Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations http://users.deltanet.com/~newcomb/ruroken.htm Volume 1--Kenshin * Himura Battousai (from the front flap) Watsuki: I like the Ishin Shishi, but the truth is I’m a big fan of the Shinsengumi . . . WATSUKI IS A LIAR. As you can see above, I really like Kenshin’s enemies the Shinsengumi the best. Even worse, when I was in high school I was a history dunce who didn't even take Japanese history. I’m really a fake. Ruroken is my first published serial. My child is not very well done, but I hope it will be loved for a long time. Part 1--Kenshin * Himura Battousai One hundred and forty years ago, in the whirlpool of Kyoto violence that began with Perry’s landing in Japan, there was a warrior called Hitokiri Battousai. This man, who paved the way for the new Meiji era with these bloody battles, disappeared at the conclusion of the bloodshed. With the passage of time he became a legend, known simply as "the strongest." And so our story begins, in Tokyo, in the year 1878---- (A man is walking through the streets of a small town at night. He is short, has long red hair in a ponytail, and carries a sword. He has a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek.) Kaoru: Hitokiri Battousai! (He looks behind him. A girl dressed in a hakama and carrying a bokutou is walking towards him.) Kaoru: At long last I’ve found you. Your two months of bloodshed in the streets ends tonight. Prepare yourself! Vagabond (eyes bugging out): Oro? Kaoru: Don’t play innocent with me! Who else would ignore the edict and walk around with a sword!! (She swings. The vagabond leaps out of the way, crashing into a fence and collapsing in a heap.) Kaoru: That didn't take long . . . Hitokiri Battousai? Vagabond: Vagabond (rubbing his head) I’m a vagabond, with no family or profession. A wandering swordsman. I just arrived in town. I don’t know anything about bloodshed in the streets--- Kaoru: Well . . . well how to you explain this sword at your waist? Swordsmen aren’t allowed to wear real swords! (she draws the sword) What is this . . . a reverse blade . . . ? Reverse blade--a sword with the ordinary blade and flat edge reversed. Vagabond: Could this sword kill anyone? Kaoru: . . . It couldn’t . . . The nicks don’t smell of blood, there's no clouds of tallow on the blade. Like it’s never been used. You really are just . . . Vagabond: Yes. A vagabond. Kaoru: But why would you carry a sword you can’t use--the police whistle! (she sets off running) This time for sure! Vagabond (diving to catch his sword) Oro. (catches it). What do I do . . . It looks like trouble in a place I don’t know. (A scene of carnage. A giant swordsman is massacring a group of policemen.) Battousai: Weak! Weak! You’re all too weak! Policeman: He--he’s just too strong. That strength . . . it truly is the great Battousai! Kaoru (leaping in front of him): Hold it right there, Battousai!! (they exchange blows. Kaoru leaps clear, skidding to a halt against a wall. She’s taken a cut to the shoulder. He advances, trapping her against the wall.) Oh no . . . (The vagabond snatches her up and carries her out of danger.) Vagabond: You are reckless. Kaoru: The vaga-- (He collapses into a small ball.) Vagabond (in a pained voice): I must have dislocated my pelvis-- Kaoru: What on earth is wrong with you! Battousai (viewing them all with disgust.): I am Battousai! Himura Battousai of the Kamiya Kasshin School! (as he leaves) The one they call Hitokiri Battousai! Kaoru (ready to run after him) Wait! Vagabond (holding her back by her ponytail): He waited long enough. (recovering from the rain of blows she just dealt him) Chasing a man too far when you’re wounded is taking your life in your hands. He gave the name of his school, so you can track him down without all this haste-- Kaoru: Kamiya Kasshin is MY school!! He's been committing these atrocities in our name! Once I get my hands on him I'll-- Vagabond (pulling her back again) I said chasing him too far wouldn't help, didn't I? But let’s leave before the police start asking too many questions. (In the Kamiya dojo. The vagabond studies the wooden name tags of the people in the school, as a servant, Kiheh, tends Kaoru’s wound.) Vagabond: Adjutant master Kamiya Kaoru. And then--oro? (Hers is the only name on the wall.) Kaoru: We were a small school, but we had ten students, all training hard. But two months ago his street killings began. One by one the students left, fearing the name of Battousai. The townspeople won’t have anything to do with the dojo. Even in the Meiji era the name of Battousai still commands fear. I don’t know why Battousai would dirty the name of the Kamiya Kasshin School. If he really is Battousai. I haven’t got the slightest idea, but if I can’t stop him soon-- Vagabond: I understand, but you should stop keeping these night watches. Kaoru: Huh? Vagabond: That man is stronger than you by far. Kaoru: WHAT? Vagabond: It’s an important part of a swordsman’s nature to know your own and your opponent's strength. You understand what the outcome will be the next time you fight him? The prestige of your school isn’t so important that you should wager your life to protect it. The Kamiya Kasshin School-- Kaoru: The Kamiya Kasshin School was brought into the Meiji era by my father, who survived the violence of the Bakumatsu. My father wasn’t a killer. He fought single-mindedly for his motto, "the sword that protects life." But as a member of the sword-bearing Metropolitan police, he was sent to the Southwest war half a year ago. The place where he died was far from the ideal world he hoped for. This man who calls himself Hitokiri Battousai has already killed more than ten people. The name of the Kamiya Kasshin School, the school left to me by my father, is being degraded by a murderer. But I guess a vagabond wouldn’t understand. (a pause) Vagabond (smiling): Well, whatever happens, you can’t keep a night watch with your arm. The best thing for you to do now is to act with caution. If you can’t even keep yourself alive, the ideal of "the sword that protects life" would be a joke. I’m sure your honored father wouldn’t want his school protected at the cost of his daughter’s life. (leaving the room) Excuse me. Kiheh (finishing her bandage): It’s all taken care of, Miss Kaoru. Kaoru: Thank you, Kiheh. Kiheh: Miss Kaoru, you mustn’t let down your guard. After all, vagabond is just another word for failure. You’re too kind to such people for your own good. Kaoru: I know. I know . . . (the next day. Kaoru and Kiheh are walking through town. A crowd has gathered.) Kaoru: Have they caught somebody? Police: Hey, stop that! Come quietly! Vagabond: Oro. Kaoru: The vagabond! (running forward) You’re still in town? Vagabond (from the ground): Oh, it’s Miss Kaoru. I almost didn’t recognize you in women’s clothes-- Kaoru (turning her back): I don’t have to help. Vagabond: Oro ro . . . Kaoru: Oh, for pete’s sake. (to the policeman) What’s he done? Policeman: As you can see, he’s broken the edict against wearing swords. (recognizing her) Hey, aren’t you the one from Hitokiri Battousai’s dojo-- Kaoru: That's a lie!! Policeman: Are you defying government authority? Kaoru: Government my foot! Quit trying to hide behind your uniform! Kiheh (stepping forward): I’m sure we can settle this peaceably, without all this fuss . . . (he takes the policeman's hand in both of his. When he lets go, there is a folded bill in his hand.) Police: Well, we’ll let you off out of consideration for the old man. Next time it’ll be different. (leaving) You watch your mouth, girl. Kaoru (making a face): Jerk! Vagabond: I suppose the police aren’t exactly reliable these days, are they. Kaoru: Hm? Vagabond: Nothing. Kaoru: But you were still here. What are you doing in town? Vagabond: No . . . nothing in particular. More importantly, has anything further developed in the case of the street killings? Kaoru: Well . . . I thought of someone who might be the killer There’s a dojo called Kiheikan on the outskirts of the neighboring town. Vagabond: Kiheikan? Kaoru: Yes. Well, at least in used to be a dojo, but now it’s more of a gambling hall, and about two months ago an ex-samurai took control of it. He's a large man, six shaku five sun (195 cm or 6’7’’) Vagabond: Oh ho. Kaoru: Suspicious, isn’t it? Especially since the attacks began two months ago. You don’t meet a swordsman of that size every day. I don’t have any proof, so I can’t do anything yet, but I know I’m close . . . ! Kiheh: Miss Kaoru, there’s still preparations to be made for dinner. Shall I . . . Kaoru: Yes, please go ahead. Vagabond: That's him from last night, isn't it? Kaoru: Oh, Kiheh? He’s my housekeeper. He came soon after my father died. I took care of him after finding him lying outside the dojo. He worries about a woman practicing kenjutsu. He thinks I should stop teaching, sell the dojo and live in peace. Vagabond: But where did he come from? Kaoru: I didn’t ask, so I don’t know. Vagabond (shocked): You’re pretty trusting. Kaoru: Do you think so? It’s all right. Everyone has one or two things about their past they don’t want to talk about. Aren’t you the same? Isn't that why you became a vagabond? (He looks surprised for a minute, then he nods.) Vagabond: Something like that. Kaoru: A vagabond probably doesn’t have much to spare for an inn, so will you stay at the house? Vagabond: That’s all right. I have a little business to take care of, so I’ll see you later. Kaoru: Um, about before-- Vagabond: It’s already been forgotten. I’ll see you. Kaoru: W-wait a minute. Vagabond: Is there something else? Kaoru: Um, the other day . . . you saved me and I didn’t have a word of thanks--um . . . I’m sorry. Vagabond (feeling her forehead): Do you have a fever or something? Kaoru (beating him up): Jeez, I’m trying to apologize!! Vagabond: Oh, so you were. (he shakes his head)A vagabond doesn’t worry about little things like that. You don’t need to either. I'll see you later. Kaoru (as they walk off in different directions): Oh, I forgot to ask about the reverse blade. Oh well. (thinking) I wonder what kind of business? Vagabond (thinking): This Kiheikan is in the next town over . . . no wonder I didn’t find anything when I looked around here. (That night, outside the Kiheikan) Vagabond: Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse-- (An angry man opens the door.) Nishiwaki: All right, what do you want! Vagabond: I’d like to see your leader-- Nishiwaki: Master Hiruma’s out now. Come back later! Vagabond: Oh ho, is he called Hiruma? Nishiwaki: You came here and you didn’t even know that, you little-- Vagabond: No, I was certain he was called the street killer Battousai. (quietly) It looks as though Miss Kaoru was right. Another Guy (from behind him): What’s the problem, Nishiwaki? Who's this shrimp? Nishiwaki: He’s just a rat. (Fighters have formed a ring around him.) He’s finished. (At the Kamiya dojo. Kaoru is reading, a cup of tea beside her. The cup suddenly cracks.) Kaoru: Uh-oh. The cup just cracked by itself . . . Kiheh: Miss Kaoru. (she jumps) Kaoru: You startled me, Kiheh. What is it? Kiheh: Actually, it’s about the sale of the dojo. (holding up a deed of sale.) Kaoru: I've said before that I don't intend to sell the dojo-- Kiheh: Actually, the papers are already being settled. Kaoru: Kiheh? Kiheh: I just need your seal. (The Battousai swordsman and a group of other fighters appear in the door behind him.) Kiheh: And then the property will be ours! Kaoru (recognizing him): It’s you! Kiheh: The head of the Kiheikan, Hiruma Goheh. My younger brother. (Kaoru snatches up a bokutou from the rack behind her.) Kiheh: I really don’t like this kind of thing. I’d rather do it legally, but you were close to discovering my brother’s true identity. Playing the good-tempered old man to gain the trust of a woman living alone all went according to plan, but even though you turned out to be good-natured, you were stubborn about kenjutsu. Kaoru: Kiheh. Kiheh: So then I used my brother to stir up some trouble and dishonor the name of the school. The fame of Hitokiri Battousai was just what we needed. Although the presence of the legendary Hitokiri was unbelievable, stories of his incomparable strength have been told for years. Thanks to him, we have the events of the past two months. According to my calculations, the government policies of "culture and enlightenment" and "westernization" should have increased the land value by five or six times. A kenjutsu dojo is simply a waste of space. Kaoru: Kiheh . . . Goheh: My brother says your motto is "the sword that protects life"? Interesting. But here the only one to protect is yourself. (Kaoru remains where she is, sword ready.) Goheh: If you won't come to me, I'll go to you. (She lunges forward. He blocks her stroke with his bare hand.) Goheh: Like I thought . . . a women who believes this crap can't fight. (He slices downward. Kaoru blocks with her bokutou, which breaks in half. Goheh picks her up by the front of the shirt.) Goheh: My goal is violence! My essence is killing! That's what kenjutsu is all about! (Kiheh nicks her thumb with a small knife and presses it to the deed.) Kiheh: That’s it. The land is ours. The Kamiya Kasshin school is no more. (Nishiwaki appears in the doorway.) Goheh: Nishiwaki? What’s wrong with you? Nishiwaki: . . . strong . . . (He collapses, revealing the vagabond behind him.) Kaoru: The . . . the vagabond! Vagabond: I’m sorry I’m late. I heard the whole story from him. Goheh: You again. You're probably with the girl on this "sword that protects life" thing. Vagabond: No. A sword is a weapon. Kenjutsu is the art of killing. Whatever pretty words you use to speak of it, this is its true nature. What Miss Kaoru says are the words of one who has never dirtied her hands. An idealistic joke. Kaoru: You . . . Vagabond: But, I like Miss Kaoru’s idealism better than its true nature. If one can ask so much, I want the world to accept this joke as its true nature. Goheh: Brother, you don’t care if I kill him, do you? Kiheh: No. He’s in our way. Have your men kill him by inches. Goheh (to his men): Go on!! Kaoru: Run for it!! Vagabond: I don’t want to cause a lot of injuries unnecessarily. All those who don’t like visiting the doctor should retreat now. Fighters: There aren’t going to be any injuries! Just one death!! (The vagabond moves like a whirlwind through the group, taking down everyone in his way.) Kiheh: He’s taking out four or five with each stroke . . . is . . is it sorcery? Kaoru (thinking): No, it’s not sorcery. It’s speed! Goheh (thinking): The speed of the sword, the speed of his body, the speed of reading his opponent's moves . . . he's using them to bring down as many as he can with the least possible movements!! (Every last fighter has been laid out on the floor.) Vagabond: I forgot to say one thing. Hitokiri Battousai’s style of fighting is not that of the Kamiya Kasshin School. It’s an old style of kenjutsu which arose in the Sengoku era, designed to face many opponents at once. The name is Hiten Mitsurugi. And without the reverse blade, it is slaughter with deadly swiftness. Kaoru: No . . . so you're Hitokiri Battousai . . . Goheh (flinging Kaoru down): Interesting! You were hiding your strength the other night! Battousai: I’m not like you. I don’t like violence. But now I regret that I did not destroy you that night. Goheh: You've got guts, but that's just plain arrogant. (raising his sword) The world doesn’t need two Battousais! The name should belong to me!! (Battousai seems to disappear.) Battousai: Up here. (Goheh freezes in terror; Battousai deals him one blow from above, smashing him through the floor.) Battousai: I have no fondness for the name of Battousai. But I will not pass it on to a man like you. (turning to Kiheh) You’re the only one left. As the mastermind of this plot, your punishment should be more severe. The edge of the reverse blade. (flipping it around) Shall we try it? (Kiheh faints. Battousai takes the deed from him and tears it up.) Battousai: Like all tricksters, he seems to have a coward’s nature. I’m sorry, Miss Kaoru. I didn’t want to deceive or hide from you. It was just something I didn’t want to talk about if I could. (opening the door) Excuse me. Kaoru: wait . . . wait . . . WAIT ONE MINUTE!! Battousai: Oro. Kaoru: How am I supposed to run the school by myself?? Can’t you help me for just a little!! I could care less about someone's past! Battousai: Considering Kiheh, maybe you should care a little more. Kaoru: Gosh darn it you're right. Battousai: It’s better that I go. You can finally clear away the disgrace from your school. If the real Battousai stays here, you’ll lose everything. Kaoru: I didn’t say I wanted Battousai to stay! I want the vagabond-- (she stops herself.) Well, fine! If you have to leave then leave! But if you’re leaving, at least tell me your name. Battousai was the name of the patriot, a long time ago. But, then, I guess you wouldn't want to tell me your real name--? (A pause. He slides the door shut again.) Kenshin: Kenshin. Himura Kenshin. That’s my name now. I’m a little tired of traveling. So the story begins-- Kenshin: A vagabond never knows where he’s going or for how long. But if you don't mind that-- In the eleventh year of the Meiji era, in a town near Tokyo-- Kenshin: I'll stay with you a while. The vagabond Himura Kenshin’s visit-- Kaoru: Wait a minute . . . If you fought at the Bakumatsu how old ARE you? Kenshin: Oro? Kaoru: Don’t oro me! You don’t look that old! You’d have to be at least 30! Kenshin (counting on his fingers): Well, let’s see, how old am I . . . Kaoru: You have to count up your own age--!! the Makings of the Characters --Himura Kenshin-- The original model was supposed to be the Hitokiri Kawakami Gensai, but now they’re completely different . . . (oh well.) Kawakami Gensai, one of the four great Hitokiris of the Bakumatsu, could be mistaken for a girl at first glance, but his nature was the complete opposite of his appearance: he was a cold, calculating man said to be the most terrible of the four. He was famous for cutting down Kuma Shouzan in broad daylight with his unique, lightning-fast Furanui style of kenjutsu. Whether he was responsible for other assassinations is still a mystery. After the new era was brought in, his ideas about isolationism conflicted with that of the government’s, and he was tried on false charges and executed in the fourth year of the Meiji era (1871). But after looking into it, I think the Hitokiri's inflexibility was not meaningless, but his honor for the comrades he fought and killed with and the enemies he killed. This thought led to the Kenshin character. From others in the Shinsengumi, I also took the selflessness of Okita Soushi of the Shinsengumi, and the mystery of Saitou Hajime. Other than this, I didn’t have any particular design for the character. The hero of my debut story was a tall handsome man with black hair and armor, so I tried to draw the exact opposite and ended up with a girl (laughs). In desperation, I added a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek . However, that scar actually became a key point in the transformation of Battousai to Kenshin (or so it seems). Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Part 2--The Vagabond Comes to Town A week after the Hiruma brothers have gone and the violence of the false Battousai has been put to an end. Adjutant master of the Kamiya Kasshin School Kamiya Kaoru (17) has rushed about recalling her students to revive her school--but-- Kaoru: Not a single one of them came back. This is unbelievable. Kenshin (who is doing laundry by the well): It’s because we live in an age of culture and enlightenment. Once things change it’s not easy to go back. Kaoru: Speaking of unbelievable, what about your age? Twenty-eight? It’s a lie. It’s a trick. Apologize and tell me the truth! Kenshin: Well, at least I’m not thirty, right? Kaoru: Twenty-eight’s no good either. Kenshin: You’re picky. (Later, shopping in town.) Kaoru (thinking as they walk): Himura Kenshin is a vagabond, a wandering swordsman, traveling free from worldly cares, now staying at the dojo. But he is truly the patriot who paved the way for the Meiji Restoration, the legendary Hitokiri without peer, Himura Battousai-- but . . . Why would he become a vagabond . . . Almost all the patriots gave up their swords. Now, they have positions in the new government. If he wanted power . . . Kenshin (noticing her staring at him): There’s something you want to ask me about my past, isn’t there. Kaoru (guiltily remembering her words "Everyone has one or two things about their past they don’t want to talk about."): That’s not it at all! It’s your sword! You can’t just walk around with a sword these days! Kenshin: But just two years ago lots of people wore them. Look, it’s not bothering anybody. Kaoru: But what are you going to do when the police find it, like last time! They won’t find out it’s a reverse blade until it’s too late! Kenshin: It happens if it happens. Kaoru: Jeez. Well, let’s take care of the shopping. You get the miso, the salt and the soy sauce. Kenshin: That’ll be heavy. Kaoru: Don’t complain! (A carriage draws up behind her.) Man in the Carriage: Excuse me, miss. I’ve gotten a little lost. Can you tell me the way to the police station? Kaoru: Oh . . . yes. You just turn right at the large street up ahead. Man: Thank you. (to the driver) Let’s hurry. Kaoru (as he drives off): That startled me. I wonder where he’s from. I haven’t seen him before. Well, shopping. Man in the Carriage (thinking): It’s true . . . this is the town . . . Himura Battousai . . .! Kaoru (to a passerby, in front of a forming crowd): What’s going on? Passerby: They’ve caught someone. The guy the police were after for breaking the edict against carrying swords. (Policemen have formed a semi-circle around Kenshin against a brick wall.) Police: He’s little, but he’s fast! Police2: You can’t run away! Kenshin: That’s true. You’re very persistent. There’s nothing to be done. I'll go peacefully. Sword-bearing Police (from behind): Out of the way! Sword-bearing police coming through!! Get out of our way!! Sword-bearing Police: The policeman permitted to wear swords. An elite, selected from among the best for their ability at kenjutsu. Policeman (saluting): Cap-captain Ujiki . . . Ujiki: Good work. We’ll take it from here. Return to headquarters. Policeman: B-but, this man hasn’t shown any sign of drawing his sword. (quietly) So, we shouldn’t need any help to bring him in--- (Ujiki strikes him with the butt of his sword.) Ujiki: Are you trying to give me advice? If I say get out of here, get out of here. (turning to Kenshin) What’s this. Looks like a nice guy. (he whips his sword around, stopping in inches from Kenshin’s face.) Why don’t you draw your sword? If you’re wearing a sword in Tokyo you must have great confidence in your abilities. Kenshin (gently pushing the blade aside): There’s no need to draw a sword recklessly. I have no reason to show off. Kaoru (running towards them): Kenshin! Ujiki: She must be with Mr. Nice Guy here. Kenshin: Miss Kaoru, stay back! (Swordsmen on either side of her slice just above her head. The ribbon in her hair falls to the ground.) Policeman: Your kimono will be next. Ujiki: Once again, why don’t you draw your sword? Kenshin: Can you really be police . . . Ujiki: That’s right. Permitted to wear swords. Licensed to kill. The Sword-bearing Police! Kaoru (under her breath): Why won’t he draw his sword? Crowd: This is tyranny! Don’t push it, cop! Leave him alone, you bastards! Ujiki: Jeering from a crowd--you must be pretty brave. This is an obstruction of justice. Arrest them all! I don’t care about those who resist. Kill them. (The police turn on the fleeing crowd, but a sound behind them makes everyone freeze. Kenshin stands, sword drawn.) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru or the townspeople--don’t touch them! If you want an opponent, I’m here. Those who want to eat dirt may come on. Ujiki: So Mr. Nice Guy is no more, eh? That reverse blade is a strange sword intended for self-defense. But a swordsman gets out of practice if he doesn’t kill someone once in a while!! (At police headquarters, the chief of police is talking with the man from the carriage--whose name, as we discover later, is Yamagata.) Yamagata: I see, so he was an impostor . . . Chief: Yes. Yamagata: If you think about it, it makes sense. Himura was not the kind of man to show off his strength. Certainly the man called Hitokiri Battousai killed. But he never killed for his own gain. It was all for the new era--There are many heroes who saved lives with their swords . . . but without him the patriots could not have succeeded. I wanted to find him and grant him the rank in the Emperor’s military he deserves. Chief: Yes but actually . . . the culprits were found beaten in front of the station. Who did it is unclear. They claim it was the real one. Yamagata: What . . .! Chief: But that’s probably just talk. (A young officer bursts into the office.) Policeman: It’s terrible, Chief! Chief: Idiot, there’s a guest here! Can’t you knock! Policeman: I apologize, sir. But it’s the Sword-bearing Police! Chief: Ujiki’s at it again. Yamagata: Sword-bearing Police? I hadn’t heard that name. Chief: It’s a unit formed by orders from Tokyo, but they’re a violent group with a captain from Satsuma. The patriots typically came from five regions: Satsuma (present-day Kagoshima), Choushuu (Yamaguchi), Tosa (Kouchi), Hizen (Saga), and others (Mito, Fukuoka, etc.) Satsuma and Choushuu for a long time commanded the most government influence. At this time, Satsuma controlled the police and Choushuu the army. Yamagata: I see. They can be arrogant. Chief: Well, what have they done this time? Police: No, actually, they’re still fighting. And it’s only one swordsman-- Chief: What! But that’s foolish! They’re chosen from the finest at headquarters! Police: But it’s true! Chief: I can’t believe it . . . who can he be? Police: I don’t know. He’s a short man with red hair, and he moves so quickly that you can hardly see it, but he has a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek. Yamagata (thinking): Himura Battousai! (The carriage rushes to the scene. Yamagata jumps out.) Yamagata (thinking): Himura . . . (The sword-bearing police are strewn across the street. Kenshin turns to Ujiki.) Kenshin: You’re the only one left. Swear not to menace the townspeople in this way again. This is over. Afterwards you may arrest me for carrying a sword and committing assault if you wish. Ujiki: Nonsense! This means nothing! (he raises the sword above his head in a two-handed grip and charges.) Kaoru: That stance . . . it’s the Ni-no-tachi Irazu style of the Jigen school, the best in Satsuma! Chief: Stop, Ujiki, this man is-- Yamagata: Fool. The Jigen school is certainly unique, but against the Hiten Mitsurugi school it is nothing. (Ujiki strikes. Kenshin leaps above him, jumps off the building’s roof behind them, and hits Ujiki’s back.) Kaoru: Kenshin! Kenshin: Are you all right? (People crowd in around them.) People: That was great, brother! Hey, where are you from? Come have a drink with us! Yamagata: Himura. I’ve finally found you. I’ve been looking for ten years . . . Kenshin: You’ve grown a mustache, Mr. Yamagata. Yamagata: Chief, I’d like to speak with him privately. Kaoru (thinking): Yamagata . . . It can’t be . . . the general of the strongest unit in the Emperor’s Army, the patriot Yamagata Aritomo! (the police begin to push the crowd back.) Police: Hey, break it up, break it up. Crowd: This is tyranny! Brother, kill these guys too! Yamagata: The carriage is waiting. Many from our unit have been waiting for your return to your lord’s service. Come! Kenshin: Unfortunately, I don’t feel the slightest longing for the glorious work of the Hitokiri. Yamagata: What? If you’re talking about the killings, it was part of the great work of the Ishin Shishi! Does it still worry you?! Certainly there were those who hated the Hitokiri. However those people-- Kenshin: Are suppressed by government authority. To think like that leads to conceit and arrogance. We didn't fight for the power and glory of the government. It was to protect and build a world where people can pursue happiness. If we forget that, we are mere upstarts. (He begins to walk away. Kaoru hurries to follow him.) Yamagata: But Himura! The times have changed! It’s the Meiji era now! There’s an edict against carrying swords! The samurai have been abolished! It’s not like the Bakumatsu. In this Meiji world, without the power of the government, one sword can do nothing! Kenshin: As long as people notice one sword, I can protect them. I haven’t changed from the old days. Except that the Hitokiri has become a vagabond. (They walk away.) Yamagata: I understand. Judging by the townspeople’s reactions, it’s obvious who was at fault. Chief: A sword is a safer thing to overlook than a sword cane. However . . . in the case of the false one, I thought Hitokiri Battousai was a dangerous, brutal killer. As one might expect, the real one is different . . . (Kaoru and Kenshin are walking home, carrying groceries.) Kenshin: I’m sorry, Miss Kaoru. Kaoru (thinking): Why Kenshin became a vagabond . . . (aloud) What for? Kenshin: Your ribbon. It’s my fault it was ruined. Kaoru (thinking) I’m beginning to understand. He can continue to protect people's freedom with the sword, without having to follow anyone’s orders . . . (aloud) That’s okay. You can just do a little housework for me. Kenshin: All right. But this is heavy. Did we really have to buy all this at once? Kaoru: Not really . . . the Makings of the Characters --Kamiya Kaoru-- I didn’t have any particular model. If pressed, I’d say Chiba Sayako of "Ryouma’s Lover," maybe. But, now she’s been reduced to a mere girl (oh well, again.) But the girl Kaoru has changed into now works well in an emergency, so that’s all right. It seems she is popular among my female readers. Some aren't sure if she's strong or weak, but she's really strong. To have been able to lead her own dojo despite having others in the same town shows her ability. If she seems weak, it's because Kenshin and Sanosuke are too strong. As for whether Kenshin and Kaoru will fall in love, even I haven't decided yet. Besides this, there was no particular design. Of course, a ponytail was essential for a girl who plays kendo (laughs). A sword, a kimono, a ponytail . . . since they're the only designs I do, drawing Kaoru is fun. (Although the hair is difficult.) In drawing, "the guys should be cool, the girls cute," and I wanted to draw Kaoru cuter, so even though she's poor and unrefined, the patterns of her kimonos keep increasing, like she's dressing herself up. Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Part 3--Descendant of Tokyo Samurai Myoujin Yahiko The day after Kenshin defeated the Sword-bearing Police, rumors flew and people gathered in the Kamiya Kasshin dojo. Kaoru: Wow, there’s more than fifteen people here! The Kamiya Kasshin school is revived! Kenshin: This isn’t good. Kaoru: Huh? Kenshin: Excuse me, everyone. I’m not originally from this school, and I’m not taking any pupils, so if you came because you saw the disturbance yesterday, I’m sorry, but please leave. (Kaoru stands staring at an empty yard.) Kenshin: Well, I’ll go start the fire for the bath. Kaoru (slamming him with her shinai): You idiot!! They all left!! Kenshin (spiral-eyed): Because I’m not originally-- Kaoru (attempting to strangle him): But why’d you have to tell them to leave!! (punching him) It would have saved the school!! Kenshin: That would be dishonest. (Later. They walk across a bridge, Kaoru carrying her kendo equipment.) Kaoru: Honestly! Kenshin: Are you still mad? Kaoru: Of course I am! There were more than fifteen of them! Kenshin: But a pupil who’s only half interested won’t last half a year. It won't help to worry about it. There’s nothing you can do now. It’s better to keep a cheerful, patient spirit. Kaoru: But with no pupils I have to walk to another dojo for practice! Since you won’t practice with me. Kenshin: I'm not much good with a shinai. (A kid walks straight into him from behind.) Kenshin: Oro. Kaoru: Wait! (running after the kid and wrestling him to the ground.) Kenshin, this kid’s a pickpocket! Here’s your wallet! Kid: Damn you! Lemme go, you hag! Kaoru: Ex-excuse me! I’m the one they call the kenjutsu beauty! Kid: Shut up, hag! Kenshin (as Kaoru hands him his wallet): Now, now. There’s really nothing we can do if it was stolen. Here, child. Next time don’t get caught. (picking up Kaoru’s bag and walking away) Let’s go. Kaoru: But--but Kenshin! (the kid watches them go for a moment, then throws the wallet at Kenshin.) Kenshin: Oro! Kid: I’m not a child! I’m the son of a Tokyo samurai, Myoujin Yahiko! I haven’t sunk so low that I need pity from strangers! I was just making fun of you cause you’re wearing a sword! Don’t get me wrong, you idiot!! Kenshin (sweetly): Child. Yahiko: I’m not a child!! Kenshin: You have the form of a child, but your heart is already that of an adult. I’m sorry. I underrated you. Yahiko: Feh. (he give him one last evil look and runs off.) Kenshin (watching him go): Foolish pride, or a strong sense of honor? Kaoru: Just plain rude, if you ask me. Kenshin: That child . . . in a better world, he would be a fine samurai. (Yahiko is sitting by the riverbanks as the sun sets. Two men approach.) Man1: Here he is . . . We’ve been looking for you, Yahiko. This month’s payment is due today. Let’s have it. Yahiko: Get out of here. Man1: What’s that? Yahiko: I’m not stealing anymore. And I’m not with you yakuza creeps anymore either. (The second man--who is named Gasuke--strikes him with a sheathed sword-cane.) Gasuke: Don’t talk to us like that. You daydreaming or something? What the hell you think you’re gonna do? Yahiko: It doesn't matter. (remembering Kenshin’s words "You have the form of a child, but you have a fine heart") Yahiko: I’m just sick of doing something as pathetic as picking pockets (Gasuke kicks him in the face.) Gasuke: Keh! You’re pretty fresh. This is a good time to teach you who's in charge! (Kaoru is walking home over the bridge.) Kaoru: Mm--worked up a good sweat. I’ll go home and take a nice bath. I wonder if Kenshin got the water boiling? He left early, so that’s probably what he’s doing . . . (she looks up and notices the two men walking away, with Yahiko slung across Gasuke’s shoulder.) That’s . . . (Inside the yakuza headquarters. Gasuke is beating Yahiko in front of a group of yakuza and their leader, Tanishi.) Gasuke: Stubborn brat. One word of apology and this would all be over. Tanishi: Wait a little. Gasuke, Hitokiri of the yakuza, if you go any farther you’ll really kill him. Yahiko. (Yahiko turns an angry glare his way.) If you stop picking pockets how are you going to live? If you think you can get somewhere because your family was samurai, you’re making a big mistake. It’s the Meiji era now. We live in a world where only money talks. Honor is just another word. If anything, the samurai who tried to cling to what they had are the ones who’ve gone to the dogs. You can see the daimyo Okugata’s daughters lolling around the pleasure quarters. They say when they catch theives, they’re all samurai. It's pathetic. Forget your samurai family and remember your lowly life. And live long as a follower of Tanishi. Yahiko: Don’t make me say it a thousand times. I’m done with you. Gasuke: You act like this to the boss who picked you up out of the gutter when your parents died! You brat! They were samurai, but your father was a poor man with only three koku of land and only two servants! He died like a fool shielding the Emperor’s army! Your mother worked in the pleasure quarters until she got sick and died, a stupid whore! I don’t know which one you take after, but you’re your idiot parent’s idiot child! Yahiko: SHUT UP!!!! (he bites Gasuke between the legs, who goes down howling.) Yakuza: Gasuke! Yahiko: My father saw the trend of the times. Although he was ashamed to betray the Bakufu to the Emperor’s army, he joined the Shogitai and sacrificed himself for justice. My mother shaved her life away to nothing to raise me until she was destroyed by her illness. My parents had honor. They lived nobly. And I won’t permit you to speak badly of them!! Gasuke (livid, drawing his sword-cane): Won’t PERMIT--you brat!! I’ll kill you!! (He is knocked over by a flying screen door as Kenshin kicks his way in.) Yakuza: Who--who the hell is that! Tanishi: It’s a raid. Call everyone in! Kenshin: You can call, but they won’t come. When they wouldn’t let me enter, those outside were treated to a short nap. I am the vagabond Himura Kenshin. I’m paying you this visit to bring back the child. Gasuke: Whadduya mean, "visit"! You’re a samurai too! I’ll settle this!! (One blow smashes him into the ceiling.) Kenshin: I was still speaking. Be silent there for a while. (to the boss) What do you think? Will you show off your good nature and generously give him to me? I think it’s better than suffering the shame of having your company destroyed, but-- Tanishi: I--I understand. Have it your way. Kenshin (sheathing his sword): Thank you. I apologize for my harsh words. (offering his hand to Yahiko) Are you all right, child? I don’t know this place, and I lost some time fighting the company outside. (Yahiko smacks his hand away.) Yahiko: Who asked you to save me? I could have fought alone! I could have fought them!! Kenshin: I see. Have I underrated you once again? (Yahiko stares at him. Kenshin picks him up and slings him over his shoulder, walking out the way he came.) Kenshin: If so, let me at least apologize by treating those wounds. Yakuza: That--that bastard’s running away! Tanishi: Stop. It doesn’t matter. Those were the eyes of the Hitokiri. Not the Hitokiri of the yakuza. That was the real thing. I can't believe there are men still left in the Meiji world with eyes like that . . . If we fought him, our lives would not be enough to pay. One brat is a small price to settle things. (As they walk home) Yahiko: Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. (There are tears in his eyes.) Dammit. Kenshin: Is it your own weakness that bothers you, child? Yahiko: Dammit. I want to be strong. Strong so I don’t need anyone’s help . . . so I can defend the honor of my parents myself. Kenshin: I see. (At the Kamiya dojo.) Kaoru: He’s late . . . Well, Kenshin is probably okay, but that kid . . . (Kenshin slides the screen door open.) Oh, he really is hurt. There’s a carriage outside waiting to take him to a doctor-- Kenshin: The adjutant master of the Kamiya Kasshin School. From now on, your master. Yahiko: Wait a minute!! Are you telling me to learn kenjutsu??! From that hag??!! Kaoru: Master?! That kid’s not gonna be my pupil--!? Kenshin: Exactly. Well, now it depends on your efforts. All the preparations are in order. You’ll be as strong as you want--Yahiko. And so, the second guest of the Kamiya dojo, Yahiko: Feh! I’d do it even if you didn’t say it. Myoujin Yahiko, son of a Tokyo samurai, joined the group. Kaoru: Wait--you just called me a hag again!! Yahiko: So what’s your problem, hag? Kenshin: Um, about that doctor . . . the Makings of the Characters --Myoujin Yahiko-- Rather than having an actualy model, Yahiko is more based on my own feelings when I was in junior high. When I was in junior high I actually joined the kendo club. At the same time I started casually playing kendo, I was involved in drawing manga. I was tired out everyday from swinging the shinai. But, I was terrible. Even though I was 183 cm tall, I was pathetically bad. My whole ninth grade year I only got to be one of the regulars on the team once. When someone dropped out they voted someone else to come in ahead of me. On top of that, I finished the league meet without a single victory. That's the reason why Myoujin Yahiko isn't a hero like Kenshin or Sanosuke, but a real-life person who shares those feelings of frustration and "wants to be strong." (If you read the 45 page short story "Vagabond" in the third book, you'll understand.) Lately he's been used as a comic character, but I think it's better to draw him as a boy my readers can feel will be a fine swordsman five or ten years from now. Like Kaoru, there was no real design. It was time for the big-eyed, messy-haired boy you always get in boys' comics. Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Part 4--The Revival of the Kasshin School (In the Kamiya dojo.) Kaoru: No! Your grip is still wrong! A week after Yahiko’s wounds have healed. The dojo has been reopened and training has begun-- Yahiko: Oh, shut up! Like this, hag? but-- Kaoru: I told you not to call me that! Knock it off! Kenshin: Oro . . . Yahiko: Make me, if you think you can! Kenshin: It’s because you’re both so stout-hearted. Kaoru: Kenshin, you tell him! This kid’s mouth is just too foul!! Yahiko: I’m here because I want to be strong. No one said anything about fighting with a little girl! Kaoru: Little--! Yahiko: Kenshin, you told me I could be strong. You teach me to fight! Kenshin: I have no desire to pass the Hiten Mitsurugi school on the future generations. I’m only a judge. You’re of the Kamiya Kasshin school . . . you’ll become strong as a practitioner of the sword that protects life. But you’re not listening. Kaoru: KNOCK THAT OFF!! Yahiko: MAKE ME!! (Two young men are running through the streets, chased by two others swinging what appear to be pickaxes.) Man with Pickaxe: Hey! Wait!! (In the front yard of the Kamiya dojo) Kaoru: Yahiko-- Yahiko-- YAHIKO!! (Yahiko is actually sitting on the roof behind her.) Kaoru: Jeez. It’s just the second day and already he’s slacking off. He’s got a bad mouth and a warped personality. What on earth did Kenshin see in him . . . ? (A thrown shinai hits her from behind.) Yahiko: I heard that! I just decided that I could learn more training by myself than from a hag-faced girl! (he jumps down.) Are you even strong enough to teach? Kaoru: I’m only an adjutant master and still in training. But. (She hooked his shirt with her shinai.) At least I’m stronger than you. (She flips him around and carries him off like a fish on a pole.) Come on. Yahiko: Hey! Put me down! (The two being chased open the front gate.) Hira: Miss--Miss Kaoru! Kaoru: Hira? Hira: Please help us! Kaoru: Sato too! What’s wrong? You’re hurt! What happened! Man w/ Pickaxe: You can’t run anymore. We’ll kill you here! Kaoru: Who are you? and what do you want with students of my school? Man: Shut up. Stay out of this! (They charge. Kaoru leaps between them, knocking them both out with a single-blow. Yahiko stares, impressed.) Kaoru: Who are those guys? Aren’t you going to explain? Sato: They . . . they were drunk and causing trouble in town . . . they were bothering people and we tried to quiet them down. They chased us to get back at us. Other voices: Where are they? This way! Here they are! (A large group of fighters appear; like the first two, they are all wearing matching jackets and hakama.) Sato: That’s--the whole group of them-- Kaoru (thinking): There’s too many! (aloud) Everyone back to the dojo! (they rush in) Yahiko (thinking): These guys . . . (The doors slam shut.) Fighter: Hachisuka! Hachisuka (who is the leader): Terrific. We’ll show them what we do with those who mock the Hishimanji Gurentai! (Inside) Kaoru: I remember now. They’re the Hishimanji Gurentai. Yahiko: Hishimanji Gurentai? Kaoru: They’re like a militia of criminals. I don’t know much about them, but they’re harder to shake off than the yakuza. We would get into trouble just when Kenshin’s gone. Yahiko: What? Where is he? Kaoru: I asked him to do some shopping. Rice, salt, miso, soy sauce . . . Yahiko: Idiot. (Do you really have to buy all that stuff together?) Sato: What . . . what do we do, Miss Kaoru? Yahiko: Whadduya mean, what do we do. You’re the ones that started all this. Kaoru: It’s not their fault. Yahiko: Then you’re the real fool. If you seriously believe their story. (everyone looks at him.) I noticed it when you were running. Your breath reeks of sake. The ones causing trouble weren’t the Hishimanji. It was probably you. You started a fight with one of their followers. Kaoru: This . . . is this true? Hira: I’m sorry. (A cannonball smashes through the wall of the dojo.) Hachisuka: You can’t hold out against the Hishimanji! Come out! We’ll destroy your old dojo! Kaoru: A mokuhou!! Yahiko: Where’d they get something like that! Mokuhou--a simple gun in use during the first part of the Bakumatsu. Although the barrel is of oak and the balls of clay, it carries as much force as a normal gun. Hachisuka: Surprised? This is the power of the Hishimanji! You think you’re so good with your swords? We’ll pay you back for breaking the arm of one of our own! Kaoru: So you were drunk and pulled your swords in a fight. And someone was hurt? (No reply--Hira and Sato are cowering on the dojo floor.) Yahiko: They’re worse than the jerks outside. When the false Battousai thing was going on they ran off with their tails between their legs. And now they run back here when they’re in trouble. (A second shot shatters the wall.) Hachisuka: You can’t hide forever! Come out! Yahiko: Go ahead and take them. They’re no concern of ours. Hachisuka: Idiot! You too. You and the girl are accomplices for sheltering them. Kaoru: I’ll surrender for your revenge. These three stay here. Yahiko: Wait! What is this!! Kaoru: They were taught kenjutsu by my father and I. They left, but their foolishness is still my responsibility. I intended to teach those who would learn the sword that protected life-- (she drops her shinai)--but it looks like it was nothing more than an intention. (she takes a few steps towards Hachisuka) Yahiko, you’ve got a bad mouth, but the line of your sword is good. Try hard. Hachisuka: So you hold yourself accountable for their sins . . . (licking his lips) A woman warrior isn’t half bad. Yahiko (hitting him in the face with a flying kick): Don’t make me laugh!! Myoujin Yahiko is nothng like those two losers!! I’m not just sitting here while you get hurt!! Hachisuka: That brat! I won’t stand anymore. Kill them! Kenshin (from behind): "Kill them" are not nice words. Everyone: Kenshin!! Kenshin: Those two may have done something wrong, but nothing justifies the cannon. You should stop this lynching here before you get carried away. Hachisuka: Shut up! Who is he? Fighter: Hachisuka, you can’t, it’s him. It’s the vagabond that destroyed the Sword-bearing Police all by himself a while back. It's gotta be him. Hachisuka: You fool! You’re scared of one vagabond! We have this--use the mokuhou!! FIRE!! (Kenshin stares down the barrel of the cannon. With a backhanded stroke, he cuts the ball in half. The two halves fly to either side and explode.) Kenshin: The opposite edge of the reverse blade . . . it can cut down anything, besides people, without mercy. Ill say it again. Stop this foolish lynching. (A little later. The Hishimanji have left.) Kenshin: I see. This all happened when I was out? Hira: Um . . . Kenshin: It’s all right. You can go. From now on, forget you were students here. Don’t pick up a sword again. (Hira and Sato begin to walk away.) Kaoru (with her back turned): Hira. (They look back.) Kaoru (without turning around): That shoulder . . . go show it to a doctor. (They leave. Kenshin puts a sympathetic hand on her shoulder.) Kenshin: Cheer up, Miss Kaoru. You can do your best to teach people the right way, but they won’t always understand. Yahiko: Stop whimpering. It's not like you. I’d never do something like that. (She glances at him.) Yahiko: I’m your student. It’s pointless to try and suddenly be like Kenshin. First, I’ll have to be patient and settle for you for now. (He runs off towards the practice ground.) Kenshin: But there are some who learn magnificently what you have to teach ---The Kamiya Kasshin School--- Master-None Adjutant Master-Kamiya Kaoru Students-Myoujin Yahiko and a vagabond, Himura Kenshin Yahiko: We don’t have time to waste crying. Come on, Kaoru! I want to get strong fast!! Kaoru: So now instead of insulting me, you’re suddenly on a first-name basis?br> In the early spring of the year 1878 in the Meiji era, while small,the first steps are taken. Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Part 5--A Fighting Man (A punch, and a man goes down, losing his knife and a couple of teeth. An alley is strewn with fallen fighters, around a single man carrying a long, thin wrapped bundle. His name is Zanza. There is only one other man left who is still conscious, and he is sitting up against a fence.) Man: I know, we’ve lost. You’re strong. Please, spare me. Zanza: You don’t have to say it. I’m already done. You’re too weak! If I kept going I'd just be picking on a bunch of weaklings. I bought into a boring fight. Aren’t there any real fighters around here? Kenshin: Oro? (He’s splitting wood outside the dojo. Kaoru comes out of the house waving a scroll.) Kaoru: We won't have to worry about expenses for a while! I was cleaning out the closet and found this! My grandfather painted it-- Kenshin: Oh! Doodles! Kaoru: It’s an ink painting!! My grandfather taught kenjutsu too, but he did some painting on the side. We can sell it for some money. (hugging the scroll) Oh, thank you, grandfather. Yahiko: Money-grubber. Kaoru: This calls for a celebration. Let’s go have some sukiyaki! Yahiko (being restrained by Kenshin): You think being all humble is going to make it all right?!! The Meiji era of culture and enlightenment had many effects; the new era saw the introduction of various new kinds of foods. Among them was gyuunabe, or what is now called sukiyaki. It was something the ordinary people could afford to eat, which won great popularity and showed the influence of western cooking. (they enter a restaurant called the Akabeko. The store’s hostess, Tae, greets them) Tae: Welcome--oh, it’s you, Kaoru! Kaoru: I haven’t seen you in a long time, Tae. Tae: You’re looking better all the time. I haven’t seen your friends before. (pointing at Kenshin) Is that your sweetheart? Kaoru (blushing): No, no, he’s just staying at the dojo. (Three men are having a noisy argument the next booth over.) Man 1: The world of democracy and freedom will never come that way. We have to be more radical-- Man 2: But that means throwing Itagaki-sensei into the world of death. Man 3: Exactly! Okubo of the Department of Internal Affairs wouldn't even pardon the great Saigou. Man 1: Okubo is great! He’ll become a star just like the great Saigou. Man 2: Idiot! This talk of stars is only fit for fairy tales. Man 3: If Itagaki-sensei dies, freedom dies too! Tae: They come here occasionally, but when they're drunk they're always like this. Kenshin: They sound like supporters of the Civil Rights and Freedom movement. Kaoru: I don't know what they're talking about though. Yahiko: They’re just drunks. Tae: Well, let’s not worry about it. Sukiyaki for three? Kaoru: Mm-hmm, and three coffees after. Yahiko, (patting him on the head) have you ever had coffee? Yahiko: You’d better knock that off. Kenshin: You are in a good mood, Miss Kaoru-- (he freezes suddenly) Kaoru: Kenshin? (A thrown sake bottle breaks against his head.) Kaoru: Kenshin! Kenshin: Oro ro . . . Man 1: Try saying that again! Man 2: I’ll say it as many times as I want! Man 3: You’re nothing but a puppet-- Yahiko: Hey, what are you arguing for when you're throwing sake bottles at people! Apologize first, then you can talk about it! (They stare at him a minute.) Men: Shut up!! It'd take a brat like you a hundred years to learn enough to give opinions to us! Yahiko: Don't give me that brat shit! I'm telling you to apologize, you drunks! Man 2: How dare you call us drunk! We’re from the Movement for Freedom and Civil-- Yahiko: Anyone who drinks can get drunk! Tae (hurrying over): Gentlemen, please. Let’s not cause trouble. Man 1 (hitting her): Shut up! So a woman thinks she can stand against us now? Kaoru: Tae! (A hand reaches out to catch her.) Zanza: Careful. (steadying her) The Movement is for the sake of the weak. Supporters of the cause shouldn't act like this. Or maybe you mean something different by Civil Rights and Freedoms? Like the freedom to get drunk and cause trouble? Drunks: Why you-- Zanza: You all right? Tae: Y--yes. Drunks: You looking for a fight? Zanza: Yeah. I do that from time to time. I’m just your ordinary specialist. I hate guys who pick on the weak, I hate seeing 'em. But I really hate the ones that yap about pretty things like freedom, or justice, or equality. I’ve had enough of those hypocritical bastards! Drunks: Let’s take this outside! (Outside the Akabeko, Zanza and the largest of the drunks face off, surrounded by a crowd.) Bystander: What a weird story! Kenshin: I wonder if I should stop this . . . Yahiko: They want to fight. Drunk: I’m not showing any mercy, even if you cry. Zanza: First test your own strength! Take a shot. (He punches Zanza--but with a concealed small metal rod, a sort of Japanese brass knuckles, in his fist.) Kaoru: Coward! He’s got a hidden suntetsu! Drunk 2: Shut up! The suntetsu is supposed to be a hidden weapon! Kenshin: It’s true what they say. But, it won’t work. (Zanza hasn’t budged an inch, despite taking the full force of the blow.) Zanza: You used a suntetsu. And I barely felt a thing. (the drunk drops the suntetsu, finger and arm bleeding) If I used my full strength I'd just be picking on weaklings again. I'll take you out with one finger. (he flicks his forehead with one finger. The drunk goes flying.) Zanza: I bought into a boring fight. Yahiko: Just one flick to the forehead . . . (One of the drunks starts to draw a short sword. Behind him--) Kenshin: Causing a disturbance while drunk I can overlook. But if you intend to draw that, my patience is at an end. The Movement is a great cause indeed. But before you start to reform the government you should first reform yourselves. Now pay your bill and be gone. (They leave, carrying their friend.) Kenshin: Thank you. Thanks to you we were saved. Zanza: What? I fought cause I wanted to. It's not such a big deal that you have to thank me. Sorry I caused such a fuss. Oh, swordsman, your head okay? Kenshin: Yes. It’s nothing important. Zanza: Guess so. Be too bad if you got hurt when you you deliberately didn’t dodge. If you had it would have hit the girl in the face and she'd be the one bleeding now. So by not dodging you shielded her with your own head, right? Kenshin: You give me too much credit. Zanza: Modest, huh. I like that. How about a fight? It’ll be a good one. Kenshin: I’ll have to decline. Zanza: Well, tell me if you ever feel like it. I’m at the abandoned longhouse on the edge of town. See ya. (As he walks off, they see that the character for evil is written on the back of his jacket.) Kenshin: Is such a person good or evil? Yahiko: I’d say bad, as in bad taste. Tae (clapping a hand over her mouth): Oh my! Kaoru: You know him, Tae? Tae: He left without paying his bill . . . (That evening, in the abandoned longhouse where Zanza has made his home. Zanza is eating while Kiheh and Goheh sit before him.) Zanza: Hmm . . . so you want me to destroy this guy. Kiheh: Yes. Completely. I think you’ll be able to do it. Zanza: Hey, don't talk to me like I was an assassin. Whether he lives or dies is up to fate. I’m just looking forward to the fight. But how could you guys break out of prison? Kiheh: That shows you our grievance. If he hadn’t been there everything would have gone perfectly. Zanza: Pathetic. So, this guy Kenshin, is he any good? I had two boring fights in two days and I’ve getting kinda sick of it. Goheh: He’s strong! He took me out in a single blow! Zanza: Idiot! He could kill you ten thousand times and it wouldn’t prove he was strong! iheh: Well, now, in your ear. Zanza: Hey, hey, get your ugly face away from me. Kiheh (whispering): The man called Kenshin is really . . . Zanza: Are you sure? Kiheh: How about it, Mr. Zanza? I think he’ll be satisfactory. Zanza: Yes. It’s been years since I used this in a fight! (holding his long cloth-wrapped bundle) The legendary Hitokiri Battousai! The street figher Zanza has been searching for a match like you! the Makings of the Characters --Hiruma Kiheh and Goheh-- I didn't make these characters from a model but for the needs of the story. In the first chapter, I divided the bad guy role into a smart guy and a strong dumb guy to make it more interesting, but it took too long to explain why they were working together. A blood relationship seemed easiest, so I made them into brothers. The model for Kiheh's design was a famous director who made an appearance in Obata Takeshi's "Legends of the Strong." Goheh was something I sketched and thought, "Oh, that would look good in a comic. (I don't really remember.) Unlike Kenshin and the others, their faces are really easy to draw, so in no time at all I was fond of them. I don't think they'll be making another appearance, though (laughs). Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Part 6--Showdown--Sagara Sanosuke Goheh (wearing a Sanosuke wig): "The legendary Hitokiri Battousai! The street fighter Zanza has been searching for a match like you!" It’s been two weeks! Where is that rooster head? Kiheh: I can’t believe he would get scared and run off. Goheh: "I’m just looking forward to the fight!" Heh, what a joke!-- Zanza (boxing his ears): You're the one joking! You keep up that weird copycat stuff and I'll hang you upside down. Kiheh: O-oh, Mr. Zanza. Where have you been? Zanza: The fight. Kiheh: The--a different fight? Zanza: No, stupid. The fight doesn’t start with the kicks and punches. But a fake god of wealth and a muscle-bound freak wouldn’t understand. (he picks up his bundle and leaves.) Kiheh: The street fighter Zanza . . . He’s well known in the underworld of East Tokyo as a fighter-for-hire. He decides how much to charge for a fight by how much he enjoyed it. He’s rude, a lone wolf. But he’s strong! They say that after he’s done with someone they see the character on his back for months in their dreams. If we use him we’ll be rid of that annoying pest for sure. (thinking) That Himura Battousai! (the Kamiya dojo. Yahiko is eating rice balls, Kaoru is reading.) Kenshin (standing up): There’s a visitor outside. (he walks down the hall, Kaoru hurrying after him.) Kaoru: Wait, Kenshin, what’s wrong? Kenshin: I felt his ki. (He opens the door to see Zanza standing in the yard.) It couldn't be hidden. This foolishly straightforward fighting spirit. Zanza: I’m here for a fight. Kaoru: It’s him! Kenshin: I thought it might be you. I told you that you’d have to excuse me. Zanza: That’s no good now. I'm here as a hired fighter, I can't back out. Especially since my target is the patriot Himura Battousai. (General shock.) Zanza: The Choushuu patriot Himura Battousai. Practitioner of the old style of kenjutsu Hiten Mitsurugi, who wielded his sword as the Hitokiri. He worked for five years, from the age of 14 to 19. For the first half, he literally were a killer, a cold-hearted assassin who killed in darkness. For the second half, he defended the revolutionaries from the Shogun’s swordsmen units like the Shinsengumi, acting as a bodyguard. Originally he were meant to remain obscure, but today he’s gained great fame for his work. Then, the decisive war of Boshin. After the first battle of Tobafushimi, he disappeared. To live as the vagabond Himura Kenshin. The real fight begins when you know your enemy and decide how to fight him. I had to go to Kyoto, the center of the Bakumatsu bloodshed, to find out about you. Was I more or less right? Kenshin: Have you decided how to fight? Zanza: There’s the problem! All I could find out was a rough account of your career. What kind of kenjutsu is the Hiten Mitsurugi school? And changing from a cold-hearted assassin to a gentle vagabond is an important point I don’t understand at all. I haven’t figured you out yet, so I’m just going to meet you head on. A fair fight. (the Hiruma brothers are watching from behind a fence.) Goheh: Hey, brother, do you really think this Zanza guy can win? Kiheh: His opponent is Battousai. The outcome is already decided. Goheh: But-- Kiheh: Don’t fuss. My plans have included Zanza’s failure from the beginning! Zanza will lose, but I’ve heard he’s a very strong fighter. Even if he’s killed, he won’t go without giving a good fight, probably wounding Battousai. Immediately after the battle, I’ll bring him down the instant he lets down his guard. (he draws a pistol out of his kimono.) I brought it from the foreigner’s quarters in Yokohama. This should do the trick! Kenshin: I also do not understand. Zanza: Huh? Kenshin: I’ve seen that you hate bullying the weak. Why then make your living ignobly as a street fighter? Why do you wear the character for evil on your back? Your nature seems upright, yet now you are terribly warped. What could have done this to you? Zanza (echoing him): What could . . . (then he smiles) Stop. That’d make a sad story before a fight. If you really want to know, fight me and beat me! Let me just say this. I hate the Ishin Shishi--you’re all hypocrites. You did whatever you wanted all in the name of justice. Those who disagreed with you were destroyed, even if you had to distort the truth to do it. All those pretty words about equality of the four classes were just one big lie. So I want to destroy you, the legendary Hitokiri, the strongest of the Ishin Shishi, with all my heart! Kenshin (bowing his head): I understand. I accept your challenge. Kaoru: Kenshin! Kenshin: But answer me one thing. Are the Hiruma brothers the ones who hired you? Zanza: Bull's eye. Very clever. Kenshin: They’re the only ones in town who know my past. And in the shadow of the wall, dirty killing ki hangs in the air. (to the wall) Don't hide, come out. Zanza: So you really are a first-class swordsman. Hey, give it up. (They watch the wall.) Zanza: I said, come out. (the brothers approach.) Zanza: That’s good. Now hand it over. Kiheh: What? Zanza: Don’t give me that. (He grabs the gun.) Maybe I can’t read your spirit, but I know how a bastard like you thinks. You hired me for this fight, but after it’s paid for it’s mine. Any stupid interruptions like this--(he smashes the gun between his fists)--I won’t stand for. Kaoru: . . . Kiheh. Kiheh (snarling): The land will be mine, little girl! Zanza: The dojo’s a little small. Let’s take this down by the river. (They form a little procession going through town, Zanza balancing the bundle on his shoulders.) Yahiko (thinking): He doesn’t stand out or anything. Kenshin: Yahiko. Were you surprised? Yahiko: Well, kinda. But I’m not really shocked. Even if you are the Hitokiri, I'm not scared of you. Actually it's kinda comforting to know there's a reason why you're as strong as a demon. (Kenshin and Kaoru both smile.) Kenshin: Then that’s all right. (he looks up and notices the huge bundle) Oro? Yahiko: Whadduya mean, oro. Look at that thing. It’s gotta be a spear. They say if it’s spear against sword he’ll have three times your power. Zanza: It’s not a spear, kid. It’s much better than that. (at the river bank. They prepare for the fight.) Zanza: Well, just so everything’s equal, let me introduce myself. My name is Sagara Sanosuke. In the underworld, I go by Zanza. (He pulls the wrappings from his bundle, revealing a huge sword. The blade is at least a foot and a half wide, with a pole for a handle.) Zanza: Sanosuke of the Zanbatou. Zanza for short. Zanbatou--a giant sword developed during the Sengoku era with the aim of killing both horse and rider when fighting a mounted opponent. Among the various types of swords it is the largest and the heaviest. Because of its weight, it's said that no one can master it perfectly. Goheh: So this is the so-called . . . Kiheh: Zanza’s "partner." Zanza: It’s an antique from the wars of another age. It hasn’t been sharpened since then either. Even though it's a sword it’s got no edge on it at all. But, being bludgeoned to death is a definite possibility. Kenshin (drawing his sword): Himura Kenshin, wielder of the reverse blade. But you knew that already. You’ve done your research. Zanza: Yes. So let me give you one piece of advice. Throw away all your pretty thoughts of not killing. (he charges) Or else you’ll be the one to die!!! Goheh: He’s fast! Kaoru: Even carrying that heavy thing! (Zanza brings the sword down, breaking Kenshin’s sheath. Kenshin leaps clear, hitting Zanza in the back and sending him flying.) Yahiko: No matter how big that thing is, it doesn’t mean a thing if he can’t hit with it! Kenshin’s got it made . . . (He stops when he sees Kenshin’s look.) Zanza (picking himself up): You're as strong as I've heard. No wonder you became a legend. Kaoru: This isn’t good . . . We misjudged his strength. This isn’t good . . . We were wrong about his strength. His true strength is neither the monstrous force that destroyed a large man with just one finger or the great blows of the zanbatou. He took a suntetsu between the eyebrows and didn’t move a muscle. It’s his strength of endurance that’s extraordinary! (thinking) Until now Kenshin’s Hiten Mitsurugi techniques have defeated all enemies with a single blow. That blow had no effect on this man! Zanza: This is a fight, not a duel. The better swordsman isn’t going to win. It’s going to be the man left on his feet. Kenshin: You may give that speech when you’re the one left standing! Kenshin * Himura Battousai--End Back to Home To Volume One To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume One--Kenshin * Himura Battousai Bonus Story 1 the Vagabond --Tales of a Meiji Swordsman-- This short story was originally printed in this magazine about a year ago. Even though it came out to be only 31 pages long, I remember it being really difficult. It was the first time I was published in Jump Comics, and I threw myself into it body and soul, but when I look at it now . . . (silence.) My deepest memory is of suddenly changing Kenshin (at this time I didn’t use that name; his real name was Battousai then) and in the end when my boss a nd I had a difference of opinion we ended up insulting each other. Now that the series is a hit things have changed, though. When it was published in Jump, it was thought to be all right, but I received over 200 letters in response. I didn’t reply to very many of them, but I hope you will allow me to say thank you. Raikouji Chitsuru-- The character began with a girl from "Sugata Sanshirou," a novel by Tomita Tsuneocho, who didn’t just save people that were hurt but protected them before they were hurt. (Or something like that.) However, Kaoru and Chitsuru look exactly alike . . . maybe they’re twins separated at birth? (Now we’re entering the world of "Sugata Sanshirou" . . . ) Chitsuru was a well-liked character, so I thought if I had an opportunity I might re-introduce her. There’s not much to say about the character’s design. I just draw girls in hakamas. From a female student to a girl who plays kendo, what’s next, a priestess? the Vagabond--Tales of a Meiji Swordsman (a scene of carnage) Long ago in Kyoto, during the violent days of the Bakumatsu, there was a patriot called Hitokiri Battousai. This man, who killed many during the slaughter, disappeared as the violence neared an end. Now, it is the year 1878, the tenth year of the Meiji era. In Tokyo-- (Two men are chasing a women--named Chitsuru--down a country road.) Pursuer: Hey! Wait!! Chitsuru (to the figure walking up the road): You there, please wait! Vagabond (turning around): Oro? Chitsuru (hiding behind him): I’m so glad you’re here! Good luck! Vagabond: Oro ro? Chitsuru: Don’t just sit there going oro! A weak maiden is being pursued, so rescue me! Pursuer 1 (as they draw their knives): Listen you! We don’t want to hurt you, so hand over the girl! Pursuer 2: What the--he’s got a sword! Pursuer 1: There’s an edict against wearing swords! Vagabond (puzzled): That’s more for people like you. Pursuer 1: What the hell! Just kill them both! Vagabond: Tokyo isn’t exactly a quiet town these days, is it? There’s nothing for it. (He scoops up Chitsuru and runs off.) Pursuer 2: He-he’s running away?! Pursuer 1: Wait, you-- (A little later) Vagabond: Phew. They didn’t follow us all the way into town. Chitsuru (hitting him): How long were you planning to hold me?! Vagabond (rubbing his nose): Sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it, so please forgive me. Chitsuru: You look like a swordsman, but you don’t act like one at all. And you ran away from a fight. Vagabond: It’s better to settle things without fighting. Chitsuru: Pathetic. What do you carry a sword for then? Vagabond: It doesn’t matter one way or the other. This sword isn’t something which could kill. I’m just a vagabond, not a fighter who lives by his sword. A wandering masterless samurai. Chitsuru: Hmm. I thought there were no more samurai under the Meiji rule. Vagabond: If that had been true, you would have learned from experience not to play with strange men. Chitsuru: What---!! Vagabond: You mean that mess wasn’t a love affair gone wrong? Chitsuru: I don’t know them at all!! They were just a couple of lechers!! Vagabond: That was the first time you’ve seen them? Chitsuru: I’m the only daughter of Raikouji, so I know all the local people. Well, let me invite home to thank you for rescuing me. Vagabond: Well, no, I-- Chitsuru: Hey, hey, keep up! Let’s go! Vagabond: Okay. (She leads him to a huge Western-style mansion) Chitsuru: This is it. What’s the blank look for? Vagabond: You’re dressed well, so I thought you were the daughter of a good family, but-- Chitsuru: Not quite. I’m just the granddaughter of a merchant of foreign goods. If grandfather finds you he’ll be annoyed, so keep quiet. Vagabond: Annoyed . . . ? Chitsuru: It's just because you’re a swordsman. If he sees one he-- Grandfather (walking up behind them): Chitsuru. Chitsuru: Grandfather? Grandfather: Who is this? Chitsuru: Um, I know it looks bad, but he’s no one strange. He’s a swordsman who saved me from some lechers-- Grandfather: Go. No one who wears a sword is welcome in this house. Send him away at once. (he walks on) Chitsuru: No good, like I thought. Vagabond: He really didn’t like me. Chitsuru: It’s not just you. Grandfather hates all swordsmen and samurai. Vagabond: Oro. Chitsuru: Grandfather’s son and his bride, my parents--were killed. During the Bakumatsu, they got mixed up in a fight between a patriot and a supporter of the Bakufu. It was more than ten years ago but he still hasn’t let it go . . . Vagabond (holding her): There, there. You poor thing. Go ahead and cry on my shoulder. Chitsuru (hitting him): I didn’t say I hadn’t let it go! Think about it. I was just a baby then. I don’t even remember my parent’s faces. So I’m not sad at all. You’re probably thinking I’m heartless, but there’s nothing I can do. If I can’t remember I can’t remember. Would you be sad if you’d never even seen your parent’s faces?! Did you cry for all your cousins and second cousins and grandparents and ancestors that died before you were born?? Vagabond: Set-settle down . . . (She gradually regains her grip on her temper.) Chitsuru: Oh, that’s right. I meant to thank you. I-- Vagabond: Really, there’s no thanks necessary. All I did was run away. I feel more sorry about the whole thing than like I should be thanked. (Chitsuru stares at him a moment.) Chitsuru (thinking): He really doesn’t act like a swordsman at all . . . Vagabond: Oro? Chitsuru: I have to at least treat you to dinner. Where’s your inn? We can get them to put something together for us. Vagabond: No, it’s getting dark. It’s really all right. Chitsuru: Come on, don’t be shy. Accept someone’s kindness. (Later. The vagabond is sitting under a bridge.) Vagabond (remembering): At the time of the Bakumatsu they got involved in a fight between a patriot and a supporter of the Bakufu. They were killed--- By a patriot--- Chitsuru: Vaga-bo---nd! (she is carrying a picnic box all wrapped up.) Where is he? (remembers him saying, "I didn’t have much money, so I’m sleeping under the bridge.") (she hears footsteps behind her.) Chitsuru: Oh, the vaga-- (the man from before grabs her.) Pursuer 1: I thought we’d failed when that weird guy showed up. We got lucky. Pursuer 2: All right, take the hostage back to the shrine. I’ll send the letter to Raikouji. (A little later) Vagabond (walking): I wonder if she’s really coming. I’m sure it was this way-- (he finds the lunchbox and her ribbon lying on the grass.) (In a police station. The chief reads the ransom note.) Chief: "To the foreign trader Raikouji Muneiwa. By filling your own pockets by trading in foreign goods you have committed a grave offense and polluted the holy nation of Japan. It is a crime that calls for the blood of your granddaughter as a punishment from heaven. But if this is not so we will have mercy. Come alone to the Hai Shrine in the foothills of Mt. Yuukyuu with a thousand yen if you want to spare her life. If you refuse our request your granddaughter may never come home. The Shinshuu Konoe Samurai Forces of Heaven" It sounds like some malcontents with a grievance against the government. Raikouji: It must have been that samurai! Ten years, and they still take life after life! Chief: I know your own samurai origins are painful to you. However, first we should scout our the area so we can consider our plan carefully. Raikouji: We have no time! I’m going! Chief: You can’t. It could be dangerous-- Raikouji: I don’t care! I would die to keep my granddaughter safe! Vagabond (sitting on the desk, reading the letter): It doesn’t say you have to do that. Hmm, the Hai Shrine in the foothills of Mt. Yuukyuu . . . Raikouji (throttling him): How long have you been here! Vagabond: Not long . . . Raikouji: How did you get in!! Vagabond: Through the door, of course . . . (He pushes his hands away) More importantly, no one has to die. While your granddaughter unfortunately lost her parents, it was over when she was a child, without her knowing any deep grief. What do you think your death would help now? To be left alone in the midst of grief--this should not happen to her. So I’ll make a different response. You have had the grief of having a dear one stolen from you. You will not taste another grief. (leaving) Excuse me. Raikouji: How did that man get it? Stop him! He’s one of the men who took Chitsuru-- Chief: That man . . . It could be no other. That voice, that red hair . . . And there can be no mistake about the cross-shaped scar on his left cheek. But it couldn’t be . . . (At the shrine. Dozens of fighters are waiting on the steps.) Fighter: It’s evening already, you--who is that? (drawing swords) What is he doing here? Leader: Wait a moment. You don’t look like police. Are you Raikouji’s house swordsman? Vagabond: Is Miss Chitsuru all right? Chitsuru (who is bound and gagged): Mmm mmm mm! (run for it!) Mmmm mmm mmm! (They’ll kill you!) Vagabond: It’s all right. Just wait a little longer. Chitsuru: MMMM! (That’s not it!!) Leader: But did you come alone to face us all? What can you gain from such loyalty? If the government will ever restore the greatness of Japan once again, we must stand together. The Forces of Heaven is a family all can join. Under Meiji era we cannot wear swords, we cannot live as we once did. I am from a fallen samurai family. Aren’t you? Everyone here lost their way of life because of the Meiji patriots. You understand. We are the same. We would do much better as allies. Vagabond: Not together. Chitsuru (thinking): What? Vagabond: Nationalism? Warriors? This is really just a kidnapping, for money. So many of you to collect one young girl? Pathetic. There is nothing more contemptible than those who cannot keep up with the times preying on the successful ones who could. Fighter: That-- Vagabond: Forces of Heaven? It sounds good. But Forces of the Devil might be a better name. Fighters: What happened to the humble attitude? You’ll regret those words!! (They rush upon him, swords drawn. Chitsuru turns away. The vagabond quickly dispatches the first few with a single blow.) (Back at the police station.) Raikouji: Himura Battousai? Chief: One of the patriots of the Meiji era. I saw him once during the Bakumatsu, in Kyoto. He devoted himself to work in the shadows of history. A warrior who killed enemy after enemy with his deadly speed. For this strength and for his kills, he gained the name Hitokiri Battousai. No one was left alive before his sword. He killed everyone--but it can’t be. Such a killer must not exist in the Meiji era! All men to the scene! (At the shrine. The only fighter left on his feet is the leader.) Leader (standing up): You have a good arm. To have killed everyone . . . (He sweeps off his cloak to reveal full armor) But you cannot destroy me! Vagabond: Black iron armor . . . Leader: Yes. The finest work, very rare. Even with your fine blade . . . (he throws his cloak over the vagabond) you cannot kill me! (he shears through the cloak with his sword, only to discover the vagabond behind him.) Vagabond: You’re slow. Leader: You dodged! But with the armor you cannot-- (The vagabond strikes his side, as the police arrive.) Chief: We’re too late . . . Vagabond: Before you consider your armor, you should first examine your opponent's weapon. (The sword’s sharp edge is not facing the enemy’s side, but away from it.) Chief: A reverse blade!? Chitsuru (remembering): "This sword isn’t something which could kill." (The leader collapses) Policeman: They’re all alive, sir! Some have broken bones but none are in danger!! Chief: . . . that fool . . . Hirokiri Battousai, why . . . (the vagabond sheathes his sword. Sometime during the fight he has lost the string tying his hair back.) Vagabond: Because as a Hitokiri, I had no reason to kill. Are you all right, Miss Chitsuru? There, there, so frightened you can’t even speak-- Chitsuru (hitting him): Don’t get carried away! Vagabond: You’re right. (he hands back the ribbon she dropped) The Meiji age will be the brightest yet. From now on I hope your life becomes bright. (he turns to go) Chitsuru: Wait! (she ties the ribbon in a firm bow in his hair.) Vagabond: Oro? Chitsuru: If you leave it loose it’ll get in your way. You can keep this. Vagabond: No, really, I-- Chitsuru: I told you to accept other’s kindness! Stupid . . . Well, if you’re ever in town again come by and see us. If you don’t I’ll never forgive you! Vagabond: But-- Raikouji: No . . . I, too, ask you. Since I could not welcome you last time . . . Vagabond: . . . I would be honored . . . Long ago in Kyoto, during the violent days of the Bakumatsu, there was a patriot called Hitokiri Battousai. This man, who killed many during the slaugher, disappeared as the violence neared an end. Now, it is the year 1878, the tenth year of the Meiji era. In Tokyo--he travels as a vagabond. (He walks through town. Two girls behind him are giggling.) Girl 1: Eww, he’s wearing a ribbon. Girl 2: But it kind of looks good on him. Vagabond: Oro? He wanders through the age-- Raikouji: But if he was a Meiji patriot how old must he be? He looked young, but he must have been at least 30 . . . (Chitsuru face-faults.) Vagabond--Tales of a Meiji Swordsman--End Back to Home To Volume One To Volume Two