Kelp had lost sight of Kenshin and was wandering the streets of Tokyo, confused and disheartened.

'I don't know how to get around here, I don't know who to ask directions for the Kamiya dojo, hell, I don't even know what story arc I'm in!'

She reacted on instinct when she felt someone put their hand on her shoulder, holding their hand in a death grip turning with a "Hi-YAH!" and smaking them square on the temple. She released the person's hand in surprise when she saw who it was, and said a small, "oops," as Yahiko fell to the ground, stunned, his bo digging into his spine.

'Wait...opportunity here...'

"oh! I'm so sorry!" Kelp knealt down next to Yahiko and helped him sit up as his head cleared. He glared at her once he had enough conciousness to do so.

"And I was going to ask you if you needed help!"

"I do need help. But living with two younger brothers has made me wary." the apology in Kelp's voice and her downcast eyes made Yahiko's anger fade.

"Alright. I think I understand."

"really? So you'll help me?"

"Yes. My name's Yahiko. Yours?"

"Ummm...Rodach Kelp. But call me Kelp, please."

Yahiko was puzzled. "What a strange name. But, alright, Kelp-san. Where are you trying to go?"

"Actually...I was looking for the dojo where you train, Yahiko-kun."

Mildly irked by the familiarity she demonstrated to him after such a short time of knowing him, his curiosity got the better of him. "Why? Don't tell me you're looking to fight Kenshin." His eyes, posture, and voice became serious as he said that last statement.

"no, no, no. Me + swords is bad. And anyway, Kenshin could kick my butt in a heartbeat. No, I'm looking for Sanosuke Zagara."

"Why're you looking for that lummox?" Yahiko said, his voice a little angry and confused.

"Because he's shemxy."

"What?"

"Err...I want to train with him!"

"Why? There are better people out there."

"Of course there are. But they aren't Sano."

Yahiko was confused, then suspicious. Kelp, seeing she might be refused, thought quickly.

And proceeded to turn on all the charm she had in her little Asian body.

"Yahiko-san, you saw that my speed and reflexes are good; training with Sano will help me hit more forcefully. I want to be well-rounded as a warrior and strong, just like you want to be." There was a pause, and Kelp could see Yahiko mulling this over. "You now, Yahiko-san, that you're famous."

"What?"

"A lot of people know you outside Tokyo and like you, and think you're strong."

"really?"

"It's the truth." And, in reality, it was, since Ruroni Kenshin is a well-known anime, almost a nessacary watch for anime addicts. Kelp didn't know if it was true here, but she certainly knew it was true, to an extent, in the outside world. The charm that wooed a clerk at Barnes & Nobles into almost giving away a book worked on Yahiko, and he smiled at her.

"Alright. I'll show you where Sano is. Though I can't promise he'll train you."

"That's okay. I think I can find a way to get him to train me."

Yahiko wondered briefly about the tone of Kelp's voice when she said that, but, unable to entirely decipher it, simply shrugged and began to show her the way.