Author: Hajime Saito of the Shinsengumi enters the fray! How cool can that be?
Editor: Who know what bothers me?
Author: What? Spit it out…
Editor: Is that why do we always have to have our conversation in the story?
Author: Just to let our readers have a sense of humour!
Editor: (sighs)….
"What? Hajime Saito?" Kenshin took his reversed edge and headed to the entrance but Yagami stopped him, "Relax, he told me that he would drop by in the evening again." Sakura, looking out to the Hokage's injury, enquired, "Hokage sensei, with this condition of yours, you won't be able to help Kenshin san." She blushed when Yagami held her hand, "Don't worry, with you, a medical ninja around and given your unique talent in healing, I'll be cured in no time!" Giggling at Yagami's words of encouragement, she focused on healing the wound. Naruto and Sasuke, who were both busy training outside, caught sight of the Hokage happily chatting away with their teammate Sakura.
"Hey Sasuke, I was right! Sakura chan is having a crush on your brother!" Sasuke didn't bother as he answered back sarcastically, "Hmph…even though if she did, it would be better than going with you dope."
"What? You're going to get it!" As the two friendly rivals sparred till evening, the group gathered for dinner when a dark figure stood by the Dojo's entrance. They knew it was Saito, but Kaoru bought Kenshin and Yagami some time to prepare while she served the Shinsengumi member some sake. Sipping from the cup, Saito realized there were three ninjas watching his every move but he just smiled and turned his attention to Kaoru, "Surprised to see you are accommodating shinobis from Konohagakure. Not afraid that the Shinsengumi will tear the Dojo down?" Kaoru, trying to put up a strong front, replied, "Even though they did, Kenshin would not allow this!" Saito sipped from the cup again, "Oh really? Than why has he yet to show himself? And what about Uchiha Yagami? Afraid that he'll get injured again?" Naruto blared out his taunts upon hearing the insult.
"Hey you! Don't you dare talk about my sensei like that! We shinobis from Konoha can kick your ass anytime, anywhere!" Saito, calm and unpredictable, just ignored the taunts that only made Naruto even furious, as the ignorant ninja was about to attack; he tripped and fell to the floor, only to see the tip of Saito's sword pointing at him.
"Is this the power of Konoha shinobis? Unbelievable…what has your master taught you all this years? To make simple mistakes and be at your enemy's mercy? It is quite…" His conversation was put to a halt when he saw Kenshin and Yagami. Kenshin spoke, "Only corrupted swordsman pick on the young, weak and defenseless. We'll settle this in the training room." Sheathing back the blade, Kaoru, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto tagged along to see the duel take place. Saito spoke in sheer confidence, "Yagami, glad to see you're fully recovered, as I would expect from a skilled shinobi, care to join the duel?"
"That would be the most ungentlemanly of me, besides it is Kenshin you want." Kenshin stood up, sword ready as Kaoru held his kimono from behind, leaning her head on his back as she spoke with a soft and worried tone, "Kenshin, isn't there any other way to settle this? I've seen enough bloodshed…Why not let Yagami duel with him? Please…Kenshin…" Kenshin turned around to wipe the tears off his wife's cheek and told her, "Kaoru, you know the attitude of the Shinsengumi. I've to do it. Besides Yagami won't just be sitting there." Kaoru than loosened her grip as her husband stepped forward to face his opponent.
"If it has anything to do with the ritual, you can count me out." Saito gave a stare similar to a wolf's.
"I'm not here for that, I'm under orders to test…your abilities." Without further explanation, Saito went for the first strike but Kenshin drew his blade and blocked in time. The duel was about to turn into a fierce swordfight as the others sat and watched.