Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms and Reality Part 157--Invincible Tekkou Inui: You're my opponent? HA-ha ha! You don't look like a cop! You the local busyboy or what? Sanosuke: You checked out Kenshin pretty good, but I guess you slipped up this time. My name is Sagara Sanosuke! And whatever the reason, I'm a lot better friend to Kenshin than these guys! Don't forget that, even if you gotta write it on the palm of your hand! Inui: Zat so. Then I guess I gotta take you a lot more seriously than these guys! (He kicks Makugawa again in the chest.) Inui: Let's do this! (He rushes forward. Sanosuke charges as well. Inui suddenly backflips, kicking Sanosuke in the face and knocking him through the doors.) Inui: What's wrong? I'm just getting started! Sanosuke (charging again): Bastard! (He remembers Megumi's words: "Your right hand was hurt worse than Ken-san was!") Sanosuke (thinking): Dammit, I can't use the Futae no Kiwami. But it looks like we're both experts on unarmed combat. (aloud) This is a real fight! (Inui traps Sanosuke's wrist and flips him around to catch an elbow in the face. Inui laughs and gives him the finger.) Sanosuke (thinking): This guy-- (His every punch and kick is blocked by Inui's wristguards.) Sanosuke (thinking): His moves-- (Inui grabs him and flips him. Sanosuke's head thuds against the floor.) Sanosuke (thinking): They're strange! Inui: You done already? Sanosuke (still on the floor): I get it . . . If I want to beat you, first I gotta smash those tekkou . . . Inui: You got that right! If you can! The whole face is made up of slopes that turn aside any sword. And a thickness of 1 sun 7 bun will repel any bullet. And behind my tekkou is a technique combining the moves of schools ancient and modern, Kantou and Kansai. The Jushiki Invincible school! Those two together form the Invincible Tekkou of Inui Banshin! They have never known failure! In the place of the master that Battousai challenged and defeated, I will kill him with the Jushiki Invincible school. Sanosuke (getting to his feet): So you're after Kenshin because of your master . . . Inui: Not really. I don't think that just cause my master was defeated his pupil was too. I'm not interested in anything other than victory in a fight. Master or whatever, I have no sympathy for a whipped dog. I only look forward! Sanosuke: Zat so . . . I'm glad to hear that. So this time I'm up against someone who's basically crazy. If this was about deep sorrow or something it'd be more Kenshin's department. But a bastard like you, using revenge as an excuse to go berserk--there's no need to leave you to Kenshin! You'll learn the meaning of failure from me! From my Futae no Kiwami! (He punches Inui's tekkou with the Futae no Kiwami.) Inui: WHAT?? (Meanwhile, at Chief Uramura's house.) Uramura's daughter: Father! Uramura's wife: Dear! (Otowa pushes open the screen door.) Otowa: Ah . . . a fine evening breeze. (Uramura is kneeling behind him, shaking in pain. His wife and daughter are huddled against the back wall, both in tears.) Otowa: Well . . . it's about time we finished this. Uramura: You . . . who are you . . . (Otowa throws a sword, pinning Uramura's hand to the floor.) Daughter: Father! Otowa: Don't fuss. I won't leave you lonely. I'll send your own family together into the next world. Don't hate me for this. If you need to hate someone-- Kenshin (appearing in the door behind him): They should hate me? I'm sorry, but I don't want to suffer anyone else's hatred. Otowa: The cross scar on the left cheek . . . Uramura: Himura! Otowa: It is you . . . isn't this nice. Since this is unexpected, there should be no problem if I leave the other five out and take you down here. Draw! Your precious battou-jutsu against my left-handed Baika Chuuzen. Which will triumph? Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 20 dec 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms and Reality Part 160--An Assassin's Tools (Otowa stands at the door, left hand raised.) Otowa: Well? What's wrong? Draw, Battousai! Uramura: No, Himura! There's something strange about his left hand! He fires a gun without even moving! Kenshin: Let me ask one thing. For who's sake do you seek revenge against me? Otowa: . . . That's right. It would be a shame to send you to the next world without knowing that. It was a friend. A good man. Those nights when we'd compete to see who could kill more in a single night, I truly enjoyed. Kenshin: So you too have lived a life without honor. But that doesn't change the fact that you want revenge . . . Otowa: Of course not! You are irrevocably my enemy! Stop wasting time! Should I finish these four behind me with my Baika Chuuzen instead? (Kenshin falls into battou-jutsu stance.) Uramura: Himura! Otowa: OM! (He opens his hand. In one split second, Kenshin catches a small arrow by the shaft.) Kenshin (tossing it away): So this is your mysterious power . . . Uramura: An arrow . . . but there's no bow . . . Otowa (snickering): You're right. (He pushes his sleeve back to reveal the mechanism, a small bow.) Otowa: Iron arrows fired from a six-shot bow by the strongest spring! The character on my left hand and that strange sound creates an instant of confusion. So you must have seen me pull the silk thread of the firing mechanism with my right hand on your blind side. Kenshin: I'm thinking of a certain assassin's tool. A technique by which one could aim accurately a very small muzzled gun . . . Otowa: That's right. My specialty is assassin's tools. No sword or martial art can match me. I, Otowa Hyouko, with these tools concealed all over my body, will bring down any target! (There is a moment's pause as they face each other down.) Kenshin: If you want revenge, I'll meet your challenge whenever you like. But this involvement of others will end. (Otowa smirks and retrieves his sword.) Otowa: I couldn't do anything so foolish as to meet head-on an opponent that has already seen past my Baika Chuuzen. An assassin's basic tactics is to outwit the enemy and catch him off-guard. It's nothing like the way a Hitokiri kills. (He draws two small cubes from his sleeve and casts them into the pool behind Kenshin. Suddenly smoke boils out of it.) Kenshin: That's-- (thinking) A poison fog! Otowa: Assassin's tool Kasui Busuen. You might call it poison, but it won't kill you in of itself, just paralyze you for four or five minutes. I had two or three more tools I wanted to show you, but that will have to wait for the time of Earthly Justice. I await our next encounter. If you make it that far. (He disappears into the smoke.) Kenshin (covering his mouth with his sleeve): The time of Earthly Justice . . . ? (Back at the Maekawa dojo, the tekkou Sanosuke punched is broken. Inui stares at it in disbelief.) Inui: My tekkou--that's crazy-- Sanosuke: I don't know about invincible, but there's nothing this fist can't sma-- (His fist suddenly bursts, bleeding in a dozen places. Sanosuke howls in pain.) Sanousuke (thinking): That's the reaction . . . I used the Futae no Kiwami without letting it heal . . . (Inui hesitates, puzzled by Sanosuke's reaction. Five policemen, armed with pistols, appear at the door.) Police: Hold it right there, miscreant! Fire! (They open fire. Inui, moving fast, blocks four shots with the tekkou. The policemen stand amazed; Inui himself looks a little surprised, then breaks out in a crazy grin.) Inui: You know it! They'll even stop bullets! Ha ha! There's no way someone could break my Invincible Tekkou with their fists! Ha--ha ha! Sanosuke: Don't call them that. (smiling) They're not invincible anymore. Inui (instantly furious): I will KILL you! (Giant hands break through the gate, sending policemen flying. Iwanbou's silhouette appears out of the wreakage.) Gein: What, still messing around? Inui: Gein! Sanosuke: Dammit! (thinking) Reinforcements. Gein (climbing up out of Iwanbou's mouth): Retreat, Banjin. It's already time for Earthly Justice. Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 3 jan 2000 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 161--A Piercing Question Gein: Retreat. It is already time for Earthly Justice. Sanosuke (thinking): Earthly Justice . . . wait a minute. Some guy just crawled out of another guy's mouth! Inui: Get lost, Gein! This fight's not over yet! I'm gonna kill this guy! Gein: I will certainly get lost. If you don't want to get caught in the blast, you'll retreat for your own good. (He leaps from Iwanbou's mouth to an adjacent roof. Inui scowls and follows suit.) Inui (from the roof): Ha--ha! I'm finished with you for today! You better thank me for sparing your life! Sanosuke: Yeah, that's it. So you're not leaving because your opponent is hurt. Too bad. You didn't get the win you wanted so bad. Inui: WHAT? That's it, I'm gonna kill that-- Gein: I'm leaving. Inui: Hey, wait! (He growls in anger for a minute.) Sagara Sanosuke, right? I'm gonna remember that face! If I see you again, I WILL kill you! Ha--ha! (He bounds away over the rooftops.) Sanosuke: If you see me again? What, you're not sure? You giving up on us? Is that how pathetic you are . . . (turning to the Iwanbou) But what is that thing? Some kinda suit . . . (A thin stream of smoke is drifting out of Iwanbou's open mouth. Sanosuke remembers Gein's words: "It is the time for Earthly Justice.) Sanosuke: Get back! (racing towards the Iwanbou) Don't just stand there, move! (He kicks the Iwanbou in the stomach. A bomb with a cheerful skull drawn on it flies out.) Police: A bomb? (And what's with that skull?) Sanosuke: Get down! (The bomb explodes in midair, damaging only the roof of the dojo.) Sanosuke: Dammit, like the Akabeko wasn't enough. Your big plan was to just blow everyone away? I get it now. These guys aren't going to back down! (thinking) They took out the Akabeko and half-destroyed the Maegawa dojo. Who knows how many casualties. All I got was one chipped tekkou. That patchwork bastard was too stupid to notice, but they sure didn't pull back out of mercy . . . (He kicks the Iwanbou.) Sanosuke: Damn them! If we don't do something they're gonna have us running for cover . . . (thinking) If we don't do something . . . (At Chief Uramura's house, the cloud of smoke is clearing. Kenshin glances down at his hands.) Kenshin: I must have breathed a little . . . (thinking) My hands and legs are shaking. But that will wear off. Now we have to see to the chief-- (He stops. The words echo "Time for Earthly Justice. Time for Earthly Justice.") (At some distance away, Kujiranami levels the Armstrong gun for a shot.) Kenshin: RUN! (Kujiranami's shot is a direct hit to the house. The chief's wife and daughter are sent flying but are basically unharmed.) Daughter: Father! Father!! (Kenshin appears out of the smoke, carrying Chief Uramura. Daughter: Father! Kenshin: He's all right. He's just unconscious. Daughter (now in tears): How could they be so cruel . . . What did Father--what did we do? (Kenshin bows his head, unable to answer.) Daughter: Why . . . why did this happen? Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 3 jan 2000 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 162--Thoughts at Dawn (Early the next morning, Kaoru is sitting alone at the table.) Tsubame (entering the room): Good morning, Kaoru. Kaoru (turning): Oh, good morning, Tsubame-- (She freezes.) Tsubame (her hair sticking up every which way): Isn't Mr. Himura back yet? Kaoru: Tsubame, you really slept on your hair funny. Tsubame: I did? Ack! (Kaoru sits her down in front of a mirror and begins to comb it straight.) Tsubame: I'm sorry, this always happens when I change pillows. Kaoru: Hm, then morning will be tough for a little while. You must have been up pretty late last night. Tsubame: Yes. I was scared, so I watched from the shadow of the dojo, but--Kaoru? Kaoru: Yes? Tsubame: These things that keep happening, they're so terrible. What's going on? Kaoru: Tsubame, you don't have to worry about that. That's what I'd like to say, anyway. To tell the truth, I don't know what's going on either. (suddenly fuming) Sanosuke knows all about it . . . Tsubame (as her hair is being pulled): Kaoru, that hurts . . . Kaoru: When Kenshin comes home, I'll try asking him again. Tsubame: I don't think he'll answer, though. Kaoru: You're too smart. Kenshin always tries to handle everything by himself. It's his personality. Tsubame: Kaoru, you're not too worried? When Mr. Himura left for Kyoto, you were so . . . Kaoru (looking embarrassed): Ah ha ha . . . please forgive me for that. I was so pathetic. There's no excuse for doing that to you all. (The readers were pretty harsh about that too . . .) You're right. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried. But . . . You never know what the future holds, but whatever happens to me, whatever happens to Kenshin, there will never be another good-bye like that one. After the battle in Kyoto, it's the one thing I'm sure of . . . okay? (She goes back to combing Tsubame's hair.) Tsubame (thinking): Kaoru and Mr. Himura . . . they should be happy together. Kaoru: Okay, all done. It's almost dawn. It's a little early, but let's wake Yahiko up and have breakfast. Tsubame: Um, his door was slightly open so I peeked in. He's not there. Kaoru: What? That's weird. That lazybones never gets up early . . . Unless he never came home last night?! Tsubame: What?? (They charge down the hall looking for him.) Kaoru: That idiot! Kenshin told him to be careful! I'll--Yahiko! (He's standing just outside the gate, wearing his sleeping kimono with his shinai strapped to his back.) Yahiko: Kaoru . . . So you aren't going to teach me the succession techniques? Kaoru (surprised): Yahiko, we talked about this before. You're very strong for your age. But it won't help you to be stronger now. Really, that came out of nowhere-- Yahiko: It did not. You know something is going on right now! That's why I need to be strong. Strong for my age is the same thing as being weak. I'm so sick of that . . . I'm the only one . . I'm sick of being the only one who's weak! (A moment of silence.) Tsubame: Yahiko . . . Kaoru: Yahiko. (thinking) He's crying . . . (Elsewhere, Kenshin is walking home. Chief Uramura's daughter's words echo in his mind.) How could they be so cruel? What did father--what did we do? Kenshin (thinking): The reason is "Because he was connected to Hitokiri Battousai." Like the Maekawa Dojo . . . Like the Akabeko . . . This unfair, almost indiscriminate violence--I'll stop it next time. But after that, what should I do? If it keeps up like this, I can't settle things by just defeating one opponent. That Otowa said there were six of them. They probably vary in ability, but that's still six opponents. Out for revenge, under the code they call Earthly Justice. It began with a sin I committed, a killing . . . How can I make them forgive me? Apologize? Die? Or something else, something totally different . . . (He comes to a small bridge. Standing on it, backlit by the rising sun, is a figure with white hair, wearing glasses and Chinese-style clothing.) Kenshin (shielding his eyes against the sun): Who's that . . . (Beside him, he seems to see a small boy, his clothes tattered, also with snow-white hair.) Kenshin (eyes widening): You're . . . Enishi . . . (And beside the boy, he sees a sad woman in kimono with a shawl.) Kenshin: Tomoe! (The sun rises a little higher. Enishi is alone.) Enishi (smiling): What's wrong, Battousai? You look like you've seen my sister's ghost. Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 27 dec 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 163--Overture to a Death Enishi: What's wrong, Battousai? Can you see her too? (He laughs.) That's right. She's always with me. Now, always and forever. But, Battousai--(suddenly looking very angry) You don't have the right to see my sister's phantom! Kenshin: Yukishiro . . . Enishi . . . You're behind all this. Enishi: So you didn't know. The last time I saw you was in the middle of the Battle of Toshifushimi. Has it been eleven years already? Kenshin: You--where-- Enishi: Where have I been all this time? I was in Shanghai. I didn't want to live in the new Japan you Ishin Shishi made. Shanghai, that demon city of the Orient, the whirlpool of riches and greed both East and West. After the Boshin War, after I lost my sister, my family was scattered. For a kid driven out of Japan to survive in Shanghai meant coming out on top of the fiercest competition. I drank from mud puddles, I ate dead flesh. I was always getting sick, always just about to die. Kenshin: . . . That's enough. Don't tell me anymore. Enishi: You'll listen to this. This is the only thing I have to thank you for. Yes . . . I was always close to death, but I survived. My revenge . . . To avenge my sister's death was the only thing in my heart. Ten years of that . . . I lived in Shanghai so long I almost forgot how to speak Japanese. I made it to the top. The top of the Shanghai mafia, controlling an entire continent of illicit arms manufacturers. (He draws a fancy engraved pistol and levels it almost playfully at Kenshin.) Enishi: Kujiranami's Armstrong cannon! Otowa's assassin's tools! Banjin's special-issue tekkou! Gein's ammunitions! All supplied by my organization! And Shishio Makoto, his battleship? I arranged for that as well. (Six shots ring out. Six holes smoke at Kenshin's feet.) Enishi: But that was a mistake . . . I hardly expected you and Shishio to meet head-on. I'm so glad you survived. Kenshin: I understand, Enishi . . . You want revenge for your sister's death. That's perfectly natural. I can't deny your right to justice. But one thing! Don't hurt anyone else who's not involved in this! Your revenge is against me alone. Only I should accept your punishment. Enishi: No. My revenge isn't for you alone. It's your everything! Those you hold dear, those you speak with. The whole of Japan, that you built with your bloody sword. A Japan without my sister. That's the only thing that could equal your crime. Kenshin: No! Enishi, I'm the only one who committed the crime. I'm the only one who should be punished! If you keep this up, it won't be revenge, it'll be slaughter! Even if Tomoe would have wanted revenge, she wouldn't have wanted this! (Enishi hurls the pistol at him; it strikes him across the forehead.) Enishi: How dare you speak of her! What do you know about what she wants! (Kenshin bows his head. Enishi bites the side of his lip in rage.) Enishi: Try saying her name one more time! Try it and ten Rengoku-class battleships turn Tokyo into a sea of flame! (Kenshin remains silent. Enishi spits blood.) Enishi: But . . . my sister wouldn't have liked all that uproar. She loved the quiet. That's why I picked only those who hated you as I do. I kept my force to six, and targeted only those who had direct contact with you. If you have any complaints, I'd be only too happy to make it all of Tokyo! I'm done here. Today was my declaration of war. The true battle will be ten days from now. Kenshin: Ten days! Enishi: Yes. The place will be the Kamiya dojo. There you will see our perfect Earthly Justice. I hope you look forward to it. I won't be relying on my mafia weapons. I'll show you my other strength. (He turns and walks away, laughing.) Kenshin: Enishi! Isn't there anything else--anything but fighting--is there no way I can atone for the crime of stealing your sister? What should I do? Answer me, Enishi! Enishi: For someone who can't let go of an idea, you're very slow to catch on . . . What should you do? If I have to answer . . . you can suffer. (He continues on his way. In his eyes, Tomoe's phantom appears, a faint smile across her lips.) Enishi: Tomoe. Hold on, okay? It's only ten days. What? It's too long? I'm sorry. We have to get some things ready. That's right. But we will have our revenge. (Kenshin remains where Enishi left him, his fists clenched.) Kenshin (thinking): Enishi . . . Tomoe! Unable to find the answer of how to atone for a Hitokiri's sins, ten days from now, Kenshin will face Enishi. But that answer, in the heat of battle, would take a far crueller form than anyone could guess-- Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 27 dec 1999 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 164--Phantoms & Reality (At the mansion in Yokohama) Gein: Ten days? Enishi: Yes. I gave him my declaration of war this morning. (Gein is working at a bench covered in grisly instruments: scalpels, pliers, mallets and other such tools.) Gein: Was that wise? The others won't like it. Enishi: It'll be fine. I'll persuade them. More importantly, will you be ready in ten days? Will it? Gein: Leave that to me. I'll give this my all. When the time comes, I'll show you a work of art. Enishi: I look forward to it. Indeed, my Earthly Justice hinges upon it. (Later that morning, Sanosuke and Megumi come to see Kaoru at the dojo. Sanosuke's hand is rebandaged and in a sling.) Sanosuke: You mean Kenshin isn't back yet? Kaoru: No. Sanosuke: And I dragged the medicine chest all the way here just for him. Megumi (with a little arrow labeled "medicine chest"): I just now patched you up. Don't you have a shred of gratitude in you? Sanosuke (ignoring her): Well, no point in worrying. Guy's practically invincible. Megumi: Idiot. He most certainly is not. Sanosuke: Almost forgot. I brought you some spoils of war. Kaoru: What? Sanosuke: Look, right over there. (With a little arrow labeled "spoils of war," Iwanbou's slumped and misshapen form is thrown up against a wall.) Kaoru: Isn't that one of the Ten Swords . . . ? Sanosuke: Looks like it. If you think about it, it fits exactly with what we've heard so we'd think that. In this battle the enemy must have had relations with the Shishio faction--no, wanted us to think he had relations with the Shishio faction . . . Megumi: Battle, huh. Is that what that was. So it wasn't just an accident? (She starts pounding him with her medicine box.) Megumi: You know something! Spit it out, rooster-head! Sanosuke (attempting to block): Hey, I thought you told me not to use this hand! Kaoru: Sanosuke . . . (Sanosuke looks put out.) Sanosuke: I know. I didn't think we could keep this up much longer. When Kenshin gets back-- Tsubame (rushing into the yard): Kaoru! It's Kenshin! Kenshin's back! But . . . but . . . (Kenshin walks in after her. He is walking slowly, his eyes blank and cast down.) Sanosuke: Hey, Ken . . . (Kaoru holds up a hand and he stops.) Kaoru: Welcome back. You look tired. Are you going to take a nap? Kenshin: . . . Yes. (He walks on around to the house.) Megumi: He's miles away . . . Sanosuke: This is not like him at all. What happened? Tsubame: Kaoru, you didn't even ask him anything . . . Kaoru (sadly): I couldn't ask. I've never seen him look like he'd suffered so much. (Kenshin paces on.) Kenshin (thinking): Enishi . . . Tomoe . . . What can I do, to atone for my sins? What can I do-- (Something crunches underfoot. He looks up to find himself in a bleak, dark landscape, where the ground is composed entirely of human bones.) Kenshin (thinking): What is this place--when did I-- (aloud) Hills of white bones . . . like Hell . . . a place fit for Shishio. (He passes a hand over his eyes.) Kenshin (thinking): No . . . I am just as fit for Hell. I wielded my sword for the new age, for the sake of the oppressed . . . to those close to the ones I killed I was just a hitokiri. I caused so much suffering . . . (A figure is walking up ahead, her back towards him.) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru? (He runs to catch up with her.) Kenshin: Miss Kaoru, what are you doing here? Kaoru . . . (He reaches out to her. She turns, and Tomoe's eyes fix him with a cold stare. He wakes up, gasping for breath.) Kenshin (thinking): I'm going mad . . . (He is sitting on the porch, watching the windchime turn idly in the breeze.) Kenshin (thinking): What should I do . . . I can't find an answer. If this goes on my ghosts will kill me . . . (He hears shouting in the distance.) Kenshin: The dojo? (Inside, Kaoru and Yahiko are training hard.) Kaoru: Look! You're still relying on the whole blade! The Kamiya Kasshin succession techniques are based on the hilt! First learn what the hilt can do! Yahiko: Right! Sanosuke (who is again being bandaged by Megumi): They're working hard. Megumi: Hold still! Tsubame (noticing Kenshin at the door): Kenshin . . . (Kaoru sees him too.) Kaoru: Tsubame, stand in for me. Yahiko, a hundred strokes with the hilt. Yahiko: Right! Kenshin: Miss Kaoru, what is this? Kaoru: Oh . . well. As you can see, I'm handing down the techniques. Kenshin: . . . Yahiko's a little young. Kaoru: I thought so too. Because he can't keep his temper and at first all he would say was "I want to be strong no matter what." But the other night, when you ran off on your own, he told me, "I'm sick of being the only one that's weak." He can tell something's going on, and he's working hard to be stronger and to grow up . . . For you, and for all of us, and for himself! Kenshin: . . . That's true. Yahiko's rushed ahead too fast sometimes, but he hasn't made the mistakes I've made. So he's sensed this disaster as well . . . (He turns to lean against the wall, looking down.) Kenshin (after a very long pause): I guess there's something I need to talk to you about. (Kaoru looks at him and sees that same blank, downcast look in his eyes. She holds back her questions again and finds a smile, holding out her hands.) Kaoru: Before that, are you sure you're not hurt? You can tell me later. Right now Megumi should check you out. Kenshin: . . . Thank you, Miss Kaoru. (He catches hold of her wrist.) Kaoru: Kenshin . . . Kenshin: (looking at Yahiko) That sweat . . . (at Sanosuke) Those wounds . . . I'll fight. Kenshin: And this warmth . . . these are no phantoms. I can find my answers later. Kenshin: They're all real. Now, I want to protect what's real, not phantoms. Kenshin: There's something I want to tell you all. About this battle, from the beginning. (A little later, they're all seated on the porch, listening.) Kenshin: This morning, on my way home, I received a declaration of war from the mastermind behind all this. Ten days from now, he will attack the Kamiya dojo with all his forces . . . This man's name is Yukishiro Enishi. My brother. Kaoru: Your brother? Kenshin: More accurately, my brother-in-law. The brother of Himura Tomoe, the wife I killed with my own hands. It began in the Bakumatsu, the story of the hatred behind this scar . . . Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 3 jan 2000 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 165--Rembrances 1--Hitokiri The first year of Genji (1864), Kyoto. (Three samurai, Ishiji, Shigekura, and Kyosato, are walking home late at night.) Kyosato: It's getting late. We should hurry a little. Lately there have been more of those Hitokiri-- Ishiji: Like that so-called Hitokiri Battousai? Whether he exists or not, we'll crush the rebellion soon. Shigekura: Now, now, let's not talk shop when we've got reason to celebrate. Kyosato, you're going to be married next month, aren't you? Kyosato (who is probably twenty years younger than the other two): That's right . . . Shigekura: Marrying your beautiful childhood sweetheart . . . you lucky dog. Kyosato: Thank you. (Footsteps behind them.) Kyosato: But I can't help worrying. In these troubled times, why should I-- Shigekura: What are you talking about. (An intense gaze follows their every move.) Shigekura: In this world, everyone's trying to find a little happiness. If anything, if we make a new age in this work of ours, that's the form it should take. Battousai: You must be Shigekura Juubeh. Though I bear you no grudge, for the sake of the new era, I must have your deaths. Ishiji: Who are you . . . Battousai: A Choushuu Ishin Shishi. Himura Battousai. (All three reach for their swords. Battousai kills Ishiji before he can even draw.) Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuutsuisen Zan! (He leaps in the air and stabs downward, killing Shigekura as well.) Kyosato: Mr. Shigekura--Mr. Ishiji! (Kyosato blocks Battousai's blow, but is driven back against a wall, Battousai's bloody sword inches away from his throat.) Battousai: Give up. (Kyosato pushes him back, freeing his sword.) Kyosato (thinking): I won't die. I don't want to die. Why should I have to die!! (They begin to fight, trading blow for blow.) In the fifteen years between the coming of the Black Ships and the Meiji era, "Honor the emperor" "Destroy the shogunate" "Expel the barbarian" "Open the country"--amidst all these ambitions and ideals, those who carried swords were split into two, Tokugawa Shogunate and Ishin Shishi. This was the Bakumatsu! (With a final cry, Kyosato charges. Battousai's blow strikes, and Kyosato collapses in a pool of blood. His sword lightly grazes Battousai's cheek in a long, thin vertical line. Battousai touches his cheek and looks at his own blood in amazement--it's the first time he's been touched.) (Behind him, Kyosato groans.) Kyosato: I . . no . . . I . . don't want to die. I was . . finally going . . . to marry her. I've always . . .loved her . . . (Battousai drives home the final blow.) (Two men come out of an alleyway.) Men: We've come to see. Battousai: Inspectors. Good work. Man: Your cheek. Battousai: It's nothing. Man: But he reached your face with a sword . . . he must have been very good. Battousai: No . . his skill itself was nothing. But his will to live was incredible. I'll leave the rest to you. (He starts to walk away, then looks back at Kyosato.) Battousai (softly): May you find happiness in the next world . . . Man: Did you say something? Battousai (walking away): No, nothing. (The men are leaving papers with "Heaven's Justice" written on them with the bodies.) Man: Will to live, huh . . . I guess a first-class swordsman can tell that just by crossing swords with someone . . Man: Yeah . . . Maybe he could tell that, but he killed them all without even blinking. He really is a Hitokiri . . . Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 11 feb 2000 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 166--Remembrances 2--Battousai is Born Heaven's Justice! (Battousai kills, again and again, under that motto.) (At an inn in Kyoto. Battousai is washing his hands in a basin.) Battousai (thinking): The smell of blood . . it won't come off. Iizuka (coming in): Oh, Battousai, there you are. Come quick. Master Katsura's waiting. Katsura Kogorou--The young leader of the Choushuu Ishin Shishi, active as the leader of a substantial province. Later joined with Saigou Takamori and Satchou Doumei to bring about the downfall of the shogunate. One of the Ishin Triumvirate. Katsura: It's been a while since we've been able to meet. Are you doing well? Battousai: Yes . . I'm doing them in very well. Iizuka: Hey, watch it. Battousai: What is my assignment tonight? Katsura: Well, it's not so important I'd call it an assignment. . . Battousai: If it's not important, please refrain from calling me. Iizuka: Hey! Battousai: I've assassinated almost a hundred people these past six months. No matter how we hide ourselves, the shogunate is beginning to sense we're here. It isn't a good plan for me to be near the Choushuu Hantei. The Bakufu forces are growing stronger day by day. Especially the wolves in Mibu . . . Katsura: The Shinsengumi . . . Battousai: We haven't yet crossed swords, but they could be the strongest of the Bakufu's weapons . . . Guy: What could that ragtag crowd possibly-- Katsura: I understand. We'll look out for them. Iizuka: Well, about that assignment. Katsura: Actually, tonight, during the Gion Festival, there's to be a secret council held at a certain inn. Mr. Toshiwara and Miyabe are expected to attend. Battousai: You need a bodyguard? Katsura: Well, no. I was wondering if you would join us. Iizuka: That's great! What an honor! Hey, your name could go down in history-- Battousai: I decline. It's easier if a Hitokiri keeps to the shadows as far as possible. And I'm not interested in history or honor. If we achieve a new age in which all can live at peace, that's enough. (He turns and leaves.) Iizuka: It's no good. Maybe he's killed too many, but lately he's been acting strange. I thought maybe he'd show some interest if we dangled the bait right in front of his eyes . . . Guy: Bait? Master Katsura's come all this way-- Iizuka: Call it what you want. Katsura: Iizuka's right. But I saw one thing here. He may act strangely, but his heart hasn't changed since I met him a year ago-- (Flashback: one year ago in Choushuu. A group of armed men are gathered, waiting their turn to show their skills. Katsura and another man, Takasugi, are a little ways off on a hill.) Katsura: I came all the way from Kyoto because you said you had something to show me. What is this, Shinsaku? Takasugi: You'll see. This is the strength of the new era. The Kiheitai! Takasugi Shinsaku--Essentially the second in command in Choushuu. A battle-loving man from the most active of the Choushuu factions, he succeeded in unifying the province in forming the Kiheitai to topple the Bakufu. Takasugi: Birth or status means nothing! Anyone can join my Kiheitai if they have the ambition and the strength. Katsura: Certainly after 300 years of peace, they could be better than the soft samurai. But will this really work? Takasugi: You worry too much. Look, even children. (The young Kenshin walks up to take his turn striking the target, a thick wooden pole wrapped in rope.) Man: Ha ha, the kid brought his own sword. Give it a try, kid. Man: I'll give you a ryo if you cut it in half. (Kenshin regards the pole for a minute. He slices it neatly in half with one stroke, then smashes one half with his scabbard.) Katsura: Shinsaku. Kenshin (to the heckler): One ryo. Heckler: Uh-- Katsura: I'm taking this boy to Kyoto. (Later. Katsura, Takasugi and Kenshin are talking over dinner.) Katsura: So that was the Hiten Mitsurugi school. I've heard of it, but I didn't know it truly existed . . . But let me ask you something. Have you ever killed a man with this Hiten Mitsurugi school? Kenshin: No. Katsura: Do you think you could? Kenshin: If with my own dirty sword and the lives I take, I could pave the way for a new era in which all can live in peace-- Katsura: I see. We're leaving for Kyoto first thing in the morning. Take a room upstairs and rest. (A little later. Kenshin has left; Katsura and Takasugi remain.) Takasugi: If you need Hitokiri that bad, you should do it yourself. When you were in Edo you were good enough to work your way up to the top of the Shindon Munnen school Renbeikan. Except for Sakamoto Ryouma of the Hokushin Ittori school, you never lost. Katsura: If I could, I would. But I'm the head of the Choushuu Ishin Shishi now. Takasugi: Yeah. That's right. You're the Choushuu shrine at the Bakumatsu festival. No one will carry a shrine that's covered in blood. So you're going to ruin that boy's life just so you can stay clean. If it means being driven into the jaws of death, or leaving a name that will shame generations to come, you should draw your own sword. Katsura: Don't think I haven't thought of that. Today is the anniversary of the death of Katsura Kogorou the swordsman. (End flashback.) Katsura: That was just about a year ago. Maybe it's because he seemed so grown-up then that he's changed now. But his heart hasn't changed at all. Man: That's good to hear. Katsura (thinking): It's because he hasn't changed that he's beginning to feel the terrible difference of being a Hitokiri . . . (Inside a small restaurant. Battousai is drinking alone.) Battousai (thinking): It tastes bad . . . These days no matter what I drink, I only taste blood. (General sounds of admiration as a girl walks into the bar alone and sits down at a booth behind him.) Proprietor: What can I get you? Tomoe: I'd like a cup of chilled sake, please. Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To the Next Chapter translations by maigo-chan last updated 11 feb 2000 Rurouni Kenshin Manga Translations Volume Nineteen--Phantoms & Reality Part 167--Remembrances 3--A Man and a Woman in a Rain of Blood Battousai (thinking): I started drinking about half a year ago. About the time I got the scar on my cheek . . . I never liked the taste, but lately all I can taste is blood . . . My master taught me the sword, but I learned to drink on my own. (Behind him, Tomoe downs her cup in one gulp. The bar looks on with admiration. Two roughnecks elbow each other.) Roughneck 1: Hey? Roughneck 2: Yeah. (They walk over and slam a bottle down on her table.) Roughneck 2: Hey, woman! Roughneck 1: Have a drink with us! Roughneck 2: We're Aizu patriots! We risk our lives day and night for the common people! Drinking with us is the least you could do to thank us. Someone: Aizu's on the Bakufu side, stupid. Roughnecks: What was that!! (The whole bar looks away.) Roughneck 2: That's what I thought. Stay out of this. Roughneck 1: That was a close one. Battousai (behind him): It certainly was. If you had drawn that sword, you would have been fighting me. Roughneck 2: What--! (He reaches for his sword, but Battousai stops him.) Battousai: Let me give you some advice. The violence is only going to get worse. Kyoto is no place for false patriots. If you value your lives, you should run back to the country. Patrons: Yeah! Go home, frauds! (The roughnecks storm out. Battousai tosses a few coins on the table and leaves as well.) Battousai: Sorry for the fuss. Proprietor: Ah--thank you. Patrons: He's good, that kid. Yeah, he's a real patriot. (Tomoe watches him go.) Battousai (walking down the darkened streets.): The taste of blood is getting stronger. Guys like that wouldn't have gotten to me before. (He looks up at the stars.) Master . . . Hiko: In spring, cherry blossoms by night. In summer, the stars. In autumn, the full moon. In winter, the snow. These are always enough to make sake delicious. If it tastes bad, that's proof that there's something sick inside you. Battousai (thinking): Sick . . maybe that's true. But saving people from the suffering of the ages is the foundation of the Hiten Mitsurugi school. And all the more now . . . When we fought a year ago, why did he try to keep me from leaving . . . (The two roughnecks from the bar are crouched in the street ahead of him.) Roughneck 2: All right, here he comes. This street is perfect. Roughneck 1: Are . . . are you really going to kill him? Roughneck 2: Hell yeah I am! You think I'm going to let this go? Roughneck 1: But he's a killer! Roughneck 2: Idiot! Everyone's a killer in Kyoto these days. (Behind them): Correct. (A man stands behind them, carrying two swords connected by a long length of chain.) Assassin: You'll be in the way. Leave us! (A scream rings out. Battousai looks up. One of the roughnecks comes running out.) Roughneck 1: Help me! Hel--- (A sword flies out through his mouth. A jerk of the chain sends it back to the assassin's hand.) Assassin: Hitokiri Battousai. Battousai: What is this? Assassin: You may play innocent, but I know you. I've been waiting for you here. I'll have your life! (They begin to fight.) Battousai (thinking): He's from the Bakufu. But not a real samurai. Like me . . . Someone who will never go down in history. A shadow assassin! (The assassin jumps to a roof, wrapping the chain around Battousai and pinning his arms to his sides.) Assassin: Prepare yourself! (Battousai pulls on the chain and manages to catch the other sword. As the assassin leaps towards him, he slices him in half with his own sword. As blood spatters everywhere, he becomes aware that Tomoe is standing behind him.) Battousai (thinking): She saw . . . the girl from the bar. I can't let anyone know of Battousai's existence . . . ! Tomoe: I followed you because I wanted to say thank you. In plays they always say, "A rain of blood fell" . . . But you really made it rain blood. (Battousai turns to look at her, as the sword falls from his hand. Blood has streaked her face and clothes.) Kenshin and Tomoe . . . In that instant, the wheel of their destiny began to turn. Round and round . . . Phantoms & Reality--End Back to Home To Volume Nineteen To Volume Twenty translations by maigo-chan last updated 11 feb 2000