Ronin Kenshin

Chapter 4: Around Tokyo


Summary- What is a ronin? A student who failed to get into the college of their choice by failing the entrance exams. 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.

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.


Kenshin woke up from a blissful sleep with a smile on his face. Just early yesterday morning he was in Kyoto waving goodbye to Hiko and his old life and now, he was in Tokyo.

Unbelievable.

Kenshin was smiling because after Kaoru talked about rent and welcomed him to the Dojo, all 4 of them chatted and joked like they've all known each other for many years. From their chat yesterday night, he thought of her as a little eccentric but more definitely more mature than others her age. Especially running a dojo and all. 'I ought to be thankful for Kaoru-dono and the others.'

He looked at his surroundings. His new room sort of reminded him of his old one back in Kyoto. It was a traditional Japanese room. There was a sliding door, old windows that blocked out the sun, but yet sturdy and you could open them up. There was also modern things like electric lamps and Kenshin could tell that the previous owner had wired the house so that there were electric sockets so that the room can have a computer, TV, etc. There was even an outlet for a phone. He even had a walk in closet. So overall, his room could have been an apartment already. It was much bigger than his old one in Kyoto.

Kenshin quickly rolled up his futon, and went to breakfast. And already, an argument was taking place.

It seems like Sanosuke and Yahiko were fighting over the last fish on the plate.


"You baka Rooster! This is MY share of fish! You and me get 4 each and I've only gotten 2! You already took one of my share and this is my last one so let go!"

"Oh yea Brat? Even if I did take your fish, and I'm not saying I did, what proof do you have anyway? I claimed it first so I get it!"

"Nuh uh! Give it to me you overeating Rooster! IT'S MINE!"

"NO! I SAW IT FIRST!"

"NO YOU DIDN'T!"

"MINE!"

"NO! MINE!"

"Will you two bakas stop fighting! It's too early in the day. If you two hate my cooking so much, then why are you fighting over a fish?"

'I can't believe this! They're always trying to put me down by saying how my cooking needs major improving and they go off and start the day by fighting over the fishes I cook! Arrggh!' It was just 9 in the morning and she was already ticked off.

"Oh yea! I forgot Ugly cooked this." When Yahiko said this, he loosened the grip on his chopsticks and Sano took this opportunity to yank the fish out of Yahiko's chopsticks and stuff the fish down his mouth.

"Hey! No fair! Thanks a lot Ugly! Thanks to you I just lost my last share of fish!"Yahiko decided that his day was off to a very bad start. And that's when he saw Kenshin standing in front of the entrance to the breakfast area smiling.

"Kenshin! How long have you been standing there?"

Before the red head could answer, Kaoru stepped in "Oh you see? You two were too busy arguing to even notice he was there!" Then Kaoru motioned for Kenshin to sit with them at the table.

"Did you sleep well? I reserved your breakfast for you. If I don't then these two would have eaten it already." Kaoru went in the kitchen and a minute later, she came out with plates of steaming hot rice, a small bowl of miso soup, a helping of pickled vegetables and what seemed to be 4 fishes, but with the naked eye, it was pretty hard to tell.

"Thank you for asking Kaoru-dono. I slept wonderfully, that I did. I hope you all did too." Everyone just nodded and right when Kenshin was about to take his first bite, Sano threw him a white bottle filled with pills.

"Here Kenshin, Me and Yahiko take it after every meal Kaoru makes. Dr. Genzai prescribed it for us. It's supposed to help you avoid cramps, stomach sickness, heartburn, all those other stomach illnesses and most importantly, diarrhea."

"What?" once again, Kaoru was mad. "Since when did you two take these pills?"

"Well actually Ugly, right before I officially became a resident of the Kamiya Dojo, Dr. Genzai came up to me and gave me the pills. He told me to take them within 10 minutes of after every meal cook by you." Yahiko snickered. "When Sano came along, I 'forgot' to tell him about the pills so that's why he had diarrhea for all those weeks!"

"Hey!" yelled Sano "I didn't know about that part! Well anyways Kenshin, just take this within 10 minutes and you should come out 'unscathed'.

"I can't believe you all hid this from me! Some friends you are…" pouted a teary eyed Kaoru.

"Well, I hope I won't be able to use the medicine Sano." And with that, Kenshin took his first bite.

There was a long pause that indicated that everyone was waiting for his reaction.

After he gulped down his first bite of the fish, he said, "Actually it's pretty good! I haven't had food that was cooked with a 'woman's touch' in such a long time!

"Huh?" was Sano's expression.

"What the--" were the first words that came out of Yahiko's mouth.

"I LOVE YOU KENSHIN!" was Kaoru's

Another long pause.

"Well Jou-chan, you're making poor Kenshin here blush!" Sanosuke and Yahiko were trying hard not to laugh.

Sure enough, Kenshin was blushing and the second Kaoru saw his expression, her face looked like a tomato.

"I didn't mean it like that you guys!" Kaoru protested. "That was the first time anyone actually liked my cooking. So Kenshin, just say so and I'll cook more if you want."

"Don't get your hopes too high Jou-chan, maybe Kenshin was just being nice and a gentleman, weren't you Kenshin?"

"Actually Sano, I kind of meant it. It isn't that bad." Then Kenshin put his finger on his cheek as if he was trying to remember something. "Actually, my old master cooked like Kaoru, so I think I'm kinda used to it. But most of the time, I do the cooking, and we hardly go out to eat so Kaoru-dono's cooking is quite a change for me."

"Well there you go Ugly. He's saying that since he lived with someone with cooking skills like yours, he's gotten used to it." Yahiko turned to Kenshin and said "Oh man! I can't believe you actually know someone who has cooking skills like Ugly here! I pity you." Kaoru now, was on the verge of tears.

"Kaoru-dono, Yahiko! I didn't mean it like that! I'm serious. It's not that bad." He then paused and wondered if what he was going to say next would make him regret it. But then again, Kaoru looked like she was about to cry and he hated to see women cry. Especially if the woman was very generous in letting a guy like him stay around almost for free, "Kaoru-dono I like your cooking."

Two pairs of eyes stared at the ronin like he was crazy, while the other pair looked at him with adoration. Kenshin, sensing the tense atmosphere around him, decided to change the topic of conversation.

"So…since I am new to Tokyo and all, I think that I should spend today trying to get to know my surroundings." Noticing that the three pairs of eyes were still gaping at what he said earlier, Kenshin continued. "I think that we should all go out. After all, I think this ronin will need a guide to show him the streets of Tokyo. So what do you guys say?"

Yahiko, who was the first one to break the trance, perked up at the chance to get away from his daily chores for the dojo. "That's a great idea Kenshin! Let's get out of this busted joint!"

"Excuse me?" Kaoru gave the boy one of his evil glares.

"Yea, we should go out. The Ginza district is where all the rich chicks are but the Roppongi District has the best bars clubs and gambling halls. What do you say Kenshin? Ginza or Roppongi?" If there's anyone who can give you advice on the best bars and clubs, that would be Sano.

"Oro?"

"Oro? What the heck does oro mean? Oh, but who cares? I guess that's what you mean by yes. Okay then, Roppongi District it is! I know this great gambling hall there--"

"Sanosuke! Do you mean to tell me, that you'd rather waste your money on some stupid club rather than help me pay for some bills? I can only put up with some of your freeloading you know?"

"Hold it there Jou-chan, let me remind you, you were the one that offered to let me stay here. We never agreed to any rent either. In fact, you were the one that was happy to let me stay here for as long as I want."

'Crap he got me there.'

"It's my house and dojo you're staying in! I can kick you out whenever!"

And for another ten whole minutes, insults were thrown back and forth, across the table.

"Hey Kenshin, I think you should stop them. We're wasting our time here! We could have been gone already. Don't you want to see Tokyo? At this rate, they won't stop for another 20 years!"

Kenshin sighed and nodded. Today was his official first day in the dojo and already Miss Kaoru and Sanosuke were already at each other's throats. And it wasn't even 10:30 yet!

"Ahem." No response "Ahem!" Still no response "AHEM!"

"Yes Kenshin?" Kaoru said that in her tiniest and sweetest voice that you couldn't even tell that she was screaming at the top of her lungs earlier.

"If everybody's done eating, then I think I'll start cleaning up, that I will. And then we could all head out and see Tokyo together."


An hour later, after everyone took their shower, the Kenshingumi, as Yahiko dubbed the group, started the short walk that would take them to a bus station. From there, the group got off at Ueno Park. Then they went through the park to the shopping district where Kaoru bought some shirts for Kenshin seeing as his wardrobe was mostly white or pink shirts, 4 pair of jeans and his training gi. Though Kenshin protested, she bought it for him anyway, telling him that it was a welcome gift.

Still in the park, they then decided to stop by a soba stand for lunch. The whole time they were there, Kenshin could have sworn he was being stared at.

It took the Kenshingumi 10 minutes to get out of the big Ueno Park. Right across from the park were huge buildings. 'It looks so familiar' Kenshin thought to himself.

As they walked to the front of one of the massive buildings, Kenshin realized why it looked vaguely familiar

"This…this is the University of Tokyo!" Sure enough, he was standing on the entrance of the Yasuda Auditorium on the University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus. It's famous clock striking 1:00.

Everyone was silent for a minute as they looked up at Tokyo's most prestigious schools.

"Kenshin" Kenshin looked at Kaoru. She continued to speak while never moving her gaze from the school. "Kenshin, you told me when you first got here remember? You said you wanted to make it here. I do too. I just wanted to show this to you."

Kenshin smiled at the girl standing next to him. "Someday Kaoru-dono, someday."


After leaving UT's grounds, the group decided to go to the Ginza District, much to Sano and Yahiko's protest.

As the group passed the Ginza District, the many shopping buildings that lined the street awed Kenshin. There was even this huge store that they passed called War-ner Broth-ers that sold items all labeled with either a rabbit, a black duck or a yellow bird. They passed through many other expensive stores that sold items from abroad.

Sano and Yahiko drifted off to the famous Sony Building where they could play games and watch tv for free. Meanwhile, Kenshin agreed to stay with Kaoru as they strolled pass stores while window-shopping.

"So Kenshin, how do you like Tokyo so far?"

"It's …it's wonderful Kaoru-dono, but very busy. I've never been outside of Kyoto before and Kyoto isn't as crowded as Tokyo."

"Is that so? Well, we haven't gotten very far. We've only been to the Ueno District and this is just the famous Ginza District. Just going through this District will take at least a day or two. I've been living in Tokyo all my life but there are still some parts I've never been to. I love Tokyo, but sometimes, I just want to go away. There's so many people here now that it's too crowded."

"I guess we're very different then. I've always wanted to leave Kyoto because I've heard so much about Tokyo. I've heard of all the great opportunities here, so that's why I came. Kyoto is nowhere near as crowded as Tokyo, but it's getting there." Kenshin paused for a minute and then added, "Another reason I left Kyoto is because there, I never figured out what to do with my future. I'm hoping once I start a life here, I'll figure out who I can be."

"Wow, that's such an inspirational and deep reason to come here. Me, I've always like teaching people, especially kids. That's why I teach the Kamiya Kashin Ryu to everyone, because I enjoy it. I'm hoping, that if I get to Tokyo U, I can learn more about being a good teacher."

"You sound like a great teacher already Kaoru-dono." And he looked deep in her eyes.

Kaoru blushed and tried to look away but somehow couldn't. "Thanks a lot Kenshin."

And for a minute there, they just stood there silently, facing each other and looking deep in the other person's eyes.

Kaoru was the first one to look away. "Oh, look, the sun's going down. Let's go meet up with the others. This district is really pretty at night but it also gets really crowded here. We better go before more people get here."


Kaoru's POV

We arrived at my favorite restaurant called the Akabeko about 2 hours later. Sano and Yahiko kept rambling on and on about how great the food was here to Kenshin and it was all getting to my nerves.

I noticed the owner of the restaurants and one of my best friends, Tae, coming to take our orders. She'll definitely notice Kenshin.

I was right. "Why hello Kaoru, Sano, Yahiko…" She stared at Kenshin for quite some time before speaking again. "Well, who might you be? Wait a minute don't tell me…" she gave me a quick look that had suspicion and excitement written all over it.

"Kaoru, don't tell me…YOU'VE FINALLY FOUND A MAN!". She just had to say it loud enough so all the people in the restaurant turned their heads towards our table.

I can't believe it! I'm blushing again! This is what, the third time today? If there's anything that Tae loved other than the Akabeko, great food and great art, it's romance novels and her collection is quite big.

"No Tae, this is Himura Kenshin. He is NOT my boyfriend so get your head out of that gutter. Remember the ad I put up for a room in the dojo, well, he answered it."

"Awww. And he looks so adorable too!" she then turns to Kenshin and introduces herself. "Hi there, my name's Sekihara Tae. No need for formalities here since you'll be staying here in Tokyo for quite some time ne?

"Yes, that's what I'm planning Tae-san." Kenshin smiled for Tae, giving her a huge grin.

She then looks at me again. "Aiieee! You're so lucky Kaoru! He's so adorable! So now, what'll your orders be?" then she winked at me. She WINKED at me! What's that supposed to mean? Oh great, blush number 4 has appeared.

Sano was the first to answer. "Let's see, I'll have my usual Tae, Beef pot combo with rice, side of pickled radishes, a large bowl of beef stew and a medium bowl of miso soup and bring on the sake!"

"Sanosuke! You better be paying for this! I mean it Mister!" she turns to Yahiko, "So what'll you have?"

"Same thing as Sano but no pickled radishes and I want a Coke."

"Okay. Kaoru, what about you, hon?

"Let's see I'll have a medium bowl of your famous beef pot stew and if you have Tempura shrimp, I'm in the mood for those too. And for drinks, I'll have green tea."

She then turns to Kenshin and asks him what he wants.

"Well, from the looks of the menu, I guess you specialize in beef pots. So I guess I'll have a Beef pot combo too, a small plate of Tofu and green tea."

"Okay then, I have a new girl working for me. Since the Akabeko's growing, I'm going to be hiring some more people and she's one of the new ones. She'll bring your drinks but the food may take a while."

With that Tae was gone. She was right. The Akabeko was growing. There was already a second floor built and she talked to me before about adding tables outside to make more room.


Sanzo Tsubame was nervous. It was her first day working at the Akabeko as a hostess and waitress. She supposed she should be grateful. Her cousin Tae had been nice enough to give her a place to stay plus a pretty high paying job even though she's never had any experience at a restaurant before. Actually she never had a job before.

She was trying to get to table D7 to deliver, a kettle filled with hot water, 2 packets of green tea, a soda, a bottle of sake, 2 glasses and 2 tea cups, when she felt her right foot slip.

'Oh no! Here it comes! I'm going to fall flat on my face and everyone will now how clumsy and nervous I am…oh no, I'm carrying hot water! It'll burn me…'

The expected fall never came when she felt 2 hands catch her. The person even caught the kettle before it fell to the ground.

"Hey, you okay?"

Her savior was apparently a spiked-haired boy in green shirt and jeans.

"Umm…yes, thank you so much. It's…it's just my first day here and I guess I was too nervous to notice where I was walking. I'm so sorry! You must think I'm a klutz…"

"Actually no, I know a girl who's a lot more clumsy. And it's expected, I would be nervous too if it were my first day. " then the boy looked at the ground. "Oh look, no wonder you tripped. The floor is wet. It's not your fault, and besides you have too much things to carry anyway. I guess you were lucky I was heading this way to the restroom."

Tsubame was still red from the incident but she somehow managed another thank you before leaving.

The boy offered to help her carry the items, but she just smiled and shook her head and she was gone.

Now it was Yahiko's turn to blush.


Kenshin remembered why the Akabeko and Miss Tae was so familiar. In Kyoto, there was a restaurant called the Shirobeko, which was apparently owned by Tae's twin sister Sae. The group was extra happy when Tae said that the food was on the house that night as a welcoming gift to Kenshin. Sano was extra happy since he didn't have to pay that night.

Yahiko, however, was still pretty silent since he came back from the restroom. Sano noticed it and asked him if there was something wrong. Yahiko shrugged the question off then forcefully said that there was definitely nothing going on, which told Sano, that something was definitely up.

Just as Sano thought, there was something up. When Yahiko returned to the table after the encounter with the shy girl, he noticed the white kettle with floral print that looked awfully familiar. He had hoped he would see that girl again, but Tae-san became their hostess so she could have a chance to talk to Kaoru and Kenshin.

'This is crazy. I met a girl for a brief minute, she smiles at me and now I'm hoping to see her again. Crazy…'

The group said their goodbyes to Tae and then started their walk home, reminiscing about their day off.


Author's Note

I have a TON of notes. Sorry if this chapter wasmore of a filler up. I didn't like this chapter that much, but as long as you guys do...More disclaimers. I do not own any of the districts in Tokyo, Warner Brothers, Sony Building and all the other things mentioned here. And yes, the districts I mentioned are real. There are a lot more districts than those I mentioned.

Here are some interesting facts about the Districts that I mentioned.

Ueno District: You'll be reading more about this district in the future. This district is in the northern part of Tokyo. Ueno Park is a huge and famous park especially when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. There is also a museum, and even a shopping district nearby the park. And of course, University of Tokyo, according to a map and source, it almost right across from the Ueno Park. When the Kenshingumi got out of the park, the University was in sight.

Roppongi District: This district is pretty famous in Tokyo for having the best nightlife, bars, clubs, discos etc. It also has many international restaurants.

Ginza District: This is a world famous shopping district having ranked number 7 in the world for having the most expensive stores. There are international shops here including a Warner Brothers store as mentioned in the fic. The famous Sony Building is also located here where shoppers can buy Sony products and games.

Well there you go, you all learned something from this fic of mine!

Also, as you read, I've introduced Tae and Tsumabe and another character but you guys won't find out who until later on. And what's this? Little Yahiko has a crush of shy Tsubame? Awww…

IMPORTANT NOTE! PLEASE READ THIS!

I've gotten reviews and emails asking me if what a 'ronin' actually is or if I messed up the title. The answer is no. This is a detailed version of what a ronin is supposed to be. The word 'ronin' originated in the days of the shogunate and samurai. A 'ronin' is a term given to a samurai when their master or leader discard them for being too weak etc. A 'ronin' samurai was a disgraced samurai. Nowadays, in modern Japan, a 'ronin' is a student who has failed the college entrance exam. The manga Love Hina (not mine!) which this story is kinda based on, is about a ronin who has failed the college entrance exam like 3 times. So the old term ronin means a samurai with no master to serve, and a modern day ronin is a student with no school to attend to. Get it? A ronin and rurouni is NOT the same thing. If you have any more questions please feel to review or email.

Hehe, okay, more notes...

In the beginning of the story, their breakfast sounds like lunch, but that really is their breakfast. The traditional "Japanese" breakfast is composed of rice, miso soup, fish or eggs, and pickled vegetables.

Oh, yes, another thing. It's not really Tokyo University, it's The University of Tokyo, not the other way around so I have to go back and change a couple of things. But a lot of people including it's students call it UT or Tokyo U for short.

Okay, final note, I'm so sorry that if this chapter may seem confusing or too long. I apologize. Gomen-nasai. This chapter was also PAINSTAKINGLY PAINFUL to write because of all the research I did (for this and other chapters) on the University of Tokyo, the districts in Tokyo and all the good stuff you read here. I was poring over 3 maps trying to locate districts, trying to know how the railway, buses, railroad and transportation system went. I even circled an area as to where the Kamiya Dojo should be. It's the northern part of Tokyo, close to the Ueno District and the Asakusa District. There's a river nearby too and from the look of a satellite map, it's not as crowded as other parts of Tokyo.Anyways, I would be grateful if you guys took your time to review and encourage me and give me advice. Thanks to all the people who reviewed last chapter.

El Capitan: Thank you! Your review made me blush...I'm sorry if this chapter isn't my best but oh well…it'll get better later on.

Mandy G.- Thank you with your continous support. You have given me a review since Chapter1!

MikoMiko – I took your suggestion to heart 3 But at this stage of their "relationship" it's just mutual respect. In this chapter Kenshin was (again) the peacemaker of the house and the overly happy and thankful kind of guy (like in the breakfast scene).

Okay peoples, you guys know the drill, click the button below and review!

Ja!

Celest