Author's Notes: IT'S ALIVE! Don't worry, this is not forgotten or abandoned. I have a small army of people determined to make me finish. And I appreciate all of you. This long awaited chapter starts the last arc, and if you are following along with Persuasion, this is when Anne heads to Bath. I've got most of this arc written with about 3 chapters left overall of the story to write. It's so close and I'm determined to push through and finish. Despite a busy work and personal life at the moment. Making time to do this edit was the first step.

About Kanryu…he's going to be playing a key role in the story and when writing him, I am seeing the manga version of the character. While the movie version was great, I need my Kanryu to emulate the Persuasion character pretty closely. And that's more the manga version then the live action version.

As always thanks for the review, likes, favs and everything else. Every one is read and treasured.

Beta: Sumiregusa (go read her awesome book The Redwood Rebel! It's published and you can find it on Amazon, Feedaread, Barnes and Noble! If you like RK you'll like The Redwood Rebel! Show her some love because she's also posting Winter Winds, a canon post-Jinchuu RK fanfic that is AMAZING) and Animanical-Laughter (seriously, this woman needs to post some more works again. Let's show her some love too and encourage her to start writing again. We needs more sharply written RK fanfic!)
Rating: T
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Persuasion is in the public domain, but was written by Jane Austen.

Chapter 17

He was quite as good-looking as he had appeared at Lyme, his countenance improved by speaking,
and his manners were so exactly what they ought to be, so polished,
so easy, so particularly agreeable, that she could compare them
in excellence to only one person's manners. They were not the same,
but they were, perhaps, equally good. - Persuasion, Jane Austen

"How is Akiko doing?" asked Tae, as she sipped her tea. Tae had returned to Tokyo for a few days to visit her family but also to catch up with Kaoru as it had been a few weeks since they'd seen each other. News of Akiko's injury had reached her through her family, and upon arriving at the Maekawa dojo, Tae had expressed her deepest sympathies and hopes for a speedy recovery to Maekawa-sensei. He had received the sentiments with the gratitude of a worried father and then excused himself, and now the two women were enjoying tea in Kaoru's sitting room. The house was quiet, as the dojo was closed for the day out of respect for the family.

"The last letter Maekawa received from Hiroki said she was doing better." Kaoru tapped lightly at her cup. "The doctor that Sano brought has helped her recovery immensely. Akiko is awake now, and she remembers everyone, but she can't recall the last few moments before her injury. She is suffering from fierce headaches and tires easily. Even short walks outside tire her out. She just sits indoors, where it is quiet. However, the doctor thinks the headaches will go away with time."

"Will she be returning home soon?"

"I think so," Kaoru said. "I understand Sayuri is anxious to leave."

"I'm sure she just wants to be home. It must be exhausting caring for Akiko in that inn after such a horrible accident."

Kaoru nodded. She hadn't told Tae all of what had happened in Hakone. The general understanding in the neighbourhood was that Akiko had fallen and injured herself and was staying in Hakone to recover. After Kaoru had arrived home, Saitou had visited her at the dojo on behalf of the police, taking her statement on everything that had happened in Hakone regarding Aoshi and Jin'eh. He had refused to answer her questions but made it quite clear that she was not to discuss what happened with anyone else.

"So," started Tae, and Kaoru suspected the real reason for her friends visit. "Have you decided about joining me in Yokohama?"

"I've already accepted their offer."

Tae clapped in excitement. "Really?"

"Yes, it's too good of an opportunity to turn down. With the dojo closed for the foreseeable future, I need to secure a source of income."

"Even if it is the Hiruma brothers?"

"Even if I will be teaching at their dojo." Kaoru sighed. The day after she had arrived back in Tokyo, she had received a letter from Hiruma Kihei, offering her a teaching position in Yokohama. Together with his brother Gohei, they ran a large dojo in the port city. The Hirumas were lucky in that they had a rich patron who funded the dojo, so they could easily keep it open no matter how many students they had. Normally Gohei taught the classes, but since he had accepted employment outside of the dojo, and the patron wanted to keep the dojo open they had been tasked with finding the next best sensei in all of Japan. She had been completely surprised when they had thought of her. When her father was alive she had met the Hiruma brothers a few times, as their dojos were occasional rivals, but she did not know them well.

But apparently they knew her well enough, or at least knew of her reputation, because they were offering her a large amount of money to teach for a few months, so large that it would cut her debt in half. At first she had been slightly hesitant, but had ultimately decided this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to pass by, and had promptly written back agreeing to teach.

"Will it be all right if I stay with your family?" asked Kaoru.

"Of course!" Tae exclaimed. "We couldn't have you staying at that dojo by yourself. It's going to be so good to have you in Yokohama. The city has changed so much in such a short time, and I think the change in scenery will do you good."

Kaoru agreed. Yahiko would stay behind in Tokyo, working at the Akabeko and helping Maekawa teach if and when he decided to re-open his dojo. Kaoru would go to Yokohama, and in just a few months, make enough money to secure their future.

"I think so too," said Kaoru. "I think I will enjoy being in Yokohama."

A few days later Kaoru said goodbye to Maekawa and Yahiko and made the trip to Yokohama with Tae. The trip was pleasant, and as the train pulled in to the station, Kaoru gasped to see how much the city had changed. She had been to Yokohama before when she was a little girl, but now it might as well have been a different city. Yokohama had always been busy, but never on this scale. The streets were crowded with merchants and Kaoru had never seen so many foreigners before. She tried not to stare at the men in their stiff suits and tall hats or the women in their large skirts with tiny waists. She felt almost plain in just her travelling kimono and long ponytail, next to their colourful dresses and light, curled hair.

"Don't they look amazing?" whispered Tae as she caught Kaoru staring at another group of women who passed them while speaking in a strange language.

"They are like colourful birds!" Kaoru whispered back. Tae just laughed.

Kaoru didn't have to start at the Hiruma dojo until the next day, so she spent the day settling in at Tae's house in Yokohama, and the evening helping in the restaurant. The "Kurobeko" was just as busy as the Akabeko back in Tokyo, and Kaoru was kept busy running dishes out from the kitchen to tables full of both Japanese and foreign diners. Everyone was laughing and talking and it was hard not to be excited by the energetic mood of the city.

"Is this what the restaurant is always like?" Kaoru asked at the end of the night as she helped Tae wipe the tables down.

"Not at first," Tae admitted. "But we were lucky to make friends with one of the more prominent businessmen in town. Now he recommends our restaurant to all his customers."

"Who is that?" asked Kaoru.

"Takeda Kanryu," said Tae. Kaoru stopped wiping and looked at her.

"Kanryu? A tall man with glasses?"

"Yes, indeed," said Tae. "Do you know him?"

"He was staying at our hotel in Hakone, but left just before Akiko was injured." Kaoru blushed, remembering the fond look of admiration he had given her as they passed in the hall.

"He is well known here in Yokohama," said Tae, a big grin blossoming on her face at seeing her friend blush. "He's very rich and still single. He would be quite a catch for anyone."

Kaoru looked at her friend, shocked to realize Tae was suggesting that Kaoru had a chance with Kanryu.

"Tae!" Kaoru yelled. "Stop that!"

Tae laughed. "I can't help it. Kaoru, you look happy and more beautiful than I have seen in a long time. And if I noticed, I'm sure others will notice it, too. You are not as old as me; you can still find a husband."

Kaoru shook her head and resumed wiping down the table, trying to ignore her friend's teasing remarks. She was in Yokohama to teach, not to find a husband.

Kaoru made her way to the Hiruma dojo the next morning, dressed in her training gi and hakama and carrying her bokken over her shoulder. Though it was early, the streets were busy and Kaoru nodded and smiled at the merchants who wished her good morning as she passed. The liveliness of the city, the sea air, everything about Yokohama was so different than Tokyo. Kaoru couldn't help but smile as she walked down the street.

The Hiruma dojo was located in the centre of the city and was large and well maintained, easily dwarfing the Maekawa dojo in both size and prestige. Despite this, the Hiruma brothers had been plagued by rumors claiming they were mercenaries for hire, along with stories that they had frequently switched allegiances during the revolution and worked for whichever side would pay them the most. Kaoru's father hadn't given much credit to the rumors, saying that everyone had done what they could to survive the tumultuous time. Kaoru had asked Maekawa about the Hiruma brothers before she left and while he wasn't particularly fond of them, the opportunity was too good for her to pass up.

Pushing down any slight hesitation, Kaoru opened the gate and stepped inside the grounds. She could hear voices in the dojo and headed towards them, eager to greet her new students. As she stepped inside, a hush fell over the students as they turned to face their new teacher. An older man, neatly dressed in traditional clothes, stepped forward with a warm smile.

"Welcome, welcome!" Kihei greeted Kaoru as she entered the dojo. "We are so honoured to have you here."

"Thank you Kihei-san," replied Kaoru. "I'm grateful for your invitation to teach at your dojo."

"Our students are looking forward to it," Kihei said, a smile on his face. "Your reputation precedes you and they are anxious to get started with your instruction."

Kaoru glanced around at the men gathered in the dojo. While Kihei was greeting her with all the warmth of an old friend, the students seemed less than impressed.

"My brother is unable to meet with you today," Kihei explained. "He apologizes, but he was called away on business. I hope that you will be able to instruct the class on your own."

"Thank you, I should be fine" Kaoru replied. With everyone's eyes on her, she unwrapped her bokken and made her way to the front of the class. Refusing to be intimidated, Kaoru smiled and addressed the students.

"Hello, my name is Kamiya Kaoru. I'll be your instructor for the next few weeks."

"Feh," said one of the men. "A woman? Really? Where is Gohei? Kihei, are you really letting this little girl teach the class?"

"You can address me as Kamiya-sensei," said Kaoru firmly before Kihei could respond. She wasn't surprised at their reaction, as she met with it at most dojos she visited for the first time, and it had even happened a few short weeks ago at the Maekawa dojo. Women in any role outside of the home was still a foreign concept to most men. However, unlike the last time, Kenshin was not here and she would have to bring the class in line by herself.

"Line up, and let's start," Kaoru called out forcefully. She relaxed her stance and held out her bokken in the first form.

"There is no way I'm taking a lesson from her," came a voice from the back. "What could a woman teach us?"

Kaoru resisted turning towards the voice and kept her relaxed pose, trying to keep her temper in check.

"Please, Katashi," called Kihei from the sidelines. "It is a great honour to have someone as esteemed as Kaoru here to teach. It would be wise of you to accept her instruction."

"Like hell I'll be taught by a woman," came the voice again.

"Who said that?" Kaoru called out, her eyes stern.

The men stilled for a moment, and then one student pushed his way forward. He towered over Kaoru, looking at her with a sneer on his face.

"I did," the tall man said. "We're here to learn from Gohei, a real fighter. Not some weak woman."

Kaoru didn't budge. She stared back fiercely at the student, and knowing that there was only one way to win over the class, raised her chin defiantly.

"I'll prove it," said Kaoru. "I'll prove you have something to learn from me. If you can beat me, then it is obvious I have nothing to teach you and I'll leave. If I win, then you will follow me as your sensei."

"I'll take that challenge," sneered the tall student in front of her, radiating confidence. "I'm the best student here and I can take a woman any day."

"Yea! You get her Katashi!" students called out behind them, cheering him on.

"Let's see it then," Kaoru said, indicating for Katashi to face her. The other students backed away, making room in the centre of the dojo and out of the corner of her eye, Kaoru could see Kihei standing off to the side with a nervous look on his face. She ignored it, and focused her attention on the man in front of her.

"Are you sure about this, little lady?" asked Katashi. "I'd hate to ruin your pretty face."

"Yes, I'm sure." Kaoru raised her bokken with collected efficiency. "When ready."

Kaoru and her opponent sized each other up. Kaoru stood perfectly still, not letting her face betray any emotion. A minute passed, then two, before Katashi finally cracked, charged Kaoru with a fierce yell. Instantly Kaoru saw an opening in a momentary break in his form. With smooth precision she swung, sending his bokken flying, the force of her blow dropping Katashi to his knees. She brought her bokken down towards his neck and held it underneath the frozen incredulous expresssion on his face.

"I win," she said, and smoothly stepped back. Kaoru was about to explain to the class how she had seen the opening and taken advantage of it, when she heard clapping from the doorway. She turned and gasped. Standing in the doorway was the tall man she had seen in Hakone, Takeda Kanryu.

"That was superb swordsmanship!" Kanryu exclaimed, continuing to clap. "Such grace! Such beauty! She is quite a find, Kihei-san."

Kihei bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, Kanryu-sama. What do we owe the honour of your visit?"

"I heard that the new kenjutsu instructor was here and I just had to meet her." Kanryu smiled at Kaoru and she stepped forward to be introduced. Kihei spoke up.

"Kamiya Kaoru, may I present Takeda Kanryu." Both Kaoru and Kanryu bowed.

"We've actually met before," said Kanryu, smiling warmly. "How fortunate! When I saw you in Hakone I never knew I would see you here of all places. And to know you are the new instructor at my dojo! I am fortunate indeed."

"Your dojo?" asked Kaoru, looking between Kihei and Kanryu curiously.

"I'm the dojo's patron!" Kanryu exclaimed. "Even in these changing times, we need to preserve those pieces of our culture that make us Japanese. I'm honoured to be able to support the dojo so that everyone can continue to learn kenjutsu."

Kanryu smiled warmly at Kaoru's shocked expression and when it turned into a pretty blush, his smile grew. Kanryu was tall, with a long face and small glasses perched upon his nose but the smile and gentle look in his eyes softened the harsh lines of his face, and made him appear more handsome then on Kaoru's first impression.

"I told Kihei to bring the best kenjutsu instructor to their dojo, no matter the expense. If I had known they would have brought such a pretty one, I would have told them to do so much, much sooner."

Kaoru blushed harder at the flattery. Kanryu grinned and clapped his hands. "Please continue with your lesson. Kihei, bring me some tea. I think I want to stay and watch our new instructor."

"Good afternoon, Kanryu-sama!" called out yet another merchant, as Kaoru made her way down the street, with the businessman at her side. After finishing the class, Kanryu had insisted on walking her back to the restaurant. Kaoru had agreed, much to Kihei's apparent delight. During the training session, Kihei had made sure that Kanryu had a constant supply of refreshments while he was watching Kaoru teach. Kanryu was a powerful man, and clearly Kihei made sure to do everything he could to keep his patron's favour.

It wasn't as if Kanryu's influence was only felt at the dojo. Not one but two separate acquaintances had offered Kanryu carriages, both of which he had politely declined after Kaoru indicated that she would rather walk. As they made their way back to Tae's restaurant, they couldn't go more than twenty steps without some merchant or businessman stopping to say hello. Kanryu greeted them all by name and exchanged a few words, then they were off again.

"It seems you are quite well liked here in Yokohama," observed Kaoru, as Kanryu nodded to yet another merchant.

"I believe in helping others as much as I can," said Kanryu. "It wasn't that long ago that I was like them, with only a small shop. I was fortunate though, and now my business stretches across all corners of Japan. I couldn't have done it without the support of others ,and it is only fair that I try to pay some of that back."

"Is supporting a dojo part of paying that back?"

Kanryu chuckled slightly. "No, that is part of my own selfish desires. Japan has changed so much since the Restoration, that I feel we must take steps to preserve what makes us unique."

"Like kenjutsu?"

"Especially kenjutsu." Kanryu gestured around. "Ten years ago, the streets would have been filled with noble and proud samurai. Now, those men are selling their katana to the highest foreign bidder to support their starving families. There has to be a better way."

Kaoru nodded. After the end of the war, samurai were no longer needed. Some had gone in to service as policemen, some had put down their swords and returned to simpler lives as farmers, tradesmen or factory works. Many, however, had wandered, lost without the old feudal system, and had formed gangs or sold themselves as mercenaries for hire. Some dojo' that had once turned out proud warriors were now training thugs willing to sell their deadly services to the highest bidder.

"I feel the same," said Kaoru. "We should not abandon the sword, but we cannot use it anymore just as a tool for killing. We can continue to live by the sword, but in a way that protects and flourishes life, instead of destroying it."

Kanryu suddenty stepped in front of Kaoru, and she had to halt her steps so she wouldn't run into him. Kaoru tried not to be too shocked when he boldly reached down and grabbed her hands in his.

"You are absolutely fascinating, Kaoru…may I call you Kaoru? I have never met such an engaging woman in all of Japan. I feel so fortunate to have met you and I hope that I can come to know you better."

Kaoru blushed fiercely at Kanryu's declaration. She gently pulled her hands back from his grasp.

"You flatter me too much." Kaoru stepped forward again and Kanryu kept pace by her side. "I am none of those things."

"No, I only speak the truth," Kanryu said. "And you deserve flattery and so much more. How is it that you are not married?"

Kaoru halted at that and looked at Kanryu sharply, frustrated that again, everyone made her lack of a husband their business. "Maybe I do not wish to marry!" said Kaoru, a bit more harshly than she meant, and started to hurry off. The most powerful businessman in Yokohama or not, no one had the right to speak to her that crudely.

Alarmed, Kanryu followed close behind, apologizing quickly. "I'm sorry. Please, stop."

Kaoru turned and looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"I didn't mean to pry." Kanryu said, and Kaoru felt her anger start to evaporate as he continued. "I simply meant that someone as lovely and as well spoken as yourself, well, any man alive would be lucky to have someone like you as his wife."

"You barely know me." Kaoru questioned him, suddenly wary of his intentions.

"Part of what makes me a good businessman is that I am an excellent judge of character. I wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't trust my instincts about people."

"And what do your instincts say about me?"

"That I should be open and honest with you, since that is what you value most. I will be blunt: I find you fascinating and I hope that you will form a favourable opinion of me."

Kaoru was a bit startled at his open honesty. There was nothing guarded about his confession, or deceptive in the fond look he was giving her. It did not feel like he was lying. Yet she felt that there was some part of himself that he was holding back, and for someone who had only seen her once before and only met formally today, he was much, much too familiar with her. She was an innately trusting person, though, so she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, even though she felt wary of him.

"Honesty is very important to me," Kaoru said and Kanryu grinned. She couldn't help she smile back.

"See, I knew it!" Kanryu exclaimed. "Please, let us agree to be friends."

Kaoru nodded, and Kanryu gestured for them to continue on their walk. Soon they arrived at Tae's restaurant.

"This is where I'm staying," said Kaoru, indicating the restaurant. Kanryu looked up at the sign and recognition crossed his face.

"I am sure I will see you often then," said Kanryu indicating the Tae's restaurant. "This is one of my favourite places to eat!"

"Tae speaks highly of you," Kaoru observed. "It seems you did much to help with the success of her business. In the short time I've been here, all I've heard about is Takeda Kanryu's overwhelming generosity and how much he has helped everyone in Yokohama."

"I hope my actions speak louder than my words," Kanryu said fondly and Kaoru felt self-conscious at the attention. He grasped her hand and with a flourish, placed a quick kiss at her knuckles, as she had seen foreigners do.

"Good-day, Kaoru," Kanryu said. "I hope to see you again soon." With that, he stepped away, and walked down the street. Two large men stepped in behind him protectively and Kaoru realized that during their walk from the dojo, they had been followed the entire time. With the swords at their hips they could only be his bodyguards. Kaoru felt odd at his slight deception, as during their walk he had tried and successfully appeared to be like any other businessman. Trying to shake off the feeling, Kaoru stepped inside to find Tae and tell her about her day, the dojo, and meeting Takeda Kanryu.