Gintama; Takasugi X Reader (part 2) [Save Me]

Chapter 10 {Utsuro}

"Master Utsuro, this is the girl found on the Kiheitai ship and had protected its captain," Komu says.

I look from him to the girl below. She lays on the floor bloodied, still. My eyes trail from her pale face down to her weak limps. A girl like her working for the Kiheitai seems peculiar. From the shape of her fingers to her palm, a hand that has never wielded a sword much less spilled blood.

I stare down at her in disinterest. This is what my subject brought me from earth all the way here.

"Did you cause that wound?" I ask, eyeing the pool of blood around the girl.

"Yes, but not purposingly," he replies.

"Where did you find her?" I ask after a moment.

"In a village, in Yamanashi Prefecture."

Yamanashi. The Kiheitai shouldn't have any purpose in that pointless land. Hiding would be a case yet knowing him, it's a rather odd decision.

"What was she doing there?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Komu says. "But she was doing something about our ship. And when I found her, she made an excuse as to be finding a dog."

"And was she?"

He clenches the sword at his side, identical to mine. "Yes."

I restrain from glaring at him. "What made you think she was a spy?"

Komu raises his face, preparing for a reply but shuts his mouth when he meets my eyes.

He should know best that I have no time for a mere insignificant, useless accusation of whatsoever. I have bigger matters to attend to then to inspect on a girl who proved no meaning to my purpose.

But, of course, if she did proved to be a spy then that's another matter.

"Well?" I prompt, staring at him.

"I have no evidence at hands." He looks to me. "But she worked with the enemy. I thought she'd pay for what she had committed-"

"And you decided to bring her to me so I would determine her punishment?" My tone edges with displeasure.

"No, sir."

"Then?"

"I thought she might be of use to you."

"You think much."

"Only for your ease."

I consider his words. "Very well," I say. "Tell me what you thought of."

He offers a consenting nod before beginning. "I brought her here under the intention to get more information about the enemy's hideout." He casts a glance at the bleeding girl. It seems to me that her little tiny life is slowly fading out of reach.

"She seemed to be on..." Komu pauses, finding a suitable word, "close terms with the captain. Too close for a mere recruit." He continues when seeing my gaze. "In regarding their relationship, I expected her to know more about what the enemy is planning."

"Did she?"

"I believe she did." His expression sours. "From what I recall, I also do trust the captain seemed to also be in a...promising term with her. Therefore he must've had likely told her."

"If so, she would be along with them. That is, unless she's a spy," I conclude.

"Yes, but I have no leads as to which she might really be." He relaxes when he sees a crooked leer forming.

I turn to the little fallen butterfly. "While knowing all of that, you've managed to get her gravely wounded," I say, feigning sympathy.

I sense Komu downcasting his head again. "My apologies, master. I worth the humiliation of failing to properly capture a girl," he concedes. "But even butterflies' frailness can proved to be a real hindrance sometimes." His words drip disgust.

"Yet only such frailness can earn pity from even beasts," I muse.

"And beasts are not known for pity." His pale eyes now glow. "So when they experience pity," his lips stretch to a wicked smile, "They are no longer called beasts."

My face a mirror of his as I give him a satisfying look. "You've done well. I'll see to her myself," I say.

"Yes, sir." He bows, then leaves the room.

I flicker back to the girl. Since she's been brought all the way here, I might as well make use of her. And concerning to what Komu said, about her relationship with the Kiheitai captain, I have no doubt she'll be in good use.

I crouch down to her level. My hand moves to shift her body so she's lying on her back. Then I inspect her wound. Blood still flows out and I'm sure much of it has been lost. Judging by the paleness of her face, I'm afraid...

How easily life seems to fade away for others. Though I've my life been waiting for this exact moment, it is but a distant dream.

But I believe that people would beg for more time when this kind of situation comes to pass. They'd beg for another chance.

I stare at her elegant face absently. Such beauty would come to waste if it slips away so easily. But beauty is worth no more than a strand of hair.

I can't possibly let such chance to slither by. Not when I can know how to completely eliminate all of my obstacles.

I hold up the blade at my side and unsheathe it. Even in the darkness of space, it still gleams. I bring it to my wrist and slit across. Blood immediately gashes out from the cut and drips onto the girl's clothes. I adjust so it drips into her wound.

Let me help you get that chance. And in turn, you'll do something for me. I think as my wrist closes up. I slit it again and the blood pours down straight into her body.

Blame him for getting you into this. Blame yourself for ever getting involved with him. You're a foolish butterfly sucking on the wrong flower, mistaking poison for honey. A pity thing.

"Pity indeed..." A pleasant smile stretches across my face.