Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Harry Potter.
"Ah, Hajime-san! How have you been?" Yoshida greeted cheerfully as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, Kenshin by his side. "Or is it Goro-san right now?"
"Speak of the devil. Call me whatever you like," Saitou gave his customary smirk.
Beside the ex-Shinsengumi captain, a short officer with a goatee openly gawked at the famous cross-shaped scar on Himura's cheek, and gulped as his eyes travelled to the uniquely famous crimson hilt katana tucked in the folds of Yoshida's dark blue obi.
"Th-these were the men you were waiting for, Fujita-kun? The Hitokiri, Himura Battousai and the fourth Shinsengumi captain, Denko Hebi?!"
"Oh and who might you be? Another officer helping out in the Shishio case?" Hideaki smiled at the unknown officer, who jumped in shock before stuttering out incoherent words.
"Yoshida, stop terrifying my officers," Saitou turned his attention to the redhead. "Anyway, have you resolved to becoming the Hitokiri once again?"
"Well, I'm not sure," Kenshin replied, and amber eyes narrowed.
"Hmm…well, come inside. We have lots to discuss. That noisy guy just went out to get something to eat, so this moment is perfect. Chijou, you may return to your post."
As Chijou saluted and walked away, the two swordsmen followed the tall officer into his office, and immediately wandered over to the map spread across the tabletop. Quickly, Hajime summarized the plans Shishio had for Kyoto, reliable information the ex-captain managed to get from Chou, the sword hunter and a member of the Juppongatana.
"A great fire, huh?" Yoshida scoffed. "That's pretty ironic. Never thought Shishio had such a twisted sense of humour."
"Never said that man was mentally stable either. Anyway, early this morning, one of the patrols arrested and questioned a suspect, who confessed to making preparations for the 'Great Kyoto Fire'. It's set to begin at 11:59 tonight. That much is certain."
Mentally running through Shishio's plans, the raven couldn't help but feel something didn't quite make sense.
"This cannot be all. It seems strange," the rurouni muttered, and Hideaki nodded, still wrecking his brains for the missing piece of the puzzle.
"You think so too."
"No matter how strong Shishio's faction is, here in Kyoto, the police have the advantage of numbers. So their tactics would be reduced to assassinations and surprise attacks. The fire they plan on setting in this city is a part of something bigger. That's what I feel," the former fourth captain thought aloud.
"True, given that their information was leaked so easily, it is as if they don't care if this part of their plan is compromised, and that's the disturbing part," Saitou took a drag of his cigarette. "As it turned out, no one came to assassinate Chou, and it was fairly easy dragging information out of him."
"Then the only possible reason is the other side of this plan is something not even the Juppongatana is aware of. There must be some bigger objective…" Kenshin murmured, and all three returned their gazes to the map. "This Kyoto fire is modeled on the Ikedaya Event. So the other target would be some kind of landmark connected with that occasion, as Shishio plans on having his revenge, together with taking over the country. It would definitely fit, considering Shisio's dramatic flairs."
"A flair for dramatics…and considering his hatred for the government, there has to be a place Shishio would strike, if only to copy a movement the government troops made during the Bakamatsu which ensured the birth of the Meiji Era, and ironically use it to ensure his victory." the raven ran a finger over the indicated spots where preparation were meant to be ready in time for the great fire.
"I can think of one with fits that, Hideaki-san. The decisive battle of the Boshin War, and the major turning point in the Bakumatsu. Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu deceived his allies and fled by ship from Osaka Bay to Edo. That maneuver ensured the government's victory. In addition, the Boshin War was when the failed attempt at assassinating him occurred. So…" the redhead's finger jabbed down at in the Tokyo area. "There! Shishio's main objective is a marine bombardment on Tokyo! The great fire of Kyoto is a mere diversion!"
"Tokyo, the government's stronghold…a place that cannot be positioned out of harm's way if fired upon from sea! So that's why he let the information out so freely. The public eye would be turned on Kyoto, leaving insignificant forces for defense at Tokyo," the tall man cursed. "And to think I fell for this trick."
"Well, come on then! We have no time!" Kenshin yelled, dashing for the door, only to be knocked back when it flew open.
"You are not leaving me behind this time!" An irate fight merchant yelled, sending a fist into a stunned redhead's face.
"Sano? What are you doing here?" the rurouni mumbled as he rubbed his bruised cheek.
"What am I doing here? To help you, of course!" Sanosuke grinned.
"You mean get in the way," Hajime taunted.
"I don't want to hear that from you," he shot back. "Anyway, Kenshin, I have lots to tell you but we have no time. I'll do it while we run!"
"Er…Sagara-san, we wouldn't be able to run all the way to Osaka and reach the destination on time. There's a carriage we can use stationed just outside," Hideaki deadpanned.
"Right! We'll take that instead, then I can tell you while we ride!"
"With five thousand police officers deployed in Kyoto, we do not have to worry about Shishio's forces. It's at least ten to one, which should be sufficient in holding off the attacks," Saitou took a drag as he explained to the other two swordsmen in the carriage, as Sanosuke had opted to sit on the carriage's roof. "Besides that, the letter you wrote before we left, I made sure it was delivered, but…mind telling me who it was for?"
"Five thousand men may be able to fend off physical attacks, but not sparks. In order to stop the fires, we need the help of those who managed to protect Kyoto during the Bakumatsu," the redhead replied cryptically.
"Ok, we don't have to worry about Kyoto, but what about Tokyo? Even if the forces in Osaka received Hajime-san's telegram, there won't be enough time to block off the bay," Yoshida closed his eyes and sighed. "On top of that, we won't be able to reach Osaka until midnight at the earliest. Not to mention we would be searching the ships at random."
"No, we will not be searching at random," Kenshin spoke firmly. "My experience during the Bakumatsu taught me two basic principles about the work of a Hitokiri. One is to move in the shadows, which as you can see, has already been fulfilled. The second was to blend in with the crowd. If there was one thing I know about this successor, it is the way he follows in my footsteps. As the one before him, this one knows what he will do."
"Camouflage…the only possible vessels he could use is merchant ships, or private ones," Hideaki tapped his chin thoughtfully. "That narrows our search down, but not much. There will be many of those in the Osaka Bay."
"Ah, that may be, but include Shishio's love of dramatic flairs and it'll be easy to deduce which vessel is his. There's no doubt the ship will be bigger than most. If I were him, the surface will be a cover, hiding something far more deadly than I can imagine…"
"We'll simply keep a look out for any merchant or private ships ready to set sail late at night, then. There surely won't be many who will," the raven swordsman cracked an eye open to see the thoughtful nods of the other two passengers.
"Do you know what I think?" Sanosuke's head emerged from the top of the carriage's window as he joined the conversation from the roof. "I think that all of you are overthinking this. That bastard's ship won't be so hard to find. I mean, it will be the flashiest, biggest vessel out there to reflect his self-centered personality and – "
SHING!
"GODDAMMMIT!"
Kenshin and Hideaki blinked as Saitou calmly withdrew his katana from where it impaled the wall an inch or so from the top right of the window frame, Sagara's startled and enraged shout coming a second after.
"WHAT WAS THAT FOR YOU DAMN OFFICER?"
"Apparently your tiny brain cannot absorb the information Battousai has given us just a while ago. So, instead of making idiotic comments, make yourself useful and harass the driver instead. Who knows, he might get us there in half the time just to get rid of you quickly."
"WHAT WAS THAT YOU – "
Snorting softly in amusement, Yoshida tilted his head back and closed his eyes, taking the chance to relax.
It was well past midnight when Osaka Bay came into view, causing Hideaki to stir from his lax pose. Meter by meter, the carriage sped up, until the entire vehicle was near flying above the ground.
"KENSHIN! WHICH SHIP IS SHISHIO'S?" Sano's excited bellow cut through the rising anticipation amongst the three swordsmen.
Poking his head out of the window, the rurouni quickly scanned the horizon, "It's the big wooden merchant ship to the far right! The only one with stem rising and sails set to leave!"
As they neared their target, the two former Shinsengumi flung both doors open, katana held in tight grips as they leaped out even before the vehicle came to a halt. Twin thuds behind the ex-captains signaled the arrival of the others, but Yoshida ignored it in favour of scrutinizing the three figures standing on the bridge of the ship.
"So what's the plan?" the raven swordsman asked quietly.
"We'll need to get to the ship without alerting anyone aboard," the redhead announced. "From there, we'll be able to cut the hull and – "
"Hold it. Why do we need to go through the trouble of cutting the hull?" Sagara pulled out several strange cylinders, grinning. "I've got something better. Katsu gave this to me before I left Tokyo. These bombs don't even need a fuse."
Saitou barely gave a glance to the explosives and scoffed, "Idiot."
"What is with you and rejecting every idea of mine, you damn officer?"
"Sagara-san, Hajime-san has a reason for his refusal. Think about it. We're going to be swimming to the ship. The water will soak the gunpowder in those bombs. No matter how strong or effective it is, it won't work if soaked."
"Ah, Hideaki-san is right, Sano. Besides, you are not a swordsman. Wait here instead for the Osaka police to arrive."
The fight merchant was about to protest, however, a bright flash of light and a deafening boom coming from Shishio's ship drew everyone's attention.
"What was that?"
"Did Shishio's ship self-destruct?"
Green eyes narrowed as the smoke cleared, "No, that's…"
Yoshida's eyes widened in shock as in place of the non-descript, wooden merchant ship, a battleship stood, fully armed and intimidating.
"You look surprised," Shishio drawled as he sauntered across the bridge of the battleship. "This is the Rengoku, it cost me three fifths of my personal wealth…I'm hoping it will prove money well spent. Let's give you another surprise shall we?"
"A battleship own by a private individual with plans of destruction…at this rate, the Meiji government won't last long," Saitou observed darkly. "Yoshida, Battousai, can any of your techniques cut through metal?"
"Yes…but not while swimming," Kenshin muttered while Hideaki silently agreed.
"It looks like we need a change of plans, Kenshin-san."
The redhead turned to the fist fighter, "Sano, listen carefully. Saitou, Hideaki and I will draw the enemy's fire. Use that opportunity to find a boat, sneak aboard and destroy the engine with those bombs of yours."
Without waiting for an acknowledgment, the group of four was forced to move as a cannonball came smashing down. With Kenshin and Hajime by his side, the three swordsmen made their way onto the battleship in record time. Leaping over the rail, the water-soaked trio landed on the deck, startling the minor members manning the giant craft. Standing in between his comrades, Yoshida leveled a fierce glare at the bandaged figure.
"'Welcome to a duel to the death' is what I would like to say," Shishio Makoto smirked. "However, that would be too naïve of me. You Himura Battousai, who can see through my plans, is forgetting that I can read your mind just as easily."
Crimson eyes flickered to the side, causing Kenshin to turn and cry out a warning, "SANO!"
"I knew you three were decoys! Fire the Gatling Gun!"
"Sagara-san!" Yoshida cursed as he watched, helpless.
However, their worries were for naught. Balancing on a plank of wood, the fight merchant went down on one knee and positioned a hand over the water's surface. Just as the guns began to fire, a fist slammed down. A wall of water surged upwards, effectively shielding Sanosuke from the bullets.
"That – that was Anji's Futae no Kiwami!" A finely dressed man by Shishio's side stammered.
Not hesitating one bit, the explosives were brought out once more and hurled towards the ship's engine with a battle cry. A second gigantic explosion occurred in this one night as the bombs hit its target. Tensing his muscles as the battleship rocked violently, the raven haired barely managed to maintain his balance. There was a few moments of silence as Shishio received updates on the condition of his ship. Finally, the bandaged man met their eyes once more.
"Losing the Rengoku so early is indeed a high price to pay for underestimating the four of you. I should have killed you off earlier," the warlord's face remained impassive, but his voice betrayed his frustration.
"Shishio-san, shall we finish what we started in Shingetsu right now?" a cheerful voice asked and Seta Soujirou stepped out into the open.
"Oh we will. But the location will be halfway up the northeastern face of Mt. Hiei. Rokutsurane Torii Hokora, our headquarters. No one will get in our way there. It will be you all against the Juppongatana and myself," Shishio Makoto addressed the trio.
"In other words, it's ten on four. Now I don't care much about the odds, but won't three on three be quicker right now? I'm sure that peacock by your side is itching for a fight as well. There's still time before the ships sinks, after all," Saitou smirked and moved forward, drawing his sword in the process.
The officer's blade was halfway out of its sheath when a hand forced it back.
"What are you doing?"
Ignoring the snappish tone, Kenshin made no move to lift his hand. Instead, hard violet drilled into Shishio's eyes and the redhead nodded, "Mt. Hiei, Rokutsurane Torii Hokora. We accept."
"I've underestimated you this time, but I'll not be so careless in the future. We'll meet once more and see who will emerge victorious. So prepare yourself well…you do not want any late surprises among you," the last part was directed at Hideaki, who had remained silent the entire time.
Yoshida narrowed his eyes at the retreating warlord and inwardly sighed. He did not need Shishio to point out he was hiding secrets from his friends, but he could not simply call them together all of a sudden and reveal such an important part of himself. Shaking his head to clear those troublesome thoughts, the raven turned to his companions just in time to see Saitou frown at the rurouni.
"Why did you stop me, Battousai?"
"All those aboard were most likely chosen for their loyalty. If we had fought Shishio, then they would stay. By letting Shishio off for now, it ensures that there is enough time for everyone to evacuate. After all, it's best that there are no unnecessary enemy casualties as well," the redhead explained.
"You are as idealistic as ever, Kenshin-san. Will we be able to beat Shishio Makoto with this way of thinking?" Yoshida finally spoke up.
A small smile touched Kenshin's lips, "Maybe not, Hideaki-san, but at least this way, no one will get dragged into the fight, and no one will be."
"All these turned out the way you wanted, eh?" the tall officer snorted as the trio looked out to the sea, not the slightest bit worried out the fact that they were still aboard a sinking ship.
"Sagara Sanosuke is here! Now where is Shishio?!"A dripping wet fight merchant clambered aboard, looking around with an excited gleam in his eyes.
Lifting a finger, Yoshida pointed towards the fleet of row boats now a good distance away, and smiled as the man proceeded to yelling at the retreating forces.
"Idiot," the officer sneered as he lit a cigarette.
"He's more reliable than you think, Hajime-san. If Sagara-san hadn't blow up the engine, things wouldn't have turned out so well," the raven grinned at Saitou.
"I am well aware of that. But it does not change the fact that he is an idiot."
Standing atop a hill, the four looked down on Kyoto with a smile.
"There doesn't seem to be any fire," Yoshida observed.
"Ah, it looks like both parts of his plan failed. So I guess it means we won the first battle," Kenshin agreed.
The small group made their way back to the city, noting the number of police still milling around, some supporting their wounded comrades, others directing civilians and cleaning up small damages. Leaning against a tree in the courtyard of the police headquarters, the trio waited for Saitou to come back with the damage report.
"No buildings were burnt down, seven partially damaged, fifty minor blaze which were put out fairly quickly. Forty one police officers were killed and the number of wounded is not yet certain. Civilian casualty reports are not all in yet, but no deaths are recorded so far," the tall officer read as soon as he was back.
"That's pretty miraculous," Sanosuke remarked.
"Forty one deaths…that's not even one percent of the five thousand police force. In addition, Hajime-san's officers have arrested most of Shishio's men. I'd say this went very well."
"Hmm…whatever, headquarters need me to sort out the mess created by last night's events before we can go to Mt. Hiei. The three of you are to wait at the Aoiya until I send for you."
Waving a goodbye at his former comrade, Hideaki set off towards the inn, Sanosuke and Kenshin flanking him.
"Hideaki-san?"
Jolting slightly at the unexpected address, the raven blinked, "Yes, Kenshin-san?"
"Are you feeling well? You have been a little out of it since we left Osaka Bay."
"Hey, don't go falling sick or something so close to the day of the real battles, Hideaki! We won't wait for you to recover, you know!"
Violet eyes studied the raven carefully, "Is it because of something Shishio said? You know we won't pressure you to doing anything against your will. You are a friend, after all."
The comment didn't serve to make the swordsman feel any better. However, a plastered a smile on his face and said, "Don't worry about me, Kenshin-san. And I am most definitely not falling sick, Sagara-san. There's just something I need to think about."
Snorting as he placed his arms behind his head, Sagara peered down at the shorter man, "What's with calling me Sagara when you address Kenshin by his name? As we said before, you're considered a friend. There's no need for such formalities."
"Ah, sorry, force of habit, Sanosuke-san."
The fist fighter grunted, then grinned as he spotted the form of a small boy outside the inn's gate.
"Yo, Yahiko! What are you doing out here? Is this some sort of punishment?"
"Shut up, Sano! I'm on guard duty!" the boy yelled before beaming at the other two behind. "Kenshin, good to see you again! And Hideaki, I see you kept to your promise."
"Of course, Myojin-san. I always keep to my word."
Giving another smile, Yahiko called over his shoulder, "Hey, Kaoru! Kenshin's back!"
The door opened a crack, and nervous shuffling could be heard. Never one to stay still for long, Sano stalked forward and shoved the door open, revealing an anxious female kendo instructor.
"I am sorry for causing you to worry, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said with a warm smile.
Seeing the rurouni's expression, Kaoru gave a small grin, "Not at all, I am glad you are okay. Same to you, Hideaki-san, thank you for watching over Kenshin."
"You give me too much credit, Kamiya-san. Kenshin-san hardly needed watching over."
"Anyway, have you mastered the succession technique?"
"Pretty much, after this, everything else depends on my heart. No matter, how is Misao-dono doing?"
At this, the woman hesitated, "…She's not doing so well…"
Not waiting for further explanation, Hideaki was off, the redhead on his heels. The girl was a handful and a half, annoying at the best of times, but the raven had come to care for her like a younger sister. The thought of her injured or worse left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Makimachi-san!" he yelled as he ripped the shoji open.
"I can't believe it…"
Blinking at the voice, green eyes moved down to see a distraught female onmitsu beating her fists on the polished wooden floor.
"I can't believe an enemy sneaked up behind me! I'm so embarrassed!"
"Oro?"
"She's fine now, but something nearly went wrong last night," Yahiko explained as he strolled in. "A guy who looked like a psychopath snuck up on her. He had a blindfold with 'Mind's Eye' written on it covering his eyes."
"It was probably the Blind Swordsman of the Juppongatana, Usui. According to the broom-head, he is one of the toughest members. To get away from him unscathed when he's behind you is quite a feat," the fight merchant grunted.
"That's the thing. Misao was saved by another member of the Juppongatana, a man called Anji. He stopped Usui's attack and said something about finding no pleasure in wanton killings. Then they stared at each other for a while before leaving," Kaoru recounted.
Kenshin frowned thoughtfully, "This Anji seems different from the rest of the Juppongatana. If the two fought, he wouldn't have come out without injuries. So why…? Well, even so, I'm glad you are safe, Misao-dono."
Hideaki glanced over to where Sano was standing and staring at his right fist, "Sanosuke-san?"
The man did not respond and he exchanged a worried glance with the redhead. However, Yahiko cut in before the two could ponder anything more.
"There's one more thing, Kenshin," the boy piped up. "You should be careful when going out. Aoshi is in Kyoto."
That piece of information certainly caught the two swordsmen's attention, but what surprised them even more was Misao's declaration, "Okashira Shinomori Aoshi has joined forces with Shishio Makoto. He put the Aoiya in danger and almost killed Okina. That man is now considered an enemy, thus, we should destroy him."
"Makimachi-san…"
There was a loud pattering of feet and the shoji was once more yanked aside, four disheveled onmitsu barging into the small room.
"Misao-chan! Ah, Kenshin-san, Hideaki-san, you are back! No, never mind that! Everyone, follow me! Hurry!"
"Oro?"
"What's going on?" Yoshida asked as he dragged his friend along in the mad rush.
"It's Okina!" Omasu said as she ran. "Okina…he has regained conscious!"
Everyone poured into the old man's room just in time to see him sit up in his futon, his entire forehead and left eye covered in bandages.
"Oh, I seem to have caused everyone a lot of worry. I apologise," Okina chuckled weakly as he tied his goatee.
"Okina-san…"
"Ah, Yoshida-kun, Himura-kun, just the men I wanted to see. Will you hear a request of mine?"
Meeting the old man's eyes, the two swordsmen nodded mutely.
"Omasu, let me borrow your shoulder," the strain on exerting himself was clear, but Okina did not let it show on his face. The group followed the elderly out into the courtyard. "Tell me, Himura-kun, do you know of Aoshi's situation?"
"A little, but from what Misao-dono has told me, I can guess the rest of the details."
"I see, then there is no need for me to go into great detail. My request is about none other than Aoshi. He isn't evil at heart. As the one who have known him since his infancy, I should know. But for the title of the 'strongest', he has abandoned all ability to tell right from wrong. Right now, with the blood-soaked sword in his hands, the number of victims will only increase," the old onmitsu finally stopped walking and faced the group, gaze fixed on the two men standing close to him. "So please, Yoshida-kun, watch over your friend when he carries out my request. And Himura-kun, my request from you is this, kill Shinomori Aoshi…with your own hands."
"Okina-san!" Hideaki gasped, appalled at the man's request. "How could you ask this of Kenshin-san? If you truly need someone to do this, then I will – "
"Yoshida-kun," Okina met his furious gaze evenly, "I know that to ask Himura-kun to fulfill my request will be asking him to violate his promise. That's why I have asked for you to watch over him. The both of you have the skills to take Aoshi down, but Himura-kun has to be the one to end him."
"And why is that, may I ask, Okina-dono?"
"Killing him will put an end to the violence and death in his near future. For one who has lost himself in death and destruction, taking his life would be granting salvation to his soul. However…if Aoshi's life ends in the hands of one still accustomed to killing, it would be meaningless…"
Understanding dawned upon to the group and Hideaki heaved a resigned sigh. Inclining his head at Okina, green eyes fell upon the redhead, a question in the brilliant depth. The rurouni answered with a soft smile, and violet eyes slid close for a second.
"Okina-dono," Kenshin gestured towards the elderly. "Your wounds are unmistakably from Aoshi's Katen Kenbu, if it is anything like what I have seen…if he has really lost himself to violence…you would already have been dead. It's proof that Aoshi has not lost himself. Maybe he unconsciously held back during your fight, maybe I am simply grasping at straws, but it is all I need to know that the human is still in the beast of destruction. You may see his as unredeemable, but I…I believe in his heart. Aoshi's place of rest will not be in death. It will be here, and I will bring him back. That I promise."
As the others looked at the redhead with wide-eyed wonder and hope, Hideaki murmured to his friend, "Ever the idealist. I would say you are being naïve, but…" he laid a supporting hand on the shorter male's shoulder. "I will help you on this one."
The sound of throat clearing broke the silence, and Sanosuke strolled over, "I received a message from one of Saitou's men. Apparently, he won't be done with pursuing the survivors and making arrangements for the four thousand followers of Shishio until later today, so we'll set off for Shishio's headquarters tomorrow instead, at the break of dawn."
"A lot happened while I was out, eh?"
"Yes, Hajime-san have arrested most of the lackeys, but nine of the Juppongatana are still at large. We are going to meet them all tomorrow."
"Hold it! Who the hell are you!" Misao frowned, pointing a finger at the fist fighter.
"You didn't tell them about me?" Sagara sighed before addressing the group. "Whatever. I am Sagara Sanosuke, one of Kenshin's friends from Tokyo."
A doubt-filled silence followed his words, and an eyebrow twitched, "What! You don't believe me?!"
"He looks like a crook."
"Yeah, men with spiky hair cannot be trusted. Like Chou."
"Sorry, I can't see Kenshin hanging around the likes of you."
A laughed erupted from the rurouni, "Ah, about Sano, I trust him with my life."
Immediately, the Aoiya's members began welcoming the stunned fighter, doing a complete one-eighty turn on their attitudes.
"Right, now that all of Kenshin's friends are here and I am awake, we can celebrate!"
However, the proposal was met with refusal, "I thank you for the sentiment, Okina-dono, but we'll have to decline. We are leaving early tomorrow, after all."
"Well, but you cannot say no to a good dinner!"
"Hideaki-san?"
Said man was sitting on the roof, looking up at the stars when a familiar voice called out to him.
"Ah Kenshin-san, what brings you here? And Sanosuke-san? Has everyone in the Aoiya gone to sleep?"
The redhead nodded, eyes not leaving the raven's face. With a sigh, Hideaki gestured for the two to sit, but otherwise did not say anything more.
"There is something I need to tell you," Yoshida eventually voiced, eyes fixed pointedly at the sky above.
He could sense the two men exchanging glances, but ignored it in favour of calming his nerves. Pull yourself together! He mentally berated himself. You have resolved to tell them about Shishio's true identity. We are going to face him tomorrow. Now's not the time to hide something like this from your friends!
Taking a deep breath and grimacing slightly, the raven said quietly, "Shishio Makoto…I've always felt some sort of familiarity from that man every time we crossed path, both during and after the Bakumatsu. It was only when we met him again in Shingetsu that I finally realized who he truly was."
He chanced glancing up, only to meet serious brown and violet gazes that silently urged him to continue.
"What I am about to tell you from here on is going to be a little hard to take in, but whether you chose to believe or not is up to you. I'm telling you this so you will have an idea about what you'll be going up against tomorrow."
"Hideaki-san, we may have only known you for a while, but after all we've been through, you are not one to spin tales. So, whatever needs to be said, this one will not judge," the rurouni gave a encouraging nod, Sano agreeing to his right.
"Shishio and I, we were one of the few born with special…abilities. Like me, he has a faster healing rate than normal, as well as enhanced speed and strength. But that's not all. I don't know if you've ever noticed, but my sword style is not purely Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. My…gifts…caused me to alter the movements, and formed the foundations of most of my techniques. This made it impossible for others to copy my moves. Believe me, many have tried," a hand waved vaguely as he spoke. "However, Shishio's abilities are another matter. Any other human would have been burnt to death if they were in his situation, but he survived. Damaged, but alive. I don't know his true capabilities; only what is certain is his attribute to fire, or at least, heat. I can't tell you what to expect, but I am warning you to be cautious if you every go up against his tomorrow."
"How did you come to realise his true identity?" Sanosuke asked, curious.
"You were not there at Shingetsu, but he called me 'Fallen Savior'. No one save those like myself and Shishio remembers that title."
Kenshin was more hesitant with his question, "Are there…any others like yourself in Japan?"
Hideaki gave a bitter chuckle as he turned to the redhead, "I believe we are the only two left…but that's another story. Although, I am surprised you are both so accepting of this abnormality."
"There are many things out there that would be less acceptable than these abilities of yours, Hideaki-san," the rurouni said simply, causing a small smile to touch the raven's lips. "Thank you for your warning. We will definitely be cautious when fighting Shishio tomorrow. However, does Saitou now of this?"
"If you are referring to his knowledge of my abilities, than yes, he has known since we were still in the Shinsengumi. Besides, he knows that I hold a grudge against that man and will not interfere if I were to go against Shishio. And one more thing, do not expect to face Shishio alone if I still have some fight left in me."
Dusting off his kimono, Yoshida rose from his spot, "Well, that went better than I imagined. Goodnight, Kenshin-san, Sanosuke-san. Get some rest as well."
"Are you ready to go?"
The trio looked up to see Saitou Hajime striding towards them, the first ray of dawn highlighting his serious expression. Not bothering to reply, they merely stepped forward, silently indicating for the tall officer to lead the way.
The final phase for this arc is nearing.
Hope this chapter was satisfactory.
Later!
Kagetsuki-taicho
