Author's note: Hello all! It is I yet again, AlphaBlades, back from a long
slumber to bring you yet another new story. People on this Kenshin story
board don't know me but others who are keeping tabs on my other stories may
remember my name. Anywho, this is my first Kenshin story and it takes place
sometime BEFORE Kenshin fights Saito and goes off to Kyoto, etc etc....So
pretty much before the second season. This is for the simple fact that I
have not seen the second season. Only the first one and the all three
movies of the Samurai X OVA. Ok, that's all I got. I'll just leave my
disclaimer and I'll be off.
Disclaimer: I don't own these people. You guys should know that by now.....Although I do own Hiro, his fighting style and pretty much anyone you HAVEN'T seen from the series. See was this really that hard? People in the series = people I don't own. People you haven't seen = People I DO own. There ya go.
This is Blades. "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.
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"This should teach you for standing in OUR way!!"
A sword came down and struck with much force. The recipient fell to the ground in agony....Then death.
"No!! Inshi, Inshi....NO!! You killed him!" A woman cried, lying next to her husband. Her children close behind her.
"Heh, well it was his own fault....This is what happens when you try to rise against the Bokuwaga faction!"
The wielder of the katana was large in stature and his laugh echoed through the town, drowning out the tears of his prey's family.
"Stop this right now."
The women turned around and looked into the darkened street to see a figure looking back. It was too black to see his face but his eyes seemed to shine through the shadows and ever visible even in this cold rainy night.
"Who...Who are y-"
The woman was cut off by the killer. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
The man stepped closer, his face now visible. He was a young thing, in his late teens but looked as if he has seen much bloodshed. His glare only proved this point.
"I am just a wanderer who has simply stumbled upon this battle. Lucky for this family I came when I did." He looked directly at man now. "You have taken from this family and now you will repent for their loss....With your life."
Everyone stared at him. The family, the man, and his many lackeys behind him. The man was first to speak up.
"Ha! Is that so? I'd like to see someone as young and naïve as you try to take on ALL of my men AND myself."
"Please, Miss. Take your family and run from here. Your husband's life will be honored."
The woman nodded, picked up both her boys and fled down the street pass her newly acquainted savior. The man, clearly angered by the other's ignorance to his threat, tensed himself and raised his voice. "HEY! I am talking to you! If you continue to ignore me then you shall be punished by the mighty Bokuwaga faction!!"
A noise of laughter, though small and quick, came from the young man. "I guess what they say is true...."
"What? Who's they? What are you talking about?!"
"Those who know the least certainly DO know it the loudest...." The young man's eyes were now closed and no emotion could be seen anywhere on him....Except for the small hint of annoyance.
"What!? Now you're insulating us too?! Oka! Get rid of him!"
A smaller, but still large in his own right, person next to the leader drew his sword and charged the younger man, going for a quick death-shot. As Oka approached the young man a faint almost silent click came from under his long black robe then suddenly a flash came from under the same robe and Oka fell to the ground with a thud. The group stood there in awe, wondering what had just happened.
"That is for underestimating your adversary." The young man said to the corpse at his feet. "Now.....For the rest of you."
The young man lowered his hands to the front of his waist, now showing what had slain Oka. A katana. This man was now a certified warrior and not just some wanderer. A ronin for sure.
The group became restless....Nervous, yet their leader still seemed absent minded of his talent.
"What....What is he?"
"He took down Oka in one hit."
"He's not normal!"
"Not human!"
"So quick, it's surreal."
Rage only filled the arrogant leader's mind as his men shouted amongst themselves. "Shut up, all of you!" He ordered to them. "He's still just a boy! Now he's just a boy with dumb luck! Oka was careless and had his guard down! We won't make the same mistake twice. All of you, GO! Show him we're a force to be reckoned with!"
With that, his men, a good twenty strong, charged and the lonely young man. The sound of lightning intertwined with the sounds of steel against steel and flesh. A short moment later and the lightning stopped and as if being commanded by the night to do so, the sound of human screams, lives being taken, and blood being spilled had also stopped. All that was left the light rustling of the wind.
Drops of crimson were now falling along the rain as this leader of a fallen group looked on at the dismay before him. Bodies coated the street, encircling one lone figure, standing just as he was before the onslaught began. The only difference now was the lines of red splashed about himself, yet with all that lay on him not one cut on his body could be found. The young man looked up at the other much larger one in front of him, blood washing from his face. "Now do you see? Your repentance is eminent."
The man was wide-eyed. He couldn't believe someone as young as this boy could go through HALF of his men, let alone the whole brigade!
"You....You really are a demon! Who ARE you?!?!"
"I am Hiro Torinama of the Shin Mitsugume Ryu."
The large man thought for a moment and soon his arrogance became something more appropriate to him...A look of fear. "Shin Mitsugume...?! Now I know! You're Hiro of the Razor Wind! You go and come as you please, as calm or as fierce as the very wind around us! Undefeated in battle, blessed to never have to taste of your own blood! I fear not even I, Rogo, can defeat you..."
He started taking small steps back, Hiro only scoffed at him. "You recite my history as if knowing my past will relinquish the fate given to you....How sad...."
Hiro sheathed his katana and turned his left side to Rogo who now had turned completely around and tried to get out of Hiro's sight. "It is not that simple, COWARD!!"
The similar flash came from Hiro's robe followed by a strong just of wind. It traveled on its path, plowing straight into Rogo, sending him flying through the wall of a nearby building....His last place of rest.
Sheathing his weapon for the second time Hiro turned and walked back into the darkness in whist he came.
"Yahiko! You come back here right now and clean up this mess!!" Kaoru yelled at the top of her lungs, chasing down the boy.
"You're the one who made the mess in the first place! Maybe if you weren't so clumsy!" He yelled back to her, cutting a corner and running outside.
"ME?! It was YOUR foot that tripped me! That's another thing! You better apologize for taking away such a beautiful girl's elegance like that!"
Yahiko almost fell over laughing. "Yeah, I'll be sure to do that when I meet this girl you're taking about!"
As he laughed, Yahiko was too busy to see Sanosuke standing tall in front of him. A second later Yahiko was rubbing his head sitting on the floor. "Ouch, man.....Not right."
"Heh, serves you for running from your Sensei." Sanosuke replied with crossed arms and a laugh.
"What? Ack, I'll never call Kaoru my Sensei! No ugly girl like her will put me under her thumb!"
Kaoru came up behind Yahiko and gave him another good reason to rub his head. "How rude! Figures such an immature child would act like this to someone as wise as me."
"Man, Kaoru....Pull the stick out of your-"
Yahiko was eating Kaoru's bokudo before he spit out the last word in his sentence. They were soon nose to nose as Kenshin came back from the market. "Hey, what are you two up to now?"
The both started shouting at Kenshin simultaneously as Kenshin just sat there sighing slightly with his smile clean on his face. He caught Sanosuke's stern look and tilted his head just as Sanosuke motioned for Kenshin to follow him. Must be something he wants to talk about in private. He gave a small nod and turned back to the two adolescents in front of him.
"Miss Kaoru, can you take these from me I have to go wash the floor right now. And Yahiko shouldn't you be training by now? You're skills aren't improving just standing here, that they're not."
Kaoru took the items in Kenshin's hands with a glimmer in her eyes. "Sure, Kenshin. You just hurry up on those floors so you can help make dinner."
Yahiko may have put his two cents in but he was already walking away from the dojo to go and train. Kaoru made her way to the kitchen and Kenshin followed Sanosuke as they made their way to that all too familiar diner.
After they arrived and were treated with some sake, Sanosuke spoke up about why he wanted to be alone with Kenshin.
"There was a big killing last night, in case you didn't know."
Kenshin looked down. "I knew about it...."
"Yeah well most people around here are saying it was just a rival gang fight and nothing more but the thing is that the bodies were only of ONE gang, there were no sights of any other gang or opposing force.....It's like they fought themselves in the street."
"Well perhaps that was it. They simply fought themselves."
"Nope, it's not that simple, Kenshin. Magume checked out the scene and said all the wounds seemed to have been made at roughly the same time. The battle must have only lasted seconds. Not only that but she found a guy double over in a wall with cuts all over his body. Magume checked them out to and said they were made even quicker then the ones on the men. She thinks every slice on his body was made simultaneously. Kenshin, cuts covered every inch of his body.....We're starting to think these guys were killed by one person.....One very STRONG person."
Kenshin nodded his head. "Another Manslayer perhaps....But why inform me about this?"
"Why? Why not? Every manslayer to this point has wanted your head, I doubt this'll be different."
Kenshin sighed and stood up. "Well if he wants me, then he'll find me. If words won't settle it then it'll have to be Sakabato, that it will."
"You just watch yourself, pal. This one seems pretty tough."
"I don't doubt his strength but his blatant disrespect for human life is absurd, that it is."
Sanosuke nodded as Kenshin made his way out of the place and onto the street.
Yahiko whacked the tree in front of him for the billionth time, sweat now forming on his brow. "Stupid training, stupid Kaoru, stupid-" He stopped as he heard a rustling behind him. He turned around to see nothing but a leaf riding around in the breeze. "Hmph" He grunted, continuing his abuse on the tree.
The breeze picked up for a moment as another rustle came from his side. He turned and again saw nothing. "Who's there? Come on out and show yourself! Don't be such a chicken!"
Silence.
"Hmph." He repeated, once again beating the tree.
The breeze became a stronger gust as the rustling turned into running foot steps. They sounded quick, they sounded like they were....Right next to him!
Yahiko raised his weapon up just in time to block a sheathed katana from clubbing him in the head. "Whoa, what was that about?!"
Yahiko glared at the man in front of him, half shock, half anger. The young man had on a long black robe with silver markings around the bottom and the cuffs. He had a dark blue gi on and white hakama with blue socks under his sandals. His hair was black, long, and messy, splitting out into every direction. His eyes were dark blue and seemed as cold as ice.
"Hmm, you're pretty good. But not great......Great would be if you noticed me the first time I made the rustle in the leaves."
"That was you?!" Yahiko jumped back a few feet and took a defensive position. "Who are you? What's your reason for attacking me??"
"What? Attacking? I'm not attacking....I'm just here for a quick spar. I like to test beginning swordsman to see how good they are and if they're worthy to hold the sword they love."
"Worthy? HA! I'm worthy enough, that's for sure!"
The man smiled slightly. "Then come...." He had his katana in his right hand, holding it by the top of the sheath.
"You asked for it, bud!" Yahiko charged at him, his woodened sword raised above his head, slashing it down at his opponent's head. To his surprise all the hit was the man's now raised sheathed.
"Heh, you put a lot of effort into that swing. Sadly, that was your downfall."
The man adjusted his footing and let up on his guard, causing Yahiko to fall forward. As Yahiko stumbled the man spun around and clubbed him hard in the skull with his covered weapon. Yahiko hit the ground hard.
He rolled onto his back only to see the now exposed katana land inches away from his cheek. "You still need more training, kid."
The man took the katana out of the ground, sheathed it, and put it back in his sash, now starting to walk away.
"Hey! So that's it! You're just going to fight and run! What about a name? What about how you got so good? What about how someone who looks like they're in their late teens is so fluid with a sword?"
The man turned to him. "Hiro, practice, and age doesn't matter when you have enough skill."
"Hiro, huh? Well I'm Yahiko and I'm going to be the greatest swordsmen ever with the help of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu so don't think this little spar is a true showing of my strength!!"
"Kamiya Kasshin? I've heard of that one..... 'The sword that protects people.' Their katanas are not made of steel, but wood.....How can you think to call yourself the greatest swordsman if you can't even fight with a real sword? A bokudo won't save you in a real battle....No matter how good you are."
"Well, someday I'll get me a Sakabato Just like Kenshin and then I'll show you!"
Hiro was now fully focused on Yahiko. "Did you say Kenshin...? As in Kenshin Himura the Hitokiri Battosai?"
"The one and only.....But he's not the Battosai anymore. He's just a man, he gave up killing a long time ago. That why he has the Sakabato, the reverse blade sword. He's into saving lives now, not taking them."
"Hmph, no man can change what he is.....Now even the Battosai." Hiro started to walk away again, this time leaving Yahiko for good.
Yahiko made his way back to the dojo to see everyone else already enjoying their dinner. "Hey! Did you at least save me some??"
Kaoru stuck her nose up into the air and said in great delight. "Dinner's only going around to the nice people of this dojo....And people who apologize."
Yahiko sighed deeply. "Well, if it's for dinner then fine I'm sorry."
"Good, now here's your food." Kaoru threw a plate to Yahiko, a plate he almost dropped. "Hey, Kaoru easy now! Sheesh...."
She laughed and continued eating. Sanosuke looked around a while and finally asked. "Hey, where's all the sake...?"
Yahiko was now grinning at Kaoru. "On Kaoru's floor...All over her floor."
She growled at him. "It's all because of your stupid foot, Yahiko!"
"Hey, I'm not the one hiding it all in my room now am I?!"
There was an awkward silence as all eyes were on Kaoru. Sanosuke sighed and broke the silence. "I'll go buy some more."
"You have enough money, Sano?" Kaoru asked him.
"Who said I'm using my money? I'll just repay you later.....Kenshin."
Kenshin's eyebrows shot up as he looked for his money in his clothes. Sanosuke was already out the door before Kenshin could stop him.
"Sake, sake, sake....Where oh where would I find sake...." His attention was soon caught by something else. A fight. Sanosuke worked himself into the crowd of people and watched on as two no-names were going toe to toe. Sanosuke paid more attention only to see that one man, a young one was just toying with the other man.
"This is your final warning," the young man said, "give back what you stole so these people can go in peace."
Ah, the peaceful good-natured type, Sanosuke thought.
"Heh, why should I? I didn't take anything from them, this is MY money! You're just accusing me for something I didn't even do! I think you're just trying to act all courageous around these peop-"
The butt of the young man's sheathed katana was jammed deep into the other's mouth. He stumbled back a bit as blood and teeth fell from his mouth.
"Oww meh mouf! Youf punk!"
The man pulled a dagger from his shirt and charged the young one. His attack met air and the young man suddenly appeared above the man, katana now out, and fell back to earth running his steel down the middle of his adversary, slicing him in two.
A couple more people drew their swords on the younger man but he just stood there, ready for whatever attack they bring onto him.
Sanosuke was actually the first to attack. "How dare you kill that man! He didn't deserve that kind of punishment!"
His fist met the young man's face sending him twisting out of the human circle. He stood back up and wiped the trickle of blood from his mouth. "Hmm, quite the punch you have there. Are you using your strength in defense of that robber?"
"Yeah I am! You killed him in cold blood!"
"I killed him in self defense.....He deserved to die like the dog he was."
"Well it's time to pick on someone your own size, kid. You gonna go all self defense on me too cause I hit you?"
"Only if you continue to attack."
"Well then let's go!! I'll make this one quick!"
Sanosuke once again charged him and threw his fist at his face for the second time. This time the boy disappeared. Sanosuke instinctively looked up but saw nothing there. The young man wasn't in the air, instead he appeared behind the fighter.
"'Bad' huh? You cruddy fighting, maybe...." The young man said a second before slashing at Sanosuke's back.
He rolled forward but not in time to miss the attack all together. He sat up and felt his back, a shot of pain for his curiosity. "Wow, nice shot....But you're still nothing compared to me..."
The man growled. "Why must everyone thing they're so great. You should never underestimate your opponent ever! Now I'LL make this quick!!"
The man ran at Sanosuke and slashed at his side, he dodged to one side but only into his next slash to the shoulder. Sanosuke groaned but quickly scream as he felt cold steel run across his chest followed by a quick foot to his face, knocking him to the ground.
"It ends now!! GrrraaaaAHH!!" The men leapt up and came down on Sanosuke going for the final slash. He didn't hear what he wanted to hear and didn't see what he wanted to see. He heard the clashing of steel instead of the sound of piecing flesh and he saw another katana blocking his own. He looked up the arm to see who was the wielder, the face made him smile.....It was Kenshin.
"Battosai.....It's been a while hasn't? Ten years if I'm not mistaken."
Kenshin withdrew his sword into a more defensive position, trying to remember the person in front of him.
"I don't blame you for not remember me. I was only eight when we first met....I've changed a lot. I'm almost as great as your legend."
He knew who it was immediately now. "Hiro! But....Your village, it was burned down wasn't it? I thought you and your family and friends were all dead!"
Hiro looked down, almost like he was stabbed in the heart. "They were, Kenshin....Me and a few others were out just getting some food when it happened....It was so quick."
"Uh, guys....Some help...?" The beaten down Sanosuke said from the ground.
"Oh, Sano! I'm sorry!! Hiro could you please help me carry him to the Kamiya dojo? There's a medic there that can help him."
Hiro stood hesitant.
"Something wrong?" Kenshin asked already picking up Sanosuke.
Hiro glared at the fighter. "Are we still enemies?"
He shook his head. "For the time being....No. But don't count that as a defiant."
"Very well then, I won't help you..." Hiro started walking away.
"Hiro wait! At least come with us to the dojo. I want to hear what has become of you."
"Very well, Kenshin.....But I'm not assisting that man."
"Ok, fine. You don't have to, that you don't. Just follow me if you please."
The two started walking to the dojo with Sanosuke hanging off of Kenshin's shoulder and Hiro walking behind them. All were silent.....Hopefully that would change when they got there.
Disclaimer: I don't own these people. You guys should know that by now.....Although I do own Hiro, his fighting style and pretty much anyone you HAVEN'T seen from the series. See was this really that hard? People in the series = people I don't own. People you haven't seen = People I DO own. There ya go.
This is Blades. "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.
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"This should teach you for standing in OUR way!!"
A sword came down and struck with much force. The recipient fell to the ground in agony....Then death.
"No!! Inshi, Inshi....NO!! You killed him!" A woman cried, lying next to her husband. Her children close behind her.
"Heh, well it was his own fault....This is what happens when you try to rise against the Bokuwaga faction!"
The wielder of the katana was large in stature and his laugh echoed through the town, drowning out the tears of his prey's family.
"Stop this right now."
The women turned around and looked into the darkened street to see a figure looking back. It was too black to see his face but his eyes seemed to shine through the shadows and ever visible even in this cold rainy night.
"Who...Who are y-"
The woman was cut off by the killer. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
The man stepped closer, his face now visible. He was a young thing, in his late teens but looked as if he has seen much bloodshed. His glare only proved this point.
"I am just a wanderer who has simply stumbled upon this battle. Lucky for this family I came when I did." He looked directly at man now. "You have taken from this family and now you will repent for their loss....With your life."
Everyone stared at him. The family, the man, and his many lackeys behind him. The man was first to speak up.
"Ha! Is that so? I'd like to see someone as young and naïve as you try to take on ALL of my men AND myself."
"Please, Miss. Take your family and run from here. Your husband's life will be honored."
The woman nodded, picked up both her boys and fled down the street pass her newly acquainted savior. The man, clearly angered by the other's ignorance to his threat, tensed himself and raised his voice. "HEY! I am talking to you! If you continue to ignore me then you shall be punished by the mighty Bokuwaga faction!!"
A noise of laughter, though small and quick, came from the young man. "I guess what they say is true...."
"What? Who's they? What are you talking about?!"
"Those who know the least certainly DO know it the loudest...." The young man's eyes were now closed and no emotion could be seen anywhere on him....Except for the small hint of annoyance.
"What!? Now you're insulating us too?! Oka! Get rid of him!"
A smaller, but still large in his own right, person next to the leader drew his sword and charged the younger man, going for a quick death-shot. As Oka approached the young man a faint almost silent click came from under his long black robe then suddenly a flash came from under the same robe and Oka fell to the ground with a thud. The group stood there in awe, wondering what had just happened.
"That is for underestimating your adversary." The young man said to the corpse at his feet. "Now.....For the rest of you."
The young man lowered his hands to the front of his waist, now showing what had slain Oka. A katana. This man was now a certified warrior and not just some wanderer. A ronin for sure.
The group became restless....Nervous, yet their leader still seemed absent minded of his talent.
"What....What is he?"
"He took down Oka in one hit."
"He's not normal!"
"Not human!"
"So quick, it's surreal."
Rage only filled the arrogant leader's mind as his men shouted amongst themselves. "Shut up, all of you!" He ordered to them. "He's still just a boy! Now he's just a boy with dumb luck! Oka was careless and had his guard down! We won't make the same mistake twice. All of you, GO! Show him we're a force to be reckoned with!"
With that, his men, a good twenty strong, charged and the lonely young man. The sound of lightning intertwined with the sounds of steel against steel and flesh. A short moment later and the lightning stopped and as if being commanded by the night to do so, the sound of human screams, lives being taken, and blood being spilled had also stopped. All that was left the light rustling of the wind.
Drops of crimson were now falling along the rain as this leader of a fallen group looked on at the dismay before him. Bodies coated the street, encircling one lone figure, standing just as he was before the onslaught began. The only difference now was the lines of red splashed about himself, yet with all that lay on him not one cut on his body could be found. The young man looked up at the other much larger one in front of him, blood washing from his face. "Now do you see? Your repentance is eminent."
The man was wide-eyed. He couldn't believe someone as young as this boy could go through HALF of his men, let alone the whole brigade!
"You....You really are a demon! Who ARE you?!?!"
"I am Hiro Torinama of the Shin Mitsugume Ryu."
The large man thought for a moment and soon his arrogance became something more appropriate to him...A look of fear. "Shin Mitsugume...?! Now I know! You're Hiro of the Razor Wind! You go and come as you please, as calm or as fierce as the very wind around us! Undefeated in battle, blessed to never have to taste of your own blood! I fear not even I, Rogo, can defeat you..."
He started taking small steps back, Hiro only scoffed at him. "You recite my history as if knowing my past will relinquish the fate given to you....How sad...."
Hiro sheathed his katana and turned his left side to Rogo who now had turned completely around and tried to get out of Hiro's sight. "It is not that simple, COWARD!!"
The similar flash came from Hiro's robe followed by a strong just of wind. It traveled on its path, plowing straight into Rogo, sending him flying through the wall of a nearby building....His last place of rest.
Sheathing his weapon for the second time Hiro turned and walked back into the darkness in whist he came.
"Yahiko! You come back here right now and clean up this mess!!" Kaoru yelled at the top of her lungs, chasing down the boy.
"You're the one who made the mess in the first place! Maybe if you weren't so clumsy!" He yelled back to her, cutting a corner and running outside.
"ME?! It was YOUR foot that tripped me! That's another thing! You better apologize for taking away such a beautiful girl's elegance like that!"
Yahiko almost fell over laughing. "Yeah, I'll be sure to do that when I meet this girl you're taking about!"
As he laughed, Yahiko was too busy to see Sanosuke standing tall in front of him. A second later Yahiko was rubbing his head sitting on the floor. "Ouch, man.....Not right."
"Heh, serves you for running from your Sensei." Sanosuke replied with crossed arms and a laugh.
"What? Ack, I'll never call Kaoru my Sensei! No ugly girl like her will put me under her thumb!"
Kaoru came up behind Yahiko and gave him another good reason to rub his head. "How rude! Figures such an immature child would act like this to someone as wise as me."
"Man, Kaoru....Pull the stick out of your-"
Yahiko was eating Kaoru's bokudo before he spit out the last word in his sentence. They were soon nose to nose as Kenshin came back from the market. "Hey, what are you two up to now?"
The both started shouting at Kenshin simultaneously as Kenshin just sat there sighing slightly with his smile clean on his face. He caught Sanosuke's stern look and tilted his head just as Sanosuke motioned for Kenshin to follow him. Must be something he wants to talk about in private. He gave a small nod and turned back to the two adolescents in front of him.
"Miss Kaoru, can you take these from me I have to go wash the floor right now. And Yahiko shouldn't you be training by now? You're skills aren't improving just standing here, that they're not."
Kaoru took the items in Kenshin's hands with a glimmer in her eyes. "Sure, Kenshin. You just hurry up on those floors so you can help make dinner."
Yahiko may have put his two cents in but he was already walking away from the dojo to go and train. Kaoru made her way to the kitchen and Kenshin followed Sanosuke as they made their way to that all too familiar diner.
After they arrived and were treated with some sake, Sanosuke spoke up about why he wanted to be alone with Kenshin.
"There was a big killing last night, in case you didn't know."
Kenshin looked down. "I knew about it...."
"Yeah well most people around here are saying it was just a rival gang fight and nothing more but the thing is that the bodies were only of ONE gang, there were no sights of any other gang or opposing force.....It's like they fought themselves in the street."
"Well perhaps that was it. They simply fought themselves."
"Nope, it's not that simple, Kenshin. Magume checked out the scene and said all the wounds seemed to have been made at roughly the same time. The battle must have only lasted seconds. Not only that but she found a guy double over in a wall with cuts all over his body. Magume checked them out to and said they were made even quicker then the ones on the men. She thinks every slice on his body was made simultaneously. Kenshin, cuts covered every inch of his body.....We're starting to think these guys were killed by one person.....One very STRONG person."
Kenshin nodded his head. "Another Manslayer perhaps....But why inform me about this?"
"Why? Why not? Every manslayer to this point has wanted your head, I doubt this'll be different."
Kenshin sighed and stood up. "Well if he wants me, then he'll find me. If words won't settle it then it'll have to be Sakabato, that it will."
"You just watch yourself, pal. This one seems pretty tough."
"I don't doubt his strength but his blatant disrespect for human life is absurd, that it is."
Sanosuke nodded as Kenshin made his way out of the place and onto the street.
Yahiko whacked the tree in front of him for the billionth time, sweat now forming on his brow. "Stupid training, stupid Kaoru, stupid-" He stopped as he heard a rustling behind him. He turned around to see nothing but a leaf riding around in the breeze. "Hmph" He grunted, continuing his abuse on the tree.
The breeze picked up for a moment as another rustle came from his side. He turned and again saw nothing. "Who's there? Come on out and show yourself! Don't be such a chicken!"
Silence.
"Hmph." He repeated, once again beating the tree.
The breeze became a stronger gust as the rustling turned into running foot steps. They sounded quick, they sounded like they were....Right next to him!
Yahiko raised his weapon up just in time to block a sheathed katana from clubbing him in the head. "Whoa, what was that about?!"
Yahiko glared at the man in front of him, half shock, half anger. The young man had on a long black robe with silver markings around the bottom and the cuffs. He had a dark blue gi on and white hakama with blue socks under his sandals. His hair was black, long, and messy, splitting out into every direction. His eyes were dark blue and seemed as cold as ice.
"Hmm, you're pretty good. But not great......Great would be if you noticed me the first time I made the rustle in the leaves."
"That was you?!" Yahiko jumped back a few feet and took a defensive position. "Who are you? What's your reason for attacking me??"
"What? Attacking? I'm not attacking....I'm just here for a quick spar. I like to test beginning swordsman to see how good they are and if they're worthy to hold the sword they love."
"Worthy? HA! I'm worthy enough, that's for sure!"
The man smiled slightly. "Then come...." He had his katana in his right hand, holding it by the top of the sheath.
"You asked for it, bud!" Yahiko charged at him, his woodened sword raised above his head, slashing it down at his opponent's head. To his surprise all the hit was the man's now raised sheathed.
"Heh, you put a lot of effort into that swing. Sadly, that was your downfall."
The man adjusted his footing and let up on his guard, causing Yahiko to fall forward. As Yahiko stumbled the man spun around and clubbed him hard in the skull with his covered weapon. Yahiko hit the ground hard.
He rolled onto his back only to see the now exposed katana land inches away from his cheek. "You still need more training, kid."
The man took the katana out of the ground, sheathed it, and put it back in his sash, now starting to walk away.
"Hey! So that's it! You're just going to fight and run! What about a name? What about how you got so good? What about how someone who looks like they're in their late teens is so fluid with a sword?"
The man turned to him. "Hiro, practice, and age doesn't matter when you have enough skill."
"Hiro, huh? Well I'm Yahiko and I'm going to be the greatest swordsmen ever with the help of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu so don't think this little spar is a true showing of my strength!!"
"Kamiya Kasshin? I've heard of that one..... 'The sword that protects people.' Their katanas are not made of steel, but wood.....How can you think to call yourself the greatest swordsman if you can't even fight with a real sword? A bokudo won't save you in a real battle....No matter how good you are."
"Well, someday I'll get me a Sakabato Just like Kenshin and then I'll show you!"
Hiro was now fully focused on Yahiko. "Did you say Kenshin...? As in Kenshin Himura the Hitokiri Battosai?"
"The one and only.....But he's not the Battosai anymore. He's just a man, he gave up killing a long time ago. That why he has the Sakabato, the reverse blade sword. He's into saving lives now, not taking them."
"Hmph, no man can change what he is.....Now even the Battosai." Hiro started to walk away again, this time leaving Yahiko for good.
Yahiko made his way back to the dojo to see everyone else already enjoying their dinner. "Hey! Did you at least save me some??"
Kaoru stuck her nose up into the air and said in great delight. "Dinner's only going around to the nice people of this dojo....And people who apologize."
Yahiko sighed deeply. "Well, if it's for dinner then fine I'm sorry."
"Good, now here's your food." Kaoru threw a plate to Yahiko, a plate he almost dropped. "Hey, Kaoru easy now! Sheesh...."
She laughed and continued eating. Sanosuke looked around a while and finally asked. "Hey, where's all the sake...?"
Yahiko was now grinning at Kaoru. "On Kaoru's floor...All over her floor."
She growled at him. "It's all because of your stupid foot, Yahiko!"
"Hey, I'm not the one hiding it all in my room now am I?!"
There was an awkward silence as all eyes were on Kaoru. Sanosuke sighed and broke the silence. "I'll go buy some more."
"You have enough money, Sano?" Kaoru asked him.
"Who said I'm using my money? I'll just repay you later.....Kenshin."
Kenshin's eyebrows shot up as he looked for his money in his clothes. Sanosuke was already out the door before Kenshin could stop him.
"Sake, sake, sake....Where oh where would I find sake...." His attention was soon caught by something else. A fight. Sanosuke worked himself into the crowd of people and watched on as two no-names were going toe to toe. Sanosuke paid more attention only to see that one man, a young one was just toying with the other man.
"This is your final warning," the young man said, "give back what you stole so these people can go in peace."
Ah, the peaceful good-natured type, Sanosuke thought.
"Heh, why should I? I didn't take anything from them, this is MY money! You're just accusing me for something I didn't even do! I think you're just trying to act all courageous around these peop-"
The butt of the young man's sheathed katana was jammed deep into the other's mouth. He stumbled back a bit as blood and teeth fell from his mouth.
"Oww meh mouf! Youf punk!"
The man pulled a dagger from his shirt and charged the young one. His attack met air and the young man suddenly appeared above the man, katana now out, and fell back to earth running his steel down the middle of his adversary, slicing him in two.
A couple more people drew their swords on the younger man but he just stood there, ready for whatever attack they bring onto him.
Sanosuke was actually the first to attack. "How dare you kill that man! He didn't deserve that kind of punishment!"
His fist met the young man's face sending him twisting out of the human circle. He stood back up and wiped the trickle of blood from his mouth. "Hmm, quite the punch you have there. Are you using your strength in defense of that robber?"
"Yeah I am! You killed him in cold blood!"
"I killed him in self defense.....He deserved to die like the dog he was."
"Well it's time to pick on someone your own size, kid. You gonna go all self defense on me too cause I hit you?"
"Only if you continue to attack."
"Well then let's go!! I'll make this one quick!"
Sanosuke once again charged him and threw his fist at his face for the second time. This time the boy disappeared. Sanosuke instinctively looked up but saw nothing there. The young man wasn't in the air, instead he appeared behind the fighter.
"'Bad' huh? You cruddy fighting, maybe...." The young man said a second before slashing at Sanosuke's back.
He rolled forward but not in time to miss the attack all together. He sat up and felt his back, a shot of pain for his curiosity. "Wow, nice shot....But you're still nothing compared to me..."
The man growled. "Why must everyone thing they're so great. You should never underestimate your opponent ever! Now I'LL make this quick!!"
The man ran at Sanosuke and slashed at his side, he dodged to one side but only into his next slash to the shoulder. Sanosuke groaned but quickly scream as he felt cold steel run across his chest followed by a quick foot to his face, knocking him to the ground.
"It ends now!! GrrraaaaAHH!!" The men leapt up and came down on Sanosuke going for the final slash. He didn't hear what he wanted to hear and didn't see what he wanted to see. He heard the clashing of steel instead of the sound of piecing flesh and he saw another katana blocking his own. He looked up the arm to see who was the wielder, the face made him smile.....It was Kenshin.
"Battosai.....It's been a while hasn't? Ten years if I'm not mistaken."
Kenshin withdrew his sword into a more defensive position, trying to remember the person in front of him.
"I don't blame you for not remember me. I was only eight when we first met....I've changed a lot. I'm almost as great as your legend."
He knew who it was immediately now. "Hiro! But....Your village, it was burned down wasn't it? I thought you and your family and friends were all dead!"
Hiro looked down, almost like he was stabbed in the heart. "They were, Kenshin....Me and a few others were out just getting some food when it happened....It was so quick."
"Uh, guys....Some help...?" The beaten down Sanosuke said from the ground.
"Oh, Sano! I'm sorry!! Hiro could you please help me carry him to the Kamiya dojo? There's a medic there that can help him."
Hiro stood hesitant.
"Something wrong?" Kenshin asked already picking up Sanosuke.
Hiro glared at the fighter. "Are we still enemies?"
He shook his head. "For the time being....No. But don't count that as a defiant."
"Very well then, I won't help you..." Hiro started walking away.
"Hiro wait! At least come with us to the dojo. I want to hear what has become of you."
"Very well, Kenshin.....But I'm not assisting that man."
"Ok, fine. You don't have to, that you don't. Just follow me if you please."
The two started walking to the dojo with Sanosuke hanging off of Kenshin's shoulder and Hiro walking behind them. All were silent.....Hopefully that would change when they got there.