Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris from the front flap-- (Watsuki-sensei and Kenshin, both, as the caption reads, googly-eyed.) WATSUKI IS AGAIN A LIAR Not only are the kanji for "wandering vagabond" not read "ruruoni," the word itself isn’t even in the dictionary. I completely made it up. I apologize to everyone who believed me. I’ll leave it at that; I’ve been really busy lately, as you can see from the picture. I couldn’t even draw the picture for the cover of the book edition. It’s too late for the third volume, but the fourth for sure! This time Watsuki will not lie! Part Seven--The Character for Evil (the dust settles around Kenshin and Zanza) Goheh: He can do it! He took that blow of Battousai’s like it was nothing . . . Maybe he will . . . Kiheh: You really are stupid. He hasn't landed anything with his precious zanbatou. Zanza has no chance of victory. (smiling evilly) It’s all going as planned. Zanza (raising the zanbatou again): Second round! (He strikes, but Kenshin has disappeared. He finds him perched on the raised zanbatou’s blade.) Kenshin: The zanbatou is a huge, heavy weapon, so the stances of attack are limited. There are only two options: bringing the sword down or cutting across. (narrowing his eyes) They’re very easy to read. (leaping forward) There will be no second round. This is the end! (he strikes Zanza’s shoulder. Zanza whips his blade across but Kenshin ducks under it.) Kenshin: Zanza, if a single blow will not work against you-- (A myriad of blows strike Zanza from all directions, knocking him down.) Kaoru (thinking): A rain of blows! Kenshin: Hiten Mitsurugi School, the Ryuusousen. Zanza (thinking): He's not just stronger than me. He’s on a completely different level. I can’t beat him . . . Kenshin: Let's end this meaningless fight. I don't want to lift this sword against you any further. Accept defeat with grace. (Flashback. Sanosuke, at about age eight, is standing on a rocky outcropping, carrying the sword of his captain, Sagara. They are watching an army marching.) Sagara: Look well, Sanosuke. The three hundred year reign of the Tokugawa will soon be over. The curtain raises on a new age. The age when the oppressed weak cry themselves to sleep is over. There will be no high or low. The age of equality for the four classes has come. And we, the Sekihoutai, will lead the way. Sanosuke (snickering): "It could take a year or ten, depending on how hard we work, but it will happen." You told me all this before. (Sagara smiles at him. They start walking home.) Sanosuke: Hey, captain. We're all going to be equal in the new age right? I can have a real last name even though I’m just a farmer's kid? Sagara: That’s right. Sanosuke: Then my name's going to be Sagara! Sagara: Sagara Sanosuke? Stop it, stop it. What a strange name. (Sanosuke grins.) the Sekihoutai--a group formed from the masses directly after the battle of Tobafushimi, in 1868. They marched to Edo ahead of the government army, to investigate the allied provinces on the way and to act as a spearhead, urging support. The First Regiment, led by Sagara Souzou, marched north by the Tousan Way, spreading the new government's proclamation that land taxes would be cut in half. However . . . (Sagara is meeting with other members of the group.) Man: That’s ridiculous--the Sekihoutai a false army?!! Man with bandages: An order was sent to each province and each troop, sent by the governor-general, to suppress the false government army Sekihoutai. Our division in Usuitouge was attacked and destoryed! Men: That’s unbelievable. . . What do we do? Man with mustache: We’ve been abandoned! They’re not cutting taxes after all! They promised to cut them in half to win the farmers of the provinces as allies, but the finances of the new government handle that. So they're calling us the liars--they'll punish us and say they never intended to cut taxes in the first place. We’re made up of farmers and merchants, so they’re using us as the perfect scapegoat . . . !! Man: What do we do, Captain Sagara? Sagara: There’s no reason to disobey the governor-general. For the time being, we’ll proceed to the headquarters in Shimosuwa. Sanosuke, you wait here. You’re still young-- there’s no reason for you to come this time. Sanosuke: Captain . . . Sagara: We’ll be fine. Don’t worry. (Later. Sanosuke is pressed up against a fence by the crowd gathered to see the head of Sagara mounted on display.) People: Sagara Sanzou, the captain of the first regiment of the false government army Sekihoutai. Decapitated for the crime of using lies of a tax cut to lead the populace astray. I don't care if he was trying to be a hero like the great Ishin Shishi, he shouldn't have deceived us like that. The Sekihoutai . . . they were just a bunch of criminals. (the shocked face of the young Sanosuke fades to the enraged face of Zanza.) Kenshin (thinking): The fighting ki that was extinguished before is now. . . Zanza: I will not lose! You put the mark of evil on our backs and thought you were justice incarnate--I'm not losing to one of you! Kenshin (thinking): The Sekihoutai . . . ! Goheh: What? What's the deal with that? Kiheh (thinking): Yes! Now! (drawing a second pistol) Die, Battousai!! (He fires. Kenshin goes down.) Kaoru: NO!! Yahiko: Kenshin! Goheh: B-brother?! Kiheh: A plan must foresee the second and third steps in order to attain success! By thinking I had only one pistol, he sealed his fate!! (Slowly, Kenshin gets to his feet, holding up the sword. The hilt, which has a bullet embedded in it, cracks and falls away.) Kaoru & Yahiko: Kenshin! Kiheh: He saw the bullet. He stopped it with the hilt . . . However! (turning the gun on Kaoru and Yahiko) What will you do about this! Goheh, keep the brats from running away! Goheh: But . . . we didn’t bring any rope to tie them up . . . Kiheh: Then break their legs! Goheh: I see . . . You always were the clever one, brother! Yahiko (whipping out his shinai): You bastard! Kaoru, don’t just sit there! Get out of here! Kaoru: I can’t. I . . . Goheh: Don’t move . . . (The zanbatou stops his reaching hand. Zanza drives it into the ground, slashing his face.) Zanza: I told you. This is my fight! I will not allow interference! I will not lose! I CANNOT lose!! Kenshin: Kiheh. You are a man beyond saving. Kiheh (pulling out the third pistol): Nonsense! At such close range! Kenshin: Hiten Mitsurugi school Doryuusen! (He strikes the ground with his sword. Kiheh goes down under a shower of rocks.) Kenshin: I held back so you would not lose consciousness. Taste hell for a while. You should be the one to wear the character for evil on your back. No . . . perhaps it should be us, the patriots of the new age . . . Zanza: We settle this now, strongest of the patriots!!! Kenshin: Sagara Sanosuke, the last living member of the Sekihoutai. I understand. (he flips the reverse blade around.) We’ll settle this. Kaoru: Kenshin?! the Makings of the Characters --Sagara Souzou-- There's no model--Sagara Souzou is a real person. Just done in the image I had of him. The real Sagara Souzou was a heroic man whose real name was Koshima Shirou. He was originally not of the samurai class but the son of a rich and powerful family; he left them behind (he had a wife and family!) as an Ishin Shishi. But as it says in the comic, he was branded with the disgrace of a "false government army" and decapitated at the age of 29. In Sanosuke's mind this has become a heroic story, but Sagara Souzou actually put equality of the four classes as one of the last goals of the Ishin Shishi. If he had lived, what would have thought of the temporary equality . . . This is a bit of a digression, but even though the Sekihoutai isn't that famous, I wasn't sure if I should put it in or not. But as it shows in a straightforward way whether the Meiji patriots of the new era were "true" or "false," I thought I should. In fact a famous manga writer laughed and told me it was too crazy, and the ratings were the lowest since the series began, but I still think I was right to draw it. Other than this there was no design. When I drew Yamagata Aritomo in Part 2, I struggled to make him close to the real one, but couldn't. So when it was time to draw Souzou, I decided it didn't matter much and just drew him as I thought he might look. (Afterwards, I looked for a photograph or a portrait and didn't find anything. I wonder what he really looked like?) I made him good-looking and Sanosuke's mentor, so it seems he now enjoys a deep-rooted popularity among some of my female readers (laughs.) Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part Eight--And So Another Joins Them Zanza (swinging the zanbatou in circles above his head): We’ll settle this, Battousai!!! Yahiko: What--what is he doing? Kaoru: Centrifugal force! With his gigantic strength and the great weight of the zanbatou, the swings will add even more force to his attack! Zanza (thinking): From then--after the Sekihoutai was destroyed, I become a street fighter. I fought day and night. When I got involved in a fight, I could forget everything. And in those ten years, I became strong! (aloud, as he brings the sword down) And now that strength will destroy the strongest of the patriots!!! Kenshin: Such mean strength cannot destroy me. (The swords meet. The blade of the zanbatou is sheared cleanly off. Kenshin leaps straight up.) Yahiko: That’s . . . Kaoru: How he destroyed Hiruma . . . Kenshin: Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu Ryuutsuisen! (He brings down the flat of the reverse blade full force on Zanza’s head. Zanza remains standing.) Kenshin: Strong, as I thought. You’re the first to have taken the Ryuutsuisen and not been destroyed. But you must be using all your strength to keep to your feet. (turning away) Now, wait here while I call a doctor. Zanza: Not yet! I’m not finished yet! I'm not down yet! I will not lose! In the name of Sagara and the Sekihoutai, I won’t lose to an Ishin Shishi even if it means my death! (Kenshin turns back to face him.) Kaoru (thinking): Kenshin. Are you . . . Zanza: So come on! Come on! (Kenshin coolly punches him.) Kenshin: Did the Sekihoutai teach you to destroy the Ishin Shishi? Or to bring in the new era? Zanza: Shut up! You preached equality, but you drowned in greed and acted like you owned the whole damn world! Don’t tell me about the Ishin Shishi, who gave us the lie of a new age! Kaoru: That’s not true! Kenshin wasn’t that kind of patriot! He never cared about glory or power. He’s a vagabond, who protected people’s freedom! All you know about Kenshin is Hitokiri Battousai, so you can't talk! Yahiko (charging): That’s right! Go any further and instead of Kenshin you’ll be facing Myoujin Ya-- Kenshin (holding him back): This could get complicated, so you’d better stay back. (Zanza glares at them defiantly.) Kenshin: Zanza, the new era isn’t finished. Certainly the shape of the new age was formed ten years ago. But those who are truly in need of happiness are still in the old era where the weak are oppressed. And so in my own small way, to bring such people power, I wield this blade. (holding out the reverse blade) For a year, or ten years, or what if the new age is eternally unfinished? I don’t know, but I think this will make amends for the victims of the new age. I think it will make amends for the people Hitokiri Battousai killed. (he walks away) Zanza (thinking): That's the same. Kenshin (to Kaoru): You were paralyzed with fear? Yahiko: You’re pathetic, "master." Kaoru: Shut up! Zanza (thinking): He's the same as Captain Sagara, who dreamed of a new age and fought for it . . And he continued to fight . . . While I despaired, trying to forget by starting into fight after fight . . . (He smiles and lets go of the zanbatou.) I’m sorry, Captain Sagara. (He falls backwards) but to this man, I have lost completely. Kenshin: Zanza! The next day, outside the Akabeko Kaoru: Zanza was really hurt--his whole body was bruised, and he lost a lot of blood. He’ll be hospitalized for at least three months. They say it’s amazing he didn’t die. Kenshin (looking grim): Zanza is on a completely different level from the other two, therefore I couldn’t make an allowance for him. Kaoru: So how long are you going to have that scary face? Kenshin: It’s been like this since this morning. Yesterday I had my eyes narrowed for a long time. I think it did something to my face muscles. (Kaoru and Yahiko take a cheek each and pull.) Yahiko: Okay, back to normal. Kaoru: That’s the face of the vagabond we know and love. Kenshin: But that hurt! Kaoru: Well, it's all settled now. Let’s get some sukiyaki. Yahiko: Again? The hag’s a pig too. Kaoru: Oh? How is that better than a slanty-eyed shrimp? Yahiko: Stop that! (Slanty-eyed shrimps are popular!) Kaoru: Make me! (That's only if they're good!) Kenshin: I’ll go get us a seat. Come in when you’re ready. (A large man is sent flying through the screen door. Two others peer nervously outside.) Kenshin: Oro? It’s you from before-- (Zanza appears after than, covered in bandages.) Zanza: Sheesh. I don’t care if you get drunk and pick fights, I just wish you'd train a little first. Kaoru: Zanza!! (As they hurry over) Zanza: Hey, thanks for looking after me yesterday. Kenshin: I thought you were supposed to be at the doctor’s. Zanza: Feh. My business is getting beat up. This is nothing. (They look at him for a moment. Then everyone pops him one, to make a point.) Zanza (weakly): My business is getting beat up. This is nothing. Everyone (thinking): Foolish pride. Kenshin: Zanza . . . you didn’t take the character for evil off your back? Zanza: Yeah . . . I can’t forget the Sekihoutai. It’s my past. I can’t take the character off. Once you're nineteen it's too late to change your nature. I thought a lot about what you said yesterday. So, I guess when you say it, the lies of the patriots aren’t really lies. But I’m going to have to hang around until I figure this out. (a meaningful pause) Zanza (turning to go): Oh yeah, one more thing. I’m not Zanza anymore. I don’t have the zanbatou, and I stopped being a street fighter. Now I’m just the fighting idiot Sagara Sanosuke. Like you’re not Hitokiri Battousai. So don't go off wandering without checking with me first. Got that, Kenshin? Kenshin (smiling): I give up. Another strange one joins our group. (Kaoru and Yahiko perform the one-cheek-each maneuver again.) Yahiko: Whadduya mean, "another." Kaoru: Yeah, the strangest thing around here is you. Tae: Mr. Sanosuke left without paying again . . . (General face-fault.) Kenshin: Oro . . . the Makings of the Characters --Sagara Sanosuke-- If you're a fan of the Shinsengumi, you guessed it at a glance. The model for Sanosuke is the captain of the tenth unit of the Shinsengumi, Harada Sanosuke. He was known as one of the five most handsome men of the Shinsengumi (although, according to my bible, Burning Sword, (a novel by Shiba Ryoutarou) he was sort of fat . . .) and a spear-wielder of great strength. He loved to fight, was present at every battlefield where the destiny of the Shinsengumi was decided, and had a rough, stormy temper. But, perhaps because of his humble origins, he had his softer side. He thought a great deal of his unit and took care of those beneath him. Judging his likes and dislikes, he seems like the older brother type from a boy's magazine. He is said to have died on the battlefield of the Ueno War, but there's even a legend about him, telling how he survived to become a bandit chief. Looking from the eyes of the people of the time, he must have been a very romantic figure. Of course, I liked him too, and put him in RuroKen as Sanosuke. I'm extremely happy Sano has become so popular, but recently he's also become the Most Likely Character to Have His Name Misspelled. I've seen all kinds of different kanji for "Sanosuke." I even saw "Sasuke," and wanted to say, "Hey, hey, he's not a ninja!" but by now I've kind of given up. When I did the design, as you know, I didn't have a certain popular character in mind. Maybe it's because of the hair, but everyone keeps saying so (I love the manga, but . . .) My model for Sano was the main character, Lamp, from "Arabian Lamp Lamp." During my assistant days, I was doodling in my sketch book and drew my own Japanese-style Lamp. I changed it around a little, and it became the real Sano. (I got the artist's permission, just in case.) Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 9--The Black Hat of Rushes (Lightning crashes. Inside a mansion, a well-dressed man cowers before a man shrouded in a cloak, wearing a wide black hat. He carries a bloody sword and bodies litter the floor between them.) Rich Man: P . . . please. If it’s money I can get you as much as you want. Just spare my life. Black Hat: The honored patriots of the new age bathe in money like water. Has it made you weak? (He laughs, quietly. The man screams. Black Hat fixes his eyes upon him.) Rich Man (thinking): I . . . I can’t move! What’s happening?! Black Hat: Die. (The sword is brought down.) Sanosuke: This is terrible. (Kaoru is grimly grilling fish in the dojo yard.) Sanosuke: It’s no good at all. Girl, you’ve got to take some cooking lessons. I could teach you to do better than this. How do you take this day after day, Kenshin? Kenshin: It’s not that bad. The more of Miss Kaoru's cooking you eat, the better it tastes. Sanosuke: Oh, so this is some kinda exotic acquired taste, is it? Kaoru (pelting him with utensils): If it’s bad then don’t eat it! You come over here all the time to mooch food!! Sanosuke (blocking with Kenshin): Since I stopped taking fights I have no money. Don't be so uptight. Kenshin (as he gets pelted): Oro! Oro! Oro! (the Chief of police--from part 2--slides open the gate.) Chief: I’m sorry, I don't mean to interrupt anything, but is Mr. Himura here? Kaoru: Chief! Kenshin, the chief of police is here-- (Kenshin is dazed and covered with bumps.) Chief: I have a favor to ask of you, Mr. Himura. Kenshin: Oro? (Yahiko continues to munch determinedly at his fish.) Chief: I truly apologize for the trouble with the Sword-bearing police. The matter has served as an opportunity to dissolve the unit. Discipline within the force is being strengthened. I, too, am working at this, so please forgive us . . . Kenshin: That’s all right. What is it you have to ask me? Chief: Let me explain something first. This concerns the problem of the police’s reputation. We’ve kept this out of the newspapers, so I beg you all to keep this a secret. My request is none other than this. I want you to destroy a certain ruffian. Sanosuke: Ruffian? Chief: Known as "Black Hat of Rushes," he's a fiend who targets former patriots who play a part in the Meiji world of power and wealth. An swordsman without scruples, he has struck over ten times throughout Japan without making the slightest misstep. Kaoru: So basically he’s out to get the Meiji patriots? Is it because of a grudge, or does he think he's making the world a better place or something? Chief: Perhaps. But above all the Black Hat enjoys killing. Since he’s targeting patriots who hold important posts, the police has dedicated itself to providing guards, and the targets themselves use their power and money to hire bodyguards. Yet the Black Hat seems to enjoy killing as many as he can, once he has broken through our defenses. Two months ago, when he appeared in Shizuoka, counting victim, police and bodyguards, thirty-four were killed and fifty-six suffered heavy injuries. Kaoru: Wait a minute. If you know he’s so strong, why don’t you use the infantry? Since there were so many casualties . . . Chief: We did . . . but the unit was wiped out before they could draw their weapons. According to one who just barely escaped with his life, he couldn’t move at all, like he was bound hand and foot. That’s why they were killed-- Kenshin: By the Nikaidou Heibou "One-sided Heart." Kaoru: What? Kenshin: Probably after so many murders, he has lost his original purpose and will, drawn only by the color and smell of blood. That such a man should exist ten years into the Meiji era . . . (they all stare at him) Kaoru: Kenshin . . . (Kenshin, saying nothing, sips his tea.) (Another mansion. Inside is the man they have come to protect, Tani.) Tani: A guard? No thanks. It’s only one ruffian. I won’t need police to protect me. Chief: It’s not that simple. Mr. Tani, your assailant is the Black Hat of Rushes! Tani: Watch your tongue! I survived forests of swords and rains of bullets until the dawning of the Meiji era. Do you think I care about the opinion of a mere police chief? Chief: Then you can understand how terrifying the killing sword of a master can be. (Tani is sitting in an armchair, surrounded by fighters of every description.) Tani: Huh. I know, and so I’ve assembled the very best and strongest to be my personal bodyguards! Every possible fighter who admires Tani Juusanrou, the best man in the War Department! Fighter 1: That’s right. We’re devoted to Mr. Tani. Fighter 2: Why don’t you just go home, cops. Tani: I won’t rely on outsiders from god knows where. That has no honor! Are you saying that this outsider is stronger than all your henchmen together? Chief: It pains me to say it, but yes. (Kenshin enters the hall. Tani is shocked.) Kenshin: I’d heard you had become very self-important, Mr. Tani. Like a different person than the one I protected from the forests of swords and rains of bullets during the Bakumatsu. Tani: WHAT? Sanosuke: Where’d you get these "best and strongest" from, anyway? I remember beating every one of 'em up at least once. Fighters (who recognize him too): WHAT?! Kenshin: It must be very annoying to have bodyguards from god knows where, but please overlook it just for one night. Tani: This . . . this is unheard of. The . . . the honor is more than I deserve. Sanosuke (to the guards): Tonight, we’ll forget old times. We’re on the same side, right? (Just tonight, though!) Chief: Besides these too, Mr. Tani, a unit of police is positioned outside. Tani: Fine! Have it your way. Kenshin: Oro? Tani: I mean, by all means, thank you very much. (The clock reads five minutes to one. Kenshin and Sanosuke are playing shogi.) Sanosuke: It’s five minutes until the challenge letter said he would be here. I wonder if he’s really coming. Kenshin: Hmm . . . well, if he doesn’t come, he doesn't come, and so much the better. Sanosuke: I guess the little girl and the kid are already asleep. Kenshin: Yes. Miss Kaoru said she would get up early to prepare a bath and wait for our return. (a contemplative pause) Sanosuke: But, Kenshin, why'd you take this job. I thought you didn’t like being called on for these Battousai kind of things. Kenshin: Of course I don’t like it. But I have no reason to turn my back on this. If the evil acts of the Black Hat are not halted, these misfortunes will only increase. Including that of the Black Hat himself . . . But then why did you come too? Sanosuke (grinning): This is fun. There’s just no good reason to stay out of a fight. Chief (thinking): This is no simple fight, but . . . Sanosuke: Okay, I have one question for you. What is this Nikaidou Heibou "One-sided Heart" thing you mentioned before? Do you know this Black Hat guy? Kenshin: Actually, that’s two questions-- Sanosuke (hitting him): Stop being picky and answer me. Kenshin: They're rumors. Sanosuke: Rumors? Kenshin: Rumors I heard more than ten years ago. I don’t have the slightest idea if they’re true, but the point now is how to-- (a scream. They throw open the windows. Two police guards lie dead at their posts.) Others: What was that? It wasn't from in here. It must be outside! Kenshin: He’s here! Sano and I will take the front! Everyone else follow behind! (Tani glances anxiously from side to side as his guards rush to take their positions.) Sanosuke (kicking him): Stop shivering, you pig. Everyone knows you always put your king in the middle! (The clock strikes one. All eyes are focused on the door.) Bodyguard: It’s one o'clock . . . He’s not coming? Ha. Just an empty threat. (the Black Hat appears in a window, cutting the last speaker down.) Black Hat (chuckling again): There they are, there they are, you careless little insects . . . Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 10--One-sided Heart (Kaoru lies awake in bed) Kaoru (thinking): I can’t sleep . . . what’s wrong with me? I’m really worried for some reason. (She gets up to pace the house. Yahiko is out like a light in his room.) Kaoru: Well, it is Kenshin. I’m sure he’ll be okay. And Sanosuke’s with him too, just in case . . . Kenshin will be fine . . . (the Black Hat stands framed in the window.) Black Hat: One, two, three . . . fourteen, fifteen of you? Not as many as I thought. Sanosuke (to Kenshin): That’s the Black Hat? Hm. Those eyes are pretty scary. Kenshin: Do you understand, Sano? He’ll deal with me. You look after Mr. Tani. Tani (leaping to his feet): What are you just standing there for? Get him! I’m paying you enough! Get to work! The one who destroys him gets five times what I’m paying you now! And I’ll get you an office at the Department of War! Bodyguard: Five times! An officer! (as they charge) All right, that job's mine! No, I’ll take it! Sanosuke: Idiots! You want to throw your lives away for greed? (The Black Hat chuckles again, building to a maniacal laugh. The charging guards are quickly slaughtered.) Black Hat: Ah, this feeling--it's good. Sanosuke (thinking): He’s fast! He doesn’t fly like Kenshin, but he’s using some weird form of kenjutsu! (aloud) Stay back! You can’t take him! (The guards are pulling back.) Black Hat (turning the full power of his eyes on them): Don’t run! (They freeze.) Tani: Wha--what was that . . . Chief: They can’t move! Black Hat: You can’t run away. Once you draw your sword, you fight until one of us dies. Otherwise, it just wouldn't be fun. Sanosuke (who also is having trouble moving): Why you . . . what are you doing? What the hell have you done to me? Black Hat: Oh ho . . . someone who can move against the "One-sided Heart" must be at least a little more than a mere worm. Kenshin: The Nikaidou Heibou "One-sided Heart" is also known as "the art of shrinking." I thought it was unbelievable, but you are indeed the Black Hat of Rushes. (He vaults over Sanosuke to exchange blows with Black Hat.) Chief: Mr. Himura! (Kenshin has taken a cut to the arm.) Kenshin: I heard stories about you during the Bakumatsu in Kyoto. A man who didn’t belong to any clan, but took contracts on people for pay. Said to be a master who had attained the highest level of the Nikaidou Heibou. Nikaidou Heibou--this form of kenjutsu is made up of three forms, the one, eight and ten. (**note: the sword is held in positions similar to the characters for these numbers; straight across, in two diagonal lines, or in a cross.) Its secret technique is famous as it is strange and terrible. The "one-sided heart" is said to have been used only by its originator. One-sided Heart--This most secret of secret techniques entails sending one’s own ki out through one’s eyes to crush one’s opponent, freezing him in place. It's said that the technique was never passed down to a second generation. In modern times it would be called a kind of instantaneous hypnosis. Kenshin: I thought you’d use as an attack, but you use it to kill those who have lost the will to fight . . . Isn’t that unfair, Udou Jin’eh? Jin’eh: I too have heard rumors. A patriot from Choushuu, using the old style of kenjutsu called Hiten Mitsurugi. The legendary man bearing a large cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, Hitokiri Himura Battousai! (He fixes his gaze upon Kenshin.) Chief: Mr. Himura! (Kenshin meets his gaze, breaking the spell.) Kenshin: A match, man to man, without trickery like the "one-sided heart." If your sword is equal to mine, you won’t need it. Release them, Jin’eh. Or you’ll face me. Jin’eh: I hadn’t hoped for Battousai as an opponent. However. (he turns his stare on Tani.) First I’ll fulfill my challenge! (Tani, frozen in place, can only scream.) Kenshin: Mr. Tani, snap out of it! Jin’eh: Futile! However it may be with you, this rotting fat pig will not break free! (rushing up the steps to Tani) You once paid big money for a killing, but now killing is against the law. (almost there) You fat patriot pig!! (Sanosuke, roaring, breaks free.) Sanosuke: Too soon-- (grabbing a statue above Tani and smashing it down) --for checkmate! (The statue breaks Jin’eh’s sword. Jin’eh, laughing, drives the fragment through Sanosuke’s wrist.) Kenshin (rushing forward): JIN’EHHHH!!! (Jin’eh blocks his strike with his short sword. Kenshin pushes off from the ceiling for another blow. The impact drives them both back.) Bodyguard: I can move!! (A series of jumps take Jin’eh back to the windowsill.) Jin’eh (chuckling): This is interesting. More interesting than anything since the Bakumatsu. There’s been a change in target! My next quarry is you, patriot Hitokiri Battousai! (he leaps backwards out of the window.) I’ll appear again soon. Wait for me, and bring a real sword this time! Chief: Mr. Himura. Kenshin: Are you all right, Sano? Sanosuke: Yeah, this is nothing. Kenshin: Chief, if we hurry and get some first aid for these men they might still make it. Chief: Yes, of course. But Mr. Himura, now that you’re being targeted-- Kenshin: It doesn’t matter. If anything, it was fortunate that this happened. Sanosuke: Kenshin . . . you guessed it would turn out like this from the start and you still took this on . . . Kenshin: I had hoped to settle it here. (thinking) But it turned out as one might expect. Jin’eh of the Black Hat . . . this will not be easily resolved. Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 11--A Ribbon and Selfishness The next morning. Kenshin and Sanosuke are walking home. Kenshin: Six badly injured, three less so. The Black Hat affair has begun with some small damage. One cannot face nine casualties with a calm face. Sanosuke: You’re expecting too much. Nobody died--that’s pretty good. The Black Hat . . . Udou Jin’eh, huh. Originally a Hitokiri and completely psycho to boot. But we’ve got the strongest of all on our side (slapping Kenshin on the back) so why worry? Kenshin: Not really. (That hurt.) In the ten years since the new era began, I took a vow never to kill again, but he’s done just the opposite, continuing to kill. As Hitokiris, the difference is great. I don’t know when or where Jin’eh mastered the Nikaidou Heibou, but when he appeared in Kyoto at the beginning of the Bakumatsu, he was the head of the Shinsengumi. Sanosuke: The Shinsengumi--the best of the Bakufu’s companies of swordsmen. So he's an old enemy of the Ishin Shishi? Kenshin: Actually, he killed many of the Ishin Shishi, unnecessary deaths. In the end, he fled the Shinsengumi after internal conflicts turned the unit against him. From then he appeared many months later among the Ishin Shishi as a hitokiri. Sanosuke: So he doesn’t follow the principle of loyalty to the Emperor. Kenshin: Jin’eh has only the desire to kill. Since he is motivated only by this desire, he is an exceedingly dangerous Hitokiri. Sanosuke: This guy . . . I know I don’t have any part in this, but-- Kenshin: I am his only target, and I’ll be his only opponent. But there’s something I want you to do for me instead. (At the dojo, Kaoru has dozed off sitting on the porch.) Sanosuke: Sheesh. Look at that face. She must be getting old, sitting there drooling in her sleep. Yahiko: I don’t think she slept a wink last night. Sanosuke: Oh yeah? Hmm. (patting her cheek.) Hey, girl, wake up. (stretching her mouth open.) Hey, wake up. Yahiko: Ah---ha ha ha!! Kaoru (breaking a shinai across his head): Welcome home. Sanosuke: Nice to see you too. Kaoru: I--huh? Where’s Kenshin? Sanosuke: Kenshin’s not coming back. This time, the killer’s after him. He was afraid he'd get you in trouble, so he’s not coming back here for a while. While he’s gone he wanted me to look out for you. Kaoru: But where did he go? Sanosuke: He said he was gong to the riverbank. (remembering Kenshin’s words: "A Bakumatsu Hitokiri had to be able to attack easily and run easily. Many acted from a base near a riverbank. If I’m by the river, Jin’eh will find me.") I guess. (Kaoru starts running.) Sanosuke: Hey--hey, where are you going? Kaoru: I’ve made up my mind. I’m looking for Kenshin! Sanosuke: Idiot! Jin’eh is not your average opponent! Do you have to see him to understand? If you go after him you’ll just get in the way and make trouble! If you just wait here quietly it’ll be better for everyone-- Kaoru: So after he fights Jin’eh, what if he doesn’t come back? What if he goes off wandering again, what do we do then? --Since I am a vagabond, I never know where I’ll be when-- Kaoru: My father died. Kiheh betrayed me. If Kenshin leaves . . . if I’m going to be left alone again, I’d rather meet the danger face to face! (She runs off again, and this time no one tries to stop her.) Sanosuke: She can’t stand being separated from Kenshin. She really is selfish. Well, you can’t separate selfishness from love, so I guess there’s nothing you can do, huh? Although you probably don’t care. (You don’t look like you mind being left alone.) Yahiko: Whatever. There’s nothing you have to do. The opponent is Kenshin. The best in Japan. (pointing at himself) By the way, I’m the second best! (Got that?) Sanosuke: So that makes me number three? (Whatever you say.) The girl’s so stubborn she’ll probably find Kenshin and drag him back here. I’m going to take a bath and get some sleep, so have fun. Yahiko: Kenshin’s counting on you. You should be more responsible! Jin’eh (concealed behind them): Heh heh heh. The river. Heh heh heh . . . (He disappears.) (Kenshin sits on a log near the bank, watching the river.) Kenshin (thinking): There must have been heavy rain upstream, the river’s swollen. If you fell in it’d all be over. (he senses a presence behind him.) He’s here . . . (clicking the sword out of its sheath.) Kaoru: KENSHIN . . .I’VE FOUND YOU. Kenshin (thinking, as Kaoru plunks herself down beside him): She’s scarier than Jin’eh . . . Kaoru: I heard it from Sanosuke. You’re not coming back to the dojo for a while. So I’m not going back either. I’m staying here with you. (a pause) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru. Did you have a fight with Sano? Or with Yahiko? Kaoru: That’s not it! Kenshin: You heard about Jin’eh. Kaoru: I heard. But I’m not going. Kenshin: If I have to protect someone as I fight, I cannot possibly beat Jin’eh. (Another pause. Then Kaoru stands up again.) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru? (She pulls the ribbon out of her hair.) Kaoru: It's my favorite ribbon, indigo blue. I’m lending it to you. Kenshin: I couldn’t possibly. Kaoru: It’s all right, so take it! Kenshin: Okay! Kaoru: All right? I’m only lending it to you. Be sure and give it back. After you fight Jin’eh, if you forget and go off wandering again, I’ll never forgive you. (Kenshin stares at her for a minute. Then he smiles.) Kenshin: I understand. I’ll be sure to come back to return this. You can wait at the dojo without worry. Kaoru (smiling a little): . . . all right. (Kaoru is suddenly snatched away by Jin’eh. He is balanced in a small boat ripping down the river. Jin’eh: Heh heh heh. Heh hwah ha ha ha!!! Kenshin: Miss Kaoru!!! Jin’eh: I’ve seen you, I’ve seen you, Battousai! I’ve seen that this girl is your woman! Get angry, get angry! Angry like you were last night when I broke that rooster’s arm! Return to the way you were ten years ago! Like you were when you could have killed me, the matchless, strongest, cold-hearted Hitokiri. (flicking a letter to him) Wait for me here, Battousai! Kaoru (getting her head free): Kenshin! Jin’eh: Hwah ha ha ha ha!!!! (The river carries them out of sight.) Kenshin: Jin’eh . . .!!!!! Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 12--Two Hitokiris Challenge--Wait at the shrine in the forest at midnight tonight. Jin’eh (Kenshin tears the letter to shreds. That night, he enters the forest.) (At the shrine. Jin’eh has tied Kaoru hand and foot and placed her inside one of the small three-sided shelters that usually house a statue.) Jin’eh: Don’t stare at me like that. I didn’t kidnap you to eat you. Kaoru: I know that. It was to give you an advantage over Kenshin. I didn’t think the Black Hat would be a coward. Jin’eh: You don’t know. If you’re my hostage, Battousai will be angry. His anger will take him back to his former days as Hitokiri. Battousai now has gotten soft. I could destroy him in the time it takes me to smoke this cigarette. And that would be boring. Kaoru: I can’t believe you don’t know how strong he is. Jin’eh: You're the one who doesn't know.. Imagine a killer so great, just listening to stories about him raises goosebumps. To fight and kill that man, stretched to the very edge of life and death--nothing could be more fun. (checking his watch) It’s almost midnight. Time for chatting is at an end. The real fun starts in a moment. (as Kenshin enters the clearing.) Jin’eh: Ah, Battousai. Kaoru: Kenshin! (Kenshin meets Jin’eh with a fierce gaze.) Jin’eh: Good eyes. You’re angry. Kenshin: You’ve got Miss Kaoru wrapped up in this. I can’t allow that. Kaoru (thinking): What? Jin’eh: Excellent, excellent. You’re speaking in your old manner. You’ve put the edge of your strange blade where it belongs. The great Hitokiri of legend is revived! Kaoru: Kenshin . . . (Kenshin leaps at him, and they begin to exchange strokes. Kenshin uses the "rain of blows" technique he used against Sanosuke, but Jin’eh blocks each one. They break and circle each other. Jin’eh focuses his eyes on him.) Kenshin (breaking the spell): None of your tricks!! Kaoru (thinking): No . . . this isn’t the Kenshin I know. This is . . . Hitokiri Battousai . . . ? Kenshin: I told you, your One-sided Heart won't work on me! (Jin’eh only smiles, and lunges at him again.) Kenshin (thinking): I can read his moves. First, the one-handed level strike. (he neatly dodges.) Next, a side-stroke from the one-character form (he ducks back) From there, an immediate ten-form downward strike . . . (he flips his sword over, catching the strike on the butt of the hilt, then whipping it around to knock the hilt out of Jin’eh’s hands.) Broken! (Jin’eh retains his blade but is knocked off balance. Kenshin moves in for the final blow. Jin’eh, smiling, hands off his sword behind back from right hand to left, and strikes Kenshin unexpectedly on the shoulder. Kenshin goes down, bleeding profusely.) Jin’eh: You were reading my moves. Up until the back-pass. Not yet. You’re still a far cry from the Battousai of old. I could destroy you now in the time it takes to smoke three. Boring. Kaoru: Kenshin! Jin’eh (turning to Kaoru): So let’s make you a little more angry. (He fixes his gaze on Kaoru. She freezes. Her eyes water and she begins to choke.) Jin’eh: This is a stronger form of the "One-sided Heart." Stronger to the point where it begins to paralyze the lungs. She has about two minutes. It won’t be as easy to break as it was last night. Death by strangulation isn’t pretty. The corpse salivates, and the bowels relax. (Kenshin pulls himself into a crouch and gets a grip on his sword.) Kenshin: Jin’eh . . . the time for talk is over. If you have something to say then say it with your sword! (he seems to disappear. He reappears inches from Jin’eh’s face, smashing his nose.) Jin’eh: Oh ho . .. I couldn’t see the movements of your strike. This is the Hiten Mitsurugi school! This, is Hirokiri Battousai!! Battousai: This time for talk is over. Come, so I can kill you now! Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translation Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 13--The Origin of a Patriot’s Name Battousai: The time for talk is over. Come, so I can kill you now! Jin’eh: Kill me? Good. (he snaps his nose back into place) A speech worthy of a Hitokiri! Kaoru (turning her face away, still unable to breathe): Kenshin . . . Jin’eh: Now that you are the Hitokiri of old, The true fight begins here. Let’s do it, Battousai! (He charges, but Battousai stands unmoving. His stare stops Jin’eh in his tracks.) Battousai: What’s wrong? Jin’eh: You truly are the great Hitokiri of legend. You really change when you show your killing ki. Battousai: If you value your life, release Miss Kaoru. Jin’eh: I can’t release her. This is different from the one I put on those pigs of Tani's. Either she breaks it herself, or you release her by killing me. The former is impossible. Battousai: Then I’ll have to kill you. Jin’eh: That, is also impossible! (he raises his sword in the one-character form.) The living are susceptible to impressions. If you get the idea that you’re sick, your actual condition will get worse. If you get the idea you can’t breathe, then it will actually hurt to breathe. By raising your ki, you shrink that of your opponent and make him unable to move . Your thoughts become your reality! And I am no exception! (he seems to bristle with strength) I! Cannot! Fail! Battousai: I see. A sign of your own strength. You use the technique on yourself to bring out your full power . . . Jin'eh: I! Am! Matchless! (They stare each other down.) Jin’eh: I . . . AM the strongest! The Hyoki no Jutsu of the One-sided Heart. I’ve haven't used it ever since I left the Shinsengumi, about fifteen years. (turning to a boulder, he reduces it to rubble with a few blows.) If you call this cowardice it’s a coward’s technique, but it’s mine. Battousai: It doesn’t matter. Use whatever technique you like. However. (he sheathes his sword.) Once I’ve said I’ll kill you, your death is assured. Jin’eh (thinking): That’s . . . the battou-jutsu stance! Battou-jutsu--By whipping the sword out of the sheath, one can increase its speed twice or three fold. A great technique which can kill with one blow without taking a single blow from one’s opponent. It could also be called iai-jutsu (the art of drawing one’s sword, cutting down one’s opponent, and sheathing the sword all in one movement.) Jin’eh (thinking): Battou-jutsu, the fastest technique of the deadly-swift Hiten Mitsurugi school! Battousai: Come, and I’ll show you how I got the name "Battousai." Jin’eh (thinking): However . . . if I can dodge the blow, I can win! Because battou-jutsu destroys in one blow, afterwards he’ll be left completely open! If he makes a mistake, I’ll give him death. A double-edged technique. . . . can I dodge? . . . I can dodge! I can dodge this!! (aloud) Take this, Himura Battousai!! (he charges. Battousai stands where he is, waiting.) Jin’eh (thinking): Battousai, you’re forgetting one thing! You haven't noticed your one fatal flaw! The sword! The reverse blade will handicap the battou-jutsu technique! The curve of the reversed sword will slow it down! And using the shadow arts, this little difference is my golden chance of victory! (He brings his sword down. Battousai draws his blade.) Jin’eh (thinking): Fast! But even a slight dodge-- (he pulls back, and the blade swings harmlessly past him.) I’ve won! (aloud) Victory is mine, Battousai! (Battousai brings the sheath up like a sword, striking his elbow.) Jin’eh (thinking): He . . . he used the sword and the sheath . . . two-sword battou- jutsu--?! (He goes down.) Battousai: Hiten Mitsurugi school Battou-jutsu, Souryuusen. I'm fully aware that the battou-jutsu was originally a one-blow killing technique, and that the reverse blade was not meant for battou-jutsu. I am the one who learned and mastered all of the battou-jutsu techniques. This is the origin of the name Battousai. Your elbow is smashed and the tendon severed. Your career with the sword is over. And so ends your life. (raising the reverse blade, edge down.) Battousai: Die. Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 14--A Final Act Under the Moon (Battousai stands poised with the sword raised above Jin’eh. Jin’eh is kneeling, making no move to avoid the blow.) Kaoru (still unable to breath): Kenshin . . . Jin’eh: What’s wrong, Battousai? Why do you hesitate? You have to kill me to release the girl. Spare me and she dies. Kill me and you save her. The choice is too simple. Don’t hesitate. There’s no time. Great Hitokiri of legend, assassin--send me to the netherworld with one stroke here (drawing a line across the top of his head) Battousai: Yes. I have no desire to give you such a gift. But to protect Miss Kaoru, I will be the Hitokiri once again. Jin’eh: That’s it! Give me a taste of your assassin’s blade! Battousai: Die. (The blade comes down.) (Kaoru remembers Kenshin’s words when he first came to the dojo-- 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-- But, I like Miss Kaoru’s idealism better than its true nature. I like it better. Kaoru: Ken . . . shin . . . Kenshin!!! NO-----!!!! (He freezes) Kaoru (sweating and breathing hard): Don’t go back to being the Hitokiri . . . and using the killer’s sword . . . (she collapses) . . . no . . . Kenshin: Miss Kaoru! (he dashes over and catches her before she hits the ground) Miss Kaoru, wake up! Are you all right? (She opens her eyes, then smiles.) Kaoru: I’m all right. Kenshin. Kenshin: Oro? Kaoru: You're talking . . . like you usually do. I’m fine, now-- (Jin’eh stands behind them. He draws his short sword with his left hand.) Jin’eh: I could understand the rooster-head doing it, but I would never have believed the girl could break out of the One-sided Heart. I must be getting soft too. Kenshin: Stop, Jin’eh. You have no chance of victory with only a wakazashi in your left hand. You lost. It’s all over. Accept it quietly. Jin’eh: No. It’s not over yet. There’s still things to be settled. (He plunges the wakazashi into his own chest.) Jin’eh: Hmm. This feeling . . . it’s good. (he falls backwards) Jin’eh: Stop . . . looking like you don’t understand. I said it . . . the things left to be settled. I . . . I was alive, and caught . . . if the investigation continues . . . it will be sure to find the politician who commissioned these killings . . . Kenshin: What . . . Jin’eh (chuckling): I can’t believe you thought there was no need for a Hitokiri in the new era. You don't look like Battousai. That's why I thought you had gotten soft. There's a lot of noise about the new government, but at heart it’s still the same bloody struggle for power. They want to erase those who got in their way, but now, under the new regime with a modern police force, it's not possible to carry out a simple killing. Not only could I not break away from my path of violence, but I didn’t want to. So when the interests of politics and the Hitokiri came together, the assassin "Black Hat of Rushes" was born. "A Hitokiri kills of his own free will, but he does not choose his own targets." I ignored this rule and challenged you, and so came to this awkward end. But, I don’t care. I enjoyed this duel to the death. And living with a smashed right arm would have been boring. Kenshin: Jin’eh . . . Jin’eh: Stop looking like that, Battousai. When you said you’d kill me, those eyes were better. Your true nature is that of the Hitokiri. As was mine. A Hitokiri is a Hitokiri until death, after all. No one else can change this. I'll watch you from the abyss of hell to see how long you can wander as a vagabond. (With a final chuckle, he dies. His words echo in Kenshin’s mind.) "A Hitokiri is a Hitokiri until death, after all. Until death . . ." Kaoru: Kenshin . . . Kenshin: Let’s go home, Miss Kaoru. We’ll leave what’s left for the police. (They walk home through the deserted, early-morning streets, Kenshin a few paces ahead.) Kaoru: . . . Kenshin (he says nothing) Kenshin. Kenshin: Ah . . . what is it? Kaoru: Thank you, for saving me. At least let me say it-- Kenshin (remembering her screaming): . . . No. It is I who should thank you. I’m grateful. When Miss Kaoru stopped me . . . Kaoru: What? Oh. No, I mean, it was nothing. I had become the Hitokiri Battousai once again. Kenshin: Oh yes, your indigo ribbon. I have to give it back. (He holds it out.) Kenshin: Oro. Kaoru (snatching it): What is this! It’s all bloody! Kenshin: Oh, when my shoulder was cut the blood must have-- Kaoru (chasing him with the reverse blade): This is terrible! I’ll never forgive you for this! Come back here! Kenshin: I couldn’t help it! Jin’eh . . . Watch me from the abyss of hell. I’ll spend the rest of my life suppressing my Hitokiri nature. I’ll never become Hitokiri Battousai again. Until I die, I’ll be the vagabond who doesn’t kill . . . (Back at the dojo.) Sanosuke: So you met up with her and didn’t come back till early morning, eh? Aren’t you the smart guy. Did you finally do it? (Kenshin is not even going to deal with this. Kaoru wearily smacks at them with her shinai.) Back to Home To Volume Two To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Two--Two Hitokiris Part 15--A Runaway Beauty Kaoru: Kenshin--!! (checking the well) Where are you? (his room) Are you here? (knocking on the bathroom door) Kenshin!! That’s strange. What could have happened? He isn’t anywhere. (thinking) He couldn’t have . . . Yahiko: Kenshin just went out somewhere with Sanosuke. Kaoru: Really. Yahiko: (You don’t believe me!) Do I look like I’m lying? Kaoru (breathing a sigh of relief): This time I thought he really had gone off wandering for good. I’m so glad. Yahiko: I thought of that too, but you're worrying too much. You should get Kenshin a collar or something. Kaoru (picturing The Master and her pet kenshin): Ewww. Yahiko: Whadduya mean, eww? (You didn’t have to take me seriously!) Kaoru: But where did they go? Yahiko: The Shuueiya. It used to be a restaurant, but it's more of a gambling hall now. Kaoru: Ga--GAMBLING HALL?! (In the Shuueiya. Men place their bets as the dice are thrown.) Sanosuke: Okay, which is it? Kenshin (wearily): Five-six split. Dice-thrower: A five and a six! Sanosuke: Leave it to the Hiten Mitsurugi School. Its readings are fantastic! Kenshin: You said it was important, so I came, but . . . Sano, gambling halls are illegal. Sanosuke: What’re you talking about, that reverse blade of yours is illegal too. Kenshin: That’s true, but . . . Sanosuke: Don’t worry about it. Everyone here is a friend of mine. No one cheats, no one makes or loses a fortune. In the group it’s just fun and games. You can’t take everything so seriously. You should relax. Your whole life won’t be any fun at all. (a significant look) I had to drag you here, so give in and have some fun. Make today your last day for gloomy thoughts. Kenshin: . . . Did Miss Kaoru tell you about Jin’eh’s end? Sanosuke: Don’t know a thing about it. More importantly, what’s the next one? Kenshin: Snake eyes. (outside.) Man with beard: Wait!! Wait, woman!! (He chases her down the street. Another man jumps out in front of her.) Man 2: Too bad. End of the road! (She stops, trapped.) Beard: You’ve given us a lot of trouble! Man 2: Think you could escape by yourself? (She darts through the Shuueiya doors.) Man 2: She’s still trying to run! Beard: Follow her! She’s not getting away! Man 2: Wait, Megumi! Dice-thrower: Snake eyes again! Sanosuke: All right, all right, all right! Gambler 1: Today’s your day, eh, Sano? Gambler: It’s been a while. Maybe you should let up a little. Sanosuke: You’re joking. Prepare to lose your shirt! (Whatever he said, he's having the most fun.) Kenshin: Sano . . . Sanosuke (tossing the blocks around): So where's Yoita from the candy shop? That gambling fool hasn't been here today. Gambler 1: You didn’t know, Sano? Yoita died earlier this month. Sanosuke: What! He died--was he sick? Or did he get in an accident? Gambler 1: It was opium. It was a mistake. He smoked a lot once, and . . . Opium--the oldest drug, made from the dried juice distilled from part of the poppy flower. Similar to morphine, it causes terrible withdrawal symptoms. At the time, it was a forbidden throughout the country as a strong drug that could destroy a country. Sanosuke: That idiot . . . getting mixed up in something like opium. Kenshin: But that’s strange. Opium is a costly drug. An ordinary person shouldn’t be able to buy a lot of it at once . . . (Megumi bursts into the room.) Sanosuke: What do you want? Kenshin: Oro. (She catches sight of Kenshin’s sword and throws herself into his arms.) Megumi: Save me! Kenshin: ORO? Megumi: Some terrible men are chasing me. Please save me! Kenshin: Um . . . if you say so . . . (Her pursuers dash in after her.) Beard: Megumi, you-- Knife: You can’t run anymore! Sanosuke: One thing after another. What do you want? Beard: Shut up! Stay out of this! Just hand over the girl, or else-- . . . ? (Sanosuke punches him.) Sanosuke: I’m in a bad mood right now, so watch who you’re talking to. Knife: What--what do you think you’re doing? We're the personal bodyguard of Mr. Kanryuu! Stand against us and you’ll be his enemies! Sanosuke (kicking him): I warned you, small fry. Gamblers: Kanryuu . . . This isn’t good. That’s the Takeda Kanryuu that . . . Kenshin: Takeda Kanryuu? Who is he? Sanosuke: A young businessman on the outskirts of town. On the surface. But something's going on underneath. He’s suddenly gained a lot of power and influence in the past few years. Now, he’s a shady character who’s amassing his own private army. Everyone from yakuza up to politicians wants to avoid a fight with him. (turning to Megumi) If they’re Kanryuu’s soldiers, are you his mistress? Megumi: No! I really don’t know anything about all this. Not even this man Kanryuu-- Beshimi: It's not nice to lie, Megumi. (A small man, with spiky hair and large, slit eyes is sitting cross-legged in the corner of the room.) Gamblers: How--how long has he been here?! (Kenshin, frowning, notices the missing board in the ceiling.) Beshimi: You thought you only had two guards. You’re always watched by one of the Okashira’s followers. In the bedroom. In the bath. Even in the toilet. Megumi: But it’s true I’m not his mistress! Go back and tell Kanryuu! This time I’m escapin him! Beshimi (cackling): Cute. Specially when you think you're running out of her . . . (he flicks two pellets, and the two men on either side of her go down.) Sanosuke: Tomo! Genji! Beshimi: Rasenbyou. (holding up the tiny metal cones.) Next, both your legs. As a punishment for running away. (He snaps them out. Kenshin darts forward and pulls up the tatami floor mat to block.) Kenshin: I’m not sure what’s going on, but I won’t sit by and watch people being killed or hurt. Beshimi: Don’t fool with me. If you think you can keep off my rasenbyou with one tatami mat-- Sanosuke: You bastard, what have you done to my friends-- (Beshimi panics as Kenshin and Sanosuke come at him from different directions. They take him out together.) Gambler: This can’t be good. Three of Kanryuu’s soldiers . . . Megumi: Hmm. You’re strong. The swordsman is especially good. Well, how about it, boys? Will you protect me from Kanryuu as I escape? I’ll pay you twelve times the reward. Sanosuke: You’d better explain yourself first. Megumi: Huh? Sanosuke (snatching her wrist): Two of my friends are hurt! You can’t tell me it's not important to know the reason why!! Megumi (pulling away): Ow! That hurts! Don’t grab so hard! (Some little paper packets fall out of her sleeve. They pause. Kenshin picks on up and breaks it open.) Kenshin: When you spoke of a reward, did you mean opium? (Megumi stares back defiantly.) Two Hitokiris--End Back to Home To Volume Two To Volume Three