Disclaimer: RK belongs to someone much richer than I am

Chapter One

Japan was not at peace. The country was split by a vicious civil war. In Kyoto, the streets ran red with blood as warriors fought to resolve the conflict the only way they knew how.

These men had many different beliefs, but they did have some things in common. WhetherShinsengumi or Ishin Shishi they were willing to die for their ideals, and to kill for them.

There is a great difference between being a killer and being a murderer however. Not everyone who stalked the city's streets had such noble goals. Kyoto had gained a serial killer. In the course of three months twelve women had been killed, all in the same manner. These were innocents, unable to protect themselves.

If there was one thing every warrior in the city agreed upon it was this, these killings must be stopped.

(Now we have the serious stuff out of the way)

"No!" an irate voice rang through the secret headquarters of the Ishin Shishi. "Absolutely not! I won't do it."

Everyone in hearing range immediately tensed. Battousai was yelling. The manslayer never yelled; he was the epitome of calm. It was only sheer will that kept the men in place as the hitokiri stalked into the room.

Kenshin Himura did not look like a legendary assassin. The teenager was short and slender with flaming red hair. His eyes shifted from a soft violet to gold depending on his mood. The recruiters had laughed when he had stated his intention to enlist. Their jeers hadn't lasted longer than the first demonstration of the youth's skills.

He did not look happy as he moved past his comrades. The aura Kenshin was giving off would have been described don't touch me on another person. Somehow the manslayer managed to change the translation to do you want to die.

Katsura didn't seem to notice. He followed closely behind his subordinate. "Please Himura," he tried to reason with the hitokiri. "You are the best."

The teen spun to face him in the doorway of his room. "You don't need the best, find someone else." His eyes were starting to glow. "I won't do it, and that's final." With that, he shut the door in his commander's face.

"But it is for the good of the people." There was no response from within. The men stared as their leader launched into an impromptu speech outside the assassin's room. The words duty, innocent, and helpless were liberally strewn throughout. Katsura was about to admit defeat when the door slid open.

"Fine," the redhead hissed. "I accept the assignment."

The older man beamed. "Excellent. You report to Okami in the morning." He was about to thank Himura before reconsidering. It was best not to push his luck.

Kenshin shut his door again before leaning against a nearby wall. A soft groan escaped his lips. How had he agreed to this? If his master ever found out he would never live it down. Still, the assassin had to admit it was a good plan, and it had to be done. That was why he had agreed after all.

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Hope you liked this chapter

As always, any productive comments are welcome