Confrontations

Kaoru always hummed as she cleaned the house, especially when she was happy. It was a beautiful day without a cloud in sight, and the night was to hold a full moon. Perhaps Kenshin and she could look at the moon together like the old days.

For now, she was alone in the dojo. Kenshin had some errands to run and wouldn't be back until well after dark. Misao should be on her way home soon from the lumbar yard. All Kaoru had to do now was decide what to make for dinner.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the front gate door open. Misao must be home, she thought instantly, but then she looked out the window. She could still see the sun peaking over the west gates. That's strange. Misao usually doesn't get home until after the sun sets. Kaoru didn't think anything of it and walked outside.

"Misao, is that you?" she asked. There was no answer. Kaoru looked around again to make sure someone had come in. Sure enough, the front door was still open. "That's really strange." She walked over and closed the door. Everyone knew to close the door after entering. Maybe the wind blew it open?

When Kaoru turned around, she was incased in someone's shadow. Two venomous black eyes stared back at her. Those eyes belonged to a tall man with long black hair. Kaoru's eyes slowly traveled down to the katana the man was holding in his left arm, ready to unsheathe it if needed. Kaoru tried to find her voice, but the man found it first.

"Are you Kaoru Kamiya?" the man asked in a charismatic, almost evil voice. Kaoru stepped back until her back hit the closed door. Lucky for her, someone had left a wooden sword against the gate, which she grabbed and took a defensive stance. The man chuckled as his hand left his sword. "That stance belongs to the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. I wonder if it can compare to my Jigen Yurimaki Ryu. I doubt a child's toy can even get past my hands."

Kaoru lost control. She immediately charged at his shoulder, but the man caught the sword and tore it away. "I have nothing against you, Kaoru Kamiya," he said again as he thrust the hilt of his sword into Kaoru's ribs. Her eyes went wide as she fell to her knees. She tried to gulp for air, but it wouldn't come. "But you are needed to lure Misao Makimachi into my trap." Everything went black after those words.

Misao stretched as she walked to the dojo. It had been a long day chopping wood. She felt that her ninja skills were getting better with each tree she chopped to the ground. She had gotten to the point where she could chop a tree with a single blow. She must be coming close to becoming strong like Aoshi wanted.

"I wonder what Kaoru is cooking tonight," she said as she got to the gate. Maybe she could help her host get everything ready. She opened the door and made her way in, but something stopped her. A broken wooden sword was lying on the ground. Misao wondered why Kaoru would leave it lying on the ground when she knew it should be thrown away. "That's weird. Miss Kaoru, you left your sword on the ground." There was no answer. There was no sound. Everything was quiet, too quiet, for Misao.

Then she saw it. On one of the poles that held up the house was a shuriken with a note attached. Misao ran to it and quickly unfolded the note.

Misao Makimachi,

I believe you have interfered with my business of slave trading by attacking Shinki Yakito. Since you have decided to cross my path, I suggest we should end this with a one-on-one battle. The winner gets to decide the loser's fate.

For insurance, I have asked Kaoru Kamiya to witness our duel. Should you decline my challenge, she will be my opponent. We both know she will not stand a chance against me.

Meet me at the temple in the forest north of Tokyo at nine o'clock. I eagerly anticipate a duel with the leader of the Oniwanbanshu.

Katsu Yurimaki

Misao crunched the note in one hand as she clung to the blade of the shuriken in the other. She didn't even notice the blood dripping from the blade.

Kenshin walked through the streets of Tokyo with his newly polished sword. It had taken him awhile to smooth all the bumps out, but he felt he had down an exceptional job. He looked at the moon above him. He was surprised at how fast night had come. He was sure that Kaoru was done serving supper, so he was glad to have eaten at Akabeko.

As he walked down the street, he could feel an odd yet familiar presence. It was strong, yet it was cold. He wasn't sure at first if his instincts were right, but when he turned around to see who was standing on the house next to him, he was somewhat glad he was right.

"Aoshi Shinomori," Kenshin stated as he greeted his old friend. "What brings you to Tokyo? Perhaps Miss Misao is the reason?" Aoshi retained his frown as he jumped to the ground. His eyes were colder than usual, but Kenshin could tell something was wrong.

"We need to talk, Kenshin."

Kaoru tried to struggle free from the ropes that bond her, but Katsu Yurimaki had tied them too tight. He laughed as she continued in vain.

"It is better if you don't struggle, my dear," Katsu said as he stared at her lustfully. "I do love to watch women suffer." Kaoru glared at him just as she did when Jinei had kidnapped her.

"Why are you doing this? Do you have some grudge against Kenshin?"

"Kenshin?" he asked. He laughed again from where he was sitting. "No, the Battousai doesn't interest me today. You have a little friend staying at your place that I would like to slice up." Kaoru's eyes grew as she realized who he was after.

"Do you mean Misao?" Katsu's smile grew even more as he continued to chuckle.

"Yes, she interfered with my slave trade, so she will repay me what she owes me. She will also pay back what her leader owes me." Katsu's laughs became louder until he was in hysteria. Kaoru interrupted his good time by shouting at him.

"You won't get away with this! And what do you mean by paying back what her leader owes you?" Katsu quickly pulled out his pocket watch and grinned.

"It is time." He threw his watch aside as he made his way towards Kaoru. He drew his sword and pointed it at her neck. "It looks like I get to have some fun with you, Kaoru." He was about to strike when he noticed something flying at him. He barely dodged the shuriken. He looked to the side to see where it had come from. Misao was standing at the top of the steps of the temple, which made Katsu excited. "I was wondering when you would show up. This is going to be so much fun."

Kaoru looked over at Misao with a relieved smile, but it soon faded. The eyes in the girl's head had grown to be more mature than any thirty-year-old woman, and they were just as cold as Aoshi Shinomori's.

"Katsu Yurimaki, I will be your opponent tonight, and I will kill you."