"All right! Who did this?"

Kenshin's eyes widened as Sanosuke stormed through the dojo's door. Police Chief Uramura's eyes narrowed. "Mr. Himura?"

Kenshin smiled. "He's a friend, that he is."

Sano strode in and closed the door.

The chief sighed before continuing, "We're not really sure. Judging by the wound, it seems the murderer used a concealed sword. If he really is from the government, as you suspect, then it's far above my reach. I haven't been informed of any of this."

Sano gaped. "Kenshin, this doesn't have to do with the other night, does it?"

Kaoru crossed his arms, giving him a sour look. "You really are slow, Sanosuke."

The man plopped down, his legs crossed.

Kenshin frowned. "This one won't let anyone die for his sake."

Sano socked him over the head, and then cracked his knuckles. "Just so we're clear, you're not going anywhere."

Kenshin blinked. "Sano…"

Sano held up a hand. "Don't bother, Kenshin. I know you. Now, don't go off trying that noble crap. We're in this together." He leaned closer so only Kenshin could hear then. "Relax. I won't let anything happen to Yahiko or the Missy."

The police chief cleared his throat and Sano straightened up. "The best I can do is station some officers outside…"

Kenshin held up a hand. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary, Chief Uramura. That, it will not." He smiled and rubbed the sore spot on his scalp. "I'd rather not get your men involved, if possible."

Uramura glanced between each of them and nodded. "Very well. If anything comes up, I'll be sure to let you know."

0_r_0_r_0_r_0_r_0

Kenshin didn't sleep that night. His eyes closed a few times, but he couldn't bring himself to that point. Perhaps this was what it was like, he thought, being on death row. If the government wanted to extinguish the hitokiri to fully end the old era, there was nothing he could do.

Yahiko snorted and began to snore in the next room.

Kenshin fingered the wrappings on the sakabato's hilt. Perhaps death would be his atonement.

He turned to the shadow clinging to the ceiling. "You can come down now, that you can."