Hi! I'm back from the dead! (J/K) I've had some major writer's block, and my brother just recently got married out of state, making me miss a week of school, so I had a lot of make-up work to do when I got back. But now that Christmas break is here, I'll probably have some more time to write, so the updates won't be quite as far apart.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything! Especially not Kenshin, or else Kaoru would not be his girlfriend, I would!

Gohei cowered in fear at the strength and power of the only man to defeat him since he had begun to fight again. He still seethed in rage when he thought of his old sensei, Master Kamiya, who had smashed his right thumb, making it impossible for him to hold a sword in that hand ever again. Now he had just been beaten by an upstart young man, who dared to walk around freely with a sword hanging from his waist, even if it was reversed.

Kenshin calmly returned his sakabatou to its sheath. "Now you will not be able to hold a sword with either hand. I'm afraid that your life as a swordsman is over. Please leave now and never bother Kaoru-dono or her dojo ever again."

The fake Battousai and his followers ran away in fright, leaving the streets empty except for Kenshin and Kaoru.

"Doomo arigato gozaimasu, Kenshin-san. Thank you for helping me to protect and honor the Kamiya Kasshinryu. I can't believe that guy. Imagine, pretending to be the Battousai and stealing my father's sword style, just to get back at him." Kaoru began to rant on about the man who had ruined her reputation.

"It was my pleasure Kaoru-dono. No one has the right to hurt another, that they don't." Kenshin assured her.

"So, if Gohei wasn't the Battousai, who is?" Kaoru asked naively.

Kenshin paused for a long moment. He debated whether or not Kaoru would be effected if he told her the truth. He finally decided that her life was too simple to ruin it by telling her that he was the Battousai. "Sessha does not know. Perhaps he wishes to be forgotten, to pass from people's memories.

"Perhaps," she replied. "Hey Kenshin, maybe it's time we started looking for your friend again."

"Oro. I almost forgot." The task of searching for Sano had been set aside when the massive Gohei had approached the two of them in the street, demanding a fight from Kenshin for carrying a sword, and Kaoru pushing him to uphold her dojo's honor.

Kenshin and Kaoru decided to try back at the inn, hoping Sano had shown up there.

"Ah, Himura-san. Your companion left you a note." Shisuma-san, the innkeeper, handed Kenshin a small piece of paper.

"What's it say?" Kaoru inquired, rudely peering at the private note. Kenshin did not mind, and let her read:

Kenshin

Thank you so much for many wonderful years together. You have become one of my very closest friends.

Another friend of mine came to me with a generous offer. I've accepted, and so must now leave you. I hope that you will be safe in all your endeavors. Arigato!

Sayonara!

Sano

"So, I guess you're alone now." Kaoru stated, honestly not trying to be rude.

"Hai, it would appear that way."

"You know, now that Gohei is gone, I'll have a lot more students coming in. It would be nice to have someone else around, to help out." Kaoru was trying to send him a subtle hint.

"Kaoru-dono, if you would allow me to stay with you, I'd be honored and grateful." Kenshin grinned at the younger woman.

Kaoru grinned back. Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't be alone any more.

A/N: Thank you to those who have stayed with me! I'm sorry it's so short, but I figured something is better than nothing. I don't believe their were any new Japanese words in this chapter, but if you didn't know one, just tell me. Now, review!