitou? He and Aoshi exchange…remarks. Yeah, that’s what they did. Fujita tries to buy the drug information with info about Megumi’s escapes the previous night – but Aoshi’s not buying. Saitou tells him about Megumi’s visit to Kanryuu’s. After all, he can’t watch Megumi all the time –and it appears that Aoshi is interested in her. Well, duh.
Next, Katsu runs into Fujita on the street and decides to ask him straight out about the murders. Right, like that’ll work. Katsu offers to bribe him, and Fujita slips into his “I’m just a long suffering policeman” act. They agree to meet the following day. Hard to know who’s working whom between this shifty pair.
Omasu and Aoshi match sewing skills – I think Aoshi won! Of course, if Misao had been there for Omasu to measure, it would have been a tie. Aoshi made the hated blue kimono from Saitou into a new Oniwabanshuu uniform for Misao! Omasu is fitting her new pink school uniform. Omasu and Aoshi discuss the new Oniwabanshuu base in Tokyo – and their lost comrades. They decide to spar for practice in the dojo and run into Kaoru looking for Yahiko. Kaoru isn’t pleased Yahiko ran off without practicing.
Sano goes out for breakfast and Misao sees him on her way back to the dojo. They go off to buy some sake to replace the stuff Sano gave to Hiko yesterday. (He’ll probably drink it today, ne?) They miss Megumi’s messenger who is looking for Sano.
Saitou heading for the Precinct, is waylaid by a rookie cop who discovered the hastily buried evidence of Anji’s encounter. They return to the station to get help and equipment and go off to one of life’s more unpleasant duties – digging up the dead. They find the family buried with some semblance of dignity and prayer, and the body parts of the men buried very shallowly – as if they were meant to be found, perhaps? Saitou examines the bodies and sends them off to the coroner for examination and proper cremation. Before leaving the scene, he finds some scattered grains of black powder. He takes a sample, and finding nothing else, leaves.
Okita and Hide take tea at the new dojo with Chiri-chan. Hide and Okita exchange childhood songs and the urge to take care of each other since they are each other’s “first love”. Chiri-chan wants to play matchmaker! After all, Okita needs someone to watch over him more than she is able. Tsubame, Yahiko and Hiko come for Tsubame’s lesson. Tsubame, Yahiko and Hide all participate in the lesson while Hiko watches. Yahiko is conflicted about Okita being a nice guy, and runs off to compose himself. Chiri-chan lets Tsubame know that Okita is “very sick” – she doesn’t know the half of it!
Oibore tries to get Tomoe’s diary back from Saitou by revealing his identity and asking for it. Right, like that’s going to work. He leaves a sadder man. We’ll see if he’s any wiser.
Oibore faces the fears and failures of his life and endures. So must we all. Sano runs into him while looking for Anji – then Anji spots both men, but being suspicious of Oibore, stays hidden. Oibore feels as if someone is watching them, and then Sano practices what Kenshin taught him about sensing ki and does sense someone. Anji, feeling him searching, reveals his presence. They go to Katsu’s cabin to talk.
Kaoru does laundry. To the music of the Back Street Boys. ‘nuf said? Yes, she’s doing Sano’s gi and Saitou’s kimono for Tokio. Yikes! Sano comes to visit and gives her the money he made at Nakamura’s as well as a jug of sake to replace the one he “borrowed” and gave to Hiko. Kaoru suggests she is going to Okita’s and Sano wonders what part of Stupid she’s from. When they get into it, Kenshin wakes up and intervenes to ask Kaoru to stay with him at the dojo, telling her they will no longer be working at Nakamura’s. Kaoru agrees, and Kenshin offers to
Then 2 messengers arrive – one impatient one with a message for Sano and one with bentos and a message for Kaoru. Kenshin takes the message for Sano and escorts the second messenger to Kaoru. Ayu has sent them lunch instead of Shinichi. He can’t come to practice so Kaoru sets the next practice for the day after tomorrow. (6 months from now? heh)
Kenshin and Kaoru go on a picnic by the river, enjoying the beauty of the fall and each other. Kenshin tells Kaoru about Aoshi’s offer to pay the moneylenders, then he surprises Kaoru with his affections and his offer of marriage. She accepts and he goes to find Aoshi.
Megumi plays with the girls, who want to go to school. Sano comes looking for Anji.
Omasu and Misao fit her new hakama for school and they discuss Sano and Aoshi’s reaction to her in her new Oniwabanshuu uniform – the one sewn by Aoshi!
Megumi muses on her life in the bath – opium, losing her family, now she’s unwell – then remembers her tea with Kamatari and goes off to the Hotel frequented by Westerners to wait.
Aoshi goes off for a walk with his ghosts. He and Hannya discuss another walk among the momiji trees in fall, with their leaves a brilliant red. Do we know who “Her Excellency” is/was? Why no, no we don’t. Hannya agrees that Misao represents the Oniwabanshuu’s future, but disapproves of Aoshi’s methods – nonspecifically, of course. That would be telling. He REALLY disapproves of Megumi – saying she will only hurt him. Aoshi’s not having it. Aoshi goes off towards the bookstore and runs into Megumi, who is on her way to meet Kamatari – in her new kimono. Aoshi gives her a compliment – sort of. He’s clueless, she’s feverish – watch them flirt – after a fashion. Witty banter, shared memories, tender moments and Aoshi chuckles. Yes. He definitely needs a new icon – anyone seen a smiling Aoshi? Beshimi quotes Romeo. It’s all good.
Misao and Omasu head for the new Oniwabanshuu bookstore – they’re going to get started on fixing it up and meet Aoshi there. Who comes to call? The Big Bad Wolf. Aoshi arrives – he’s planning something, but we don’t know what yet – always a surprise with Mr. Warmth. Aoshi retires to the roof – which needs repairs, and Saitou has lunch with Omasu and Misao before using the facilities and leaving the back way. Kenshin arrives just in time to see him go – joining Aoshi on the roof. Together they leave to visit the moneylenders.
Sano arrives and helps the two Onmitsu clean up a lot of the bookshelves. Lots of work to be done at the bookstore – but for now it’s time to hurry back to the dojo before Kaoru decides to make dinner. Heh.
Tokio wakes up late and finds Eiji and the little boys having a mudball fight? Never a dull moment at the Fujita residence.
Megumi goes to the Hotel to wait for Kamatari to join her for tea. She and Kamatari flirt with 2 foreigners – Jennings (baldy) and Parker (stained teeth – from smoking cigars!) from the US textiles industry. The clueless foreigners invite them to an Embassy party next week!
Katsu finds an outdoor lunch of squid on a stick and Oibore runs into him. They discuss art and life. Hey, save some for us!
Chou fixes the well Anji busted up, finds the restaurant he smashed and tracks him to the Gensai Clinic. Dr. Gensai fills him in, telling him Anji has left for a temple on the outskirts of town. Too bad he didn’t know which one.
Sano takes Anji to Katsu’s secluded cabin in the woods – and demands some answers! Someone wants to build an army of those who can use the Futae no Kiwami – using either Anji or Sano to train them! Anji believes the Meiji Government is behind this – including Yamagata Aritomo, the War Minister of Japan and a friend of Kenshin and Takasugi. Anji thinks these people seek an expansion program to make Japan equal to the Western powers, and ultimately superior to them – and the starting point will be acquiring the Korean Peninsula.
Sano decides to consult with Katsu on the possibilities. He also decides not to pass on the Futae no Kiwami so that it cannot be used for ill gotten gains. Awww, Sano is so cute when he’s virtuous!
After lunch with the Onmitsu, Saitou goes back to his office and gets a visit from Kamatari. Saitou gives her a key so she doesn’t have to break in anymore.
Kenshin and Aoshi go to visit the moneylenders of Tokyo. Kenshin scares the shit out of Yomama while Aoshi tries to befriend, or at least extend another option to the ninja babes in his employ. The visit to Tomoko and Sanjiro reveals the very sticky fingers of the former Okashira. Mission accomplished, Aoshi splits and Kenshin goes back to the dojo.
Kaoru muses on her unexpected morning with Kenshin, then exchanges a few words with Hiko before returning the cleaned kimono to Saitou – in the bathhouse. She asks Saitou to try to talk Okita out of fighting Kenshin. Saitou says he will try. Hiko goes shopping. ::snort::
Takasugi, Ayu and Shinichi go to visit the village where Takasugi has been teaching. There they meet his star pupil, a young girl of Shinichi’s age, Sayuri, who is unable to walk. She quotes some of Takasugi’s poetry, however, including some that he had not intended for Ayu to hear, at least not yet! Ayu, at first fearful that this might be his child, is then overwhelmed with her usual motherly instincts to take this child and her brother,Yoshi, into her heart. A very pleasant day is had by all!
Aoshi leaves the moneylenders, runs some errands and heads for….a Temple – bearing gifts! The monks seem to know him, but then shinobi connections, ne? Upon leaving Aoshi runs into Shiro – who is looking, without success, for the Kamiya Dojo. Aoshi gives Shiro directions – along with advice about “helping” Kaoru in the kitchen. They also discuss Okon, who has left the Aoiya on a travel adventure. Then Aoshi leaves on additional errands.
Megumi returns to the clinic to sleep, hoping she will be well enough to go out with Aoshi. When he arrives, she, Dr. Gensai, Ayame and Suzume all meet him at the door. His Jasamine plant is a big hit with all the girls, as is the food he had asked Baachan (Tsumugi-san) to prepare. Megumi is really too sick to go anywhere, so Aoshi entertains her. Or is he the one who’s entertained? Hard to say with this couple.
Manju, Manju, Seta can’t get enough! When his favorite manju street vendors start a very vocal argument over needing additional help, Seta offers to be their assistant! Shortly afterwards, Kamatari runs into him, wondering where he’s been.
Saitou makes a quick trip to the office, finding the note Chou left and revealing his physical issues – his right shoulder and arm are causing him pain and problems.
What IS it about Okita and cats? Particularly Black Cats! Chiriko-chan sends Okita off to buy….radishes and lamps? Instead, he goes to sit by the Sumida and muse upon the past – not a good thing since it seems to really depress him. Suddenly, Okita spies a black cat and drawing his wakizashi, decapitates it. Finding it’s lair of black kittens nearby, he drowns them all in the river, incurring the wrath of their scratches on his wrists and blood on his clothing. Black cats are following him – or are they? Are they even black?
Wandering back to his dojo, Chiriko-chan bandages his wrists and works on removing the blood from his clothing while Okita goes off to sleep. Saitou comes to the dojo to pick up Okita for dinner with the Fujita’s. The two wolves discuss a number of things while walking to Fujita’s – including how best to kill the Battousai. Okita notices a slight difference in Fujita’s gait and a possible problem with his arm. Okita’s comments on Battousai confirm Kaoru’s report of his challenge to Fujita. Okita senses that Saitou won’t help with his plan, but hopes he won’t hinder it either.
Hiko builds a kiln – on the dojo grounds! Guess he’s planning to stay awhile, ne? Why do we think he has NOT consulted with Kaoru? Okon arrives at the dojo – and goes to visit Hiko immediately – why are we not surprised?
Meanwhile, Kaoru stokes the bathhouse fires, and maybe her own? Kenshin certainly hopes so!
Yahiko and Tsubame go for a walk by the Sumida – a popular spot for many today. Unfortunately, their visit is marred by the gruesome discovery of the decapitated and drowned felines.
Dinner with the Saitou’s. Rowdy boys, Okita’s high on sugar, Tokio’s made a swell din din – what could possibly go wrong? Go critique Saitou’s skills as a Dad – you know you want to!
Kamatari and Seta chat about Battousai and Seta’s favorite, bandage-covered stuffed bear.
Investigations of the Chou kind. The Chou visits the scene of the 10 murders, ruminating on the facts the Coroner gave, plus the information he found out from other cops. Why are there two graves? Who were the family? Did the dismembered guys kill the family? And who the hell is Mr. Gunpowder? Once he’s got a big enough headache from thinking, the Chou heads home, searching all the temples of Tokyo on the way for Anji.
Kenshin is happily preparing dinner in the Dojo Kitchen! Once the others start arriving, he goes off to find Kaoru.
Kaoru’s Official Bathhouse Thread. Kenshin goes looking for Kaoru to call her for dinner and finds her in the bathhouse – waiting for him. Kaoru reminds Kenshin that she had agreed to change his bandages. He suggests she go and eat dinner, but she wants to stay – making things just a little too close for comfort for our near-lovers. Kenshin is successful at getting her naked – but only to bathe - with him safely closed off in the outer room. Hehe. So much for this thread breaking the PG-13 barrier at Himuragumi. (If it weren’t for Chou’s potty mouth we’d have no smut at all!)
Anji heads for a monestary on the outskirts of Tokyo. He is pleased with his meeting with Sano, but still concerned. Chou finds him there, meditating – nobody meditates with the Chou around. Chou demands freakin’ answers, and Anji reveals his memory loss. The two Juppongatana go to a secluded area outside where they can talk freely and unheard. Chou fills in Anji on what happened at his house during dinner, and Anji starts hearing voices. He drops into a meditation stance – and the Chou joins him. WTF? Meditated out, they discuss the restaurant Anji Futae no Kiwami’d and his treatment at the Gensai clinic.
Anji startles Chou by asking about Yamagata Aritomo. The Chou fills Anji in on the relationship between Kenshin and Yamagata, plus Saitou’s propensity to “remove” corrupt Meiji officials. This suggests that Yamagata is probably not involved in whatever drama Anji is contemplating. Chou asks Anji where he was before he came to dinner the previous night, but Anji defers.
Misao will be your host this evening for the Endless Dinner Thread! Yes, this is the endless dinner thread. Omasu, Misao and Sano eat first. Sano and Misao have a nice flirty chat on the engawa until Misao gets a little bit edgy and bolts. Leaving the bathhouse, Kenshin sees Sano in the courtyard and goes to see what’s up. Aoshi arrives from the clinic, and Shiro arrives via the front tree. Shiro was spying on Misao and Sano. They go into dinner, joined by Kaoru. Kenshin and Kaoru announce the Big News: they are getting married in a week. Then split. Hiko and Okon turn up later to eat. It’s basically just the prelude to an evening of ninja angst with the Oniwabanshuu. Aoshi takes exception to Okon turning up unannounced and presuming on Kaoru’s hospitality. He expresses it by giving her money and telling her to go back to Kyoto. He’s such a fun guy.
Tsubame and Yahiko are working at the Akebeko – Saizou III in tow, of course, when our very own Sekihara Tae seeing a pig in her restaurant, introduces Saizou to her broom, with rather a lot of enthusiasm. Yahiko takes the fall for having the pig in the restaurant in the first place. Yahiko pleads with her, and since it’s closing time, Tae agrees that the pig can stay. Tsubame admits it’s her pig. Tae pays Yahiko, who begs for a raise to help out Kaoru with the dojo. Tae gives him a bunch of money and a great big hug. Tears around.
Being married toSaitou is like living the vision – if you’re Dante. First he makes you commit to him with pistol training, now he’s in a snit over Battousai. Tokio sets his fantasy fears to rest. No, she’s not having an affair with him, silly wolfie. Kenshin only visited once, to ask for something of hers to trade for his dead wife’s diary. Saitou is, like, SO pleased to hear that. He tells her to stay out of his affairs. He leaves his katana and policeman’s uniform behind, intending to seek comfort in the drink and diversions of Yoshiwara.
All the sons of the Shinsengumi are feeling the pain tonight. On the way home from a nice dinner with the Saitou family, Okita suffers a calamity. First he believes he interrupts a rapist attacking Chiri-chan – who kills herself in disgrace – and then he believes he is a drowning…woman? Fortunately, he wakes up barfing by the side of the road. Dreams and reality merge in an unfortunate way when Sekihara Tae is attacked walking home from the Akebeko. Okita thwarts and pummels the attackers, but is disoriented and believes the woman is his ward, Chiri-chan. He’s carrying her to get help when they run into Kido Matsuko. (Kido is the widow of Katsura Kogoro/ Kido Takayoshi, known as the geisha/geiko Ikumatsu in RK). She recklessly takes the pair back to her house for shelter.
Katsu runs into Iwaki – a rowdy drunk Katsu hoped to get information from. They compare notes – and neither of them knows anything new about the murders. Katsu takes the drunk Iwaki home.
Tsubame takes Yahiko home to meet her parents. Her father receives a letter and leaves the table. Her mother asks our proud samurai what his intentions are – totally freaking him out. The letter was from her older brother – a rebel with a new, and unwelcome, Chinese wife.
Kenshin and Kaoru go for a walk after dinner around the perimeter of the dojo. Kaoru asks about his wedding to Tomoe, and our newly engaged couple enjoy their new physical closeness – but not too much. When they go back inside, Kaoru asks about Kenshin’s belongings being in the storage room next to her room, and he shows his manliness by bolting.
Yahiko heads back to the dojo after an anxious dinner at Tsubame’s house. A limping stranger makes him a very strange present: a picture of his father.
Sano heads out looking for Yahiko, who’s been awol all day. He finds him on the way home from Tsubame’s, and hauls him back to the dojo. Literally. Then, just in case you thought Sano was completely reformed, he goes off gambling.
Hide returns home to Ayu’s house, reflecting on the events at the dojo. A letter from her brother reminds her that she is to return to Kyoto – but she is not ready to do that yet. Ayu and Shinichi return from visiting Takasugi’s village. She tells Hide that Takasugi could show up with a couple of kids in tow – she’s just not sure yet. She teases Hide about her forwardness in visiting Okita so soon – but assures her it was the right thing to do.
Kido takes Okita and Tae back to her lavish residence. Tae is helped by Kido’s servants, who chide her for being so reckless as to bring strangers home. Once Okita finally realizes that Tae is not Chiri-chan, he thanks Kido for her kindness and bolts to go find Chiri-chan and check on her safety. He is still…disoriented. Yes, that’s what Okita is. Disoriented. ::evil laugh::
The Chou goes home and makes his list – of all the murders in Tokyo, of Anji’s stuff, and tries to figure it out.
Aoshi goes outside the dojo to think. He’s worrying about the Oniwabanshuu and the fact that’s he’s such a control freak. Misao comes out and makes him feel better. She’s gentle, kind and persuasive that Okon should really stay. They go off to find Okon.
Omasu leaves the dojo and goes off to have some time alone. She loves her family, but was really happier when it was just Misao, Aoshi & Omasu. Too bad, because the others come to join her and demonstrate that the Oniwabanshuu know how to angst – better than everyone. In fact, let’s just award this thread the Major Angst Award for Himuragumi now and get it over with.
Oh, you want details? Ok then. Aoshi apologizes to Okon. Okon is still majorly miffed. Shiro wades right in and pisses everyone off. Aoshi gets all huffy and leaves. Misao tells them to go to bed. Okon, Misao and Shiro go – but Omasu joins Aoshi on the roof for some quality bonding time. Whew! Vapors alert.
Anji waits for nightfall at the Buddhist temple, resting and meditating.
Hiko gets comfy in Kenshin’s room and dreams of Hokkaido….leaving us wondering why. Kenshin is just glad he’s asleep when he makes his nightly rounds.
Kaoru delivers the smack down to Yahiko when she finds him in his room. He pleads the necessity of protecting Tsubame as his excuse for going to Okita’s dojo and gives Kaoru his earnings and the money from Tae. Kaoru takes it, intending to return it to Tae the next day. She starts to tell Yahiko the Big News, but Yahiko objects that it is Too Soon for Megumi and Aoshi to get married. Aoshi may think the Kenshingumi’s methods of communication are weird – and they are – but eventually information is shared. Hehe. Kaoru corrects Yahiko’s assumptions and he’s very pleased.
Kaoru returns to her room, writes in her diary and goes to bed. Suspecting that Kenshin may be in the next room, she drags her futon over to the wall to be near him. (Everybody say awwww…..)
Kenshin sees her and pushes his futon against the wall on the other side. Wimp.
After dark, Anji heads for gravesites of the family and dismembered men. He is appalled and shocked to find the graves desecrated. He had come to administer last rites to the children. Our Anji won’t rest until he sees it done.