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

One day ago

     After landing in Yamanashi, I immediately direct orders to have the crew circle around the village. And of course, I dispatch some of them to the shore at the south less we have some other guests, who I'm sure will show up very soon enough.

I stride into the village, resolved to find that girl and finish her. After all, I can't say it was my fault she decided to help her. While knowing that she used to have association with the rebel, time is the only problem of what could keep her momentarily safe.

Since I was unable to venture far, this village is, to my surprise, rather crowded. And with the spacious ground, many shelters, it would take too much time to ask which one belongs to my target.

Maybe I should just them all down.

An attempt to so dies as I look around. Some of the people who see me cast glances every once in awhile. While wondering who is this stranger that has trespassed into their property, their gazes only show curiosity, and if I'm imagining things, some of the kids even wave their hands to me.

I try to ignore them as I gravely pass, looking straight ahead. Just then, a kid of maybe five years runs up and stops right before me. He doesn't flinch when I shoot him a glare, and continues to stare up at me with wide eyes.

     "What do you want?" The question might came out too rough, causing the little boy to wipe of his tears. 

     "O-Onii-chan," he stumbles, trying not to cry. "I-I can't find my mama. She went out last night but didn't return."

     "Huh?" I frown at him. "Then why are you telling me this?"

He furiously wipes his face and speaks louder. "I don't know who to go to." He steps closer and pulls my sleeve. "Can you find her with me?"

     "No," I bark, snatching my hand away. "Go find someone else. I'm busy."

    "But your not from here!" he exclaims, eyes glittering with tears again. "You're not busy!"

I can feel my patience wearing thin. "Go away, kid. Or I'll cut you in pieces and you won't see her mom ever again," I growl.

At the threat, he starts fiercely crying, making everyone around us turn their attention to me.

This kid.

I absently find the sword at my side. Clenching it, I step aside and walk pass the kid. No more than two steps forward, my clothes again feels pulled and I turn around, practically annoyed.

     "Onii-chan! Pwease!"

The crowd of gazes begins to thicken with pity and annoyance flares brighter at the question why won't they step in and take the kid. I shift my eyes back to the boy, still persisting for me to help. Can't believe I have to go through this.

     "Help mwe find mama!" He scurries to me and pulls my wrist to the other direction I'm heading.

Somehow at his desperation, I find myself slowly letting him drag me across the street to one of the houses near by. A flood of relief secretly fills the air as a middle-age woman runs towards us when she sees the boy.

     "Shirou!" she calls and grasps him into her arms. "Shirou, I'm so worried!"

Still embracing her child, the mother looks up to me as gratitude fills her eyes.

     "Thank you so much for taking care of him. I don't know how to repay you," she sincerely says.

I raise a hand to dismiss. "Next time, don't leave your child alone," I say and wonder later why bother to make such statement and still waste my time here.

     "Yes, I won't! There was an accident last night and I hear someone calling for help, so I rushed out while he was asleep." Her unconcerned expression vanishes when she meets her son's gaze, and smiles effortlessly at him as she wipes his face.

     "An accident?" I ask.

     "Yes, but the victims are still unknown due to some circumstances. I'm sure Lord Shounou will do something about it."

     "Might I ask, who is this Lord Shounou?"

Her gaze sweeps over me before she speaks. "You're not from here."

     "That's right," I reply, tensed.

Then her eyes shifts to a somehow amiable manner. "Lord Shounou is the mayor of this village, the chief leader here."

I consider her words for a moment. "So he knows every activity being carried here, regarding even to newcomers?"

The woman nods. "Mostly, yes. There was one girl who used to be here awhile ago before she moved out. She also used to work for the lord himself." 

I can't suppress a smug. "She lived here alone?"

     "No. I hear there's a girl keeping her hospitalized."

Suppose rats can't stay hidden forever. "I see. Now may I inquire as to where the mayor is currently residing at?"

She slightly frowns and questions. "Why would you want to know?"

I respond, keeping my voice natural. "You see, I'm a friend of the girl you speak of. Since I have no particular place or job, she recommended me to come here and work for the lord when she arrived back in Edo." 

She considers for a moment before telling me which direction the lord's manor is. Turning to walk away, I hear the little kid energetically bids a farewell behind my back.

I head straight, following the woman's instruction and eventually reach a torī gate entrance. Ignoring the useless, snoring guard, I stride into the private territory feeling as satisfied as ever.

This is just too easy.