The Bloody Jasmine • Samurai X

Chapter 5 | Visiting Otsu

With the flow of months, Mei has been quite impatient to visit Kenshin. She received no order from Katsura, which caused the brunette to get annoyed easily.

After yet another two weeks, she decided to confront Katsura and request to visit Otsu.

KNOCK KNOCK

Mei gently knocked the door. Hearing a faint come in, the brunette swiftly slid the door open and bowed to the Clan's leader, Katsura. "Good morning, Katsura-san." She spoke softly. 

"Good morning, Mei. You've awoken earlier than usual." Katsura let out a gentle chuckle and smiled at the petite girl, "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to start the day early." She replied and sat cross-legged opposite him.

The two began conversing normally and discussed many topics related to assassinations and the Clan, until Mei asked the question she has been dying to know the answer to.

"Katsura-san, why haven't you ordered me to visit Kenshin and Tomoe yet?"

"About that...Mei-san, you know the suspicion to the Clan is rising by the minute - Our enemy Ninjas are attacking almost every night,"

Mei's expression softened slightly as she heard the words escape Katsura's mouth - Causing her to sigh gently, "However, I will be needing you around. Your skills are required for only two more weeks, since the departure to Otsu is quite long." He smiled at the girl.

Mei, surprisingly, smiled back. 'He still genuinely smiles...even in War...' The young brunette thought to herself, admiring the small fact.

"What you should also know, is that Iizuka-san will be accompanying you."

'Oh, lord have mercy.'

"...I'm sorry sir, would you kindly repeat that sentence?"

And with a deep chuckle from the Leader, Mei sighed aloud in frustration before bowing to Katsura, "Thank you, Katsura-san. I'm sorry for any disturbance."

And with that, Mei left the room and walked the narrow halls of HQ.

'You have got to be kidding me.'

• • •

"Katsura-san, I believe that two weeks have passed."

With the flow of two weeks, Mei's assassinations have been done within the required time, and the urge to see her childhood friend has been increasing by the day.

"You're right, Mei. It has been two weeks, and since it takes a few hours to reach Otsu - You and Iizuka-san should be on your way." Katsura informed, "However....Mei, I'll be asking you a favor," Katsura spoke in a slight whisper.

"Yes sir?"

"I'll be...needing you to walk around...without your bangs."

Mei stared at the male, dumbfounded. "Wha--"

"Now, I understand how uncomfortable it is for you to walk without your bangs, but since the Bloody Jasmine is also known as The Girl Who's Eyes Are Unknown, it'll be all-the-more suspicious - And you know we don't need that."

Mei stared at the Leader with a look of disbelief, "Sir, that's absurd!" She exclaimed to his face.

"Mei-san, it's the only way." He smiled sadly at the petite brunette.