Uncharted Waters [Haji/Kat]

[Shinomori Katsumi]

While under the influence of the Uesugi and having gone through a set of trials, Katsumi had taken a good look at herself, delving into her deeply rooted anxieties and prejudices, and her troubled past. There was a lot to sort through, one of which her constant guise as a boy, her identity as Hiroshi. With it being a man's world, even so she still saw the logic and safety of her mask, but she began to ponder. Would stepping out of her guise from time to time, such as during stays in towns or villages, be such a threat? She had never gone as a woman once in her life, always keeping perpetual fronts up and living in lies. Would it be a relief instead to go as herself and not as Hiroshi just a tad, even if only amongst those her knew her well? Around her allies?

Katsumi wasn't so sure herself, but her mentor seemed to sense the change in the air around her. What could she hide from that damned Kenshin? There was mention of a small gathering, with only a few members coming together for a dinner and he invited her... as Katsumi. Around Kenshin, there was a sense of security, and with so many women in his army.... well, what was there to hide really? While nervous after so many years of living the way she had, the mercenary eventually quietly agreed the invitation for her (and presumably Haji) and the next day in the room she stayed at (again, presumably with Haji) in the local village after going out she found a package containing a beautiful, colourful kimono with hair decorations, an obi, and the works. With help from a trusted assistant of Kenshin's, Katsumi was dressed and prepared, although the dinner was not until the morrow. It was a chance to set eyes on herself and grow accustomed to the style of dress. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and Katsumi couldn't help but stare at her reflection, scarcely recognizing herself with her hair up and decorated, her face lightly painted, and her body adorned in feminine dress. Was this really her? Was this really... Katsumi? Hiroshi had faded and an unfamiliar woman had been left behind. Just who was this girl?