Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin in its totality is not mine.
Author's note: Woohoo, I uploaded early! I'm doing this while my time still permits me. As this is a flashback, there is no KK action in this chapter. On another note, I am frightened by the succeeding chapters. Why? Because it's all action from here: the plot will get thicker, the twists will be crueler and the author will be crazier (what?). I am bloody scared. But I am also freaking excited. We are just halfway to the story guys; and already, I am teetering on the edge.
FYI (final repost, to be super duper fair): Just a heads up, dear readers, my professional (real) life will consume me this November so expect delays in updates. I will do my best to maintain the current updating frequency but I'm not sure if that will be the case. Please be patient. :-) I promise, I won't fall off the face of the earth and forget about this story.
Chapter Seven: Good Morning Bones Act One—Promises
Hey you, Mr. Officer
Tell me does your conscience grow
You know what you do
Cause you think it's so true
1995. In an unnamed village, north of Kazuya.
A small fire engulfed the little house by the river. Ripples of blood stained the water. Desperate screams pierced the residents' slumber.
It wasn't long before the fire spread to the other straw houses in the settlement. Little feet and big feet shuffled around. The screams echoed in the deep forest. Sweat became tears. Tears became blood. The shuffling feet were replaced with the loud thud of death.
Feeling the nudging on his shoulder, the little red-haired boy shifted from his fetal position. "Shinta, let's go." His mother pleaded.
His father lifted him. Through half-awake eyes, Shinta saw black figures tore his uncle in half and beheaded his playmate. As they slashed away through his town, the inferno followed them.
The black figures sensed his family's movement and pursued them. They bared their teeth and guffawed maniacally.
The survivors ran fast, each one sprinting to safety. And then they reached a dead end, the steep stone mountain that separated the village from the rest of Kazuya cornered them.
Shinta saw a stray sword and brandished it. Instead, his mother pulled him in.
All the remaining villagers surrounded him. Shinta looked around his shield, seeing familiar faces except for a young lady he had only met yesterday, a medicine peddler who passed by the village.
His almond eyes widened in terror as the figures severed the limbs of their neighbor and slashed their leader's throat. The figures slowly sauntered to the huddled group. They tore each one of the shield and taunted the kid inside. Each villager implored to save Shinta but none succeeded.
"Look away, Shinta. You must not see this. Please look away." His mother whispered.
"Shinta, be brave. We may not be able to see you grow but remember that you must live. Live for us, Shinta." His father embraced him.
Shinta watched as his mother was next, a long steel through her chest while his father was torn from shoulder to hip.
His only shield was the young lady. She repeated what his parents said. "Shinta, you are just a child. You cannot die now. You must live. Live a full life for the sake of those who died here tonight. Shinta, please live."
The young woman got pulled by her hair, steel stabbing her throat slowly. The black figure finished her with a stab to her heart.
Shinta stood up defiantly as the figures neared him. He didn't close his eyes as the tallest one swung his sword to him. He will fight with whatever little strength he has.
As he charged towards the enemy, he was sprayed with the assailant's blood. A beam of light sped past the figures and dismembered them. The bandits were not even given the chance to scream.
Shinta stood, fixed on his spot. He stiffened as the beam of light became a big, hulking figure with horns. The moon lit the man's form.
The tall swordsman towered over him. His jet black, long hair swayed with the wind. A floor-length, red and white cloak covered his muscular physique. He wore a set of black pants with boots and a red, short-sleeved shirt. He flicked his sword to remove the blood.
"I suppose it was fate that led me in this direction tonight. It is common for these outlaws to attack small villages nowadays. Indeed, the world is headed for destruction day by day. Even if a man of incredible strength were to arise, he would not be able to stop it."
Realizing his words have fallen on ignorant ears, he instructed, "Go to the nearby village and tell them what happened. They may be able to help you."
He turned his back on the waif and concluded, "You have been avenged. Bearing a grudge against these men will not bring your loved ones back. Revel in the fact that you survived."
The tall swordsman walked away. The rain poured, drenching the fire and the earth.
Shinta looked around the field of red.
The following morning, Hiko Seijuro pressed to Kazuya to peddle his pots.
"Did a red-haired boy pass by this village by any chance?" He removed the spherical pot that the old man was pointing to.
The old man shook his head. "Even a cat has not passed by this week." He paid Hiko.
Hiko thanked the old man and continued on.
When he had sold enough to buy his week's supplies, he returned home. Settling down his goods, he saw a kitten purring by his doorway. As Hiko approached it, its mother fetched it by the neck and ran away.
He remembered the little boy, whom he assumed has already committed suicide. Losing everyone he knew, starting over again, and being young and helpless – Hiko understood why he would do the deed.
With his sake in tow, Hiko decided to visit the massacre to bury the dead. Upon arriving there, he almost dropped his sake.
Several graves, marked with twigs and some with broken swords, covered the gutted village. In front of three huge, polished stones stood the red-haired boy. His hands and face were caked with dried soil and blood. Glancing around, Hiko realized that even the bandits were buried.
"You dug all these graves yourself? And even buried the bandits too?"
"After they died, there were no bandits. Just dead bodies." Shinta said blankly.
"And these three must be your family's?" Hiko examined the boy. He guessed he must be around 12 years old. His body seemed malnourished for his age. It wasn't a surprise given that this area rarely received any form of help from the dictatorial government.
Shinta nodded. "Except for this small one. I did not get her name. She sold medicines to the village. She protected me even if I had only met her yesterday."
"I looked for good stones to mark them. I don't even have flowers to put on them." Tears poured down his cheeks.
Impressed with the boy's mature mind, Hiko smiled. He uncorked his sake and poured it on the three stones. "It is unfortunate to enter Nirvana without having tasted good sake. This is my tribute to them."
Shinta bowed reverently. "Thank you, Mister."
"My boy, you failed to protect something very delicate. You were entrusted with those three lives. Your tiny hands will remember how heavy their bodies were, but you will carry the far heavier weight of their lives with you forever. You have already carried them. Now, you must acquire the strength to support yourself and protect others. Then you will be able to live your life and defend cherished lives." He emptied the bottle and placed back its cork.
"Cherished lives?" Shinta looked up at him, wondering about his own life. When he decided to bury the dead, he acted in a daze. If this swordsman had not returned, he would probably have slept in front of his family's graves. After that, he didn't know.
"I am Seijuro Hiko, 13th master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. What is your name, young man?" There was something special about the kid. With his bleak outlook towards people in this era, Hiko regarded this boy as a beacon. He has long been searching for an apprentice to pass down his style; however, the potential ones were always intent on using the technique to advance their own selfish ideals. This boy—he seems pure, kind and strong. He is worthy.
"Shinta." Large, curious violets stared back at Hiko.
Hiko shook his head. "That name is too soft for a young man who will learn the secrets of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. From now on, you will be called Kenshin."
"Ken… shin?" The red-haired boy repeated uncertainly.
Hiko smirked and tucked the boy under his arms.
1995 – 2000. At a cabin in the mountains of Iseya.
Around two weeks later, when Kenshin was strong enough, training began.
As soon as training began, Kenshin regretted going with the colossal man. His hands hurt from hitting an old sequoia tree with a wooden sword. There were fresh wounds on his legs, which ached when he washed them.
"The sword of Mitsurugi should be wielded for the people of the world -for the protection of the weak," was what Hiko, his Shishou, explained.
In his heart, Kenshin knew that one day he will be able to protect the weak from terrors such as those who left him alone in this world.
"Try again." Hiko said nonchalantly.
Kenshin recoiled from the pain in his ribs as the hilt of Hiko's sword hit him there.
"Faster, boy!" Hiko sheathed his sword.
Kenshin stood up, panting and trembling from the cold splash of the waterfalls. They have been training relentlessly from early dawn until late dusk. But even if it tired him physically, Kenshin never gave up. He charged again.
"C'mon, you lazy student. Hurry up!" Hiko propped his foot on a pointy rock at the edge of the cliff.
Kenshin wiped the sweat off his face, nearly stumbling from the weight of the overnight bag on his back. "Shishou… this bag… it's too heavy."
"Stop complaining and come up here!" Hiko rebuffed him.
Kenshin settled the bag on the foot of the rock and climbed up. "What are we doing here anyway, Shishou?"
"We'll be drinking sake and watching the stars tonight, baka deishi." Hiko uncorked his sake and took clay cups from his cape's pocket.
"Sake? But isn't it too dangerous? If we get drunk, we might fall down this cliff." Kenshin grew dizzy from the height of the cliff. Tiny bushes that were actually tall trees were on the bottom. The vast horizon surrounded them. The clouds looked so near he could touch them.
"That's the challenge then. Luckily for me, I never get drunk. Even if I drink this whole bottle myself, I won't get drunk." Hiko said cockily.
"So you say." Kenshin mumbled.
"I heard that. Part of being a grown man is learning how to drink sake. Here, take a sip." Hiko poured Kenshin a bit of sake and handed him the cup.
Kenshin smelled the liquid, noting its sweetness. His eyes lit up and drank the whole cup. He grimaced.
Hiko laughed. "In time, it will taste good to you. Cherry blossoms in spring, the full moon by night, the stars in autumn, the snow in winter. These are always enough to make sake delicious. If it tastes bad, that's proof there's something sick inside of you."
Kenshin nodded, swirling what remained of the cup. The two of them drank the sake, perched on top of the precarious rock and stared at the night stars.
"Tomorrow, you will not eat unless you are able to balance on this rock using only one hand. Just like this." Hiko set his cape aside. He planted his left hand flat on the precipice of the rock and put all his weight on that hand. He folded his right arm on his back. His body was perpendicular to the rock; feet on the air.
With a cartwheel, he landed back on his feet. "Easy, right?" Hiko clapped the dirt on his hands.
Kenshin gulped. It was only a few days ago when he first rolled over without using his hands. And now his Shishou wanted him to perform a handstand at the edge of the world. "It's not like I have a choice, Shishou, right?"
Hiko took his cape and wrapped it around him. "You do, baka deishi. You can fall off and die. It is important that you learn to balance using all parts of your body. When in battle, you never know where you'll be—it can be in water, sand or at the edge of a cliff. It is important to be aware of your opponent and your surroundings. I'm not teaching you this just because I want to see you suffer. No, I take that back. I do want to see you suffer and also learn how to balance well."
Kenshin sighed. Although the obnoxious man always pushed him over the edge of his physicality, he knew that his master believed in him. He appreciated the challenge, reveling in the fact that he has never imagined being this strong and agile. He knew that he is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of protecting the weak.
Eleven hours later, Kenshin was able to balance himself on his right hand.
"It's a good thing you know how to cook. You could be a chef in a restaurant if you fail my apprenticeship." Hiko said, sipping a mouthful of ramen.
"Thank you Shishou. My mother taught me well. However, I don't intend to fail. I will succeed this training." Kenshin smiled.
"Good. After you're done with the dishes, lift me." Hiko drank the soup.
Kenshin furrowed his brows. "What did you say Shishou?"
"Lift me. Like the way you carry a rice barrel." Hiko settled the cup.
"But you're 100 times bigger than I am! I wouldn't be able to." Kenshin paled.
"This is important when you fight in a battle. Not everyone is as stunted as you. You should be able to carry the weight of a hundred men and emerge victorious." Hiko slapped Kenshin's back.
Kenshin nodded. "Okay Shishou. I will carry you like a leaf."
Three hours later, Kenshin lifted Hiko like a leaf—not before almost breaking his spine though.
At least once a month, the master and apprentice go around different villages to sell the clay vases, cups and pots that Hiko makes. In the course of two years, Hiko noticed that they had to go further from the mountains as the villages disappeared. He surmised it's because of the pillagers in the area. Kenshin noticed this as well, which led him to train harder.
"Why did you never have a family, Shishou?" Kenshin asked one time he heard his master hum a children's song.
"That's awfully rude of you to ask that." Hiko snubbed him.
"I'm sorry Shishou. I was just curious."
Hiko looked at him and smirked. "What the hell. I might as well tell you as you're the nearest to a family I'll ever have."
Kenshin smiled and sat down on the floor, ready to listen.
"There is something sick in this era. Something rotten with people who live in the present times. I wish not to be involved with people who are like that. I am annoyed by the complications of socialization. I find the ills of society depressing and incessant." Hiko said smugly, as if he was narrating a unique realization.
"You are too morbid, Shishou. Despite these difficult times, I still believe there are good people in this world. There are still those who wish to see the change in society and are trying to do something to see that change." Kenshin placed his hands on his knees.
"Ah, you are too pure, too young to understand. When you grow older, you'll know." Hiko said.
"When I grow older, I will change the world. I will be strong and protect the weak." Kenshin smiled.
"Tomorrow is your birthday right? Let us go to the Kamenashi restaurant to enjoy some beef hotpot and miso soup. The red light district is also nearby. We shall celebrate with your deflowering." Hiko said flatly.
"Deflowering? Shishou you mean…"
"You're almost an adult 17 years old. As a swordsman, you should learn the taste of a woman's body to curb the insanity within. Without that, you are like a machine who wields the sword as it is programmed to do." Hiko poured himself some sake.
This time, Kenshin blushed. "But Shishou, I don't think I'm ready for that."
"You're never ready until you're ready, baka deishi. You will learn that the passion of the body is like a furious battle. You begin slowly and calculating until you understand the movement of your opponent. And then, you charge and let your instincts guide you until one of you wins the battle." Hiko smirked.
"Besides, it is a pleasurable experience. It is unfortunate to enter Nirvana without having done it." He patted the boy on his back.
Kenshin gave a weak nod. He sighed as his master has always said this excuse for any new, daring thing that he asked Kenshin to do.
It is unfortunate to enter Nirvana without having tasted worms/ jumped off a waterfall/ collected honey from the beehive/ ran after an angry bull.
And Kenshin, the poor and possibly stupid apprentice, always obeyed.
Unlike the other villages that they visited, Tanigaki was more progressive. There were bars, inns and restaurants for tourists. People have also started wearing urban fashion.
Kenshin ogled at a young woman who wore a very skimpy skirt and a mink sweater. He blushed when he recalled what will happen tonight.
The pair ate their hotpot, drank sake and made merry. Kenshin reminisced the five years he has been with his master. He saved his life and taught him about swordsmanship and more—about life, peace and values. Once he completes his training (three years left), he will wander Japan to defend those in need.
Hiko raised his cup of sake. "To my baka deishi, who no matter how much I feed or how hard I train has never grown any taller than a rice barrel. May your loins be satisfied tonight."
Kenshin almost hid under the table in shame. "T-thank you, Shishou. Did you really have to put it that way?"
Hiko flashed a grin and tapped him on the head. "Be grateful, you insolent boy."
As they toured Tanigaki, a gathering of people caught Kenshin's attention. They were listening to lanky man wearing a white v-neck sleeveless shirt that resembled the top of a kimono. His narrow eyes were hooded by pointy bangs.
"It is time we fought the Shogunate. Rural Japan has long suffered for the sake of the cities! Where are the reforms the government promised? Where is the peace our citizens should enjoy? Join me and I will lead you to victory."At his side were two men who handed out fliers.
"Tomorrow at 9:00 am, we will hold our first provincial meeting at Kamenashi. If you want to uphold the peace we have long been deprived, if you want to protect the weak, come to our meeting and join Kiheitai." He said.
Kenshin looked at Hiko, who was distracted by a bevy of women who complimented him on his long cape. He sneaked away from him and ran to the throng. He took a flier and kept it in his pocket. The rouser's eyes fell, amused, on the small red-haired boy who took the flier.
Before Hiko could suspect anything, Kenshin returned to his side.
In the evening, Kenshin sheepishly entered the Yorokobi Inn. Hiko gave a thumbs-up sign and waved to the fully made-up girls inside. He left Kenshin and reminded him to buy tofu for their dinner tomorrow. Kenshin's red hair disappeared in the red haze inside. A tall, voluptuous woman took his hand and led him to a small room. She urged him to sit down and smiled coyly at him.
In a matter of 45 minutes, Kenshin understood what his master meant.
After bidding goodbye to the ladies at the inn and they to him (where the one who did him, Misa, blew him a kiss), Kenshin left for the market.
He fished his pocket to pay the seller when the flier fell out. He almost forgot about the meeting. He asked the seller what time it was and when he said it was 8:30 am, Kenshin dashed to Kamenashi, nearly spilling the tofu.
Panting, Kenshin arrived at the restaurant. Two burly men guarded the entrance. He approached them. "Go away, boy. We don't want your tofu." One of them said.
Kenshin shook his head and showed the flier. "I am here to attend the meeting. I would like to join the Kiheitai."
The two men looked at each other and laughed. "Are you sure, boy? You look no taller than a rice barrel."
Kenshin felt his face fell and mumbled, "I want to be part of your group. Please let me in, Sir."
The laughter stopped when hands held both men's shoulders. "Let him in. Everyone is welcome to join Kiheitai."
The owner of the voice surfaced and continued, "No matter how big or small. Come in, young man."
Kenshin thanked the man and followed him. He saw that there were farmers, fishermen, teenagers, and peddlers huddled in different tables. They all stared at the red-haired kid, whispering and jostling about his entrance. He realized he was probably the smallest one there. The man sat down on the innermost table and urged Kenshin to sit across him.
"I am Shinsaku Takasugi, leader of the Kiheitai. Tell me your name, young man." He examined the red-haired boy. His hands had blisters from holding a sword. Takasugi wondered why a young, unsullied boy like him trained for swordsmanship.
"Himura Kenshin, Takasugi-san." Kenshin bowed.
"What do you know of this meeting, Kenshin?" Takasugi's eyes hovered to Kenshin's red hair.
"That this is a meeting of people who wish to change Japan, especially the way of life in these dark times. That the people who are gathered here will bring the peace we've always wanted." Kenshin said with conviction.
Takasugi nodded, pleased with the young man's answer. "And how can you help in bringing about this peace?"
"I can lend my skills and strength to your cause." The other men who were near Kenshin jeered.
"Oi, little boy, what are you going to do? Spin a wooden top to kill the Shogun?" The men howled.
Takasugi shushed the crowd. "Show me what you can do. I trust you know how to handle a sword?"
Kenshin was a bit surprised that Takasugi knew. He nodded and stood at the center of the crowd.
Takasugi motioned to his associates to give the boy a sword and a steel gas tank. "Cut the tank in half."
Kenshin handled the sword gracefully and placed it back on its scabbard. He angled his body to the left, parting his legs apart. With a step of his right foot, he slashed the tank. There was silence in the room, except for the clang of the gas tank.
Takasugi's eyes widened in glee. This boy… Katsura must see this boy.
Kenshin nearly spilled the tofu going back to the mountains.
There, an irate Hiko waited for him. "You're late, baka deishi. That tofu will not taste good anymore at this hour!"
"I'm sorry Shishou. I had an important errand at Tanigaki." Kenshin laid the bucket of tofu on the table.
Hiko remembered his birthday present. "Ah yes, Misa is an important errand indeed. Do you now understand what I mean, boy?"
Kenshin nodded and then shook his head. "Yes I do, Shishou but I have to something more important to tell you. This morning, I met with Shinsaku Takasugi, the leader of Kiheitai, and he invited me to become a member of his group."
Hiko's expression changed. "The Kiheitai? That activist faction of the Choshu clan?"
Kenshin nodded, thinking that his master would approve. "That's the one. I went to their meeting today and when I showed them what I could do, they were more than willing to let me be part of their group."
"Showed them what you could do?" Hiko furrowed his brows.
"I was able to cut a steel gas tank in half, Shishou. With the battoujutsu. You should have seen me! You would have been proud." Kenshin narrated happily.
Hiko's face grew grimmer. "Baka deishi! That is the stupidest thing you have done. Joining the Kiheitai. Mingling with the likes of these men." He smashed the tofu.
Kenshin was taken aback. "But Shishou, isn't this what Mitsurugi Ryu is all about? Protecting the innocent? Preserving the peace? The Kiheitai are fighting to overthrow the unfair government. While we talk about philosophy, scores of people are being crushed by the disturbance each day. We must use our power now!"
Hiko glared at him. "What will you do after you lend your arm to this disturbance? By choosing a side, you will be used by those who hold the power down there. I did not teach Mitsurugi to you so you could tarnish it that way. You should not pay any attention to these external distractions. Concentrate on your training!"
Kenshin clenched his fist. "People are being oppressed all around us. They are suffering. I cannot just turn my back on them! I will not!"
Hiko shook his head. "If you leave this mountain, you will live a life of murder under the direction of men who write their own justice. If you throw your lot in with them, Mitsurugi will make you a mass murderer."
Kenshin was unfazed. "You may be right but I want to rescue with my own hands those who are suffering! Many people, countless lives, as many as I can! I want to be their savior! I must leave in order to do so!"
Hiko turned his back on Kenshin. "It is useless to waste my breath on a simpleton like you! Go, go wherever you want to go."
Kenshin bowed. "Thank you, Shishou. You can come with us, if you like. Together, we can…"
Hiko waved his hand. "Don't involve me in your stupidity, Kenshin. Go if you like. Take nothing but my training and your sword with you."
My stupid apprentice. He has decided to live according to his own principles. Because he is pure, he has no other choice but to do this foolish thing. Hiko thought as he observed the kid gathering his things.
The morning after, without a hug, a word, or even a wave farewell, Kenshin left his master and turned another page of his life.
2000. Kiheitai grounds.
Japan was two-faced, bipolar and frenzied.
While the rural areas suffered as bandits plundered their homes and took their lives, the urban areas basked in first world delights of technology, fashion and pop culture. While the rest of the world saw Japan as the land of the rising sun, the villagers saw theirs whittling away in their narrowing horizons. The ruling party of the Tokugawa clan maintained it that way. In the shadows, the Choshu clan was laying the foundations of a revolution.
There was a war brewing in the belly of Japan. The war was fought in swords and ancient weapons as the Shogunate was very sentimental. Unbeknownst to the city dwellers, thousands of people have been murdered, dismembered and mangled in the streets of Kyoto at night. A strict curfew was followed but the Tokugawa clan was free to roam and do as they pleased. Only cowards used guns and modern artillery to defend themselves. Arrogant as they are, the members of the ruling party wielded their swords, confident that their swordsmanship will win in any battle.
The Kiheitai was the provincial arm of the Choshu clan. Founded by Takasugi, this served as the military group of the brewing rebellion. Kenshin looked around the headquarters, a vast piece of land guarded by brusque men. People from all walks of life gathered inside. Some were training, some were making weapons and some were discussing political issues heatedly.
Takasugi smirked as he saw the boy's eyes light up in wonder. "This will be your home from now on, Kenshin. Consider us your new family. The head of the Choshu clan, Kogoro Katsura, will be here a week from now to watch the group train. I've been training these hoodlums for two months now. Let's see if you can catch up."
He walked up to a stage at the center of the headquarters. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet our newest member." He gestured for Kenshin to come up.
Kenshin climbed the stage, feeling the measuring stares at him. He realized he was the youngest member of the group. He stood by Takasugi and stared at a faraway wooden pole.
"This is Himura Kenshin. Please welcome him to our band of crazies." The crowd cheered, jeered and snorted.
Takasugi turned to Kenshin, patting him on the back. "You'll get used to them. And don't tell them I told you but—" he leaned in and whispered, "you're the best swordsman here." He gave him an 'okay' sign.
Kenshin bowed in gratitude and smiled.
Not shortly after, Kenshin was flocked by the men and women who were both curious and skeptical of the sword he carried.
"Are you sure you know how to use that boy?"
"Do your parents know you're here?"
"Are you sure you know what you've gotten yourself into?"
"Do you understand what is happening here?"
"Are you sure…"
"Do you know…"
Despite the lingering doubts and malicious stares of his new-found "family", Kenshin was relieved that his resolve was strong. He will fight this war. He will keep his promise. He will usher in the new era.
In the days that followed, the doubts and stares became gasps of wonder and looks of admiration as Kenshin showed them what Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu was.
A week later, Katsura arrived in a black sedan. He observed the training in the open field near their camp.
All of Kiheitai showed their mettle, punching away at wooden boards, shooting targets with arrows, stabbing with knives and katana, kicking and screaming.
"I must hand it to you, Takasugi. A few months ago, there were only five farmers who joined our cause. Two months later, this group has grown to perhaps a thousand." Katsura focused on two members sparring with each other.
Takasugi grunted. "You've always been so pessimistic, Katsura. Don't you forget how charming I am."
Katsura nodded. "Oh no, I do know. Having fooled Uno to fall in love with you is proof enough."
"The same can be said between you and Ikumatsu." Takasugi laughed.
Katsura cast him a stern glare.
"Anyway, as I said, there's someone I want you to see." Takasugi searched for the redhaired boy and when he found him, pointed Kenshin to Katsura. "Look at that red-haired boy over there."
Katsura saw a little boy, holding a sword that was longer than him and staring at a thick bark of a tree. "That boy? What's a boy doing in Kiheitai?"
Takasugi shushed him. "Just watch him." He crossed his arms over his chest.
Katsura waited. And widened his eyes in awe.
Kenshin sliced the bark into two and shattered the other half with his sheath. The other members near him stopped their training, shocked with what Kenshin had done.
"I almost didn't even see him move. That boy…" Katsura's eyes were still wide open.
Takasugi chortled. "I knew you would like him. He's the most prized member of the Kiheitai. But I will let you have him."
Katsura looked at Takasugi. "Thank you, Takasugi. You know how much I need his strength right now."
Takasugi wagged his finger. "On the condition that you never draw your own sword. That boy's life will be ruined by the work I think you'll give him. Therefore, you must lead a clean and virtuous life."
Katsura was a respectable swordsman, inheriting the Shinto Munen Ryu from his fallen master. In his younger years, he was undefeated in his duels except for Sakamoto Ryouma of the Hokushin Ittou Ryuu. However, as his political career took off, his sword became a decoration in his opulent urban home. He uses it every now and then to harness his ki but aside from that, his sword has never tasted blood in years.
"You have my word, Takasugi." Katsura clenched his jaw. "My life as a swordsman ends tonight."
That evening, Kenshin was called into the private quarters of Takasugi. He was nervous as usually, those called to his quarters were reprimanded. Kenshin wondered what he could have done wrong. He also wondered why Katsura was eyeing him meaningfully when he was training this afternoon.
Before Kenshin could knock on the wooden panel, Takasugi had already slid it open to let him in. "Have a seat, Kenshin. Drink some tea. That jasmine variety is delicious."
Kenshin entered the room and saw Katsura writing a letter. He sat across the two men and bowed to them. "Thank you for the tea, Takasugi-sama."
"Don't worry, Kenshin, you weren't called here because you did something wrong. In fact, you're doing great, isn't he, Katsura?" Takasugi nudged Katsura who handed him the letter.
"I trust you know Katsura already?" Takasugi rolled up the letter that Katsura wrote.
Kenshin nodded and bowed again. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Katsura-sama."
"The same is mine, Kenshin. I saw you train a while ago and I am very impressed." Katsura smiled at him.
Kenshin bowed again. "Thank you, Katsura-sama. I am honored by your compliment."
"So that was the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. I have heard of it but I did not know it actually existed." Katsura took a sip of his tea. Before Kenshin could ask how he knew of it, Katsura continued.
"Why did you join the Kiheitai?" Katsura looked at him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't see the swordsman in the little boy.
"I want to use my skills to protect people. I have seen pain and suffering long enough to know that peace is a luxury in these times. But that luxury must become a necessity now." Kenshin said calmly.
Katsura smiled. This boy must have been a victim of the times. Yet he could not see any trace of revenge on his eyes. He is pure and innocent. And I will destroy him, he thought ruefully.
"I will be frank with you Kenshin." He settled his cup. "Are you willing to kill people?"
Kenshin was a bit taken aback. He wasn't sure. He remembered what Hiko said. "A sword is a weapon. Swordsmanship is the art of killing. Whatever pretty words you use of it, this is its true nature."
But if it was the only way to pave the way for the new era… he pondered.
Katsura searched the boy's eyes and continued, "I will need you to murder people for me. To create a new world, we must first destroy the old one. It is not pleasant but it needs to be done. You told me you wanted to use your skills to protect people. I am asking if I can borrow those skills. Will you kill people to create a new world?"
Kenshin nodded. "If with my own dirty sword and the lives I take, I could pave the way for a new era in which all can live in peace, I will do it."
Takasugi glanced plaintively at the boy. Katsura, don't you dare break your promise. This war will be fought by a child.
Katsura gave a somber smile. "Very well then. We will leave for Kyoto tomorrow."
With another departure, this time with a wave goodbye, Kenshin set for Kyoto.
2000-2002. Kyoto.
Once Kenshin arrived in Kyoto, he realized how deprived the provinces were. Lights from signages and lamp posts blinded him; the tall buildings towered over him; shopping centers surrounded him. He had never felt more lost than when he saw Kyoto.
And yet, when he looked at the faces they passed by, they all seemed lifeless. Though they wore "free," they were squeamish when Shogunate guards were around. As he squinted his eyes to view the signages, he read that these were peppered with Shogunate propaganda. Everywhere he looked, in fact, were propaganda messages about the government.
He sadly discerned that perhaps, the cities did not experience the same degree of violence that the provinces faced but they were just as trapped in this dictatorial rule.
It motivated him further to accomplish his goals. He will bring peace.
"Even if a man of incredible strength were to arise, he would not be able to stop it."
He shook the thought from his head.
Katsura led him to his new abode, a unit in a thirty-storey building owned by the Choshu clan. It was actually a lion's den. All the tenants were either military personnel or intelligence officers. On the ground floor was a teahouse which serviced them for their breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Unlike the Kiheitai, Kenshin entering the building with a sword was not seen as a joke. He was a threat to those who wanted to rise up in position when the clan's plans have come into fruition. Nobody dared befriend him and Kenshin, socially awkward himself, never bothered. All he cared about was his work.
Katsura said that as a shadow assassin, his work was mainly in the evening. So he trained himself to sleep soundly in the morning and stay up all night. This further alienated him from the others. His constant companion was the old lady who owned the teahouse.
He was told that his first assignment will come in two weeks. It will come in a black envelope, containing the picture of the target. At the back may be a note but most of the time it will not. An unwritten rule was to leave no witnesses -no matter who it was, there should absolutely be no witnesses (except if part of the Choshu clan of course).
While he waited for the assignment, he memorized the map of Kyoto –touring around to see which alleys were best to sneak in, surveying the shortcuts in case he got caught in trouble, and even coming up with scenarios to maximize his attacks.
He was also trained to remember the faces of all known affiliates of the Tokugawa clan. He had counted up to 300 men, women and children. He wondered if he will kill them all.
Despite memorizing their names and faces, Kenshin never bothered to read up on their backgrounds. He decided that it was best he didn't know as his judgment may be clouded. He also did not want to be involved in other matters such as politics. His only concern was the peace he was promised fulfilling his duty as a hitokiri.
As expected, his first assignment came in two weeks. As expected as well, it was delivered in a black envelope. Inside was the picture of the target.
Nihontei Tsutaya.
He flipped the picture and saw a note.
1:00 am, at the corner of Kamiki and Takei Streets.
You will be observed –at a safe distance –by our janitorial unit. The entire operation must last not more than 10 minutes.
Janitorial unit? He didn't recall this as part of his briefing. He shrugged and prepared for the evening.
Kenshin waited in the shadows. Tsutaya and two brawny guards approached where he hid.
He stopped them in their tracks. As the guards charged at him, Kenshin unsheathed his sword. With one swift arc of his blade, both men's torsos flew in different directions. He flicked his sword to rid it of the blood and sauntered to his target.
Kenshin nearly hesitated when he saw his target. Tsutaya was an 84-year old man, paralyzed from waist down. He approached Kenshin, turning the wheels of his wheelchair. "Do it, son. Do what you need to do."
Kenshin steeled his eyes, shunning away any feeling of remorse, locking away the fact that he looked a lot like his grandfather. "Nihontei Tsutaya, though I bear you no grudge, I must have your death. This is heaven's justice." He said, trying not to falter.
The old man smiled and raised his chin up.
Kenshin raised his steel and sliced his throat, severing Tsutaya's head.
It was over. My first assignment. And yet… Only then did he realize how much blood he was covered in. His black shirt, trousers and wristguards were all soaked in maroon.
"Wow, that was fast! You really are as amazing as Katsura-sama said." Said a spritely voice from his back.
Kenshin was shaken from his reverie, turning to see the owner of the voice. Two men examined the bodies and left pieces of paper on them with the word "Tenchuu."
"Kiyosato Akira. I am your cleaner. With these other two, we're your janitorial unit. We inspect your work and see if there's anything that can be traced back to the Choshuu clan." He bowed at Kenshin.
Kenshin gave a curt bow. "I see."
"Well, let us do our job. You may go home now and rest. There's a car waiting in the alley. And by the way, good job!" Akira tapped him on the back. Kenshin's black shirt sloshed and Akira wiped the blood from his hand to a towel in his pocket.
"Thank you." Kenshin said tentatively. He left as directed.
Upon arriving home, he was stopped on the entrance of the building by the owner of the teahouse. She handed him a white towel. "I don't like my ground floor bloody so wipe off any excess blood as much as you can." She said.
Kenshin took the towel and let it soak in the blood. When she saw he was done, he took the nearly drenched towel from him. "Thank you."
She ignored his gratitude and re-entered the teahouse.
Kenshin sighed and went up. He entered his room and cleaned himself.
Two hours later, there were no traces of blood in his body and bathroom. But he could still smell its metal scent.
Two more hours later, there was a black envelope on his doorstep—another assignment by 9:00 pm. The target was a young boy, which Kenshin guessed was around his age when he met Hiko. He intercepted them as he and his family –mom and dad—were happily walking towards the parking lot of a carnival. Their screams died with the screams of rollercoaster riders. Their silver car was splashed with red. Kenshin stared at the teddy bear the young boy hugged; both he and the bear had half a face.
The next assignment was a girl, in her teens, who was unfortunately with her sorority sisters when Kenshin stopped her. Nine people died that night. Kenshin had to use two towels to pat down the blood before entering the building.
In one month, he had killed three targets and a total of 15 people. Little by little, Kenshin was fulfilling his duty. Little by little, he was becoming a different person. As he took his targets' lives, he repressed any feelings the target elicited. No matter who it was, the target always seemed to remind him of someone he knew, someone he cared about when he was younger.
In six months, he developed a routine. Wake up at 8pm. Eat. Take a bath. Warm up using the exercises he learned from Hiko. Carry out his duties. Go home. Get towel(s) from Okami (the owner of the teahouse). Take a bath. Eat. Cool down. Sleep. Repeat.
Although he had this routine, he never got used to the smell of blood. His baths took longer; his sleep grew shorter. Soon, he could only fall asleep with the sword in his side as he gripped on it when terrors visited his dreams.
This is what I choose my life to be. If this darkness will bring the light to Japan, then so be it. I am not afraid… Kenshin stared at the ceiling. But I am terrified of what I am becoming. He shut his eyes as his victims' screams lulled him to sleep.
Poor you, if they only knew
All the stories that you hide
The guilt in your eyes
Screams good morning bones
-End of Chapter Seven-
References:
Song- Good Morning Bones by Urbandub. Of course, this is another favorite band of mine but this time, they're from the local scene. What I like about them is the fact that their sound and lyrics are very different from the other artists here in my country. If you get a chance to listen to this band, check out 'First of Summer' and 'Soul Searching.'
Scenes – Obviously, the scenes here are culled from/ inspired by the manga and OVAs so it's too many to mention hehehe *boo, lazy author* Do check Volumes 165-179 for the manga and Tsuiokuhen: Act One for these mwah. (I'm actually promoting you reread/ rewatch them ohohoho).
Places– Kazuya Kamenashi is a Japanese actor who looks a lot like Takeru Sato. He is best known for Tatta Hitotsu no Koi and Gokusen 2. Iseya is Yusuke Iseya, the man who played Aoshi in the live action film. Kamiki is Ryunosuke Kamiki who played Soujiro. Takei is Emi Takei, the one who played Kaoru. Tanigaki is Kenji Tanigaki, the awesome action director.
End Notes: I originally wanted Kenshin to be training under a spy academy instead of under Hiko. However, Hiko's such a badass that it would be a disgrace to do that. Pardon my shameless self-promotion, but I liked the bits about Kenshin's memories with Hiko. The younger years were never shown in detail in the anime, manga and live-action so this is my version of it hehehe.
Gratis: Thank you to the following people:
For reviewing my story: Thank you and til next time!
emi: I hope this sated your appetite :-)
epicCookie: Yep, he's 31 years old. Thank you for rereading! :-)
melay: Gomen. Another reviewer raised this issue so I'm re-examining the chapter. I may not have written that part well. Also, thank you for understanding my personal issues. ^^x
pesto: *squeals louder* Fangirls unite! Glad you liked it.
ScarredSwordHeart: I have read that some drugs don't interfere with alcohol. Given that Kenshin is on especially designed, high-end drugs, that would make the drug "alcohol-resistant." Still, drugs or not, he's still a mental health patient. I get your point and for that, as usual, I am thankful that I've got keen reviewers like you. :-) Will think of a way to retain the sake scene while justifying the alcohol ehehehe.
Sessha Kenshin: Glad that you got hooked, that I am. Yep, Kaoru hallucinated on that part. Cabin fever I guess =P
shishiyu: I'm afraid I cannot answer that question as it is too important a plot point. Gomen. =)
whatafreakyday: Be patient, child. We will come to that hohoho
Next chapter: Kenshin breaks a promise.
