Sano heard a knock on the gates of the dojo. "What now?" He had just finished calming down a very angry doctor after breaking the news to her, and he was exhausted from trying to comfort Kaoru as well. Yahiko had helped him out a lot, but he couldn't take any more stress. He got up, hands in his pockets, and sauntered over to the door.
Kaoru stepped out, "Who is it, Sano?"
"I don't know, Jou-chan, but stay back." He opened the gate to reveal a lone police officer. It was the same man who had been with Okubo after Kenshin's fight with Saito during the whole Shishio dealing. "It's you," Sano said sourly.
"I was sent here by Yamagata-san to check on the young woman," he responded, ignoring Sano's angry looks.
Kaoru took a step forward curiously. "To check on me?"
"Yes."
"What, to make sure that I don't run away? Are you going to keep me hostage now to make sure that I can always be used as bait? Are you that cruel?" she shouted angrily.
The officer shook his head, "No, I am here to make sure that you are doing well."
"Doing well? You stole Kenshin from me, so how do you think I am doing?" she was advancing on the man quickly.
"We needed him to keep peace in Japan. It is his duty."
"What did he do to deserve this? I don't remember him agreeing to help you selfish bastards get yourselves out of situations that you created!"
"He sold his soul when he agreed to be an assassin for the Ishin Shishi!"
Kaoru was silent. Sano grabbed the man by his shirt, "So you're going to hold him to something that he agreed to when he was 14?"
"It was his decision. Sacrifices had to be made."
"Even to ruin the life of a teenager forever?"
"If that was what it took, then yes. The revolution isn't over, and the Ishin Shishi's greatest warrior still has work to do. If you like the peace right now, then I suggest you let us do our job." Sano shook his head in disgust.
"You guys make me sick."
