Rurouni Kenshin © Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Assassin. Patriot. Murderer. Wanderer. Repenter.
You would label me. Put me in a neat little box with a neat little label penned in brutal black ink. You would brand me, give me the sign that suits you, mark the side that you want.
Saitou gives me the name of a murderer, because that is the part of me that he feels he can respect and value. He doesn't like the idea that a killer could hide behind a mask. Not all patriots rot or betray their own, Fujita.
Hiko brands me with what I once was. Deshi. He paints a pretty little picture of what I once was and throws me into it. A pleasing painting, but the colours are smeared and the shadows are long. No. I am no longer a child.
You, Kamiya Kaoru. You give me the label of wanderer, rurouni, the one who does not kill. The repenting pilgrim. The smiling drifter. The label is small and there is a lot to write on it- no room for all that I am. No space for arrogance or vengeance or anger or hatred or spite or lies.
All that I am. I am a harmless, ruthless, merciful killer. I am a repenting, vengeful, calm, angry pilgrim. I am Hitokiri Battousai. I am a rurouni. I am Himura Kenshin. Don't shame me by calling me anything less.