Shinobi of the Shinsengumi Revised in content 17 December 2005

She leaps upon the roofs

Landing softly in the wind

She’s going about her kill

The tittering birds sing

--

The darkness hides her murderous intent

But I can plainly see

For around her lips play a dangerous smirk

I know she’s hunting for me

--

As I sip my tea in silence

I can hear her footsteps quicken

She’s leaping down from the roof

And into my house I know

I continue to play the innocent

I know she’s entered my hollow

--

Very soon she’s going to draw her katanas

And pierce them through my body

I know how that would feel

She isn’t the first one to hunt me

--

She’s entered my home

Now dashing past the doors

How long before I feel the prick

Of her deadly katana force?

--

She’s found my room and silently enters

She thinks I do not know

But I’m not in the Choshuu clan for nothing

And its time my talents will show

--

She’s right behind me

Katana in her fist

She slashes through the screen

And of course she missed

--

I’m now right behind her

My arm around her body

I draw my sword, a gleaming one

And whisper I am sorry

--

I slash her neck

I slash her body

I really pity her

She thought I was the Feudal Lord

But she made a mistake I fear

--

I was paid to play the coward

And the ruse worked like a charm

Her body is lifeless like the rest

And I have come to no harm

--

As I leave the house blood-stained

You may wonder who I am

I’m a Shinobi of the Chosuu

The best in the land

The end--

Japanese Words-

Shinobi- ninja

Shinsengumi- The police force in Meiji Era, Japan

Katanas- Bladed Swords

Chosuu- A rival of Shisengumi that protested against a modern Japan in the Meiji Era, Japan