Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Birth of the Wolf ❯ Chapter 2

Part 2

~~Two years later~~

After two years of wandering, taking odd jobs and learning how to fight, Saito finally found his first real Master.

It was a hot summer afternoon, and Saito and a few other men were in Yokohama, repairing and building the docks.

"Ahem! If I may have your attention please! My name is Shinji. I work for a man named Master Oni who lives in the mansion not too far from here. He is looking for a few strong young men to help him with a project. You will be well paid for taking on this project; 300 yen for signing up, and 300 yen upon completion of the project!"

"What's the catch?" Saito asked as the other men were drooling incoherently over such a large amount of money.

"The project could very well cost you your life. You will not be allowed to see your family, or associate with anyone not involved in the project."

That narrowed down the competition.

Amid the groans of disappointment and the shouts of disagreement, Saito walked up to Shinji.

"I'll do it."

Shinji nodded and pulled out a pen and some paper. "Let's see if you qualify. Age?"

"18."

"Name?"

"Saito Hajime."

"Birthplace?"

"Edo."

"Family?"

"None."

"Friends?"

"None."

"Perfect! You, my boy, are just the man we're loo--!" Shinji was cut off by Saito's hand around his throat.

"I'm not your boy. Call me that again and you'll be a dead man."

"F-fine. Oh, yes, you'll do nicely," Shinji said, rubbing his neck.

The next day, as Saito and a few other recruits lounged at Master Oni's mansion, Shinji called them to attention.

"Master Oni has arrived. You will show him the same respect that you have shown me."

Master Oni walked into the room. He was about six feet tall, appeared to be at least 180 pounds, black hair worn high in a tail, and piercing green eyes.

"You've done well this time, Shinji," Oni said in a deep somewhat raspy voice. Shinji inclined his head.

"I want to see what you're made of. You," he said, pointing to a random man, "Come at me. Don't hold back."

The man rushed at Master Oni, who sidestepped and hit the man in the back. The man did not move.

"Hmm, Shinji, make that one a sweeper. Next!" he shouted, and pointed to someone else.

This man managed to land a glancing blow to Oni's shoulder before Oni knocked him out.

"Shinji, make him a guard," Oni said.

He went through all the men until Saito was the only one standing. Saito had been paying close attention to Oni's fighting style. He also knew that there were at least three different "positions": sweeper, guard, and cleaner. He could only imagine what those entailed.

"Well, looks like you're the last. I wanted to wait until I was a little winded before taking on a youngster like you. So, show me what you can do, boy."

Saito flew forward, going straight for Oni, but at the last second came to a complete stop. Oni was momentarily confused by this action. Saito took advantage of his confusion to move again, only this time, he didn't stop. He hit Master Oni right in the face, causing the bigger man to stagger back a little. A grin played about the corners of Oni's mouth, however.

"Shinji was right when he told me you didn't like to be called 'boy'. Make him an assassin."

"What happens if I don't want to be your assassin?"

"Depends. What else would you do? Be a cleaner and clean up after another assassin? Or how about a sweeper to tell an assassin where his mark is? Maybe you could guard me personally. But you know what? It doesn't matter to me. Saito, my friend, you can be whatever you want."

~~One week later~~

"You wanted to see me, Master?" Saito asked.

Oni nodded. "Have a seat. I'd like you to meet my second in command, Toshizo Hijikata. He's also in charge of weapons training." Saito and Toshizo acknowledged each other. "Saito, Toshizo was there when you attacked me, and he has a few questions about your style. Answer him as completely and as truthfully as possible."

"Of course, Master."

"Ahem. I'm going to be blunt," Toshizo said, "Where did you learn that move?"

Saito thought carefully for a while before answering. He had a feeling that whatever he said would make a big difference.

"I never really *learned* it, Sir. Before I came here, it was something I'd seen my old master do."

"What was this man's name?"

"I don't know. He never told us anything about himself."

Toshizo thought a moment. "Are you right handed?"

Saito looked confused. "Yes, Sir."

"But you used your left hand to hit Oni, correct?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Why?"

"I'm not really sure. It felt right, and I knew that he wouldn't be expecting a left handed strike."

"I see. Do you know what that technique was?"

"No sir. As I said, I only imitated my former master."

"That move is a variation of hiratsuki, called gatotsu. It is a very powerful sword technique. If Oni will allow me, I'd like to teach you to develop it. Oni, do you see any problems with this?"

"Of course not, Toshizo. I figure if the boy--ahem, excuse me--if Saito can hit me, he's more than strong enough to learn gatotsu."

Both men then turned to Saito expectantly.

"I am honored, sirs. Thank you for giving me this chance to learn gatotsu. I humbly accept your offer," Saito said, then bowed deeply.

~~2 months later~~

Toshizo slammed the door to his office, muttering under his breath about how stupid some people are.

Saito coughed politely to announce his presence.

Toshizo jumped. "Oh, Saito! I forgot that I asked you to join me here. Please, sit down. Do you know why I asked you to come here?"

"Is it something about my training, sir?"

"Yes, yes. You're coming along splendidly, Saito! In fact, you've learned the techniques so quickly that I don't believe there's anything else I can teach you. Of course, if you ever have any questions, you can come to me. All that's really left for you to do is continue to practice until you've mastered the gatotsu."