Something To Protect (A Hakuouki Story)

The Chief's Offer

Outside of the man named Harada and his two friends, I didn't have any visitors. A fellow called Yamazaki would check in every so often, but only to confirm that I hadn't torn open my wounds and that they were healing properly. Luckily for me and the twins, I seemed to be healing perfectly. There might not have even been a scar by the time it was done. Assuming I rested as I was told to.

After having decided that I wasn't in danger, Kazuto had brought Yukina to me. She never left my side, while her twin brother often wandered off to help out around the Shinsengumi's headquarters. I didn't know what he was doing, but from what little I'd seen of the men of the Shinsengumi, I figured he would be safe on his own. If the three of us were staying here, it was only fair that at least one of us found a way to repay their kindness.

"This is where she is?" I heard an unfamiliar voice outside the door to the room I was resting in. Considering that he said 'she' I assumed this stranger meant me, so I very carefully sat myself up. I felt a slight pain as I put a bit of strain on my injuries, but with Yukina's help, I managed to sit up without causing any more damage to my body.

The door slowly slide open, revealing a man who I guessed was at least a few years older than Harada and his immature friends, along with Kazuto. "You shouldn't be up, Sis," he scolded me as he made his way to my side. But I just laughed a little and smiled. "You might hurt yourself again."

"I'll be fine Kazuto." I turned my gaze up towards the man who still stood in the doorway. "You're welcome to come in," I said calmly. He seemed to be a sort of respectful type, or perhaps just shy about entering the room of a woman. The man hesitated before nodding and making his way over. "I don't believe we've met."

Nodding, he politely introduced himself. "I am Isami Kondo, Chief of the Shinsengumi." At the mention of the word 'chief', my body tensed slightly. So he was the guy in charge. So if he was here, then what was his reason? I doubted his job was an easy one, let alone one with much free time.

Chances were, he didn't want me to stay. I mean, why would someone as important as him stop by for just a little chat? "Once I've healed enough, I will leave." My voice was calm and respectful. This was someone I did not want to upset in any way.

The man in front of me was surprised by my words. "I had no intention of making you leave," he said, his face slightly tinted pink from embarrassment. Apparently, I had misunderstood his intentions. But if that wasn't why he was here, then what did he want? "Harada mentioned a young woman who was quite skilled with a sword had been injured because of a... misunderstanding on his part. As the one in charge, it is my responsibility to make things right."

He bowed in apology and I had no idea how to react. "It was a simple mistake made on both sides. And I did attack him after waking up here, so I would say that makes us even," I said, trying to make it clear that he was not to blame. Besides, they were kind enough to treat my injuries. Injuries that they had created, but that wasn't important.

"Very well then." Kondo sat straight up and flashed a gentle smile. "I had another reason for wanting to speak with you, as well." Quietly, I listened to what he had to say. "Harada spoke highly of your skill and said that you claimed to be self-taught."

I hadn't expected to hear that. Even less than I had expected the man who caused my injuries to praise my skill with a sword. Before I could speak though, Kazuto jumped into the conversation. "Sis had to learn to protect us. She didn't have time to search for someone to teach her."

"Kazuto..." I sighed. I swear, my lectures never stuck with this kid.

Kondo, however, found Kazuto quite amusing. "He reminds me of Souji when he was younger," he laughed. "What I wanted to ask, was if you would be willing to become a member of the Shinsengumi."

The man's offer was a tempting one. Joining the Shinsengumi probably wasn't easy to do on your own, and here I was, being asked to join. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't skeptical of the idea.

As far as I knew, I'd be the only female among a large number of men. Needless to say, that could cause a number of problems. Throw in Kazuto and Yukina and the problems double. Taking care of them was my responsibility, so they would have to come first. In the end, I couldn't give Kondo an answer.

I bowed my head politely. "Thank you, Kondo. I will consider your generous offer."