Author's Note: This is a third-time's-the-charm rewrite of a story I wrote literally 20 years ago, Blinded by Blood, from an account I lost the information for long ago. This will have many details changed from the original, though the same general premise. I hope you enjoy this fresh take!

Chapter One: Gratitude

The 11th year of the Meiji Era, in Tokyo. Cloudy and overcast, a type of day that makes one just want to sit around a fire and enjoy warm sake and good company. The Kenshin-gumi found themselves doing just that, including Yahiko, although Kenshin was encouraging moderation with the sake. It had been a long week for everyone and they were simply happy to be together, all things considered.

"Ahhh…This is just what we needed I think! Well, the sake at least!" Sanosuke took a long stretch, widening his arms so far as to nearly hit Kaoru in the face. One of those arms was in a sling, which he was mostly using for attention from women, rather than for its true purpose.

"Watch it!" She growled and took a small sip from her shallow cup.

Kenshin found himself observing and serving the others more than partaking, as he topped Kaoru's cup off. He wished he could find the words for the gratitude he would like to express to his little makeshift family, but he settled for a content smile to them. None noticed but Yahiko, whose perceptiveness was a key to survival for most of his life.

"Whatcha thinking about, Kenshin?" He asked casually.

"Oro? This one?" Kenshin shook himself from his own thoughts.

"Nope, the other one who is grinning like a weirdo." Yahiko barbed.

"Oh, just enjoying the fire! After all, we haven't all been able to sit and enjoy time like this the past few days. I just…" Kenshin nearly was able to let the gratitude flow when Sanosuke burped and sighed.

"Enough small talk! I think we need to play a game!" Sano exclaimed, pulling dice from his pocket.

"How can you think of gambling when you can't even pay for your tab at the Akabeko or help me with groceries!?" Kaoru growled.

"No, nothing like that! Let's change it up. We'll roll one die, if it lands on an even number then you have to say a time that you were embarrassed. If it's odd, then it's something that makes you feel grateful."

Kenshin didn't know if this was Sanosuke reading his mind, or if the universe was simply granting him a favor that he felt he didn't deserve. Kaoru grabbed the die out of Sano's hand. She rolled a five.

"Well, hmmm! I would say I'm so grateful for my father and the time he spent helping to progress the work of katsujin-ken, or 'swords that give life.' Look at the changes it could make in the world if more people felt this way!" Kaoru was red-faced, but took the game seriously. In one eye, a small tear welled.

Everyone nodded and Sano gave her a light-hearted pat on the back. She smiled and wiped her eyes.

"Ok, my turn!" Yahiko grabbed the die from the ground. He rolled a two.

"Ummm…I would say it was when I was younger. I was just learning to pickpocket. I bumped into a lady on purpose, she fell, and I tripped over her. It surprised me so bad I peed my pants." Everyone burst out laughing, including Yahiko. He handed the die to Kenshin, which he in turn handed to Sanosuke.

"Ok…" Sanosuke was a little confused as to why Kenshin declined, but went on ahead. He rolled a five like Kaoru.

"I'm grateful my Zanbato broke. I wouldn't be here with you guys if it wouldn't have!" He smiled and ruffled Yahiko's hair, who then swatted him away. "Ok, Kenshin, you have to go too or it's cheating!"

Kenshin took the die and held it for a moment. He just knew he could roll an odd number. He closed his eyes and tossed it. He winced slightly, as he had a shoulder injury from a few days prior. The die landed near the fire and he had to get up from his seat to check it. It was a one. He sighed, glad for the opportunity but apprehensive still.

"Well, this one has many things to be grateful for, but…" He trailed off briefly, gathering the will to say how he felt.

"Hello?" An unfamiliar voice broke through the brief silence from a slight distance. Sanosuke went to the gate to inspect.

Outside of the gate stood a woman who seemed to be in her late 30s or early 40s. She was slightly taller than Kaoru and her hair, which was streaked with gray, was swept back in a loose bun. She wasn't plain looking and seemed to have most likely been a beautiful young woman at one point, but the years seemed to have weighed heavily on her. She was carrying a small bag and wore a black kimono with an orange and red sunburst pattern. It all seemed expensive.

"Are you Himura Kenshin?" She cocked an eyebrow at Sano, seemingly in disbelief that he was the person she was looking for.

"I'm sure not, but I can take you to the man himself. Kenshin!" Sanosuke yelled. "Yet another woman is looking for you! Follow me, ma'am."

The two walked back to the side yard where the group was gathered. Kenshin stood to greet his guest. The woman whipped a hand over her mouth and gasped. She dropped the bag she was carrying in the dirt. Kenshin cocked his head to the side, "Oro?"

"I was told by the police chief that I should look for a Himura Kenshin, but I certainly wasn't expecting Himura Battosai." The strange woman seemed to choke on her words. "This all makes much more sense…My name is Kitagawa Chisa and I need your assistance with a few things…"

These were certainly words with which Kenshin was familiar, but his eyes narrowed as this woman called him by his former name. "What can this one do to help you?"

"Two days ago," she took a breath, "it is my understanding that you had an encounter with my husband, Udo Jin-e, and saw him die."