Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire from the front flap-- Watsuki: I hear the new Macs are pretty good! Yumi: That's pretty cheerful considering the all the depressing stuff below. (Is this a front or what?) NAME FORTUNE-TELLING Before Ruroken was serialized, someone I know told my fortune for me by my name. By my pen name and by my real name, my fortune was "You will achieve considerable success, but you will alone all your life." Today I was thinking, "Ah, it kind of came true." It's my own fault for being so busy I have no time to socialize, but from now on, everyone, I'll do better--! Part 94--The Beginning of the Instruction (A scene of carnage, nineteen years ago) Fighter: Who--who the hell are you?! Hiko: It would be pointless to give my name to one who is about to die. (The fighters are quickly slaughtered. The only one left alive is a small boy, kneeling among the dead.) Hiko: You're pretty unlucky, boy. Since the coming of the Black Ships two years ago the Bakufu's system of keeping the public peace has broken down. Around here there's a lot of degenerate ronin turned bandits. I just happened to be here to take your revenge for you. (The boy is silent, not even glancing at Hiko.) Hiko: No matter how much you hate or how much you suffer, you can't bring the dead back to life. The same thing is happening all over Japan these days. You should be glad to be alive. If you go to the village and tell them what happened, they'll find some way for you to make a living. (The boy refuses to react; Hiko walks away.) (Back to the present) Hiko: That was a long time ago. Hey, how long you gonna sleep? That's it, wake up. (Kenshin, sprawled in front of him, struggles to catch his breath.) Hiko: Well, if you're not going to wake up, I'll just sit back and keep remembering old times. Like the last time you wet the bed, the autumn you were eleven. (Kenshin sits bold upright.) Hiko: Or the time you were so hungry you ate those toadstools and almost died. Kenshin: Master!! To remember these shameful things even I'd forgotten you have to be truly evil. Hiko: What are you talking about? I've been training a whole week with my stupid pupil who left me after a fight. You couldn't ask for a better master. But I'm getting kind of sick of this. If you can't get an attack in this next round, I'm not teaching you the techniques. (They square off, staring each other down.) The thirteenth master of the Hiten Mitsurugi school, Hiko Seijuurou. Kenshin: He's sneaky, tactless and he hates people. As someone who knows my past, he's a million times nastier than Saitou. Hiko: Even if you think things like that you shouldn't say them out loud. Kenshin (thinking): But his skills . . . he is without a doubt the strongest. Cheap tricks won't work at all . . . if this is my last chance . . . I'll attack with my whole body and soul! (aloud) Let's go . . . Hiko: Yes . . . (They leap straight up in the air.) Hiten Mitsurugi Kenshin: Ryuutsuisen! Hiko: Ryuushousen! (Blackness) Hiko: Hey, how long are you gonna sleep? That's it, wake up. (Kenshin awakens flat on his back again.) Hiko: You struck with your full force, but you weren't focused. You were careless controlling your posture on your landing--that's why you blacked out, idiot. But even if you hadn't, you gave me a hit. I'm not saying it was perfect, but you can't change the fact that it was a hit. (He holds up his armguard, which has a slight nick.) Hiko: As I promised, I'll pass down to you the succession techniques. (A little later, in front of his house.) Hiko: All right, now don't move. One false move and you'll be killed. First a review. The types of attacks in kenjutsu--first, the Karatake (downward stroke), Kesagiri, the slantwise downward stroke to the shoulder, reverse Kesagiri, right Nagi (belly stroke), left Nagi (reverse belly stroke), right upward cut, left upward cut, and the Sakakaze, upward stroke. Finally, the stroke that pierces at the shortest range to the chest, the Tsuki. In all the schools there is no killing technique that does not aim for one of those nine points. Naturally, the stances of defense were developed to correspond to these same nine points. But-- (He strikes, blazing past Kenshin. Kenshin is left with a tiny scratch at each of the nine points.) Hiko: If you move with the godlike speed of the Hiten Mitsurugi style and strike at all nine points at once, there is no possibility of defense. This is the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu Kuzuryuusen. Kenshin (thinking): I couldn't have moved an inch . . . so this is the succession technique! Hiko: The same power of even the wild attack technique Ryuususen in all nine attacks, combined with the charging techniques make avoidance of the strikes impossible. This is the technique I'm best at. Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 95--Even If I Throw Away My Life . . . Kenshin (thinking): Surely charging with divine speed and striking all nine points at once, there can be no defense or evasion. (aloud) This is the succession technique . . . Hiko: Now quit standing there admiring it and give it a try. Kenshin: Just--just like that! Hiko: What are you talking about. You can't learn this technique by studying footwork. It's when you've felt its force and you're on your hands and knees that you learn. It's the way I always trained you. Kenshin (remembering all the beatings he took as a kid): Oh yeah . . . I was lucky I survived. Hiko: Well, it's all thanks to my cleverly giving you just as much as you could take. If you get it, come on and try it. Full strength. (Kenshin draws his own sword.) Kenshin (thinking): I couldn't move a muscle. But that doesn't mean I couldn't see. Nine points of attack. I saw them all . . . Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu Kuzuryuusen Kenshin (thinking): I did it . . . (Hiko smiles . . . and returns the attack. They meet again and again, until Hiko finally knocks Kenshin to the ground.) Kenshin (thinking): It was the same Kuzuryuusen, but . . . I was beaten . . . My Kuzuryuusen . . . wasn't perfect? Hiko: No, it was perfect. But even with the same Hiten Mitsurugi and the same technique, if the fighters differ, the force will be different too. In wild-attack techniques, it's the strength of your arms that counts; in charging techniques, it's your weight. In both respects, you're overwhelmingly my inferior. In other words, before my Kuzuryuusen, your Kuzuryuusen is, of course, as useless as any other technique. Kenshin (thinking): So I can't use the Kuzuryuusen . . . Hiko: If you're going to defeat my Kuzuryuusen, there's only one technique that can do it. The greatest secret of the Hiten Mitsurugi school, the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. What are you looking so shocked for? I never said that the Kuzuryuusen was the ultimate technique. Kenshin (thinking): He did that on purpose. Hiko: The Kuzuryuusen wasn't created in real combat or in training. It was made as a step in the passing down of the techniques, as a test. To learn the succession technique, first you begin with the Kuzuryuusen. If you can defeat the Kuzuryuusen of the previous master, the initiation in the secrets of the school is complete. Kenshin: However . . . Hiko: Think hard about the Kuzuryuusen you just learned. If you do you'll get a general idea of the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. Kenshin: About the Kuzuryuusen . . . (He sheathes his sword.) Kenshin: (thinking) The Kuzuryuusen is a technique which allows no possibility of defense or flight. Nothing but battou-jutsu could strike quickly enough to defeat it! Hiko: Well done. That's right. Surpassing divine speed is the greater divine speed of battou-jutsu. This is the true nature of the secret technique Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. But the problem is that the reverse blade will handicap the battou-jutsu. Can you still surpass divine speed? (Kenshin comes out of battou-jutsu stance, standing square at Hiko.) Hiko: In formless stance with your sword put away . . . you intend to use Haisui no Jin*? That's foolish. *Haisui no Jin--one who prepares to exhaust all his strength, who cannot recover if he fails. *Formless stance--see vol 5 part 36 Kenshin: I know. But even so . . . Even if I throw away my life, I must master the succession technique. Hiko (lowering his sword): Then you are a stupid pupil. Kenshin: Huh? Hiko (turning away): You haven't learned anything at all. Kenshin: Master . . . Hiko: Take one night. Until morning, search your heart and find the part of you that you lack. If you can't do that, in mastering the ultimate technique, you really will be throwing away your life. (That night, Kenshin gazes up at the stars.) Kenshin (thinking): I never thought about why I surpassed others. I thought I was a sinner, hiding the true nature of the Hitokiri deep in my heart. What is it that I lack . . . (Hiko sips his sake, remembering the past.) (Nineteen years ago, Hiko stops at a sake shop.) Hiko: He didn't come this way? Shopkeeper: Not so much as a cat's been to the village, much less a boy. Hiko (walking away): Did he despair of the world and commit suicide? . . . But that happens often too. Even wielding a blade, following the precepts of the Hiten Mitsurugi school, in the end I couldn't save anyone. It's happened so many times. An age warped more towards madness with each passing day, infested with villains that I kill and kill like flies. It will only get worse from now on. The only thing I can really do is lay the victims' body to rest . . . (He enters the clearing again. The field is covered with handmade wooden crosses. The boy stands alone in the midst of them, before three other graves marked with stones.) Hiko: You dug graves not just for your parents but for the bandits too? Boy: They weren't my parents. They were slavers. My parents died last year of cholera. But even bandits and slavers are only bodies when they die . . . so I made them graves. Hiko: These three stones? Boy: Miss Kasumi, Miss Akane and Miss Sakura. They were taken from their families because of debts. I only met them the day before, but I was the only boy and we didn't have any parents. I thought even if it cost me my life, I had to protect them. Hiko: But . . . Boy: I looked for good stones for their graves but these were the only ones I could find. I looked for flowers too, but I couldn't find any . . . (Hiko uncorks the sake bottle and pours out a libation.) Hiko: Man or woman, it would be a shame to attain Buddhahood without knowing the taste of good sake. It's an offering from me. What's your name, boy? Boy: Shinta . . . Hiko: That's no name for a swordsman. From now on, you're called Kenshin. I'll teach you all I know. (Return to the present) Hiko: That was nineteen years ago . . . and now, whether he masters the technique or not, he'll say farewell to this life tomorrow . . . Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 96--Between Life and Death (Kaoru is lost in thought at the Aoiya.) Misao: It's dangerous to sit staring out the window like that. You don't know when or where an enemy will strike. Kaoru: Misao. Misao: Uh-uh-uh! Not Misao, Okashira! (Kaoru sighs) Himura should learn the secrets and hurry back, huh. Kaoru: Yes, but . . . (they look out the window, at Yahiko practicing outside) Stronger, stronger . . . it's only natural for a swordsman. If he gains the great strength of the succession techniques, he'll have an advantage in the battle with the Shishio faction. But on the other hand, it will be even more of a disadvantage in the battle between the vagabond sworn never to kill and the Hitokiri that lurks in Kenshin's own heart. I think . . . I'm sorry, Misao, you have enough to worry about. Misao: Oh no, don't worry about it. I'll be fine. (At dawn, Hiko and Kenshin face each other again, with deep circles under their eyes.) Hiko: You look like you didn't get a wink of sleep last night. Kenshin: So do you. (They go splash their faces with cold water, and try again.) Hiko: So . . . did you discover what it is you lack? Kenshin: No . . . Hiko: I see. So after all, you are a man with limits here. You did not find what you lack. Incomplete as you are, mastering the succession technique or defeating the Shishio faction is meaningless. Even if you devoted yourself to defeating them, you could not defeat the Hitokiri who lives in your heart. Tormented by anguish and pain your whole life, you kill. (He casts off his cloak.) Instead of the succession technique, prepare for the worst. My final duty as your master. (He draws his sword with such speed that Kenshin puts up an arm to shield his face. The cloak sails overhead and strikes the ground behind him.) Hiko: A white cloak set with springs opposing the muscles and 10 kan* of shoulder-weights. It's been used by those who hold the name of Hiko Seijuurou to restrain the inheritor of the Hiten Mitsurugi's power in times of peace. Prepare yourself, Kenshin. *37.5 kg, about 80 pounds. Kenshin (thinking): The first time I've seen him . . . This is the true Hiko Seijuurou. My left hand . . . it's shaking. Am I scared? Of Hiko Seijuurou? Or of the death I can see so clearly behind him--- (He clenches his hand into a fist.) Kenshin (thinking): I am not afraid! I was prepared to die in the violence of the Bakumatsu. Even if it costs me my life, I will learn the technique-- Hiko: Let's go. Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu Kuzuryuusen (Death flashes before Kenshin's eyes, and he is caught in a storm of memories.) Kaoru: I want the vagabond-- Yahiko: Dammit. I want to be strong. Sanosuke: That's why I'm not letting you go off wandering, Kenshin. Megumi: If you’re using my dealings with opium as a hold on Ken-san, then I’d rather be executed. Jin'eh: I'll be watching from hell to see how long you can stay a vagabond. Hanya: After this it's up to you, Himura Battousai. Aoshi: Until I kill you, no one will. Misao: If you try to bear everything by yourself, you'll only end up miserable. I don't agree with that at all! Okina: Everyone wants to see you come back safe. Please don't forget that. Okubo: For the sake of the people of Japan, Himura, go to Kyoto once more. Saitou: From now on, Japan's confusion truly begins. Kaoru: KENSHIN----!!! Kenshin: I can't die. I have no reason to die just yet! (He draws his sword--they clash.) Hiko: That's it . . . that's good. You who killed and stole many lives held remorse and a sense of guilt. You thought nothing of your own life. You hid the fact that yours too is just another human life. This held back your own strength. That was how you allowed the Hitokiri to build a nest in your heart. When you surmounted this, you discovered in between life and death. The will to live you lacked. (He turns to face Kenshin, revealing a huge slash across his chest.) Hiko: With the Buddha's benevolence you sacrificed yourself to protect the weak and those you loved. Left in sadness, they could not truly be happy. In the dangers of the age, in the passion of violence, quietly laying down your life is utterly insignificant in the ever- flowing passage of time. There is nothing stronger than the will to live . . . Never forget that. You'll be able to use the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki freely and well. You won't lose to the Shishio faction or even to the Hitokiri inside you. Kenshin: Master. (Hiko only smiles.) Master? Hiko: Don't worry. It is the destiny of the master and student of the sword in the passing down of the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. Don't think of it as breaking your vow . . . (The gash widens; Hiko crumples.) Kenshin: Master!! Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 97--The Assembly of the Ten Swords Kenshin: Master!! Hiko: The Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki is the strongest technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi school. You master it in exchange for the life of your predecessor. As master and student of the sword, all I've taught you ends here. After this, as a vagabond, you'll-- (He falls face forward.) Kenshin: Master . . . .He's joking . . . there's no way the technique could kill him with just one blow from the reverse blade. (Hiko is motionless.) Kenshin (thinking): Am I going to let him die? (he throws aside his sword and picks Hiko up.) Can I stand to let him die? (He ransacks the cabin and finds a paper packet.) Kenshin: Here it is. (thinking) When I ate the warai-take and almost died, he got me this heart-strengthening medicine. If I went down the mountain to find a doctor we'd never get back in time. All I can do is bet on his strength. Master--!! (That night, at Shishio's headquarters.) Soujirou: I'm back! Yumi: Boy! Soujirou: What's wrong? You're all red. Yumi: Where have you been! Soujirou: Where? Well, everyone's stuck in this cellar and getting all depressed. So I thought, why not buy some Kyoto treats for everyone? Yumi: And that took you three days? Soujirou: What would be best? I just couldn't decide. (Yumi smacks her forehead.) What? Yumi: While you were gone that Usui showed up. It's been terrible! Usui: And what's wrong with that Usui? Soujirou: Oh, Mr. Usui. I haven't seen you in a long time. Would you like one? Usui: Cakes . . . When you leave Shishio's side it should be to perform some proper duty. And this was just for cakes . . . I can't see your eyes, but my mind's eye can see right through men's hearts. Those like you who don't employ their emotions directly are no exception. Soujirou: Huh? Usui: Well, whatever you're hiding, it has nothing to do with me. Oh, don't forget, the Ten Swords are meeting at once in the main hall. The other three have arrived. (They enter the main hall.) Soujirou: Hey, Kamatari! Yumi: Ohgod. Kamatari: Sou! It's been so long! Yumi, it's so good to see you again. Yumi: Yeah . . . Kamatari: This time we'll see who can steal Lord Shishio's heart. Yumi: Right. Well, I'm certainly not going to lose to a guy. (Cross-dressing scythe-wielder.) Saitsuchi: Heh heh heh, the young have so much energy. Soujirou: Master Saitsuchi, who could have more energy than you? Saitsuchi: Heh heh, only you'd be so good to say so. This lot talks about as much as you'd think. Kids these days. They're all jealous of my strength at heart. Soujirou: Oh, speaking of which, Master Saitsuchi, where's your partner? Saitsuchi: Fuji's outside. He couldn't fit through the door. Houji: They're all here. (Shishio enters.) Soujirou (offering him the box): I'm sorry, Mr. Shishio, for just taking off for three days. I brought you a souvenir. They're delicious. Houji: Soujirou, we're in the middle of something. This can wait. (On the inside of the box lid is written: "Preparations for the ship are complete. We can leave at any time. * Mr. Usui is a little suspicious but it will probably be all right.") Shishio: Thank you. Well done. We'll have some later. Everyone, you have traveled far. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Due to an unexpected incident, Chou isn't here, but aside from him we've all gathered. Sword-Hunter Chou Shishio: Those who honor me. Soujirou the Tenken Kamatari of the Great Scythe Shishio: Those who would kill me Usui the Blind Sword Shishio: Those who lost faith in the Meiji government. Yumi of the Night Bright King Anji Houji of the Hundred Senses Shishio: Those with great abilities and great self-confidence Round Demon Iwanbou Soaring Henya Destructive Army (First) Saitsuchi Destructive Army (Second) Fuji Shishio: With our own thoughts, the time to act as one has come. Tomorrow night at 11:59 the Great Fire of Kyoto will begin. And so the day of destruction dawns . . . (Kenshin dozes, sitting against the wall. Hiko kicks him awake.) Hiko: Are you going to waste the whole day? There's a lot of people waiting for your return. So quit lollygagging and get off my mountain. Kenshin (rushing forward): Master! (Hiko ducks aside, so that Kenshin smashes into the far wall.) Hiko: The day hasn't dawned when I'd be happy to hug a man. Don't jump around like that. Kenshin: But . . . I'm glad the medicine worked. Hiko: What? This stuff? It's just a placebo. Kenshin: But . . . well . . . why . . . Hiko: It was probably the sword. Kenshin (thinking): The true reverse blade. Hiko: Look here. The rivet protrudes, so whether it's drawn or not the actual blade will shake just enough. As a result, the blade itself can absorb and weaken the power of the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. It's responsive to the feelings of its wielder. It's a good blade. Kenshin (thinking): Mr. Shakkuu. Hiko: If I may say it again, my genius wasn't wasted in training you to make use of everything the sword can offer you. So the passing down of the secret techniques is finished. As your experience tells you, the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki can kill even with the reverse blade. As a vagabond, you must control the force and speed of the technique. Now quit hanging around and get off the mountain. People are waiting for you. The Making of the Characters --Hiko Seijuurou-- There was no real model for the character. When I go to draw what I associate with the word "master," I come up with someone warped with arrogance. He's a character I like and I keep wanting to bring him in more, but since he's actually stronger than Kenshin, my boss said "Compare him to the joker in cards" and that he was too all-mighty, so bringing him in causes problems. This is a digression, but lately I've been worrying about machismo, and Hiko is a forerunner of that. There are a lot of drinking scenes, but the truth is I don't drink, and though I thought he would be the kind of cool, manly guy to drink alone, that doesn't mean that he's a drunkard. Also, I got a lot of letters from readers asking if he was a blood relation of Hiko Seijuurou from the short story "Crescent Moon Over a War-Torn Country." According to the story, the Hiten Mitsurugi school secrets are handed down according to ability, so they're not related by blood. The design is of course the same as Hiko Seijuurou from "Crescent Moon Over a War-Torn Country," but that design is actually from Mr. Obata's "Arabian Lamp Lamp," Hiten Majin Hamel. (Mr. Obata, I'm so, so, so sorry.) From the short story to Ruroken, I made the overall design simpler, and made the hairstyle easier to draw. Again, though they're both men of the sword, he was planned to be completely different from Kenshin. To direct the above-mentioned "machismo," I gave him a macho body under the cloak. To those female fans who were in love with his face but disillusioned by his body, I'm sorry. (But if they were all beauties, how interesting would that be? I hate drawing like that . . .) The cloak, by the way, came from the recently popular American comic Spawn. Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 98--One More Target Kenshin: Well, Master . . . thank you for everything. Hiko: Wait. (He removes the cloak and holds it out.) The white cloak is passed down from generation to generation. It's proof you're the successor of the Hiten Mitsurugi school. Take it. You've earned it. (They both contemplate Kenshin wearing the cloak.) Kenshin: I'll have to decline. (It just wouldn't look good on me.) Hiko: Hey, you-- Kenshin: Master, I've learned the secret techniques, but I have no wish to succeed as the fourteenth Hiko Seijuurou and continue the school. I only want to pass on the ideals of the school. Hiko: You're pretty selfish. Well, it's not like this is the first time. Kenshin: You might call this selfish as well, but there's one more thing. While I'm fighting the Shishio faction, will you protect the Aoiya for me? Hiko: Hm. Kenshin: Master. Hiko (with a big thumbs-down): I've had about enough of you talking me into things. (putting the cloak back on and turning back to the house) When you said you wouldn't carry on the Hiten Mitsurugi school, I was no longer your master, you were no longer my student. Forget I was ever your master. Kenshin: Master! Hiko: But remember this. Just that I didn't teach you the Hiten Mitsurugi school to bring you misery. Don't worry about it too much. Go beat Shishio. (Kenshin bows, and walks back towards Kyoto.) (In Kyoto, police patrols line the streets.) People: Something's going on. It's really noisy. Lot of police out today. (At police headquarters) Chief: Fujita, the patrols have been sent around Kyoto as you ordered. The reinforcements are coming in from neighboring prefectures; by evening we'll have about 5,000 men. No matter how many the Shishio faction, they won't be able to act freely. Saitou: I wonder how this will go. Chief: It's okay. It'll go all right. Heaven is on our side. The legendary man we were searching for appeared at the station at the base of Amaketake. They put him in a carriage immediately, he should be here soon. (The sound of wheels outside.) Chief: Just like the rumors said. (Kenshin steps out of the carriage.) Chief: That's the Hitokiri . . . Himura Battousai. Saitou (calling out the window): Hey. Look at you, visiting in a carriage on a weekday afternoon, like you were some rich guy. Chief (nervously): Fujita. Saitou: So what is it? You've resolved to become the Hitokiri once again? Kenshin (smiling): Well, I'm not sure. (a pause) Saitou: Well, we have a lot to talk about. Come inside. That noisy guy just went to get something to eat, so this is perfect. (A little later, in a library) Kenshin: A fire in Kyoto?! Saitou: Yes. We heard it from one of the Ten Swords we captured, Chou. Also, early this morning one of the patrols arrested and questioned a suspect. He confessed to making preparations for the Great Kyoto Fire. It's set to begin at 11:59 tonight. That much is certain. Kenshin: That seems strange. Saitou: You think so too. No matter how strong the Shishio faction, we still have an overwhelming advantage of numbers. So their tactics will have to emphasis surprise attacks and assassinations. The Great Fire of Kyoto is also a plan with these important points. Houji (speaking to the assembled soldiers): Gentlemen! Our time is finally come! There will be need to hide or lurk in this cellar! Saitou: But if their information is leaked so easily, they can't possibly pull off anything like that Houji: These fools who live in idleness will fall to our strength! Saitou: Security should be so tight that leaking information is a matter of life and death. I thought someone would be sent to eliminate Chou down in the cells, so I set up a close watch. But there was no sign of anyone. And it turns out you can get anything you want out of Chou. However you look at it, it's strange. Kenshin: The other side of the Kyoto Fire must be a secret even to the Ten Swords. There must be some other target . . . (They open a map on the table.) Saitou (thinking): Where . . . His target, where . . . (Osaka leaps out at them.) Kenshin: The Kyoto Fire is modeled on the Ikedaya Affair. Since Shishio is taking over the country and taking revenge at the same time, this other target would be some kind of game. Saitou, in the decisive battle of the Boshin war, Tobafumi, the Bakufu shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu deceived his allies by fleeing by ship from Osaka Bay to Edo. This maneuver was the main reason for the government victory. Shishio will ironically make his victory into his own . . . (pointing at Tokyo) Here! The Kyoto Fire is the only the first stage of his plans! His true objective is a marine bombardment of Tokyo! Saitou: I see . . . The Kyoto fire is an opening move to draw the public eye and his supporters. The Shishio faction and the police will meet in a head-on, flashy battle. So he deliberately let the information out. The target is Tokyo, the seat of government. A place that can't be put out of harm's way. Kenshin: They won't be able to combat a marine attack! It's the one thing they can't avoid! (opening the door) There's no time! Hurry! Sanosuke: Leaving me behind again? (He punches him across the face.) Sanosuke: Not this time. Kenshin: S . . Sano! What are you doing here! Sanosuke (catching him as he falls forward): What am I doing here? I decided to help you out! Kenshin (smiling): I see. Saitou: Don't you mean get in our way? Sanosuke: Hey! Anyway, there's no time! I've got a lot to tell you while we run! Saitou: You're going to run all the way to Osaka? Idiot. We'll take the carriage. Sanosuke: Ah, why do you always have to find fault with everything I say! Kenshin: . . . . Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 99--Fly Like the Wind Sanosuke (riding atop the carriage): Fly! Fly! Fly like the wind! Destination Osaka! Go! (Saitou stabs up through the roof of the carriage.) Saitou: Damn, I missed. Sanosuke: Saitou what the hell are you doing! Saitou: You're so loud we can't hear ourselves talk. Shut up for a minute. To continue. Five thousand officers are deployed in Kyoto. That's about ten times Shishio's numbers. With that alone we can hold off the fire. That letter you wrote before we left. You won't have to worry about it being delivered, but what was it for? Kenshin: The policemen can hold off five hundred soldiers, but they can't stop five hundred sparks. For that, we'll need the help of those who protected Kyoto long ago. (At the Aoiya) Misao: Hey, Omasu. Omasu: Yes, what is it, Misao--I mean, Okashira. Misao: How much does a Gatling gun go for on the black market these days? Omasu: You know about those! Kaoru: Where did that come from! Misao: You know . . . Speaking as myself, I really don't like the idea of relying on firearms. But as Okashira, if we're going to deal with Shishio's faction we have to be well equipped. Omasu: And so she . . . Kaoru: Misao. Certainly the attacking power of the Gatling gun is amazing. It's probably the strongest ground weapon to use against soldiers. But even so, four of the Oniwabanshuu were destroyed by it. You can't replace the true strength of the Oniwabanshuu with the strength of things bought with money, can you? Even Kenshin would acknowledge their superiority. Yahiko: There they are! (Yahiko, Okon, Shiro and Kuro charge down the hall.) Yahiko: A letter, a letter! A letter from Kenshin! Okon: It was brought by the police! Omasu: The police! Why? Yahiko: I don't know, but this messy handwriting is definitely Kenshin's. Misao: Just open it! (They unfold and read it.) Shiro: Is he serious . . . Okon: I thought there were a lot of cops around today . . . Kuro: A fire in Kyoto . . . Omasu: That's ridiculous . . . Yahiko: They didn't start doing ridiculous things today. Kaoru: What do we do . . . Misao: It's decided! We stop them!! Send out emergency carrier pigeons! Tell all of Kyoto! Shirojou, Kurojou, Masukami, Oumime! Change into battle dress! Now it's the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu's turn! Kaoru: Yahiko, we'll help too. Yahiko: Of course. I just can't believe we're fighting alongside the Oniwabanshuu. I would never have dreamed it when we were fighting them in Tokyo. Misao: There's no time! Everything's gotta be fast! Fly like the wind! Saitou: I sent a telegram to Osaka, but it's too late to try and block off the road from Kyoto. On top of that, no matter how fast this carriage goes we won't get there until around midnight. With the time factor we won't make it if we search for him randomly. Sanosuke: All that doom and gloom won't get us anywhere. Even if we fail, Tokyo isn't so weak it'd be destroyed with a couple of shots. Since we've come so far all we can do is give it our best shot. (Saitou stabs at him again.) Sanosuke: Once was bad enough, but twice!! I'll kill you for this! Saitou: I told you to shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. Kenshin: Sano, Shishio isn't trying to destroy Tokyo. Think of the coming of the Black Ships in Kaei 6, that led to the opening of the country and the beginning of the Bakumatsu. At first sight, these monsters threw Edo into a panic, as in the song "Awoken from the sleep of peace, we couldn't sleep all night even after four cups of tea." The terror and uncertainty of that time and of the Bakumatsu still lurks in people's hearts, even now that Edo has become Tokyo. If an unknown ship suddenly appears in Tokyo Bay and opens fire, Tokyo will without a doubt fall into utter confusion. Saitou: Today's government has no power to suppress it. Tokyo will immediately become a lawless region, stopping all government workings at a stroke. Sanosuke: I see. All right, I get it. It gets worse with every second that goes by. If that's the case--fly like the wind! (Saitou attempts to make mincemeat out of him.) Saitou: Driver! Clear the trash from the top! Sanosuke: Why you-- (At the harbor, Yumi looks at a rickety old battleship with apprehension.) Shishio: What's wrong, Yumi. Yumi: To be allowed to come to the destruction of Tokyo, a secret kept even from the Ten Swords is a great honor, but . . . do you really mean . . . this worn-out old ship? Shishio: Yumi. Did you fall in love with me at first sight? Experience in the Bakumatsu taught me that to do the work of a Hitokiri there are two ideal conditions. One is confusion in the darkness of night. The other is confusion in a crowd. The first condition, as you see, is already fulfilled. As for the other, in other words, it's confusing the enemy by appearing the same on the outside as everything else . . . You love me for my inner self. Kenshin: Among the Hitokiri, Shishio Makoto followed in my footsteps. How would he do this? Shishio: I'll show you her inner self too. Kenshin: As Hitokiri Battousai, I know exactly what he'll do. He's probably camouflaged the ship as a private boat and anchored it in the open. (Shishio takes Yumi inside the ship, which is actually a framework constructed around another vessel.) Shishio: This is our secret weapon. She's called the Rengoku (Purgatory). What do you think, Yumi? Are you in love? Yumi: . . . Yes. With this we can crush the hateful Meiji government like cockroaches! Hurry! Let's hurry and depart! Shishio: Yes, we'll hurry. Houji, the time? Houji: Eleven . . . twenty two. The Great Kyoto fire and the sailing of the Rengoku will be in thirty-seven minutes. Thirty-seven minutes until all forces collide--- Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 100--The Great Kyoto Fire (Beginning) Houji: It's time. (Anji, Kamatari, Usui, Iwanbou, Henya and Saitsuchi watch the city.) Saitsuchi: They're late! The fire isn't set yet? Kamatari: Don't be so impatient. It isn't easy to set a huge fire like that. Soldiers (rushing up behind them): Message! Police have been stationed all over the city. The first unit can't move out as planned! Same with the second unit! Message from the third! Kamatari: You guys aren't much good in a crisis, are you. Usui: No use. We'll have to change plans. The fire should be simple enough for you; leave the breaking through to us. Anji: Mr. Usui, the Ten Swords' duty of assassination must be accomplished at all costs. It's not for us to kill civilians and low-level police! Usui: If the fire gets going it'll be the same anyway. This won't change the fact that they're all going to die. Anji: If you insist. Kamatari: I'm going! Saitsuchi: Fuji and I will hang back. Henya (pointing at Iwanbou): Leave the fool. He'll only get in the way. (Lines of police engage Shishio's soldiers.) Infantry captain: Fire! Fire! In the name of the dignity of the police, we'll stop this outrage! Soldiers: They're too many of them! Run! (Kamatari slices them in pieces.) Kamatari: Fine, those that want to run can go ahead. If you can get past my God of Death scythe. (Henya sails overhead, taking out several policemen.) Henya: What do you do if the loss of a chess piece embarrasses you? Especially since our pawns are so elegant. But if you have pawns, you advance! Soldiers: Advance! Police: No retreat! (Elsewhere, two soldiers hurry down a back alley.) Soldier: All right, around here's fine. The main force and the police are duking it out, it's a good chance. (They pour out oil and raise a torch.) Old Man (watching from a window): Fire, everyone! (Hordes of people appear out of nowhere.) People: Where, where? There! This way! Soldiers: Wait--wait a minute! What are all these people doing up in the middle of the night? (The Oniwabanshuu appear on a rooftop.) Misao: All right, that's good! People: Misao--I mean, new Okashira! We got 'em! Misao: Good work! But we're not out of the woods yet. Be careful and stay on guard! Everyone get to your posts like we planned. Look out for fire and protect the people. Omasu: Misao--Okashira, be careful. (The four leap off.) People: Good luck!! Kaoru: The Oniwabanshuu must be really popular here. Yahiko: You'd never think they were spies . . . Kaoru: But this is the way of life they chose and the success of those ten years. Yahiko: You're right . . . they wouldn't flinch even before a Gatling gun. The true strength of the Oniwabanshuu. The form is different but it's definitely here. Misao: All right! Everyone move out! Kaoru, Yahiko! You're next-- (Usui suddenly appears behind her, spear raised.) Usui: So you think you won't burn, little girl . . . (Abroad the Rengoku) Houji: They're late . . . all of Kyoto should have been ablaze by now. What on earth is going on . . . Shishio: They can't help being outnumbered. There's five thousand police out there. Houji: Still, they're taking too long. Shishio: No hurry. There's no way anyone would have followed us here. Yumi (slightly the worse for drink): Oh, aren't you feeling sentimental at all, Lord Shishio? You must be sad to see the place of all your memories of the old days and all your plans go up in flames. So let's at least watch its last moments. Shishio: Yumi, you drink too much. Why should I drown in emotion? This is my departure to glory. My departure from the Great Fire of Kyoto I waited for for so long, and the celebration fireworks of my proclamation of war. However . . . my match with him is unfinished. Speaking of regrets . . . (A soldier peers out through a spyglass. Suddenly--) Soldier: Lord Houji! Houji: Have the fires started? Soldier: N--no, there's a carriage. It's coming amazingly fast! Sanosuke: Which one, Kenshin? Which one is Shishio's ship! Kenshin: That one, the wooden ship! It's the only one blowing steam ready to leave! Saitou: All right, stop it! Houji: This--this is ridiculous! What are they doing here! Shishio: He and I were the most similiar of the Hitokiris. He knows how I think. (thinking) Have you come to see me off, Battousai! Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 101--The Great Kyoto Fire (Middle) Shishio: It was good thinking finding me here, I'll give them that. (looking through the spyglass) Himura Battousai. Saitou Hajime. And--? (handing the spyglass to Soujirou) There's someone I don't know with them. Soujirou: Yes? Oh, that's probably one of Mr. Himura's friends. Um . . . I'm pretty sure. Houji: That's Sagara Sanosuke. He made a name for himself as a street fighter in Tokyo, but he's not nearly as dangerous as the other two. Shishio: Basically, just cannon fodder? (Sanosuke sneezes.) Sanosuke: The enemy's surprised at our matching abilities. (Saitou: Idiot.) Sanosuke: But the real surprise is yet to come. Soujirou: What do we do now, Mr. Shishio? Settle what we started in Shingetsu? Shishio: I'd like to, but it would take too much time. On the other hand, if we left now, it would look like we were running away . . . Houji, assemble the crew and prepare to break off the cover. I'll show my overwhelming strength, make you taste your own incompetence, and then it's sayonara. What do you say to that? Kenshin: In any case, we'll have to swim to the ship with their noticing us. From there, we'll cut the underside of the ship to-- Sanosuke: Hold on. For making holes in the ship we've got something better than swords. (holding out his grenades) Katsu gave them to me when I left Tokyo. They're the latest model, they don't even need fuses. Saitou: Idiot. Sanosuke (barely managing not to throw the grenades at Saitou): Every single time I--what did I say this time?!? Kenshin: Now, now . . . Saitou: If you don't know, then you're really an idiot. (That's an interesting expression.) Kenshin: Sano, even if they don't need fuses, when you dive in the gunpowder will get wet. Even the best bombs would be duds. Saitou: Exactly. You don't have a sword. Wait quietly until the Osaka police get here. (A huge explosion lights the bay) Sanosuke: What the hell--Shishio's ship self-destructed?! Saitou: Did a cannon misfire . . . Kenshin: No . . . (As the shrapnel settles, the sleek battleship Rengoku appears.) Shishio: You look surprised. I put three fifths of the resources for the Rengoku into that shell. You'll have to be more surprised than that. Houji, load the Armstrong cannons. We'll give them a scare. Houji: Roger. Saitou: A battleship . . . owned by a private individual? The Meiji government isn't going to last long at this rate. Battousai, can you cut through iron? Kenshin: Yes . . . but not while swimming. Change of plans. Sano, Saitou and I will draw enemy fire. Use that chance to find a boat. Go around, sneak on board and take out the engine room. Shishio: Fire! (The blast demolishes the dock they were standing on.) Sanosuke: Hang on--hey! (thinking) Finding a boat and getting around will take too much time, and (aloud) You can't dodge bullets that long! (Saitou and Kenshin are gone.) Shit. (He notices pieces of wood still floating in the water.) Houji: Shall we load a second shot? Shishio: No, that's enough of the Armstrong cannons. Get the Gatling guns ready instead. (Kenshin leaps out of the water onto the ship; Saitou appears on the other side.) Shishio: Welcome to a duel to the death . . . or so I'd like to say, but that's too naive. If you could read my mind and see my plans, then the reverse is also true. I could just as easily read your mind and see through your plans-- (Sanosuke uses the planks to run across the water.) Kenshin: Sano!! Shishio: I knew you were only the decoy! Gatling guns, fire! (The gun open fire; Sanosuke punches the water, sending up a spray of such force that it knocks the bullets out of the air.) Houji: That--that was Anji's Futae no Kiwami! Shishio: That bastard . . . ! (thinking) He's no ordinary fighter. (Sanosuke hurls the grenades at the ship.) Back to Home To Volume Twelve To the Next Chapter Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Twelve--The Great Kyoto Fire Part 102--The Great Kyoto Fire (End) Houji (to the soldiers): Don't panic! They're just hand grenades! Even if they hurt the outer shell they won't touch the interior! (The grenades strike the hull, touching off an explosion that rocks the ship. Everyone is thrown to the floor; and the waves toss Sanosuke into the water.) Sanosuke: Katsu, you son of a bitch. You made me take something that dangerous? (How was I supposed to use those for self-defense?) But, it turned out to be a pretty good present. All right! (swimming for the ship) Wait, Shishio Makoto! I'm coming to see the look on your face! Houji: . . . shit. (flipping open a speaking tube) Recover your balance! Report on damage to each sector! Soldiers: The engine room's destroyed! The screw shaft is completely disabled! The stern's on fire and we can't hold it back! It's getting closer to the ammo store. It'll go up in ten minutes. The lower decks are flooded! We can't wait! Lord Houji, the order to evacuate! Lord Houji? Houji: After all my work arming the Rengoku I can't believe you miserable little--you--you-- Shishio: It wasn't just him. He did the damage directly and unexpectedly. But Himura Battousai saw through my two-fold plan and found the location of the Rengoku. Saitou Hajime had the power of the police prepared beforehand through his judgment. Underestimating them was Shishio Makoto's greatest mistake! Losing Rengoku is a high price to pay for it, but I see now my first move should have been to bury you three. Soujirou: Mr. Shishio. So we will finish what we started in Shingetsu? Shishio: Yes . . . But. Soujirou: But? Shishio: The place will be halfway up the northeast face of Mt. Hiei, Rokutsurane Torii Hokora. Our headquarters. There, no one will get in our way. You will engage only I and the Ten Swords! Saitou: In other words, ten against three. I don't care about the odds, but wouldn't two against two be quicker? (pushing his sword out of its sheath) There's still time before the ship sinks. (Kenshin pushes the sword back.) Saitou: What are you doing. Kenshin: Mt. Hiei, Rokutsurane Torii Hakora. I have it. Soldier: Lord Shishio, evacuation is complete. Hurry! Shishio: Battousai, both long ago and today, taking this country was too much a showy trick. But now it's a trick I honor by risking my life for. This time there will be no carelessness. Prepare yourself and come. (As the ship sinks, Shishio and the others row away in a lifeboat. Saitou and Kenshin are in another.) Kenshin: Probably all aboard were chosen from the faction for their loyalty. It's good that Shishio evacuated. If we had fought then, it would have been too late for everyone to evacuate and there would have been victims. It's best if there are no enemy casualties as well. Saitou: You're as weak as ever. How can we beat Shishio like that? Kenshin: Maybe. But at least no one unrelated has gotten dragged into the fight. Saitou: So it all turned out the way you wanted. (Sanosuke hauls himself into the boat.) Sanosuke: Sagara Sanosuke arrives! Now where's Shishio Makoto!! Kenshin (pointing at the retreating boat): Shishio's-- Saitou: Idiot. (Sanosuke: Hey, you! Get back here!) Kenshin: That's going too far. If Sanosuke hadn't sunk the ship we couldn't have come out so well. (Sanosuke: Running away, eh?) Kenshin: Sano's more reliable than you think. Saitou: I'm well aware of that without your telling me. It doesn't change the fact that he's a fool. (On shore.) Sanosuke (gazing out to Kyoto): It looks safe enough out there. Kenshin: There don't seem to be any fires, but we couldn't tell from here. Saitou: Well, the great fire should be averted. The first battle is ours. The Great Kyoto Fire--End Back to Home To Volume Twelve