A/N: Sorry for such a delay in posting! Thanks to some helpful hints to the reviewers, I made a few corrections and added some translations to the prologue. Demo, the way I do my romanji, I will keep since trying to remember to change it would be really hard on my part. I just hope you all don't get mad. Thanks for your wonderful support, though! And this isn't a saitoh/kat/okita fic, its just well..you'll see how it folds out.

Ano, someone mentioned that the title for my fic was seen on another fic, I don't remember whether or not they said it was RK or not, I did a search and found one similar, "Sleeping With the Wolf", but I just wanted to clarify I did not intend to copy someone elses title. ^^; Gomen!

And uhh, I'm sorry about the Geisha mistake. I didn't know that Geisha were not prostitutes. *bows head* I'll change that as well.

-

Sleeping With Wolves

Chapter 1 - First Day

-

Saitoh regarded the new character with wariness. 'So this is who Kondo has entrusted to get the corrupted out of our troops. We shall see if he is who he says he is.'

Okita smiled up at Saitoh. "What is it, Saitoh-san?"

Saitoh gruffed that Okita could sense his thoughts. He took another drag of his cigarette. "Nothing, Okita-kun. Just thinking."

Okita laughed lightly, "Sou desu ka...you always are, ne?"

Saitoh gave no reply.

Hattori's eyes met his. And right then she knew he would be giving her a hard time.

'Try me...' She silently challenged.

-

Katsumi watched the men go back to their morning rituals as she replayed last night's events in her mind. She still didn't understand the way this was going about. She was certain that she would just blend in with low rank, however, Ito had a different idea.

Apparently he studied Psychology, which he explained was the science of how people act and think. Katsumi, having little higher education than being able to reading and writing, just listened not being able to understand how one could study another person's mind and generalize it. Weren't all people different?

Ito said that there was a technique, scarcely used and untested, called "character profiling". He stated this was where you take the actions of a certain person and transform it into a sketch of the person's mentality. How they should think and act. He said it was a long shot, but apparently, Kondo was desperate to discover the spy.

Ito characterized that their leak as a man who most likely had authority among the Shinsen, he may use his power to his advantage perhaps to get away with things he normally could not.

"We think he may be arrogant, proud and love a challenge."

Katsumi curled her lip up in annoyance. "How can you come up with this? What information do you know?"

"Very little," Ito replied. "This is just a sketch of what I think this man's personality will be like, based on the way the information has been leaked, as well as what actions we can pick up, through our own spies and little known facts."

Katsumi sighed. "Well this is grand. Your 'description' personifies half of them in the camp."

Kondo nodded. "But it's better than nothing. What rank do you suspect he'll have, Ito?"

"Probably a higher one. But it's possible for him to be low rank. I suggest that we announce Hattori-san's arrival as well as give her high rank."

"Wouldn't that be obvious to the men that we've hired a spy? They already know we're suspicious of who we can trust." Hijikata murmured.

"Yes, it would be. But based on what I can perceive, our spy will be angered by this, and will constantly challenge Hattori-san. And by announcing this to him, he will take it as a challenge, perhaps even take a risk, to show he's not afraid."

"Such foolishness will be his end." Katsumi muttered, looking over the papers she was to study.

"I hope so..." Kondo replied, wondering if Ito's theory would prove correct. If it wasn't, he had lost his advantage.

***

Katsumi shook her head, her thoughts clearing of the previous night. 'Sciences like those are such odd studies...' She mused, pondering on why someone would spend their life studying theories that may not even be true. If it hadn't been for her training in battle, she wouldn't have noticed the presense coming from behind.

"Hn?" She turned to see a boy, just above her height. A second glance made her realize he was much older, but with soft, gentle features, giving him the appearance of a child. His brown eyes sparkled and a pleasant smile graced his lips. His bangs framed his face as the rest of his hair was pulled into a typical samurai ponytail, the ends of his hair brushing the nape of his neck. He wore the Shinsen uniform, of course, and Katsumi sensed a strong ki from him, but it was somewhat disguised by his calm, sweet demeanor.

"Hajime mashite, Hattori-san. Boku wa Okita Souji." He bowed formally, smiling sweetly. Katsumi watched him raise back up, giving him a small nod. She mentally laughed at the irony upon recongniznig his name. 'First captain...he looks more childish than I do. They say his skill in Tennen Rishin is superb. I cannot wait to see him fight.'

"Sou ka. A pleasure, Okita-san." She drawled, raising her head to the man who walked up behind him. The same one who she suspected was gonna be a pain her ass. "And you are?"

Saitoh took a long drag from his cigarette. "Saitoh Hajime."

"Ah. Third Captain. I would say nice to meet you as well, but your gruffness overpowers my urge to be polite." Katsumi muttered dryly.

Saitoh cracked a thin smile, taking the bitter sarcasm as a challenge. "I like you, kid. If your bite is half as good as your bark, you might live through this war."

Katsumi scoffed, tossing her head to the side before glancing back at him once more. "Your smile is odd-looking Saitoh-*san*." Her emphasis on the -san did not go unnoticed as she walked back down to talk with Kondo.

Okita smiled up at Saitoh. "Ne, it seems you two got off on the wrong foot."

Saitoh closed his eyes, before muttering, "Okita-kun, you have a knack for pointing out the obvious."

Okita just laughed, leaving the elder behind as breakfast was about to be served.

-

Katsumi observed each man she could during breakfast. She rarely ate much in public. She didn't know why, honestly, just little acts like such she prefered to be alone for. She observed Harada Sanosuke, tenth captain of the Shinsengumi. 'Rather..loud fellow...' She thought. The man who had made such a fuss turned out to be Takeda Kanryuusai, Fifth Captain.

'He fits the profile Ito came up with upon first impression, demo...I can't just immediately gather suspects without interactions...' Katsumi blinked and looked up to see Okita standing in front of her. "Na, aren't you hungry, Hattori-san?"

"Iie," she replied, continuing to eye the crowd before her. She figured he would leave, but to her mild surprise, Okita prompted, "May I sit beside you?"

She gave a short nod, not even removing her eyes from the crowd as Okita rested himself beside her. Her eyes drifted to where Saitoh sat, finishing his meal.

'Such a strong ki...it would be a pity if this man turned out to be the spy. He is very proud from what can be observed, but he does not seem the type to anger easily.' In fact, she had not seen him display any emotion at all, other than mild amusement at the bickering of new recruits.

Once again, her thoughts were interrupted, this time by Okita giving a small cough. He smiled softly and murmured an apology. She nodded and looked back around to Kondo and Hijikata. They both sat off to the side, in a discussion. She could only guess it was about the war for they would not talk about anything else.

Okita held back the urge to cough. It was becoming harder and harder to hide his ever growing symptoms. But few still knew how sick he was. And he silently vowed to keep it that way for as long as possible. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of such dreary thoughts. He turned his attention on Katsumi, who observed the men quietly. 'Such a cold expression for such a seemingly peaceful looking man. It makes me wonder why he won't even smile. Even Saitoh-san smiles...albeit a bit scary-looking.'

Okita decided to attempt a conversation. He knew that Katsumi was investigating the captains but he didn't feel she would be offended. "So, why did you join the Shinsengumi?"

Katsumi arched a brow, letting her eyes drift over to the boy beside her. She didn't move her head and paused a moment before replying, "Kondo-san is always interested in good swordsmen for the war."

"Ah, this is true. So you joined because he asked?"

"Hn."

"How old are you?"

"Why are you interrogating me?"

Okita did not let this offend him in the slightest and gave a smile. "I am just trying to get to know my allies. I can quit the questions if you'd like."

Katsumi continued her watch over the camp. "I'm 15."

Okita blinked. "So young?"

Katsumi shot him a look, before switching back to her normal expression. "Yes. Does that bother you, Okita-san?" She ended the formality curtly.

Okita chuckled, "Maa, It's fine. It's just surprising to see one so young as yourself recommended by Kondo-san."

"Well, you don't exactly look like my elder."

"I am 21."

"Surprise, surprise."

Okita tilted his head, closing his eyes and giving a cheeky smile. "Why are you so bitter, Hattori-san? You don't need to be so cold-hearted all the time."

To this, Katsumi gave no answer. She didn't even know if she had one. Okita stood up and dusted himself off. "Well, why don't you think about that, okay? It's been a pleasure to talk with you, I cannot wait to see your swordsmanship. Ja!" He gave a small bow and walked off.

Katsumi felt eyes on her once again and gazed to see Saitoh giving her a wary glance from a distance. She gave a scrutinizing look before getting up and walking off. 'That man just irks me.'

Saitoh's amber orbs watch her retreat. 'Something's not right with that boy...'

-

Katsumi had already narrowed down her list of supsects. If indeed she was working with a captain as the spy, then she had narrowed it down to about four of the captains. Each man was proud and somewhat seemed disturbed by her presense and had challenged her in one way or another so far. Saitoh was one of these men. So was Takeda. The other was Suzuki Mikisaburo, the ninth captain. He had made it noticed that he did not like Katsumi. She also made known that she didn't really care. This insulted him on some level and Katsumi remembered smiling inwardly, her sadistic nature coming out.

Then there was the most peculiar of them all, Okita Souji. His challenge was the most intimidating. He challenged her to open up. He wanted to get to know 'his ally'. She thought it odd and suspicious. What man could be fighting a war and still be so nice and seemingly boyish? She wondered if it was an act.

For as close as he would try to get, he would always stay a distance away in a sense, as if he didn't want to get close to a person. She had not seen him touch one person and his answers and comments always carried a bit of a vagueness to them. He seemed like a two-faced person. One who acted like he was sweet and friendly but perhaps inside he was distant and coneiving. Definitely on her list of suspects.

It was high noon and Katsumi had to meet with Kondo to tell him what she knew just from first glance of the troops. She stepped up to Kondo's quarters and rapped her knuckles on the thin door. Upon hearing him give her admittance, she stepped in, eyes adjusting to the dark room. "I've come for my first report."

Kondo was reading, of all the things he could be doing. He nodded and set his book down. "And what do you have for me, Katsumi?"

"Well, based on first impressions, I've composed a small list of people who fit Ito-san's profile."

As she told Kondo then men who she was suspicious of, Kondo rubbed his chin in thought. "I can see your view on most of them, but Okita? I disagree. I've known him since he was a boy."

"People change, Kondo-san."

"Yes, they do. Look at you. Whatever happened to that sweet smile?"

"It disappeared around the time I first drove a knife through an Ishin's heart."

Kondo sighed and gave a faint smile. "And you have me to blame for that, don't you?"

"What is there to blame for? I am fighting a war. Death is inevitable."

Kondo nodded. "Well, continue your work, but don't overlook the lower ranks just yet. And tonight you'll be going on patrol."

Katsumi nodded, giving a short bow before leaving.

Kondo gave another sigh. 'What kind of a man am I to take a girl and make her a killer? This is not her place.'

-

Katsumi exited Kondo's quarters to see Harada Sanosuke waving at her. Arching a brow, she walked over to him. "What is it, Harada-san?"

He grinned, grabbing her by the shoulder and pulling her to a crowd. "Rookies in a brawl!"

She watched as the two young men clashed swords at each other rather poorly. "Shouldn't we stop them before they hurt someone?"

"Nahh! Let'm have a go at it. It's always fun to see new kids wave their katanas around like sticks." Harada looked down at Hattori and rubbed the back of his head. "The uhh, lower new kids, that is. I'm sure you're a fine swordsman, Hattori. Heh.."

Katsumi couldn't help but smirk. This man was quite a character. She glanced around to see even other captains and higher Shinsen officials watching the scuffle with mild interest. She found Saitoh watching from a distance, leaning against a tree. Her attention turned from the amber-eyed man as Okita broke through the crowd. "That's enough!" His command was both fierce and calm. Both men immediately dropped back, lowering their swords.

"We aren't here to fight amongst ourselves, we're here to establish order in Nihon. Now do I need to report this to Kondo-san or will you both assure me it won't happen again?"

Katsumi assumed the men were muttering their apologies for she could not hear them. Harada muttered something under his breath about Okita breaking up the show but she turned and walked off. All the noise was giving her a headache. 'I'll do research later. Can't think with all these people...'

Katsumi rubbed her temples as she walked away from camp. She knew she should be working but she felt as if her head would explode from all the noise. Upon leaving, she found the quietness calmed her nerves. 'Must be first day jitters...I can't have anxiety overwhelming me.'

And thus she decided to return to her quarters to do a bit of paperwork.

Had she not been so distracted by her thoughts, she would have noticed Okita watching her from a distance.

Okita watched her retreat to her quarters. 'What was that all about I wonder...'

Tsuzukeru...

-

I don't think there's any need for translations so I shall not include them.

A/N: I know that character profiling and criminology, etc probably didn't develop until way after this but I needed a reason (Even if it was lame) for putting Katsumi in authority. ^^; Also, I've noticed that the Ikeda-ya affair probably didn't take place since it was during 64 and Okita dies in 68..that would mean he has TB for four years. But ..oh well, I'm going to make his disease long. *shrugs* I'm evil aren't I? Eh, I can't think of anything else to say besides my apology for the long wait before updating. So many fics, so little time, too lazy to do continuous work. :D

And I thank you, all who read. I was surprised to get so much feed back in one chapter. *smiles* It makes me happy!

Naomi: ^_^! Thank you! Not many OC fics are liked in anime but your comments encouraged me all the more! I liked your site, btw!

tigress13: I love the shinsengumi and I agree, okita and saitoh are under-used! Here is an update for you, I'm sorry it took so long!

tesuka-chan: Yes, Okita IS hot ^_^;; O.O a 9 year old? goodness. You admire me for my research? Aww, shucks. Thank you! To answer your question, okita is currently 21. Saitoh, I'm not so sure about...I'll get back to you on that. And no love triangle, just Okita/Katsumi. I actually hope to get Tokio in some but I'm not sure how that'll work out. Thank you again for such sweet words!

Nikka: Thanks for reading! And the tip, I can use all the critique I can get! :P

JadeGoddess: Thanks for reviewing, here is Chapter 1 for you!

Ingenue: Yeah, it is unrealistic but I wanted to attempt it anyway. The present tense was only for the prologue so if I do it again, just bonk me some. And yeah, Katsumi does seem a bit like a M-S but I'm hoping to develop her into a more realistic character and focus on the shinsen as a whole, rather than just her. (doesn't mean i'll succeed though) And as for phrasing things oddly...I'm just an odd person :D Thanks for taking your time to review!

IceRain: Ano, I think I must have confused you. Tokio has not come in to play yet and there is no homosexuality in this. Katsumi is an original character, girl disguised as a man. But I thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope this cleared up any confusion!

mibu no ookami: You get a reward for having left the longest review that anyone has ever gave me :D I really thank you for all your comments, it helped me out wonders. And I am terribly sorry about the Geisha mistake. I should have known that a Geisha and a prostitutue were two different things. You have total permission to gatotsu me. :D And as you can see, I did a lame attempt to cover up my tatical mistake at making Katsumi's appearance announced. It really is a lame idea but...oh well :D I thank you again!

Takada Saiko: Since you ask, I will do. The Ikeda-ya affair it is! Thanks for reviewing! ^_^

genki-assassin: Thanks for reviewing! I slaved (believe it or not) over the name for this fic. lol! Glad you liked!

And a thanks to those who emailed me or just read. I really appreciate it. Now if you don't mind, I'd like some feedback. Comments, compliments, questions, critique, but no flames, please. And I am still taking ideas and opinions about the Ikeda-ya affair.

I have a few sketches of what Katsumi looks like, upon getting my site up (it's still on hold because I'm working out the kinks in my satellite connection) I will post them. In the mean time, have a nice day! ^_^

**Ignore the grammar, I do**

Phoe-chan