On the way back to the dojo, Kenshin could sense someone following him. He quickly scanned the area's ki, which he recognized immediately. He abruptly turned the corner, away from the main road, and set down the tofu. With one hand resting on his sakabatou, he called out, "What do you want, Saito?"

On cue, Saito stepped out from the tree and tipped his cap. "Battousai."

Kenshin faced him, "Why are you following me?"

"Hmf. Is that how you always greet old friends?"

"You're not a friend."

Saito shrugged and lit another cigarette. "I have a warning for you."

"A warning?" Kenshin's eyes narrowed.

"There's been some unrest in other parts of the country lately. People have been saying that the government's being too lenient on criminals. They're all fools. Still, we can't have the people trying to overthrow the government now, can we?"

"Your point?"

"So the government's decided that it's time to deal with their…most notorious fugitive."

"And how exactly are they planning on dealing with him?"

"Prison, death, they haven't decided. But I thought I'd let you know now, so you can figure out your course of action."

Kenshin was silent for a moment before responding, "I'll come quietly. I don't plan on causing more of a disturbance than is necessary."

"I thought you'd say that." Saito turned to leave. "But just so you know, it's not going to be that simple. There's a certain girl that they've decided needs to pay for harboring such a criminal." Kenshin's eyes widened in horror, and his ki flared in rage. Saito smirked and continued to walk away.

As Kenshin approached the dojo, he covered his eyes with his bangs. Kaoru hurried up to him as he stepped in, "Thank you, Kenshin!" She smiled at him as her hands brushed his when she reached for the tofu. But her smile was short-lived when she saw that his eyes were dark.

"Where's Yahiko?"

"Y-Yahiko? He's at the Akabeko. Kenshin, is there something wrong?"

"I need to talk to you…quickly." Kaoru stared at him with a confused look on her face. He grabbed her hand, "come."

They started towards the dojo when the distinct sound of carriages was heard approaching the dojo.

"What's that?" Kaoru asked, turning around towards the gate.

"It's too late," Kenshin said darkly.

"What do you mean?" Kenshin ignored her and started walking towards the gate, his hand firmly gripping the hilt of his sakabatou.

About twenty officers came rushing into the dojo and surrounded the two. Kaoru gasped in shock, but Kenshin remained still in the middle, seemingly calm.

Another carriage pulled up in front of the gate, and Yamagata stepped out. "Good day, Himura. I'm sorry to be so abrupt, but this matter cannot be forestalled any longer. I suspect you know what matter I am referring to."

Kenshin's now gold eyes glared at him. "Yes." There was a universal click of the guns as they were pointed at Kaoru. She let out a small "eep" as she saw each gun be directed at her.

"Move an inch, Himura, and these men will shoot freely." Yamagata moved forward and directed the two guards at his side to act. "Kamiya Kaoru, you are hereby under arrest for the harboring of a fugitive from the government. Himura Kenshin, I do not believe that I need to go over your crimes." The two men grabbed Kaoru and tied her wrists behind her back before shoving her forward towards the carriage.

"Bastards," Kenshin growled, eyes glowing feral amber.

"Let go of me," she cried. "Kenshin!" She knew that he was helpless to stop them while the guns were still pointed at her. With one last cry, she was pushed into the carriage, which quickly drove away. Kenshin was left alone with Yamagata and two other officers.

"Do you think it wise to leave so few guards here?" Kenshin asked angrily.

"I'm sorry that it had to turn out like this, Himura, but the riots have become too great of late. If we do not take the matter seriously, then the Meiji government will fail, and we need your help. I have a proposition for you." Kenshin made no response to show that he was listening, but Yamagata continued. "We planned to have an open execution of the two of you to show that we are still cracking down on criminals. However, nothing's public, so…accommodations can be made." He pulled out a piece of paper. "This calls for your deaths, but this," he continued, pulling out another sheet, "is a request for your services."

"I'm not going to work for you."

"You have two choices, Himura. You can ignore me and watch the girl die, or you can accept your fate and the girl lives. Do you really want to be responsible for that girl's death?"

Kenshin watched the service paper in Yamagata's hands and snatched it, glowing eyes scanning it carefully. "I'll need a new daisho."

"It will be arranged. Welcome back, Himura Battousai," Yamagata replied, tearing up the execution papers.