Himura Kenshin and Myoujin Yahiko sat to one side of the Maekawa Dojo, one of the other kendo schools their friend Kamiya Kaoru sometimes taught at. All around them students sparred with shinai, bamboo practice swords. Over in a corner, Kaoru instructed one of the younger students in the placement of the feet.
The master of the dojo, Maekawa Miyauchi, was seated near them. He was a dignified man around fifty, with iron-gray hair and a beard. He leaned over to Kenshin and said, "Thank you again for coming by to help out with the students, Himura-san. They become so energetic when Kaoru-chan is here."
"Ah, that is all right, Maekawa-sensei. I know Kaoru-dono also enjoys coming here."
"Actually, I think the students also like it when you come by, Himura-san. They become motivated by the strength they see in you."
Kaoru came over to them. "I think he's getting it now, Maekawa-sensei!"
"That is good to hear, Kaoru-chan. I knew you would be able to explain it better than me!"
She was clearly pleased by the praise, but said, "Oh, you think too highly of me!"
"You sure do!" said Yahiko.
"What was that?!" Kaoru growled. Yahiko growled back. Kenshin and Maekawa laughed.
"Out of my way, amateur!" came a loud voice.
They looked to see a boy who had just entered. He was about sixteen. He was dressed as the other students were, but sloppily, so that his chest showed under his kimono. He carried a shinai. There was a sneer on his face as he shoved a younger student out of the way and came to stand before Kaoru. He said, "You must be that guest teacher the others are always talking about." He looked here up and down. "You don't look so impressive."
Ignoring his comment, Kaoru said, "Who is this, Maekawa-sensei?"
"This is Akera Nobukazu."
"A new student?" said Kenshin.
Akera said, "I'm not a student. I only come here because there are people I can beat. I learned all I know from my father."
"Kaoru-chan," Maekawa said, and motioned her close. She, Yahiko, and Kenshin leaned in. "As you can see," Maekawa said quietly, "Akera-kun has a very high opinion of himself. I wonder if I might ask you to have a match with him. I think it might be good if his ego were deflated a bit."
"Certainly," said Kaoru. She wheeled around to face the young man again. "If I'm not much, then you should have no objection to match, right?"
His sneer lengthened. "Of course not."
The other students were all watching by now. As Kaoru and Akera moved to the center of the room the others backed away. The two faced each other, shinai poised. "Whenever you're ready," said Kaoru.
Akera moved, swinging his shinai low to cut at her legs. Kaoru blocked and thrust at his face, but he knocked her shinai aside, raised his, and brought it down at her head. She moved to the side, and he immediately swung at her. She blocked.
"It appears that young man is quite skilled," said Kenshin.
"Yeah," said Yahiko. "I guess he did learn a lot from his father."
"Actually, no," said Maekawa. "His father died in the Revolution. It is probable that Akera saw his father's techniques, but he would have been too young to learn the sword from him. He developed his skills on his own."
"Wow," said Yahiko.
The two continued the battle. It seemed as though they were evenly matched. Then Kaoru swung at Akera's left side. Akera blocked with his shinai pointing up, then forced Kaoru's shinai low. He lifted his shinai high; it appeared he was going to do a downward chop. Just as he started the swing, he shifted so the shinai was stabbing at a downward angle. He shouted, "Akera Arashi Style... Shinsei!" He stabbed at Kaoru's chest. Kaoru tried to get her own shinai up to parry but was too late. Akera's thrust caught her in the center of her chest. The force of it caused her to stumble backwards and land on her bottom. She clutched at her chest, but Kenshin knew the pain on her face was not physical. He and Yahiko hurried to help her up. The other students wore shocked expressions; they had never seen Kaoru beaten.
Akera looked down at her. "It looks like women really are good only for cooking! I'll be back when there are some real warriors at this dojo!" He laughed all the way out the door.
"That guy --," said Yahiko. "Are we gonna let him get away with talking to her like that, Kenshin?!"
"Don't worry about it now," said Kenshin. Yahiko opened his mouth, but shut it again and helped Kaoru up.
On the way back to the Kamiya Dojo, Kaoru trailed behind Kenshin and Yahiko. They glanced back at her every now and then, but she didn't look up.
"You should've taught that guy a lesson, Kenshin. I'm sure he couldn't beat you."
"If I defeated him it would not change Kaoru-dono's feelings. She is not upset that he was arrogant and insulting. She is worried that, if he can beat her, he may be right."
"What?! Of course he's not right!"
"Yes, but it is something she must prove for herself. We cannot do it for her."
"I guess so... Hey, I know how you could cheer her up, Kenshin! We could all go to the Akabeko for beef hot-pot! Your treat."
Kenshin took out his coin purse and looked forlornly at the contents. "Uh... well, I suppose that would work. Kaoru-dono? Would you like to go to the Akabeko tonight? It would be my treat."
Kaoru looked up for a moment. "Eh? Sure..."
Kenshin and Yahiko looked at each other worriedly.
At the Akabeko, Tae smiled when she saw them. "Ah, Himura-san, Kaoru-chan, Yahiko-kun! I'm so glad you decided to come tonight!"
Kenshin looked at her curiously. Then they heard a loud voice. "Hey, everyone! Glad you came by!" It was Sanosuke, leaning out from one of the booths to call to them.
Tae said to Kenshin, "He's been drinking for a while, and I'm sure he's not planning to pay. Could you take care of it?"
Kenshin took his coin purse out and looked in it again. "Uh... I..."
Tae said, "Oh, wonderful! Why don't you go join him and I'll bring you some food."
Kenshin heaved a sigh and they went over to Sanosuke's booth. "How's it going? Damn, you guys don't look cheerful!"
Kenshin and Yahiko exchanged glances. Yahiko said, "Uh, one of the bushes died back at Kaoru's place."
"A bush?"
"Uh, yeah, her favorite bush."
Sanosuke's face was screwed up in confusion. "Oh. Well, sorry about that, Jou-chan." Kaoru gave no indication she had heard. Under his breath, Sanosuke muttered, "Damn, she really must've liked that bush." More loudly he said, "Weren't you guys going by the Maekawa Dojo today?"
"Oh, yes," said Kenshin. "The students were glad to see Kaoru, that they were. She always brightens the dojo when she comes."
"So, they like you a lot, huh, Jou-chan?"
"Yes, sure," said Kaoru.
The men fidgeted. This was not going terribly well. Kenshin said, "Oh, I was thinking we should repair the roof of the shed tomorrow."
"Hey, why don't you let me take care of that!" said Yahiko. "Kaoru works so hard all the time!"
Sanosuke's jaw dropped open. She must really be depressed, if Yahiko's offering to help! How much did she like that bush?
All Kaoru said was, "Sure. Thanks."
Not much was said after that.
After the meal, Sanosuke decided to walk them back to the Kamiya dojo. He walked up front with Kenshin, Yahiko staying back with Kaoru. Kenshin told Sanosuke about the match.
"So that's why she's so depressed. I wish I'd been there. I woulda bounced that guy off the ceiling."
"Ah, well, I hope Kaoru-dono can solve this problem some other way, that I do."
"Huh. You're so easy-going."
There was a half-moon out. They were passing a stand of trees, a wall of black with a sea of green above, shifting in the light wind. About twenty feet ahead of them someone stepped out from the trees.
It was a man. He looked young, though it was hard to tell for sure in the darkness. He was fairly large, as tall as Sanosuke and a bit heavier. His clothing was simple, brown hakama pants and a tan kimono. There was a sword on his left hip. He said, "Hitokiri Battousai."
That brought them all up short. Even Kaoru looked up.
"My name is Koguchi Tsutomu. I am a demon-slayer, and I have come to slay you, Battousai!"
There were general gasps from Kenshin's friends. Kenshin himself said, "Ah, pardon me, Koguchi-san, but I think you may have made a mistake."
"There is no mistake, Battousai. You are known to have been the strongest fighter of the Revolution, an invincible warrior whom all men feared. I have concluded that such a person must be a demon!"
Beside Kenshin, Sanosuke muttered, "What the hell... "
Kenshin said, "I am very sorry, Koguchi-san, but I assure you, I am not invincible and am certainly no demon."
"Not invincible?" said Koguchi. "The man who survived countless battles with the Shinsengumi and others during the Revolution? The man who defeated the feared Oniwabanshu, including its genius leader Shinomori Aoshi?"
Sanosuke whispered, "Oy, how could he know about that?"
"I do not know," said Kenshin, "but it appears this man is quite serious."
"Now, demon -" the man began, drawing his sword.
"Wait!" Kaoru yelled desperately. "You've got it all wrong, Kenshin is no demon!"
"I will not be confused by a beautiful temptress!" the man roared. Four mouths dropped open in unison. "Defend yourself, Battousai!"
He came charging forward. Kenshin drew his sword as the others backed up a bit. The man's sword came in from Kenshin's left side. Kenshin blocked, but the blow was forceful enough to make his feet skid across the ground.
"His sword... It's big," Yahiko said.
It was true, they could now see. The man's sword looked like a normal katana and was only a little longer than Kenshin's reverse-blade sword. However it looked about twice as thick and wide. "What kind of sword is that?" said Yahiko.
"I-I don't know," said Kaoru.
Kenshin had more pressing matters on his mind. The sword looked quite heavy but Kenshin could not see that it slowed down this Koguchi at all. Kenshin counter-attacked, cutting up and left, but was blocked. They traded more blows but Kenshin could not get through the man's defenses. He in turn was jarred, from the weight of the sword, each time he blocked the man's attacks.
Koguchi shouted, "Umi Unmei Style... Ouame!" and brought his sword back and up and then into a powerful downward slash. Rather than block Kenshin jumped back, the blade passing a fraction of an inch from his nose. The sword smashed into the ground, shattering a stone.
"Kenshin, are you okay?!" said Sanosuke.
"Yes," said Kenshin. Just then a whistle sounded. The man, Koguchi, looked behind him. Three policemen could be seen in the moonlight, running toward the battle.
"We will finish this another time, Battousai!" he shouted, then turned and dashed into the trees. Sanosuke ran to where the man had disappeared.
"Damn, I can't see anything in there," he said.
The policemen reached them. One of them said, "What's going on here? Wait, Himura-san, is that you?"
"Muraki-dono!" said Kenshin, recognizing the police chief. "Yes, it is me."
"What was happening here, Himura-san?"
"Kenshin was attacked by a crazy man!" said Yahiko.
"Eh?"
They explained what had happened to Muraki. "That certainly is strange," he said when they were finished. "And you have no idea who this 'Koguchi Tsutomu' could be?"
"No, none," said Kenshin.
"Well, I will look into it, Himura-san. In the meantime, you had best get home."
"Yes, you are right," said Kenshin. He turned back to his friends and was about to say they should go when he noticed Sanosuke. He was peering at Kenshin strangely, sort of squinting. "What are you looking at, Sano?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing."
Kenshin paused. "I am really not a demon, you know."
"No, of course not! Who believes in that kind of thing in this day and age? Ha!"
Kenshin opened his mouth to speak. He noticed Sanosuke squinting at him again. He sighed heavily and said, "Kaoru-dono, shall we go?"
"Y-Yes," she said. "What a strange person that was!"
Two days later Kenshin was out buying some vegetables for dinner that night. There had been no further sign of the strange swordsman.
He heard a voice say, "Battousai."
He put his hand on his sword and turned. He saw no one. He walked to a nearby alley and looked in.
Saitou Hajime, former Captain of the Third Squad of the Shinsengumi, leaned against a wall in his police uniform. Kenshin stepped closer. "Saitou."
"You could take your hand off your sword."
"Ah, I am sorry. Force of habit."
"I did come here to help you, after all."
"Eh?"
"That swordsman who attacked you. His name was Koguchi Tsutomu?"
"Yes."
"We have some information on him. He may be a survivor of a family who was sworn to destroy demons. There was a man in the Edo... excuse me, the Tokyo area who was supposed to be the last of this family. He was a Bakufu loyalist but had stayed out of the fighting, but in 1867 the Imperialists killed him anyway." Kenshin's mood darkened. Slaying a man who had tried not to fight... Would he never hear the end of the brutality of his comrades in the war? Saitou went on, "He was supposed to have had children, but I have not yet found out what became of them. It is possible this 'Tsutomu' was one of them. But we have other information that is more definite and recent."
"Oh?"
"He killed a police officer in Kyoto about two weeks ago."
"That is strange. He did not seem evil, just misguided. And when Muraki came, Koguchi chose to run rather than fight. Why, if he had already killed a policeman?"
"This information has not been revealed yet... But the policeman who was killed was in the pocket of an opium dealer. This Koguchi killed the dealer as well."
"Opium?"
"Yes. An old associate of Kanryu's who split with him just before you brought Kanryu down."
That could explain how he knew about the Oniwabanshu. "I cannot condone killing, but it seems he is not an evil man. He said I was a demon, and that was why he attacked me, but I do not quite know what to make of that."
"He may be taking revenge for his father, since you were an Imperialist."
"I am not so sure. He did not mention the Imperialists at all. He only said that I was invincible… Oh, yes, he had a strange sword."
"He can respond to that better than I."
"Battousai." Kenshin turned to see Chou of the Juppongatana, he of the closed eye, permanent smirk, and multitude of swords. "Long time, no see. The guy's sword was like a normal katana, but thicker, right?"
"Yes.”
"That sounds like the Juuken. One of the strange killer swords made by Arai Shakku.”
"Arai Shakku..."
"Yeah, the creator of your reverse-blade sword, my Hakujin no Tachi, and Shishio's Mugenjin. I've heard of the Juuken but never saw it. How did he use it?"
Kenshin thought about it. "It was much the same as a normal katana. It hit harder, but it did not seem that the weight slowed him down. He had considerable skill."
"Hmm. You'd best keep your guard up, Battousai. You never know what those swords can do."
Kenshin finished his shopping and returned to the house. Sanosuke was sitting on the porch, dozing in the afternoon heat. Kenshin could hear sounds of shinai striking inside. Kaoru-dono has been practicing against Yahiko non-stop since her match. Yahiko is always up for it, but I hope she does not push him too hard.
He walked up to the porch and gently said, "Sano."
Sanosuke blearily opened his eyes. "Huh... Wha... " Then he saw Kenshin. "AAAHHH! DEMON!"
Kenshin jumped back. Kaoru and Yahiko burst out of the dojo covered in sweat. "What is going on out here?!" demanded Kaoru.
"So even the broom-head says to be careful, huh?" said Sanosuke, after Kenshin had relayed what he had been told. "If this guy's sword is one of those killer things, we'd better be ready at any time."
"Well, I hope if he comes again we can straighten this all out, that I do. But just in case, I would like it if Megumi-dono came by."
Kaoru gave a start. "What? Why?!"
"Yeah, Kenshin," said Yahiko. "You don't actually think you're gonna lose, do you?"
"I do not know. But I think it would be best to have her here. Will you fetch her, Yahiko?"
Later on, Kenshin, Megumi, and Sanosuke were watching Kaoru and Yahiko spar.
"I'm very happy that you asked me to come, Ken-san," said Megumi, leaning over and putting her hand on his shoulder. "But I am distressed that you think you may be hurt."
Nervously Kenshin said, "Ah, well, I hope it will not come to that, Megumi-dono."
Kaoru was glaring in their direction, so she did not see Yahiko's attack. He swatted her in the hand with his shinai. Kaoru yelped and Sanosuke burst into laughter.
"Hey! Pay attention, you ugly girl!" said Yahiko.
"You're not gonna learn much with her as your teacher, Yahiko!" said Sanosuke.
"You two be quiet!" shouted Kaoru. "And that swordsman the other night said I was beautiful, in case you forgot!"
Yahiko picked at his ear. "Yeah, well, he was crazy, in case you forgot."
Kaoru swatted him in the back of the head with her shinai. "I see someone still hasn't learned how to speak to his assistant master!" Yahiko held the back of his head and glared at her.
"You're not ugly at all, Kaoru-san," said Megumi. Kaoru's face brightened from the unexpected support. "I find your appearance to be delightfully average." Kaoru's face changed from happiness to confusion to seething anger very quickly.
Kenshin and Sanosuke sprang to their feet in the same instant. "He's here," said Sanosuke.
"Yes," said Kenshin. "Yahiko, please open the door, then run to the police station and get Saitou."
"Huh? But I want to see the fight!"
Kaoru swatted him in the rump with her shinai. "Then you'd better hurry!"
Yahiko growled at her, but Kenshin said, "Do not worry, you will get back in time."
Yahiko went to the door, opened it, and ran outside. A moment later, Koguchi Tsutomu stepped out of the white glare and into the dojo. Kaoru noticed that he had taken off his sandals.
Kenshin faced him. "Koguchi-san. I am glad you came, so that we can straighten out your misconceptions about me."
"There are no misconceptions and there is nothing to straighten out. I have always been certain that demons would disguise themselves as men. I had originally thought they would be found in the guise of evil men, but I have slain those. They were merely infected with the same greed that lives through all ages, so there must be some other tactic your kind use and I have realized what it is. You are the one warrior who is said to be invincible. Only a demon could be so mighty. It is my destiny and heritage to fight against such as you!"
"There is nothing I can say to dissuade you from this course?"
"Nothing!"
"Very well." Kenshin drew his reverse-blade sword. Koguchi drew his Juuken. The two men came together.
The swords flashed and clashed with dizzying speed. Kenshin dodged some of the attacks rather than absorb the considerable impact in his arms. For several moments neither seemed to gain an upper hand. Megumi, who had not seen many of Kenshin's fights, yanked at Sanosuke so hard she almost pulled his shirt off. "Oy, will you knock it off!" he finally shouted. "Wait until he gets hit before you get all freaked out!" Megumi cringed at the thought.
Koguchi shouted, "Umi Unmei Style... Ouame!" and brought his sword up. To Kenshin the attack seemed to come faster than it had the other night. He was only testing my skill then, he thought. He is experienced. He didn't have time to jump back, so he raised his sword to block. He could feel the smashing force, and it was not his imagination; beneath his feet several boards cracked.
"A-Amazing!" gasped Megumi.
"What a powerful attack!" exclaimed Sanosuke.
"My floor!" wailed Kaoru.
Just then Yahiko burst in, followed by Saitou and Chou. The fighters were still locked together. Kenshin was holding Koguchi at bay, with some difficulty, as the taller Koguchi put his weight behind his sword. As one they broke apart, springing backwards to regain some strength.
"As I suspected, Battousai," said Koguchi. "Your strength becomes more apparent as we go on."
"As does yours, Koguchi-san," said Kenshin.
A strange look passed over Koguchi's features but was quickly gone. "It is obvious that I must not hold anything back! Prepare yourself, Battousai!"
With that, he released the hilt of his sword with his left hand. He reached back and touched something on the crosspiece and there was a small clicking noise. Then he put his left hand on the back of the blade. He lifted it away from the hilt, and there emerged from within another sword.
Kaoru said, "Th-There was another blade concealed within the big one?"
"Incredible!" said Sanosuke. "It's like all along the big blade was just a sheath for the blade inside!"
"Two blades as one," said Chou. "Only the master of killer blades Arai Shakku could craft such a thing!"
"But now it just looks like a normal katana," said Yahiko. "What's so 'killer' about that?"
Chou did not answer. They all watched as Koguchi stuck the tip of the large blade in the floor so that it pointed straight up. Then he stepped past it and faced Kenshin again. "Now you will see the strength of the Sokuken, Battousai!" he shouted, and came forward.
Kenshin came to meet him. Koguchi stabbed at Kenshin's head. Kenshin ducked under it and brought his sword in from his left. Koguchi instantly swung his sword so it pointed down and blocked the slash. He shoved Kenshin's sword away, and almost before Kenshin could react Koguchi was coming at him again. The battle became a blur of activity, but it was shortly apparent that Kenshin was being driven back. It was almost all he could do to block Koguchi's attacks.
"What's wrong with Kenshin?" asked Yahiko. "Why doesn't he attack?"
"He can't," said Chou. Everyone but Saitou and Kaoru turned to look at him. "That's why the Sokuken is a killer sword. By using the heavy Juuken, this Koguchi has built up his strength. In his hands a regular katana, like the Sokuken, is as light as a feather. That allows his sword-speed to exceed almost any other fighter's."
It seemed to be true. Kenshin was pressed by Koguchi at every turn. He attacked perhaps once for every five attacks of Koguchi's. Koguchi seemed to block these almost effortlessly, while Kenshin looked strained as he defended himself. He was no longer rocked back by every attack of Koguchi's, but Koguchi definitely had the upper hand.
Finally it seemed Kenshin got an opening. He parried a blow of Koguchi's and forced Koguchi's sword high. Bringing his own sword low, Kenshin shouted, "Hiten Mitsurugi Style... Ryu Shou Sen!" He brought his sword up to strike, but in an impossibly fast blur Koguchi's sword came down and blocked solidly.
Not missing a beat, Koguchi shouted, "Umi Unmei Style... Kosame!" He brought his sword back and up in an identical motion to his Ouame attack, but when the attack came it was far quicker. Kenshin barely got his sword up in time to block. Again the two men stayed locked together, Koguchi trying to force through Kenshin's block, Kenshin struggling to hold him back. At last they broke apart.
Megumi said, "They... They seem so evenly matched! Neither has been able to hit the other!"
"So far... " said Kaoru. "But if this keeps going... "
Sanosuke glanced at her worriedly. He looked back at the fighters. "Oy, Kenshin! His defense is too strong! You've gotta use one of the big ones!"
"Yes. I am sorry, Koguchi-san, but even if it is your destiny I cannot allow you to slay me. It is time for me to end this." He held his sword high, shouted, "Hiten Misturugi Style... Kuzu Ryu Sen!", and came forward. At the same instant Koguchi roared and sprang toward Kenshin.
To Kaoru, Yahiko, and Megumi the two men became an explosion of motion and sound. Their swords were like a flower with silver petals. Sanosuke and Chou could, just barely, discern separate noises and movements, but it all came far too quickly to count either. Only Saitou was able to recognize the nine attacks of the Kuzu Ryu Sen... and the nine blocks Koguchi threw out to stop it.
After perhaps a single second it was over and the two were again locked together. They sprang apart, their breath coming in quick gasps from the exertion, their gazes still fixed on each other.
"I-I don't believe it!" said Sanosuke. "The boy assassin, Soujirou, evaded the Kuzu Ryu Sen, but even Shishio couldn't block it! No one should be able to do that!"
"This Koguchi's speed is almost beyond belief. The Battousai may really die here," said Saitou, with something like curiosity. Kaoru looked stricken; Yahiko glared at Saitou.
Koguchi said, between gulping breaths, "So... That was your Kuzu Ryu Sen... Very impressive... But I have heard you have an attack which is even more powerful! Show it to me now, Battousai! And I will show you my ultimate attack as well!"
Sanosuke shouted, "Do it, Kenshin! Use the Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki! Even he won't be able to stand up to that!"
Kenshin said, "Right." To Kaoru, though, it seemed as though there was just the slightest hesitance to his voice. He pulled his sheath from his belt and put his sword back inside. He held it at his side and crouched down, ready to move, his right hand poised over the hilt. Koguchi, in turn, released his sword from his left hand and held it just in his right. He then moved the sword behind him, pointing straight out and directly away from Kenshin.
"What's he doing, another downward attack like those others?" Yahiko whispered, since the silent contemplation of two warriors was not to be disturbed.
"It looks more like a sweeping attack from the side... " said Kaoru. She looked at Koguchi's face, trying to get some sense of his intent. He was difficult to read, as many master swordsmen were. His features were calm, but it seemed to her that there was an undercurrent of fear. Or was it... desperation?
Then the moment of quiet was gone as the two men burst into motion. Neither moved their sword as they came closer and closer... until suddenly Koguchi's left hand flashed out and grabbed his Juuken. He yanked it from the floor as he passed it and held it behind him, parallel to the other blade.
Kaoru gasped. Yahiko said, "He's gonna swing both swords around at once! Kenshin has no way to block them both!"
Sanosuke said, "His only chance is to attack with the Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki before Koguchi can pull off his attack!"
An instant later they were close enough to strike. Although it was as fast as their earlier exchanges, it seemed like slow motion to Kaoru as she saw Koguchi's two blades come around to strike. She expected to see Kenshin drawing his sword... but he did not. At the last possible instant he jerked back. Koguchi's swords slashed two red lines of blood on his chest, and he fell backwards to the ground.
Kaoru screamed, "Kenshin!" She rushed to him and helped him sit up.
"It is all right, Kaoru-dono. I will be fine," he said. He was clearly in pain, but was alive. She realized Koguchi was looming over them both and looked up at him, half expecting to see his swords coming down on them both. But he looked frozen. She looked at his face again, and this time could clearly read his expression. It was one of horror.
By that time Yahiko and Megumi were helping Kenshin, too. Sanosuke was warily watching Koguchi, but said, "W-What happened, Kenshin? Why didn't you use the Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki?"
"I knew that if I did, he would not have seen what he needed to see."
"The blood," said Chou.
"Yes," said Kenshin. "You see now, do you not, Koguchi-san? I bleed like any other man. I am not invincible. I am no demon."
Kaoru said, "Couldn't you just prick your finger or something? Really!"
Koguchi's face was pale and twisted in pain. "Will I never find a true demon?"
"I do not know, Koguchi-san," said Kenshin. "But that is not what really disturbs you, is it? When I saw your final attack I understood."
Yahiko said, "Huh? Understood what?"
"What I could not fathom was why a man would go to such lengths to fight someone he truly believed to be invincible. But when I saw your ultimate attack, I realized... Is your life so worthless you seek out ways to throw it away?"
"You mean he was trying to lose?" said Yahiko. "Coulda fooled me!"
"That attack... What is it called?" asked Kenshin.
"Ousan," said Koguchi.
"Ousan... It is truly a powerful attack. In this Meiji era, when so few of us still carry a wakizashi, defending against two simultaneous attacks is next to impossible. But with all your skill, there can only be one answer when one asks why you would devise an attack with no defensive value at all."
Yahiko said, "When he was moving forward with the two swords behind him..."
"He was wide open for a counter-attack," said Chou. "He was waiting for it to happen."
"Why, Koguchi-san?" said Kenshin. "What could you be carrying around that would make you wish for death?"
Koguchi's face contorted even more and he sank to his knees. As the memories washed over him, he spoke.
It was 1867. He was twelve years old. His mother had died years before. His father was a great warrior, the symbol of everything to which Tsutomu aspired. He was loyal to the Shogunate, but always told Tsutomu and his younger brother that political battles were forbidden to their family. "We are charged with a greater responsibility," he would tell them.
The local Imperialists, however, only let that reticence go so far. They decided that his father was too dangerous to ignore and came to kill him one summer night. His father fought them, but there were too many. He told Tsutomu to take his brother and run. Tsutomu did not want to, but obeyed. The boys ran but the Imperialists caught them near a river.
Tsutomu had a sword, but was not strong enough. One of the Imperialists slashed him across the chest so savagely he was lifted off his feet. He fell into the river and was carried away by the current, but not fast enough to keep him from seeing the Imperialists cut his brother down.
"Somehow I survived. I thought I was fighting to carry on my family's traditions. But I failed my father and brother, and without realizing it, I was really seeking..." His eyes were squeezed shut, tears streaming down his face. He gripped his swords so tightly that blood dripped from his fingers where he held the Juuken. Then cool, slim fingers took his and loosened his grip. He opened his eyes.
Kaoru said, "But you don't think your father and brother would want that, do you? You did your best. I'm sure all they would wish for is your happiness."
"Kaoru-dono is right, Koguchi-san," said Kenshin. "You have honored your family and its traditions with your strength and commitment."
"That is easy to say," said Koguchi. "But they are still gone."
"Making peace with the dead..." said Saitou. All eyes turned to him. He was smoking a cigarette, looking out the window at the setting sun. "It is often the most difficult of tasks. In the aftermath of war, merely finding the graves can prove impossible. But sometimes it can be done."
Yahiko said, "What are you talking about?"
Saitou turned to look at them, a smirk on his face.
Koguchi Tsutomu looked down at the graves of his father, Koguchi Matsuo, and his brother, Koguchi Jun. Tears stung his eyes again. He did not know what to say, so he put his knees, then palms, and then forehead to the ground.
Kenshin, Kaoru, Megumi, Yahiko, Saitou, Sanosuke, and Chou stood a short distance away. Saitou said, "His father was respected, so there was a proper burial. The Imperialists kept records of it, though finding them took some doing."
"I don't get it, Kenshin," murmured Sanosuke. "You wanted Megumi there because you knew he'd have to cut you. But why'd you let him cut you so bad? You should've just let him nick you!"
"Ah, well, it was not really that easy," Kenshin said.
"What will happen to him now?" asked Kaoru.
Saitou replied, "It's been left up to me, as long as I make sure he doesn't reveal any embarrassing information. I think they expect me to dispose of him quietly. I will probably offer him a job."
"As a policeman?"
"It will allow me to keep track of him. And if papers were discovered proving he had joined the force before he killed those men, then there was no crime to begin with. He would have been merely performing his duties."
Kaoru grinned at him. "You certainly are being helpful. You must feel sorry for him."
Saitou scowled. "Don't be ridiculous. Fighters of his caliber don't come along that often. I have to grab them up whenever I have the chance. Besides, he has devoted his life to slaying demons." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I like his attitude."
Kaoru and Yahiko backed up a step and said in unison, "S-Scary!"
Chou said, "I wouldn't mind working alongside a guy like him, either."
Sanosuke scoffed. "You probably just want to stay close to him till you can figure out a way to backstab him and take his sword."
"Yeah..." Chou said absently. "I mean NO! You shut up!"
"You're a cop now, you should 'sweep' away nasty thoughts like those!"
"Listen, rooster-head -"
Megumi broke in. "Would you two idiots shut up and show some respect!" They shut up.
Saitou walked over to Koguchi. The two men spoke. Kaoru and Yahiko craned their necks to hear. Kenshin grabbed each of them by the collar and said, "We should leave now." They groaned but put up no resistance as he dragged them away. Sanosuke and Megumi followed. Chou remained, waiting for Saitou from a distance.
A few days later, Sanosuke, Kenshin, Yahiko, and Kaoru were leaving the Kamiya Dojo. As they came out of the gate Sanosuke was saying, "You know, I've been thinking I should get myself a katana. I bet I'd be pretty fast with that!" He mimicked swinging a sword around, parrying and thrusting.
Yahiko said, "You don't know anything about sword-fighting! The only thing a brute like you is good for is swinging around big heavy things, like trees, or Kaoru!"
Sanosuke grabbed him up into a chokehold. "What did you say?!"
"Sanosuke! Stop abusing my student!" Sanosuke dropped him. "Let me do it!" said Kaoru, and she grabbed Yahiko by the collar and shook him.
"Good afternoon," came a voice. They all turned to see Koguchi Tsutomu, dressed in a police uniform. He had the Juuken hanging from his belt.
"Ah, Koguchi-san, hello," said Kenshin as Kaoru shoved the choking Yahiko behind her. "What brings you by today?"
"Oh, well, I wanted to thank you again for all you did, Himura-san," said Koguchi falteringly.
"Ah, you have already thanked me several times when all I did was avoid getting killed by you," Kenshin said, laughing. "I see you joined the police force."
"Yes, Fujita-san asked me to. My mission to fight demons... Well, it just did not seem relevant to this new era. And I never did find any demons anyway..."
"You know, there are still demons in the world, Koguchi-san." Koguchi looked at Kenshin with surprise. "They are the demons that live within us, and cause us to live our lives in ways we shouldn't. You have taken the first steps toward defeating your own demons, and as a police officer you can help others to do the same."
Koguchi snapped to attention. "I will do my best!"
Kaoru said, "Well, you certainly do look handsome in your new uniform!"
Koguchi blushed and looked at his feet. "Th-Thank you." Yahiko and Sanosuke giggled. Kaoru growled at them.
"Careful, you don't want him to see your violent side," Yahiko whispered.
"Oy, did she have another side?" Sanosuke whispered. Kaoru shook with anger but managed to keep from striking one or both of them.
"We were just on our way to a nearby dojo, Koguchi-san," said Kenshin. "Would you like to accompany us?"
"Y-Yes, that would be very nice," said Koguchi.
They all began walking. Sanosuke said, "So being a cop must be a good job, with the regular pay and all."
"Yes, it is nice, Sagara-san," said Koguchi.
"Oy, don't be such a stranger! Call me Sano!"
"Forgive me. I thought perhaps you would bear me ill will since I... well..."
"What, since you tried to kill Kenshin?" Koguchi nodded. "Don't worry about that! We've all tried to kill Kenshin a time or two." Kenshin's shoulders slumped. "If he rejected anyone who'd ever tried to kill him, he wouldn't have any friends at all!" Kenshin tripped, then picked himself up again. Sanosuke lowered his voice. "Between you and me, Jou-chan's tried to kill him at least four times!"
Kaoru glared at him and made a fist. Then she noticed Koguchi's surprised look. She nervously laughed. "Don't tell stories, now, Sanosuke!" Then in a loud whisper she said, "You shouldn't get too close to him, Koguchi-san. He's liable to gamble all his money away, then gamble all yours away too!"
Yahiko laughed. Sanosuke said, "Ha ha! Well, the joke's on you, Jou-chan! I haven't done anything like that in weeks!"
They shortly reached the Maekawa Dojo. As they came inside, they saw that there were many students practicing. Maekawa-sensei noticed them and smiled. Many of the students looked over and excited whispers started.
If they had not noticed him as they came in, it was not long before they picked out Akera Nobukazu. "Oh, so the little girl has come back," he said, sneering. His insolent grin faltered a bit, though, when he noticed the angry forms of Sanosuke and Koguchi looming behind her.
"I would like another match, if you don't mind," said Kaoru. "Our last one was so instructive."
"I might not be able to go so easy on you this time," said Akera. "Fighting the same people over and over bores me."
"That is all right. I will be thankful for whatever small challenge I may present to you." Akera's eyes narrowed at her obviously false flattery, but he nodded.
The students backed away to the sides of the room as Kaoru and Akera met in the middle. Koguchi looked concerned, so Kenshin said, "Do not worry. Kaoru-dono will be fine." He looked relieved, but still watched with intense interest.
They raised their shinai and began. As they attacked, blocked, counter-attacked, and dodged, they seemed even in skill. For all his bravado, Akera was focusing intently on his opponent, and Kaoru was no less alert.
Akera blocked a side-attack and shoved Kaoru's shinai outward. Kaoru seemed to lose her grip with her left hand, and her shinai ended up behind her, pointing directly away from Akera. It looked odd to Yahiko, sort of exaggerated. Then he realized that she looked exactly as Koguchi had before he began his Ousan attack.
Akera raised his shinai above his head. He shouted, "Akera Arashi Style... Shinsei!" and thrust forward and down at Kaoru's chest.
Kaoru sidestepped and the thrust missed completely. She raised her shinai, then brought it down on Akera's back. He fell flat on his stomach with a loud "Oof!" His shinai flew from his hand.
"I see!" said Yahiko. "By holding her shinai behind her she made it look like she was vulnerable! Then when his thrust missed, he was off-balance, just like she wanted! Nothing less from the assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin School!"
The students around them cheered, and Sanosuke, Yahiko, and Koguchi joined in. Kaoru smiled at Koguchi and gave him a thumbs-up gesture. He broke off cheering and looked at the ground, blushing furiously. Kenshin smiled.
Later that evening, Akera Nobukazu walked through the streets of Tokyo alone. He could not think of anyplace to go, but he could not just sit in his little room at the row houses. He felt shame and anger and more, and did not know how to deal with any of it.
He almost walked into someone, he was so lost in his thoughts. He said, "Sorry," and walked around. He briefly glanced at the other person, and saw red hair.
That stopped him cold. He realized who it was. "Y-You're that guy that was at the dojo! With that woman!"
The man - Nobukazu realized he had no idea what his name was - said, "Yes."
Nobukazu tried to guess his intentions but could not. "What do you want with me?" he asked rudely.
The man smiled. "I only wanted to make sure you were all right."
Nobukazu suspected a trick. "I'm fine!"
The man went on. "I was impressed by the way you fought, both times. You are skilled."
Nobukazu looked at the ground. "I wasn't good enough." The anger was fading from him, leaving only the shame in its place.
"You told me you were not a student of Maekawa-sensei. But I think he would accept you as one, if you asked him."
"I was taught by my father!" Nobukazu said, the anger coming back a little. "I refuse to learn another style!"
"Did your father teach you your Shinsei attack?" For just an instant it sounded to Nobukazu like the man already knew the answer.
"N-No," Nobukazu admitted. "I developed that by myself, after my father... I developed it myself."
"It is a good attack," said the man. "I am a swordsman myself, and I have a good sense for those things. But it is imperfect."
"Obviously, since your friend defeated it so easily."
"But only after she had seen it once before. I think that attack could be developed more. Maekawa-sensei could perhaps help you with that."
Nobukazu looked up at the man. The man smiled and said, "I am sorry, I should not keep you. I am glad that you are all right." With that, he turned and walked away.
Nobukazu stood there in the middle of the street for a long time. Then he began to walk again, but this time he had a place to go.