Chapter 234 - "The Back of the Man Part 7 - What the Back Tells" (they're still at the battlefield.) Kamishimoemon: You've killed no less than 200 people... really impressive... Sano: What are you talking about? I did refrain myself a tiny little bit, so nobody's dead. Kamishimoemon (puffing his pipe): You call THIS as refraining a tiny little bit? Sano (grinning) : Yeah, a tiiiiiiny leeeeeetle bit. But after this astounding defeat, I bet this Fudousawa guy will ever be able to act as he had been acting up to today. (both of them smile) Kamishimoemon: Well, I'll be "going back" then... Sano: Yeah, I'll be "going away" then... ------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 234 - "The Back of the Man Part 7 - What the Back Tells" ------------------------------------------------------- (it's already late at night. They are walking back to the village, Kamishimoemon carrying a sleeping Outa on his shoulders.) Sano: Is he sleeping? Kamishimoemon: Yeah, usually he's already in the bed at this time. In his way, this boy tried hard to keep awake and come to take part in the fight. He must be tired by now... (he grins) At first sight, he looks like so weak, but in the end he has the blood of our family. When he has to fight, he does fight and deep inside his heart it looks like he really wants to be strong. Sano: Is it because of Uki his usual behavior? Kamishimoemon: To be more accurate, it's because of you. Sano: ..... as I thought... Kamishimoemon: The true reason Uki has become that worrier and overprotective is that sudden decision of yours, when you left us. (the background shows a child Uki crying and crying) Although you're an idiot, I guess you can imagine how she, who were always playing along with you, cried when you left the house. When the news that you've entered the Sekihoutai hits our house, she tried at all costs to enter Sekihoutai also... and when we heard the downfall of the Sekihoutai, she cried over and over again... When Outa was born, I had hoped she would be quieter, but then Naname passed away and Uki's case became hopeless. (Naname is your mom's name, remember?) (Sano: Of course I do.) Thus she fears more than anything else the loss of her family. (Sano remembers Uki) -- DAD!! HAVEN'T YOU SEEN DAD!!!??? Dad is not at home!! -- It looks like Outa knows that too and he plays his role... If Uki stands up, Outa stays still and vice-versa. Anyway, if the eldest son, who left the house, came back home, everything would be settled so nicely... (they stare at each other for a moment, then they burst into laughter.) Sano: Don't talk nonsense! Kamishimoemon: Yeah, I've talked nonsense! Outa: Z! (they smile again.) Kamishimoemon: Don't worry, I'll look after Uki and Outa until they become adults. So don't annoy me and disappear from my sight, will you? Sano: Yeah, I'll be disappearing. I need neither people to protect nor a place called home. All I need is this. (the panel shows his back and the character for evil -- "Aku") I don't care if my foe has political force or brute force. I'll bear this on my back and keep on fighting, just that... So that those who bet their lives to accomplish an ideal or who put their lifes at stake to protect what they cherish most, so that those good fellas will be able to fight in peace and work as a strong support for the weak. Kamishimoemon: Feh... It's said that man... Sano: What? Kamishimoemon: It's said that the upbringing of man comes from watching the backs of the men who walk ahead of him. Looks like you've grown up watching the backs of good men, eh... (he closes his eyes and smiles faintly) I wish I could have brought you up behind my back... Sano (also smiling faintly as he closes his eyes): What are you talking about? Until I was ten, I was surely brought up behind your back... (They reach a crossroad) Sano: So...guess I'm taking my leave. Kamishimoemon: Tokyo? Sano: Yeah. There's a guy that I can't leave him just now, and there's another one to whom I showed a bad back, so... (he shakes Outa gently) Hey, round cheeks, wake up. (Outa wakes up) I'm sorry for saying such harsh words some days ago. Tonight I'm glad that you showed you have guts to fight. I know it'll be hard, but for a while... yeah, at least until your sis get engaged, be a nice "younger brother" to her, will you? And after that, go to Tokyo and knock on the dojo of a kenjutsu style called Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu. I'm sure you can get stronger. (Outa opens wide his eyes. Sanosuke smiles.) Good luck! (Outa watches as Sano goes away. Again the character for evil marks his mind.) Outa: ------------------------........................ (Kamishimoemon and Outa watch as Sano goes away. Kamishimoemon smiles.) Kamishimoemon: So, let's go back before Uki gets worried, Outa? Outa: Yes... (Suddenly, Sano stops walking) Sano: ! Oops, I had almost forgotten. I have one more place to visit... (in a large estate, Tani fills a glass with wine and drinks it) Tani: Phew, who could have guessed that acquaintance of Battousai would be here... Well, we made the first move, and I guess I can sleep in pea--- (he spits out the wine as screams and noise comes from the outside) Tani: Wha-- what?! What's going on? Hey, guards! What happened, Hiruma? Hiruma bros (already beaten up): We are cannon fodder until the very end... (the door slides open, much to Tani's surprise) Sano: YO! (he grins fearsomely) An evening drink alone must be very boring. I have come to keep you company. (Tani cries in despair. His screams are heard even outside the estate) -- The next day -- Villagers: Hey, have you heard?! Yeah, you're talking about that man! They say he beat 200 Fudousawa men all alone! Is it true? Looks like Fudousawa has got six broken ribs! Heh, it serves him right! I was told that he destroyed a boulder with his hands bare! Impossible! And that background support, that Ishin Shishi, was found completely beaten up at his estate. Looks like he is bandaged from head to toe at the clinic, and he keeps on wailing "Fear of the Evil, fear of the evil". Heh, what the heck is that? But this is no joke. If he did all those things, the governor and the police will investigate this for sure. (the scene shifts to the Higashidani house. The owner of the Sakura-ya is talking with Kamishimoemon, while Uki is sewing.) Owner: But, in the end, who was that youngster? He appeared out of nowhere like a tornado, wiping out all the vicious scum and them he disappeared... he should've at least given his name... (he stands up.) But, I don't know if I should say this, but I thank God because he wasn't from our village. If he were, every person from the village would be arrested by now. ... say, mister, don't you really know who that youngster was? Kamishimoemon (smiling): Nah, I don't know... and I don't think we'll ever meet him again... Uki: ............ (she remembers scenes of the youngster) -- Uki, you stay at home! Outa, you stay together with your sister! -- -- I'LL BRING YOUR DAD BACK!! -- Uki (thinking): ... can he be... (she mutters to herself) Sanosuke niichan... (she smiles) (thinking) No... impossible... So, I've done it, Outa. (Uki sewed a piece of cloth on the back of Outa's shirt. On the piece, it's written "Aku", the character for evil, much like Sano. Outa runs in joy as the others watch him.) Owner: Anyway, that youngster will become a legend in the times to come here in the village... Uki (sighing): He's so happy... does he understand the meaning of that character? Kamishimoemon (grinning): Don't worry... of course he does! (At the outskirsts of the village, Sano gives his last goodbye.) Sano: So... let's run to Tokyo then! -- And so, along with Sano -- -- The stage is set again in Tokyo !! -- (end of chapter 234) Note: Niichan = elder brother Any comments, please e-mail me. Serizawa Kamo serizawa@excite.com