"Why are you guys in down spirit? Did something happen?" I asked the kids who were sitting in front of me. "Cats" Shinpachi and Kagura answered resting their chin on their hands. "Cats?" i tilted my head in confusion. "They've been growing in numbers.. parrots are being eaten, fishes are being stolen. So the neighbourhood association people are taking steps to prevent any more strays. And there's also neutering" "Oh my" i gasped at his words. "They've been catching strays in Kabukichou and neutering them but the members aren't able to handle Hoichi" he said drinking the smoothie. "Geez, the world would be better off if we started neutering humans" i commented taking a puff from the pipe. "Could you hold off on the Human Memberality project until I've actually gotten to use mine?" Shinpachi sweat dropped. "You virgin-ass" i chuckled. "A-Anyways, we can't ignore Hoichi, the King of Kabukichou strays-violent and willy. I've heard that it's beaten large dogs to death and injured children" "Did you see it happen?" i interjected. "No.. but I'm sure of it after seeing how he moved today" he said crossing his arms in deep thought. "You sure about that? I don't think he's as bad as everyone makes him out to be"
Night time
It was almost closing time when i heard sudden scratching sound from the door. Opening the door, i was shocked to see a familiar cat. "Arara, isn't this a rare visit? How many years has it been Hoichi?" i smiled at the cat. He meow-ed at me before moving his head towards the group. "And you also made friends. My, isn't that nice? Come in, come on in" i opened the gate wide so that the gorilla and the 3 cats can get inside. After they settled down, i placed food in front of them which they all rushed to eat. "Looks like you guys have been starving for a long time. Eat all you want, there's more where that came from" i smiled brushing my fingers through the white fured and the black fured cats. They both stopped eating before rubbing itself against my hands. "Oh my, where have you found these gems, Hoichi? Give them to me!" my eyes sparkled at the cats cuddling to me. "Meow!" Hoichi's loud voice brought me back on tracks. "Ahaha, sorry sorry, my bad" saying that i went to sit beside Hoichi.
"Let me tell you my story with him" i said and i heard Hoichi snap at me. "Oh hush, i can't talk about it to everyone so I'll tell this to your friends" i put my hand on top of Hoichi's mouth to stop him from hissing. "This happened when i first came to Kabukichou. Since i was new to the town, i didn't know my way around. When i was passing the bridge, a group of men surrounded me. From their looks and words, you could easily understand what type of people they were. Just when one of them was about to grab me, a certain cat scratched on it's hand causing him to back away. The cat then stood in front of me and hissed at the men in front. Even though the cat was injured badly and was bleeding, he didn't move from his stance. The men mocked and laughed at him and said 'even after cutting off it's ears, it dared to come back'. That pissed me off real bad so within a second all of the men were scattered around the place. One on the water, one hanging from the bridge, one on the sewage etc etc. The cat then turned his face towards me and looked at me in shock. He reminded me of someone. I then took the cat to the vet and made them treat him. From then onwards, he was there with me and helped me to get a job and a place to say until i made my own living. He didn't say anything to me, had his food and went out to patrol as usual. That was the last time i saw him. A few years later i saw a glimpse of him, him saving a kitten. I wanted to go and help him immediately but it didn't look like he needed my help. He was stronger, much stronger than before. And seeing him alive and well made me happy"
"I figured you were still running around on your own. Honestly, you've got a real knack for making enemies" i sighed and then looked at the group in front. "Hey you guys, this fella isn't as bad as people say. He's just a bit more awkward than most" i said brushing my fingers through his rough fur. He hissed at me but didn't unwelcome my touch. "What did you say? I didn't quite hear you" i pulled onto his cheeks. This time he purred onto my lap for a few seconds, rubbing itself on my stomach before leaping down. He said something to his friends which i didn't understand, of course caz i don't speak cat language, and then went towards the door. "Going already? As unfriendly as ever. How many years will pass before i see you again?" he made a small 'meow'. "Be careful. Don't get your balls taken. If they catch you, you'll never be able to return to this town" i heard him make another small 'meow' before he walked away. "You two there" both the black and white cats looked at me. "Look after him for me, alright?" i patted their heads. They both licked my hands, suddenly threw paws at each other before going away. The gorilla made a 'hoo-hoo' sound before also going away. "Be careful you all"
Next Day
"The Gutterat Gang is apparently behind the project to capture Kabukichou strays. They told the townspeople that they were neutering the cats to prevent infestation when they were actually selling them off to planet Catnip's embassy. None of the cats captured have returned" Shinpachi said. "Thought so. I knew something was up. I heard that they were on the hunt again last night. A large number of strays were caught" i said taking a puff. "Neesan, we assisted with the project to reduce the number of bad cats so humans and cats would have easier time living in this town. But this is.. a town without a singe stray cat" "Don't blame yourselves" i ruffled both his and Kagura's hair. "Let's crash 'em! Crash the embassy and save the strays! Gin-chan might have been caught up in their conspiracy!" Kagura said excitedly. "This is the embassy we're talking about. One wrong move and you won't be getting off light" "But!" "There's no need to worry. You think this is enough to get rid of the strays who've merged to survive in this town? Don't do anything foolish. This is their territory. Cats have their own sense of honor"
The following day
"I see. So the strays were safely released from the embassy" i smiled at myself. "Yes, but they're still running wild so the neighbourhood association is saying that they should still be neutered" Shinpachi said. "Hmm mmm, so what about Gintoki? Is he back? How's he doing?" "He didn't give us any details but he was apparently in a rough situation where he couldn't have anything sweet to eat. That bastard, i wonder if he had anything tasty" Kagura said crossing her arms. I chuckled at her antics. "Haha, i see"
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Thank you for reading this chapter!
Hope you enjoyed it!
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