Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 from the front flap-- Watsuki: Oh no!! I forgot to draw Kenshin’s sword! Sanosuke: Your finish is weak. I FINALLY DID IT! I finally drew the cover for the comic. I just moved my workplace and my chief assistant suddenly went on vacation, so there were a lot of odd jobs to do and rather than bother people . . . Doing the color was just basically fun, so from now on I want to draw as much of them as I can. But that’s really what I should be doing anyway. Am I really such a bad person . . . ? Part 48--the Wolf Revived (A battlefield, long ago. Battousai stands amid fallen members of the Shinsengumi.) Saitou: Okita. Stand aside. Okita: No, there's no need to worry. I, after all, am the captain of the Shinsengumi first unit. Saitou: But you have tuberculosis, don’t you? I’m not blind. The captain of the Shinsengumi third unit, Saitou Hajime, will kill Hitokiri Battousai. (He drops into his characteristic stance; right leg forward, sword held in the left hand parallel to the body, right hand held in front along the blade. Battousai brings up his own sword.) Saitou: Let’s go. Kaoru: Kenshin!! (He blinks. He is sitting in the Maekawa dojo; Kaoru and Yahiko are staring at him.) Yahiko: Hey, wake up. Kaoru: Practice is over, Kenshin. Kenshin: Kenshin . . . ? (Kaoru and Yahiko exchange looks, then smack a cheek each.) Yahiko: You, dummy. You know any other Kenshins? Kaoru: What, are you still asleep? Come on, we’re going home. (dragging him off) (On the way home.) Kaoru: You usually sleep lightly, so I think when you sleep deeply, you’re dreaming of the past. Kenshin: It’s been a while since I dreamed of those days. Yahiko: The Shinsengumi? You mean the famous rivals of the Ishin Shishi? Kenshin: Yes. The ones I crossed swords with I don’t know how many times. The Shinsengumi was originally a unit employed by the Bakufu’s Kyoto Defense (in Aizu), with the Edo Tama region swordsmen, who passed through many vicissitudes of fortune, at their core. They wielded the swords to protect the peace of Kyoto, when the Ishin Shishi wasn't yet organized and acted one by one, making Kyoto a demon city of blood and drawn swords. Under their scarlet flag bearing the character for loyalty and in their striped light yellow jackets, they were also known as the Miburo* who shook Kyoto with their swordsmanship and absolute lack of fear of death. They were defeated by modern weapons and disappeared into the past, but they were probably the greatest fighting force in the history of Japan; the largest, the strongest and the last great group of swordsmen. *At the time the unit was formed, they were stationed at the village of Mibu, so they were called the Wolves of Mibu or Miburo. Kaoru: But they were best at group swordsmanship, fighting many against one. That's cowardly. Kenshin: It’s because they first worked to maintain the public peace. Naturally they couldn't fight proper duels. And when you speak of strength, of course there were individual differences. But the officers--the company captains of the first, second and third units, out of the ten, were undoubtedly strong. Yahiko: If it's a unit, why "company captain"? (Isn't that kind of strange?) Kenshin: I don't know. (Why ask me?) But the first and second, and then the third captain . . . no matter how many times we faced each other, we never reached a conclusion. (a pause) I’ve heard that most of them have died by now . . . It’s too bad. Yahiko: What’re you being so nice for? Weren’t they your enemies? Kenshin: Well . . . certainly we were enemies, but I bore them no personal ill-will. We were on different sides, but that doesn’t change the fact that we took our swords and our lives in our hands for our beliefs. I feel closer to them than those of us in government positions . . . Kaoru: Hmm. Kenshin: I guess it is kind of weird. Kaoru: No, it’s not that. It’s just a little unusual for you to talk so much about the past. (Kenshin stops, shocked.) It’s been a long time Kaoru: Come on, what’re you just standing there for? Yahiko: Let’s go! Since I dreamed about those days. And I haven't been dreaming lately at all. So why now . . . (Sanosuke is sitting on the steps of the dojo.) Sanosuke: Damn. All I wanted was some food. Where are those guys? (A peddler approaches the dojo.) Sanosuke: Who are you? Peddler: How do you do? I’m a peddler from Tama; I have some unusual medicines called Ishida powder. (taking off his cap) My name is Fujita Gorou. (He looks exactly like Saitou of the Shinsengumi.) Fujita: How about it? Ishida powder works on bruises, even broken bones . . . Sanosuke: Hold it, hold it. I don’t live here. They’re all out now. Fujita: Oh, I see. That’s too bad. Sanosuke: Hey, you. What’s with those slanty eyes? Fujita: These? Ha ha, I was born this way. Sanosuke: Then what about these? (flipping Fujida’s hand over) You’re no medicine peddler; those are shinai calluses. Who are you? Fujita: You’re a clever man, Sagara Sanosuke. So Battousai’s not home. In that case, (drawing a sword concealed behind his back) I’ll just have to leave him a present. Sanosuke: You were hiding that thing . . . That’s what you came for from the start. (thinking) This guy knows about Kenshin’s past . . . (out loud) All right! I accept! I’ll ask who you really are with my fists! (He punches him, knocking him back a pace, but Fujida only falls back into his stance.) Fujita: I see. You have a good punch. You deserve the rumors that say you're a great fighter. Sanosuke (thinking): It had no effect?! Fujita: But these are rumors from the Meiji world of peace. In Kyoto during the Bakumatsu, a punch like that would mean nothing! (He leaps forward, stabbing Sanosuke's right shoulder with lightning speed.) Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 49--Cruel as a Wolf (Saitou stabs Sanosuke in the shoulder, smashing him straight through the dojo wall. The blade snaps.) Saitou (tossing it aside): It’s convenient to carry a swordcane, but they’re about as strong as toys. The Japanese sword is, after all, the best-- Sanosuke: Where’re you going, you slit-eyed bastard. We’re not finished yet. (He is bleeding heavily, but on his feet.) Saitou: That’s a good spirit. But it’d be better if you just went quietly to sleep. The wound is not life-threatening, but it’s deep. Sanosuke (charging): Shut up! I may be wounded, but your sword’s broken! The fight starts here! (Saitou blocks the punch, then drives the fragment of sword deeper into Sanosuke’s shoulder. Sanosuke reels. Saitou takes his wrist in one hand and his head in the other.) Saitou: Sleep. (He smashes him into the dojo floor.) Kaoru: What’re you walking so slow for, Kenshin? Kenshin: Mm . . . Kaoru: If you keep dawdling it’ll get dark. (to Yahiko) He doesn’t look well. I wonder if his stomach hurts or some-- Megumi (behind her): Oh, that’s my cue. Kaoru: Me--Megumi!! (What are you doing here?) Megumi: What, are you surprised? We come and go below Heaven. Can't our paths simply cross? (smiling) Actually, I have today and tomorrow off. I thought I’d come over and play. Kaoru: No way! No vixens in my house! Megumi: Ohh, and who was it that treated Yuta, hm? And for free? *Actually she was paid later by Yuzaemon. Megumi: Yahiko, what do you think? I’ll cook dinner. Yahiko: Fine by me. Don’t be so mean, Kaoru. Kaoru: TRAITOR!!!! Megumi: Ken-san, is it all right with you if I come over? Kenshin: Mm . . . Megumi: Oh, you really don’t look well. Do want me to have a look at you? Kenshin (waking up): No, I’m fine. It’s nothing. (thinking) I should stop fretting . . . I'll only cause them worry. I said it was because I was dreaming of the old days, but being deep in thought won't solve anything. Even though there should be an answer-- (They see the hole in the dojo wall.) Megumi: This . . . Kaoru: What on earth could have happened! Kenshin (thinking): The smell of blood . . . ?! (opening the door) Sano!!! (That evening, in a restaurant, a businessman, Shibumi, meets with Saitou. A shadowed figure, Akamatsu, lurks besides them.) Shibumi: Well, first have a drink, Fujita. Or here I may as well call you Saitou. Saitou: As you like. But nothing for me tonight. Shibumi: I wouldn’t have expected you to be a non-drinker. Saitou: No, not at all. It’s a weakness. It was my nature when I drank to want to kill excessively. Since it’s the Meiji era now, I refrain. Shibumi: Ah . . . (laughing nervously) ha ha ha. You’re promising indeed. Saitou: Thank you. Shibumi: Then let's get down to business. Himura Battousai is now-- Saitou: At the Kamiya dojo. I went there today, but he wasn’t home. Shibumi: You’re all I expected from the captain of the Shinsengumi third unit. When I heard you’d been added to our group I was surprised, but now I’m relieved to find this "job" is in such capable hands. Saitou: I was surprised as well to find that the man behind the Black Hat case, Udou Jin’eh’s boss, was Mr. Shibumi, originally Secretary to the House. Shibumi: Well, the Meiji government does a lot of different things. Saitou: Of course. But that has nothing to do with me, one of the losers of the new era. If I can spend the remainder of my life at something interesting, that’s enough. Killing is my specialty, so this work is all I could desire as a sideline. And if the job is eliminating an old enemy . . . Even so, one thing doesn’t make sense. Why would anyone want to assassinate a vagabond wandering the countryside? Who commissioned this job-- Akamatsu: Hey! Saitou: Excuse me. I talk too much. (bowing) Please forgive me. Shibumi: No, as long as you understand. Well, why don't we forget about the job for now and have some entertainment? Saitou: I’d be happy to, but I should be returning to my real work now before they grow suspicious. (donning the jacket and cap of a police officer.) So, permission to be excused. Shibumi (watching him go): Captain of the third unit of the Shinsengumi, Saitou Hajime. After the new era, he changed his name to Fujita Gorou and fought as a member of the sword-bearing police in the Southwest war. Now, he’s employed as a police officer. Some say he was the strongest of the Shinsengumi, stronger even than Okita Soushi. Even Jin’eh couldn’t destroy Battousai, but this man . . . Akamatsu: I don’t like him. He smiles too much. Shibumi: You’re prejudiced, Akamatsu. From now on you’re to welcome him to our group as Jin'eh's replacement. I was completely at a loss about the commission of Battousai’s death, but if we do this well we can say goodbye to this dirty work of assassinations that I began for my rise in the world. And my success in this interesting matter will be due to this man of the Shinsengumi who threatened us so mercilessly during the Bakumatsu. They called the Shinsengumi the Miburo, but in the Meiji era, they're nothing but toothless lap dogs . . . (in the dojo) Megumi: It’s too dark, I can’t see the wound! Even candles will do! I need more light! Kenshin (examining the dojo): This round seal with a triangular cap on the medicine box . . . a broken blade driven horizontally into the wound . . . this uncommon destruction it couldn’t be his doing . . . Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 50--Despicable Acts Sanosuke’s life was saved. "The wound was deep, but he’s lucky there was no injury to the internal organs," said Megumi. But it’s been three days, and he still hasn’t regained consciousness . . . Kaoru: Megumi, the bath’s free. I’ll watch Sanosuke, so take your time. You look tired. Megumi: Thanks, I’ll do that. Kaoru: How is he? Megumi: Same as ever. Still sleeping. He’s strong as a cockroach, so he’ll be fine, but if he doesn’t wake up soon, (smacking him irritably) I’m just going to stick him in a coffin and bury him anyway. Kaoru (thinking): You’d never think she was a doctor . . . Megumi: Is Ken-san in the dojo again? Kaoru: Yes. Same as ever. He’s thinking about something with a scary look on his face. (Kenshin is sitting in the dojo in the light of a single candle.) Kenshin (thinking): No matter how I think of it, it has to be his work. The medicine box with that sign was used by Shinsengumi spies for disguises. The point of the blade stabbed horizontally is a sign of the Shinsengumi unique technique called Hiratsuki. And this destructive force . . . it has to be his specialized left-handed Hiratsuki Gatotsu . . . The captain of the Shinsengumi third unit, Saitou Hajime. Come to settle what we never finished . . . or does he have some other intention. (He suddenly slashes at the dojo wall with all his might, barely cracking it.) Kenshin (thinking): Saitou Hajime’s skill with the sword hasn’t waned at all from the time when he was called the Miburo . . . with the reverse blade . . . without killing . . . could I defeat him . . . (realizing what he’s done) Oh no! (Miss Kaoru’s going to scold me for this.) (the next day, at another restaurant) Waitress: There you are. Please take your time. Saitou: Thank you. Akamatsu (appearing suddenly before him): Huh. Just a plain bowl of soba? Not much of a meal. Is it, Mister Saitou. (Akamatsu is a large man with his hair in a samurai topknot and stitches running across cuts on his cheeks and forehead.) Saitou: I like plain soba. And I’m Fujita now. Mr. . . Akamatsu, wasn't it? Do you want something? Akamatsu: I don’t want anything, but you annoy me. This job should have been mine, but when he heard about the Shinsengumi guy, Master Shibumi gave it to a newcomer. That’s why I don’t like you. All right. If you fight, fight right away. And you’d better kill him quickly. You never know when someone will be there to stab you in the back. (Saitou chuckles as he slurps his noodles.) Akamatsu: What’s so funny! Saitou: Nothing, I’m sorry. I understand, you’re telling me that you’re annoyed. So why don’t we work on this together? Akamatsu: Wha . . . what? Saitou: The other day, when I left him his present, I was giving him some signs. By now Battousai should know I’m here. But from that alone he won’t guess my intentions. If a letter arrived from me, whether it had anything to do with fighting or not, he would be certain to fall for it. Akamatsu: So you’ll ask him. Saitou: And you’ll bring him down. Akamatsu: Not bad . . . but I still don’t like it. Battousai’s supposed to be an old enemy of yours. Why would you give him up so easily? Saitou: Before Mr. Shibumi I called him my old enemy, but the truth is by now it doesn’t matter much to me. As I said, I only wish to spend the remainder of my life doing something interesting. Rather than danger and riches, I’ll aim for certainty and a small wage. That’s the kind of man Fujita Gorou is. Akamatsu: I like what I hear. (leaving) But remember one thing. The top man in this assassination group is me! (Saitou finishes his noodles.) Saitou: It’s unfortunate, but I have no interest in being the best of the "frogs in the well," who know nothing of the great ocean. (Later. Kenshin stands outside, reading a letter.) Yahiko (waving a pot): Hey, Kenshin, Kaoru says to run into town and buy some tofu! Kenshin (hiding the letter): I’m sorry, Yahiko, but I have some business to take care of. I may be late, so be sure to lock the doors. (Yahiko looks puzzles, and then realizes:) Yahiko: Does this mean I have to go? (Kenshin stands in an field surrounded by boulders.) Kenshin: Saitou. I’m here as your letter said. Don’t be modest, show yourself-- (A noise. He blocks a thrown chain with the sheathed sword.) Akamatsu: Feh. You fended off my chain with no difficulty. As I might have expected from the Battousai I’ve heard so much about. Kenshin: Who are you? Akamatsu: Akamatsu Arundo. The man who will take your life. (back at the dojo) Kaoru: Business? Kenshin does? Yahiko: Uh-huh. He said he might be late. (Here’s your tofu.) Kaoru: Really. (Thanks.) But that’s strange. Where would Kenshin have business besides here? There’s only the Akabeko and the Maekawa dojo . . . Yahiko: I’ve got it! It’s a woman! He’s been here for three months and there’s one or two-- Kaoru (whacking him with the pot, sending tofu flying everywhere): How can you only have such terrible ideas?? Yahiko: Ow! You don’t have to hit me! Saitou: Excuse me. (they look up guiltily) But I was told that this was the dojo where Himura Battousai lived. My name is Fujida; I’ve just been assigned to this town. The chief told me about Himura. Kaoru (thinking, relieved): Oh, he works for the chief . . . (aloud) Unfortunately Kenshin isn’t here now, but . . . Saitou: Oh, is that so. The truth is, while it’s still not confirmed, we received word that Himura was being targeted by a gang of ruffians. Would it be all right if I waited here for him? Kaoru: Um . . . certainly. I’m afraid he might be late, but if you don’t mind . . . Saitou: Of course not. Kaoru (thinking): Kenshin! (Saitou smiles.) The Making of the Characters--Akamatsu Arundo He is, of course, just a dog. I only needed this character to develop the Saitou Hajime story, so almost without thinking about character design it was natural to draw one of my favorite egotisical fighters. One of the things I didn’t want to get rid of were the weights hidden in his sleeves, but drawing all those chains took a lot of time and got really annoying. As for the design, people who know will have already realized it. It’s a fighter from the American comic that I love so dearly. The name "Akamatsu Arundo" is a parody. I thought, that’s enough, I’ll stop this playing around, but when I’m drawing manga all day long and I can’t do anything fun at all, I end up running for stuff like this . . . In the half year that Ruroken has been published, I’ve been tempted to do this kind of thing, but if I did, I’d think "Watsuki, you jerk, you’re just busy and tired," so if I do, please laugh and forgive me. Oh, by the way, about the collection of toys I mentioned in the Jin’eh section (the palm-sized figures), I’m up to 80, and if I get four more I’ll have the complete set!! . . . What am I doing. I turned 25 this year, too . . . Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 51--Confrontation Kenshin: It’s a familiar feeling for me to be targeted, but I have no intention of giving my life without cause. First tell me why you’re here. Akamatsu (whirling his chain): My cause? Don’t worry. I’ll lay it on your grave! (he hurls the weighted end of the chain. Kenshin leaps out of the way.) Akamatsu: I can see you, I can see you. Left, Battousai-- (But faster than he can swing the chain, Kenshin has made a circle and is now standing behind him.) Kenshin: You can see me? Can you even see my afterimage? I didn’t intend to move that fast. Akamatsu: Why you-- (he leaps up, casting out the chain. Kenshin unsheathes the sword, threads the point through one of the links and sheathes it, breaking the chain in half. While Akamatsu is still in midair, Kenshin strikes him in the chest with the point of the sheathed sword. Akamatsu goes down but immediately gets to his feet.) Kenshin (holding up the sickle): Give in. You can’t defeat me. Answer me. Who are you? What connection do you have with Saitou? Akamatsu (kneeling): I’m sorry! It was my fault! Please forgive me. I didn’t want to do it. But Saitou forced me to . . . Kenshin (turning away, thinking): Mere small fry . . . I can’t believe all you say, but (thinking) Such a challenge . . . what is Saitou thinking? (aloud) Learn from this mistake and wash your hands of it. Akamatsu: Ye--yes. (throwing two more chains) I thought you’d say that, you fool! Kenshin (thinking): Concealed weights?! (One chain binds his hand to the sword; the other wraps itself around his throat.) Akamatsu: Feh. Your reaction to protect your throat was very neat, but what will you do now? Both of your hands are completely caught. You can’t move! (He yanks on the chains, dashing Kenshin against the ground.) Akamatsu: If you compare speed, I come out worse. But if you compare us, I am the victor! Megumi: Someone’s after Ken-san? Kaoru: Yes! Maybe they’re the same ones who killed Sanosuke! Megumi: He’s not dead. Yet. But if it’s true we’d have no way to recognize them. We should be careful. Kaoru: Yes . . . but Kenshin isn’t here. Megumi: Even if Kenshin’s alone we don’t have to worry about him, unlike this peacefully sleeping idiot. (pounding on Sanosuke) All right, wake up. I want to go home. (Sanosuke groans.) Megumi: Well, we can’t go out looking for him in the dark. At least the officer the chief sent is here, so it’s safer than outside. Kaoru: That’s true . . . (Inside the dojo) Yahiko: I thought police carried sabres. You’ve got a Japanese sword. Saitou: Sabres are fragile and unreliable. I obtained special permission to carry this. Japanese swords are, after all, the best. (Outside . . .) Akamatsu: You dead yet? Six times should be enough. I promised to lay the truth on your grave. I and Saitou, just like Jin’eh, are hired killers from the politicians. I don’t know the reason why. Because of the Black Hat case, these guys found out where you were. They probably wanted us to keep you from telling anyone about what went on during the Bakumatsu. All the guys still living in the government have stuff buried in their pasts. Kenshin: Hmm . . . so Saitou Hajime is an assassin like Udou Jin’eh . . . If I remember correctly, Saitou enforced discipline in the Shinsengumi, and I heard he was the one who wielded the sword in many murders inside the company . . . hmm. Akamatsu (thinking): He took all six?! Kenshin: Even in the Meiji era, he’s still doing such foolish things . . . Akamatsu: You’ll die for sure smashed against this rock! (Kenshin twists in midair, standing on the rock with the chains crossed. He draws the sword with his teeth.) Akamatsu (thinking): Shit, in this position I can’t use both hands-- (He screams.) (Later, Kenshin walks home.) Kaoru (waiting in front of the door): Kenshin!! Kenshin: Miss Kaoru. Kaoru: We were worried. Oh! You’re hurt. Chain marks! (a long pause) You weren’t doing anything weird out there, were you? Kenshin: Wha? Kaoru: Anyway, someone’s after you. You’d better avoid going outside for a while. Kenshin: Miss Kaoru . . . where did you hear . . . Kaoru: The police. The chief sent someone to tell you. (leading him inside) He's an assisstant police inspector of the Metropolitan Police Office and a member of the sword-bearing police, Mr. Fujita Gorou. Saitou: It seems from your condition that Akamatsu gave you some trouble. You have indeed become weak. Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 52--The Wolf Bares his Fangs Saitou: The last time we fought must have been the battle of Tobafushimi. So, it has been about . . . ten years. Kaoru (thinking) Ten years . . . (aloud) Kenshin, you know Mr. Fujida? Kenshin: He’s changed his name to Fujita Gorou. He was the captain of the Shinsengumi third unit, Saitou Hajime. Kaoru: The Shinsengumi . . . Yahiko: Then you’re the one after Kenshin . . . Saitou: Ten years . . . it’s only two words. But to live it is a long time. Kenshin: . . . Yes . . . Enough time for a man to go bad. Udou Jin’eh was twisted from the beginning, but you weren’t. In the days of the Bakumatsu even though you were vicious, if you fought, it was by a fair and honorable challenge. Attacking an enemy’s friend to scare him, setting your dog on him and using that opening to take hostages--such cheap tricks would have been beneath you. You aren't the Saitou Hajime that I knew as a warrior. (Saitou begins to laugh.) Yahiko: Bastard! What’s so funny! Saitou: It is funny, boy. I can’t help laughing. I thought your sword had dulled, but I see your wits have dulled as well. Akamatsu my dog? What use could I have for a such a weakling? We, who fought Hitokiri Battousai the most often, knew his strength most deeply. But now Akamatsu gave you trouble. The vagabond who does not kill has made you weak. Kaoru: Kenshin . . . Yahiko: . . . weak? Kenshin: Saitou. It doesn’t matter to me what you think. If I only have the strength of the vagabond who protects others reflected in my eyes, it’s enough. I don’t need the strength of the murderous Hitokiri anymore. Saitou: The strength of a vagabond . . . then you're a failure even as a vagabond. While you were fighting a desperate battle with Akamatsu, I was here all along. And as I presented myself as a police officer, no one thought anything of it. (drawing his sword) In other words, if I wanted to, I could have killed them at any time. And it’s not just this time you failed. With Jin’eh, with Kanryuu. Always, those you said you would protect fell into your enemy’s hands. And in the end, because of the fool Raijuuta, one will be scarred for the rest of his life. Kaoru (thinking): The incident with Raijuuta didn’t have anything to do with the police! He’s been watching Kenshin all along-- Saitou: Having only a fragment of your strength is like having nothing at all. These words of a hypocrite make me sick. Yahiko: Back off! No one’s died since Kenshin was here! Saitou: But that may not last. (Kenshin is silent.) Kaoru (thinking): Kenshin . . . Saitou: I thought Battousai would understand this himself, and I set Akamatsu on him. But as you said, ten years is enough time for a man to go bad. This vagabond who does not kill is drowning in the complacency of so-called justice. Why would Hitokiri Battousai protect without killing? Have you forgotten? Kill. Evil. Instantly. That was the one truth we shared with the Hitokiri. I cannot stand to see any more of this. Kenshin: No matter what you say, I will not kill anymore. Saitou: Really. (falling into his stance) Come. I deny it all. (Kenshin remains where he is.) Saitou: What’s wrong. Do you want the Gatotsu to hit the girl as you look on? (Kenshin takes a step forward and is pulled back. Kaoru, head down, is hanging onto his sleeve.) Kenshin (gently removing her hand): Miss Kaoru. It’s all right. Whatever happens, he’s after me. I can’t prevent this fight. Kaoru: But . . . (thinking) I have the strangest feeling that Kenshin won't be here anymore . . . Saitou: Come. Kenshin: You’re the challenger. Saitou: Hmm. I see. (charging forward) Let’s go!! (He strikes the wall. Kenshin leaps above him, drawing his sword.) Yahiko: The Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuutsuisen! (thinking) Who’s weak? Kenshin’s the strongest after all! Saitou: You mean to avoid me, Battousai?! (He strikes upwards.) Kenshin (thinking): The Taikuu Gatotsu? Kaoru: Kenshin!! Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 53--A Call and Answer (Saitou’s upward thrust pins Kenshin to the ceiling.) Yahiko: Kenshin! Saitou: Twisting your waist so you at least avoided being impaled. A better response than I thought, but (twisting the blade free) your finish is weak! (Kenshin hits the floor.) Saitou: An avoided thrust can become an attack from the side in an instant. The Hiratsuki, as devised by the tactics genius Hijikata Toshizou, the second-in-command of the Shinsengumi, has no weak points. And my Gatotsu is even more so. Kaoru (thinking): That stance . . . he’s going to do it again . . . In real combat, it’s extremely rare to meet the same enemy twice. When it does happen, if there is one technique that can bring him down, all others become useless. To polish one's own specialized techniques until they become certain death. The Shinsengumi’s true strength isn’t fighting in groups, it’s here. (Saitou charges; Kenshin rushes forward to meet him.) Yahiko (thinking): The sword--a weapon breaker! Saitou (sending Kenshin flying back into the wall): You struggle in vain! It is nameless, but my beloved blade and these techniques have served me well in countless dangers from the time of the Bakumatsu until now. You won’t break them now. Yahiko (thinking): No good. He’s too strong . . . Kaoru: Kenshin! (she rushes over to him) Ken . . . (Kenshin’s eyes are cold and angry. She stops, surprised.) Saitou: Stand aside, little girl. (she whirls around to face him.) You’re in the way. (Kaoru refuses to move. Kenshin puts a hand on her shoulder.) Kenshin: Let’s go. Saitou (thinking): The response to the second attack, trying to break the sword, must have been faster than to the first one. He’s taken a deep wound to the chest and yet . . . Since he’s settled here he’s fought Zanza, the Oniwabanshuu, Shinomori Aoshi and Raijuuta all in a short time. He’s learned to accept victory by awakening the strength of the Hitokiri that sleeps inside him. It’s as I thought. When he picks up the sword, although he doesn’t know it --little by little he’s reverting to Hitokiri Battousai. (Kenshin charges.) He wasn’t this fast before. (Kenshin is a blur before him.) He disappeared! Below-- (He kicks out, knocking Kenshin back.) Saitou (thinking): Now . . . that exceeded my expectations by far. Kaoru (thinking): He’s breathing too hard. Could it be that his body couldn't keep up with that show of strength? It must have taken more than he thought-- (Slowly Kenshin brings his breathing under control, gazing fiercely at Saitou.) Kaoru (thinking): No. Saitou (thinking): By fighting an old enemy, has the sense of ten years ago been revived? Has he become Hitokiri Battousai once more? Or simply feeling sharp? (aloud) Only this will tell. The true from of the Gatotsu. No holding back. Yahiko: He’s . . . he’s been holding back up till now! (Saitou stabs forward. Kenshin sidesteps.) Saitou (thinking): Fast! But he’s completely forgotten about the side attack. Merely sharp after all-- (Kenshin whips his sword around in a backhanded blow to the base of Saitou’s skull. Saitou is driven through the dojo wall.) Yahiko: Amazing. Avoiding the blow and turning at the same time. A blow to the back full of centrifugal force! Kenshin: After being shown the Gatotsu four times in succession, even a fool would think of one or two counterattacks. Get up, Saitou. It would be disappointing to end our battle like this after ten years. Saitou (climbing to his feet): I was only trying to test your strength. But my plans have changed. I’ll kill you now. Kenshin: You must be dreaming. I should be the one to say that. (Kaoru falls to her knees.) Kaoru (thinking): It’s the same . . . it’s exactly the same as with Jin’eh . . . (aloud) Stop them . . . somebody stop them . . . (thinking) If this goes on, "Kenshin" won't be here anymore! Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 54--The One to Stop Them Kaoru: Somebody stop them--!! (They exchange blows. The tip of Saitou’s sword is shorn off.) Battousai: Next time it will be your head that flies. Yahiko: Wow . . . Kenshin’s much sharper today. Kaoru: No! That’s not Kenshin! That’s Hitokiri Battousai! It’s Battousai! Stop them! Somebody stop them-- Sanosuke (walking in, leaning on Megumi): It’s no good, girl. They’re not in Meiji Tokyo any more. They’re fighting in Kyoto of the Bakumatsu. No matter how much you call, your voice can’t reach them. Only someone who survived the violence of the Bakumatsu and tasted the shaking of Kyoto could stop this fight-- (A carriage races through the streets, knocking Tsubame back.) Tae: Tsubame, are you all right? Tsubame: Ye--yes. Tae: Such a big carriages shouldn’t ride through town like that. I don’t know who this rich man is, but he must be in a hurry. Inside the carriage: Kawaji. How long has Saitou been at the Kamiya dojo? Kawaji: About . . . four and a half hours. Man: Hmm . . . maybe we’re too late. Tell the coachman to hurry. We should be there in ten minutes. (At the dojo) Saitou: You bastard, I’ll use the Gatotsu even with a broken sword! Battousai: I see the Shinsengumi still don’t know how to retreat. Saitou: The first principle of the Shinsengumi is that it is unworthy to deviate from the warrior’s path. A warrior does not know how to flee before the enemy!! (Battousai knocks Saitou’s sword out of his hand with his left fist.) Megumi: With his bare hand! Sanosuke: To make an opening for the sword. Battousai: So the Shinsengumi choose honor over life . . . That’s all right with me. Sanosuke (thinking): That’s the match. He can’t keep off Kenshin’s sword bare-handed-- (Saitou hits Battousai’s hand with his belt; the reverse blade goes flying.) Megumi: The belt from his uniform?! Yahiko: When did he-- Saitou: I have you! (pummeling him) Megumi: Ken-san! Sanosuke: He’s in trouble now! Without his sword Kenshin doesn’t have a chance-- Saitou: With this-- (he whips off his jacket and pulls it taut around Battousai’s throat, lifting him off the ground)--it’s over! Yahiko: He’s trying to strangle him! Sanosuke: Nothing so simple. He wants to break his neck . . . Saitou: Give up! You can’t fight me anymore! (Battousai pushes down on the iron sheath at his belt, which catches Saitou under the chin. They separate and square off once again, both bloody and breathing hard.) Sanosuke: Neither of them have any strength to spare. This next attack will be the last. It’ll be life or death, or else they’ll both kill each other. Kaoru (thinking): Ken . . . shin . . . Saitou: It’s time we finished this. Battousai: Yes. Yahiko: Kaoru! (She runs forward to catch him..) Kaoru (thinking): Kenshin! (her hand slides through empty air) Ken . . . (They charge, roaring.) Kaoru: NO!!!!!! Kawaji (at the door): Stop! (They freeze almost in mid-air.) Kawaji: Come to your senses, Saitou! Your mission was only to test Battousai’s abilities! Saitou: It isn’t your place to interfere. Okubo (entering behind him): I knew about your honor as one of the Shinsengumi, but I don’t want you or Himura to die a pointless death here. Battousai: So you’re the one pulling Saitou’s strings. Originally one of the Ishin Shishi from Satsuma, the director of the Department of Internal Affairs, Okubo Toshimichi. Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 55--the Request of Okubo Toshimichi Battousai: Once of the Satsuma Ishin Shishi, now Director of Internal Affairs under the Meiji government, Okubo Toshimichi. Yahiko: And so what?! Who is this bearded guy that just showed up out of nowhere!? Sanosuke: You don't read the papers. Obviously a mere child wouldn't know. Megumi: The last of the Ishin Sanketsu*, the triumvirate of the new era, the highest achievers of the new age. He has complete control of the country in all but name with the position of Director of Internal Affairs. In other words . . . the most powerful man in Meiji Japan. *The other two, Saigou Takamori and Katsuru Kogourou, had already died by 1878. Okubo: I apologize for the rough treatment, but we needed to know how strong you were. You'll hear what I have to say? Battousai: . . . Yes. Even if I have to force it out of you. Akamatsu (from outside): What . . . this is big. Why would an important person like Okubo be involved in this . . . this is far beyond the Battousai issue . . . I gotta tell Mr. Shibumi. Saitou (noticing Akamatsu' presence): Feh . . . (picking up his jacket) It's been a long time since I had to work this hard, and all of a sudden he spoiled all my fun. The conclusion will have to be postponed. Battousai: You escaped by a hair’s breath. Saitou (with a faint smile): That was you. Kawaji (stopping him at the door): Saitou! Saitou: Mission report! Himura Kenshin is of no use to us. But Himura Battousai seems to be all right--report ends. (He leaves.) Kawaji: Damn him. He’s the best spy the our Information Agency has ever had, but no one knows how the Miburo thinks! Okubo: Come, there’s a carriage waiting outside. Battousai: You must be dreaming. I’m not the only one wrapped up in this-- Sanosuke: Kenshin? (A pause. Then Kenshin punches himself in the face.) Kenshin: I am not the only one involved in this. All of us will hear what you have to say. Kaoru: Oh-- (she hugs him) I’m so glad! You’re Kenshin again!! Kenshin: Oro---- (Kaoru has managed to put her hand right on the cut.) Kaoru: Augh!! Megumi, quick!!! Megumi: What have you done, you fool! Kawaji: Governor Okubo? Okubo: Do as he says. Now there is nothing we need more than Himura’s strength . . . (A short time later. Everyone is seated on cushions in a semicircle before Okubo.) Okubo: I’ll come straight to the point, with no beating around the bush. Shishio is plotting in Kyoto. Sanosuke: That’s not straight to the point at all, Mr. Okubo. Who’s this Shishio? Kawaji: Watch your mouth! Kenshin: Shishio Makoto. It was after I had been given the role of guerrilla swordsman to fight the Shinsengumi and been moved from the underground to the surface. The role of "Shadow Hitokiri" was passed on to another member of the Ishin Shishi from Choushuu, Shishio Makoto. The successor of Hitokiri Battousai. Everyone: Hitokiri Battousai’s . . . successor? Kenshin: Yes . . . he hid himself so perfectly in the shadows that few knew he even existed. Even I, his predecessor, never saw him face to face. But what about him? I heard that he died ten years ago in the Boshin war. (Okubo says nothing.) Kenshin: I see . . . So he didn’t die in the war. He was eliminated by his comrades. It would be judged safer to erase the doer of dirty deeds, rather than let them leak to the outside world. In those wild times it wasn’t that unusual. Okubo: There was no other way. Shishio Makoto’s skill with the sword and quick wits made him a man of action almost on a level with you, but he had a dangerous cunning and a longing for power almost beyond comprehension. He accepted his role as a killer in the shadows only to prove his strength to the leaders of the Ishin Shishi, never thinking of the weak or of his comrades as you did. Among his assassinations are some that must never come to light . . . The very foundations of the Meiji government would be shaken. If we had entered the new age with Shishio alive, he could have used this weakness to play with Japan in the palm of his hand. Kenshin: So he was killed in the violence of the Boshin war? Okubo: He was certainly killed. Oil was even poured over his corpse and it was burned. But while his entire body is covered with burns, Shishio Makoto is alive. Now he has formed a great army by gathering fighters who love flesh and blood, and arms merchants who hate the peace, making his headquarters in the underworld of Kyoto. He is planning a war of revenge against this country, splitting it in two, with these past murders as his secret weapon. All the troops we’ve sent in to suppress him have been destroyed . . . now you're our last hope. For the sake of the people of Japan, Himura, please go once again to Kyoto. Kaoru: So, in other words, you're asking Kenshin to assassinate Shishio Makoto. (A silence.) Okubo: . . . That’s right. Kawaji: Of course that’s not all. He’ll be amply rewarded. And on top of that we'll close our eyes to certain transgressions. For example, the acquittal of Takani Megumi on charges of opium smuggling-- (Megumi slams her hand down on the floor; everyone turns to look at her.) Megumi: Stop joking. If you’re using my dealings with opium as a hold on Ken-san, then I’d rather be executed. Sanosuke: It was your dirty work that started this whole mess. And now you want Kenshin to cover your ass? Wouldn't that be convenient. Kenshin has chosen to live as a vagabond who doesn’t kill. And I'm not going to stand by and watch you drag him into this stinking mess. Kawaji: Stay out of this, you ignorant boy! The very existence of the Meiji government is in danger! Sanosuke: Better that a dirty government should die. It wouldn't be good to disturb the ordinary people with all this, but-- Kawaji: Without the prosperity of the Meiji the people wouldn’t have peace, fool! (If you don’t shut up I’ll have you arrested!) Sanosuke: That’s what you’d like to think! (Try it, baldy!) Yahiko: Obviously a mere child like me can't understand all these government matters, but at least I know that you could have Kenshin assassinated as easily as Shishio. Both now and long ago, you had people assassinated or eliminated whenever it was convenient. You guys are pretty strange. Kaoru: Governor Okubo, I understand that you need Hitokiri Battousai now. But Kenshin isn’t the Hitokiri anymore. We will not let Kenshin go to Kyoto. Kawaji: Fools! Have you no idea how important-- Okubo: Enough, Kawaji. Kawaji: Governor Okubo! Okubo (to Kenshin): This matter is too important for you to answer now. Take a week to think. I'll come back on May 14, one week from today, to hear your answer. (he turns to leave) Kenshin: Mr. Okubo. You look much wearier than you did ten years ago. Okubo: It’s far more difficult to build a new era than to destroy the old one. That's why. I’ll expect a good answer. (At Shibumi’s house) Shibumi: Okubo Toshimichi!! Akamatsu: Yeah!! What're we going to do, boss? Shibumi: I see . . . so Saitou is Okubo’s dog. If I could get Saitou to tell me Okubo's weak point by bribing him, I could dream of being the next Director! Akamatsu: You’re crazy! I’m not going to cross that point of no return. I’m running to Shanghai where it's safe. Saitou (appearing behind him): There is somewhere you can run that's even safer than Shanghai. That place called hell. (His sword tears the head from his shoulders.) Shibumi, you made one mistake. You Ishin Shishi think that you were the only ones who built the Meiji era, but we on the Bakufu side also wagered our lives, even as the losers. The reason I obey the government as a secret agent is to dispose of the ticks that feed on it, as my duty as a surviving member of the Shinsengumi. Be he Okubo or anyone else, if one who drowns in his own desires harms this country, "Kill Evil Instantly"--I'll cut him down. Shibumi: Wa . . . wait!! If you want money, I'll-- Saitou: You tame a dog with food. You tame a man with money. But there is nothing that can tame a Miburo. (Another corpse; a sword running with blood.) Saitou: After all, a wolf is a wolf. Shinsengumi is Shinsengumi. And a Hitokiri is a Hitokiri. Isn’t he, Battousai . . . the Makings of the Characters--Saitou Hajime (Fujita Gorou) There was no model; Saitou Hajime was a real person. But unlike Sagara Souzou and Yamagata Aritomo, he has a deep influence on the story, so I adapted him quite a bit. I adapted him so much that I received letters in protest from fans of the Shinsengumi. (I’ve received protest letters before but Saitou's gotten the most so far.) Saitou justs seems to get more and more popular, though, so I’m really happy. The character Saitou is still part of the story, so I’ll keep quiet about the historical facts and the details about the plot, but I like the way he’s drawn as an aloof "dirty hero" who carries out his ideal of "Kill. Evil. Instantly;" he's never a simple good guy and always antagonistic to Kenshin and the others. Other than the above I had no real design. Since he was introduced in the beginning as a bad guy, I gave him a villain’s face, but I got protest letters about this too. It seems the fans of the Shinsengumi think of him as a gentle, handsome man, even though there isn’t a single photograph left of him, so . . . (There is a portrait, though. It’s there, but those who want to think of Saitou as handsome probably shouldn’t look at it.) I also got letters saying, "What’s Saitou doing selling the Hijikata family’s Ishida Sanyaku?!" To put it simply, that was just a joke. And to those who protested that Akamatsu was nothing more than a bad joke, I am very repentant. But getting so many letters about such little things actually makes me very sad. I’m a manga artist and only human. Shinsengumi fans, Can’t you read this manga a little more forgivingly . . . *The Gatotsu isn’t a real technique. Saitou Hajime’s special technique was the left-handed one-sword stab, but I changed it around for a boy’s magazine to be the Gatotsu. But the Shinsengumi’s specialty, the Hiratsuki, is real. Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 56--May 14, 1878--Morning One week from now . . . I'll come back to hear your answer. (Kaoru tears a page off the calendar, revealing May 14. Kenshin is scrubbing busily at the well .) Kaoru (thinking): It’s been a week . . . the day he has to give an answer has come, but Kenshin’s just acting like normal. Kenshin (holding up a cloth): There. Pure white! (Sanosuke kicks him into the well.) Kenshin: .......!! (I thought I was going to die . . . ) Sanosuke: This is no time to do laundry. What about your answer? I can't believe you would, but you're not going to accept, are you? Leave this alone. You can’t trust the man in charge of the government that only works for its own selfish gain. Kenshin (clambering out): Sano, you’re just prejudiced against the Meiji government. Sanosuke (pushing him back down): Yeah? That’s bad? (I’m from the Sekihoutai.) Kenshin: No . . . . (climbing out) If Governor Okubo worked only for his own profit like the other low-level Ishin Shishi, Saitou probably would have already cut him down. Yahiko: That rotten cop? That government dog? Kenshin: No . . . before he fought me, he spoke of justice. Kill. Evil. Instantly. That was the one truth we shared with the Hitokiri. Kenshin: One whose heart and mind had been reduced to that of a dog could not speak such words. He is still the Wolf of Mibu . . . From a darkness that will never see the sun, the fangs of "Kill Evil Instantly" stab-- (darkly) That’s why he’s not someone you can get along with. Yahiko: Yeah! Sanosuke: You said it. Kaoru: I hate him! (Four huge sneezes rock the soba house.) Waitress: Yuck, that’s dirty, Mr. Fujida. Saitou: Excuse me. (Four sneezes . . .) It seems I am hated. Well, it is natural for one of the Shinsengumi to be hated in these times. (he glances at a calendar) Well, what's it going to be, Battousai? (Kenshin stands up, adjusting his sword.) Kenshin (banging Yahiko cheerfully with a basket of laundry): Hang these up, Yahiko. I'm going to Governor Okubo now. Kaoru: Why? He’s coming here. Kenshin: But Governor Okubo is a very busy man. It’ll be quicker if I go to him. Megumi (hurrying up): Oh, you’re here, you’re here. Good morning, Ken-san. Sanosuke: What’s the vixen doing up so early? Megumi: How dare you speak like that to the one who saved your life? Sanosuke: I saved yours too. Megumi: That's different for men and women. Kaoru: What on earth is it? Megumi: Today’s the day of the reply. I brought something useful for this day. Kenshin: Oro. A COLLAR Megumi: Special Technique "Ken-san Capture"! (whispering to Kaoru) Now he definitely can't go to Kyoto, and if necessary I brought some sleeping powder-- Kaoru: Go home!!! Yahiko: Hey, now you’re the dog, Kenshin. C'mon, shake. (Sanosuke: Women . . .) Kenshin (removing the collar): Anyway, I'm leaving. Kaoru: But do you know where Okubo’s mansion is? Kenshin: No, I heard he’s going to the Cabinet in Akasaka. If I go to Kioizaka I can probably meet up with him. Kaoru: Well, then we’ll go with you-- Kenshin (smiling): No . . . things could get complicated, so it’s better if I go alone. (They watch him walk out the gate.) Yahiko: It’s all right. Kenshin wouldn’t go off to Kyoto and leave you. Sanosuke: Yeah . . . Kenshin wouldn’t have any part of an assassination in this day and age. Megumi: I won’t let him go, even if I have to use force to stop him. Kaoru (thinking): But . . . if Governor Okubo’s story is true, then Kenshin can’t leave Shishio Makoto alone if he’s going to cause another war. Then Hitokiri Battousai will have to kill Shishio Makoto. Kenshin . . . . Kioisaka--This hill’s name comes from the neighboring Houses of Kishuu, Bishuu and Ii. It originated with the wall built around the daimyos’ mansions, and both long ago and today is one of the best districts in Tokyo. Okubo Toshimichi, the most powerful man in the Meiji government, was traveling along this road by coach on the morning of May 14, 1880. Unknowingly awaiting his destiny. (Inside the coach) Okubo (thinking): Today’s meeting will be long. And there’s still work to be done at the department . . . I'll meet with Himura this evening. (Lightning-fast footsteps chase after the coach) Okubo: He’ll probably do it. No . . . he has to. If Himura doesn’t act, (the footsteps gain on him) Okubo: The country will be destroyed. (A young man opens the door of the moving coach. His name is Soujirou; he is well dressed and has a pleasant face.) Soujirou: The dead don’t need to worry about the future of the country. (He smiles, clamping a hand over Okubo’s mouth.) Soujirou: I have a message from Mr. Shishio. "It was a good idea to send Himura Battousai to assassinate me, but in the end it will only be struggling in vain. This country will be mine." (He draws a short blade. Outside, a group of armed men stop the carriage.) Shimada: I am the samurai Shimada Ichirou of the Ishikawa province! Chou: Chou Tsurahide of the same! Okubo you scoundrel, prepare yourself! (A scream) Shimada: All right, the coachmen is no more!! Come on! (They open the carriage. Okubo’s corpse falls out.) Samurai: He . . . he’s dead . . . Someone got here before us . . . What happened . . . what are we going to do? We already sent the death-threats to the government and the newspapers . . . Shinada: No matter what, we brought Okubo down. Chou: Shimada . . . ? Shimada (hacking at the corpse): There were no witnesses! We killed Okubo!! May 14, 1880--The Incident at Kioisaka. Japanese history states that the most powerful man in the Meiji government was assassinated in broad daylight. The assassins were seven discontented Ishikawa samurai. And so, the existence of Shishio’s faction, who took advantage of the prior notice of the assassination attempt, was never revealed. (A crowd gathers as the police deal with the aftermath. Kenshin is among them.) Soujirou (appearing behind Kenshin): If you don’t to die too, for your own sake, don’t defy Mr. Shishio. (Kenshin whirls around; there is no one there.) Kenshin (thinking): Shisho Makoto . . . the Making of the Characters--Okubo Toshimichi As it says in the story, he was a real person, one of the Ishin Sanketsu. Like the other real characters, I drew my own image of him. Okubo is famous as being a close friend of Saigou, but possibly because of the Japanese fondness for Saigou, Okubo is thought to be an evil man, sly and deceitful, which I think is too bad. It's true that Okubo was the one who made the plots of the Bakumatsu, but after the Restoration, he was above all an honest man, in national affairs unswayed by not only his own self-interest and greed, but his feelings as well (which is how he would sentence his close friend Saigou to death). My image of him is an ideal politician. After the assassination at Kioizaka, his estate was appraised, and all of Japan was eager to see how great the fortune of the most powerful man in the Meiji governement was. But he had only five hundred yen (now, about twenty million yen, or two hundred thousand dollars) and he was six thousand yen in debt (240 million yen, or $2,400,000). Moreover, this debt was incurred to cover the government's lack of money... Since then, it's been natural for politicians much lower than Okubo with connections to the zaibatsu to have a fortune, and it's unlikely to see any other politician who so completely threw away his own interest. After death, he was hated by the people of his birthplace as the man who killed Saigou and refused to allow his remains to be taken home. He was not taken back until very recently, in the Heisei era. The man who wagered all and threw all away for his dream of hundreds of years of Japanese prosperity was not allowed to return home even after hundreds of years had passed. I think Okubo Toshimichi could be more loved by the people. I thought originally that I would do the design from a photograph of his portrait, but I couldn't find it, so I used a photo of his statue. So he really doesn’t look like this at all. Oh well . . . Looking over it I realized he kind of looks like President Lincoln (whom I also like) so I think it turned out all right. Back to Home Back to Volume Seven To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Seven--May 14, 1878 Part 57--May 14, 1878--Evening Newsmen (scattering papers): Extra! Extra! Governor Okubo assassinated! Extra! The news of Okubo’s assassination, "the Incident at Kioisaka," shocked all of Tokyo. (Inside Metropolitan Police Headquarters) Kawaji (pounding the table): This is Shishio’s work!! He must have men all over Japan if he used the news to commit this crime! Without ever betraying their existence, they’ll sap the strength of the Meiji government, piece by piece, until the day when they rise up . . . (He bows his head, tears leaking from his eyes. Another man comes through the office door.) Kawaji: Mr. Yamayoshi, governor of Fukushima prefecture. The last man to speak with Governor Okubo. Yamayoshi: I came to Okubo's esate to pay my respects early this morning before returning home to my prefecture. But I never imagined it would have been like this . . . (Flashback to that morning. Okubo and Yamayoshi are seated on either sides of a desk.) Okubo: Ten years of the new era have passed. When you look at what’s been accomplished, it’s shameful tha there have been so few real results. From now on, however. We’ll need thirty years to strengthen the country. These past ten years were be the period of construction. The next, a period of growth. This will be the most important time for the government to organize and perfect the domestic administration. While I’m unworthy, I must accomplish the goals of these ten years at all costs. The third period, protection, will be in the hands of my successor. Then, the switch to a democratic form of government with an assembly open to everyone. Japan will be reborn as a nation-state. Then the Restoration will be complete. Saitou: A nation-state . . . A nation where the people will decide their own fate, instead of, as now and as in Edo times, having it decided for them by their superiors? A fantastic ideal. Kawaji: But an ideal he believed in . . . If Governor Okubo had lived . . . Yamayoshi: One thing worries me . . . Why the normally taciturn governor was so forthcoming this morning. I don’t think he had any warning of his own death, but perhaps today something important was to happen that would change the future of Japan . . . (Later, Kenshin and Saitou are walking out.) Kenshin: Mr. Kawaji seemed very upset. Saitou: He was picked for his position by Okubo for his talent. But it isn’t just his tragedy. We’ve lost the last of the Ishin Sanketsu, a great leader. There aren’t any skillful men left in the world of government. From now on, Japan will begin to wander off course . . . And Shishio won't let this opportunity go to waste-- Newsmen: Extra! Extra! Governor Okubo assassinated! (Kenshin leans over the bridge railing, watching the newspapers drift through the air.) Kenshin (thinking): So those times have begun again . . . (It’s grown dark. A boy rushes up to the dojo.) Megumi: Why is it only nights like tonight I have to do emergency surgeries?! Boy: Please hurry!! Sanosuke: Can't let the boy and the vixen walk alone at night. I'll take them as far as the stop. Megumi: How dare you talk like that. Kaoru: All right. Take care. (She watches them go.) Kaoru (thinking): Kenshin . . . He’s late. (Kenshin steps out of the darkness behind her.) Kaoru: Kenshin! (Her smiles fades as she sees his expression.) Kenshin: Where’s Yahiko? Kaoru: Oh . . . well, he got tired waiting up for you and fell asleep. (He’s only a child, he couldn’t stay up all night.) Kenshin: I see. Kaoru: Kenshin? Kenshin: Governor Okubo was killed this morning. Kaoru: Yes . . . I saw the papers. Kenshin: The real killer was one of Shishio’s followers. I cannot leave Shishio alone after this. I’m going to Kyoto. (A silence. The wind blows leaves around them.) Kaoru: To . . . assassinate Shishio Makoto? Kenshin: No . . . but I’m not sure. If I had remained as I am now, when I first heard that I was needed to confront Shishio, I would have fought until I defeated him. But if, as in the fight with Saitou, I have already returned to Battousai . . . In my days here, while my heart was at ease, I felt like I had changed from the Hitokiri to an ordinary swordsman . . . But the fight with Saitou forced me to realize it. My innermost heart has not changed The madness of the Hitokiri still lives inside. Kaoru (clapping her hands on his shoulders): But you came back! No matter how close you were to Battousai, you were still Kenshin! The time with Saitou and the time with Jin’eh were the same! So it’s all right. Kenshin: No . . . With Jin’eh, I became Battousai to save you, and your voice brought me back. But with Saitou, I became Battousai only for the sake of the fight. And so your voice couldn’t even reach me. The difference is crucial. Those times have begun again. Kenshin: When I first met you . . . even though you knew I was Hitokiri Battousai, you kept me from leaving. "I don’t care about a person’s past," you said. I was very happy. Kaoru: You . . . If I stay here any along, Miss Kaoru and the others will be in danger. Whenever I become Battousai. Kenshin: But to the government and to Shishio’s faction, to all the people who bear a grudge against Hitokiri Battousai, Battousai is all that I am. I cannot allow myself to remain here. (He embraces her, suddenly.) Kenshin: Thank you for everything you’ve done . . . and farewell. I am a vagabond. I will wander once again. (He lets her go. Tears form in her eyes; she falls to her knees.) Kaoru: Ken . . . shin. May 14, Meiji 11. Kaoru: Kenshin!! On that day Himura Kenshin became a vagabond once again. Into the pitch-black darkness, he disappeared alone-- May 14, Meiji 11--End Back to Home Back to Volume Seven