Hello everyone, after one year Im finally here with a new chapter. And no, I wasn't in hiatus. I had a problem with my translator. I don't want to talk about this but I had just one thing to I want to say: If you want to do something, you need to do yourself.
Man, after I read this old chapter I saw how I improved myself by writing and writing. So that means this chapther is suck. No its not that much sucks. It just when I wrote this chapter, my writing style was still mediocre. Now I become better. But unfortunely I don't plan to rewrite it. Instead I will be focused to next chapters. So I promise, after each chapter this story will become better.
By the way I translated this chapter really fast. (With help of google translator) So there can be mistakes. (and sometimes messy) If you see any mistake please send me pm, so I don't do it again.
After one hour of struggle, arena was finally cleaned from all that ice. Now two man were facing to each other. They were both wearing kimono and carrying a katana. Their hair color was matching with their kimono. First man was small, slender build and with a youthful, feminine visage. His red hair tied in a thick ponytail and there was a cross shaped scar on his left cheek.
Second man was more taller and like the other guy his purple hair tied in a ponytail. Unlike other one his facial lines was more sharper.
"Before they announce our names let's introduce to ourselves. Sasaki Kojiro, Servant Assassin. Pleasure to meet you." purple man said.
"THAT IDIOT! WHAT IS HE THINKING BY TELLING HE IS A SERVANT TO ENEMY!?" screamed pissed Rin.
"Easy, girl. It doesn't matter to learn meaning of servant system or holy grail war. This information is useless to them. Even if they learn our true identity I don't it's going to help them." Said Medea.
"Wait, Sasaki Kojiro? Is that man really him?" said Kaoru couldn't believe her eyes.
"WHO?" asked Yahiko and Sanosuke same time.
"You two bird brain never read the story?" Megumi snapped to them.
"There is no offical record for existence of Sasaki Kojiro. Right now we are witnessing a legend." said Saito. People who read the story in the other rooms also having same reactions.
'Servant Assassin?' smaller man thought. He didn't look like shinobi or member of oniwaban. Did he trying to say he is a hitokiri under a govermant control. "That pleasure is mine. Himura Kenshin, just a rurouni." he said. 'Sasaki Kojiro… don't tell me he's really…'
"A rurouni huh… I must be really lucky or maybe this is fate. In my first fight I'm fighting against a fellow samurai like me. Which era do you live in Himura? Maybe I heard you before." Sasaki asked with curiosity. Kenshin first looked him with thoughtfull eyes and then he answered.
"I don't think so, I'm living in early Meji era and if my guess is right you lived in early Edo era, right?"
"Hoooo… I guess you heard me before. Tell me Himura, what did you heard about me?" said amused Sasaki.
"Sasaki Kojiro… legendary swordmaster who slayed countless foes and founded Ganryu sword style. In the end he killed by Miyamoto Musashi with a bokken at Funajima Island." He looked to Sasaki for any reaction but he was only smiling. 'He didn't give any reaction to his death. So that means he knows he was killed. He is resurrected too…'
"That's good to hear. But don't you think this is little unfair. You know everything about me. Probably my technic Tsubame Gaeshi too. But I don't know nothing about you."
"I guess you are right. I don't know you ever heard this style but I'm the last predecessor of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu sword style."
"What an oaf. What kind of fool tell his technics or powers to the enemy?" said Rin with a frown on her face. After that so many people on the stadium sneezed.
"Did you ever heard this technic before?" Shinji asked. Rin didn't give an answer but Shinji could see her blush. Because in the end she knew it was useless information.
"Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, hmm… no, I don't think I heard it before but it doesn't matter. Now Himura, let's have a fair and fun fight."
"BEGIN!" Juri declared but none of them moved. They were just looking each other intensely.
"I SAID BEGIN!" Juri yelled again and both of them kept looking to each other. "Hellooo… Can you hear me?" after saying that Juri went to between in them and waved her hand to them.
'Those eyes… they are belong to a true hitokiri.' " Excellent, your fighting spirit didn't broken. Now this become more interesting.' Said Sasaki and unsheated his sword. He pulled his sword over his head and pointed it at Kenshin.
'Just like in tale he is using a nodachi. Normally nodachi know as a wide range unlike other katanas but because of weight it's nearly impossible to master it. But in the story Sasaki able to cut flying shallow with nodachi.' He analysed his stance while passing to his stance. 'His stance is similiar Saito's gatotsu but more higher. With this stance only thing he can do is charging directly to me.'
Just like Kenshin thought Sasaki charged with inhuman speed and started to quick slashes. Like a ghost Kenshin evaded all slashes without drawing his sword. Sasaki suddenly pulled his sword and thrusted to Kenshin's heart but blocked by Kenshin's sheat. His sheat cracked but succeeded to hold Sasaki's sword.
'He's definitely fast but what about strength?' He gave more force to his sword-arm and pushed Kenshin back which resulted losing his balance. 'You can't ran anywhere in this position Himura. Now draw your sword!' He raised his sword and slashed his sword upside-down. Kenshin quickly toke one step back and gained his balance. He pushed himself forward and with sudden flash he paired Sasaki's sword with his sword. He didn't relaxed yet, actually he became more wary because he sensed Sasaki's ken-ki changed more violently. Sasaki pulled his sword back and gave him a horizontally slash. Kenshin knew if he try to jump back he would be a easily cut in half because of nodachi's length. That's why he jumped high and landed somewhere far from Sasaki.
"Are you mocking me Himura?" He said calmly without turning to him but everyone can see he's pissed.
"That's weird he seemed like very calm person. I wonder what changed it." Said Yukina.
"Kenshin must have done something to anger Sasaki, but what?" answered Kurama.
"I've never seen Assassin so angry before." Said Shinji.
"Yes, he seems more menacing than usual. That's definitely not something you can see everyday." Medea said.
"I wonder why?" Rin said.
"I think I have a idea." Archer said.
"I don't know what are you talking about." Kenshin answered while trying to sound suprised. But in truth he knew why Sasaki pissed. Most of the oppenents he faced gave the same reacting with Sasaki when they saw him using sakabato.
"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME! Why are using a sakabato?! Are you implying I'm not worth of killing!" Sasaki screamed angrily while turning back to Kenshin.
The people who distant from the Japanese culture in the stadium could not understand the problem. So Koto decided to explain for them.
"Sakabatou is a reverse sided katana. That means sharp side is blind and blind side is sharp.''
"Why a samurai carry a blind sword." Naruto wondered while looking to his friend for answer but they also wondering same question. Everyone expect Hinata. She can see it from up there. Kindness inside of Kenshin.
"… no, it's because this sword isn't for killing but for protecting the others." Kenshin said calmly.
"I liked Kenshin. He must have a heart of gold." Jonathan said.
"…what kind of nonsense is this? A sword is weapon, kenjutsu is art of killing. Even if you want to protect people, you must kill your enemies. If you really believe you can protect people without killing anybody then you must be an idiot." Sasaki said. Hearing this, Kenshin tilted his head forward and kept silent for a while.
"… no you are right, kenjutsu is art of killing. No matter how you justify yourself there is no denying it. This is the reality." Kenshin raised his head, looked to Sasaki and smiled. "But still I prefer being an idiot to harsh reality."
"Then I must show this fool to cruelty of harsh reality." Sasaki said while holding his sword handle more tightly.
"Exactly. This world is cruel." Mikasa muttered angrily. She decided she didn't like Kenshin. He was too naive for this world.
He attacked Kenshin again, and this time he began to swing more violent sword strikes. Kenshin managed to block them all with his sword. Sasaki attacked again with his sword, but Kenshin turned around and swung his sword to Sasaki's back.
RYU KAN SEN
But Sasaki stopped Kenshin's attack with putting his sword on his back.
"Is that it? You need to push yourself little more!" He screamed last part while turning his to Kenshin and swung his sword but to his suprise he only cut the air. 'He vanished! NO, he is in the air!' When Sasaki looked up he saw Kenshin was coming to him with a great speed.
HITEN MITSURUGI RYU -RYU TSUI SEN
Kenshin fell from above and swung his sword. Sasaki raised his sword and stopped Kenshin's sword, but Kenshin didn't stop, he rolled over in the air and landed on the ground. Sasaki swored. His sword was still up in the air and Kenshin was right in front of him. He didn't have time to defend. He tried to get back, but Kenshin hit him in the chin with his sword and with the intensity of the blow he blown up to air.
HITEN MITSURUGI RYU – RYU SHO SEN
Power of the blow was almost going to take out his chin but Sasaki wasn't thinking that. 'Why are all of this guys screaming their attack names?' He grasped his sword more firmly and swung it to Kenshin, who was still in the air with him. He could feel his sword cutting the flesh.
Sasaki gathered himself up in the air and landed elegantly on the floor. His enemy was lying on the ground in blood with a cut on his chest. Sasaki looked pitifully at Kenshin, who barely tried to get up. Kenshin was strong and fast, perhaps even faster than himself, but he could never fight at his true potential without fighting to his death.
"What's the matter Himura? Is this your full strength?! This is the difference between warrior who fighting to the death with warrior who holding himself back. If you want to beat me you must fight with intent of killing." Sasaki said looking into Kenshin's eyes.
"I don't any intention to kill you or anybody in this tournament Sasaki. I vowed to never kill again and I'm not planning to breaking this vow with you. So I REFUSE!" Kenshin screamed and swung his sword to the ground.
HITEN MITSURUGI RYU – DO RYU SEN
Shards of stone from the ground flew towards Sasaki. Sasaki did not lose his composure. He put his hand over his face to protect himself. The stones flew hard enough to break a human's bone, but Sasaki wasn't a normal human.
When Sasaki pulled his hand from his face, he found himself alone with Kenshin's sword. But there wasn't just one sword. Nine swords were coming to him from nine different directions. 'I knew he was fast but creating nine after-image… wonderful.'
KUZU RYU SEN
Sasaki lifted his sword and began to swing quickly, but was able to block only five attacks. He was able to defend critical places such as his head and heart, but other four sword strikes managed to hit Sasaki's arms and legs. If he were still a hitokiri, Sasaki would be standing without his limbs.
"I wish I can try myself to those two style." Zoro smiled like a savage animal.
Kenshin paused for a moment and looked at Sasaki. He was still standing, and his limbs didn't look broken. 'He is still standing after he take Kuzu ryu sen. To beat him I need to break his sword arm.' thought and thrown himself to Sasaki again.
Just as Sasaki turned around, Kenshin swung his sword towards to his head. Sasaki pull his head slightly back, as if bored by the simplicity of the attack, and sword grazed his eye with just a few millimeters. Sasaki held up his sword, there is no way to Kenshin was going to escape from this position, but before he striked down a hard object hit his arm and a crack was heard. Kenshin struck Sasaki's sword arm with his scabbard.
SOU RYU SEN
"A technic which uses a sword scabbard! What an amazing sword fight!" Gyatz commented.
Kenshin decided to be cautious and leaped backwards. When he examined Sasaki, he saw that he was still holding his sword. He had heard the crackling sound, but again his arm didn't look broken.
'Even sou ryu sen isn't enough for breaking his arm. This guy cannot be human.' thought Kenshin sweating from his head. And besides before that he attacked same arm with Kuzu ryu sen!
"Using the scabbard sword for attack ... Impressive! The Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu technique continues to amaze me. Perhaps you should consider stopping being rurouni or whatever you are doing now and opening a dojo, Himura, so you can transfer this technique to future generations." said Sasaki. Despite the pain in his arm, he spoke cheerfully. His bone was slightly cracked, and he would certainly feel this pain for a few days, but it didn't stop him from using his sword. AND he certainly didn't think of asking the witch for help.
"Unfortunately, I have to refuse this offer, Sasaki-san. I have no intention of passing the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu technique to the future generations." Hearing this, Sasaki frowned. He did not like the fact that such an interesting technique would be gone from the world forever.
"Can I ask why do you want such a thing, Himura?"
"Because now we are living in a era of peace where swords are no longer used. The new generation does not need to learn a technique that brings only death to surroundings. Instead, they should learn things that will help to their country and the world that will maintain this peace and serenity. Besides, right now I'm in the charge of Kamiya Dojo, and if I'm going to pass on a sword technique to future generations, instead of sword technic which principles of killing, like mine, I would rather choose Kamiya Kasshin-ryū technic which principles of giving life."
"Look at this nonsense. Even if there aren't amontos, it's still going to forbidden to use a sword. What, when that gorilla mangaka was thinking the story, he said events going to happen in Edo era but his hangover friend from yesterday lying in the back said put some aliens inside your story too?" Gintoki said.
"During the Meiji era, it was forbidden to carry swords and the samurai were banned. No wonder this man is so naive, "Anna said, looking unimpressed.
"I still thought it was extreme to close the dojos. People should always learn to protect themselves." said Yoh.
" Call it stupid instead of extreme." Ren said.
"I get it. Just like the era we live in. Instead of the Quirk, swords are banned and can only be used under state control." Todoroki. Indeed, history was repetition.
"I think it makes sense. If people were still carrying swords, there would be a lot of bad guys around who hurt innocent people." defended Midoriya.
Sasaki looked unimpressed at Kenshin. "Your personality keeps disappointing me, Himura. I just can't make sense to have someone like you participate in this tournament. Tell me, why are you standing in front of me? In response to this question Kenshin sighed as if he was tired of all of this and looked up.
'Why huh? ...'
Flashback
The day that people had been waiting in Tokyo for weeks had finally come. People were making delicious meals at home and having a competition of getting up early to grab the best place in the woods. Because now spring had come and cherry blossoms had finally opened. The fallen leafs making everywhere a pink cloud of snow. The Sakura festival had finally arrived.
Kenshin and his family; his wife Kaoru, his son Kenji, Yahiko, and his longtime friends Megumi, were picnicking under the Sakura trees.
"It's really nice to that you came to visit us from Aizu, Megumi." said Kaoru while serving the onigiris she made to everyone.
"Thank you Kaoru. By the way, you really became better at making onigiris. Soap taste lessened." Megumi said, playing with Kenshin's son.
"Grrrrrr ... You know how to piss me off as soon as you arrive, don't you?" said Kaoru's veins pulsing.
"Calm down ... I was just kidding around. Your food is good. I think marriage has improved your ability to cook. " Of course, the taste of soap was still there, but she decided not to say it about." I'm just pitying those two because they had to endure this painful process until your food finally becomes better." Megumi said with a laugh.
"It wasn't that bad. It was like the taking of a bitter medicine, as it slowly tasted like syrup every time you drink." Kenshin said.
"For me, It was no different from torture." Yahiko said.
Kaoru answered them by throwing buckets on both of their heads.
"Still, I wish Sanosuke was here. Without him, it's like something's missing." Kenshin said, rubbing his head.
"Yes, even though he was always teasing me, whenever he's around, it was always more fun." Yahiko said, bowing his head.
"We haven't heard anything from him for a long time. I started to worried about something has happened to him." said Kaoru. Megumi saw everyones mood falling after this sentences so she decided to cheer them up little.
"What are you worried about? If I know that fool, he's punching someone and getting unnecessary injuries right now." Megumi said. When he heard that Sano was a wanted man and he was going to travel the world, she was actually very worried. Small part of her wanted Sano to stay with her, but she would rather cut her wrists than admit this out loud.
"Who are you calling stupid?" someone said from her back.
"KYAAAAAAAA!" Megumi screamed and fell to the ground on her buttom. She looked to voice owner and after that her eyes widened. Behind her a man standing with a dirty beard with his clothing open.
"SANOSUKE!" However, before group couldn't embrace their friend which they didn't see them for years, Megumi got up, punched Sano's nose and knocked him down.
"OW! What the hell is wrong with you woman? You almost broke my nose! What kind of doctor are you?" He yelled.
"This is the payment of you for sneaking up on my back!" Megumi shouted. She was glad he had come back, but she hated someone approaching behind her in secret. Especially if this person is Sanosuke.
"Sano! How did you get into the country? I thought you were still wanted." said Kaoru in surprise.
"Ehh ... It wasn't that hard. I've got acquaintances to enter illegal." Sano said.
"What about the police! If they see you on the street, they'll throw you in jail!" she said in worry.
"Don't worry, don't worry ... You know this things. They will forget in one or two years. I don't think anyone even remembers my face. Especially with this new look."
"Yes, especially with that disgusting beard. " Megumi muttered.
"So this is the Kenji everyone's talking about." Sano said, and lifted Kenji up. Kenji started kicking Sano in the face, but Sano replied with a smile. "Hoho, there was a warrior here. Hey, Kaoru, you did only one kid? Aren't you planning to do second one?" After that, Kaoru's face turned red.
"Please don't. Even for on, I had to stay away from home for two weeks." Yahiko said. This time, smoke started to emerge from Kaoru.
"Stupid, why didn't you use this opportunity to be alone with Tsubame! You're a big man now!" Sano said.
"W-What are you saying, you idiot ?!" This time it was Yahiko's turn to be red.
"Sanosuke, it's really nice of you to come back." Kenshin said, smiling.
"Of course I was going come back. When I received the letter that saying you needed help, I came as fast as I can." Sano said to his friend, grinning.
"Oro?" this surprised Kenshin. He didn't send any letters.
"Wolves don't usually expect their prey to come into their mouths, but it is foolish to ignore such an opportunity" said a voice behind them. They couldn't believe their eyes when they turned to the sound. Umi's wolf was standing in front of them again.
"SAITO! "shouted Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Megumi.
"Now I get it. I've heard you're working in a far away city, but you came here just for the catch me, right?" Sano snapped his fists in front of Saito. "Back off, Kenshin, I have a business to finish with this guy."
"Why would I come all this way for a fool like you? I came here for Kenshin." Saito said, passing Sano calmly. He didn't even care that Sano went mad behind him.
"So you finally decided to close the deal we started years ago, Saito. All right." Kenshin grabbed his sword and stood up and looked into Saito's eyes. "But not here. Not in front of my family. I'll be waiting at 12 o'clock at the place I mentioned last time."
"What the hell are you talking about? I came here because of your letter." Saito said.
"Oro. A letter?" Kenshin looked at Saito in surprise. Second time, someone was talking about a letter.
"You wrote there is an issue of concern for the future of the country and that we need to speak face to face urgently." Saito said, slowly starting to suspecting. He began to looking at their surroundings to make sure they weren't in a trap.
"But I didn't send a letter to you or Sano." Kenshin said.
"That's impossible. I can imagine that this idiot couldn't think of a fake letter - Hey! - but I checked the letter 50 times. The handwriting was exactly the same as yours."
"Wait, so now you're telling me that someone is sent me a letter and Saito to bring us back together?" Sano said in disbelief.
"It's impossible! Even if someone sent you a letter, it's impossible for the three of you to meet at the same place at the same time!" Megumi said.
"Are you saying this is a coincidence?!" Sano responded.
"Someone wanted us back together, but who?" Kenshin muttered to himself.
"Mmhmmmmhm ... These onigiris really taste like soap."
"THEN DON'T EAT IT YOU IDIOT !" Kaoru threw the basket to the side where the sound was coming from. To her surprise, however, the basket had vanished, and a man with a beard of tangled hair eating onigiris. "Yo!" The strange man raised his hand and greeted them in an ordinary manner.
"Who are you?" asked Kenshin grasping the hiit of his sword. He didn't know what was going on, but there was something wrong with this guy.
"I'm going to answer your question with another question Kenshin. Do you believe in God?" he said, standing up and walking towards Kenshin.
"I believe that there is a force that guides and protect us, if that's what you mean." Kenshin said, squeezing the hilt of his sword each step of the man towards to him.
"Ehhh, the one who charge in this universe isn't that bad, but I'd say most of them are assholes." He stood in front of Kenshin and smiled. Then he raised his hand to air.
"And I'm a god, Kenshin. One of the oldest ones. My name is Zenex."
Sano's patience finally overflowed, and he grabbed Zenex by the collar and lifted him up. "Okay, enough of this nonsense! You will going to tell who you are clown or-"
"You know, I had to do a lot of calculation to get you and Saito here at the same time. So why don't you be a little grateful and shut up." said Zenex and snapped his finger. First Sano stood still perfectly. Then he put Zenex down and grabbed his mouth and tried to talk, but only the murmurs came out of his mouth. Then he turned to his friends in panic and showed his face. Even Saito's jaw dropped from shock. Because Sano's mouth was closed with a zipper.
"WHAT?!" Kaoru screamed.
"WHAT KIND OF TRICK IS THAT?!" Yahiko shouted.
"SANO! DON'T PANIC AND LOOK AT MY FACE! " Megumi grabbed Sano by the head and tried to open his mouth.
First time in his life Saito couldn't find anyword to say.
" I don't know what kind of spell you casted on Sano but-" Kenshin said, taking his sword out of the scabbard and pointing it at Zenex. "- take it back!"
"It wasn't magic. It's called reality bending. It's something most ancient gods can easily do. Unfortunately I can't make it as strong as before." Then Zenex snapped his fingers again and Sano's mouth returned to normal. "I think that proves that I am a god."
"What do you want from us?" Saito interrupted.
"Are you here to give Kenshin a medal for his service to the world? "Yahiko jokingly asked.
"Yes. Here's your medal." Then Zenex take out a medal from his pocket and handed it to Kenshin. On the medal 'Zenex BFF' was written.
"Thank you ..." Kenshin said, little weirded out.
"Of course I didn't come just for that. I have an offer for you three." said Zenex and snapped his fingers and three paper appered in his hand. Sano startled when he saw Zenex snapping his fingers, but quickly reassured him and took the papers. After reading the writings, he looked at Zenex.
"A tournament?"
"Yes. It's a tournament where the most powerful fighters from all universes will participate. Unfortunately I haven't decided on the name yet. I want something simple, but I don't want to be a cliché.
"Universes? Like aliens or something?" asked Yahiko.
"No no no ..., they are humans. Just they live in different plane of existince. At least most of them."
"Hoho, I'm excited now. I'm in!" shouted Sano lifting his fist up. He seemed to have completely forgotten what just happened.
"I can't believe I was brought here for something so ridiculous." Saito said indifferently and threw the brochure to the floor. "I'm out!"
Zenex turned his head to Kenshin, but Megumi interrupted before Kenshin could answer.
"No, he can't!"
"Excuse me?" Zenex said and stared at Megumi, frowning. Megumi sweated little but didn't lose here composure. Then she explained Kenshin's situation as calmly as possible.
"Due to the thinness of his bones, his technique shortens Ken-san's life. His body can no longer fight. "
"Oh ... OHHHH ! ... I didn't know that! I hope you get well soon enough!" Then he started mumbling. "What to do, what to do ... damn it, this wasn't in the program. " He finally looked up at Kenshin with determination. "You know what, I can take care of that. There are some techniques and medicines to solve this situation. What do you say, Kenshin?"
"I'm sorry Kami-sama -Please call me Zenex- but I have to refuse. The times when I use my sword and participate the battles are over. All I want is to live as peaceful as possible with my family." Kenshin said, keeping his wife and son close to him.
"Please think again, Kenshin. If you win, you'll be able to ask me anything you want. You can make your wife's boobs bigger!"
"I BEG OF YOU KAMI-SAMA, PLEASE DO THIS! I WILL WORSHIP YOU UNTIL END OF MY LIFE!" Kaoru tried to bow down to Zenex, but Yahiko held him back.
"KEEP YOURSELF TOGETHER YOU HAG!" In the face of these Kenshin sweat dropped.
"Or you can bring someone you love back to life." Kenshin was frozen in the face of this promise. It was like he was having a dilemma. After a few minutes, he answered Zenex.
"I still have to refuse. I believe of not to disturb the ghosts of the past. This only leads to more problems."
"Hey wait a minute! What do you mean, we can wish to bring someone back to life! If you can do something like this, prove it to us!" shouted Sano.
"Here's the proof." Zenex snapped his finger again and a purple circle appeared. Inside from circle a tall man with purple clothing came. The most prominent feature of the man was that his entire body was covered with bandages.
"SHISHIO!" shouted Kenshin, Sano and Saito's eyes opening wide.
"So this guy is Shishio " Kaoru said, and unconsciously clenched her fists.
"He really looks like a mummy." muttered Yahiko.
"Battousai, Saito Hajime and ... rooster head. What a pleasure to see you again." said Shishio.
"Shishio ... how? " Kenshin froze in his place with Sano and Saito. All three of them watched Shishio's burning to the ashes.
"It's not that hard. Zenex brought me back from hell. I'm one of the fighters participating in the tournament."
Shishio laughed as he saw his enemies unable to say anything from shock and continued his speech.
"Battousai, I still haven't given up on my dream. I still plan to bring an age of violence to Japan. After I won this tournament, this will be childs play. In fact, with my wish and my new power I am going to create a more powerfull Japan than the world and universes. I hope we can face each other again in the tournament." and Shishio disappeared through the circle where he came from.
"Now, Kenshin, you can join my tournament or pray to god that Shishio won't win, but spoilersss… I won't be listening.." Zenex said mockingly. They all looked at him in disgust at Zenex's because of his words.
"What you are doing here is blackmail.. If you didn't have that weird power, I'd take your head right here."Saito said, narrowing his eyes to Zenex.
"Owwww…. Scary. Lucky for me I don't need to be worried. Sorry for not staying any longer but I need to go now. I'm behind the program. There are a lot more places to stop. I still need stop Pucci to resetting universe. I'm giving you one week to deciding and preapering. After that, a portal will be going to open in front of you.
"Portal?" asked Kenshin. Then the circle appeared in front of the Zenex.
"This circle thing. Stay healthy! Especially you, Kenshin…" and Zenex disappeared into what he called portal.
Everyone didn't know what to say for a while. Then Saito broke the silence. "I believe I don't have no choice. As a police chief and Umi's wolf, It's my duty to bury Shishio into the depths of history again. I think we will fight side by side once more, Kenshin." said Saito, looking at Kenshin.
"It's looks like that." Kenshin nodded.
"Thinking of this tournament is boiling my blood, but there's something wrong with that Zenex. I don't trust him." Sano said.
"Kenshin ..." Kaoru said with shadows in her eyes.
"Kaoru, I ..."
"We're coming too this time." said Kaoru. There was no room for argument in her voice.
"Oro?!"
"Whatever we're going to say, we both know you're going to participate anyway. This time we'll be there for you." said Kaoru with a smile. "But if things get dirty, please withdraw, okay?"
"Yeah, and it also says here that we can join as spectators. Though I wanted to participate, but ... " Yahiko said with disappointment.
"It also says that we should bring medical supplies ourselves. So you're going to need a doctor." stated Megumi.
"... thank you for being with me." Kenshin said, and began to think, looking up at the sky. 'Bringing someone back to life, huh? I wonder, what do you think about this, Tomoe?'
Flashback End
"I come here because there is a certain man I need to stop, no matter what. Though... when I think of the first two rounds, I don't think I need to worry anymore." Yes, Shishio was strong, he almost defeated him, last time they fought, but even him couldn't get close to Hitsugaya-san and Gray-san performances. "But I will not leave until I watch that man fall again." Kenshin said with determination.
"... which means you didn't come here to win, no, you don't believe you can win, do you?" Sasaki said, holding his hand to his chin.
"Exactly." Kenshin replied without hesitation.
"What about the prize? Isn't there any desire you want to make it real in your heart? Don't you have a wish?" Sasaki asked curiously. Kenshin looked at Sasaki's right side. He looked sadly as if he were looking at an imaginary being. The Shaman team had to look more carefully to make sure there was no wandering soul there.
"... I have a wish, but I do not intend to use it for myself. I want to bring someone else's happiness back. But I'm still not sure that I want to make this wish. If I wish this, all the wars, wounds, and suffering I have ever done will be in vain. The only wish in my heart right now is to protect the people I love and who are close to me! " Kenshin shouted and pointed his sword at Sasaki. Most of the people who watching the match smiled at Kenshin. (Even Mikasa) Luffy, Naruto, Ichigo and Natsu in particular decided that they really liked Kenshin.
"W-W-WHA-WHAT- a great human! The woman who married with him must be very lucky." Koto commented, crying.
Sasaki looked at Kenshin for a while. He could easily win right now, but he didn't care. He had one thing in his heart he wanted, to fight a powerful enemy like himself or Saber. If he won the fight right away, what's the point of coming here? Worse, Sasaki knew Kenshin was really strong. He knew it the first time he looked into those blue eyes.
The eyes of a murderer ... The eyes of a man who had cut and washed in the blood of countless men ... He didn't know who he was in his past life, but if he did not defeat him in his true potential, there would be no honor. No, it wasn't just dishonorable. If he didn't beat him in his true power, what was the point of all this fight. There had to be a way to reveal his true potential.
'I know what I saw. He has a definitly eyes of a true hitokiri. I just need to pull him out his slumber.'
He looked at Kenshin a little more. In the front of him a man with a high sense of justice, humanist (I think that was the word), who could throw his own life for others. Then he looked at Kenshin's team. There were two women, one teenager and one baby. The others were probably his teammates. He stared again at the lady with the baby. It was probably his wife and child. Then suddenly, it hit him. The answer was simple, he had to play the bad guy.
Sasaki put his hand to the handle of his sword and threw him into Kenshin like a storm.
"I'm just a faker anyway so shut up with your philosophy and just fight me!"
When he swing his sword to Kenshin again, he cut off the air again as he had expected. Kenshin was above on his head again. Turning at a high speed, like a saw, he began to draw closer to Sasaki. Usually the only thing that could be done against this technique was defense or escape, but for a man who cut a flying swallow, it was a simple matter.
RYUKANSEN ARASHI
Before Kenshin's sword had touch, Sasaki's sword pierced Kenshin's shoulder and left him hanging in the air like a rag doll.
"Gah!" Kenshin shouted in pain. Meanwhile, in a distant land, the wound of a blond-haired swordsman began to tingle.
"What happened, Himura! Is this all your strenght! Aren't you going to protect everyone near you!" Sasaki swung his sword and threw Kenshin against the wall.
Despite the pain on his shoulder, Kenshin did not lose himself in the air and gave his feet on the wall. When his feet touched the wall, he threw himself with momentum towards to Sasaki.
RYU SHO SEN
Sasaki quickly stepped to the side and slipped out of the attack and made a deep cut in Kenshin's back with his sword. When Kenshin fell hard, Sasaki continued his insults.
"Forget about others, with this strenght you can't even protect yourself!" Then he jumped into the air and tried to stab his sword into Kenshin. Kenshin rolled away at the last minute.
"Duty of swordsman is cutting his enemies down! Whether he is enjoying it or doing it for his family, it doesn't matter! If you refuse to cut in the front of you, why don't you drop your sword and deal with another profession!"
Kenshin stood up angrily and tossed his sword at Sasaki's side, but Sasaki blocked the attack and hit Kenshin's nose with his hilt. The breaking sound of the nose echoed throughout the arena.
"What is Assassin trying to do? It's the first time I've seen him act so cruel." Shiro said.
"By making Kenshin angry, he is trying to bring his hidden potential or old self. He's playing a dangerous gambling." Artoria said, frowning. She could understand him. She'd feel bad too if the enemy didn't give her everything.
"Idiot, instead of playing game win the match." Rin muttered.
"Still, what he's doing is wrong." said Jeanne.
"You're embarrassing every Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu user and swordmaster before you !" Kenshin, couldn't hold himself anymore, screamed at Sasaki despite his broken nose.
"SHUT UP!"
"Am I popping a vein? I'm just speaking the truth. How are you planning to protect people while you can't even beat a fraud like me?! How are you planning to protect your wife and child!" Kenshin tried to strike again, but Sasaki acted before him and made a small cut in Kenshin's belly with his sword. Kenshin managed to stay on one leg despite the pain.
"That bastard! How dare he mock Kenshin!" Sanosuke shouted in anger. The others clenched their fists and tried to hold on.
"What will you do if you encounter enemy never back down? Never falling, never giving up, always coming after you... The most thing you care in the world taken from you, can still stick to your ideals? Personally, with your current state you will only cause death of your loved ones." This word filled Kenshin's head with memories. The death of Tomoe and the corpse of the fake Kaoru came to him. How dare he ... how dare this man make fun of them. Something that has been sleeping in him for a long time has awakened and Kenshin's eyes turned yellow.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Kenshin cried out in the air with anger and a desire for blood. He suddenly disappeared and appeared front of Sasaki.
'Fast ...' Sasaki leaped back and escaped from Kenshin's sword. When he regained his posture, a familiar warmth licked his cheek. There was a deep cut on his cheek.
"Yes ... YES! THAT'S IT! THAT WAS THE FIGHT I WAS WAITING FOR! More ... Fight me more Kenshin!" Sasaki shouted with pleasure at Kenshin, and both of them disappeared and began to swing their swords to each other at superhuman speed. They were filled with cuts when they jumped back and stopped to breathe.
Kenshin jumped towards to Sasaki. Sasaki swung his sword to sideway, but Kenshin turned upside down in the air and passed under the sword and made a deep cut in Sasaki.
RYUKANSEN TSUMUJI
If Sasaki hadn't turned himself sideways at the last minute, he'd be split in two now. Kenshin slowly turned his head to Sasaki.
"Sasaki ... I will kill you." Kenshin said with hate and a desire for blood in his voice.
"I expect you to try with great pleasure, Kenshin." Sasaki said, smiling and ignoring the blood flowing from his belly. Kenshin began to walk confidently towards Sasaki, but a scream froze him where he was.
"KENSHIN !" It was shouting from Kaoru, tears flowed from her eyes. "...please stop."
"Kaoru ..." Kenshin continued to look at Kaoru with open mouth.
"What do you think you're doing, woman?" Sasaki said, sternly looking at Kaoru. Normally this look would freeze civilians easily, but Kaoru didn't even care.
"Shut up! Who do you think you are! You don't know shit! You don't know anything about Ken-san's life! Moreover, only transvestites wear purple!" Megumi exploded.
"YES GAYYY!" Yahiko, shouted from Megumin's side. For the first time in his life, Sasaki wanted to swing his sword to women and children.
"Kenshin ... you promised me, right? You wouldn't show this sight of yours again. You said yourself, you're Himura Kenshin, not Hitokiri Battousai. You're my husband and Kenji's father, Himura Kenshin." said Kaoru. When Kenshin looked Kaoru's behind, he saw Tomoe. For the first time for a long time, she was looking at him with a sad look. When his eyes finally turned to Kaoru, his eyes returned to normal color. How could he have been so stupid? Even when he fought against Enishi, he never lost his temper. Then how could he let this man's words work on him so easily?
"Kaoru ... thank you. I think I lost myself a little." Kenshin said sadly and turned towards Sasaki.
"Kenshin! You don't have to push yourself anymore!" shouted Kaoru with fear.
"I'm sorry, Kaoru, but this is something I have to do. I can't stop after everything happened here." Kenshin said with determination.
"That was a disappointment. You were just like I wanted but you are back to your old self." Sasaki said disappointed. "This will damage my pride, but in the next rounds there is the chance to encountering opponents who do not limit themselves, after all I am not a lancer, so I have to win here." He raised his sword towards Kenshin.
"Hold on a minute Sasaki-san. First there is something I want to ask to you."
"Ask it."
"When we first meet, you said servant assassin and then you said fraud and faker. What did you mean about that?" Kenshin said. First he need find out why this guy want to fight him to the death so much. That's why he need learn answer of this riddle.
Sasaki opened his eyes in surprise. He didn't think he'd pay much attention to his words, especially when he was insulting him. He looked at his master Rin for approval. Rin nodded and decided to say it.
"… So you are type of focusing small details huh…" He sighed. "Fine then, I guees I can talk about this. Even I explain everything it isn't going effect my team anyway." Said Sasaki, sighing.
"Listen Himura, where I came from there is a war between magus or mages to obtain holy grail, a whish granting machine. They are calling it Holy Grail War. For obtain grail seven chosen magus summon heroes or famous people from the past and fight with each other. It's like this tournament but more bloodly."
"And you have been summoned as assassin class servant, right?" guessed Kenshin. In his era swordmasters used as hitokiri, it wasn't no suprise to he was chosen Assassin class.
"Indeed I am, Himura. But there is little problem about that. There is no Sasaki Kojiro. Sasaki Kojiro never existed. He's just a tail. Nothing more."
"WHAT!? But… then who are you?!" Kenshin said in surprise. It wasn't just him, the whole room was opened their mouth in surprise.
"Who knows? I'm just a person who most resembling Sasaki Kojiro in the history of mankind, only the memories that Sasaki had been filled within me….. or I'm the idea of if Sasaki lived how does he look and act like of humanity . Either way, I'm not Sasaki Kojiro, I'm just a reflection, a fraud."
"A spirit emerged from common thought. For the first time in all my years of life I have seen something like this." Yamamoto said in surprise.
"That means you're planning to win the tournament and become the real Sasaki Kojiro, right?"
"On the contrary, Kenshin. I'm not interested in being the real Sasaki. Even if I use my wish and become real Sasaki, it won't change the fact that I'm still a fraud. No, what I want is a desire that flickers in my heart, even if it's a fake. I want to fight to powerful enemy, be killed by a powerful enemy. " Sasaki said, smiling.
"I can fulfill this wish with pleasure." Kenpachi said, smiling just like Zoro.
"I understand ... Sasaki-san, a man like me can't make that wish come true but because of the respect your wish, I will defeat you with the most powerful technic of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style, Amakakeru Ryū No Hirameki!" Kenshin shouted taking the battojutsu stance.
"Come then, Kenshin! I will respond to you with Tsubame Gaeshi, the strongest technic of my own style! Let's find out which of us has the strongest style! "Sasaki responded by taking his own stance.
Both swordsmen did not move. It's like they went back to the beginning of fight. Both of them had their hands on their hilt and they were fully concentrated. They both expected each other to make a mistake. Because this move would determine the outcome of the match. All the audience held their breath. In fact, this was no different than the samurai movies they watched for some of them.
Kenshin looked with detemination at Sasaki, but could not suppress the fear and instability within him. This was not a fear of death, but a fear of killing. Amakakeru Ryū No Hirameki was a very dangerous technique. It was a technique that could easily kill if he used a little too much force. And Sasaki's endurance was greater than normal people. He would have lost the match if he used less force. Because of the all wounds he take, there was no more power in him to contiune to fight. He could've killed him if he'd used it too much. He didn't know how much force he had to use. It's not supposed to be more or less.
Kenshin's uncertainty, which was reflected in his eyes for a short time, was enough for Sasaki to act.
Two swordsmen disappeared from the everyone's eyes
.
TSUBAME GAESHI
HITEN MITSURUGI RYU - AMAKAKERU RYU NO HIMAREKI
For a second, a spark appeared and the two swordsmen reappeared. Sasaki's sword was on Kenshin's throat, and Kenshin turned his back to Sasaki.
"Kenshin !" shouted Kaoru with fear.
"What just happened? Did Kenshin lose?!" Yahiko said.
"Don't be ridiculous! Amakakeru Ryu no Himareki is invincible! There is no way Kenshin is defeated!" Sanosuke shouted, but everyone could notice the uneasiness in his voice.
Saito just smiled.
"Did Sas- Sasaki-san win?" Sakura asked, unable to make sense of what had happened.
"I'm sorry master but unfortunately I didn't see anything." said Medusa.
"Sasaki seems to have won from here." Shiro said.
"Don't be naive, kid. While both fighters standing, fight never ends." Lancer said. Saber nodded to Lancer.
"Of course he won. Are you dumb? Assassin's sword is in Kenshin's throat. HEYYY! Assassin! Stop playing around and finish him!" Rin called Sasaki. However, there was one who watched in surprise. EMIYA could not believe his eyes in the face of what happened. Since he was in the archer class, he could see his eyes better than anyone else on the team.
"It's not because he's playing or he doesn't want to attack ... He can't move."
"...What?"
In the arena Sasaki was trying to move his arm with all his strength.
Seconds Ago
(In this part play Rurouni Kenshin- Warrior Suite- Last Attack)
TSUBAME GAESHI
HITEN MITSURUGI RYU - AMAKAKERU RYU NO HIMAREKI
As the two fighters approached each other, they began to draw their swords. Sasaki was the first to draw and his sword started to moving towards Kenshin.
'You're done!' Sasaki thought, swinging his sword. But Kenshin did something that Sasaki never expected. He took an one more step, leaning with his left foot and escaping from Sasaki's sword, getting closer to Sasaki.
'One more step? Finding the courage to take one more step in such a situation ...Bravo! But a flying swallow is not killed in one shot!' Sasaki's sword came back gracefully to cut Kenshin. But this time Kenshin drew his own sword.
His swords struck each other and their swords sparked as they clashed each other. After crossing each other, Kenshin stood still without moving but Sasaki's sword didn't stop and moved quickly towards Kenshin.
'This is Tsubame Gaeshi's last attack Himura! You better turn around. I don't like attacking someone in the back, but I can't stop Tsubame Gaeshi's last attack! ' and his sword moved towards Kenshin's throat.
Now
Sasaki couldn't believe his eyes. He couldn't move. Kenshin had no chance of casting a spell. Or was Medea bullshitting with him? To his surprise, he noticed that he was slowly drawning to Kenshin. 'Hold on ... Airflow ...'
'Even if you get escape from the dragon, you'll never escape the storm of his wings, Sasaki.' Kenshin strongly stepped on the floor, even so strongly floor broken, he turned back ...
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" AND hit Sasaki's wrists with a sword in a beam of light!
"GAHHHH!" All the bones on Sasaki's wrist became destroyed but the fractures didn't stop there, it spread on both of his arm and hand. He finally fell on his knees in pain. Kenshin was also no different. With support from his sword he fell his on knee. They both looked at each other in silence for a while. Then Sasaki broke this silence.
"You know, I usually pride myself on being a pain-resistant person, but I really felt that." He put a slight smile on his face. "But I still want to ask: why my wrist, why not my body?"
"I didn't know how much force I had to use to knock you down. So I decided to attack your sword hand."
"Logical decision, but do you realize that I can still stand still and with conditition of your body you will probably lose. And yet you still decided to attack my wrists with all these risks? Why?" Sasaki waited for an answer from Kenshin like 'I can still beat you' or I'm not done yet 'style answer. Only such an answer would come from such a stubborn man. But Kenshin's answer surprised him.
"I know…. I know ı can be defeated in your next attack. But I still preferred to attack your wrists. That's my only answer." Sasaki stopped for a moment and stared at Kenshin, who was staring at him with determination.
"Ahhhh ... It would be a shame for me to continue fight after all this. I'm withdrawing from the match, Kenshin wins!" Sasaki announced sighing.
"WHAATTTTTT?!" Rin screamed from disbelief.
"With Sasaki Kojiro's withdrawal from the match, the winner is HIMURA KENSHINNN!" Jury declared the winner. Kenshin finally couldn't resist and fell to floor.
Team Fate
"Baka baka baka baka baka baka BAKA! Why did you forfeit from fight?! You could win easily!" Rin screamed.
"Relax, little master. His technique destroyed my Tsubame Gaeshi. Besides, the sword-holding arm defeat means defeat for a swordmaster. If I had continued the match, I wouldn't live from shame." Sasaki said.
"Rin calm down. Sasaki made the right decision. It was an honorable fight." said Saber. Shiro and Lancer nod their heads from behind.
"Nevertheless, don't beg me to fix that arm." Caster said with displeasure. Like Rin, he didn't approve of his withdrawal from fight.
"I wouldn't even dream of it." said Sasaki.
"I-if you want, I can pray for your arms to heal faster." said Jeanne.
Team Edo
"You're really idiot you know that, right?" Saito said, looking at Kenshin lying on the floor. Megumin was bandaging his wounds.
"I had no choice, Saito. Even though he was brought back to life, even he was a fake, he was still human being. I couldn't risk using Amakakeru into his body." Kenshin replied, resting his eyes.
"I'm not talking about that. Instead of his hands you could have attacked his legs. Then he couldn't continue the match."
"ORO!" Kenshin couldn't believe his stupidity. He thought about hitting his hands at the last second. Now, when you think about it, it makes more sense to hit the legs.
"You really are an idiot." Yahiko said, moving his hand to his face.
"Hahahaha ... I think I'll do that to my opponent next time." Kenshin said, sweat dropped from his head.
"Then pray that he is not one of the fate team. Because he probably understood the secret of your technique and he will tell to this his teammates." Saito replied.
Team Hero
This fight aroused so much emotions in Midoriya. He had always seen himself from the bottom layer because he was born without a quirk. But these two people did not have a special power and they outperformed most of the heroes. If he trained from childhood instead of pitying himself, could he be a hero? Could he become like them?
"Are you all right, Midoriya?" Todoroki asked. He's been watching quietly since beginning from the fight.
"I'm fine, it doesn't matter." Midoriya replied with a smile. It didn't matter anymore. He just needed to keep moving.
By the way Bakugo was secretly fuming inside because those two swordmaster were wayy stronger than him without any quirk.
Team Yorozuya
"A place where Amanto nev-" but Gintoki interrupted Shinpachi before he could continue.
"Shut up, Pachi-boy. Everyone knows I've already finished Ruroni Kenshin manga. There's no need to pretend like first time seeing it." Gintoki said with unconcerned expression .
"But all readers expect different anime characters to make comments about fights. " Megane objected.
"Don't be idiot, current readers come to fanfictions only for fighting scenes, everyone is bored with these silly reactions. Why do you think there are so many Call of Duty and Battlefields on the market. Ahhhh where is that old youth ... " Kagura said.
"Are you an old lady?" said Shinpachi.
Hopefully I wouldn't send new chapter in one year
Next chapter
Doppio v Moka