Tanuki to Ryuu
Well, time for a new chapter! Itachi To Hebi's getting good progress,
but Ch.1 of it is not ready yet, so I'll treat you all to the next
chapter of Tanuki To Ryuu instead! But first, some answers to a lot of
questions I got asked. Yeah, I kept getting conflicting info on a
traditional shinto ceremony thus I skipped it in the last chapter. No,
I won't have a lemon chapter of the consumation. A lot of people
expressed interest to write a lemon chapter or sidestory for me, and I
say "Go for it", but send it to me first so I can give approval of
having 'Tanuki to Ryuu' stamped on it ^_^x.
Chapter 18: A Family
Kenshin awoke to the feeling of someone in his arms. He opened
his eyes and saw Kaoru's sleeping face. Her loose dark hair mingled
with his red hair in a pool on the pillows. Kenshin smiled and kissed
Kaoru softly on the forehead. The kiss stirred Kaoru slightly and she
drowsily blinked her eyes and yawned.
"Good morning, Kaoru," Kenshin said happily to his wife. Kaoru
yawned and groaned in exhaustion.
"Kenshin, not all of us can live off two hours of sleep," Kaoru
muttered to her new husband, then yawned.
"Oro? But the sun is rising, Kaoru," Kenshin answered. Kaoru
gave Kenshin one of her looks that wasn't exactly scolding, but none too
kind either.
"You know perfectly well that we fell asleep only two hours
ago," Kaoru responded. Her serious look faded though into a small
smile. "I hope all nights won't be like that. I really do need
sleep, you know,"
Kenshin smiled at Kaoru, then stood up and adjusted his clothes.
"I'll start a bath for you and then get started on some breakfast,
Kaoru," Kenshin said as he slid the door open and stepped out, then slid
it close behind him.
"That sounds great, Kenshin," Kaoru replied to her husband's
back. Kaoru ran her fingers through her unbound hair and realized it
needed combing from being loose all night. Kaoru sighed in a longing
manner and stood up to get dressed and in a semblence of order.
***
Kenshin took a quick bath then refilled the tub for Kaoru's use.
He was dressed in his usual fashion and worked on breakfast for Kaoru
and himself. "Kaoru, the bath is ready!" Kenshin shouted from the
kitchen.
"Thanks Kenshin!" Kaoru shouted back. Kenshin grinned and
continued cooking the food as he heard Kaoru's footsteps towards the
bath. Suddenly, Kenshin sensed someone near the dojo's gates. He
left the fire settle to a soft simmer and walked towards the gates,
cautious even though he sensed no intent for battle. Kenshin opened
the gates slowly and smiled.
"Good morning, Shinichi-dono!" Kenshin said as he greeted the
rookie police officer. "Is there something the matter?"
"Ahh, no problem, Himura-sensei!" Kosaburo Shinichi replied
earnestly. "Is the dojo's master here at the moment?"
"She's in the bath at the moment," Kenshin answered. "And its
'Kamiya-sensei' now I guess. Is there something you wish to ask her?
Perhaps I can help," Kenshin offered the young police officer.
"I should have realized Him.. Kamiya-sensei. I heard news of
the marriage at the police station. Well, its about the incident a few
months ago," Shinichi confessed. "The way her student handled it was
commendable, especially how the officers trained for such an incident
barely knew how to react. I wish to learn his style and philosophy.
A few of my fellow officers expressed interest as well but were far too
nervous to ask a woman to be their master and teacher. In fact,"
Shinichi added as he scratched the back of his head in a mix of
embarassment and shame, "so was I,"
"Ahh, I see," Kenshin replied with a grin. "Kaoru-dono is a
very formidable master and teacher. I'm sure you can start later this
week if needed,"
"Oh, that will be great, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi said in
excitement. "How much will the lessons cost?"
"Lessons?" Kaoru asked as she walked towards the courtyard in
her kimono. "You are considering my dojo?" Kaoru kept her enthusiasm
in check even though it was a while since she last had a paying student
besides Yutaro.
"Yes, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi replied. "I am Kosaburo
Shinichi and after I witnessed Myoujin Yahiko's skill I gave it
consideration. I apologize for the lack of time it took me to approach
you, but I am serious about learning. How much would you charge a
student?"
"As much as you feel you can afford, Kosaburo-san," Kaoru
replied with a smile. "You can come back this afternoon and we can see
where to start you, alright?"
"Thank you, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi said with a bow, then
turned around and left the gates with great enthusiasm.
Kenshin then realized he left the food unattended and rushed to
the kitchen. "What's wrong, Kenshin?" Kaoru shouted as she followed
her husband into the kitchen.
Kenshin uncovered the rice and sighed in relief. "Good, its not
burnt yet," he said to himself. "Ah, I was just worried that I left
the food unattended for too long, that's all Kaoru,"
"Oh," Kaoru said. "By the way, I heard you call me 'Kaoru-
dono' again. Is that your idea of a petname?" Kaoru asked in
amusement.
"It sounded more polite, especially to a prospective student,"
Kenshin replied. "Plus it shows how much respect I truly have for you,
Kaoru. If you want it to be a pet-name, it can be, Kaoru-dono,"
Kenshin finished with a grin as he prepared the food for breakfast.
"Oh stop it," Kaoru said with a grin and giggled.
***
"Alright, stop," Kaoru said as she signaled Shinichi to halt his
drill. "You have a good base to work off of, Shinichi. I believe
three lessons a week should be enough. What do you think, Kenshin?"
"I agree, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin replied from his position sitting
next to Kaoru on the dojo's floor. "Although you don't have to ask for
my opinions on how to run your dojo,"
"I know," Kaoru said with a grin. "But you expressed interest
instructing Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu, so Shinichi will be your student,
Kenshin," Kenshin looked at his wife with genuine surprise.
"Are you sure?" Kenshin asked in uncertainty. "I just learned
Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu, Kaoru-dono!"
"I'll watch you during the lessons, alright?" Kaoru said to
reassure her husband. Shinichi just looked at the pair and blinked at
this exchange.
"Ummm," Shinichi interrupted the couple. The pair turned to
see the baffled young police officer.
"Oh, sorry Shinichi-san," Kaoru apologized to her latest
student. "Come by every two days for your lessons, alright?"
"Thank you, Kamiya-sensei," Shinichi replied with a bow, then
walked towards the dojo's door and slid it open. Ayane stood on the
other side with a grin on her face and naginata in hand.
"Oh, hello!" Ayane greeted the rookie police officer. "You're
the new student, right?" Ayane then noticed his uniform and added,
"and a police officer too. Hmm, why is it that all policemen here are
scrawny?"
"Miss?" Shinichi answered in confusion.
"Oh, I'm Ayane and I'm a houseguest here for a while," Ayane
said. "What?" she asked the young officer as he looked at her in
confusion.
"Its just that I'd like to leave now, Ayane-san," Shinichi
stated. Ayane stepped to the side, clearing the doorway. "Thank you,
Ayane-san" the young officer replied with a nervous touch in his voice
as he left.
"What the heck is that about?" Ayane muttered to herself, then
turned her attention to Kaoru and Kenshin. "Oi, hey you two! Hey
Kaoru, Tae's a nice person and all but she really needs a man. The
only thing she did while I stayed at her place was talk about men she
knew of that would be interested in me and such!"
Kaoru laughed softly and Kenshin couldn't help but join in as
well. After a few minutes of soft laughter at Ayane's expense, Kaoru
stated, "That's just Tae's way, Ayane. You won't believe what kind of
'advice' she gave me when I first started to bring Kenshin to the
Akebeko. She means well, so you can just ignore it if you want,"
"Ah, that's alright," Ayane responded as she sat down. "I
think I'll take a journey after a month more of staying here. I was
never one for settling in one spot. I guess I'll start dinner now,"
she said as she stood up and walked out of the dojo and towards the
house.
Kaoru yawned and stretched her arms. "Its been a long day. I
think after dinner I should take a nap. What about you, Kenshin? And
I means SLEEP this time," Kaoru said. Kenshin blushed at the
accusation.
"I guess I could use some extra rest myself, Kaoru," Kenshin
replied. "I was wondering one thing, though Kaoru. How were you the
only master of Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu at this dojo for so long?"
"Call it my father's decision," Kaoru answered. "When I was
very young, he taught me small things every day and I was very eager to
learn more and more. He was surprised that I picked up his style so
quickly and became more dedicated in teaching me. Heh, I guess he saw
me as his heir," Kaoru stopped and smiled as her eyes watered. "He was
a very kind man. I know he would have liked you, Kenshin. What was
your father like? Your real father, not your master."
"That is a difficult story, Kaoru," Kenshin answered. "Its one
I can better explain with a journey," Kenshin stood up and slid his
sakabato into his belt. "I can show you this week if you wish, Kaoru,"
Kaoru couldn't understand what Kenshin was offering, but had no reason
to fear her husband.
"Of course! I'm interested about where you came from,
Kenshin," Kaoru said. "Where would this journey go to?" she asked.
"Northern Japan," Kenshin answered. "Is there anywhere else
you'd like to go?"
"Well, I always wanted to see the hotsprings in Hokkaido," Kaoru
replied. A few seconds passed before Kaoru slapped herself on the
forehead, "What are we doing?! We just got a new student and we're
making travel plans!"
"Now Kaoru, its not as bad as you make it sound," Kenshin said.
"Perhaps we can refer Shinichi-dono to the Maekawa Dojo for a few
weeks,"
"That doesn't seem very professional of a dojo," Kaoru
responded. "But I really am curious," Kaoru pondered the situation
for a moment. Her curiousity of Kenshin's past won out. "Alright,
we'll leave at the end of the week. Maybe I could have Yahiko start
with Shinichi. See if the brat has what it takes to be an instructor,"
***
"Wait a minute here!" Ayane shouted in protest. "You're going
on a trip and want ME to housesit for you?" Ayane crossed her arms and
turned her head away from the married couple. "Seems kind of selfish
if you ask me,"
"It may seem that way Ayane, but I have to meet Kenshin's
family," Kaoru pointed out. "We'll only be gone for a month, six weeks
at the latest."
"I guess it'll be alright," Ayane muttered in stubborn
agreement. "But you could just as easily get one of those brats to
housesit,"
"I think they're too young for that resposibility," Kaoru
answered as she narrowed her eyes. The two women gave eachother an
intense look.
"Fine," Ayane relented. "But you better be back in six weeks!"
***
The end of the week arrived and the arrangements were made.
Kaoru finished her travel bundles and tied them together in a fashion
which allowed them to be carried. Kenshin slid the door open and
blinked in surprise at his wife's appearance.
"Oro? Kaoru, are you going to travel dressed like that?"
Kenshin asked. Kaoru looked down at herself but couldn't see what was
the matter. She wore one of her usual kimonos and wonder what Kenshin
saw was wrong with it.
"What's wrong with this?" Kaoru replied, not knowing if she
should feel insulted. Kenshin shrugged and took a few steps inside the
room.
"I assumed you would dress in a hakama for travel," Kenshin
stated. "Especially since it will speed up travel on foot, not to
mention winter is approaching,"
"Alright Kenshin," Kaoru said as she loosened her obi and
stopped before she could get far. "Umm, Kenshin,"
"What is it, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, oblivious.
"I'm going to change," Kaoru answered, embarassed.
"I know," Kenshin said, still clueless. Kaoru took a deep
breath and looked at her husband.
"I want privacy," she stated bluntly. Kenshin looked at her
with confusion.
"Oro? Why?" Kenshin asked, still confused. Kaoru blushed for
a moment until she realized that she really had nothing to be modest
about.
"Ahh, sorry. I forgot," Kaoru admitted, embarassed yet again
and continued to change. Kaoru shrugged off her clothing and grabbed a
pair of hakama and slid them on. "Can you give me any hints on where
we're going?" Kaoru asked as she grabbed a kimono top to go with her
clothes instead of her usual yellow gi top.
"I will show you the place of my birth," Kenshin answered.
"And perhaps that of my family's as well,"
"Wouldn't that be the same place?" Kaoru asked, confused at
Kenshin's cryptic answer. She finished tying her belt and grabbed her
packs.
"Well," Kenshin answered, "Yes and no. You'll understand when
we get there,"
"Ok, I'm REALLY curious now Kenshin," Kaoru stated. "I just
hope we have enough time to enjoy Hokkaido as well,"
"We will," Kenshin assured Kaoru. "It will be nice to enjoy a
nice hotspring again,"
***
Thus begins the Hokkaido Arc. Wow, another new student for the
Kamiya Dojo! Kosaburo Shinichi was in the Jinchuu Arc and helped
Yahiko hold off the Whalemouth until Kenshin revived himself. The
reason why he wasn't in the fic earlier? Because I didn't know he
became Kaoru's student until I FINALLY got the last chapters translated
in scanslation and saw his name on the wall! Wow, that was a BIIIG
"Opps!". I had to come up with a reason why Shinichi wouldn't come to
the dojo for so long, so its just clear ole hesitation. Anyways, what
will Kenshin reveal to Kaoru on this little trip?
Well, time for a new chapter! Itachi To Hebi's getting good progress,
but Ch.1 of it is not ready yet, so I'll treat you all to the next
chapter of Tanuki To Ryuu instead! But first, some answers to a lot of
questions I got asked. Yeah, I kept getting conflicting info on a
traditional shinto ceremony thus I skipped it in the last chapter. No,
I won't have a lemon chapter of the consumation. A lot of people
expressed interest to write a lemon chapter or sidestory for me, and I
say "Go for it", but send it to me first so I can give approval of
having 'Tanuki to Ryuu' stamped on it ^_^x.
Chapter 18: A Family
Kenshin awoke to the feeling of someone in his arms. He opened
his eyes and saw Kaoru's sleeping face. Her loose dark hair mingled
with his red hair in a pool on the pillows. Kenshin smiled and kissed
Kaoru softly on the forehead. The kiss stirred Kaoru slightly and she
drowsily blinked her eyes and yawned.
"Good morning, Kaoru," Kenshin said happily to his wife. Kaoru
yawned and groaned in exhaustion.
"Kenshin, not all of us can live off two hours of sleep," Kaoru
muttered to her new husband, then yawned.
"Oro? But the sun is rising, Kaoru," Kenshin answered. Kaoru
gave Kenshin one of her looks that wasn't exactly scolding, but none too
kind either.
"You know perfectly well that we fell asleep only two hours
ago," Kaoru responded. Her serious look faded though into a small
smile. "I hope all nights won't be like that. I really do need
sleep, you know,"
Kenshin smiled at Kaoru, then stood up and adjusted his clothes.
"I'll start a bath for you and then get started on some breakfast,
Kaoru," Kenshin said as he slid the door open and stepped out, then slid
it close behind him.
"That sounds great, Kenshin," Kaoru replied to her husband's
back. Kaoru ran her fingers through her unbound hair and realized it
needed combing from being loose all night. Kaoru sighed in a longing
manner and stood up to get dressed and in a semblence of order.
***
Kenshin took a quick bath then refilled the tub for Kaoru's use.
He was dressed in his usual fashion and worked on breakfast for Kaoru
and himself. "Kaoru, the bath is ready!" Kenshin shouted from the
kitchen.
"Thanks Kenshin!" Kaoru shouted back. Kenshin grinned and
continued cooking the food as he heard Kaoru's footsteps towards the
bath. Suddenly, Kenshin sensed someone near the dojo's gates. He
left the fire settle to a soft simmer and walked towards the gates,
cautious even though he sensed no intent for battle. Kenshin opened
the gates slowly and smiled.
"Good morning, Shinichi-dono!" Kenshin said as he greeted the
rookie police officer. "Is there something the matter?"
"Ahh, no problem, Himura-sensei!" Kosaburo Shinichi replied
earnestly. "Is the dojo's master here at the moment?"
"She's in the bath at the moment," Kenshin answered. "And its
'Kamiya-sensei' now I guess. Is there something you wish to ask her?
Perhaps I can help," Kenshin offered the young police officer.
"I should have realized Him.. Kamiya-sensei. I heard news of
the marriage at the police station. Well, its about the incident a few
months ago," Shinichi confessed. "The way her student handled it was
commendable, especially how the officers trained for such an incident
barely knew how to react. I wish to learn his style and philosophy.
A few of my fellow officers expressed interest as well but were far too
nervous to ask a woman to be their master and teacher. In fact,"
Shinichi added as he scratched the back of his head in a mix of
embarassment and shame, "so was I,"
"Ahh, I see," Kenshin replied with a grin. "Kaoru-dono is a
very formidable master and teacher. I'm sure you can start later this
week if needed,"
"Oh, that will be great, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi said in
excitement. "How much will the lessons cost?"
"Lessons?" Kaoru asked as she walked towards the courtyard in
her kimono. "You are considering my dojo?" Kaoru kept her enthusiasm
in check even though it was a while since she last had a paying student
besides Yutaro.
"Yes, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi replied. "I am Kosaburo
Shinichi and after I witnessed Myoujin Yahiko's skill I gave it
consideration. I apologize for the lack of time it took me to approach
you, but I am serious about learning. How much would you charge a
student?"
"As much as you feel you can afford, Kosaburo-san," Kaoru
replied with a smile. "You can come back this afternoon and we can see
where to start you, alright?"
"Thank you, Kamiya-sensei!" Shinichi said with a bow, then
turned around and left the gates with great enthusiasm.
Kenshin then realized he left the food unattended and rushed to
the kitchen. "What's wrong, Kenshin?" Kaoru shouted as she followed
her husband into the kitchen.
Kenshin uncovered the rice and sighed in relief. "Good, its not
burnt yet," he said to himself. "Ah, I was just worried that I left
the food unattended for too long, that's all Kaoru,"
"Oh," Kaoru said. "By the way, I heard you call me 'Kaoru-
dono' again. Is that your idea of a petname?" Kaoru asked in
amusement.
"It sounded more polite, especially to a prospective student,"
Kenshin replied. "Plus it shows how much respect I truly have for you,
Kaoru. If you want it to be a pet-name, it can be, Kaoru-dono,"
Kenshin finished with a grin as he prepared the food for breakfast.
"Oh stop it," Kaoru said with a grin and giggled.
***
"Alright, stop," Kaoru said as she signaled Shinichi to halt his
drill. "You have a good base to work off of, Shinichi. I believe
three lessons a week should be enough. What do you think, Kenshin?"
"I agree, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin replied from his position sitting
next to Kaoru on the dojo's floor. "Although you don't have to ask for
my opinions on how to run your dojo,"
"I know," Kaoru said with a grin. "But you expressed interest
instructing Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu, so Shinichi will be your student,
Kenshin," Kenshin looked at his wife with genuine surprise.
"Are you sure?" Kenshin asked in uncertainty. "I just learned
Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu, Kaoru-dono!"
"I'll watch you during the lessons, alright?" Kaoru said to
reassure her husband. Shinichi just looked at the pair and blinked at
this exchange.
"Ummm," Shinichi interrupted the couple. The pair turned to
see the baffled young police officer.
"Oh, sorry Shinichi-san," Kaoru apologized to her latest
student. "Come by every two days for your lessons, alright?"
"Thank you, Kamiya-sensei," Shinichi replied with a bow, then
walked towards the dojo's door and slid it open. Ayane stood on the
other side with a grin on her face and naginata in hand.
"Oh, hello!" Ayane greeted the rookie police officer. "You're
the new student, right?" Ayane then noticed his uniform and added,
"and a police officer too. Hmm, why is it that all policemen here are
scrawny?"
"Miss?" Shinichi answered in confusion.
"Oh, I'm Ayane and I'm a houseguest here for a while," Ayane
said. "What?" she asked the young officer as he looked at her in
confusion.
"Its just that I'd like to leave now, Ayane-san," Shinichi
stated. Ayane stepped to the side, clearing the doorway. "Thank you,
Ayane-san" the young officer replied with a nervous touch in his voice
as he left.
"What the heck is that about?" Ayane muttered to herself, then
turned her attention to Kaoru and Kenshin. "Oi, hey you two! Hey
Kaoru, Tae's a nice person and all but she really needs a man. The
only thing she did while I stayed at her place was talk about men she
knew of that would be interested in me and such!"
Kaoru laughed softly and Kenshin couldn't help but join in as
well. After a few minutes of soft laughter at Ayane's expense, Kaoru
stated, "That's just Tae's way, Ayane. You won't believe what kind of
'advice' she gave me when I first started to bring Kenshin to the
Akebeko. She means well, so you can just ignore it if you want,"
"Ah, that's alright," Ayane responded as she sat down. "I
think I'll take a journey after a month more of staying here. I was
never one for settling in one spot. I guess I'll start dinner now,"
she said as she stood up and walked out of the dojo and towards the
house.
Kaoru yawned and stretched her arms. "Its been a long day. I
think after dinner I should take a nap. What about you, Kenshin? And
I means SLEEP this time," Kaoru said. Kenshin blushed at the
accusation.
"I guess I could use some extra rest myself, Kaoru," Kenshin
replied. "I was wondering one thing, though Kaoru. How were you the
only master of Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu at this dojo for so long?"
"Call it my father's decision," Kaoru answered. "When I was
very young, he taught me small things every day and I was very eager to
learn more and more. He was surprised that I picked up his style so
quickly and became more dedicated in teaching me. Heh, I guess he saw
me as his heir," Kaoru stopped and smiled as her eyes watered. "He was
a very kind man. I know he would have liked you, Kenshin. What was
your father like? Your real father, not your master."
"That is a difficult story, Kaoru," Kenshin answered. "Its one
I can better explain with a journey," Kenshin stood up and slid his
sakabato into his belt. "I can show you this week if you wish, Kaoru,"
Kaoru couldn't understand what Kenshin was offering, but had no reason
to fear her husband.
"Of course! I'm interested about where you came from,
Kenshin," Kaoru said. "Where would this journey go to?" she asked.
"Northern Japan," Kenshin answered. "Is there anywhere else
you'd like to go?"
"Well, I always wanted to see the hotsprings in Hokkaido," Kaoru
replied. A few seconds passed before Kaoru slapped herself on the
forehead, "What are we doing?! We just got a new student and we're
making travel plans!"
"Now Kaoru, its not as bad as you make it sound," Kenshin said.
"Perhaps we can refer Shinichi-dono to the Maekawa Dojo for a few
weeks,"
"That doesn't seem very professional of a dojo," Kaoru
responded. "But I really am curious," Kaoru pondered the situation
for a moment. Her curiousity of Kenshin's past won out. "Alright,
we'll leave at the end of the week. Maybe I could have Yahiko start
with Shinichi. See if the brat has what it takes to be an instructor,"
***
"Wait a minute here!" Ayane shouted in protest. "You're going
on a trip and want ME to housesit for you?" Ayane crossed her arms and
turned her head away from the married couple. "Seems kind of selfish
if you ask me,"
"It may seem that way Ayane, but I have to meet Kenshin's
family," Kaoru pointed out. "We'll only be gone for a month, six weeks
at the latest."
"I guess it'll be alright," Ayane muttered in stubborn
agreement. "But you could just as easily get one of those brats to
housesit,"
"I think they're too young for that resposibility," Kaoru
answered as she narrowed her eyes. The two women gave eachother an
intense look.
"Fine," Ayane relented. "But you better be back in six weeks!"
***
The end of the week arrived and the arrangements were made.
Kaoru finished her travel bundles and tied them together in a fashion
which allowed them to be carried. Kenshin slid the door open and
blinked in surprise at his wife's appearance.
"Oro? Kaoru, are you going to travel dressed like that?"
Kenshin asked. Kaoru looked down at herself but couldn't see what was
the matter. She wore one of her usual kimonos and wonder what Kenshin
saw was wrong with it.
"What's wrong with this?" Kaoru replied, not knowing if she
should feel insulted. Kenshin shrugged and took a few steps inside the
room.
"I assumed you would dress in a hakama for travel," Kenshin
stated. "Especially since it will speed up travel on foot, not to
mention winter is approaching,"
"Alright Kenshin," Kaoru said as she loosened her obi and
stopped before she could get far. "Umm, Kenshin,"
"What is it, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, oblivious.
"I'm going to change," Kaoru answered, embarassed.
"I know," Kenshin said, still clueless. Kaoru took a deep
breath and looked at her husband.
"I want privacy," she stated bluntly. Kenshin looked at her
with confusion.
"Oro? Why?" Kenshin asked, still confused. Kaoru blushed for
a moment until she realized that she really had nothing to be modest
about.
"Ahh, sorry. I forgot," Kaoru admitted, embarassed yet again
and continued to change. Kaoru shrugged off her clothing and grabbed a
pair of hakama and slid them on. "Can you give me any hints on where
we're going?" Kaoru asked as she grabbed a kimono top to go with her
clothes instead of her usual yellow gi top.
"I will show you the place of my birth," Kenshin answered.
"And perhaps that of my family's as well,"
"Wouldn't that be the same place?" Kaoru asked, confused at
Kenshin's cryptic answer. She finished tying her belt and grabbed her
packs.
"Well," Kenshin answered, "Yes and no. You'll understand when
we get there,"
"Ok, I'm REALLY curious now Kenshin," Kaoru stated. "I just
hope we have enough time to enjoy Hokkaido as well,"
"We will," Kenshin assured Kaoru. "It will be nice to enjoy a
nice hotspring again,"
***
Thus begins the Hokkaido Arc. Wow, another new student for the
Kamiya Dojo! Kosaburo Shinichi was in the Jinchuu Arc and helped
Yahiko hold off the Whalemouth until Kenshin revived himself. The
reason why he wasn't in the fic earlier? Because I didn't know he
became Kaoru's student until I FINALLY got the last chapters translated
in scanslation and saw his name on the wall! Wow, that was a BIIIG
"Opps!". I had to come up with a reason why Shinichi wouldn't come to
the dojo for so long, so its just clear ole hesitation. Anyways, what
will Kenshin reveal to Kaoru on this little trip?