Hi! the check speller wasn't working so... sorry if you find grammar mistakes... also, sorry for the delay in this chapter.
Hope you to like it.
leave your reviews please.
Jou-chan
Chapter 7 – Hurtful than the Sword
As they reach the entrance, Kaoru felt her heart beating so fast that for a while, she thought it would came out of her chest. She didn't have enough time to prepare herself for that evening. As soon as they came in, Katsura appeared and complimented them:
"I am so glad you finally accepted our invitation to a dinner." – he put his arm around his wife's shoulder and smiled: "My name is Katsura Kogoro and this is my wife Sakura Kogoro."
"It's nice to meet you. Kenshin talked a lot about you. My name is Kamyia Kaoru." – Some way she managed to disguise her anxiety.
"Let's go inside, there are other people there waiting for us." – he said
Kaoru give a scared look at Kenshin. They were not alone after all. He signaled her to follow the couple and so she did.
AS they get into the dining room Kenshin noticed that Kaoru's fear wasn't baseless. All the important members of Ishinshishi were there: Okubo, Saigo, and some other people were invited for this dinner as well… Katsura wasn't really making things easy for the girl. Kenshin also noticed the looks his companions were giving them… but he knew the reason that made them act that way.
"Hey Shinji" – on of them nudged another on the arm – "This is the first time I see Himura with a girl."
"Yeah, I know." – the other replied – "he seemed so unplugged of that kind of things, and now appears here escorting a flower like that." – he smirked.
"Sounds like he has a heart, after all." – the first one said.
"Oh come on man, with a girl like that, who would be able to resist? Have you seen her looks? That skin must be soft and those lips must be…"
"If I was you I would stop talking about her like that." – Another one said.
"Saigoro, you are always spoiling everything. We were just having some fun. " – Shinji replied
Saigoro was probably the oldest men among the Ishinshishi, he was respected not only by his age but also because of his experience and skills. He was not one of the three leaders, but he was the one they would come to talk to when in need of advisement: "Funny it would be if Kenshin hears what you're saying."
Their faces immediately paled as they pictured that. An angry Himura would mean a lot of trouble… After all there was a reason people called him Battousai.
The old man laugh: "You are incorrigible."
"The problem is if he gets too soft." – Iizuka took a sip of sake. His sentence caused Saigoro to stare at him: "Every men needs something else than war and blood, you should know that."
"That man needs only war and blood." – he didn't took his eyes away from Kaoru – "If he starts thinking too much maybe he ends up leaving us."
::::
"My friends, I joined you all here today with a purpose." – Katsura caught everyone's attention with his sentence – "Everyone here in this room have helped me through many difficult situations." – he looked to each and every one of them as if he was reminding himself of moments those men helped him individually: "In battles against our enemies, in battles for our country, sharing the gaining and the lost… But there Is someone here that stop me from losing the three most important people of my life. And to achieve that she put her own life in danger..."
Kaoru was blushing at every word. She really didn't know how to deal with public compliments. Kenshin on the other side was happy that her bravery was being recognized; also, he was amused seeing her face so red.
Katsura continued: "So, that's why I want Kaoru-san to be treated like family, protected like one of us."
"We already realized that." – another one said – "Otherwise you wouldn't dismissed your personal guard to protect her." Everybody on the room laughed, Katsura as well."Your right Okubo my friend. I dismissed Himura from his job, but it was only for a few days. He is going to be back to active soon."
"Kaoru-san, please, stare at all these man faces… They are going to be a part of your life from now on. They will protect you and treat you as family." – Katsura said looking at her- "Isn't that right?" – he turned to them.
"Hai." – all of them replied.
Kaoru gulped. It was too much attention… Much more than what she was accostumated. "Thank… you." – she managed to say.
"Don't you see you are embarrassing the girl with your speech Katsura?" - Saigo said, which made Kaoru blush more – "I am sure Kenshin is going to take care of her protection, just as he did until now. So Let's just start the dinner?"
Kenshin didn't like the tone he used referring to Kaoru and him, but that was just the way Saigo was. Among the three leaders he was probably the less capable one to the job, but his loyalty to the ideals of the revolution and his family welfare made him an important support to the group.
:::
After that, the subject changed to things like battles and situations among them as a group and Kaoru felt happy that she was not in the center of their conversations anymore. But, she couldn't stop feeling uncomfortable. Mainly because of Iizuka stares.
Why is he looking at me like that? Kaoru felt like she was the prey and he was the predator… ready to attack her as soon as he had a chance.
"Kaoru-san." – she felt a soft touch on her hand. She met with Sakura's brown eyes: "Sakura-san."
"Would you join me in a walk?" – she asked gently
"Yes." – she looked at Kenshin and as he nod she got up and followed her hoster.
Happy to be away from the dinner room, Kaoru sighed.
"You didn't felt comfortable among all those man." – she simply said as they reached the garden.
Kaoru shook her head ready to deny but Sakura didn't let her: "I totally understand what you felt. Sometimes I feel the same way."
Kaoru bite her bottom lip nervously, she didn't wanted Sakura to think she was being ungrateful: "It's just that I don't know anyone else apart from Kenshin."
"I See." – the other woman said – "I am sure that we will be able to solve that, at least between us. "
Kaoru gave a small smile and nod: "Off course."
She grab Kaoru's hand and mentioned her to follow her: "I want to show you something." – she gave a smile and pushed her inside again, but this time not to the dining room. It was a different compartment. She slide the door to open it: "You can leave now Misako, thank very much." – the maid nod and left quietly.
Sakura and Kaoru kneeled beside the two sleeping children. "They seem so peaceful." – Kaoru said.
She caressed her son's hair: "Yes they are… But the day after the attack they were so scary that I just couldn't put them to sleep… Katsura and I end up taking them to our room." – she sighed remembering their faces... terrified that they might be attacked again.
"I just don't understand how people can be so mean." – Kaoru said looking at them – "They are just children."
Sakura shook her head: "It's because of the war. People put their beliefs above everything else, even from human life."
"War… How do you feel living in the era of war? Must be terrifying." – Kaoru asked. The only things she knew about wars were the ones she was told in school and from her history books.
"It is scary. Mainly because Katsura has an important role in this war. He says he fights for a new era, for freedom, and at the beginning his ideals used to fascinate me, but now… when he is the target of so many attacks… I think differently." – her eyes showed the loneliness her heart felt. – "Sometimes I felt I could receive bad news at any moment, Kaoru, the news of his death."
Kaoru said almost in a whisper: "Must be awful to feel that way."
"Well, since Kenshin appeared I feel Katsura is safer." – she looked at Kaoru – "I insisted with Okubo and Saigo to find him a bodyguard and they appeared with Kenshin." – she remembered the moment she saw him for the first time: "I Thought it was a joke Kaoru… I thought they were crazy to send a child to do a men's job."
"A Child?" – Kaoru inquired. Kenshin wasn't a child, he was probably older than her.
"Kenshin started to work with us at the age of fifteen." – she answered – "It's been five years since then, and Katsura never again came home hurted. Kenshin is probably the most skilled samurai among the Ishinshishi."
Kaoru raised her eyebrow: "Is he that good?"
Sakura gave a shy smile: "For what I heard… he is so fast that his victims don't have the time to scream. "
Kaoru sighed. For what she had witnessed until now, there were two different versions of Kenshin. The first one: The skilled samurai that could engage in a fight with no fear to die or to kill, and second: The kind and gentle Kenshin that uses to be around her. Although she had seen him killing before, she wasn't able to conciliate both of his behavior...
"How can he deal with that?"
"I don't know." – Sakura answered which made Kaoru notice she had asked out loud – "Katsura is also worried about him in that point, he says that he is the best in what he does, but he needs something to take him out of this ugly reality sometimes. Otherwise, someday he will become insane."
Kaoru sadly nod in agreement. It wasn't beautiful to picture Kenshin that way.
She felt soft touch on her hand: "Don't worry; I am sure everything will be alright." Kaoru looked at Sakura's hand on hers. "I don't like to think of Kenshin that way, it pains me."
"You got close to each other, don't you?" – Sakura asked wondering if those last days were enough for feelings to arouse between those two.
"What do you mean?" – Kaoru asked, blushing a little. Sakura smiled freely. Kaoru just couldn't hide, she nurtured feelings for the samurai: "Please don't embarrass me." – she said in a whisper.
"My dear, there's nothing to be embarrassed for." – Sakura said – "It's just natural."
"No it's not. You don't understand… and I don't know how to explain but…" – Kaoru's voice was cut off when she heard the maid calling Sakura. "Yes, What is it?" – the maid came into the room and bowed: "My lady, your husband is requesting your presence and lady Kaoru too."
"Tell him we will be there in a minute." – as soon as she heard Sakura's response she turned and leave.
These women move so gracefully. – Kaoru thought as she saw the maid sliding the door.
"You were saying…" –Sakura encouraged her to talk but Kaoru had lost all of her will when she noticed they needed to come back to the dining room.
"Never mind… your husband is waiting for you." – she excused herself
Sakura got up: "I only let you go without an explanation because I know we are going to have more days like these to talk." – she gave Kaoru a comforting smile, she smiled back: "Thank you for listening."
They were about to leave when Sakura hugged her. Kaoru was caught off guard with her gesture. "Thank you so much for what you did the other night." – she said still hugging her.
"There's nothing to be thankful for Sakura." – Kaoru replied. Sakura stared at her as she continued talking: "I also want to thank you for sending Kenshin after me, you didn't realized, but you were helping me… and your kindness for inviting me for this dinner."
Sakura smiled and grab Kaoru's hand: "You're always welcome here."
Kaoru smiled back: "Thank you."
:::::
"Himura, in my opinion Kaoru should stay here for protection." – Katsura said looking at the samurai – "But by the look on your face I see you don't share my opinion."
Kenshin tossed: "Kaoru-dono is new here in Japan, and she is not accostumated to live in a dangerous country in war like we do. Her naiveté's and innocence would kill her if she is left alone."
"But I am not thinking of leaving her alone, she could stay here with Sakura." – Katsura replied clarifying the plans he made for her.
"I think Sakura-san and Kaoru should be friends, it would be good for both of them." – Kenshin wanted some solid argument to convince Katsura – "But, I think that, at least for now, she should stay at my place."
Katsura wondered why Kenshin was insisting in that idea, he thought that the red-haired man would be glad to let Kaoru there, but the samurai seemed over-protective about that girl. The Ishinshishi leader didn't understood why, but made no comment about it.
"Kaoru may come here during the times I am out, working." – Katsura's silence was a sign that he was thinking about his offer – "But when I am done from my job, I think she is safer by my side."
"I see." – the other said with a small smile appearing on his lips. He finally understood what was stopping Kenshin from leaving the girl there, but once again he said nothing about that.
::
Both women stepped out of the room and when they reached the dinning room only Kenshin and Katsura where there : "What happened to the others?" – Sakura asked.
Kaoru walked till Kenshin's side relieved that everyone else seemed to have disappeared. Kenshin noticed that and smiled back. That didn't go unnoticed to Katsura and Sakura who exchange glances. "They left." – Katsura answered
"I think that is our turn to leave." – Kenshin mentioned to Kaoru. She nodded.
After a while they said goodbye to their hosters and where on their way back home.
:::
As they walked home together Kenshin thinks on how beautiful she is that night. That kimono intensified her natural beauty and matched her eyes. Although her young age, Kaoru was already a very attractive woman. The samurai also reflected about how peaceful that day was, no killing, no blood spilling… just her… her and her smile, he could live like that forever, but...part of him knew that was just an illusion. He was an hitokiri and his life could never be apart from the sword, and that means he would have to carry the weight of the lives he takes each day.
"Kenshin?" – her soft voice chase his demons away. He looked at her, she wanted to ask him something, so he let her proceed: "Sakura told me you are a skilled samurai." – she remembered the woman's words – "Don't you ever feel afraid?" Kenshin lifted his eyebrow, but she continued: "I mean… Every time you engage in a fight your life is at risk, aren't you afraid of… " – Kaoru was trying to find a nicest word than the one on her mind…
"Death?" – Kenshin completed her question. She wants to know what I feel, could that mean that she is beginning to worry about me? – it was nice to feel that someone cared - Don't be stupid, she is probably just curious… "Dying doesn't scare me anymore Kaoru-dono."
"What does?" – her immediate question made him stop to think. Think about the reasons that lead him into this kind of live, the deep desire he had but he never fulfilled.
"Not being able to protect the people I love." – she stopped walking but he didn't, her question brought many sad memories to his mind, his sisters, his master, the first life he took and unconsciously the last one too… No…. this was being the most peacefully day of his life in five years, it shouldn't be spoiled by memories like that…
"Let's not talk about that Kaoru, please." – he turned back to her. "Kaoru-dono what happened?" – he gasped when he saw her so pale and her eyes so open in what he sensed to be fear. She only pointed: "Kenshin, behind you." - She mumbled.
He didn't need to turn. There were three men behind him and all of them had a fighting spirit.
He was so distracted with his own thoughts that he missed their presence. "I am sorry." now she would have to see him killing. Kenshin cursed and turned to them trying to find the best position to shield her and also be able to fight them..
They all ran to him with their swords unsheathed. I am a monster… That will never change. she will hate me forever after this.
Kaoru wanted to scream for help but numbness took over her vocal cords and she wasn't able to say a word, her knees weakened and she fell on the floor. Also, everything happened so fast, almost in a blink of an eye, that the only thing she noticed was three bodies lying lifeless on the ground and the poll of blood that she was sitting in.
What happened? Did he killed them? I haven't seen his moves… how can he move so fast? - she looked at Kenshin trying to understand what just happened there, but he avoided eye contact with her...
After a while he found the courage to talk: "I am sorry. I didn't want you to witness this." – he said turning to her. The look on her eyes showed fear and repulsiveness. "You must think I am a monster." – he came close to her expecting her to step back in fear but she remained in the same position, staring at the bodies of the men he killed. Kenshin lend her his hand to help her got up and only then he realized she was trembling. He pulled her up and Kaoru hugged him tightly still shaking with fear.
Caught off guard with her gesture Kenshin let his sword slipped from his hand. She was embracing him? No one did that in more than ten years. He placed a hand on the back of her head and the other around her back: "Kaoru?" he felt she became heavier after a while and realized she had fainted.
Kenshin immediately pick her up and took her home in his arms.
::::::::::::::::::
White. That was all she saw.
Am I dead? She thought. I am not dead because Kenshin protected me, he killed those men to protect me.
"…Please…"
Where am I?
"… We need you…"
Kaoru was trying to focus on what happened but something wasn't allowing her to do it properly. It was those words… it looked like someone was talking to her... whispering…praying…
"Kaoru…"
She was sure she heard her name. Someone was really talking to her, but it wasn't Kenshin's voice, it was a woman's voice. She tried harder to comprehend those words and after a while it became clear to her who was the owner of that voice.
Misao!
"I know that things had been difficult to you Kaoru… But you can't give up." – It was Misao she was sure. Sadness and melancholy filled her heart … how she missed her friend. "You're gone for almost a week now."
Misao! I am not gone!
"Sano is worried too… he doesn't say anything, he tries to play strong, but it pains him to see you like this, lying in this hospital bed, just as much as it pains me."
Hospital Bed? – Kaoru felt an urgent need to scream. What in the world happened to her.
"The doctor says you're in a coma. Everything in your body seems to be fine, it's your mind which Is stopping you from awaking up." – her voice trembled. She was crying. Her friend was crying and asking her to wake up. Kaoru was listening everything she was saying but it didn't matter how hard she tried, she couldn't talk or move.
"We miss you so much… Please… please Kaoru come back to us."
But I am right here Misao!
"I need to get back to school now. I come back tomorrow, I promise." – she heard her say.
No wait, Misao! Misao!
"MISAO!"
:::
She is having a nightmare. – Kenshin assumes that by the way she desperately tries to talk and move in her sleep. It is all because of me.
He stares at her clothes… her beautiful kimono was now dirty with blood.
"Kaoru" – he called her name but it didn't make any difference she was too far from his voice's reach. Incapable of seeing her in such pain he holds her hand firmly and says her name again: "Kaoru" Her free hand flew to him as she grabbed his. "Kaoru" – he tried to wake her up again, but once again he failed.
Tears start falling from her eyes and unconsciously Kaoru grab his hand with both hers. Even uncertain of what he was doing Kenshin hold her close to his chest and tries to comfort her."Shhh… everything is ok, Kaoru…" It had an immediate effect, because when she felt a familiar presence, Kaoru calmed down. He felt glad… At least he had managed to send her nightmares away.
He stood that way with her for a while. This house has never been so full and so peaceful at the same time.
How long has been since the last time I felt peace like this? – he wondered. With simple touches this girl brought back pieces of serenity to my life, But everything around her seems a mystery… why do I feel so compelled to her? Kenshin stared at her sleeping features … Innocence… she was the innocence someone took away from him. Which you spoiled by killing those men in front of her. Feeling unworthy of having her so close to him, like he could tainted her with his 'disease', Kenshin gently tried to create a distance between them. He started by untangling his fingers from hers. I don't have the right to feel this kind of things towards someone like her. It is better if I…
"Kenshin?" – he stared at her open eyes looking directly at his. "What happened?" – she asked rubbing her eyes, her vision still foggy.
"You fainted outside." – he simply answered avoiding to look her in the eye. She noticed his odd behavior: "Well, you seem to become an expert saving me."
"What do you mean?" – he asked surprised with her light mood.
She shrugged her shoulders: "By my count, this is the second time I faint and you carry me all the way back home."
"I couldn't let you there." – he replied. – "After all, my actions were the reasons that lead you into fainting. If it wasn´t because of me, we were having a totally peaceful night and…"
"Kenshin, stop it. I am not blaming you, am I?"
"No… You're too kind to do that… but also you don't need to… my guilt is spoiled all over your clothes." – the tone of his voice showed how sick he was with that situation, and she was sure that if he could change his actions he would, because regret was written all over his face.
Kaoru stared at herself. Her once blue kimono was now stained with red spots all over it. "Oh."
Kenshin shook his head feeling even more miserable: "You probably hate me now." – he got up and walked to the other side of the room, his face to the wall. He wasn't able to deal with the sad look she would probably had in her eyes.
There was a minute of silence while Kaoru was trying to understand why he seemed to worried about her clothes: "Don't be silly Kenshin. Clothes can be cleaned."
"Don't lie Kaoru. I know you loved that kimono." – he said still not facing her.
"Yes I did." – she got up and came close to him – "But the main reason I liked this kimono it's because of the person who gave it to me."
Kenshin closed his eyes and sighed. Was she being honest? "You can't be serious… after what you saw tonight…" – he turned himself to her.
"I am." – Her answer was truthful as her eyes showed him. "It was a gift from you, we bought it together, and that's what made it so special." – she looked at her clothes again – "It could be torn down, destroyed, tainted, but if you are safe" – she put her hand on his chin forcing him to look at her – "That's what matters to me."
Her words had a deep impact in him. For a while he thought his heart stopped beating and no words came out from his mouth. She let him speechless, once again… He caressed her face and she closed her eyes feeling his touch.
"Arigato Kaoru-dono."
"I don't like to see you sad, Kenshin..." - she opened her eyes – "Please."
"It's not a happy task to be a murderer Kaoru-dono." – he replied his fingers tracing her lips.
Maybe that was the reason he called her here… "Do you ever felt happiness in your life Kenshin?"
He sighed: "I did when I was a child…" – he said remembering his life back in their farm – "But my parents died from a disease when I was eight years old, and I was sold as a slave."
Kaoru gasped. How could someone be so heartless to sell a child instead of taking care of him?
"I wasn't the only one, my all village was destroyed and everyone was sold as a slave, including my three sisters." – Kenshin remembered the girls he called sisters – "They were not my blood family, but we treated each other like we were. When some assassins appeared in our way to the town and killed everyone, because I was the only boy in the group I felt that my job was to protect them, and I tried… I swear Kaoru-dono I tried… but that sword was so heavy and…" – Kenshin filled his chest with air before continuing: "I failed and they end up giving their own lives to protect me."
Kaoru hand flew to her mouth.
He didn't knew why in the world he was telling her that, but his heart seemed lighter as he did it: "Then, when there was no else left to kill except me, a man appeared and saved me from the assassins… this man took over me and raised me as a son, teaching me the art of the sword… teaching me HitenMitsurugi. "
Kaoru took a step forward and hugged him.
His parents died when he was just a child, then all the people he knew were slaughtered in front of him, three of them died trying to protect him… "Kenshin, you learnt how to fight because you wanted to be able to protect the people you know..."
"I Wanted to protect the ones who have no strength to protect themselves, the weak ones…like me as a child." – he bit his bottom lip – "But I ruined it all."
"Why?" – she gave a step back in order to look at his face.
"When this war started, I was tired of seeing people being abused by the ones in command, I wanted to do something to help them... I wanted to use my sword to save them." – Kenshin opened his hands and stared at them: "My master warned me that the sword is a tool to kill… And that if I choose a side to fight for, I would become an Hitokiri, just like the ones I hated so much. But I was stubborn, so I run away and joined the Ishinshishi."
"And things didn't happen as you planned." – she sighed. His wish of saving people became his nightmare. "This is not far."
"Life is not far, Kaoru-dono." – he looked at her – "Never was." – he walked away from her.
"Kenshin!" – he heard her calling him, but he continued walking, he felt good to tell her all that, but it didn't changed the fact that every time he looked at her kimono it reminded him of what happened that night. "You made a mistake, but you're in time to emend it!" – he stopped and turned back to her. Kaoru shook her head: "Stop it, stop fighting."
"What?" – he widened his eyes.
She came close to him: "You hate to kill… So, give up on this job."
She made it sound like it was easy. She wanted him to give up on Katsura? Give up from the man he swore to protect? For an instance he got mad. How could she think that things were so easy?
"You know nothing about me!" – he said in a rash tone.
Those words hurt her. She was trying to help him and he was refusing her help: "You're right. I know nothing about you." – she was about to turn around and leave but then something came to her mind… she needed to say this or on contrary she wouldn't be able to sleep. Kaoru took a deep breath and turned to face him:"I know you well enough to realize that every time you kill someone a part of you die… That sword right there on your hips…" – she pointed "Will became your death if you go on like this… and I am not talking about losing your life in battle…" – she continued facing his expression of disbelief – "I am talking about the loss of your soul." – Then she got out from the room and went to the outside leaving a puzzled samurai behind.
The loss of my soul… Am I losing my soul?
Kenshin took his sword from the shelter and stared at the image on it. It reflected his face… his amber eyes… dreadful eyes. Since when he stopped being that children that wanted to save the world to became… Battousai?
He ran to the outside and searched for her. Kaoru was sitting on the porch looking at the sky. When she saw him approaching she wiped her tears away.
"I am sorry. My rudeness made you cry." – he said feeling even more miserable. She didn't replied and turned his face to the other side. Kenshin kneeled beside her: "Please Kaoru-dono, forgive me."
She turned to him. Her eyes were still red from crying: "What you do with your life Kenshin it's none of my business."
He shook his head: "That's why what you said right now had an effect right here." – he put his hand on the left side of his chest – "My life is not an issue to you… still you are the only one who seems to care about me… without asking anything in return."
She gave him an odd look: "I just… don't like to see you sad… What's so strange about it?"
Kenshin smiled: "Nothing…It's just that I am not… accostumated to have someone caring for me."
Kaoru blushed and turned her face away.
After what she thought to be ten minutes of silence, he decided to talk: "What you saw tonight… I am concerned about the effect that it may have on you."
"That's ok… I am not that fragile, besides I saw nothing it was all too fast for my eyes to capture…." – she answered still upset with him.
"You saw enough to give you nightmares." – he immediately replied.
"What nightmares?" – Kaoru wondered what he was talking about.
He sighed:"Don't pretend you're strong… I was at your side in the room, I know you was having a nightmare."
She laughed: "I was having a nightmare… but what makes you think that I was dreaming about… that?"
He shrugged his shoulders: "I assumed…" – she didn't let him finish - "Seriously wrong Mr. Samurai… I have my own issues."
"Tell me." – he sat next to her – "Help me to feel less miserable."
She shook her head: "I was dreaming about a friend of mine… Misao…"
"Do you miss your friends?" – He wanted to know more about her life besides him and the occasions to talk like this were so rare.
"I Miss them a lot…" – the sadness in her tone show how truthful her words were – "They're family."
Kenshin encouraged her to talk: "How was your life, back in your country?"
She stared at the stars for a while before answering: "Misao and Sano are my friends since we were kids. We grew up together. Our parents used the call us the triplets." – a smile appeared on her lips – "Misao used to come to my house every day to pick me up and we met Sano halfway… we went to school together. We protected each other like family…" – her arms crossed around her knees – "I miss Misao's Energy and Sano's jokes… I miss the sound of their voices calling my name, the warmth of their embraces… I miss everything about them." – she sighed – "When my parents died, they took care of me, went to the hospital, helped me with the funeral, stood at my house after school so I wouldn't feel lonely."
It was obvious that those people were very important to her."What is the last thing you remember about them?"
She thought for a while: "Sano was at my place before leaving to school… I remember he made me promise that I would do everything to get better as soon as possible… Then he went away, I took my pills and went to the attick." – she remembered that moment clearly, she was feeling miserable looking at all the inventions her father kept on that attic, especially that 'time machine' – "Then, I felt a huge pain on my chest, I thought I was about to die." – Automatically her hand flew to her chest – "I think I fainted… and when I woke up I was next to Sakura's house."
Kenshin stared at her in disbelief: "Do you think someone took you here? All the way from your country to here? That would take months, and you would remember!"
She sighed: "It doesn't make sense, I know… But it's all I can remember."
There was silence again. Kenshin was wondering if there was any chance that she could be lying. No… she is not lying… she's probably just confused… or maybe she hit her head and lost part of her memory. On the other side, Kaoru was wondering if he would think that she was crazy. I would if I was in his place. – she thought.
"I would give everything to have a life like the one you had, Kaoru-dono." – he said out of the blue. She stared at him. Kenshin seemed to be deep in thoughts. She could understand that compared to his life hers would seem a joy. But what he didn't know was that since she was a child she suffered for not being able to help the red-haired man in her dreams… He.
"I always sensed something was missing." – she didn't realized she gave voice to her words
Her expression called his attention. What would someone with that kind of life miss? She had family and friends that cared for her. "Did you found out what was missing Kaoru-dono?"
She blushed with his stare:"Uhh… Partly…" – Kaoru gulped: "Actually…I don't know."
::::
NEXT DAY
"I am so happy Kenshin brought here. Seems like you're going to spend some time together from now on." – Sakura said as they entered her room.
"Yes… I am glad to." – she sat next to Sakura – "I hate to be alone."
Sakura smiled: "Kenshin told me you need new clothes." – she said realizing Kaoru was wearing Kenshin clothes.
Kaoru looked at herself: "My kimono is dirty... But I don't want to bother you with that."
"Bother me?" – Sakura got up and walked next to the closet and slide the door open. "Since when shopping is something that bothers me, or any women?" They both start laughing.
Sakura shook her head: "When I was your age I loved this kimono, but now I think if fits better in someone younger…" Kaoru was about to refuse but she didn't let her: "No Kaoru... please accept… I want to do this for you."
Kaoru gave up. "Thank you." – and looked at the kimono. It was silk, the pattern was light pink with some shades of black. It was beautiful, not as much as the one Kenshin gave her, but it was beautiful as well.
"Dress it up, I want to see how you look in it." – she asked exited.
Kaoru took off her clothes and Sakura helped her dressing the new ones. Meanwhile:
"Does Kenshin treats you right?"- Sakura's question sounded senseless to Kaoru: "Off course. But why are you asking?"
Katsura's wife picked up the gi to put around Kaoru's waist: "I never saw him with a girl before… so I was wondering if he knows how to deal with women." – she stepped back to have a better look on her: "You know, we are a complicated kind." – she smiled – "I think it fits you perfectly."
Kaoru stared at the reflection in the mirror. It really fitted her, but with those clothes she seemed a different person. "Elegant." – Sakura spun around her searching every detail. Kaoru smiled: "Thank you once again."
Elegancy… yes off course… that doesn't sound like me."And… in what concerns to Kenshin…" – she added – "He is a gentleman."
"As far as I know, he did everything he could in order for you to stay in his house." – that made Kaoru blush. She was the only one who knew the real motifs… he didn't wanted her to feel uncomfortable.
"Kenshin is very Kind." – Kaoru turned her back to the mirror. Too kind to have a life like this…
"Why do I feel a touch of sadness in your voice?" – He didn't pass unnoticed to her… With time and because of all the people she knew, Sakura learnt how to read between lines… she could realize when someone was trying to hide or disguise something… she was accostumated to deal with people that kept many secrets and Kaoru… was almost an open book.
Kaoru looked at her uncertain if she should tell her or not… But last night's events were still in her mind. The sadness in his voice, the pain in his eyes as he remembered everything that happened in his past… and his present… "Because he is a good person… and I wanted so much to see him happy…" – Kaoru sighed.
"And you think he is not?" – her question made Kaoru even more uncertain if she would tell her or not. She is Katsura's wife… I can't tell her what I think he feels when he kills someone, after all, is her husband the responsible of Kenshin's job.
"I don't know." – Kaoru answer didn't satisfied her curiosity, but still, she asked nothing else. Last night she and Katsura talked about these two as a couple. And they agreed that Kaoru could be the best thing that happened to Kenshin in all these years. His shield. She remembered her husband's words about the role he thought she could have in the red-haired samurai's life.
Sakura applied some powder in her cheeks while thinking. I am going to help them… Just a little… But for that: "We need to do some shop, Kaoru."
Kaoru raised her eyebrow: "Now?"
The other took her by the arm and practically dragged her: "Yes, now. Women day!"
::
As they walked together to the meeting in Okubo's house Katsura thought about the plans for the day Sakura had share with him.
"Seems like our women are going to have a pleasant day together." – he said to the samurai on his right side.
He caught him off guard. Kenshin eyes widened in surprise and he could swear he almost saw a smile appearing on Kenshin's lips, but, for some reason his man of thrust didn't wanted to admit his feelings: "Kaoru-dono is not my woman."
"But you wished her to be, didn't you?" – The leader went further on the conversation.
Kenshin stared at Katsura, he never had this kind of conversation with him before:"Although her young age Kaoru-dono is a very smart woman… but she is also sweet and innocent." – Kenshin shook his head: "Combining that with my kind of life" – he wasn't blaming Katsura, since the first moment Kenshin choose to be a member of Ishinshishi, he never hide him that he would have to kill in order to achieve their goal – liberty. "I have nothing to offer her."
"That is something she will have to decide by herself." – They could already see Okubo's house by far, surrounded with guards. Katsura stopped walking and stared at Kenshin: "You can offer her anything you want, besides… this life, as you call it, is not going to last forever. As soon as the war is over and people get free from this political chains… you will have your so desired… peaceful life Himura, and that I promise."
Kenshin sighed. He knew the man's intentions were the best… but he had heard this speech too many times before… besides… something else was bothering him.
"What's the matter Himura?" – Katsura asked as they started walking again.
Kenshin shook his head: "What do you mean?"
"I know when something is bothering you…" – he replied
"I am worried about Kaoru." – he end up saying – "And about her reaction when she discovers that they are being followed by two of our men."
Katsura laughed: "But you gave the idea yourself… you said it was for their protection!" – Kenshin's confused look made him laugh even harder: "I don't believe this… you face dangerous enemies without hesitation, but when it comes to a harmless girl…"
Kenshin let a small smile appear on lips… as they kept walking towards Okubo's place Katsura was still trying to control his impulsive laughing.
Who would say Battousai's worst fear is… a woman?
::::
These meetings were long enough to leave Kenshin bored. They were discussing about Shinsen gumi, and their ideals of protecting the people. Okubo said that they claim to do that, but their real intentions were hidden, because they attacked Saigo's place last evening. Saigo took the word and explained that this group seemed different from the one they faced before, they were stronger and organized.
"There was this guy…" – Saigo remembered – "I think they called him Haijime, his style of fight… I've never seen anything like that."
"Do you think he will be a problem?" – Okubo asked. Last evening attack left them with less people.
"If he is a problem?" – Saigo asked irritated – "He killed ten of my best men, what do you call that?"
"Don't forget the crazy one… Jin-hei." – one of the man that fought the attack said
"I am not worried about Jin-hei. We can handle him… Haijime Saito is worst in many manners." – Katsura said – "I've heard of him. He is their Captain."
Kenshin got a mental note of that name.
"Skin and Tall, amber eyes, long black hair… Mibu Wolf… actually that's his nickname." – he turned to Kenshin – "I want you to focus on him if we end up fighting them."
He nod. So the next target was on the table.
:::::::::::::::::::
After a long day of work Kenshin was longing to see her. But when they arrived the girls weren't home yet. The men they had sent to secretly watch over them looked at them confused: The old one said: "Sorry Sir, but they entered in a shop and never came out, after an hour we decided to check if everything was ok but they weren't there anymore. We search the town but couldn't find them."
Kenshin was stressing out. Where were they? How was it possible for two trained man to lose them of sight like this?
"Sakura does this sometimes." – Katsura put a hand on his forehead – "And she knows I hate it."
"I am going after them." – Kenshin was about to leave when he heard their voices.
The two of them were probably having a funny conversation because they were laughing. Sakura looked in front and saw them waiting at the entrance: "Ok… I'll explain everything." – she raised her hands. Kaoru on the other side was confused, why was she acting like this?
"You know that I hate when you do this." – Katsura told her, with an apprehensive tone on his voice.
Sakura passed Kenshin: "It's not her fault, she didn't knew."
Kenshin looked at Kaoru to verify the authenticity of her answer and the puzzled look at Kaoru's face made him realize she knew noting. The red haired samurai walked towards her: "Let's go home."
Kaoru nod, happy that the moment to be with Kenshin just arrived.
Katsura dismissed the two men he sent to follow them and before Kaoru said goodbye to Sakura, she and Kenshin started walking home together.
"How was your day?" – he asked – "I see you got yourself a new kimono."
Kaoru smiled: "Sakura gave it to me… I tried to refuse but she insisted… at least she didn't have to spend money to buy it. It used to belong to her but she doesn't use it anymore…"
"I see." – So if they didn't buy anything why did they go out for? "Did you enjoy your day?" – he asked hoping she would disclose some information.
"Yes…" Kaoru thought about the shops they went to but mainly about the woman she met that day – "We went to a restaurant named Ake and met a woman named Yumi… she and Sakura are friends."
That's why Sakura didn't want be followed by the guards… Kenshin thought. "I see." – he simply answered.
Noticing his thoughts were far from there Kaoru said: "If you're not interest in knowing how my day was then you shouldn't have asked!"
Surprised with her abrupt reaction Kenshin tried to explain, he put his hand on her shoulder: "I am sorry if I gave you the wrong impression." – he stop walking and looked at her. Kaoru crossed her arms waiting for an answer: "I want to know how your day was, I just didn't like what Sakura did."
"Actually I don't understand what happened" – she remembered the moment they arrived to Sakura's house: "Why Katsura seemed so mad and why you had that look of worry all over your face."
Kenshin sighed. Naïve. "Katsura asked two of his men to follow you…" – she didn't let him finish
"WHAT? WHY?" – Kaoru stared at him in disbelief
Kenshin raised his hands: "Wait… it's not what you're thinking, it's only for your protection… Everybody knows who she is and to avoid that someone may try to hurt her… "
Kaoru nod in agreement: "I see." – Her husband's fear is not unfounded counting on what happened in the night we met – "But why were they hiding?"
"Because she doesn't like being followed." – Kenshin finally stood in silence for a while. Thinking about her new friend: "You know… she is always worried about her husband too."
"But that's why I am there, to protect Katsura. She doesn't have to be worried all the time." – he replied. Kaoru growled: "It's not that simple. Knowing that you can defend yourselves it's not enough for us to feel calmer!"
He stopped walking. She just said us?
Kenshin wasn't sure, but was she referring to him too?
Unaware of his thoughts she continued: "You men will always think the same way. But your forget the ones who wait in tenterhooks to see you arrive home safe… it doesn't matter if you're strong enough to protect yourselves… " – she turned to him – "when we like people, we worry about them… it's not possible to tell our hearts to stop worrying… at least, I can't."
Kenshin was blazed with her words. Was she talking only about Sakura? For a moment he thought she was talking about her own preoccupations…
"Why are you staring at me like that?" – she asked, hands on her hips… his silence was killing her.
He smiled vaguely: "Nothing…" – he started walking again – "I was just wondering…" – he stopped next to her – "It must feel good to have someone caring for us the like way Sakura cares for him."
Kaoru's eyes looked away from him. All those words… for nothing. Don't you see your fool? I care!
"Come" – he offered his hand – "Let's go home."
Deep inside of his heart Kenshin knew she cared. But he was still unable to decide if he should accept her love because he felt he had nothing to give back to her. Don't lie to yourself! You know you love her! She appeared in your life only two weeks ago… Kenshin's consciousness seemed to be gaining force on his own. And… are you prepared to let her go?
What can I possibly offer her? - he asked himself
Yourself! What else could you offer to her!
A murderer? A man whose nickname his connected to how fast he kills? She deserves someone better than me.
These are only excuses. You never wanted so much to arrive home before, like you do since the day she appeared in your life. You long to see her… the voice in his head replied
Involuntarily, images of her appeared in his mind: I long to see her smile when I came home, I long to see the happy look on her eyes when she sees me… it makes me feel… less monster than what I actually am.
I see you got yourself an answer… - Kenshin's conscious voice said.
Oblivious to the inner conflict Kenshin was experiencing Kaoru accepted his hand and started walking.
"Kenshin?" her voice woke him of his thoughts.
"Uh? Yes Kaoru-dono"
"I was wondering…" – she was measuring her words – "Do you mind… if I… get a job?"
"A job?" – his voice failed with the unexpected question from her part. He tossed: "I mean… Why?"
"To keep me occupied." – her answer was logical.
Kenshin sighed: "Kaoru, I know that it must be boring to be alone all day, but now, you have Sakura."
She shrugged her shoulders:"I am not going to stay with Sakura everyday Kenshin, also I want to feel useful."
"In my opinion, Sakura doesn't think that way… She was happy to know that you two were spending much time together…" – Kenshin hoped his words could hide the fear growing inside of him… Fear? Of what?
"Oh no." – she said with a smile – "You know, when we went to the restaurant today and Yumi told us she needed a person to work there at day-time she suggested me."
Kenshin felt an irritation increasing inside. How dare Sakura suggest HIS Kaoru to work on place like that? "She can't make any decisions for you!"
Why does he seems so mad? "But she didn't Kenshin! She only suggested that in our way back home… not in front of Yumi." – she tried to calm him down.
"You're not going to work there!" – he shouted.
"Why?" – she asked frustrated
"Because I don't want to!" – Kenshin was trying to push away all the images of Kaoru in that place.
Kaoru crossed her arms: "You don't command me Kenshin!"
"You're not going to work at that place! There is no turning back on that matter!" – he shouted deeply irritated with himself for not being able to explain his real reasons to her.
Mad with him and sad because of the strange way he was acting Kaoru step up the pace and reached his house before Kenshin. She went straight to 'her' room and close the door before her.
He stood behind thinking of how to deal with this new situation. Kaoru was too naïve and too young to work in such place. She would be easily deceived and forced to do things she didn't want to. And this was what he feared most. But how could he explain that to her? How would he, a man, tell her that Yumi was a famous gueixa and the reason Sakura escaped from the guards was because she knew Katsura disliked their friendship? Although gueixas were respected by most of men, that didn't change the fact that he didn't wanted that kind of live for Kaoru. Would she understand his preoccupations?
The red-haired man walked to the door's room. There was silence on the inside but he could feel her sad energy… she was sad but also mad at him. Probably she was right… he should have acted differently but when it comes to Kaoru, he feels overprotective… "Kaoru we need to talk."
The honorific was left aside, and that was the first time since they met Kenshin called her only by her name.
"Will you listen to me?" – her voice asked from the inside.
Kenshin slid the door open. She was sitting on the floor, back against the wall and arms around her knees.
"I will. But If, it's not too much to ask," – he step inside and closed the door behind him – "I beg you to listen to me first."
Obviously he was calmer than before. She nodded. He sat next to her and took a deep breath: "Ake it's not only a restaurant… and Yumi… she is not only the owner of that place." – he turned to her – "She is a gueixa. She and Sakura met years before she married Katsura."
"A gueixa?" – Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes. During the day that place is nothing more than a restaurant, but at night… it is different." – he shrugged his shoulders "I have nothing against her choice's for life… but I don't want that for you Kaoru." Flattered with the concern he showed for her she felt that staying mad at him wasn't an option:
"Now that you speak… I noticed that Yumi was the only one wearing expansive clothes and make up… all the other girls that work there are just like me." – she said remembering the cleavage on her kimono and the red lipstick the gueixa used. She turned to him: "But all I want is an occupation Kenshin… I can work on the kitchen and wait on the tables…"
"I don't know." – he sighed – "I don't like the idea of you being associated with that place…" – he tilted his head back massaging his temple.
"I don't care what people think, Kenshin." Kenshin stared at her: "But I do. Not about what they say but about your reputation!" – he put his hand on her chin: "I care for you..."
A smile appeared on her lips: "do you?" her smile melted his heart: "Off course I do." – he looked away: "Much more than what I should… for your own good." - Kenshin was ready to get up but she didn't let him: "What do you mean with that?"
Kenshin sighed. He already spoke too much: "I… care for you in a different way…" – How am I going to say this? "Every day I feel anxious to arrive home and see you safe." He shook his head – "I know it's not fair for you to stay at Katsura's place everyday… but
"Am I being a burden to you Kenshin?" – that was all she didn't wanted to be.
Kenshin felt frustrated …. She didn't understand… " It's hard for me to entrust your safety to anyone else besides me." – he finally spoke.
Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to speak: "I… I do care for you in the same way." – she blushed – "The difference is that I can't protect you back….like you do to me."
That image of her was outstanding. She made his heart experience a feeling like he never did before. It was a mix between anxiety and happiness… he was so happy to hear about her feelings for him but also anxious because he didn't knew how to act next. Kenshin caressed her cheek: "You don't realize how much you do." – he kissed her forehead and looked at her in the eye again– "Are you sure you want a tainted man like me to protect you?"
Why is he always carring this guilt with him? It must be horrible to live with such huge remorse – she thought. "No." – her answer made him step back. What was she doing? She refused his protection, his care? Kenshin looked away: "I see." – his sad tone almost made her heart break.
"Kenshin, look at me!" – she cupped his face on her hands forcing him to look at her – "You asked me if wanted a tainted man like you to protect me, right?" – he nod and she smiled: "And I say to you again: No. I don't want a man like you to protect me" –tears formed in her eyes… these days together showed her that he was the reason she was there, and if she needed to lose her previous life to stay with him… to hell with everything else! He was above all the rest: " I want a man like you to love me."
For a while he felt they stopped in time. Her words echoed in his head:
A man like you to love me….
Love me…
I want you to love me Kenshin.
"Kenshin?" – the urgency in her voice woke him up. He was confronted with her scrutinizing blue eyes.
Silence…
She just opened her heart to him and the samurai didn't say a word! He felt he had lost the ability to talk: "Kaoru." - he tasted her name.
I said too much… I shouldn't have told him… I acted too forward… what is he going to think of me now? "I am sorry Kenshin I shouldn't have said…" – she turned around anxious to break eye contact with him.
"Kaoru." – he grabbed her arm – "Wait." . she was too embarrassed to look at him, and Kenshin didn't forced her: "I am sorry for my silence." – his hand move down till hers – "It's just that, before you… no one had ever said words like that to me."Slowly she turned to face him. "And Kaoru… I don't want to hear them from anyone else neither…" – his fingers tangled on hers – "You are the only one for me…"
Kaoru's heart beat so fast that she thought it would come out from her chest. His hand went up to the back of her neck, he pulled her head close to him gently: "I've lost this fight…"
"What fight Kenshin?" – she murmured her thoughts were inconsistent because of the proximity between them. He didn't replied, instead he decided to kissed her…. He did it before losing courage… And the moment his lips touched hers were magical for both of them. It was the first time she was being kissed and Kaoru felt her body in commotion. Kenshin on the other side was enjoying this moment of tender… like he never did in his entire life… her skin was so soft and her lips so tasty that he wanted to stay like this forever … and her perfume… oh… that sweet scent of jasmine was tempting him to lose his sense.
When their lips were separated Kaoru stood with her eyes closed, trying to figure out if what just happened was a dream or reality. "The fight against myself." - he stroke her hair gently. His voice was proof enough. She opened her eyes:"Were you fighting against yourself? Why?" – she asked still dazed with those last moments. He leaned his forehead against hers: "I was fighting against my feelings for you."
She shook her head: "You know, I should have a word in that matter, don't you?"
He smiled: "I know." – he hugged her close: "But now you do."
:::::::::::
"Damned! They failed again!" – a guy punched the table irritated while the others stared at him.
"Cool down… we are going to kill him you'll see." – Another one said – "Our mistake was to underestimate him. He thought he would be weaker alone…"
"Battousai… " – he growled – "If he dies it will be easier to get to Katsura." – the first man said.
"But it seems impossible to kill him!" – the other took a sip of sake.
"Nothing is impossible Kojiro… Nothing… at that applies to him to." – he got up – "Now let's go."Both man left the restaurant unaware that someone else was hearing their conversation.
:::
She walked for a mile, following them by far, they didn't seem to notice what she was doing, so she continued even when they entered the black forest. Tomoe looked at the leaves, they were so dark compared to the ones she was accostumated to see in her village. Nature used to calm her down, but everything in this forest seemed creepy. She shivered and tried to focus on her goal. Where are they? – the two men had disappeared. I should go back. I will find them other day.
"Are you looking for someone?" – she heard a voice behind her so she turned and departed herself with one of the guys from the restaurant. Fear petrified her and she felt unable to say a word.
Another one appeared behind her: "Oh…She looks terrified…" –he mocked –"But, then, who wouldn't? Seeing your face is terrifying!"
"Shut up Kojiro!" – he said to his commarade – "What do you want woman?" – he yelled back at her
Tomoe's voice seemed to be trapped on her throat: "I…I… heard what you said about Battousai."
The look of surprise on their faces empowered her to say the rest… "I want revenge from him too. He killed someone close to me…" – her voice showed the confidence that was missing before. "Being a woman is an advantage, I can get close to him and no one will ever look at me as a suspicious person."
"Your slut… do you think you can…" – the guy named Kojiro raised his hand and about to slap her on the face, but the other man hold his grip: "Wait Kojiro! She is right!"
"What do you mean?" – the other asked irritated
"Maybe this woman can be hurtful than our swords." – he whispered to his friend – "Don't you see? If he can't be killed by any sword, maybe all we need is to use another tool to kill." – both turned their faces to her and grinned: "Yeah… now I see." – Kojiro murmured
:::
The events of the previous night made Kenshin wake up in a good mood… they just kissed… but that was enough to allow a tiny hope to flourish, hoping that day would be better than the others… what seemed to be succeeding, because as they arrived to Katsura's place, Kenshin was informed that a meeting was taking place there. So all he needed to do was to watch over the house. Nothing would be more satisfying to him, because, as Kaoru was there too, he could observe her closely.
As she came to the outside, unaware of his gaze upon her, she started playing with Sakura's children… laugh immediately filled the backyard as they played hide and seek. Kenshin found himself smiling while enjoying the view.
hours passed by and it was almost evening when he heard Iizuka say:
"Seems like today's happy job his over.". Kenshin glanced at him: "Why?"
"We are going to attack the main building of the town." – before he passed Kenshin he placed a hand on the red-haired man's shoulder and said in a mischievous tone – "So, don't get too soft."
Kenshin sighed. It was too good to be true… He glanced at Kaoru who came from the inside and walked in his direction: "I heard you're going to leave." – she said. The look on her eyes showed she liked that as much as he did.
"Don't be like that." – he caressed her cheek – "I'll be back soon." – touching her only made it harder for him to leave.
She stared down: "I have a bad feeling about tonight." He lifted her chin: "I promise to come home with no bruises." – he said with a smile. "Will you wait for me?" – Kenshin asked. Her positive answer was the only thing that increased his will to return.
She gave a huge smile: "Of course I will… I will always wait for you Kenshin." – she hugged him tightly. It was so difficult to let him go… "Let me go, Kaoru." – he murmured at her ear – "They are already waiting for me."
She immediately step back when she noticed they were being watched. Kaoru blushed so much that her cheeks were as red as a tomato. That stole shy laughs from some of Kenshin's friends and from Kenshin himself. "See you later." – he said before turning his back on her.
Kaoru watched him go with a swelled heart. I have a bad feeling about this…
:::::::::::::::::::
Kenshin looked to the imposing building. This used to be the center of the Tokugawa government. Okubo wanted to use this attack to show the fragility of the Tokugawa regime. There were few guards on the outside. That was odd… an important place just like this…
As the first ten man knocked down the gates Kenshin realized that the guards on the entrance were just a façade, the real enemies were on the inside.
A tall man with a large hat slashed two of his companions in a blink of an eye. Jin-Hei. – Kenshin remembered the name Saigo said during the meeting. In order to help his friends Kenshin decided to face him, even thought Katsura adverted him that his opponent was Hajime Saito.
As soon as Jin-Hei saw Kenshin his attention flew to him: "Battousai… I heard a lot about you… let's see if you're so good as they say."
Kenshin just ignored the comment and attacked him so fast that it was impossible for him to defend. Instead of cursing or screaming in pain he laughed. He enjoyed pain. What a sadistic man! They were about to attack each other again when he heard Katsura calling him. He pointed him to another opponent that just arrived to the scene. Haijime Saito.
"Look at me, we haven't finished yet!" – Jin-hei yelled back to Kenshin.
Kenshin turned around and stroke Jin-hei on the right arm, which made it impossible for him to hold the sword:"You're not good enough for me." – then, he turned and face Saito.
"I suppose you are my opponent Battousai." – the tall man said – "I warn you… No one ever defeated my Gatotsu (I don't know if it's well written)"
Kenshin didn't replied, he wasn't afraid, he was sure of his own abilities. Saito unsheathed his sword and positioned himself, Kenshin waited for him to attack first, and so he did.
He is fast. He skipped his attacks but noticed his skills were above average… this man was good.
ON the other side Saito was thinking the same about Kenshin. At the first sight Kenshin seemed harmless… but as a samurai, Saito knew that those eyes were everything but harmless. Their fight was so intense that everyone stopped to watch them.
"Do you still think Kenshin can handle him?" – Okubo asked worried
"I think Kenshin finally found and opponent that matches his skills." – he replied his eyes on those two samurais.
"We lost many men Katsura, we have to retry." – Saigo said carrying one of his friends that was unconscious.
Katsura weight the chances. Both sides had lost many men… and the two strongest men from both sides were still fighting. Maybe the result of their personal battle would solve the entire match.
"Katsura, we can't hold anymore!" – Okubo's voice said: "Retrieve!" Katsura looked at Kenshin but he didn't look back, he was too absorbed in his opponent. "Himura!" – he called.
Both, Saito and Kenshin jumped back. "You're good." – Saito said with a grin on his lips – "But you could be better if you didn't let others command your will."
"Hajime Saito, this is your lucky day." – Kenshin sheathed his sword – "Your dead has been postponed."
Saito grinned: "Don't worry… we will meet again… and then we will see who's death has been postponed."
Kenshin slowly walked away. No fear or anticipation on his moves. He knew no one dared to attack him. He was too feared.
"Why did you stopped me from fighting him?" – Jin-hei asked mad with his captain.
"As he said… You were no match for him." – he looked at Jin-hei – "I am." – and left him behind.
Jin-hei looked at the back of the third Captain of Shinsen. The Mibu Wolf. Who do you think you are? You can't humiliate me like this!... But I know your weakness Haijime, I know were to strike…
Battousai… - he thought about the short, red-haired men he fought half an hour ago – I will find your weak spot… I just need to talk with my 'friend'… and sooner than what you think, you're life is going to be a burning hell! – he remembered his informant news about Battousai and grinned: You made it impossible for me to use a sword again…But From what I heard… your 'fragility' will hurt you more than my sword could ever do.