Disclaimer: I do not own Ruronin Kenshin or Peacemaker Kurogane.

Good news! Saitou will be back after he settles that business with Battousai and Shishio. He also has some business with a corrupt politician and his lackey. BTW, he is still looking for a personal assistant.


The Japan Bulletin

Official Meiji Government Flagship

Issue 5

Tokyo Courts: Kendo Teacher Sued

Kendo instructor "Thunder God" Raijuta was charged with causing grievous hurt to his only student. According to local medical experts, the tendons in the boy's right arm were severed after his teacher executed one of his trademark moves too close to the lad during a demonstration. It is unknown if the boy will ever regain the use of his arm. The court has ruled that the boy's identity be withheld.

The boy's father, a well-known financial leader, is outraged. "I hire him to teach my son kendo, and what happens? I should have sent my boy to Maekawa or Kamiya dojo instead! But I thought he was a qualified private kenjutsu tutor! My poor boy's very cut up over his injury. I intend to bring him to Germany for medical treatment."

Raijuta cannot be reached for comment as he has skipped bail and town. Local police have issued a warrant for his arrest. Police officer Fujita Goro will be leading a search of the local hillside. The Japan Kendo Association reminds all parents to enroll their sons with dojos and instructors recognized by the association.

Court Martial: Jimpu-Tai members found guilty

A group of military dissidents were found guilty of planning and carrying out assassinations of several politicians. However, in a rare show of clemency, the military court has ruled that the Jimpu-Tai members be exiled to Hokkaido. The ringleader was seen openly shedding tears as he bid farewell to a man believed to be his sensei as he was being taken onto the prison cart.

The offenders will be sailing for Hokkaido today. Military courts stress that this was an exceptional case as a respected person closely-connected to the Meiji government has made a plea that mercy to shown. Other would-be dissidents are reminded that a firing squad awaits them.


Editorial Special: State of the Meiji Swordsmanship

By Guest Writer Thunder God Raijuta

The purity of kenjutsu has been befouled by our wimpy new laws!

Where's the glory of the samurai gone? We're being replaced by pencil-pushing government wimps. Banning samurai form carrying swords is an outrage and a violation of our basic samurai rights! Only misguided fools at the Maekawa and Kamiya dojos will espouse the use of shinais and bokkens. Please! These are mere playthings for little boys. Real men use actual steel swords and fight to the death in the proud samurai tradition!

I am considering starting a kendo club for like-minded samurai to regain our lost glory. Meet up at my sorry disciple Yutaro's estate in Izu. Join us as we restore the full glory of kenjutsu in this moronic Meiji era! Together, we will create a new nation!

(WHO let this guy get his article published?

Fujita-san, he did threaten to kill us if we don't

Wimps! Where's the guy now, I want to talk with him… about Aku Soku Zan

A freeloader at the Kamiya dojo defeated him. He's fled after a parent filed charges against him for hurting his son's arm.

Well, wellWhere's my cigarettes)


Advice Segment

Konnichiwa. I am Katsura Umeko. I used to run a restaurant in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu before it burnt to the ground. Now I am giving advice from my cell. Damn you bastards! If my brother Kogoro were still alive, he'll fix you…

I do NOT approve of the ways things are run and I do NOT approve of the fact I was certified insane so they can stop me from leaking out the corruption problem. Still, I'll be handling this column because I doubt anyone in this outfit can even tell green tea from dishwater. Special thanks to Okubo-san for not letting them exile me.

Dear Umeko-san,

I inherited a dojo from my father. Due to certain unfortunate incidents, I have only one student to date. In addition to my woes, I have to support a penniless street punk, a rude brat and a red-haired ruronin! Help! I'm having problems making ends meet!

- Kendo Princess

Dear Kendo-san,

Get your housemates to work with you to meet the household costs and running the dojo. If you are who I think you are, I think you'll be able to hit some sense into their thick skulls. Go easy on the ruronin. The guy's a pushover when it comes to girls. (wink, wink)

- Yours, Umeko

Dear Umeko-san,

I am trying to persuade a certain former employee to serve us in the government. I believe he has the caliber and integrity needed for building a brighter future. How you do propose I go about it?

- Ishin Man

Leave the lad alone already! Haven't you made him do enough dirty work! He deserves a chance to lead his own life and find his happiness!

- Umeko

EDITOR'S NOTE: So write in folks, to our dear Aunt Umeko for advice. She will be covering for Fujita while the latter attends to some personal business we cannot disclose.
Appeal from Kamiya Dojo

Please! We have lots of openings for students! We are not involved in drug dealing, yakuza or murders! Good grief! We're just a regular kendo dojo! Forget about that Battousai incident already! And that food poisoning incident was solely the result of Yahiko's negligence!

– Kamiya Kaoru

(Yahiko: You lying hag! You were trying to poison us! Ack! Ow! BONK!)


Ad: Fujimoto's Photo Studio stresses that cameras DO NOT steal souls. Will the punk with the kanji BAD on his back quit smashing our store cameras?
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Personal Ad:

You cheap vixen! You keep away from Kenshin, you hear? You have no business dropping by my place everyday to talk to him!

– Kamiya

Personal Ad:

I believe you have grossly misunderstood my intentions, Kaoru-chan. Stop making those faces whenever I drop by or it'll get stuck that way. I only offer my medical services to the boys under Gensai sensei's instructions. Especially poor little Yahiko. Want me to report you for student abuse?

- Megu


Author's Notes:

Umeko's not exactly very pleased about taking over from Saitou. She may make a good reporter for Tsunan's paper. Too bad she got arrested and locked away. She was very well-connected to the Choushu Ishin, see New Kyoto Post.

Yea, the girls are bitching about each other.

Thanks for the reviews.