This chapter is brought to you today by an ANGRY MOB, the number 5 and the letter "H-as in HIDE!" (Manta-Rae is too busy hiding from the pitchfork and torch wielding people to disclaim ownership of Rurouni Kenshin, which is true.)

- Recap-

~~~~~~ Hurtling through the ninja network, it's a braid, it's a kunai, it's Misao to the rescue! (…or beat down of Battosai, whichever comes first)~~~~~~

~~~~~In the Akebeko a stunned group gawk at the vision of beauty~~~~~

Long inky dark hair bound high with a deep indigo ribbon, eyes of the same blue hue swept the frozen scene finally settling on familiar purple. Her smile shone like the sun after rain, warm and welcoming.

~~~The rival is introduced~~~

She stood just outside the booth and gestured at the man standing in her shadow, "I'd like everyone to meet Yamamoto-san."

~~~now for the musical chairs portion of your entertainment~~~

The fox-lady, rooster-head, and Tokyo's samurai-son changed seats, moving closer together. Kaoru elegantly settled beside Kenshin and the newcomer is placed next to Dr. Gensai on the other side of the table. The males vying for the swordswoman's attention were now sitting face-to-face across the wooden expanse.

~~~staring contest interrupted~~~

Kaoru cleared her throat, garnering everyone's gaze (their attention had been on her, their glances furtive, from the moment she sat.)

She beamed, "I decided to accept Yamamoto's proposal."

~~~~~~~Chapter Five~~~~~~~

~~~Tokyo

"What about Kenshin He'll be with me, right Sir Ken Jou-chan if Rich Guy here threatened you *glare at interloper* Calm down, I'm sure little Kaoru has a good reason to marry Yamamoto-san WHAT REASON COULD THERE BE?"

Startled blue eyes stare at the eruption of chaos. The multitude of voices raised in anger, ringing with disbelief, the frantic discord filled with pandemonium and panic.

"What?" she turns to the red haired wanderer and is meet with purple longing and violet acceptance.

"I'm just saying she might love Yamamoto-san *cracking knuckles* Rooster-head you use that hand I wring your neck"

As the mayhem escalates, Kaoru is mesmerized by the warm deep amethyst, "Kenshin?"

"Ahahahaha Busu in love *snort* with Rich Guy *snort* I'LL KILL HIM, KILL HIM TIL HE'S DEAD calm down *whap* I said Calm Down Sano"

Fiery red tilts, a silent question in reply.

"Kaoru-chan is old enough to marry who she wishes THERE AIN'T NO WAY JO-CHAN IS MARRYING YOUR POMPOUS ASS! *bam-a satisfied huff* Sanosuke Sagara shut up!"

A soft pop, a blinding billowing smoke screen engulfing the group, Kenshin automatically grips the reverse blade as several wooden thunks and a yelp sounds out. Kaoru is pushed away from his side, the swordsman instinctively on his feet to follow, a restraining hand seizes his shoulder, he snarls and whirls to the unseen threat, a clash of metal-on-metal, a cool voice:

"I see we've arrived in time for the festivities."

Battle ready instincts calming as Battosai withdraws, the ninja powder clears, revealing a bundle of limbs known separately as Misao and Kaoru.

The dojo master is overwhelmed by a small ninja who has rivers of tears flowing and muffled wail of: "Kaaaoo~rrruuu~ don't do it~"

"I see Misao hasn't lost her touch with the kunai," Aoshi sounds impressed.

Curious Kenshin turns to see Yamamoto-san pinned by his sleeves to the wall. The man looks frightened, probably a result of the chaos of multiple conversations/threats and the swift unexpected imprisonment. The rurouni ducks his head to hide the laughter.

Aoshi calmly greets, "Himura."

Well at least it seemed the ninja leader had moved forward, "this one wonders what brings the Kyoto Oniwabanshū to our humble city, that I do."

Silently a thin scrap of parchment is produced. He reads the familiar scrawl, understanding one reason for their arrival, 'Yahiko sent for reinforcements.' Kenshin's attention shifts and he watches as Gensai-sensei (helpfully) and the teen boy (reluctantly) pry out the sharp throwing daggers thus freeing Yamamoto-san from his prison.

Warmth, well known and always welcome arrives by his side. Kaoru, with a ninja monkey sniveling and clinging to her opposite sleeve, her blue eyes full of laughter says, "it seems there has been a misunderstanding."

Their antics had frightened off most of the other patrons, those that still lingered did so because they had become immune to the Kenshin-gumi exploits. Returning to their table, the expectant gazes of the group are meet with reassuring nods. With Tae and Tsubame hovering nearby, Yamamoto-san reclaims his original seat. Doc Gensai with an amused smile and Megumi's own composed façade observe the proceedings with hidden worry. Yahiko with trepidation sits by Misao (who was still weeping "don't do it Kaoru" over and over) The ninja's hostage smiles serenely as Kenshin patiently settles by her side. Sano's tall form stands behind the rurouni, the brawler glaring at Rich Guy. Standing in the shadows, Aoshi's silent vigil never strays far from a certain ninja-girl.

Yamamoto finished dusting his sleeves, "is it always this lively Kamiya-san?"

"Yes, most of the time," Kaoru offers an explanation, "though in this case it seems my friends were upset by my agreement."

He folds his hands around a fresh cup of tea (the last one went flying in the ninja sneak attack) "I see. However you gave me the impression that your...family..." here a nervous glance for objections to the substituted word, "supported your decision. Did you not inform them of my offer?"

"I told Kenshin of your proposal," blue eyes turn to the rurouni, "he told the others to meet us here."

"Himura-san," the younger states, gaze worried, "if you are against this partnership, I assure you that I only wish to augment Kamiya-san's reputation."

A bandaged finger is flung in accusation, "Enough with the fancy words and the snooty talk! Admit that you want to marry Jou-chan so I can knock your teeth out."

Yamamoto flinches back from the threat, "M-marry? I don't want to marry Kamiya-san!"

Tensed muscles relax, the rurouni blinks as Kaoru pouts, "didn't you listen to a word I said Kenshin?"

Her hand on his arm send sparks straight to his brain, thoughts fried, he offers, "oro?"

"I guess age has finally caught up to him," she playfully nudges him with her shoulder, "I told you yesterday that Yamamoto-san is a relative of a student. He is the one that is sponsoring Kamiya dojo in the upcoming martial arts ceremony."

Yamamoto nods agreement, "I thought the Kamiya Kasshin Ru would be a perfect addition to the lineup of entertainment."

She continues, "he proposed that Kamiya dojo put on a demonstration at the tournament. He is going provide the entrance fee for both Yahiko and myself."

"By participating, Kamiya-san can garner attention for the Kamiya Kasshin Ru. Perhaps get more students interested in her family's sword style."

"I didn't want to enter Yahiko without asking if he would be willing to be part of the ceremony…"

"YES!" the student's eager interruption.

"Well that's was easy," Yamamoto smiles, "Myōjin-kun, we will need to get you a uniform next."

"Uniform? Why can't I use my normal clothes?"

"The traditional dress uniform is required for every contestant," Kaoru gestures to her new gi, "I'll be using this but you can get a plain one in the Kamiya dojo colors."

The teen nods, "sounds good."

"I told Kenshin all this yesterday, so I don't know why he told everyone I was getting married," she glares at the blushing suspect.

Megumi's states matter-of-factly, "That was Sano's fault."

"WHAT?" the accused ruffian shouts.

The lady-doctor continues smoothly, "he saw Yamamoto-san kneeling and holding your hand outside the other dojo."

Kaoru blinks in surprise.

Yamamoto cheeks are red, he coughs, "that was my fault, you see, I dropped my business card and knelt to grab it. Kamiya-san must have been offering her hand to help me back up when you saw us."

Sano (grumbling and muttering about 'traitor foxes') avoids scrutinizing gazes, "that makes sense I suppose."

Megumi raises a cool mocking eyebrow, "didn't you also say that Kaoru was blushing?"

"What? I was not!"

Sano cowers behind Aoshi trying to hide from her wrath, "maa maa, Jou-chan!"

Kaoru lunges, clawed hands prepared to wring a chicken neck, "don't tell me to calm down, you instigated this, Baka!"

Kenshin restraining arms wrap around her middle, ignoring the verbal tirade and promises of death toward a certain street-fighter, he inquires: "This humble one wonders when the tournament is taking place, that I do."

The business man eyes with apprehension the futilely flailing dojo master with her growls of dismemberment, "It is next month, the 14th of May. During the spring festival."

Kaoru had deflated and lays limp in his grasp, "The Martial Arts Tournament for Hanami. Sessha has seen the flyers, that I have."

"One and the same," Yamamoto watches the wilted 'Rose of Kenjustu' with morbid curiosity, "there is a small charge for participants. Which as stated, I will provide for Kamiya dojo. The collected money is put into a pot for the winner of the finals."

Kaoru stirs and calmly reclaims her cushion, smoothing wrinkles from her kimono, "ten dojos have entered so far. The prize money is nearly at 10,000 yen."

~~~~~~~~~'

A/N: I hereby give credit to the publishers and author of the new Kenshin manga for the Story Cover Image:

view. thespectrum series/ rurouni- kenshin- kinema- ban- chapter- 2. html ?ch = Chapter Kinema Ban 1& page=24 (see profile if link doesn't work)

This is the kimono Kaoru is wearing for my fic!

* For those of you vaguely wondering what Yahiko's message said:

"EMERGENCY! THE RACCOON IS GETTING MARRIED! KENSHIN'S NOT THE GROOM!"

* As for Misao's timely appearance, I couldn't find a reference for the length of time a train ride was so…

Misao's awesome ninja skillz – time~space continuum = convenient teleportation! Yay me!

*If you were completely baffled by the run-ons, I apologize. I was trying to convey mass chaos and confusion and several things happening at once.

High fives to:

Satirically Inclined, Ayla27, who called my bluff. *blushes* ya got me…

Thanks to reviewers/alerts/favs:

DuShuZhi, karou25, Ayla27, Bismarck Alexander, kokoronagomu. And all the readers who did not in fact morph into an ANGRY MOB. You guys are the best!