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The Kagetai Home

Name: Mimeino Mikeru
Birthdate: December 20th, 1846
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 150lbs

Appearance:

A man who might be best described as nondescript. Of average height, and relatively slender build, with short, neat, dark hair and brown eyes, Mikeru has little to distinguish him in a crowd - a fact which he has been known to use to his advantage from time to time. His only distinguishing mark is a small scar on his forehead, that cuts through his left eyebrow - the relic of childhood accident, rather than a dramatic duel.

Background:

Only child of an unimportant Samurai, Mikeru grew up in a family which had what it needed to live -barely. While they had a home, and a tradition of loyal service to the Shogunate, neither of these payed the bills - and Mikeru's father was a soldier, not a businessman. Indeed, it may be questioned that he had any common sense at all, for he taught his son - who was never particularly strong - to use a rather dated weapon, the imposing No-dachi, a heavy, two handed sword, better suited to the battlefield than to a duel. The son learned well, however, and began to develope a new style that made the weapon feasable in single combat.
Always enamored of the written word, Mikeru devoured such texts as could be found around his family's estate - mostly aging military treatises and histories. He became increasingly familiar, both through his readings, and through discussions with his father, with effective small group tactics and larger battlefield strategies.

When word of the turmoil of the Bakumatsu reached even the remote Mimeino estate, young Mikeru decided it was time for him to offer his services to those who would preserve order. Bidding his parents farewell, and taking his heavy sword - carefully wrapped in cloth - he set off on the road for Kyoto.

It did not take long, upon his arrival, for him to hear of the Shinsengumi, and it was not long after that that he sought to join them. All did not go as smoothly as he would have liked, however. His offer of service was met with indifference at first, and then scorn as it took mere seconds for him to lose a duel while wielding the standard Shinsengumi Nihonto. With utmost politeness he asserted that he had other abilities that he could lend to their cause. More derision followed, but was cut short as a troop of battered Shinsengumi returned. Their leader - a dangerous looking man with amber eyes - glanced around the room, silencing all dissent without a word.

With the very slightest hint of irritability in his voice, Saitoh Hajime, Shinsengumi Third Division Captain, inquired, "What is going on here?"

After a few moments of listening to his subordinates stammer and attempt to explain themselves, Saitoh turned his attention on the young stranger, "Well?" was his only comment. "I am here to join the Shinsengumi," came the reply. "He's terrible with a sword!" one of the men finally ventured, "Manji beat him in only a few seconds." "There are other skills than swordplay." Mikeru responded, "and it seems foolish to turn away any who are loyal..." "We're doing you a favor! You'd get killed!" a voice cut in from somewhere in the ranks. "...but if a demonstration of prowess is necessary, please allow me to present it in my own fashion." he finished, ignoring the interruption.

Saitoh's eyes narrowed briefly as he examined the newcomer. "Whatever else he may be," he thought, "I do not think this man is a fool." He nodded. "Very well."

Walking to the door, Mikeru retrieved his blade from where he had left it, and removed the wrappings, drawing snickers from several of the men, and nervous looks from a few others, who had witnessed a weapon like this used to great effect in the hands of Miura Kazuo a short time ago. Gesturing to three men standing nearby, who made their weapons ready, he began to swing his blade through the air, the strokes picking up speed until the weapon seemed to be constantly flowing from one place to the next. Glancing at Saitoh, he awaited his word to start the fight.

"Begin."

This battle too, was over in a matter of seconds, but the outcome was rather different. Mikeru's blade remained a blur of motion, the constant movement helping to offset the weight and slow speed of the weapon. One opponent fell, clutching where the flat of the blade had struck him in the ribs, the sword of the second fell from nervless fingers after a sharp blow to the elbow, and the last staggered back into his fellows, wide eyed, and staring at the hilt of his sword - the blade having shattered from the force of a blow.

Slowing his blade to a halt, and breathing a little hard, Mikeru turned to face the amber eyed wolf of a man who led this group. Inclining his head, he spoke, "I apologize for the damage to your equipment."
Saitoh smirked. "Not bad. But that style of yours is dangerous - fall into a pattern and you'll be killed."
Mikeru nodded in return, "That's true. And that requires me to think, rather than act on instict."
His smirk still firmly in place, Saitoh nodded. "So why don't we see how you fare against a real swordsman." It was not a suggestion, for he was already settling into his trademark stance.

Lifting his blade - not into a guard, but into something of a salute, Mikeru shook his head. "You honor me, but I must decline. I know my own limits, and the Gatotsu of the Shinsengumi Third Division Captian, Saitoh Hajime, is beyond them."

Watching the young man down the edge of his blade, for a long moment, Saitoh did not move, then, with a look of disgust, he sheathed his sword, turning away. "Get out."

Bitterly dissappointed, the aspiring Shinsengumi rewrapped his blade, and departed without further comment. It was not more than a few hours later that he was contacted by a messenger, inviting him to join the Kagetai - an offer which he gladly accepted. The following months found him in service as a scout, spy, and tactical advisor for the Shinsengumi - occasionally even taking direct command of a squad. Reports vary, but most believe that many lives were saved by his clear thinking.

Personality:

Levelheaded, calm and rational, Mikeru is a clear thinker with a bouyant heart. His mood tends towards the optimistic in personal matters, but he is deadly serious when it comes to 'business'. While his unassuming demeanor has been called 'charming' by some, it frustrates others, and has led this young man to choose his words carefully in most situations.

Likes:

Time to think. Autumn. A sense of accomplishment. Wit. Books and reading.

Dislikes:

Rash people. Guilt. People who won't get to the point, or won't listen. Cruelty.

Rivals:

None. He's not the type to hold a grudge in any event.

Current sketch:

Mikeru is currently the owner of a small bookshop in the Tokyo area, and has adapted well to life in the Meiji. He has occasional contact with Saitoh, who he respects for his diligence, but cannot bring himself to like - perhaps their methods are simply too different. Recently, his name has been seen in association with a reformist newsletter published by one Tsukioka Tsunan.