Author's Note: I just saw "The Last Samurai" and if you've become as enthralled by Japanese history as I am see it, it is a brilliant film so I used the samurai ways quite a bit in this chapter with the Samekuroi, former samurai and with Kaoru teaching kenjutsu to the Kairyu. I also put some citrus fluff at the end as Kenshin and Kaoru spend their last night together before the battle. Thanks so much for your devotion readers (1860 hits already) and the faithful reviewers (58--thank you).

Glossary of Japanese terms and kendo

Kakari-geiko-- short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous alertness, the ability to attack no matter what has come before, as well as building spirit and stamina.

Ji-geiko-- sparring practice where the kendoist has a chance to try all that he or she has learned with a resisting partner.

Gokaku-geiko-- sparring practice between two kendoist of similar skill level.

Bogu—collectively the armor worn for practice.

Satsujin-ken–- swords that kill.

Katsujin-ken—swords that give life

Chudan no kamae-- the basic ready position with the shinai pointed at the opponents mid-upper section.

Hasso-no-kamae-- the ready position with the shinai held vertically by the right shoulder.

Yame—the command to stop sparring

Konban wa—good evening

Ogenki desu ka—How are you?

Genki desu—I am fine

Dochiro mo—Both of us (pronoun)

Daijabou—Are you okay? I'm fine

Hono'o—blaze or flame

THE GREAT PLAN

The spring season was in full swing with the sakura having bloomed and shed with the first really warm air blowing balmy breezes over Tokyo. Over near the south of Tokyo Bay, near a dilapidated storehouse by a likewise pier, a rather battered ship was docked, bobbing up and down in the choppy waves. The ship and storehouse appeared deserted and easily ignored except for the sounds coming from within. For inside the dark portal the storehouse had the appearance of a kenjutsu dojo, with about twenty men in formation and performing various kakari-geiko, ji-geiko, and gokaku-geiko while another group of about the same number were lined up before practicing dummies made up of gunny sacks clad in bogu to practice jodan and chudan. Before each group, there was an assistant sensei who barked out directives and the entire operation was observed by a tall, lean imposing figure that was standing spread-eagled and arms akimbo, his piercing gray gaze scanning the proceedings.

Izumo stood watching, his ebony hair in a samurai topknot as the training continued, his expression stone like. His attention remained the same as Souichi, who crept up to the Samekuroi leader glancing furtively about, approached him.

Izumo spoke in a commanding baritone. "I take it you have something to impart to me, Souichi?"

"H-hai," the informant stammered.

"Well, out with it," ordered Izumo.

Souichi began, "Yamagata has secured the aid of the Battousai and he is heading a squad of former Ishin Shishi to assure safety to traders."

Izumo snorted as he said scornfully, "As if that will stop Samekuroi. The return of the old ways to Japan is our ultimate goal and trade with foreigners must be halted to keep our nation pure."

Souichi asked, "Is it true Izuma-sama, that Battousai is really a hitokiri of legend? I mean I heard stories of his skills with a sword but have you ever actually seen him?"

Izumo closed his eyes and traveled back in time to Kyoto ten years ago, when the streets ran with blood in a crimson tide every day as the morning light would shine on the cold corpses of the dead during the height of the Bakumatsu. At those times, the nights were filled with the terror of meeting up with the diminutive figure with hair the color of fire and eyes amber and feral, like a predator, whose katana slashed through squadrons in blinding speed. He mowed down skilled samurai like threshing weeds in a field, with cold precision, showing no expression on his face as he would clean his blade after each slaughter with a quick flick that sent blood scattering like raindrops. Izumo, as a member of the second squad of the Shinsengumi who managed to survive the blood bath, had observed Battousai on many an occasion, usually from a safe distance as they were in retreat and those pictures were ingrained on his mind as if they had happened yesterday. It was something he would never forget.

"Hai, I have seen him," he said flatly. "The legends don't even begin to describe him."

Souichi suppressed a shudder as he continued, "Anyway, he has the support of the emperor who as you know, is seducing the West for their goods. He even is considering consigning those barbaric American soldiers to come to Japan and train the army but that has been postponed as the attacks of Samekuroi has taken precedence."

Izumo smiled grimly as he said, " I intend to continue to have Samekuroi keep the army occupied. Our objective is clear, Souichi." His eyes bored into the informant.

"Hai, Izumo-sama."

Izumo folded his arms and continued, "So what else have you to tell me?"

Souichi replied, "Shura and the Kairyu have arrived."

"I see," Izumo said, eyes narrowing. He again was swept into a reverie of the past, this time to the poor fishing village that was his birthplace, where he and his brother Ginjo had grown up revering the Kairyu and the honorable Chikumatsu Ennosuke. In their eyes, the group of buccaneers had the reputation of heroes as they protected and defended the village and surrounding settlements against the tyranny and unfairness of the chaotic government. It was about fifteen years ago when he had decided to join the shogunate in their quest to hang on to Japan and he joined a group of samurai who trained him in satsujin-ken as Ginjo volunteered to join the Kairyu. His teeth grit as he recalled returning home from the Bakumatsu to his village to find that the Kairyu had splintered and those who rebelled with his brother had been killed by the whelp of Chikumatsu, his daughter Shura and her companion, Himura Battousai. Hatred pulsed through him like a putrid rapid.

"And it appears that the wife of the Battousai is training them in the style of her father, the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Souichi added.

Feh, yet another thorn from the past in my side. Who would have thought that Kamiya Koshijiro, the famed Imperialist swordsman that was my sworn enemy would come back from hell, where I sent him and haunt me in the use of his sword style, taught by his only daughter, Kamiya Kaoru now the wife of Himura Battousai.

"Keh, that will do them no good," Izumo scoffed. "The style is one of katsujin-ken and now that the Battousai has vowed never to kill again, that makes this almost too easy." He smirked as he dismissed his minion. "Continue your surveillance of the Kamiya Dojo and the Ministry of Defense. I want to know every move the Battousai and the Kairyu make."

Souichi saluted as he said, "Hai, Izumo-sama." He scurried off to do as he was bid.

Izumo resumed watching the training session, a serpentine grin on his hawkish visage as he pondered the upcoming probability of having the two-pronged pleasure of revenge against the two most formidable Imperial forces of the Bakumatsu. He licked his lips in anticipation.

Over at the Kamiya Dojo, a class was taking place in the cavernous practice hall but it was not the average kenjutsu class, it was made up of the most motley of groups consisting of brigands who all were wielding swords of all shapes and sizes. Conducting the class was Myojin Yahiko, the apprentice master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu who was leading the crew of the Kairyu in different katas to build speed and endurance. He watched in dismay as the crew's movements were choppy to say the least and he wondered how they would teach these ruffians the proper style of swordsmanship in the short time they had been allotted and he could tell they were getting punchy. He had to break up at least three fights in the last hour. Shura sat on the side with Dr. Gensai and watched the exercises expressionlessly.

Yahiko sighed, "Okay everybody let's try some one-on-one attacks." He split up the group in pairs and then held his shinai in chudan no kamae to lead the group.

Over in her room, Kaoru was finishing being examined by Megumi and was rising up from the futon in an ungainly manner. Megumi offered assistance but Kaoru shook her head and with a bit of effort, got to her feet.

"Arigatou, Megumi-san but I can manage. Besides, I have to get back to the class, Yahiko can't instruct the Kairyu alone." She went to don her gi and wrapped the sash around her girth.

Megumi also rose with a sigh as she mildly admonished, "Kaoru-chan, you need to be careful. You've just entered your ninth month and you have to curtail excessive activity or you'll bring on premature labor. You could even miscarry."

Kaoru's sapphire eyes widened in alarm. "Oh iie, Megumi-san I can't lose Kenshin's and my baby!" She wrapped her arms protectively around her belly.

Megumi responded earnestly, "You can if you are not careful. You're a very healthy and strong young woman, Kaoru but even so you must do what is right to make sure you bring your baby here safely." She reached for her medical bag and said with a foxy twinkle in her sherry eyes, "So make sure you do a good job, tanuki."

Kaoru glanced at the lady doctor and saw the twinkle so she smiled and nodded. "Hai, kitsune." She finished adjusting her practice garments and headed out to the hall. . .

At the same time, over in the Ministry of Defense training hall, Kenshin was with Danjuro and Yamagata observing the activity as they used bokken to practice kakari-geiko tailored to satsujin-ken for battle. Kenshin's eyes followed the battle drills, recording each movement for future reference.

The drill instructor continued to bark out commands as each swordsman responded, attacking with speed and in a precise manner with maximum efficiency. As all of them were former Ishin Shishi, their skills were as formidable as ever.

Yamagata addressed Danjuro, "Can you match up, Kamioka?"

Danjuro nodded, "Hai."

Kenshin gave a slight smirk as he sided to Danjuro, "I have no doubt, that I don't."

Yamagata nodded and called out to the drill instructor to halt the exercise and gestured for Danjuro to join the formation. He got into place and the instructor handed him a bokken.

At the instructor's order, Danjuro paired with another swordsman and assumed hasso-no-kamae as the two got ready to spar. The command was given and the two began an intense kakari-geiko where it soon became apparent that Kamioka Danjuro was still a swordsman of great skill and speed. As the match continued, Danjuro easily took the offensive as he slashed with precision and soon had his opponent down on his knees, with the point of the bokken at his throat.

"Yame!" the instructor barked as Danjuro moved back, releasing his victim and the man jumped to his feet. Both men faced each other and bowed then Kenshin and Yamagata approached Danjuro.

Yamagata remarked, "So you're as sharp as ever, Kamioka. I'm glad to see that your beliefs did not alter your warriors skills any."

Danjuro bowed and responded, "My skills are edified by my beliefs, Yamagata-sama. In the Gospel of Matthew Iesu said I came not to send peace, but a sword."

Yamagata commented, "But I heard that yours was a faith that sought peace."

"It is," Danjuro said. "But it is also a faith that calls its followers to be warriors for the cause, even to giving ones life for Iesu."

Yamagata stood in amazement as Kenshin spoke, "A noble sword to be wielded for Kami-sama, that it is."

"Indeed," said Yamagata thoughtfully as Kenshin and Danjuro exchanged a knowing glance. . . .

It was nearly sunset at the Kamiya Dojo as both Kaoru and Yahiko were finishing their session with the Kairyu, with a final exercise of kakari-geiko to apply some of the day's lessons to makeshift battle scenes. The crew was eager to put their new skills to use and swung their bokken in wild abandon, getting a little too rough at times. Kaoru pounded the floor loudly with her bokken to get their attention.

As the sensei she then clapped her hands and snapped. "Calm down, men! Remember this is just an exercise and you need to keep that in mind so don't try to take off the head of your opponent. We're trying to train to attack and defeat the enemy, not ourselves."

The men all grunted as they acknowledged her direction and then resumed at a more sedate pace with Shura watching them, arms akimbo and legs spread.

Yahiko sided to Kaoru and hissed, "We've been teaching these guys for a few weeks now, Kaoru. Do you honestly think they'll get the training enough to take on former samurai?"

Kaoru sighed as Shura responded, "Don't underestimate my men. They may look like common brawlers but they have a strong sense of honor and will be valiant warriors."

"I can see that, Shura-san," Kaoru said amiably. "I also see a great deal of potential and skill that only needs direction." She called out "Yame!" to halt the exercise.

"Well done, men. Tomorrow we will learn some evasive moves and how to deflect an attack. We're done for the day." She added, "Those with injuries can see Dr. Gensai."

The party mentioned gestured and said, "I'll be right here to examine you all." The men filed over as Shura came to Kaoru's side.

She said politely, "I am indebted to you, Kaoru-san. I see an improvement in the skill of my crew since you have begun teaching them your sword style." She bowed and added, "Arigatou." Kaoru returned the bow and Shura went to oversee her crew then a knock at the shoji sounded and the portal opened to admit the tall form of Sanosuke as he came into the practice hall.

"Yo, Jou-chan. How's it going here?" he asked, a fishbone stuck between his teeth. He glanced over at the group of buccaneers gathered at Dr. Gensai, getting their bumps and bruises tended to. The street tough commented, "They look a bit scuffed up."

Yahiko replied, "They got a bit carried away during practice. Lucky for us, we took away their swords and gave them bokken to practice with or they'd have killed each other."

Sano smirked as he remarked, "Well, I guess you really know your stuff, punk." He cast his eyes about as he added, "Has Kenshin come back yet, it's almost dinnertime."

Kaoru replied, "No he isn't but I'm going to fix dinner now."

Sanosuke's eyes widened as he stammered, "N-no that's okay, Jou-chan. I'll go to the Akabeko and see what Tae has."

Kaoru was annoyed but then became resigned as she said, "Suit yourself. By the way, Sanosuke did you know that since returning from my honeymoon Tae has been giving me cooking lessons?"

Sano did a double take. "Tae has been teaching you to cook?" His interest intensified.

"Yeah and she's not half bad," Yahiko piped up as Kaoru smiled at the boy. For Yahiko that was high praise indeed.

"Wow," Sano said. "That's something coming from you, gaki. Usually all you do is insult Jou-chan when out of the kindness of her heart she gave you a home."

Yahiko bristled as he retorted hotly, "At least I'm working hard everyday. Not like you tori atama, always freeloading."

Sano said defensively, "I stopped being a fighter for hire for some time now so this calling me a freeloader is getting old."

Yahiko scoffed, "Truth hurts, huh?"

"Why you little--," Sano began but Kaoru had enough.

"That's it you guys," she railed. "With Shura and the Kairyu here, I have plenty of food to go around, even for two gluttons like yourselves. So just knock it off." At her command both young men became silent. She then addressed her apprentice, "Yahiko, come with me into the kitchen and help prepare the food." She turned toward the doorway leading out to the kitchen, Yahiko following when the shoji opening and Kenshin's entrance stopped them.

"Tadaima," he announced cheerfully as he and Danjuro stepped into the practice hall.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru said joyfully as she forgot about fixing dinner and hurried to greet her husband with a warm embrace that was fully reciprocated.

All in the room turned and observed as the former hitokiri affectionately returned his wife's effusive greeting, especially Shura who watched the exchange with a touch of envy.

"Konban wa, tenshi. Ogenki desu ka?" he asked, tender concern in his violet eyes.

She smiled sweetly and answered, "Genki desu, anata." Kaoru placed a hand on her round abdomen. "Dochiro mo."

Kenshin returned the smile and pulled her close for another hug. "I'm glad to hear that." He released Kaoru and addressed the large group. "So everyone, how did your lessons go?"

Shura came forward and answered for her crew. "They are coming along. Kaoru-san is a fine instructor, I see much improvement in the way they are wielding their swords."

Kenshin smiled and eyed his wife with pride. "That she most certainly is."

Sano's stomach began rumbling so he opened his mouth to remind Kaoru about her starting to prepare the evening meal when a sharp knock sounded at the shoji and a uniformed courier entered bowing.

"Forgive the intrusion but I have an urgent message for Himura-sama from Yamagata-sama." He stepped up to Kenshin and handed a folded note to him, then bowed and exited.

Kenshin opened the note and read the message, a dark scowl on his even features. He folded the note and called to his comrade, "Danjuro, we have our orders and are leaving at dawn. Samekuroi has made another attack." He glanced uneasily at Shura, whose sharp eyes caught the expression in his amethyst orbs. She rushed over to him.

"Himura, what has happened?" The female buccaneer grabbed his shoulders roughly and shook them as she demanded, "Kuso, don't you hold out on me!"

He regarded her in sympathy. "I'm sorry, Shura-dono but they attacked your village and killed everybody then burned everything to the ground. There is nothing left."

Shura's coffee eyes grew wide as saucers and then she lowered and shook her head in denial. "Iie, you're lying. It cannot be!" Her slim shoulders shuddered as emotion overtook her at the thought of her home being gone and she buried her head in Kenshin's chest. Kenshin glanced helplessly at his wife and awkwardly patted Shura as she lost her composure and wept.

The Kairyu came out of their inertia and came swiftly to their captain's side. Genji, the young mute laid a hand on her shoulder and Shura lifted her head up off Kenshin's chest and looked at the youth with gratitude.

Another crewman stepped forward, "Hai, captain we'll avenge our village against the bastards." He was joined by his crewmates as they all chorused his vow.

Shura hastily wiped her eyes and then with a look of determined fury she declared, "The Kairyu shall stand against Samekuroi and be victorious. Vengeance shall be ours!" She took out her nanchuks and her crew cheered as they all drew their weapons in unity.

When the din quieted down, Danjuro spoke up, "I'll go and break the news to Tamiko. I'll be back at dawn." He turned and left as Kaoru approached Kenshin and grasped his hand.

Shura gestured to her men. "Come, off to the ship! We must ready her for the battle and ready ourselves as well."

"Hai!" they all agreed and with a shout exited the practice hall as Shura approached Kenshin and Kaoru. She bowed before Kaoru.

"Arigatou Kaoru-san, for your hospitality and assistance in preparing my crew for battle." Her face held a mixture of veiled sadness and reined in anger.

Kaoru bowed as she responded, "I'm glad to have been of some help to you, Shura-san. Gomen nasai for your loss."

Shura nodded and addressed Kenshin. "I'll meet you at the Hono'o at dawn, Himura."

He nodded, "Hai. I'll meet you there after briefing with Yamagata and gathering my squad." He studied her countenance and asked in concern, "Daijabou?"

She responded flatly, "Daijabou." And she whirled on her heel and strode out.

Kaoru looked at Kenshin who was staring after Shura and took his arm. He turned and favored her with a fond gaze and reached to squeeze her hand. Then without a word, he scooped her up and strode past the others, heading to their bedroom. . . .

Several hours later, Kaoru lay awake locked in Kenshin's arms, as he slumbered, exhausted from their lovemaking. They had spent the time in continuous coupling with an almost aching urgency in the act, as if it may be their last time in a long time and maybe even forever. Kaoru felt tears prick at her eyes as Kenshin held her and whispered declarations of his love and endearments as he thrust deeply into her. Her pregnancy was little hindrance to him as he balanced himself while gently showering her with his kisses and she felt their child move between them in response to his parents' actions.

Kaoru stared out the window at the nearly full moon and wondered how soon before the red glow of dawn would stain the horizon. She began to pray that the impossible would happen and that the dawn would never come and the warm rivulets traced paths down her cheeks to Kenshin's arm, encircled about her. The warm wetness woke him at once.

He leaned and whispered in her ear. "Daijabou, koibito? Onegai, tell me."

Kaoru sniffled as she replied in a voice that was barely a whisper. "I'm scared, Kenshin." She turned her head to gaze up at him. "Don't you ever get scared?"

Kenshin nodded as he returned the gaze to his beloved. "Hai. But every samurai learns to turn that fear into determination to defeat the enemy. If he dies on the field of battle in doing that, he has died an honorable death."

He went on, "But after a bloody youth I have vowed to never again take a life and my koishii, that includes my own." Kenshin's eyes glowed like jewels as he continued, "I learned in Kyoto and in my own reading of the scriptures that my life is valuable and I now want to preserve it." He smiled down at her as he concluded, "And even more so now that my life is bound to yours."

Kenshin cupped Kaoru's face and drew her lovely face to his, lips just barely apart. "For all eternity I am bound to you Himura Kaoru," he murmured. "And I will return here with you, for this is my home," he said as he captured her mouth in a soft kiss.

NEXT---THE WAR BEGINS