Disclaimer: Does it look like I own Kenshin, or am profiting by way of the redhead? That honor goes to Nobuhiro Watsuki, Studio Gallup, Sony, Shueisha, ADV Media Blasters, Fuji TV, Shonen Jump and Viz. Away from me, O lawyers of greed!

Betad by kokoronogamu.


Meiji Jidai: Year 18, August, 1885
Tokyo, Kamiya Dojo

"You think you could out-drink me?" said the incredulous Hiko Seijuro XIII. "Boy, I've drunk the greatest warriors in Japan under the table. You're out of your league."

"Put your money where your mouth is and let's see what you got!" challenged Sano.

"Well, if you insist," said Hiko with a shrug. Without further ado, he pulled out a large jug of sake.

Kenshin, who was lying against a support beam a bit away from the two guys, cast a glance at them. He let a smile purse his lips for just a second. A drinking contest between Hiko Seijuro XIII and Sagara Sanosuke would be entertaining, to say the least.

Just then Yahiko showed up.

"What the hell are you up to, Rooster?" he asked.

"I'm gonna drink Kenshin's shishou under the table," said Sano.

"Chug-a-lug? I'm in. Payback for you ditching me at that bar last year," said Yahiko.

"We'll both drink you under the table lad. Why not wait a couple years?" said Hiko.

"Oh no. I'm teaching this Rooster a lesson today," said Yahiko.

"Kenshin! Quit snoozing over there and referee this thing," said Hiko with a snort.

Kenshin sighed. Kaoru just had to talk him into inviting Hiko to the dojo. At least he hadn't told any bedwetting stories, yet. Kenshin sat up and waited as Hiko poured three equal glasses of sake for the three of them.

"Three, two, one... drink," said Kenshin.

Sanosuke and Yahiko took off like speed demons, each downing their cup in a single gulp and quickly refilling. Over and over again, they went like this. Drink, refill, drink, refill, etc. Meanwhile, Hiko was still nursing his first cup. While Sano and Yahiko were now on their tenth and seventh respectively, Hiko was just pouring his second.

Kenshin had to lower his head to hide the broad grin. Down the hatch it went, over and over again. Yahiko was beginning to run out of steam. By the time he hit his 20th, he was swaying on the engawa. Sano was still going strong on his 27th, though his eyes were getting bloodshot. Hiko was on his fourth cup.

Yahiko went to pour his 25th cup, but couldn't make it. He jumped up and puked in the bushes, then passed out. Sano poured his 31st cup. Hiko was working on his sixth.

"Yahiko is out," announced Kenshin.

Now it was just the Hiten master versus the Futae master. Hiko was on his eighth cup and Sano was on his 35th. He was swaying and his cheeks were as red as cherries. He slammed back that cup, then poured another. Sano managed to slam back two more cups, but never made it to 40 before he simply keeled over to the side.

"Winner, Hiko Seijuro XIII," announced Kenshin.

"Naturally," said Hiko with an arrogant smile.

Just then Kaoru entered the yard, leading Kenji by the hand. Kenji was surprised to see Yahiko-nii asleep in the dirt. He wasn't surprised to find the Rooster asleep. This was normal.

"Drinking contest?" asked Kaoru. Kenshin and Hiko nodded in the affirmative.

"Can I be in the contest?" squeaked Kenji.

"Sorry Kenji-chan, you have to be 15," said Kaoru. "Nine years to go before you can make a fool of yourself like Sano and Yahiko."

Owari