Toshizo Haru is an Onna-Bugeisha, a female warrior.
She may not look the part but she can surpass anyone that comes in her way. This is why her younger brother, Toshizo Hijikata reaches out to her to join Shinsengumi. An organization in hopes to bri...
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Haru POV
"Haru," my brother whispered between gritted teeth.His grip was at my arm to stop me from leaving the room.
"What I want to do with my life should not concern you, Hijikata," I replied and pushed passed the tall man, his grasp disappearing from my arm.
"I'm only thinking for what's best for the dojo," Hijikata replied and raced after me as I entered the wilderness outside our home in the middle of bamboo trees.
"I don't need the dojo," I shot back and turned to face my shock driven brother. Okay, that was a bit far. I could admit that. The dojo was all we had, since we could both walk. We lived, breathed, and slept dojo. That's all we knew in our lives and we gained great friends from it. Lifetime friends that I was willing to leave all behind.
Hijikata sighed and his shoulders loosened from their tense state. "Well the dojo needs you," he said before stepping closer to me. I felt my eyes watering. "I need you," he added and cupped my face.
I fought back my tears and stepped back, grabbing at the handle of my katana strapped at my waist.
"I'm sorry onii-chan, I must go now," I say quietly, bow, then continue off.
"Haru," Hijikata whispered my name again. I continued forwards. "Haru," He yelled now. By now I was crying, my shoulders shuttered from my crying and my hands grew to fists as I continued off away from my brother.
I heard one last scream from Hijikata before it grew quiet. By now, I was on the main road off on my adventure to explore the world and become stronger. A stronger samurai. I knew this would be best for me. Hijikata was merely a distraction of my training and I needed a break. He's old enough to care for himself now. He was 18 afterall. I being only one year older than him. I'm more than capable of making my own decisions. Despite this all, I truly loved my brother, even through his stubborn acts of puberty. But now, I needed less to care of my younger brother, this time was for me.
10 years later....
Hijikata POV
I sat cross legged beside my comrade, Kondou, the leader of our organization, Shinsengumi. Although I disliked meetings with all our fellow comrades, it was much needed. We were in need of help and new recruits and it was tough being a not highly respected group in Kyoto. Obviously, we're working to improve our image.
"I think we should send word to neighboring villages and towns that we are in need of recruits," Shinpachi Nagakura spoke up, his face gleaming with his so called idea. I grunted before peeking at Kondou. But before he could even reply, someone else spoke up.
"That'd be not in our favor. We are already not respected here in Kyoto, so why would be reach out to others for help. It's best to stay local for now. Also we could attract rogue samurai and grow more enemies," Keisuke Sannan, our deputy spoke up. I completely and utterly agreed with him, though I kept quiet. I only speak when spoken to or when the time comes for some input.
"I agree with Sannan-san," Konkou finally spoke up and peered at the highly thought of Sannan. "Let's think logically and stay within our territory," Konkou went on and peeked at Shinpachi who frowned at us three at the front of the room.
"What's your opinion, Hijikata?" Sanann-san asked, pointing his attention towards me.
Opening my eyes I peered at Sannan-san and sighed. There was only one thing I could think of at this very moment, and I didn't think very highly of it, but since we need new strong recruits, she is our only option.
"I have someone I know who would be ideal for our situation," I voiced and put my arms over my chest. I dared to speak of her for 10 years. That is how long its been since I've seen her. I know of her whereabouts though, which is good in regards I'd be interested in recruiting her. I know my team would think lowly of her, 'why would Hijikata recruit a women' I'd imagine them to say. But this isn't any ordinary girl. She was my sister.
"My sister," I started, those two words causing many to gasp, but they stayed quiet to allow me to continue. "I was told she is a few villages away from Kyoto capitol. Before you object, let me send word to her to come visit. I won't say why, though once you guys meet her, you're views will easily be turned," I finished and nodded towards Konkou.
Konkou and one other member, Souji Okita, know of my sister and personally know her.
"Are you sure of this, Hijikata-kun," Okita spoke up and my eyes dawned on the man. I simply nodded, though my head spun with nerve upon having to write my dearest sister an invitation to come visit.
Before Konkou dismissed us all, one last person had something to say, Sanosuke Harada.
"This best be a waste of my time if she isn't how you speak so highly of her," he spoke, and my eyes glared at Sano. How dare he speak so lowly of my sister.
"You better be damned to speak that way of her in my presence Sano-san," I threatened. That shut him up. Konkou dismissed the meeting before things got rowdy and I rushed out the room to my own sleeping quarters. I sat down in front of my desk and sighed. A piece of paper sat in front of me and some ink and a feather, to write a letter to my sister.
Haru POV
"Lady Toshizo, a letter from an unknown name baring your surname has arrived for you, miss," my servant vouched and my eyes shot open upon hearing his words. I turned my head and looked at the mans hand baring a folded piece of paper.
I snatched the letter before dismissing him and ripped open the letter. It was certainly from him. His name written clearly on the front and it was his handwriting. I could recognize it anywhere. Though it has been 10 years, some things don't change.
"Hijikata, onii-chan," I whispered and read quickly through the letter. "What you're asking of me is quite a lot, but I'll oblige." I say and fold the letter nicely before standing up and smiling.
Gripping my katana, I said aloud, "See you soon, onii-chan."
