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21: The Nightmare Falls Apart! Raijuuta's Dream
The sound of gunshots and swords fill the air. The gang went in and saw as the killing continued. Kenshin tried to save one of Raijuuta’s men from being shot, but to no avail. That was the last straw. He shouted his command to stop the killing. It surely got everyone’s attention. He declared that he was going to fight Raijuuta, and until it’s over, there’s to be a cease-fire. He then went searching for Raijuuta, with the gang following behind. Yutaro found and injured man and tried to help him. He remembered that he was among those who planned to kidnap him. The man told Yutaro the whole story. Raijuuta had planned everything, the kidnap and the rescue. Yutaro couldn’t believe it, he refused to believe him. Then, Raijuuta appeared with two of his men and killed the narrator. Yutaro saw the scoundrel as his father. Kenshin arrived to settle the score. Raijuuta begun the fight first by hurling insults at Kenshin, then attacked using his Izuna technique. Kenshin jumped up, but his kimono got slashed. Yutaro stepped between them and tried to talk Raijuuta out of fighting Kenshin. He won’t allow any of them to get hurt. Raijuuta replied by using his Izuna on the boy. It was a bloodless cut and Yutaro was blown away a fair distance but he still stood in defense of his aggressor. Kaoru helped clear the issue by tossing Raijuuta’s cruelty at his face. Yutaro hoped for a denial, instead he heard a mocking laugh of confirmation. Kenshin was infuriated by his cruelty. He vowed to make Raijuuta pay, he vowed to defeat him. He sent the gang home so Yutaro’s wound could be treated. Yahiko stayed for Yutaro’s sake. The fight resumed, and Kenshin continued to dodge each and every Izuna. Raijuuta used the flying Izuna next and cut Kenshin’s wrist. He was happy for he had cut him, but Battousai thought he was utterly pathetic. Kenshin attacked and defeated him. Indeed, he went down, with a loud thud. Raijuuta’s men tried to commit suicide, but Kenshin stopped them and gave them a piece of advice. Yutaro’s wound had been treated, but Megumi had some bad news. The nerves were severed and he might not be able to hold a sword again. Yahiko was crushed with the news, furious for his friend. They got back to the dojo, still worried about Yutaro. Then they received a letter from him. He was going to Germany, to recover and recuperate. The gang was there to say goodbye, but Yutaro kept silent the whole meeting. Yahiko couldn’t take it, so he challenged Yutaro, calling him a loser, and demanding for their postponed fight. He finally got a reaction when Yutaro retaliated. The gang watched as they said their good-byes… Another student of the Kamiya Dojo, Tsukayama Yutaro.
22: First Time! Crazy, Insane Steam Engine Train Trip
It was the summer of 1872 when the first railroad of Japan opened. The gang hurried to the station and found a lot of people gathered all wanting to ride the train as well. A rich man chartered an entire car for his parcels, which contained gold chips. Kaoru is delighted to be on the train and she spoke of her plans. Yahiko thought girl things were stupid. Kaoru resorted to blackmail to shut him up. Sano was terrified of the train so he started to leave, but Kaoru was determined to make this trip worthwhile so she held on. The train moved, and Sano’s stomach started turning as well. He couldn’t understand how the train could move without horses pulling it. He also has some ah, certain beliefs about the camera sucking up one’s spirit. Kaoru started a lengthy explanation about the mechanics of the steam locomotive, while they stood biting off each other’s head. Yahiko got bored so he took a trip to the engine. A train conductor told him to go back as he looked around. Yahiko pretended obedience, but he hid by the corner. He then saw the real conductor tied up and gagged. Kaoru and Sano’s bickering continued, but their anger was now directed at Kenshin for his indecision so he went out. Yahiko tried to stop the fake conductor from causing trouble, but he was held hostage. Kenshin came and peacefully asked for Yahiko’s freedom, his eyes showing a different light. The man threw the boy to him, and went up the roof. Kenshin followed him while Yahiko ran to tell Sano. But Yahiko came up, once again held captive. The gun at Yahiko’s head prevented Kenshin from using his sword against the man. He fell into the river, and Yahiko escaped. He was stammering when he told Kaoru, and Sano had to punch him to calm him down. The thieves went on with their robbery. They had already disconnected the rich man’s car from the rest, but Sano held it connected with a chain. The gang fought the thieves, and the train suddenly stopped. There was a roadblock and the pirates lined up for their bounty. There was the sound of a horse’s hooves, and Kenshin was mounted atop. He galloped from boat to boat and beat the pirates. He slashed the roadblock and the train was back on track. The rich man rewarded them with a gold chip. Then, it was time for picture taking. Sano paraded his litany of superstitions and Kaoru corrected him again. Finally they had their picture taken, all brown and dirty. Sano’s spooked look would not be easily forgotten.
23: Betrayed by Sanosuke?! Greetings of Fate
Sano was eating at the Akabeko restaurant when Tae asked him to pick up a block print for her collection. He agreed to do it as his way of thanking Tae for feeding him. Unfortunately, Tae adds it all to his account, with interest of course. The block print was by Tsukioka and the name triggered profound memories in Sano. He went to the art store and Kenshin and Kaoru spotted him. Sano saw the portraits and bought a couple with Kaoru’s unwillingly lent money. He demanded the artist’s address from the merchant and went there. Tsukioka came out only after Sano bellowed, “Tsukioka Katsuhiro of the Sekihoutai!” Kaoru was eavesdropping and Kenshin had to drag her away so Sano could have his privacy. The two friends drank together as they relived memories of Captain Sagara Souzou. He taught them to value individuals regardless of rank and station. Tsukioka took a bullet meant for Sano in the ambush ten years ago and they both relished the memory. They talked about their beliefs, and their unfinished work. Tsukioka stands firm on his belief that their ideals had to be acted upon, even at the expense of innocent lives. Sano had recognized the futility of realizing their beliefs, but Katsu thought that it was all crap. He invited Sano to join him in realizing the Sekihoutai’s principles, using his bombs to bring down the corrupt government. Sano thought he had gone mad. He tried to discourage him, but it was no use. That same night, a robbery took place. The thieves claimed to be survivors of the Sekihoutai, leaving a portrait of Sagara Souzou, stained with blood. Theft has been continuing for five days now. Sano hurried to Tsukioka’s but found the place devoid of everything but a note. He ran across town, asking for his friend. His friends told him news about a man named Shinzu who claimed to have earned from the Sekihoutai. Meanwhile, Kenshin investigates the art dealer, and it turns out that a customer bought all of Sagara’s portraits. Sano went to the gambling joint to investigate on Shinzu. He later got the information he needed from the man in a deserted alley. The fake Sekihoutai and their leader, Shindou, the man who had the Sekihoutai assassinated a decade ago, were in a meeting. Their little chat was disrupted when Sano threw Shinzu inside. Everyone was shocked to know that he was a survivor of the Sekihoutai. Sano fought each of them and Kenshin stood by to watch and to drop in if necessary. But Tsukioka already did that for him, with his bombs at hand. Shindou shot his gun at Sano, but Katsu took the bullet, once again. They escaped when the police came, leaving the sleeping bodies of the men, including Shindou. They said their good-byes by the riverbank, but their work was far from done.
24: Midnight Fight! Sanosuke versus Kenshin Again!
Sano announced that there was going to be a party. The gang was all for it, but Kaoru kept worrying about the money despite his assurance to take responsibility. He asked Kaoru to invite Megumi over before he left. Sano went to Tsukioka to borrow some money. To his surprise, Katsu gave him his wallet. He was going to blow up the ministry of home affairs tonight. Sano agreed, thanked him for the money, and left. There was a feast at the dojo, with lots of delicious foods and jugs of sake. They were all having a good time. Yahiko got a double punch when he remarked on Sano and Megumi’s married-couple behavior. Kaoru and Megumi were at each other’s necks, fighting over who’s to pour Kenshin’s sake. It was a battle between a clever fox and a young raccoon, and Kenshin was caught in the middle. Kaoru got herself drunk, and started rumbling about her secrets. Sano sat there, watching them. He then challenged Kenshin to a drinking contest, and he won in the end. It was late, and everyone was deep in slumber. Sano awoke from feigned sleep. Katsu was waiting outside. Sano whispered his apology and thanks to the sleeping occupants of the room. He didn’t think that he’d see them again, and he didn’t expect understanding for what he was about to do as a member of the Sekihoutai. He’ll miss them all, but Kenshin the most. Kenshin heard it all, he was wide-awake. The two avengers of the Sekihoutai arrived to their destination. Tsukioka set off his bombs and climbed up the wall with Sano. Both were surprised to see Kenshin. Sano set aside his friendship with Kenshin. He warned him to stay away but Kenshin refused, so he attacked him. Sano couldn’t get a punch across and he was down after experiencing the Dragon Hammer Sword Flash. Tsukioka threw a shorter fused bomb at Kenshin and thought he got him. Sano knew better. In an instant, Kenshin had his sword pointed at Katsu’s temple, to shake some sense into his head. Sano stood up and ordered Katsu to go away. He attacked Kenshin, while a horrified Katsu stood watching. Tsukioka hurled insults at Kenshin’s back, while Sano’s limp body slumped in his arms. Kenshin looked back with such peace that Katsu was flabbergasted. Sano murmured his thanks to Kenshin for preventing them from being dishonorable. He woke up the next morning and found Katsu burying his bombs. He went back to the dojo and was greeted by how “marvelous” he looked, with the entire dirt and bruises he had on him. Tsukioka’s last block print was out. He’s going to write about the government.
25: Scarlet Pirate! Tear Up Kenshin and Kaoru
The pirates of the Sea Dragon have struck again. Kaoru was cooking when she read the news. Sano and Yahiko were close to passing out due to hunger. They were eager when Kaoru called them to eat; only to have their dreams of delicious foods evaporate at the sight of a single fish they had to share. The two of them fought and the fish fell to the ground. To their horror, a cat started devouring their ration of food. Yahiko blamed Kaoru for their misery. She heard his ranting and retaliated with a long sermon. So the guys were forced to look for work. They stumbled upon a man hiring a crew on his ship for 200 yen. It was such a sweet deal and they couldn’t resist. On board, Yahiko got seasick and threw up. He was joined by a lady. who turned out to be Kaoru, much to their surprise. That night, Kenshin stood by the deck while everyone slept, thinking about Shura and his pirates. Kaoru later joined him and then rain began to pour. It was the perfect weather for the pirates to attack, and that they did. They climbed up the ship and started their raid. The ship's crew was no match for the enemies. Shura showed himself, challenging the men to fight him. He won out easily, but Sano charged. He seemed to have the advantage, but he tripped. Shura bounded up and saw Kenshin protecting stubborn Kaoru who wouldn’t listen. Kenshin was fighting when she her arm got slashed. Pirates went below and found the goodies. Shura watched as Kenshin fought his men. Yahiko intercepted Kaoru’s aggressor and got thrown to sea. Sano jumped in to save him. Kenshin had his hands full and it was too late to dodge the poisoned dart his back received. Shura stopped the fight and resumed it himself. He took of his cloak. The captain of the pirates was a woman. She fought Kenshin, seeing him as a worthy opponent, but Kenshin cut her weapon in the end, despite his blurred vision. It was her first time to be defeated by a man, and a poisoned one at that. She was really incensed by the fact. The pirates shoved off at the navy’s arrival. A pirate hauled Kaoru on his back. Kenshin asked for Kaoru’s freedom in exchange for him. The deal was sealed, and Kaoru was sent off on a boat onto which Sano and Yahiko climbed in. The pirates cheered at the coming execution as they sailed away.
26: An Incarnation of Thunder Storm!
The Mysterious Nobility of the Female Pirate Shura
27: Ferocious Fighting Island! Scarlet Pirate
Genju sent his men to search for Shura’s corpse while Sarujiro head for his hiding place. Sano, Yahiko, and Kaoru survived from the boat’s explosion. Kenshin held Shura in his arms both of them drenched. Shura was unconscious, Kenshin wished for Dr. Genzai. Sarujiro appeared, torch at hand, and he led Kenshin inside the cave. Kenshin set Shura down on a bed, and instructed Sarujiro to get some clean cloths and hot water for Shura’s wound. Kenshin took out the bullet from her leg. The operation went successfully. Kenshin and Sarujiro were in another room in the cave when Shura awoke. She then remembered what happened, and cried because she failed. She felt a knife by the bed and took it. Shame overcame her as she held the knife to her neck. Kenshin stopped her and gave lectured her. Sarujiro was there, holding up a beautiful kimono. The kimono belonged to Shura’s mother, seeing it brought back memories. Meanwhile, Sarujiro sneaked into the storeroom and took Shura and Kenshin’s weapons. The pirates found Iwazu, Shura’s grandfather, drugged him, and threw him into the storeroom. Shura was trying on the beautiful kimono when Sarujiro arrived with Iwazu by his side. Kenshin was out and thinking when Shura arrived to put Iwazu in his care. She was on the other end of the bridge. She destroyed it and threw back Kenshin’s sword. She was off to settle the score with Genju. The pirates were partying in celebration for the alliance between two scums, Yohei and Genju’s. The latter was just thinking of burning Shura alive when she walked in. They began the fight. The odds were in Shura’s favor until Genju stabbed her fresh wound. Kenshin arrived and beat the pirates, and Genju. Geiki lit a bomb, and a chain reaction occurred. Sano, Kaoru, and Yahiko arrived to see the fire. Kenshin walked through, carrying Shura. They shoved off and watched as fires devour the island. Shura politely turned down Kaoru’s offer of staying at the dojo and left to fulfill her father’s dreams of an honest life. She said goodbye, but she intends on meeting Kenshin once again, this time as friends.
28: Prelude to a New Threat.
The Shadow of the Wolf is Drawing Near
He proved himself wrong when he entered the dojo and saw the gaping hole in the wall. He smelled blood, went inside and saw a bleeding Sano sprawled on the floor. That night, the herb salesman, known as Saitou met with Mr. Shibumi, his alleged employer. He declined the sake for the safety of the people. He’s living in peace now, but he likes killing, and being a paid assassin serves him well - to hone his skills, and to kill his archenemy. Mr. Shibumi was a royalist then and a government secretary now. He hired Jin’e Udou. Saitou left to get back to his real job as deputy chief of police. At the Kamiya residence, they all ran about to help Megumi treat Sano’s wound. Kenshin was inside the dojo. He already knew Sano’s attacker, it could be no one but Saitou Hajime. The Ishida Chemical was a trademark of the Shinsengumi to get into someone’s household. He knew that Saitou would come back for revenge, but he knew nothing of what he really planned. He isn’t sure if he can beat him. He wonders if he can remain true to his oath not to kill again. Meanwhile, Saitou is walking amidst floating cherry blossoms, anticipating his upcoming face off with Kenshin, and contemplating his success.
29: Prelude The Ultimate Fatal Rival!
The Waylay of the Desperate Fangs
Summary in the works. ^^6 Moushiwake arimasen m(_)m
30: Evil Monster of Revenge... Shishio Makoto's Plot!
The fight with Saitou continues, and Kenshin is wounded. Kaoru tries unsuccessfully to stop the battle. She’s scared to death. With each attack Kenshin, regains his legendary prowess as Battousai. His hair was loose from the band, and his eyes were a different color, Battousai’s. The spectacular battle back from a decade ago ensues, each of the slashers proving who’s best. Sano comes in, leaning on Megumi. The two slashers have been transported to another realm, to Kyoto ten years ago, to a battle they fought, which ended in a draw. They are going to finish that battle now. No one can bring back Kenshin, except a person who has been there with him a decade ago. Kenshin has just broken Saitou’s sword, but the latter refuses to quit. He used his belt to knock off Kenshin’s sword, and with bare hands, he attacks Kenshin and chokes him with his coat. Kenshin recovers from the attack with the case of his sword. Each is spent physically but the battle has to be finished now. Kaoru reaches out to Kenshin, not wanting to give him up to his past. Kenshin and Saitou were fighting to the end, but it was cut short by Kawaji, who had just entered the dojo. The secretary of defense shouted his command to stop. After him came Okubo Toshimichi, the minister and the most powerful figure in the Meiji Government. He was the one who sent Saitou to measure Kenshin’s skills. Apparently, Saitou got carried away. Okubo came to speak to Kenshin. They needed him for this problem. Unknown to all of them, Akamatsu was listening to their discussion. Saitou sensed his presence and left to settle something. The gang listened to Okubo’s explanation. Shishio Makoto was the shadow assassin, he was about as good as Kenshin, and he kept his identity almost non-existent to the public. He took over the role of assassin after Kenshin left. He was the killer that the government created, but he had become uncontrollable and was causing trouble. The government tried to burn him alive, but he escaped death and is now the leader of the Juppon Gatana – a group of people who share his resolve to overthrow the government. Now they need Kenshin to clean up their mess. The gang is really incensed by the government’s resourcefulness in finding somebody else to right their mistakes. Kenshin thinks deeply of his decision as his friends pledge their lives to protect him from yet another bloodshed. They will not let Kenshin relive his days as the slasher once again. Meanwhile, Saitou walked in while Akamatsu was relating the information to Shibumi. He then killed both of them. Okubo gave Kenshin a week to decide before he left. May 14 was the day of his decision. The night Okubo left was the last they saw of him alive.