A/N: This is my first Kenshin story. This takes place after Kenshin killed Tomoe. I don't own Kenshin. Not that you'd believe me if I said I did. Enjoy.

Prologue

A young, slender boy walked down the street. On either side he saw people that, even in this time of war, managed to be happy. The boy managed a small smile. This, after all, was what he was working for.

The boy walked with a grace that only the most proficient at dancing or with a blade could match. It was this grace that caused people to side-step him even as they ignored him. His red hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and he wore the clothing of a Samurai. On his cheek was a bandage that completely covered the left half of his face. At his side was a long sword, worn with use. Its workmanship was fine and had obviously been forged with much care. The boy who used to be called Shinta, who then was called Kenshin, and who now was called Battousai was not one who would draw an instinctive gaze, at least not to the normal citizens. However, even the most dangerous with a blade would step around the fighting chi he was issuing.

Kenshin was on his way to a new assignment. Normally he wouldn't be seen in the daylight, but today his soul had felt burdened. He had wanted a look at the light and to remind himself what he was fighting for. He was taking a very great risk, but he was counting on the fact that not many knew what he looked like and that his cheek was cautiously covered.

The small town was full of people, and he was almost relaxed when he heard a cry from up ahead. Instantly, almost too quickly for any observer's eye to see, he had pulled into the shadows, his hand on his blade.

A crowd of large muscular men came pushing down the street. They were obviously trying to draw attention, and they were certainly getting it. Kenshin stayed in the shadows and decided to watch for a moment. He wasn't aware that another's eyes were on him.

"People of this small city!" the largest of the men called, Kenshin thought wryly that he could have at least learned the name of the city before he started talking, "I come to you not as a warrior, though I certainly do appear to be one, but as a fellow citizen of Japan. I know many of you in this city have already decided which side you are supporting in this war, but I'm here to tell you today that the side you shouldn't be supporting are the Imperialists!

"They may sound promising with all their talk of a new era, where the weak and poor have as much opportunity as the strong and rich. However, I'm hear to tell you, it is all a lie! You think once they get control this country will be any better? Well, it won't. Really, are your lives really that bad now right now? Aren't the evils that you know better than ones that will stalk you from the shadows until your defenses are down before they attack you? I urge you to sign up against the Imperialists! We have no need for tyrants in our country! Our government is whole and strong. It is stable and will last forever!" Kenshin shook his head as the crowd began to murmur in assent. He was thinking about leaving. He had to be at a small stream in a few hours, and he didn't want to be late. However, suddenly a voice from behind him stalled his plans.

"Well, well. If it isn't Battousai the Manslayer. I had no idea you were up in this neck of the country." The voice spoke loudly and clearly, and at the sound of the name Battousai, someone screamed.

Kenshin turned slowly around to face a tall, lean man. The man had pale blue eyes and dark, jet-black hair. His lips were twisted in the semblance of a smile, but he stared at Kenshin with hard cold eyes. His hand was on a blade at his side as he casually leaned against the building. The Battousai smiled.

"See!" cried the large man who had been speaking before, "they even send their murderers to torment you in your village. Will you stand for this?"

With a general angry cry, the crowd screamed, "No!" and as one being of anger charged at the manslayer. Kenshin didn't want to kill any of the "peaceful" villagers, so he, in one swift movement, leapt onto the roof of the nearest building and began to leap from roof to roof, as agile as a squirrel. As their quarry disappeared, the almost-mob calmed down slightly and listened to the large man begin to talk again.

Kenshin meanwhile continued across the roofs until he came to the outskirts of town where he dropped to the ground and began to walk off. His instincts warned him just in time, and he leapt to the side, as the tall, lanky man came down just where he was standing. Kenshin looked at him with narrowed eyes, his eyes beginning to shine amber in the fading light.

"Hello, Battousai," the man said, his mouth twisted in the same smile, and suddenly Kenshin realized it wasn't a smile, it was a scar that ran across the man's lips, leaving him unable to make a normal facial expression. The man seemed to notice Kenshin staring at his lips, and he said, "Interesting scar isn't it? For several years I've been looking for the man who gave it to me, and imagine my surprise when I dropped into a town for supplies, and there he was, right out in the open. I feel truly blessed. Now," the man said, drawing his blade, "It's time to die."

A slight smile tightened Kenshin's lips, and he took his stance, ready to draw his sword. The clash of swords stilled the night, and caused the noises of the forest to cease. It wasn't long before blood started flowing.