Samurai Champloo Fan Fiction ❯ Dancing Cherry Blossoms ❯ The Iris Assassin ( Chapter 6 )

Dancing Cherry Blossoms

 

Chapter 6: The Iris Assassin

 

 

 

A girl sat on top of a large house. She heard the laughing and jeering of many men beneath her. Smirking, she stood up and straightened her kimono. She made her was down to the ground swiftly and silently. Dusting herself off, she walked around to the front of the house. Three men were standing guard. One of them spotted her.

 

“Whoa, there. What are you doing out here so late?” He asked her. The girl just smiled as he approached her.

 

“I'm lost. Do you think you could give me directions?” The girl said. The man smiled and kept coming towards her. He did not see the glimmer of steel until it was too late. The girl's katana cut his head clean off. The other two guards immediately drew their swords. The girl showed both of her hands. She held two katanas.

 

“Who are you?” One of the others asked. The girl smirked and ran forward. In four swift moves, she had beheaded both of the men.

 

“You need not worry about that.” She whispered. She let herself in the house and started walking towards the source of all the laughter. She stopped in front of the door. Smiling, she removed her shoes and slid the door open.

 

The laughter quieted as everyone noticed the small girl standing there. One of the men stood up and examined her more closely. The girl hid her katanas behind her back.

 

“Who are you?” He asked. The girl slid the door shut behind her. She looked up and smirked.

 

“A Hanafusa Shikyaku.” She whispered.

 

Masaru read the scroll sent to him three days earlier. He frowned as it concluded. Rolling it back up, he took out some of his own parchment and began scribbling on it. He grabbed a nail and walked outside. He posted the notice on his door.

 

Sayuri, Sakura, and Fuu walked down the street. They saw Masaru posting his little note and squinted to read it.

 

“What does it say?” Sayuri asked, straining to see.

 

“It looks like there's been another assassination not too far from here.” Fuu said.

 

“Hai. Word on the street is that it was a bunch of yakuza bosses that were slain three days ago.” A voice said from behind them. The three turned and saw Kyoko standing there.

 

“Yakuza bosses? How many?” Sakura asked.

 

“About five, I think. Plus, the guards that were there were also dead.” Kyoko said.

 

“How were they killed?”

 

“They were all decapitated, execution style. There were irises left on all of the heads. I guess Masaru is giving us warning that assassins are nearby. Listen, Fuu, we need to get back to work before Midori gives herself an aneurism.” Kyoko turned, folding her arms inside her kimono. Fuu nodded and followed after her.

 

“I'll see you two later.” She said. Sayuri and Sakura waved goodbye. Once Kyoko and Fuu were out of earshot, Sakura looked worriedly at Sayuri.

 

“Do you think it was Ayame?” She asked. Sayuri shook her head.

 

“I don't `think,' Sakura. I KNOW it was Ayame. Her bloodthirsty ass probably enjoyed every minute of it, too. I don't think she'll come through here. If she did, that would be bad news. Ayame's liable to try anything, especially when she gets drunk.”

 

“You say that as if you are inferior to Ayame.” Sakura crossed her arms. Sayuri laughed.

 

“I say that because I KNOW I am inferior to her. I'm not going to even try and make myself believe that I can actually beat the bitch. That's why Ayame is the leader, in a manner-of-speaking. She is crazy. That's what makes her a good assassin.”

 

“I could beat her.” Sakura said. Sayuri nodded.

 

“That I am sure of, Sakura. Ayame was always jealous of you. Besides, Hoshi-sama recruited Ayame. You've beaten Hoshi-sama before so I'm sure you can beat Ayame. Their styles are very similar. I'm going to Ai's. Want to come?” Sayuri changed the subject. Sakura shook her head.

 

“Iie. I want to take a bath. I'll be over at the springs.” Sakura said. Sayuri nodded and started walking in the opposite direction. Sakura went back to the house to grab some things then headed to the springs.

 

Mugen relaxed in a tree. He stared up at the clear blue sky, inhaling the scent of the hot springs. The wind blew and with it came an all too familiar smell. He sat up and looked around below him. Nothing was there. He shook off his suspicions and sat back. The wind blew again and the scent caught Mugen's nose again. He heard nearby humming and hid himself behind some branches.

 

Sakura stepped through the brush. She glanced around, looking for intruders. When she figured she was alone, she put all her weapons down and her towels. She untied her sash and started to slip the kimono off her shoulders. She undressed completely and stepped in the water. Sakura untied her hair and the braids unraveled.

 

Mugen wobbled in the tree, struggling to keep his balance. He stepped on a branch, praying that it would not break. If Sakura saw him, she would indeed attempt to kill him. Mugen breathed easier when the branch withstood his weight...for all of ten seconds. The branch broke.

 

Sakura turned around in the water just in time to see a body hit the grass. She kneeled in the water. She squinted as the body flinched and realization washed over her. The body rolled over, revealing its face.

 

Mugen rubbed his head as he rolled over. He sat up and looked aver at the water. Sakura was staring at him, her eyes burning with anger. She began moving to get out of the water.

 

Sakura, forgetting all about her nakedness, climbed out of the water. She grabbed her kimono and draped it around her lazily. She picked up her sword and unsheathed it. Mugen tried to reach for his but before he could grab it, the tip of Sakura's sword was pointing him in the neck.

 

“Thought you could spy on me, did you?” She asked in a deadly voice. Mugen swallowed.

 

“It was an accident. I was sitting in that tree before you even came. I'll leave right now.” Mugen tried to move. Sakura had him pinned against a tree. She pushed the sword into his skin a bit harder.

 

“Iie, Mugen. I have a better idea.” Sakura smiled. Mugen did not like the glint in her eye.

 

“Nani?”

 

“Strip.” She said simply. Mugen raised an eyebrow. Had he heard her correctly?

 

“Nani?”

 

“Strip.” Sakura continued holding the sword to his neck. Mugen nodded and obeyed. He took off his shirts.

 

“There.” Mugen said. Sakura shook her head.

 

“To your bare ass, Mugen.” She said. Mugen just stared at her. Sakura smirked. “Now, Mugen.” She said. She stepped back, allowing Mugen to stand. Mugen glared at her the whole time. He removed the rest of his clothes and stood up straight.

 

“Happy?” He asked sarcastically. Sakura examined his naked body. Mugen shifted nervously, feeling her eyes on him.

 

“Very. Now, go get in the water.” Sakura said. She poked him in the butt. Mugen went over the water. He got in and turned to face her. Sakura was still holding her sword with one hand and holding her kimono closed with the other.

 

“Is there a point to all of this?” Mugen asked. Sakura nodded.

 

“Turn around for a second. I'm coming in and I don't want you to see me yet.” She said. Mugen rolled his head and obeyed. Sakura smirked. She put her sword down and put something in her mouth. She dropped her kimono on the ground and stepped in the water. She waded over to Mugen. “You can turn around now.” She said. Mugen turned around and looked down at her. He had never realized exactly how short Sakura was.

 

“You're really short, did you know that?”

 

“Yes, well. I am a girl. The majority of us are shorter than you.” Sakura touched his arms. “I never noticed just how skinny you were.” She said. Mugen frowned and stepped away from her.

 

“I am not skinny.” He said. Sakura laughed and stepped towards him again. She grabbed the back of his head and pulled his face down to her level.

 

“Well, you have very little body fat.” She whispered. Before Mugen realized what was happening, Sakura was kissing him hard and fast. Not knowing what else to do, Mugen responded by kissing back and pulling her closer. Sakura smirked in the kiss, her evil plan working. When she pulled away from Mugen, he was looking quite dazed.

 

“That was...” Mugen blinked twice. His vision was getting blurry.

 

“Nighty-night, Mugen.” Sakura said.

 

“You bit...” Mugen was out before he could finish the words. Sakura struggled to hold Mugen up in the water. She dragged him to the shore and left him there. She finished her bath and gathered her things. She looked at the sleeping Mugen and smirked to herself and she braided her hair.

 

“What an idiot.” She said. Sakura grabbed Mugen's clothes and left the springs.

 

Three hours later, Fuu walked in the house. Sayuri and Sakura were playing chess. Fuu looked around, searching for the one person she had not seen all day. She looked at Sakura.

 

“Have you seen Mugen anywhere? Ai is looking for him. He's supposed to work tonight.” Fuu said. Sakura looked up from the chessboard and smiled.

 

“Nope. I haven't seen him anywhere.” She said. Fuu nodded.

 

“Well, I'll keep looking for him.” She walked out of the house. When she was gone, Sayuri looked up at Sakura. Sakura stared at her friend. Sayuri crossed her arms.

 

“Spill it.” She said.

 

“I have no idea what you're talking about, Sayuri.”

 

“You did something to him. What was it?” Sayuri asked. Sakura just stood up.

 

“You'll be hearing about it in a little while, I promise you that.” Sakura said, walking towards the door. Sayuri shook her head and yawned. She looked back down at the board. “Oh, and checkmate, Sayuri!” Sakura yelled as she left the house. Sayuri squeezed her fists together.

 

Mugen opened his eyes lazily. The sun was setting and the air was growing colder. He felt something crawling up his leg and moved to scratch it. It was then that he noticed that he was naked as the day he was born. He looked around frantically for his clothes or sword. There was nothing but grass and water around him. He tried to remember what had happened to him. The scent of cherry blossoms blew in the wind.

 

“Sakura...” He whispered through clenched teeth.

 

“Hai, Mugen?” Her voice said from behind him. Mugen turned around and saw her leaning against a tree, smiling evilly. Mugen stood up and started walking towards her.

 

“Where are my clothes?” He asked. Sakura up until now had been hiding one of her arms behind her back. She pulled out his clothes. They were folded neatly and she held them out to him.

 

“You mean these old things?” She said. Mugen stalked towards her. Sakura held his clothes to his chest. With her other hand, she held her sword out to Mugen. “At this distance, I could easily `dismember' you. Do not try me, Mugen.” She said. Mugen stopped, realizing that she had a point.

 

“Give me my damn clothes.” Mugen said. Sakura smirked.

 

“You want them, come get them.” She said, sheathing her sword. Mugen growled something and started running towards her. Sakura smirked and ran into the trees. Mugen followed her easily. Sakura smirked and jumped up. She grabbed hold to a low branch and swung herself up with one hand. Mugen stopped and looked up at her.

 

“Give them back.” Mugen said. Sakura shook her head.

 

“Afraid to follow me?” She asked. Mugen smirked and pulled the branch. Sakura wobbled and fell to the ground, landing on her arm. She winced and looked up. Mugen approached her. He grabbed his clothes from her. Sakura scooted away and stood up as he dressed. Mugen examined her after he was done.

 

“You're arm is...”

 

“Hai, I am very well aware that.” Sakura muttered. She put her hand on her shoulder and braced herself. In one swift move, she pushed her shoulder back into place and rotated it slowly. Mugen winced. He had never seen a girl do that without screaming.

 

“Now, what was the point of taking my clothes?”

 

“To teach you a lesson. If you ever in your life spy on me again, I will rip off your kintama with my bare hands. Got it?” She asked. Mugen flinched a bit at her words.

 

“Whatever you say, you brutal bitch.” He said. He started to walk past her. Sakura kicked him in the back, sending him flying into a tree face first.

 

“And stop calling me a bitch.” She stalked past him.

 

Sayuri walked in the tea house. Fumiko was there with Sasami. They were playing with Tamami. The baby girl gurgled happily as she pulled on strands of Fumiko's hair. Sayuri smiled and walked over to them.

 

“Hi, Fumiko, Sasami. Fumiko, I didn't know you had a daughter.” Sayuri said. Fumiko shook her head.

 

“I don't. This is Tamami, the headman's daughter. I was her caretaker and I don't want anything to happen to her. So, I'm taking care of her for the time being.” Fumiko said. Sayuri stared at her for a minute.

 

“She's the daughter of the headman?”

 

“Hai. Isn't she adorable?” Sasami asked, poking Tamami in the cheek. Tamami giggled and clapped her small, chubby hands together.

 

“Hai, she is very cute. Um, I will be right back.” Sayuri went outside. Masaru was giving a scroll to someone. “Hey!” Sayuri ran over to him. Masaru looked her up and down.

 

“What is it?” He asked. Sayuri looked at the other policeman.

 

“Are you going into the city?” She asked. The man nodded. Sayuri nodded. “Wait right here. I will be right back.” Sayuri ran to the house. She scribbled down a message quickly and brought it back outside. The two men were still were still waiting. She handed the scroll to the man. “Take it to this address.” She said. The policeman nodded. Sayuri thanked him and went back to the tea house.

 

A couple of days later, Hoshi sat in front of Hinome. Hinome was eating her cherries as usual. A knock on the door came.

 

“Hai?” Hoshi asked. Hinome did not acknowledge anything. The door slid open and Ichi walked in. He held a scroll. “What is that?” She asked. Hinome held her hand out. Ichi placed the scroll in her small hands. Hinome sat up straight and unrolled it. She read it quickly, straining to see the sloppy writing.

 

“It's from Sayuri.” Hinome said.

 

“What's it for?” Hashi asked. Hinome smiled.

 

“Well, it appears that Sakura left the most vital person out in her last mission.” Hinome said. Hoshi raised an eyebrow.

 

“You mean to tell me that the proficient Cherry Blossom Assassin did not complete her job? Who was left? She was told to kill the entire Washu family. Didn't she do that?” Hoshi asked. Hinome shook her head.

 

“She forgot the most important person; the person whom she was really supposed to kill in the first place. Washu Sekiko had a daughter recently. She is an illegitimate child and heir to a big fortune. In order for our clients to get that fortune, all family members must be dead.” Hinome said. Hoshi nodded.

 

“Who are you going to send? I know you don't want Sayuri and Otome's cover to be blown.” She said. Hinome nodded, looking very solemn.

 

“Ichi!” She called. Ichi came back in the room. He bowed to her.

 

“Hai, okusama?”

 

“Send Ayame to complete this assignment.” Hinome handed him the scroll. Hoshi looked a bit confused.

 

“You're sending Ayame? The wild one?”

 

“Wild is one thing she may be, but she will get the job done without a conscience. Killing a child no more than six months old is not something that one enjoys having on their conscience. Shoubi has a child of her own. Kika and Kiku will refuse to do it. Ajisai is already on an assignment. So, unless you want to do it, Ayame is all we've got.” Hinome said pointedly. Hoshi nodded and waved her hand.

 

“I guess you've got a point on that one. I just hope Ayame doesn't blow their cover.” Hoshi said.

 

The next few days went by without incident. Sayuri and Sakura found jobs helping out at Ai's place. Sakura and Mugen fought every chance they got, verbally and physically. Sayuri had not told Sakura about the letter she had sent to Hinome. She was beginning to wonder if Hinome was even going to send anyone. That all changed one day.

 

Fumiko finished putting Tamami to bed. She tucked her blanket in around her. Fumiko was too preoccupied to notice a figure standing in the corner, just out of the candlelight.

 

“Cute kid.” A voice said. Fumiko whirled around. A woman stepped forward into the light. Her hair was up in an elaborate style, much like the style that Ai made her girls wear. She wore a long white kimono. She had narrow eyes and was very pretty.

 

“Who the hell are you and why are you in my house?” Fumiko asked, stepping in front of Tamami's cradle. The woman walked around Fumiko.

 

“ I will not tell you my name. I can, however, tell you who I am known as.”

 

“And who is that?” Fumiko said. The woman smirked.

 

“I'm one of the Hanafusa Shikyakus. I am the one known as the Iris Assassin.” She said. Fumiko nodded.

 

“Why are you here? I have done no wrong to anyone.” Fumiko said. The woman laughed heartily.

 

“I can see that. As if I would come down here to kill you. Iie. There is someone else here that is much more important than you. My comrade apparently forgot to finish it off. I'm here to do it for her.” The woman said. Fumiko's eyes widened.

 

“You're here to kill Tamami? She's just a child. What wrong has she done?” Fumiko said loudly. The woman shrugged.

 

“I don't know and frankly, I don't really give a damn. All I care about is completing my job.” The woman reached behind her back and removed a katana from its sheath on her back. Fumiko's eyes looked down the length of the long sword.

 

“Leave now or I'll scream. When I scream, they will come running. Then you will have more trouble on your hands.” Fumiko said. The woman laughed.

 

“Go ahead.” She said. Fumiko opened her mouth to scream. The woman cut a thin line across Fumiko's throat. Fumiko gasped, no longer able to make a sound using her voice. She backed up against the wall, gasping and holding her slit throat. The woman walked up to her and smiled. Fumiko slid on to her side. She watched the woman point her sword into Tamami's crib.

 

“No...” Fumiko whispered painfully. She blinked when she saw a sword come through the bottom of the crib. Tamami had not even made a sound. The katana was pulled out. The woman walked around the cradle to look at Fumiko.

 

“Pathetic.” She whispered. She pulled Fumiko up by her hair. Fumiko sat on her knees, blood still coming from her slit neck. The woman pulled out another katana. She crossed them at Fumiko's neck. “Any last words?”

 

“Murderer...” Fumiko whispered. The woman smiled.

 

“Domo arigatou.” She said sweetly. She cut Fumiko's head clear off. She cleaned her katanas off and put them away. Next, she pulled out two irises from her kimono. She placed one of Tamami and the other of Fumiko's decapitated head. She admired her work one last time before slipping out silently into the night.

 

Sakura walked with Kyoko, Sayuri, and Fuu. They were going to bring Fumiko some breakfast.

 

“I'm surprised that she did not come and get something to eat last night.” Kyoko said, carrying a basket. Fuu shrugged.

 

“From what she tells me of Tamami, that child is a handful. She says she's very energetic for one so young.” She said.

 

“Well, I'm never, ever having children. I don't know what I would do with myself.” Sayuri said as they stopped in front of Fumiko's house. Kyoko knocked on the door.

 

“Fumiko! We have food!” She yelled. No answer. Kyoko slid the door open slowly. “Fumiko, wakey, wakey!” She yelled. There was still no answer. “That's odd.” She said.

 

“Nani?”

 

“Normally, Fumiko is awake and feeding Tamami right now.” Kyoko slid the door open to Tamami's room. A head rolled by her feet. Kyoko just paused and looked down at it. Fumiko was staring up at her.

 

“Oh my god...” Fuu mumbled, looking around the room. She immediately went to Tamami's bed. Although she appeared to be sleeping, Tamami's bloody blanket gave her death away. “They even killed the baby...” She whispered.