THE LOST RACE

CHAPTER 6: Too Close

       

          The Shinsengumi, led by Vice-Commander Toshizo Hijikata went into the Pleasure House, dressed casually. They planned to attack silently, without drawing too much attention. The plan was to infiltrate the place while pretending to be customers, find the men they were looking for, attack and leave. The night of their mission was rather difficult because it was a night when the entertainment house was packed.

            “Any word from Suzumu about the location of our target?” Shinpachi asked Toshi. The other shook his head. Then, a pretty geisha approached them. It was Seiji. “Gousujinsama (master), shall I get you a room? We have one that is spacious, perfect for you and your company.” offered Seiji, his smile was warm. She beckoned them along the direction of the room she was referring to. As they walked, Soji stayed close to her. “Don’t you think you are too much into your role?” he whispered.

            When they got in the room, Seiji gave them the 411. “The Igas and the Hokages are already here, however, they booked different rooms. We’re yet to see any movement from either party. Suzumu is on the look-out for Oniwaban members. You will hear from me again. For the meantime, stay in this room; I’ll send some food and drinks.”

            When Seiji left, the guys of the Shinsengumi started buzzing about him. ”Hey, did you see that? Did you see Seiji! If we didn’t know any better, we would have thought she really was a geisha.” excitedly exclaimed Heisuke.

            “His acting was also amazing! He really sounded like a girl!” giggled Sanosuke.

            “He was just too cute! I wish he could have stayed longer.” Shinpachi mused.

            “Men, do you hear the words coming out of your mouths! He…he…Seiji is a guy!” stop sounding like homos.” exclaimed Soji

            “We are on a mission. Focus.” reminded Hajime. Shinpachi then sat close to him and started to jokingly poke him on the cheeks with his index finger. “Oh yeah? I just saw you blush when Seiji approached us earlier. Seriously, he looks prettier and girlier than you!” joked Shinpachi. Hajime hit him on the head again. “Stop referring to me as girly!” he warned .

            Almost an hour has passed. Soji was getting really bored. He decided to go for a stroll around the place. Along the corridor, he met Seiji carrying a big bottle of sake and a tray of glasses. He approached him. As they got closer, Seiji smiled at his captain and bowed. Soji suddenly felt his chest tighten and his heart skipped a beat. His cheeks were starting to feel warm. “I came out of the Hokage’s room just a while ago, and not once, did I hear them say anything about working with the Igas.” Seiji whispered on Soji’s ears. Seiji then had to go on with her task. He was to bring the liquor to the Iga men.

            Soji watched Seiji from behind. Seiji stopped by the door of a room, just a few feet away from where Soji stood. When Seiji opened the door, a drunk muscular man grabbed Seiji, causing him to drop the sake bottle and the tray. The clink of the broken glasses rang in Soji’s ears, prompting him to run after Seiji. He barged in the room full of drunk Iga rebels.

            “Oi, who the hell are you?” exclaimed an Iga, too drunk to stand. Then everybody’s attention was suddenly focused on Soji.