Ronin Kenshin
Chapter 1: The First Challenge
Summary- The 2nd year 'ronin' or failed student, Kenshin Himura moves to Tokyo in hopes of making it in the "real world". Deciding that Tokyo University will give him a positive future, he will do whatever he can to get in. He finds a place to stay in the Kamiya Dojo but he soon learns that the dojo is filled with ronins just like him also trying to make it to Tokyo U! What's a 2nd year red-haired ronin to do?
Author's Note- This idea struck me after reading the manga Love Hina. It will not have the same storyline as Love Hina nor is this a crossover. Please Read on!
Disclaimer- Rurouni Kenshin belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki. Love Hina belongs to Ken Akamatsu.
2 Months Ago
"Kenshin! What do you mean you didn't get accepted to Kyoto University? I gave you free time off your chores and training just so you could have a little more extra time to study and this is what you get? What am I going do with you, you baka deshi!"
By now, Hiko Seijuro, Kenshin's guardian and the man who took him in after his parents died, was furious.
"Well Baka Deshi, say something!""I think…I think it would be best if I studied in Tokyo."
Kenshin has always had the dream of going to Tokyo. When he talked to his old childhood friends who had been to Tokyo, they all said it was a place for oppurtunity. They all couldn't wait to move there when they grew older. Kenshin also read about Tokyo in many newspapers and magazines. He read that Tokyo University was one of Asia's highest rated schools and all its graduates led good promising lives and futures. If he can make it in Tokyo, he can make it anywhere!
"Tokyo? Tokyo! You Baka! Why Tokyo? If you can't even pass a single university test here, do you really think you can make it in Tokyo?"
"I can try…."
"Try? HA! Don't make me laugh Kenshin! You seem so sure you can make it there. Let's see, this year would make you a second year ronin wouldn't it? Last year, you said that you would try harder, that you would make it. Look at you now, a 2nd year Ronin! That shames me Kenshin…"
A certain red-haired young man started to feel guilty.
Hiko Seijuro kept going. He couldn't let Kenshin go to Tokyo! Even though Kenshin was his best student in the art known as the impressive Hiten Mitsurugi style, and even though Kenshin IS a good person, there's NO WAY the boy could last even a month in one of Tokyo's prestigious schools. The boy may be strong physically, but academically…well, that was a whole another matter.
"I said NO Kenshin. Tokyo may have some prestigious schools, but how certain are you that you will get in? The schools may be impressive but the atmosphere in Tokyo will just hold you back from studying. Besides, I won't be there to watch over you. Who knows what you'll do over there."
A sigh escaped from Kenshin's mouth.
"Please Master! Tokyo has a lot more opportunities for me than Kyoto will ever have! Please! I am begging you! Please give me this one chance. Tokyo has so many open doors waiting for me! I could get a job, find a place to live no sweat. I can-"
"Whoa! You may find a job and a place to live, but what I'm really concerned about right now is you education! I want you to at least finish school!"
"Why do I have to finish school! YOU didn't finish school so I don't have-" Kenshin stopped before he could finish his sentence. His Master and guardian had his eyes downcast.
'Did I…hurt him?'
"See what I mean Kenshin?" Kenshin has never heard his guardian use that tone of voice before. It almost sounded that Hiko Seijuro, master of the Hiten Mitsurugi style sounded kind of…sad. "I couldn't finish school Kenshin. That's why I want you to do it. You'll never get in a university with that kind of attitude. I don't ever want to hear 'I don't have to' from you again, you got me?"
"Yes Sir". Kenshin felt a stab of guilt. It sounded like his master switched to 'Father Mode'. This rarely happened.
"Good." Hiko suddenly smiled. "Pack your bags. As long as you can promise me that you won't quit school, you can live in Tokyo. I guess living in the 'real world' will most likely teach you some lessons in life and discipline. But you better not fail the next entrance exam. I'm giving you one year to make it in the university of your choice. If you become a third year Ronin, I swear I will come looking for you and I will drag you back to Kyoto with me. You understand you Baka Deshi?"
Kenshin's face brightened at this. "Of course Master! One year. One year is all I need! I promise not to let you down again!" At this, Kenshin hugged the man who has taken care of him since his real parent died.
"Okay! Stupid baka…Get off me or I'll force you off!" Kenshin obliged. Hiko using the Hiten Mitsurugi style on him did not sound like a pleasant experience.
"Oh, one more thing Kenshin. I have an old friend in Tokyo. He happens to be a Tokyo U professor and he just happens to be a very good spy. I believe he knows who you are. If he informs me of any shameful acts that you've committed, I'm dragging you back to Kyoto. Dead. Understand?"
Kenshin merely nodded his head. Sometimes, even he can't tell if his Master's being sarcastic or serious. And he doesn't want to find out.
----End of Flashback----
So that's how a certain red-haired man left his childhood home in Kyoto to finally experience the 'real world'. With a backpack and just 2 suitcases, he made it out of the city bus. Now the first challenge was to find a place where he could stay for a year. He bought a newspaper from a local newspaper and magazine stand and began to skim through the Classifieds.
'Let's see…I want to stay somewhere cheap because I don't have a job yet. Master only gave me enough money for the most, 3 months rent. And not near many busy business districts either so I'll have no problem studying from the noises outside.'
Kenshin sat on a bench in a park before something caught his eye.
" For Rent: A small bedroom located in a dojo. Price will be negotiated upon visitation. Experience old Japan! Located in the rural part of Tokyo. Within miles of a small restaurant and marketplaces. Must put up with other tenants and a good background is a must! The dojo is located within 2-3 miles of a bus stop for transportation to Tokyo's town and suburban district. For more information and directions please call…"
Perfect! What amazing luck! The rural part of Tokyo seems a nice place to live and study in and even better was the fact that the place was a dojo. He might even get to practice his Hiten Mitsurugi style. Kenshin circled the specified ad and walked over to the nearest phone booth to call the number in the ad.
"Hello…" Kenshin forgot to read what the dojo was called so he took out the paper. "Oh yes. Hello, can I speak to the owner of the Kamiya dojo? This is about an ad in the paper I found."
Author's note: Thanks for reading the first chapter of 'Ronin Kenshin' my first RK fic. Sorry if it seems short. I am currently in the process of writing the second chapter. I accept all criticism, especially helpful ones So go on and click the button below!
