Himura Battousai: Reflections
Disclaimer: RuroKen belongs to Watsuki Nobuhiro of course, not me.
Summary: Drabbles on the Hitokiri Battousai, Himura Kenshin, as seen from various perspectives.
Katsura
From the top of a hill, two men stood, overlooking the training grounds below.
"I came all the way from Kyoto because you said you had something to show me. What is this, Shinsaku?" The voice contained a hint of impatience.
The one addressed was blithe as ever. "You'll see."
And when the red-headed boy – a child, really – stepped up and cut through the thick wooden training post as if it were nothing, Katsura Kogorou did see. He saw the strength behind the slight frame, saw the determination burning behind the young eyes, and, most importantly, saw the way he could be used for the cause of the Ishin Shishi. Sonno-joi.
He saw how the skills of this child had potential to surpass that of any other swordsman; if directed properly, and channelled towards the right target… He could become the deadliest weapon of the Bakumatsu, and he would be wielded by the Ishin Shishi. And, if he approached the matter from the right angle, this boy would be loyal to the cause and to Katsura himself alone. Carefully, though…
He had always been able to see how to manipulate a situation to his own advantage. The thought was not without a shade of self-mockery.
A twinge caused by what remained of the conscience he had long ago found necessary to discard in his quest for change gave him some discomfort. He knew very well what he would be asking, that he might – would – destroy the boy's life, but he said it anyway. For the sake of his master. For the sake of overthrowing the Bakufu. In order to bring an ideal into being, he had needed to sacrifice his idealism…
"…Shinsaku. I'm taking this boy to Kyoto."
He would use this boy, and ruin that bright, trusting innocence. Distantly, he noted a pang of regret for the madness that awaited the unknowing redhead. Katsura turned away.
For the sake of a new era, he would set loose a demon on the streets of Kyoto.
A/N: Wow, it's been so long since I posted anything! (smiles sheepishly) I'm intending this to be a collection of drabbles, character sketches more than anything else, updated as inspiration takes me.
Please review!