Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword from the front flap-- Watsuki: Picture it in katakana: "Virtual Meiji!" It would be a cool title for a 3D fighting game! Hiko (reading a magazine) The column's pretty negative. Well, nothing wrong with that. VIRTUAL MEIJI If you put it in kanji, it's "imaginary Meiji." I was just casually reading a magazine standing up in a bookstore when I found a review of Ruroken in a column. I was impressed, they were speaking pretty highly of it. And it cleared up one confusion I had. It's not a knowledgable historical manga about the Meiji period, but it's fun with a little of the feel of the real Meiji. Yup, that's Rurouni Kenshin. Part 76--the Ten Swords Act (Misao sits at a table holding a fan; beside her is a sign reading "The Story Thus Far: Presented by Makimachi Misao.) Misao: Himura Kenshin, you in your search for a new reverse blade went to the son of the swordsmith Arai Shakkuu, Seikuu. But Seikuu, out of respect for this era of peace, no longer makes swords. Kenshin, you said you could not bear to force Seikuu to make one. (snapping the fan closed) Pitifully, the search for a reverse blade must start anew. (pointing an accusing finger) You're so nice! You're just too nice!! Kenshin: Oro? Misao: You could see it in his eyes, in every word he said--that guy was a wuss. If you'd just leaned on him a little he would have done anything for you. Kenshin: No. (smiling) I have no right to force myself into Mr. Seikuu's peaceful life. Misao: God that's nice. Okina (entering the room): Even if he forced him to make it, he could not rule the swordsmith's spirit; it would be poor work. If he faced Shishio with a sword like the one broken by Seta Soujirou, Himura's death would be certain. It would be completely useless if it only had the form of a reverse blade. The new reverse blade must surpass the old one! (shrugging helplessly) I raised you myself, and you don't even understand that? Misao (attacking): What's that supposed to mean?! At least he'd had something to fight with! Okina: Well, there's swordsmiths in Kyoto for that. (Kenshin looks at his hand, remembering Iori saying "Anfake! Anfake!") Kenshin (thinking): This is best. If Seikuu had agreed to make my reverse blade, Shishio's men would have eliminated him. I don't want this family living in the Meiji peace to be involved in this struggle. Nor the people here. No matter how much they learned in the Oniwabanshuu, they couldn't settle a fight with Shishio's men without someone being hurt. There's one more person left to find. After that, I'll go. Misao (hitting him with a flying kick): People are worrying about you and you're lost in your own little world!! Kenshin: O-- (Misao's kick knocks him through the wall, over the balcony and down to the street below.) Misao: Uh-oh. Himura!! Kenshin: --ro . . . . (Shishio and Yumi walk through the gates leading to his headquarters.) Yumi: Here we are in the Flower of Kyoto, and we have to live in a cellar. Shishio: This place was built for us. Yumi: But-- Shishio: It will only be for two or three more months. Be patient. (They enter. The main hallway is lined with rows of masked soldiers at attention.) Houji: Welcome back, Lord Shishio. Shishio: This is quite a welcome, Houji. Did you take care of the job I left to you? Houji: Yes, sir. The firearms have been purchased as planned. Where is Soujirou? Shishio: He's in the east gathering the Ten Swords. Those like Anji may be hard to find. I've sent word to those in the west personally. Houji: You mean-- Shishio: Yes. After the Ten Swords have been assembled, our conquest of the country begins. (The soldiers break into cheers, chanting "Lord Shishio! Lord Shishio!") Houji: Did you hear, comrades! The time to rise up together has come! Do not neglect your own preparations! (Amid cheers, Shishio, Yumi and Houji leave the hall.) Shishio: "Did you hear, comrades"? You've been leading drills a little too long, Houji. Houji: It suits the organization's aide-de-camp. Well, I'll send the word to everyone throughout the country-- Shishio: Wait, there's more. It will take time for the Ten Swords to be assembled. We've been lying in wait for so long that they're probably hungry for blood. Instead of a celebration for our upcoming coup, we'll make a blood offering of the enemy's secret weapon, Himura Battousai. Houji: I see . . . So that's why you ordered me to keep track of Battousai's movements in your letter. Speaking personally, I'm against it! The Ten Swords are the most important of our strike forces, who bear the responsibility of assassinating key figures in the government. It's ludicrous to ask them to trifle with trash like Battousai! Yumi: Oh, now look. You've made Houji mad. Shishio: Feh. Yumi: I was surprised at first too, but it will be fine. The Ten Swords aren't that weak. Chou: Yumi's right. Ten Swords can't lose to one Battousai. (Chou is tall; his hair is swept straight up; he carries two swords and has two more strapped across his back.) Shishio: That was quick, Chou. Chou: I am from Osaka. And I thought since I'm the first to arrive, I'd get a chance to show off my beloved blades. Shishio: What's your hurry? Wait until two or three of you are here. Houji, what's Battousai's position? Houji: We still haven't found his place of residence. But yesterday he made contact with the son of swordsmith Arai Shakkuu, Seikuu. Shishio: To replace the reverse blade Soujirou broke. Well? Houji: Seikuu refused to make him a sword. It seems he has Shakkuu's final work, but he didn't offer that to him either. Chou: The final work of the famous Bakumatsu swordsmith Arai Shakkuu . . . (walking away) I didn't know that. Hmm. Shishio: This is important. Don't make any trouble. Chou: Who me? Yumi: His eyes always light up when someone mentions swords. Well, I'm all dirty from the journey. I'll be waiting in the bedroom, so come soon. (She leaves as well.) Houji: Lord Shishio, I am still opposed. Even if he is weaker now, Himura Battousai is still the legendary Hitokiri. If in fighting the Ten Swords he should regain the strength of his glory days, it could mean disaster for our plans . . . Shishio: So what if he does? I was particularly looking forward to killing the reawakened Battousai. But with Soujirou and Usui among the Ten Swords, the chance of that happening is virtually nil. Whoever kills him, I will be well pleased. (He breaks into laughter.) Houji (thinking): He is as inscrutable as ever . . . (Outside the Arai house, Iori is playing with a top.) Iori (pointing): Broom! Broom! Chou: You're funny, kid. Where's your dad? Seikuu (coming out): Oh, welcome, sir. Were you looking for something? Chou: Shakkuu's last work. You got that? (In the street, Misao and an interested crowd gather around Kenshin.) Misao: Himura! Please don't die! Himura! Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 5 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 77--The Curtain Rises on a Brush with Death Okina: Are you all right, Himura? Kenshin: I think so. Okina (pushing Misao's head down in a bow): See what happens when you fool around like that. Kenshin: Oh no, I was being careless. Okina: In any case, you're going to give up on having Seikuu make the sword for him! Kenshin: Exactly. Misao: But-- Okina: That's enough out of you! (Meanwhile) Seikuu: My father's . . . last work? Chou: That's what they tell me. The last work of the swordsmith Arai Shakkuu. Mind if I have a look? Seikuu (thinking): Where did he . . . (Chou stares him down.) Seikuu (after a long pause): I . . . I don't know. The whereabouts of my father's last sword are unknown. It wasn't entrusted to me. (Azusa comes around the house upon the scene.) Chou: Hmm. Guess it was my mistake. Sorry about this. (flipping one of his swords around) You see, I love swords. I just love 'em. I'm a swordsman; I get to try out all different kinds, all different styles. (He hooks Iori's shirt with the sheathed sword and lifts him up.) Seikuu: What are you-- Chou: Watch this. (He sends Iori and the sword's sheath flying straight up in the air, holding the sword directly beneath them.) Seikuu: Iori!! (Chou neatly catches the sheath on the sword. Iori starts to cry.) Chou: You're in the presence of a swordsman who can do the Sakasa-chuukuu Noutou.(1) Not bad, huh? But I'm really shocked you don't know where Shakkuu's last work is. Of all my swords, Shakkuu's is my favorite. Oh--now this isn't good. I'm so shocked, I'd probably miss if I tried this again. Seikuu (running forward): Iori! (Chou hits him with the other sword.) Azusa: Dear! Chou: I've never shown anyone this move twice in a row. Sit back and enjoy. Azusa: Please, wait! Seikuu: Azusa! Azusa: His father's sword isn't here! It's already been dedicated to the Hakusan shrine as a holy sword! Chou: I thought so. You knew where it was, but you said you didn't. You two are bad people. You're such bad people I'm going to have to go off and pray. (He turns away, dangling Iori from the sword) Until you can tell the difference between a lie and the truth, I'm going to hang on to the kid. Oh, it's probably not a good idea to call the police. I'm not scared of 'em, but Lord Shishio says they can get pretty rough. I don't really need to tell you what's gonna happen if you talk. (He leaves. Misao is walking up to the house.) Misao: No matter what Himura and Gramps say, he'd better hurry and get that sword. If we just lean on him a little-- Seikuu: Why did you tell him? (Misao stops to listen.) Seikuu: That last work was made to be a holy sword. It's never been drawn from its sheath. It alone of my father's swords has never been tainted with blood. If it is, my father won't be a true swordsmith, but a man who made tools for murderers . . . Azusa: But if I hadn't what would have happened to Iori? Your father's name is important, but Iori's life is more . . . Seikuu: You fool. You didn't see his eyes. Those weren't the eyes of someone who loved swords! They were the eyes of someone who loved to kill with them! If he finds my father's sword he'll test it out on whatever he has at hand. . . Azusa: Iori . . . Seikuu (head in hands): Damn it . . . I gave up making swords, and this still happens . . . (Misao rushes in.) Azusa: You were here the whole . . . Misao: Tell me everything that happened. It's all right, just hurry! (A little later, Misao runs to a teashop.) Misao: Aunt Oshige! Oshige: Oh, Misao, you're back in Kyoto? Misao: I have urgent news for Gramps! Use the First Ru! (Kenshin and Okina are sitting upstairs beside the broken window, when a pigeon with a note tied to its leg swoops out of nowhere and pecks Kenshin on the forehead.) Kenshin: Oro!! Okina: Oh, it's the First Ru from Shige. Kenshin: Oro? Okina: An essential way of conveying information for the Oniwabanshuu. The districts of Kyoto are given one to three characters from the iroha(2) and matched with one of 141 carrier pigeons. We can send messages literally with the speed of a bird in flight. (unfolding the letter) Oh, it's from Misao. She went out but-- (He pauses, then slowly folds the letter.) Seikuu's son was taken hostage by one of Shishio's men. (Kenshin snatches the note out of his hand and runs out.) Okina: Wait, Himura! You can't use a broken sword! Even if you go, you won't be able to fight! You'll just get killed! Himura!! (Meanwhile, Chou climbs the steps to the shrine.) Chou: That took a while. I can't stand the way Kyoto's laid out. Well now, Shakkuu's last work. I wonder what kind of killer sword it will be-- (Kenshin is waiting for him in the courtyard.) Iori (recognizing Kenshin): Gojaru!!(3) Chou: You're not here to visit the shrine. Who are you? (In answer, Kenshin tears the bandage away from his cheek.) Chou: That cross-shaped scar . . . Kenshin: Release the child. (Chou smiles.) Notes: (1) Sakasa-chuukuu Noutou--Reverse Mid-air Sword-sheathing (2) "I ro ha" is the beginning of a Japanese poem that uses each hiragana symbol exactly once. It's used sometimes to put things in a kind of alphabetical order. (3) As you may know, Kenshin tends to end his sentences with "de gozaru," a polite expression. Iori picked up on this and nicknamed him "Gojaru." Naturally, this was impossible to translate. For a long time I had this down as Himra, meant to be a corruption of Himura (Iori never heards anyone call him Kenshin) and I briefly had Carrot (meant to refer to Kenshin's red hair, and someone pointed out it could also be a reference to the carrot Kenshin produces to test the knift, which I thought was pretty clever until I realized it was actually a daikon). I finally gave up and left it as it was in the Japanese. My thanks to everyone that emailed or listened to me agonize about this relatively trivial detail ~_~` By the way, if anyone comes up with a brilliant baby-talk nickname for Kenshin in English, I'd still love to hear it .. Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 5 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 78--Ten Sword * Chou Chou: That cross-shaped scar . . . you must be the famous Hitokiri Battousai. Iori: Gojaru!! Chou: You're smaller than I thought. Like a girl. Oh well. You here for the sword too? Kenshin: Unfortunately, I seek a different sword. If you're here for the last work of Shakkuu, go and take it. Only give back the child first. Chou: You want to avoid an unnecessary fight? Could be. Or it could be that with your trusty reverse blade broken, you can't fight like you want to. Well, it wouldn't be much fun to beat someone who isn't up to full strength, but if I came across an enemy and didn't settle it with a fight, Lord Shishio would kill me. So! (He tosses Iori and the sword's sheath straight up; Iori is caught in a tree.) Chou: After all this trouble to get the sword, it'd only be half as much fun without something to test it on. I've always wanted to try killing a baby. So I reject your proposal. We'll have a fair and honorable fight. Kenshin: Is it fair and honorable to fight with a hostage, knowing your opponent's sword is broken? You mock me. Chou: I'm not mocking you in particular. Just--(springing forward)--your serious face! (Kenshin blocks with his scabbard.) Chou (stabbing with the other sword): Got you! (Kenshin swiftly turns sideways; Chou misses completely.) Kenshin: If you wish to stab me to death, show me a technique that surpasses Saitou's Gatotsu. Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuukansen!(1) (He strikes behind him, breaking the swords on Chou's back.) Iori: Gojaru! Gojaru!! (Kenshin turns towards Iori.) Chou (standing up): Guess you're not quite as weak as you look. This'll be tough without my beloved blades on my back. But the price will be high. (Both of his swords fall into halves; half of each clamps together to form one double-bladed sword.) Chou: One of Shakkuu's early works, the Renbatou.(2) You'll get two equal wounds at the same time, and you won't be able to stitch them up. In other words, even if I miss a vital spot and don't kill you right away, you'll die of wounds you won't be able to treat. I'll give you your death! (Chou strikes; Kenshin blocks by placing his sword in between the two blades.) Kenshin: So this is the kind of swordsman you are. (He puts a hand on the scabbard and twists, breaking both blades.) Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuushousen!(3) (Kenshin strikes Chou in the belly with a blow that lifts him off the ground.) Kenshin (turning back to Iori): I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Let's get you down. Chou (getting to his feet): I see . . . Guess you were right. I made fun of you a little too much. Kenshin (thinking): I hit him in the suigetsu** It didn't hurt him as much as it should have. **One of the body's vital points. Iori: Gojaru . . . Kenshin: I'm sorry, Iori. It looks like it will be a little longer. Chou: You're talking to the brat and you can't even look at me?! Make fun of me again and I'll kill that kid!! (Kenshin gives him a cold, angry glare.) Chou: Oh, so you can looks like that too? It's bad to be unwilling to give people things. You were unwilling to give me that look from the start. (He takes off his jacket, revealing a length of metal wound around his waist.) Kenshin: Silver armor . . . So that's how you withstood the Ryuushousen. (Misao, Seikuu and Azusa rush up to the shrine, as Okina arrives from the other direction.) Misao: Gramps! You're so slow! You just got here? (Doesn't the First Ru mean anything to you?) Okina: Huh? Where's Himura? He ran off as soon as he heard. I couldn't keep up. Misao: What! Himura's sword is broken! You were supposed to take care of this! Okina: Don't be mad at me. Misao: Well hurry then! (They run up the stairs.) Misao: They've already started! (frowning) I wouldn't have thought Himura would be so short-tempered. Okina: Well, he seems to be getting the better of him. Seikuu (catching sight of the armor): Stop! That thing wrapped around his waist! (The strip of metal ends behind Chou's back in a sword handle.) Seikuu: My father made it after making refinement after refinement. It's one of the later killing swords! Chou: Chou Sword-hunter of the Ten Swords. (grinning) From now on, it's true madness. Notes: (1) Ryuukansen--Winding Dragon Flash (2) Renbatou--Linked Blade Sword (3) Ryuushousen--Soaring Dragon Flash Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 5 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 79--The Thin-Bladed Sword Okina: One of Shakkuu's killing swords! Misao: Watch out, Himura! He's still got a hidden sword! (The long blade whips around to strike at Kenshin from behind.) Chou: This is my favorite blade of all! The killing sword Hakujin no Tachi!(1) Okina: It's long! Misao: Himura! (Kenshin ducks a little to the side.) Seikuu: That won't work! Just dodging by a hair's breath won't-- (Chou snaps his wrist; the point snakes down and buries itself in Kenshin's thigh.) Chou: Right on target. You won't move around so easily now. Seikuu: The Hakujin no Tachi . . . It was forged to be as thin as possible while maintaining the strength of the blade. The tip is weighted so the slightest flick of the wrist can direct it. He's already taken a wound to the leg with the ever-changing Hakujin no Tachi . . . Chou: Looks like we attracted an audience before I knew it. I guess it's time we got this show on the road. I'll show you my own Orochi style.(2) (The sword snaps along the ground; Kenshin raises the scabbard to counter it, but it's cut in half.) Chou: You blocked! But I'm not done yet! (Kenshin rolls to avoid another attack.) Misao: Himura! Seikuu (thinking): It's no good. He has no chance of winning. If this goes on Iori will be . . . (He turns away.) Azusa: Dear? Seikuu: I'll give up my father's sword. In any case, I'll save Iori. I can't get him away from this scene of violence a moment too soon. The man from Osaka is distracted by the fight. If I get a chance, I'll-- Misao: You're using Himura as a decoy? You know he can't fight with a broken sword! And Himura was the first to get here! You're-- Seikuu (head bowed): I didn't ask him to. He chose to fight. Okina: Mr. Seikuu, as this girl's guardian, I understand the feeling that your child is the most important thing on earth. But Himura, by choosing to fight to protect him, understands this too. (Kenshin dodges another attack.) Chou: You're just a bad loser. This is pathetic. (Kenshin glares at him.) Chou: Those eyes are really getting on my nerves. Don't you understand what's going on? That you're about to die? Just for some kid? Kenshin (getting to his feet): In the old days, to bring in the new age, I killed a lot of people. Chou: Oh, now you're bragging? Trying to cling to old glory in your last moments--that's really pathetic. Kenshin: It has been ten years since the new age began, the result of bloodshed and duels to the death for which there can be no redemption. But this is the first time the new era has shown this aspect of peace to a child, raised by a good family, who knows nothing of duels or bloodshed. To you he is nothing but a brat, but to me he is a heaven-sent child of the new era. If it costs me my life, I will return Iori to the Seikuu family safe from harm. (Kenshin catches Seikuu's eye, and seems to say to him:) I'll distract him. Hurry and save Iori! Azusa: Dear? Chou: So now you're the ally of justice? I hate being the bad guy. But your part in this is over. Soon under Lord Shishio I'll make a new era with the Hakujin no Tachi. So die in peace. Kenshin: It's unfortunate, but for you this is utterly impossible. Swords cannot make an era. For this you need people. (Seikuu starts running.) Azusa: Dear! Misao: He's-- Okina: No, wait! Seikuu (running past the tree): Hang on, Iori! You'll be safe soon! Chou (sending the blade after Seikuu): What's a spectator doing on stage? Azusa: Dear! (Kenshin throws his half-sword to knock Chou's sword away.) Chou: Now you're really are getting on my nerves!! Kenshin (thinking): Mr. Seikuu--? Seikuu (thinking): I'll take a chance. I'll trust him with it! He'll use my father's sword as it was meant to be used, to protect Iori and the peace of the new age! Notes: (1) Hakujin no Tachi--Thin-bladed Sword (2) Orochi--Serpent Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 7 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 80--The Sword Which May Not be Drawn (Seikuu throws open the door to the shrine. The sword, in a plain wooden sheath, sits before an altar.) Seikuu (thinking): "I made swords to build a new era" . . . I never accepted the words my father spoke long ago. Now I finally understand. It's presumptuous to think a sword can build an era. A new era is made by people. And to the one who protects the era he built, who continues to fight from the shadows to protect the peace, I will give my father's sword--! Chou: I'm not going to take this anymore! I'm pissed off now! See this head? This is what they call Angry Hair that Strikes from Heaven! Kenshin: You'll have to try a little harder with that worn-out broom head then. Iori (pleased): Broo--m. Broo--m. Chou (charging): I'll cram this in your stupid serious face, you fool! You goddam little-- Misao: He's moving in for the kill! (Chou snaps the blade; Kenshin threads the tip into his sheath.) Chou: He stopped it with what's left of the sheath-- (Kenshin tosses the point of the sword aside and leaps forward.) Chou: Oh shit! (thinking) He got in too close! (Kenshin smashes Chou's forehead with his elbow. Chou goes down.) Misao: He did it! An Iron Elbow as a counterattack! All right! Okina: He provoked him and attacked in two flying steps, drawing him in . . . With no sword and a wounded right leg it could be Himura's final attack. If it's finished here . . . Chou (still conscious and leering): Ooh, careful, careful. It's not good to make too much fun of you. Okina: It didn't work . . . Chou: That attack made me angry, but I'm calm again. You won't fool me a second time. I'll chop you into five pieces and put them on display at the Shijou Gawara. Okina: Now he was no chance of victory. How are we going to get everyone out of here without someone getting hurt . . . Misao (thinking): A sword . . . if he only had a sword . . . Seikuu (running out of the temple): Mr. Himura! It's my father's last sword! Please, use this! (Kenshin catches the sword.) Chou: The stagehand's a little late throwing in the props. Well, whatever. I'll destroy you and take the last work . . . two birds with one stone. Draw it. I've had enough, let's settle this. We're two equal swordsmen. It'll be easy to tell which will kill and which will be killed. Misao: Go, Himura! Now you've got a sword, it'll be easy! Okina: It's no good. Himura won't draw the sword. No, he probably can't. He's sworn to be a vagabond who does not kill. It's forbidden for him to draw any sword but the reverse blade. Misao: But that doesn't count at a time like this! He has to kill, or he'll be killed! I don't know what kind of killer Himura was before, but he has to kill one more time-- Okina: That one more time is the problem. When you set him against a strong enemy like this man of Shishio's, the scales balance. Himura is teetering on the edge between the vagabond who does not kill and Hitokiri Battousai. Misao: Hitokiri Battousai . . . Okina: If he draws that sword now and kills, his heart will break its bonds. He'll slide down into the violence of the Hitokiri. He'll never be a vagabond again. If only the sword's sheath wasn't plain wood but iron like the reverse blade . . . Chou: You're Hitokiri Battousai . . . And you hesitate to kill. (their eyes meet) All right, if you've forgotten the joy of killing, I'll make you remember. Based on this performance. Seikuu: Iori! Chou: I'll destroy what you called a heaven-sent child of peace! (Misao pulls out some kunai; Okina snaps his cane apart to form nunchuks. But before they can act Kenshin springs forward.) Chou: Come on! Okina: Oh no! He's lost his head--! Chou: I'll pay you back for making a fool of me! (Kenshin jumps, avoiding the blade.) Chou: I've got you now! (thinking) The tip of the Hakujin no Tachi's ever-changing blade will stab him from behind--what? Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuukansen Tsumuji!(1) Chou: Where'd that come from--It's like he's a whole other person than before! Misao: Himura! (Kenshin strikes.) the Making of the Characters--Sawagejou Chou I didn’t really have any model besides his character, but if you pressed me, I’d have to say I used the common stereotype of Kansai people. My assistant and some of the people at work are from Kansai, and they’re really great, and so I think if there's a next life I want to come back as someone from Kansai ... Real Kansai people aren’t like Chou. Just so there’s no misunderstanding ... While Chou was a bad guy, he was also pretty popular. (Although when a character speaks Osaka dialect, he automatically has a strong personality, so maybe that’s why.) I myself thought he was fun to draw and was kind of sad when it was time to finish him, so I’m going to reintroduce him at some point. But it would be weird to make him one of Kenshin’s friends, so he'll have to be some kind of neutral character. By the way, for some reason a lot of the pictures readers sent me of Chou had Iori in them too, which made me laugh. As for the design, my assistant said it was Galford and my readers said it was Benimaru from KOF. But they’re completely wrong. Chou’s design is actually one that I made when I was twenty, one I meant to be an alien. ( ... wait a minute ...) In the end, while it was rejected, it was hard to throw away that horse head and monkey face, so I ended up using it here. At first I was going to give him disheveled swept-back black hair, but to give him more impact as the first of the Ten Swords to appear, he ended up looking kind of like a punk rocker. Well, I can see why you’d call him Benimaru ... By the way, the Kansai dialect that Chou uses was checked by my assistant from Kansai, but then I dared to destroy it so that it could be understood by people all over the country. It's not really true western Kansai dialect. I think my readers in Kansai will find it really annoying, but Ruroken is a manga aimed at the entire country, so please be forgiving. Notes: (1)Ryuukansen Tsumuji--Winding Dragon Flash Spiral Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 7 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 81--Shakkuu's Thoughts Misao: Himura! (Kenshin strikes Chou in the side; he goes down.) Okina (thinking): He's done it . . . (A long pause. Kenshin stares down at his work.) Misao (taking a step forward): Himura . . . Kenshin (bowing his head): I . . . Misao: What? Seikuu: That sword . . . Misao: It's a reverse blade! Okina: Shakkuu's last work was a reverse blade like the one he gave Himura! Kenshin: No, this . . . feels better to the hand than the old reverse blade . . . Misao: But if it's a reverse blade, then . . . (Chou groans.) Misao: He's still alive, Himura! You didn't break your vow! Chou: Now I see why Lord Shishio wants to fight you while he's trying to take over the country. But don't feel too good about your win. There are still nine of the Ten Swords left. Two of them are definitely better than you. Soujirou, who you crossed swords with before, and Usui who's come to Kyoto from Ryuukyuu. You'll never get to Lord Shishio! Remember how weak you really are and sit back and watch his coup! Misao: Gramps? Okina (handing her the nunchuks): Here. Misao (whacking him): Punishment! (Chou is knocked unconscious.) Misao: What are we going to do with him? Okina: We can get a lot of information out of him; let's take him back to the Aoiya. Kenshin: No, let's turn him over to the police. I don't know if he's arrived or not, but there's a man here who has complete responsibility for the Shishio affair. It'll be safer that way. Misao: You mean that guy . . . Okina: If you say so. Seikuu: A reverse blade . . . My father's last work was a . . . I don't understand. Why . . . (The wooden handle splinters.) Misao: The sword's breaking! Okina: Himura's technique was too much for the wood to bear . . . (The handle breaks away; the blade drops to the ground.) Okina: It's all right . . . The blade itself is unharmed. What? (The steel inside the handle bears writing.) I forged swords that killed for countless years For the world of my grandson, a child who bears no one any ill-will. (A while later, in the Aoiya.) Seikuu: He kept making swords for so many years . . . . Even though his own son hated him, he did it for the world of his grandson . . . Probably Shakkuu intended this as his death poem. My father learned as he went on how arrogant it was to think that a sword could build a new age. But the time was the height of the Bakumatsu; he could not retire nor remain and suffer as the chaos reached its peak. As a swordsmith living during the Bakumatsu, my father only continued to make killing swords in the hopes that the time of peace would come another instant sooner . . . It was completely against what he wanted . . . It was with deep regret and a little prayer of hope that my father left this holy sword, this true reverse blade . . . Misao: True reverse blade? Seikuu: Yes. When you forge a holy sword, you don't make just one. Two or sometimes many are usually made. Of those, one which is well-made is called the true one and offered to the gods. The others are called shadows and are hoarded or sold off. Okina: I see . . . So there were two reverse blades from the beginning . . . Misao: And this is the real one. The reverse blade that surpasses the old one! Seikuu: Please take it, Mr. Himura. I think my father would have wanted it that way. (Kenshin remembers receiving the first reverse blade . . . ) Shakkuu: So you're leaving the Shishi, Himura. Kenshin: We've just won the first battle at Toba Fushimi. From now on, it's just selfish fighting. And on top of that, what am I supposed to do without a sword? I have Master Katsura's* permission, Mr. Shakkuu. From now on, I intend to search out the way of protecting those who live in the new age, without killing. *Katsura Kogorou--one of the Ishin Sanketsu, the head of the Ishin Shishi from Choushuu. Shakkuu: Hmm . . . If there is such a way, I'd like to know it too. You can't just run away from all the lives you've taken after so long. If you live by the sword, you die by the sword. That should be the only way you can follow. (He tosses him a sword.) Shakkuu: A goodbye present. It can't hurt, even though it's probably too much for you. Try being a swordsman with that at your waist. You'll find out how deeply you believe what you just said. (Kenshin draws that sword, and finds that the edge is reversed.) Shakkuu: When that sword breaks, if you still believe that weak joke of yours, come see me again in Kyoto. Kenshin: Mr. Shakkuu . . . (thinking) I still, like you, want to try living by this weak joke. So . . . (aloud) For the true reverse blade, I offer my humblest thanks . . . (A little later) Seikuu: Well, we should be . . . Okina: All right. Take care. Iori: Gojaru . . . Anfake, anfake. Bye-bye anfake. (Kenshin smiles and takes his hand.) Himura finally has a new reverse blade. He thought at the time the matter had been settled. But the next day-- The Makings of the Characters--Seikuu's family Let's see, there was a lot of material that went into this family, but the truth is I don't really remember . . . This was the end of the year rush, a really murderous schedule, so my memory is kind of vague. Iori was a symbol, among the characters of Ruroken who have ties to the past of the Bakumatsu and the Ishin Shishi, of those with no such ties that live in the new era in peace. Seikuu was a father's weakness and human selfishness. His wife was . . . a simple stopgap character. As for design, Iori was taken from a baby in a pretty well-known shojo manga. I just improvised Seikuu and his wife. The true reverse blade was originally going to be a plain wood imitation, but things turned out kind of differently. I added the white paper streamers that are often found in shrines to either end. A lot of girls thought Iori was pretty cute. Chou carrying him around in the cloth bag was especially popular. Seikuu kind of looks like Kanryuu, so I think he was a failure. But I was muttering "She looks kinda weird," as I was first drawing the wife, and I ended up thinking, "Hey, this is not too bad." Thinking back on it, it's the first female character I've drawn with no hair hanging over her forehead, so to me it feels fresh. A true reverse blade of wood wouldn't have suited Kenshin's fighting style (he could have used an imitation iron sheath) so I went back to the original form. My assistants said plain wood was easier to draw, though, so they kept complaining. Back to Home To Volume Ten To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 7 august 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 82--The Threads That Lead Me to You Misao: YOU'RE LEAVING THE AOIYA!?! (Kenshin silently fits a new handle on the reverse blade.) Misao: Why?! Now, when you finally got a new reverse blade? (She charges at him with such ferocity that they butt heads. They both clutch their aching heads.) Okina: Settle down, settle down. Himura, you owe us a reason. (No reply.) Misao: You're not gonna talk?? Okina: You stay back. (Kenshin hammers the new handle on.) Okina: You don't want to tell us? Well, after all, we're perfect strangers. I have no right to ask you about matters close to your heart. Then before you leave, you'll just pay the bill for ten days' stay, seven yen and fifty sen. Misao: Oh, he turned to stone. Okina: The Aoiya is an inn. A stranger has no right to stay for free. Misao: Right on Gramps! (Sign above Kenshin: He can't even groan.) Okina: Tell us, Himura. If you don't, even if you get past me, you'll never get past her. I MADE THIS UP. Kenshin: If I stay here, others will be involved. (sheathing the sword.) In order to avoid involving anyone in this battle, I left Tokyo alone. But in this latest matter, the Seikuu family became involved. If I stay here, you will be involved as well. Misao: What! You don't have to worry about that. I was taught kempo by Hanya! It's not like I'm Iori! Kenshin: No. In the eyes of Shishio's men, Miss Misao, you and Iori would be the same. I don't want to put anyone else in danger. From now on, I fight alone. Okina: I understand, Himura. I'll respect your wishes. When we find out about the other person you asked me to search for, Hiko Seijuurou, I'll send word. The old ways of doing things are the surest. Kenshin: Thank you. Misao: Why, Himura. Why are you so remote all of a sudden. Because I know you're Hitokiri Battousai? Well excuse me, I don't care about your stupid past. Whoever you are, the person I met wasn't the Hitokiri you. It was the vagabond you. (Kenshin smiles.) What's so funny! Kenshin: Someone I parted with in Tokyo said something like that to me. But I never expected to hear those words in Kyoto. I'm sorry I never told you about Aoshi. (He closes the door behind him.) Misao: I knew I couldn't count on you. I'll show you, I'll find him by myself. Okina: It's all right. He's kind, but he's no youth. I understood yesterday when he lost control that he still has the harsh nature of the Hitokiri deep within his heart. I could see it clear as day. If we meddled any further out of vague feelings of justice and half-naive sympathy, it wouldn't end without someone getting hurt. After we find the person we said we would look for . . . (Misao strides over to the window; Kenshin is still on the street.) Misao: Hey Himura! You told Eiji in Shingetsu to be happy! Why don't you take your own advice! You're going to end up miserable if you try to do everything all by yourself! I don't agree at all! Don't forget, you jerk! So Kenshin was once again alone, shunning human contact and living as a recluse. As the Hitokiri lived during the Bakumatsu . . . Misao: I'm still not happy about this. I understood what he had to say, but he can't fight anyone alone. Okina: It's been three days and you're still worrying. Misao: The other side is a huge group. If we stuck together we'd have an advantage. Okina: Maybe now you're in love with Himura instead of Lord Aoshi-- Misao: GRAMPS!! Okina: Sorry, sorry. Jokes aside, thinking about it all the time will get you nowhere. Maybe eating lunch out will make you feel better. (At the Shirobeko) Sae: Oh, it's perfect. (Yahiko is fuming, wearing an apron with a bow in his hair.) Kaoru (trying to keep a straight face): It looks good on you, Yahiko. Yahiko: What the hell is this? I worked at the Tokyo Akabeko, but I never had to wear some stupid apron!! Kaoru: But it's your job here. Yahiko: Then what's with this ribbon!! Sae: Oh, that's just my little hobby. Kaoru (thinking): She's definitely Tae's sister. Sae: But I really do appreciate your helping us out like this. Kaoru: Not at all, you're looking after us. And you let me put up the notice. Maybe instead of searching blindly in a place I don't know, I can find some clue by staying put. (Misao enters the restaurant.) Yahiko (in the angriest possible way): Welcome! (They stare at each other a minute.) Misao & Yahiko (thinking): What's with the weird outfit? Kaoru: We've got a customer! Sae: Got it! (Misao sits in her booth.) Misao (thinking): Coming here alone isn't going to make me feel any better. This is all Himura's fault, damn him! Kaoru (as Misao tunes in): --order. What would you like? Misao: Umm . . . (She glances at the menu on the wall. Besides the items is a poster reading Missing Person: Himura Kenshin. Short, red hair, cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, carries a sword. If found please contact the Shirobeko at once.) Misao: Himura!! Kaoru (jumping forward with such ferocity that they butt heads): You know where Kenshin-- (They both clutch the bumps on their heads.) Yahiko: Settle down, settle down. Kaoru: You . . . you know Kenshin! Can you tell me where he is? Misao (thinking): Maybe she's the one . . . the one he parted with in Tokyo . . . Meanwhile. (A letter is handed to Okina.) Okina: Omasu. Omasu: Yes? Okina: Prepare the signal flare. (Kenshin sees the flare shoot across the Kyoto sky.) Back to Home Back to Volume Ten To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 83--Hiko Seijuurou (A little ways outside of the city, a man standing before a kiln also sees the flare.) Hiko: A signal flare . . . that's unusual these days. (shrugging) Well, it has nothing to do with me. (In the Shirobeko) Kaoru & Misao (simultaneously): Um. (trying again) That is-- Misao: Go ahead. Kaoru: No, you, please. Misao (thinking): Well this is awkward . . . Yahiko: Hey, what is this! You finally get a clue about Kenshin, and you're acting like you're on your first date! There's tons of stuff you want to ask her, so ask her! Go, Kaoru! Kaoru: Um . . . Misao. Where is Kenshin now? Misao: Um, unfortunately I'm not really sure . . . He was living with me up until three days ago. Sae (scandalized): You were living together? Misao: No! I mean, we were traveling together on the way to Kyoto, so he just stayed at my place for a while! We definitely weren't-- Sae (even more so): You were traveling together? Yahiko: That idiot is still chasing women without even knowing it. Misao (thinking): No----!! The one I love is Lord Aoshi! Himura and I are just friends! (In the back yard of the Aoiya, Okina hands Kenshin a folded letter.) Okina: Hiko Seijuurou's whereabouts. We never suspected that that was a secret name, so he was difficult to find. Kenshin: I'm sorry . . . I just now realized it myself. I had to apologize to her, but in the end I'll have to leave the Miss Misao and Aoshi matter to you. Okina: Don't worry about a thing. It's in good hands. Kenshin (turning to go): Well then . . . Okina: I'm sorry, Himura. I really wanted to help you till the bitter end, but my first responsibility is to protect Misao and the Aoiya. I said I understood your feelings to Mr. Seikuu, but while it was a cowardly thing to do, I lied. HMM However, I am your ally at heart. It's not just me. Misao and those at the Aoiya, Seikuu's family, and probably those you left in Tokyo--we all want you to be safe from harm. Do not forgot that. (While at the Shirobeko--) Misao: So Himura is just a friend! Sae: Anyone who denies it that strongly-- Misao: I've had just about enough of you! Yahiko: She's our only clue, and finding out where Kenshin is from her is going to be impossible. Misao (practically in tears): It's true! You gotta believe me! Kaoru: If that's the way it is, goodbye. Crying and crying would only encourage Megumi. Is this what I get for making up my mind to go to Kyoto? Now I'm mad! I don't care what I have to do, I'm going to see Kenshin again! (hitting Misao) So first a slap! Now confess! Where is Kenshin! Misao (thinking): If she didn't believe me before, she's not going to listen to me now! (These people are weird!) Yahiko (thinking): Before it was like she was done with the world. Now she's more like her old self. Customers: Sure is lively in here today. Sae: Oh, welcome, sirs. Customer: Did you see the flare, Sae? There was one just now, must've been for a festival or something. Misao (thinking): A signal flare . . . The quickest way would be for her to hear it straight from Himura but-- (aloud) Answer me one thing. You know that now Himura is challenged to fight for the future of Japan. You know that getting involved with only superficial feelings would put yourself and Himura in danger. And you still want to see him? Kaoru (smiling): Was it with superficial feelings that you traveled from Kyoto to Tokyo to see someone? Misao: . . . Of course not. So come on! I'll show you where Himura is! (That night. Hiko sits before his kiln. Kenshin walks up behind him, drawing his sword. But long before the blade makes contact Hiko leaps clear.) Hiko: That's pretty low, attacking a mere potter out of nowhere. Kenshin: Hiko Seijuurou is no mere potter. Hiko (turning): Who are you? Kenshin: It's been a long time, Master . . . Back to Home Back to Volume Ten To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Ten--Master and Student of the Sword Part 84--Master and Student of the Sword Hiko: Well, now that you've had the gall to actually show your face here, what is it you want with me? Kenshin (looking at the shelves around him): It seems that Niitsu Kakunoshin is a rising new name in the world of ceramics. Why pottery again? Hiko: I didn't really care, pottery, whatever. It was just the easiest way to make a living without having to deal with a lot of people. Kenshin: That's easy for you to say. Hiko: Well, you know. My genius shows in whatever I do. Kenshin (thinking): He's as conceited as ever . . . Hiko: You didn't answer my question. You came to tell me something that's hard for you to say. (Kenshin looks surprised.) I was your master. I can read my foolish pupil like a book. Kenshin: Then I'll say it straight out. (kneeling) The instruction of the Hiten Mitsurugi school that I left ten years ago--I ask it of you now! Hiko: Absolutely not. You were the one who left ten years ago. (turning away) Why now after all this time. (Kenshin catches hold of his mantle.) Kenshin: Please . . . I beg of you. Hiko: . . . Well, that's something. You look like you're at the end of your rope. All right. If you're asking, I'm listening. (Elsewhere) Kaoru: It's getting dark. Yahiko: We should hurry. Misao: You're right . . . According to Gramps' directions it's just a little farther. (flashback, to the Aoiya earlier that afternoon.) Misao: Himura's already gone?! Okina: Who are these people? Misao: Friends of Himura's. They came from Tokyo to see him. Okina (to Kaoru): You know that Himura is fighting for the future of Japan and getting involved now with superficial feelings-- Misao: I already asked her that. Kaoru's serious! So hurry up and tell her where Himura is. Kaoru (bowing): Please . . . Okina: I see . . . Well, please be careful. Misao (flipping the pages of the letter): Himura went to see Niitsu Kakunoshin. Our sources say he's a rising potter deluged with orders. But actually, his hidden name is Hiko Seijuurou, a teacher of the Hiten Mitsurugi school. In other words, Kenshin's master. Yahiko: Hidden name? Kaoru: Well, it could mean a lot of things, but it's probably another name, kept secret. Misao: In the case of the Hiten Mitsurugi school, Hiko Seijuurou is the name of the founder, passed down generation after generation. It's inherited by those who have completely mastered the style and will pass it on. Yahiko: Hmm. (considering) Wait a minute! That means-- Misao: Exactly! When Himura left he hadn't completely mastered the school! There was a technique he didn't learn for some reason, and he's going to master it now! Yahiko: And then he'll be even stronger than before! Wow, the guy's just not human! Misao: He's a demon, a demon! Kaoru (thinking): That's a terrible thing to say. Stronger, stronger . . . it's only natural for a swordsman. But . . . (Hiko pours himself a saucer of sake.) Hiko: Hmm. So to put it simply, this man called Shishio Makoto is plotting to take over Japan. You, on the other hand, are slowly reverting to the Hitokiri Battousai. You want to defeat Shishio without becoming the Hitokiri--in other words, you need to be stronger than you are now. Well, you know what they say, he who runs after two hares won't catch either one. Kenshin: Master! Hiko: I'm sure I taught you this. A sword is a weapon. Kenjutsu is the art of killing. Whatever pretty words you use, this is its true nature. Your own foolish ideals, or today's harsh realities--whatever you're trying to protect, it's complete selfishness. (A long pause.) Hiko: What? Fifteen years ago you devoted yourself to the chaos of the Bakumatsu. That was your big mistake-- (flashback to when Kenshin was fourteen--) Hiko: No. Kenshin: Master! Hiko: You should be thinking of your training, not worrying about outside affairs. Kenshin: But now a lot of people are being dragged into the fighting and getting killed! The whole idea behind the Hiten Mitsurugi school is to protect people from the suffering of the ages! If I can't use my sword now, when can I? Master!! Hiko: If you're telling me why, defeat me now and go. (Kenshin whacks him with his sheathed sword.) Hiko: That was for real! Kenshin: Because you don't understand! Hiko: You're the one who doesn't understand! Fine, but because of the strength of the Hiten Mitsurugi school, you have to be sure you'll win before you take sides! I'm talking about the landing of the Black Ships! Do you understand me? In other words-- Kenshin: I don't understand! People are suffering before my eyes! They're in misery! I can't leave them as they are, no matter what the reason! (back to the present) Hiko: After that we argued, and parted on bad terms. You see before you the result. You may have gotten better with the sword, but your spirit hasn't grown at all ever since you were fourteen, my foolish pupil. Carrying words that cannot be erased, on your left cheek and your heart, you're unstable, teetering between the Hitokiri and one who has sworn never to kill again. This Shishio Makoto is the ghost of the Bakumatsu. You Ishin Shishi believed in justice and supported it. You certainly built the Meiji government out of the violence. But at the same time, to hide your wrongdoings you buried in darkness whatever wasn't convenient. Shishio Makoto will come back even stronger as the ghost of the Bakumatsu. Violence begets violence in a vicious circle. You played a role indirectly in raising the ghost with the Hiten Mitsurugi school. You were right; the original purpose of school was to protect others from the sufferings of the ages. But as a free sword, not under anyone's control! If such strength is not free, this is the kind of disaster that will be born! This is why for three hundred years of Edo rule generations of our successors were known as Hiko Seijuurou. So no power could use us! You, who never understood this, could never have learned the secret techniques of our school! Misao: Here it is. Yahiko: Well let's go in-- Hiko: Maybe it was a mistake to teach you the Hiten Mitsurugi at all. Misao & Yahiko (bursting in): What was that just now?! Hiko: Who are you? Kenshin: Miss Misao. Yahiko . . . (Kaoru appears in the doorway.) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru . . . Back to Home To Volume Ten