Chapter 24

Sano looked around at the bodies for anymore survivors who surrendered. The rest would face death. Making sure no one snuck out. The ninja clan worked fast and in no time had many of the survivors tied up. Kenshin had left few minutes ago. He did not know why but he seemed agitated. Something was wrong and it did not take a genius to figure that out. Where were the assassins? Why were they mislead on the number of enemy fighters? Someone snitched to the other side or something else had happened.

As he was not needed there anymore it was time to get back to town and the dojo. Kenshin would need backup. Sano felt something big was up and more than they thought. His gut told him and he never went against his gut. It had kept him alive and got him through a lot.

"I will see you all back in town and at the dojo. I am not needed here anymore. As soon as you're done here head back."

Running as fast as he could carrying his heavy weapon Sano did not look back. He had left out his gut feeling for a reason. Someone had told the other side the plan. They put enough men to keep them busy a while in the forest outside the town. Most likely there were many more in town and heading for the dojo. He would be damned if they got to Megumi, Kaoru, Yahiko, or the rest.

-At the dojo-

Kenshin stopped at the gates of the dojo. Breathing heavy from running full speed and the sheer amount of men he had to kill to get there. They had swarmed from buildings and jumped out of hiding places all over town. It was an ambush. He knew it. The thought angered him. Whoever talked would be dead. He had no way to warn Sano and the rest of the ninja but they could defend their own. Even if Sano seemed like a brainless brawler he was actually pretty smart.

He could hear no noise from the dojo. This only proved his suspicion. They were already here. On the way he saw the ninja clan spread out all over fighting. Not many were left in the dojo as was the plan. No one expected this many more enemies to fight. It took longer than they all originally figured. It did not faze him as he was used to being outnumbered. It did mean that the chance of the assassins and a large number of fighters would most likely be waiting in the dojo. He would just have to go hold them off until Sano and the rest made it back.

Walking into the dojo slowly and with purpose he scanned the area. Men stood waiting all over. There had to be at least 50 men. Cho and the other assassins sat waiting. His blood boiled as he saw Kaoru slumped against the wall bleeding from her head. One of the assassins held a sword to her. It brought a smile to his face to see the one holding the sword bleeding from the lip. She fought back and got one of them. The way they favored their left leg over the right told him she got them pretty good. Cho got up slowly and yawned.

"About time you get here. We have been waiting forever. You're the life of the party and you took so long to show."

"I am not here to have fun. I am here to kill you and finish this. I do not care about your party."

"Good. Let's have some fun then."

With quick speed Cho pulled out two swords and charged. He was fast and it took kenshin by surprise. This battle would be a challenge and that made him even happier. He could take joy out of this fight. Finally, someone with some skill. Kenshin waited for him to get close enough and shifted pulled out his sword and blocked the blow. It had some force behind it and sent him back just a little bit. Taking his stance and charging he put his full speed into it. Cho gave him a smile and then a look of awe almost. He just barely blocked kenshin's sword and pushed him away.

"You are as fast as the stories say. I must say I was doubting you. I won't hold back anymore."

Kenshin charged and at the last minute duped Cho. Using his sword case he blocked the blow and broke one of cho's swords. Falling back a little he seemed angered.

"That was my favorite sword! I will just replace it with your sword after your dead."

Running towards a wall he jumped up and came down at an angle. Kenshin saw his aim and jumped up to meet him mid-air. With a clang the swords met and both men felt the force of the hit. Landing on their feet they were moving again as soon as they could. Tripping Cho, Kenshin slid his foot out and tripped him and sliced his Achilles heel. Screaming cho fell and grabbed at his wounded leg. Trying to stand he fell and screamed again. Screams were of a mad man. The others sat watching as he tried again to stand up. With the loudest scream he could muster Cho stood up and began running fast as he could. Sword in hand and ready to strike kenshin knew he had him.

With one swipe and kick Cho went flying and hit the ground. Blood began pouring out around him. He coughed a few times and he was gone.

"Who is next?"

The men looked around and shifted uncomfortable. The man dressed as a woman began to stand up but stopped. Kenshin heard it before he saw it. The roar of screams and feet pounding. Turning, he smiled as he saw Sano and some ninja. In a flash they all ran in and it became mayhem. Men of both sides fell everywhere. Ninjas attacked from air. Stars, knives, and other weapons flew through the air. Looking at the assassin coming towards him he readied for his next battle.