Monday, November 10, 2008

Rk episodes
Handsome Swordsman of Legend
It is the 11th year of the Meiji (1878) as the Rurouni (vagabond, unattached swordsman) Himura Kenshin wanders into Tokyo early one beautiful morning. Kamiya Kaoru, who thinks he is the serial killer Hitokiri Battousai, accosts him on the street. Unbeknownst to her, he really is the Hitokiri Battousai but not the serial killer who is pretending to be the Hitokiri Battousai. (Clear enough, right?) The real bad guy is Hiruma Gohei. Gohei is an ex-student of Kaoru's father's Kamiya Kasshin Ryu kendo dojo, which is now Kaoru's dojo, since her father is dead. Gohei is seeking revenge! (We won't go into the reason why.) He is running around killing people indiscriminately while calling himself the Hitokiri Battousai of " Kamiya Kasshin Ryu". His actions, of course, are ruining Kaoru's business, and she is determined to stop him.

Gohei is a mite bigger than Kaoru, and Kenshin saves her from being cut in half, takes her home, bandages her wound, puts her to bed, entertains her two younger 'sisters', and cooks her breakfast. Kaoru is not stupid. She notes that Kenshin looks poor and invites him to stay at her dojo. She later gets mad at him when he walks in on her while she is in the bath and retaliates by locking him in the storage barn. Kenshin sneaks out after cleaning the building. Kaoru thinks he is gone for good (get real), and later the same morning, when Gohei comes calling with his cohorts, the future does not look bright for Kamiya Kasshin Ryu.

Gohei has Kaoru by the scruff of her neck, getting ready to throw her to his 'students' to play with, when Kenshin rescues her. During the fight with Gohei, Kenshin reveals that he is the real Hitokiri Battousai. After it's all over, Kenshin starts to leave, but Kaoru tells him the whole situation was his fault, and shames him into staying to help rebuild her dojo.
Kaoru: How does a penni-less wanderer like you know anything? Don't you dare talk about my father! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Oh yes, by the way. The technique of Battousai the Manslayer is neither Kamiya Kasshin nor whatever your style is. He uses Hiten Mitsurgi ultrasonic sword techniques that will not fail to slay an opponent, unless of course you use a sword like mine that is. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: I have to admit, I’m a bit tired of wandering. Although you’ll never know when I’ll have to hit the road again. (edit)
Kenshin: A sword is a weapon. The art of swordsmanship is learning how to kill. That is the truth. What Miss Kaoru says is sweet and innocent talk that only those whose hands have never been stained with the blood of men can believe. But to tell you the truth, I much prefer Miss Kaoru's sweet and innocent talk over the truth, yes, indeed I do. (edit)
Kenshin: You do not like the taste.
Kaoru: I just don't like it when people cook better than me. (edit)
Kenshin: No, Miss Karou! Suicide is not the answer!

Kid Samurai
Kid Samurai: A Difficult Ordeal and a New Student

Kenshin, Kaoru, Dr. Gensai and his two grandchildren all decide to head to the marketplace. On the way there, Kenshin watches as a small kid with black hair pickpockets an old man as he is about to buy his son a present. The boy reconsiders, and quickly replaces the wallet before the old man notices. Kenshin is happy about this, and commends the young boy. The boy gets angry at him for watching, and runs away. Kenshin notices his great sense of pride. As he catches up with Kaoru, the kid comes back, trying to pickpocket Kenshin. Kenshin lets him succeed on purpose, but still grabs his arm afterwards and tells him not to get caught next time. This puts a great dent in the boy's pride, and he tosses the money back at Kenshin's head, ranting about how he doesn't need any help.

Eventually, Kenshin and the gang get to the Akabeko steakhouse, and start their lunch. Kenshin and Kaoru discuss the kid, and the waitress overhears their conversation. She tells them his name is Yahiko Myouji, the descendent of a long line of samurai warriors. After his parents died, they had a large debt to the Yakuza, (Japanese mafia) and he was left behind to pay them off. Kenshin realizes this is the reason he's a pickpocket, and becomes troubled . . .although not as much as Kaoru. Furious, she stomps off to find their hideout.

At the hideout, Yahiko comes back without money, and gets beat up by the leader and a few men. They have just made loaded dice, and plan to cheat more people out of money with it. The leader threatens to cut off Yahiko's fingers if he comes back empty-handed again. Suddenly, Kaoru stumbles in, and is caught by the men. They make a deal with her - if she can win a game of dice, they'll let the kid go. Obviously it's a trick, since the dice roller plans to use the loaded set. Kaoru, oblivious to the scam, agrees. Yahiko runs up to her and pleads with her to reconsider, but she claims she has a huge amount of luck, and begins. The dealer rolls, cups it, and Kaoru calls out odds. (The dice were loaded to always get snake eyes. 1 + 1 = 2.) To the gang's surprise, however, the dice come out as a 5 and a 6, which equals 11. Kaoru wins. She stands up, happy, and prepares to leave with Yahiko. The dice roller checks the dice, amazed, and realizes they had been replaced. (When Yahiko ran up to tell Kaoru no.) The leader attacks Yahiko, and Kaoru pulls out her wooden kendo sword to protect him. She fights off a few goons at first, but the leader pulls out a real sword and dices her bokken in half. They drag her in to the mafia boss, and he explains to Yahiko that there never was a real debt, it was just a fairy tale to trick Yahiko into being their slave for the rest of his life, and that his parents were too stupid to leave him. Yahiko, enraged by their taunting of his honorable parents, knocks his captor off. The leader pulls out his sword again, preparing to end Yahiko's life, when Kenshin arrives, almost too late. The leader immediately turns to attack him, but Kenshin quickly pulls out his sword, smashing the end of the hilt against the man's chin, slamming his head up through the roof. The mafia boss immediately recognizes Kenshin's Battousai eyes, and tells the guys to lay off. Kenshin escapes with Kaoru and Yahiko.

Afterwards, Yahiko is disgusted with him self, and apologizes to Kenshin for making him help him. Kenshin smiles, and tells Kaoru to make Yahiko her first new student. She reluctantly agrees, and Yahiko protests at being taught by an “ugly girl'.
Yahiko: Wait a second, you're not telling me that you want me to take lessons from this ugly girl?
Kaoru: Kenshin, are you saying I am exposed to be his intructor?
Kenshin: Uh-huh. (edit)
Kaoru: I don't think I've ever known anyone as cold-hearted as you! (edit)
Kaoru: I can't ignore this! I've got to do something important! (edit)
Kaoru: What!? Excuse me! I'll let you know people call me the Rose of Martial Arts around here!
Yahiko: Yeah right ugly! (edit)
Kaoru: Tell me why none of the students are coming back to the school! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: If the world hadn’t changed, that boy would’ve made a fine samurai. (edit)
Yahiko Myojin: My father was an official samurai of the shogunate and died an honorable death. My mother sacrificed her whole life to work and so she could raise me. They were both full of pride and lived dignified lives. And don’t you dare ever say they didn’t! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: You feel bad because you’re not strong enough, kid?

Yahiko Myojin: I really wanna be strong so that next time I won’t need any help from you. I wanna be strong enough to stick up for parents name by myself.

Kenshin Himura: I see… (edit)
Yahiko: Get off me ugly! (edit)
Kenshin: (Talking to Yahiko) And don't ever lose that pride you have.

Swordsman of Sorrow
Swordsman of Sorrow: The Man's Past Forgiven.

It seems Yahiko is having some trouble adjusting to his new sensei - Kaoru. It seems he wants to learn swordsmanship to defeat his enemies, not to protect others.

Policemen approach the house, looking for the Battousai, but Kenshin has dissapeared. Kaoru sends Yahiko to 'find' him, but Yahiko's true purpose is to warn Kenshin that the police are after him. Yahiko eventually meets up with Kenshin, in the marketplace, after Kenshin's groceries are sliced in half by the Police Swordsmen. The Police Swordsman go on to cause a riot in the streets, arresting random people just because they get in their way, etc. Yahiko, unable to take this, runs into the crowd to try and save the innocents, and is reprimanded himself. After some further lip from the kid, the head of the police decides to execute them all to 'teach them a lesson'. Kenshin steps in this time, declaring that he'll take the blame if there was any true crime commited by the innocents. At the last moment, the main squad that had approached the dojo appear in the streets, and the leader of the Police Swordsmen attacks Kenshin with a lethal technique. Kenshin easily defeats him. The main squad realizes the wrongdoings, and take the Police Swordsmen away. Then, a moustached man steps out of the police carraige, and approaches Kenshin. He is the Lord of the new regime's army, and he is coming to invite Kenshin to join the army, since he was a large part of the Meiji Revolution's success. Kenshin declines - he's given up his swordsman ways and is adamant about living a peaceful life at the Kamiya Dojo. The trio head home, and Yahiko finally realizes what the true meaning of a sword is through Kenshin - to protect others.
Kaoru: I know it's wrong, and that I shouldn't pry into peoples personal affairs, but still... (edit)
Kaoru: Kenshin, you better confess the truth right now! (edit)
Yahiko: Hey Kaoru, what is Kenshin anyway?
Kaoru: Uh... (edit)
Yahiko: When are you going to teach me to beat up people? (edit)
Kenshin Himura: All the people that you have tied up here if they have truly committed any crimes I will personally repent for each of them.

Satsuma Police Swordsman: Oh, so you disapprove of our methods do you? To carry a sword in broad daylight in these prefectures, one must be pretty sure of their swordsmanship. (edit)
Lord Aritomo Yamagata: Judging by the crowd’s reaction it is obvious who was serving justice here. (edit)
Kaoru: There's no way I'm letting you get your hands on Kenshin! (edit)
Kenshin: If you want to taste the ground, feel free to attack me. (edit)
Kenshin: You will not touch these innocent people with even one inch of your dirty blades. If you require an opponent, I will fight you. (edit)
Kenshin: Even if it's only the handful of people I happen to meet on the street or in my home, I can still protect them with one sword. (edit)
Kenshin: We once fought for an ideal with our swords. It wasn't for power or glory, but to create a peaceful world where people could live without fear. And if you should forget that, then what did we fight the revolution for? (edit)
Police Man: A reverse blade sword huh? You're right, it won't cut a thing.

Bad!
Bad!: Introducing Sanosuke, Fighter for Hire!

This episode opens up with a tall man with spiky brown hair beating the crap out of some thugs.

Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Dr. Gensai and his two granddaughters are all once again at the AKABEKO steakhouse in the village. Kenshin overhears three drunks arguing over democracy in the new regime, and one man throws a blind plate, and Kenshin blocks it with his head so it won't hit Kaoru, acting like it was an accident. The same brown-haired man from the opening is sitting in the corner watching this. He approaches the drunks, who get angry at him, and the four of them exit into the street to duke it out. The man, who is revealed as Sanosuke Sagara, wearing a kanji character that means 'Bad!' on his back. He states that he hates seeing the weak being picked on by stronger people, so he in turn deals crushing blows to the drunken fools. One almost pulls his sword, but Kenshin approaches this one from behind, calmly stating that he must reconsider. The drunks flee, and Sanosuke now approaches Kenshin. It appears that he noticed Kenshin intentionally getting hit by the plate, and is intrigued by his skill. He offers Kenshin a duel, but Kenshin, of course, declines.

Later that night, Sanosuke is in a hut talking with a mysterious man. . .who is revealed to be Gohei, now thumb-less. He contracts Sanosuke to take care of the Battousai, Himura Kenshin. Sanosuke, still anxious to fight Kenshin, agrees, and heads straight to the Kamiya Dojo.

Kenshin senses Sanosuke approaching even before he sets foot in the dojo, and goes outside to meet him. Yahiko and Kaoru follow at a distance. Sanosuke states his mission to Kenshin, and Kenshin is puzzled by this, hearing it come from someone who hates when others pick on weak people. Sanosuke tells him to drop the no-killing act, or else he'll lose the battle. Gohei is seen watching from behind a fence. Sanosuke reveals the Zanbatou, a huge sword that was built during the revolution to take out a soldier/horse with one blow. He rushes Kenshin, who jumps out of the way, flips off a tree, and lands on the other side safely. At this point, Gensai's two grandchildren come out. Sanosuke decides to postpone the battle until they can be alone, and takes his leave, just as the tree limb that Kenshin had rebounded off of falls and smacks Gohei on the head. . .it appears he cut it in the split-second his feet touched it. Kenshin takes the girls back inside, and Sanosuke retreats into the darkness. .
Kenshin: There's someone at your door.
Kaoru: I don't hear anyone.
Kenshin: I didn't hear him. I felt him. It's the man who follows his desires no matter what the consequences.
(When Sanosuke comes to the dojo to challege Kenshin) (edit)
Yahiko: Oh great what the heck is she doing now? (edit)
Yakiho: How are you ever going to find a guy to marry with a face like that?
Kaoru: What'd you say!? (edit)
Yakiho: I guess every girl has one good trait no matter how ugly they are. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: Some how I always thought that democracy existed for the weak, or is it that the democracy you fools preach is the freedom to get drunk and give innocent folks a hard time with your big mouths? (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: Battousai the Manslayer, he is truly a man of legends. I Zanza, fighter-for-hire, have been searching for a tough guy like him. (edit)
Gohei Hiruma: Zanza, fighter-for-hire. Known in the underworld as a man who fights your fights for you. An arrogant lone wolf who bases his own price by how much fun he had beating the other guy up. He is strong. Those who have fought him are said to be plagued by nightmares of the symbol on his back, which stands for Bad! (edit)
Sanosuke: I will defeat you with all that I am!

Reverse-Blade Sword vs. Zanbatou
"Sakabatou tai Zanbatou . Tatakai no Hateni!"
(Reverse Bladed Sword vs Horse Cutting Sword . At the Battles End!)

A day has passed since Episode #4, and Kenshin is 'preparing' to face Sanosuke. Actually, he's hanging up laundry. Kaoru and Yahiko tell Kenshin to be careful about him, but Kenshin smiles as if it's nothing. Gensai's grandchildren come, and Kenshin runs off to play with them.

Meanwhile, Sanosuke is in his room meditating. A flashback is shown of Sanosuke as a kid, with an older man he calls "captain". The man's last name is Sagara, and young Sanosuke wants to take it as his last name. They are part of the Sekihou Tai, and a man on horseback comes giving the captain orders to come see him.

Sanosuke is interrupted by Gohei, and he angrily asks what he wants. Gohei makes up some lame excuse, and Sanosuke tells him to make sure to stay out of the way when he and Kenshin battle.

Kaoru and Yahiko are talking with Gensai, who tells them that one of his patients knew of Sanosuke. He used to be part of the Sekihou Tai, a false army that used to wander around and lie about taxes being lowered. Kaoru and Yahiko realize Kenshin is gone, and they go to the village to try and find where he's fighting Sanosuke. Eventually they see him a bit of the way down from a river. They get there just in time, and Sanosuke once again attacks Kenshin with the massive Zanbatou. Kenshin dodges easily, and slams Sanosuke in the back. He's knocked down, and thinks more of his past. The Sekihou Tai army is crowded around a man, who seems to be a higher-ranking official. He tells them that they will be punished for lying to the people about taxes being lowered, but the captain tells the man that they were just taking orders from the imperial army. The man ignores this, and reveals a large army hidden in the brush, ready to execute the Sekihou Tai. It's a massacre, and young Sanosuke runs off with the captain on his shoulders. The man tells Sanosuke to leave him, that the imperial army is greedy and lying, and pushes him off a small cliff into the water, as the Sekihou Tai is destroyed forever.

Sanosuke jumps back up, declaring that he will never lose to an imperialist 'scum'. Kenshin is starting to piece together bits and pieces of this. They fight some more, and Sanosuke is once again knocked down. At this time, however, Gohei, who is hiding in a bush, pulls a gun on Kenshin. He shoots, and Kenshin blocks it with his sword, cracking the hilt. Gohei quickly runs and grabs Kaoru and Yahiko, threatening Kenshin. Suddenly, Sanosuke moves, swinging his Zanbatou and smashing Gohei in the ankles, knocking him over. Kaoru and Yahiko run, and Gohei tries one last attempt to shoot Kenshin. Kenshin quickly slams the ground with his sword, sending a shockwave along and knocking Gohei presumably unconscious.

Sanosuke is not ready to quit the fight yet, although he is thoroughly battered and bruised. He rushes Kenshin, and suddenly, Kenshin flips the Reverse-Blade Sword around. In one swift movement, he slices the Zanbatou in half, and elbows Sanosuke in the back in one final crushing blow. Sanosuke refuses to go down, still vowing to beat the strongest of the Imperialists. At this point, Kaoru yells out that Sanosuke is the bad one, who was part of a lying army. Yahiko concurs with her. Sanosuke gets angrier, but Kenshin jumps in. He tells Kaoru and Yahiko that people are not what they seem, and explains that the Imperials originally had planned to have a tax reduction plan when the new regime was in session. However, due to the revolution, they were in deep debt, and cut the tax reduction. Kenshin explains that the Sekihou Tai were used as a scapegoat as to not tarnish the people's view of the Meiji. Kenshin goes on to explain that the revolution is not over, that the government is still not complete, and people are still stuck in their old ways. That is why he decided to become a wanderer as well, because his only way to atone for his sins during the Revolution is to protect people with his sword. Sanosuke watches Kenshin, realizing he sounds just like his old Captain Sagara. He realizes what Kenshin truly means, and falls down, defeated.

About a week later, Kaoru tells Kenshin that Gensai treated Sanosuke's wounds and sent him to a hospital, where he was supposed to stay for three weeks. They see him, however, pushing some drunks out of the AKABEKO. He turns to Kenshin, smiling, and after some friendly chat, he says he'd like to tag along with Kenshin, because he too has given up his revolutionary ways, and wants to learn from him. Kenshin happily complies, and the Kamiya Dojo acquires their third new tenant.
Kaoru(Puffing out Yahiko's cheeks): You little brat!
Yahiko: Ok I give up! (edit)
Yahiko: What do you mean you ugly girl!
Kaoru: What do you mean ugly? Treat your sensei with respect! (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: You’re pretty strong I’ll give you that, but then again you are the legendary Battousai. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: Hey Battousai, it’s true that in a swordfight the guy with the better swordsmanship will be the winner, but when it comes to a fight like this the rules are a little more simple, the guy who’s still standing is the winner.

Kenshin Himura: You really outta save lines like that for when you’re the one standing in the end, that you should.

Sanosuke Sagara: Enough! Get ready for round two! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Zanza, the Zanbatou is rather a limited weapon due to its weight and size. You must either swing it down or to the side, only two choices, which makes it extremely easy to predict. And this will be the end. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: The imperialists, they blamed the Sekihoutai for all their wrong doings and killed them. They’re dirty… Too damn dirty. I’ll never forgive them. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Actually Zanza, the revolution is not over yet. It is true that in this new Meiji era the shape of revolution has been complete. However many people still live in the old world where the weak are still oppressed and justice and equality is still just an ideal. That is why I became a wanderer and that’s why I carry this sword to protect those people.

Sanosuke Sagara: Battousai the Manslayer… To protect the people?

Kenshin Himura: This is my atonement for all the people whose lives were sacrificed in the name of the Meiji Revolution, that it is. (edit)
Kenshin: I think we have ourselves another weird friend, that I... Gah!
Kamiya: Who are you calling weird? You're the weirdest one of us!

Appearance of Kurogasa
Appearance of Kurogasa: Death From the Shadows.

A policeman makes a visit to the Kamiya Dojo, and tells them of a serial murderer who has been patrolling the streets. He has been able to successfully kill numerous policemen and high-ranking officials without them even being able to pull out their guns, let alone shoot him. Kenshin has a hunch that this is yet another battousai leftover from the revolution, still stuck in the old ways.

Kenshin and Sanosuke come to a nobleman's mansion, midst a crowd of other men who have come for the reward of killing the killer, whom everyone has nicknamed "Kurogasa". (Kuro means black/dark, but I have no clue what gasa is.) After a brief moment of waiting, the guards outside are quickly decapitated by the killer. A man blurts out that the killer is too scared to come in, and that's when he appears, proceeding to slice the man in the back. He stands in the window, a man with creepy blue eyes and grey hair. Kenshin recognizes him as Jin-e, a battousai from the revolution, just as he had predicted. As everyone approaches to fight him, they find themselves unable to do so. Jin-e has a paralyzing power, that renders opponents motionless, for easy kills. Kenshin, however, hid behind Sanosuke, and jumps out and attacks Jin-e. He easily dodges, and the two begin in a swordfight, until they come to a stalemate. Sanosuke, by this time, has wrenched free of the power, and launches a statuette at Jin-e. He jumps aside, and attacks Sanosuke, gashing his arm up. (This was cut in the TV version.) Kenshin quickly intervenes, and the two are locked in battle yet again, but it seems that neither side is progressing much. Jin-e laughs at how weak Kenshin has become, and berates him for giving up his battousai ways. He says he'll give Kenshin one day to prepare, for he wants to have a fight with the true battousai, and leaves. Sanosuke asks Kenshin why he didn't follow, but Kenshin tells Sanosuke that Jin-e was right. Kenshin has lost his true battle spirit in the 10 years he's been a wanderer. He leaves to go meditate for the remaining 24 hours, to try and rise the battousai spirit out of him so that he can stand a chance against Jin-e's true power.

Sanosuke heads back to the dojo to tell Kaoru, who has fallen asleep outside waiting for Kenshin. When she hears of the news, she immediately rushes off to find him, as usual, down by the river. She tells him that she doesn't want him to leave and never come back, so she lends him her blue ribbon, telling him that he must return it after the battle. Kenshin smiles, and Kaoru smiles back. Suddenly, she is ripped from the side of the river by none other than Jin-e, sailing down on a raft. He laughs at Kenshin, attempting to get a rise in him and set his true anger free. Kenshin shouts for Kaoru, but Jin-e is long-gone. . .
Sanosuke: Those eyes... he's too dangerous.
Kenshin: I'll deal with him. (edit)
Kenshin: Why are you here?
Sanosuke: I won't let you hog such a big fight to yourself.
Kenshin: It's not a fight... (edit)
Kenshin: The man Kurosaga, he must be a manslayer from the revolution like myself, that he is. (edit)
Kaoru: Oh, you're the police chief.
Sanosuke: The police chief? (edit)
Sanosuke: It's not food from a strange land...
Kaoru (While throwing foods at Sanosuke): If you have any complaints, then don't come here! (edit)
Kaoru: Oh, Sanosuke is drooling all over because it's so good! Just kidding!
Sanosuke: It's disgusting. (edit)
Kaoru: Oh, Kenshin.

Kenshin: Huh? Wha! Ow! (sword falls and slices thumb open)

Kaoru: I... found you.

Kenshin: She's scarier than Jinei she is!! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: The murderer called Kurogasa he must be one of the Manslayers left over from the Revolution, just like myself. Even though it has been ten years into the Meiji era, his heart is still obsessed with the smell and color of blood. A man who cannot stop killing. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Nikaidou Method. Shin-no-ippou, another name for the spell of frozen terror. As I suspected it was you after all. I heard rumors in Kyoto during the Revolution of one who could use Shin-no-ippou and paralyze victims with the pounding energy emanating from his eyes. The stray Manslayer, Jinei Udoh. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: That wasn’t any fun. You are nothing compared to the Battousai of the Revolution whose name froze the blood of men. A Manslayer who stops slaying for ten years. You should realize how obtuse your swordsman spirit has become. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: I’ll give you one day to prepare yourself. Go ahead and search your soul. I know you’ll find him. Revive the Manslayer within you. I want to kill the legendary Battousai from the Revolution. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Ms. Kaoru!

Jinei Udoh: I assume this girl is your woman, Battousai! (Evil laugh)

Kenshin Himura: Jinei!

Jinei Udoh: Show me your anger! That will bring back the Manslayer that you once were! Hate me as you never hated before! Bring back Battousai the Manslayer! (Evil laugh)

Kaoru Kamiya: Kenshin!

Kenshin Himura: Jinei!!! (edit)
Kaoru: Oh Kenshin, I found you.
Kenshin: She's scarier than Jinei, she is. (edit)
Sanosuke: I guess selfishness and love go hand in hand.

Deathmatch Under the Moon
Deathmatch Under the Moon: Protect the One you Love.
Jin-e has retreated to a small grove in the woods, where he is holding Kaoru. Kenshin appears, but with a stern face, and an even sterner voice. Kaoru realizes his eyes aren't the Kenshin that she knows, and Jin-e smiles, realizing that the battousai has turned back to his old ways. They begin to battle, and after a while, Kenshin is slashed in the arm. Jin-e scoffs, saying he was wrong after all. He decides to take a step further, and uses his paralyzing technique on Kaoru, this time pumping it up to its maximum. Not only is it freezing her body, but her lungs as well. There's only two ways to free someone from the spell: If they themselves have enough power to break the paralysis, or if the caster is killed. With Kaoru's life on the line, Kenshin rises, his eyes blazing.
Back at the dojo, Sanosuke and Yahiko find a note from Kenshin telling them that if he doesn't come back alive, to sic the police on Jinei and save Kaoru. Worried about Kenshin, they head off to find him. Back in the forest, Jinei attacks Kenshin, but Kenshin disappears in a blur, and then slams his sword into Jinei's face, knocking him back. Jinei is dumbstruck; he didn't even see Kenshin move. He smirks, and gets back up. Kenshin then says something along the lines of "if you want me to kill you then hurry up and prepare for death..." then somewhere he also says "your death has been assured tonight Jinei " He then casts his illusion technique on himself, neutralizing it and releasing his true power. Kenshin is poised, and Jinei attacks with a downward strike. Kenshin parries, and at the last minute, Jinei pulls out another hidden sword, ready to deal the finishing blow. . . However, he feels a sudden crack in his elbow, and looks to see Kenshin holding his sheath in his other hand. Kenshin has just broken the ligaments in Jinei's right arm, preventing him from ever using a sword again. He raises his sword to kill Jin-e, but Kaoru suddenly shouts out at him to stop. It seems that her deep feelings for Kenshin, and her desperate want for him not to revert to the Battousai, allows her to break the illusion and come free. Kenshin rushes over to her, as she collapses into a faint. Jin-e stands up behind him, and pulls out his sword with his left hand. . .and then plunges it into himself, realizing there's no place for him in this world as long as Kenshin is around. Sanosuke and Yahiko join up with Kenshin just afterwards, and the four head home, Kenshin's mind a bit clearer.
Sanosuke: Let's go, you punk!
Yahiko: Same goes for you! (edit)
Yahiko: You've got to be kidding! I'm going with him!
Sanosuke: Wait, you idiot!
Yahiko: Let go! I want to go! I don't know what happened in his past! But I don't care about the revolution! (edit)
Yahiko: But, Kenshin is no longer a manslayer!
Sanosuke: That's why he might lose! (edit)
Jinei: The power of Battousai the Manslayer gave everyone goosebumps during the Revolution. (edit)
Kaoru: You don't know how strong Kenshin is.
Jinei: You're the one who doesn't know... how he really was. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: Heh! I like those eyes, means you’re angry.

Kenshin Himura: Yeah, angry at you for pulling Ms. Kaoru in the middle of this, and angry at myself for not being able to stop you. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: I sense a pleasing desire to kill from you. Now you only have to flip the blade on that silly sword, and the Legendary Manslayer will be born again into this world.

Kenshin Himura: Shut up! (edit)
Kaoru Kamiya: Ken… shin…

Kenshin Himura: Ms. Kaoru, no! You bastard, what have you done to Ms. Kaoru?

Jinei Udoh: It’s a stronger version of the Shin-no-ippou. It’s so strong that I’ve paralyzed her lungs. She will last five minutes at most before she suffocates. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: In other words, unless you kill me, the girl dies. What’s wrong? There’s no time to lose. Are you going to let her die without lifting a finger? Death by suffocation isn’t pretty. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: However, now that I have said that I will kill you, your death tonight has been assured, Jinei.

Jinei Udoh: (Thinking) This is the stance for the Battoujutsu. Attacks that accelerate the blade’s speed by pulling it out of the sheath and slaying the opponent in an instant. The speed of which he can unsheathe his weapon is a speed that matches the gods.

Kenshin Himura: Come! I’ll let you taste a little sample of why they call me the Battousai. (edit)
Jinei Udoh: A Manslayer is a Manslayer until the day he dies. He can never be anything else. (edit)
Kenshin: To save Miss Kaoru, I will become a Manslayer once again! (edit)
Kenshin: A man-slayer is a man-slayer till the day he dies but I am also a wanderer and I will be a wander till the day I die. (edit)
Jinei: (To Kenshin) In every fiber of your being, you are truely a Manslayer. (edit)
Kenshin: A sword is a weapon. The art of swordsmanship is learning how to kill. What Miss Kaoru says is sweet and innocent talk that only those whose hands have never been stained with the blood of men can believe. But to tell you the truth, I much prefer Miss Kaoru's sweet and innocent talk, yes indeed I do. That is the truth.

A New Battle
A New Battle: The Beautiful Girl from Nowhere.

Kenshin is accompanying Sanosuke in a gambling match with his friends, and... Sanosuke is losing very badly. After some comedic dialouge, Sanosuke finds out that a friend of his that he owed some money to was killed by opium, a lethal drug. (Note: Opium is a drug that was originally manufactured in China. Some of it is dangerous.) Then, a woman in a blue kimono runs into the room. She's being chased by two thugs, who tell them not to interfere, and let them take the girl. They say they're from a man named Kanryu Tekeida, a rich nobleman who employed the woman. Sanosuke, being pissed off as it is, beats up the two men to save the woman. Kenshin notices a third man come in, an unusual-looking short man with a spiky mohawk. He demands that they hand over the woman, and throws two darts at two of Sanosuke's friends, injuring them. He next targets Kenshin, Sanosuke, and the woman. Kenshin slams his hands down on the tatami mat, causing the front end to fly up and block the attack. He and Sanosuke rush the short guy, and pummel him through to the next building. The woman introduces herself as Megumi Takane.

Kenshin, Sanosuke return to the Kamiya Dojo with Megumi, much to Kaoru's surprise. She accuses Kenshin of seducing the new woman, and hits him. He takes the abuse, then realizes someone's watching them, and springs up to look around, but the watcher is already gone. They bring Megumi inside, and tend to the wounds she got from escaping.

The scene changes to Tekeida's mansion, in which the short midget has returned. He is revealed as Beshimi, 4th-in-command of the Oniwabanshu, a group of assassins-for-hire. Their leader, Aoshi Shinomori, has called back Beshimi and a man in a skull-esque mask, whom was spying on the dojo, and sends them back out to retrieve Megumi, following Tekeida's orders.

Kenshin is inside talking with Megumi, while Sanosuke is outside on guard watch. (as well as stifling Kaoru's angry cries at Kenshin being alone with Megumi.) He suddenly notices a immensely large man looming over the fence. This is the last-in-command, 5th Elite of the Oniwabanshuu, Hyattko, a master in fire-breathing. He drinks oil and spits out fire, nearly burning Sanosuke. He targets Kenshin next, but Kenshin begins to spin his sword rapidly, miraculously blocking the fire. Sanosuke tells Kenshin to let him take this fight, and dives straight through Hyattko's next flame, smashing his fist straight back into his throat, causing him to puke up the device he used to make the flame. Sanosuke finishes him off easily. Then, Benishi, who had been watching from a tree, jumps down, preparing to just kill Megumi there instead of risking getting killed himself. No one is near her except Yahiko, who had insisted on coming outside to help in the fight. He sees this, and dives in the way, unaware of the extreme danger the darts hold. They both slam into his arm, and Benishi reveals that they were the poison-tipped ones. Kenshin rushes him angrily, knocking him flat unconscious, and then runs over to grab Yahiko. At that moment, the man in the skull mask grabs the bodies of Benishi and Hyattko, and flees, telling Kenshin he eagerly awaits fighting him in the future.

Everyone gathers around Yahiko's wound, and Kaoru suggests sucking the poison out. Suddenly, Megumi exhibits some amazing medical prowess, and gives everyone orders to get the materials needed to cure Yahiko. They all rush off, but Sanosuke notices something fall out of her pockets as she carries Yahiko into the dojo...

... opium.
(After Sanosuke defeats Hyattko)
Kaoru: Look at you, you're burnt to a crisp.
Kenshin: I'd say medium rare.
Sanosuke: Get lost. (edit)
Yahiko: You guys were going to leave me out? How cruel, I'm part of the Kenshin group to.
Sanosuke: The Kenshin group? What's that? (edit)
Megumi: My, I'm surprised. She is such a violent girl. (edit)
Yahiko: To make a long story short, he flirted with the woman he saved. I can't leave you alone, can I Kenshin?
Kenshin: That really isn't the case here...
Kaoru: Then what is your excuse? (edit)
Kenshin Himura: I had hoped not to be a bother to you Ms. Kaoru. All things considered there may be an ugly incident or two before this is over I’m afraid. But I will make sure to keep you safe from harm Ms. Kaoru.

Kaoru Kamiya: Kenshin... (edit)
Kaoru Kamiya: Where are you going?

Megumi Takani: That man is different from Beshimi. There’s no way he can win.

Kaoru Kamiya: Kenshin has been fighting for your sake incase you haven’t noticed. How can you run away when he’s doing all this for you?

Megumi Takani: The Oniwaban group is a ruthless bunch who don’t have a shred of remorse about killing other people. They don’t show any mercy even to women. You might end up being killed by them as well.

Kaoru Kamiya: No matter how strong the enemy is Kenshin will protect me always. Kenshin’s not the kind of man who’d ever break a promise to anyone. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: Why does she have opium? Maybe she’s the one we really have to watch out for. (edit)
Sanosuke: Kenshin's the kind of guy who's pretty good at dealing with things like swords but not so great when it comes to dealing with people, especially women and children.
Kaoru: Yeah, I know that but..
Sanosuke: But, you know, I guess there are limits to just how good anyone can be. (edit)
Sanosuke: You're pretty arrogant for a kid, you know that.
Yahiko: What'd you call me?!? I'll get you for that! (Bites Sanosuke's head) (edit)
Sanosuke: All right, loser! Let's try this one more time! (edit)
Kenshin: Ah, good idea; take the attack head and get burned a little rather than dodge it and get burned a lot.

Kenshin: Kenshin's group is going to run into some problems if their already fighting amongst themselves.

Strongest Group of Ninjas
"Saikyou no Shinobigundan . Kyoufu no Oniwabanshu!"
The Ultimate Stealth Army . The Dreaded Oniwabanshu!
Yahiko's recovery seems to be going well, and Gensai tells them that Megumi is not only a medical expert, but an expert on chemical drugs as well. Sanosuke isn't surprised.
At Tekeida's mansion, Aoshi is surprised to know that Hyattko and Beshimi were both defeated. Hannya, the second-in-command, with a skull mask, tells Aoshi that the strongest one bore a cross-scar on his cheek. Aoshi wonders if it's the Battousai. . .
Back at the Kamiya Dojo, Kenshin finally gets Megumi to explain her story. Her father, Ryusei, was a scholarly doctor, but he died. Megumi, hoping to become a great doctor like her father, became employed as an apprentice to her father's friend, who was currently employed by Kanryuu Tekeida. However, he died mysteriously, and she took his place, and suddenly realized the horrors inside Kanryuu's mansion. Making opium was bad enough, but when Kanryuu ordered her to create a lethal opium for mass-market, so she escaped, rather than continue killing people. Kenshin acknowledges that they are in much greater danger than he realized.
Megumi decides to cook dinner, and while she's outside, she notices an elderly man walking down the path to the dojo. She goes over to see what he wants, but as soon as she does, the old man mask falls off, and Hannya is revealed. He grabs her, and jumps off into the deeper forest. Sanosuke sees this, and follows him.
Deep in the forest, Kanryuu is waiting. In a nutshell, he tells Megumi that he will not kill her, but he wouldn't have a problem setting the Kamiya Dojo ablaze if she doesn't cooperate with him. With no other choice visible to her, she complies. Kanryuu is unaware that Sano is listening from behind a tree, but Hannya notices. As Kanryuu leaves, Aoshi tells him he's making a big mistake. Kanryuu doesn't think that Kenshin will attack if Megumi comes of her own will, but Aoshi disagrees.
Kaoru finds Megumi's farewell note, and Kenshin and Yahiko depart with her to the Kanryuu mansion. Sanosuke, however, is already there, talking with Megumi. He's angry about his friend dying from opium, but he's also angry at her for wanting to kill herself. In a deep speech, he explains to her that she's not the only one with a dark past. He and Kenshin have realized that the better way to deal with that is to live, and repent for your sins by helping others. Megumi has her moment of recognition, just as their conversation is interrupted by a loud boom. The 3rd-in-command of the Oniwaban group, Shikijou. He's a muscular, scarred man, carrying a ball-and-chain. Sanosuke catches it, and snaps the chain easily, telling Shikijou to come down and fight like a man. He does, and Sanosuke assaults him with a flurry of punches. They go into fast combat, but Shikijou has very tough skin, and even tougher fists. He knocks Sanosuke back, and thinks he's finished, but Sanosuke's vitality shines through. They've both taken their fair share of hits, but Sanosuke deals him a hard kick in the face, knocking him out. As soon as he's dealt the finishing blow, however, Beshimi dives down from a post, snatching up Megumi and taking her into the depths of the castles. Sanosuke stretches out, a bit looser from his warm-up, and Kenshin, Yahiko, and Kaoru arrive. He briefs them on what's happened, and they prepare to journey to the depths of the Kanryuu mansion. .
Yahiko: I don't want an older sister as ugly as her!
Kaoru: And I don't want someone like Yahiko as a younger brother, either! (edit)
Yahiko: If I was served ohagi made by you, Kaoru... I'd eat cakes made out of dirt first!
Kaoru: Sheesh, your illness has been cured but your badmouthing hasn't! (edit)
Kenshin: Miss Kaoru, your tears were from joy, that they were.
Kaoru: Of course, because Yahiko's life was spared! (edit)
Aoshi Shinomori: Red hair and a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek... Could it be that he’s the one? (edit)
Kanryu Takeda: That’s touchy but I won’t let you die alone. Perhaps the Kamiya Dojo will have a mysterious fire… and in the ruins they will find the charred bodies of several dead children or something along those lines.

Megumi Takani: What! What do you mean?

Kanryu Takeda: Don’t look so shocked and surprised my dear. Starting a little fire or two is a piece of cake for the Oniwaban group. They’ll be back at home in time for breakfast. (edit)
Hannya: Leader, there is a rat in hiding.

Aoshi Shinomori: Let it hide Hannya. The only one that matters to us is Kenshin Himura, the Legendary Battousai the Manslayer. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: If you die here, do you think it’s going to bring my friend back to life? If you’re alive, you can repent for what you’ve done. There will be a day when you see your family again. If you die, then it’s all gone. (edit)
Sanosuke: Do you think you're the only person with a dirty past that can't be erased? (edit)
Sanosuke: Kenshin's invincible, and one of him is enough. (edit)
Yahiko: (About saving Megumi) If I can't even do that, then everything I've learn from the Kamiya Kassin will be for nothing!
Kaoru: Yahiko! I totally agree with you. (edit)
Sanosuke: You have to be kidding. One Kenshin is enough to do me in. (edit)
Yahiko: You gotta be outta your mine if you think I'm going to let you eat my share Kaoru! (edit)
Kenshin: It's time that you stop blaming yourself...

Aoshi
"Aoshi. Utsukushi sugiru hodo Kowai Yatsu"
Aoshi. The Man so Scary as to seem almost Beautiful

Kenshin and the group enter the Tekeida residence, slashing their way inside. On the third floor, Kanryuu tells Hannya, the remaining Oniwaban member besides Aoshi, to take care of Kenshin. Hannya complies, but makes it a point that he's not doing it to follow Kanryuu's orders, but to defeat the great Battousai. Aoshi hears this, and agrees, saying he couldn't care less what happens to Kanryuu. He says he'll take care of it, and takes Megumi up to the highest floor and waits for Kenshin, even with the realization that Hannya will be defeated. He hands Megumi a dagger, telling her that she can get it over with now, or prepare for greater suffering later.

Kenshin and the group meet more obstacles, and eventually comes to a long hallway, face-to-face with Hannya. Hannya is wearing metal gauntlets underneath his gloves, and he wastes no time in charging Kenshin, using a rougher style of the Kempo art. He punches Kenshin, and even he is surprised at Hannya's speed. For the second attack, however, he sticks his sword out in a defense position and parries, coming back around and cracking Hannya's mask, revealing a grotesque face that had been through years of horrible battles. Hannya now reveals his true weapons, wolverine-like claws that come out of his gauntlets. He and Kenshin charge each other, and come to a spot. As Kenshin notices the cuts in his gi, Hannya tells him he doesn't stand a chance against Aoshi. Then, however, Hannya's gauntlets fall to bits, and he himself falls. Kenshin, not wanting to waste any more time, rushes on. Kaoru and Yahiko stay back to take care of the onslaught of lackeys, while Sano and Kenshin rush up to meet Aoshi.

In a small room, Aoshi is waiting. He wastes no time in revealing his weapon, a wakazashi, or kodachi, about half the length of a katana. It is lightweight but sturdy, based mainly on defense. Kenshin is surprised to know that Aoshi concentrates on defense. Sanosuke isn't impressed, and is the first to charge him. Aoshi dodges his punches easily and backhands him, sending him sprawling to the doorway, knocking him down in one punch. Kenshin is surprised yet again, but unsheathes his sword and prepares to fight. Aoshi comes on quickly, assaulting Kenshin with kicks, while parrying the Reverse-Blade Sword with his wakazashi. Kenshin feels the welts afterwards, realizing Aoshi's true refined Kenpo style, that of extreme speed. He falls to one knee, just as Kaoru and Yahiko show up and come to Sanosuke's aid. As Kenshin catches his breath, he wonders what someone of such amazing skill is doing in such a useless place. . .
(Threatening Kannryn)
Kenshin: Are you gonna bring Megumi down or shall I come up? (edit)
Kanryu Takeda: I don’t get it. What’s his reason for doing this? What in God’s name is Battousai the Manslayer doing here? What benefit could there be? What does he have to gain by helping this woman?

Hannya: If Himura the Battousai acted only what was beneficial to him, he would be a high ranking officer of the army at this time. Of course, people like you would never understand. (edit)
Hannya: You’re the one that needs to understand, Kanryu. Our leader is the only one who leads the Oniwaban group. I don’t remember swearing allegiance to the likes of you.

Kanryu Takeda: How dare you!

Hannya: The only one who can give us orders is our leader, Aoshi Shinomori. And we are always willing to die without hesitation for our leader. (edit)
Sanosuke Sagara: Hey do you recognize that stance?

Yahiko Myojin: Well, kinda. It sorta looks like the Sei-gan stance, I think.

Kaoru Kamiya: It isn’t. It’s the Shin-ken stance. The Sword that Believes, it’s an old but solid defensive swordsmanship technique that allows you to react quickly to any changes in the opponent. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: I see. You have a perfect defense with your kodachi. And your fighting technique is to attack with the same style as Hannya.

Aoshi Shinomori: There’s one mistake in your analysis. He uses the same style that I do because I taught it to him.

Kenshin Himura: What? (Feels the effects from the Kempu attack)

Aoshi Shinomori: Master and apprentice are completely different. And if you think we’re the same, then you’ll end up like that. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: A man of this much power. What is he doing this for? (edit)
Aoshi: If you want to know where they are, then ask with that reverse blade sword, Himura the Battousai. And I will give you my answer with this. (reveales his sheathed kodachi)

Farewell, the Strongest Men
Farewell, the Strongest Men: A Clash Between Light and Dark.

Kenshin gets up, and asks Aoshi what his true intention is behind keeping the Oniwaban Group together. Aoshi gladly explains . . .that during the revolution, the Oniwaban were striving to become the strongest warriors ever known. He had always wanted to fight the Battousai and proclaim himself strongest, and now, he is finally getting his chance. Aoshi rushes Kenshin, and Kenshin blocks a few blows, but also gets hit, and is unable to get any hits in. . .Aoshi seems too fast for him, since Aoshi's wakazashi is so small and quick. He decides to pick an alternate method, and when he blocks Aoshi's attack, he flips his katana, slamming the hilt up into Aoshi's throat, and stunning him. Aoshi realizes that he is just now seeing the true power of the Battousai, and as to not risk further injury, he decides to unleash his most powerful technique. He attacks Kenshin very slowly and easily, but then dissapears into a blur, moving all around Kenshin at a rapid speed. It's the supposedly "unblockable" move that killed so many before. He strikes Kenshin, marking three long cuts across Ken's chest, and he's knocked down. Aoshi tells the others that Kenshin is dead, for no one's ever survived that attack.

Of course, Kenshin gets up. It seems that he used his hilt once again, as it is in three pieces, to lessen the impact of Aoshi's blow. Aoshi is still confident, and attacks again, and this time, Kenshin catches his blade, his hands bleeding and shoves the hilt once again into Aoshi's throat, knocking him down.

Aoshi stands, threatening that if Kenshin doesn’t finish him off, then he will keep coming back to fight. Kenshin tells him he's welcome to, but he must never include anyone else in their personal bouts. Then, the door behind Aoshi opens, revealing the other four members of the Oniwaban. They are all accepting of their fates, realizing there is no place for them in a peaceful world that has passed on. It is a sad time, but suddenly, Kanryuu Tekeida intrudes, ruining it. . .and he's brought a gatling gun, and seems to have gone completely out of his mind. He shouts that Aoshi and Kenshin are weak idiots, and that he who has the most money is the best fighter. Now, while this is blatantly wrong, it doesn't stop Kanryuu from firing his gun, ripping the place to shreds. Everyone dodges to the best of their ability, and the Oniwaban run forward for a head-on strike to the gun. The lower three die protecting their master, but Beshimi manages to throw a dart in the string of bullets by the gatling gun. Aoshi watches his friends die in horror, and stands there, speechless. Sanosuke and Kaoru decide to go rescue Megumi before things get to rough, and Hannya stops Kenshin, and tells him to go retrieve his sword, which he dropped during the battle to catch Aoshi's blade. Kenshin realizes what Hannya means, and he runs out, diverting Kanryuu's attention so that Kenshin can recover his Reverse-Blade Sword. When all is said and done, Kenshin rushes Kanryuu, furious, and slashes off the lever for the gun. Kanryuu screams like a girl and begs Kenshin to spare his life. "WHY DON'T YOU CALL FOR YOUR MONEY TO SAVE YOU!?" Kenshin shouts, losing his temper. He breaks Kanryuu's jaw and knocks him out. Aoshi stands, his head down, mentally paralyzed, and Kenshin runs up to the final floor.

Megumi is preparing to kill herself, thinking it the only way to atone for her sins of creating lethal drugs. Sanosuke rushes in in the last moment, calling her stupid, and Kenshin tells her that he too must atone for the deaths he caused, but suicide will not bring them back. The only way is to live and help people . . .Megumi is put at ease, and the five return home.

Megumi goes to study under Dr. Gensai, and there is finally some piece at the Kamiya Dojo. Kanryuu was imprisoned, and Sanosuke said that at the crime scene, Aoshi and the bodies of the other four Oniwaban were nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, in the forest, Aoshi walks alone into the darkness . . .
Aoshi: It's impossible to break through my defenses, now stand up, Battousai. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Back then… Many men charged into battle. And despite their differences, they risked their lives for the future of this country and the people’s well being. But you’re different… The only thing you have is a desire to fight that is as cold as ice. Even now you’re assisting others in bringing pain to people. And as a wanderer trying to help people… I CAN’T ALLOW YOU TO GO ON DOING THAT! (edit)
Kenshin Himura: I have to say I think I finally figured out a way to counter the defense of his kodachi.

Aoshi Shinomori: Then I’d have to say, I think you’re bluffing. But you’re not the kind of man who bluffs like that, are you? Why don’t you show me then? What that way is. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: I can’t beat you in terms of speed because my blade is longer than your kodachi’s. So I had to adjust it to make it the same length as yours.

Aoshi Shinomori: So, that’s why? You were holding the base where the blade is dull. You’ve shown me the true identity of the Legendary Manslayer. In gratitude, I will defeat you with the true attack of the Oniwaban group. (edit)
Aoshi Shinomori: Kaiten-kenbu. Not one of my enemies has ever survived this attack. And now the Manslayer is dead. (edit)
Yahiko Myojin: You’re going to pay for this! You’re not getting away Aoshi! Even if I die in the process, I’m gunna make sure I take you with me!

Kenshin Himura: Yahiko… Yahiko… you’re important to the Kamiya Kasshin style as it’s successor. I can’t let you die in a place like this. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: (To Yahiko Myojin) When I was nearly defeated by Aoshi’s Kaiten-kenbu, your passionate words really meant a lot to me, that they did. (edit)
Aoshi Shinomori: Finish me off now Battousai, because if you don’t I promise I will continue to come after you for as long as I can.

Kenshin Himura: That’s fine, keep challenging me until you’re satisfied. However, this is between you and me, Aoshi I won’t allow you to involve anyone else in this fight. (edit)
Kenshin Himura: Don’t tell me that you would go to such lengths to get a hold of money that you would even sacrifice human life to feed your hunger for it! (edit)
Shikijo: Leader, don't look at me like that, because it doesn't suit you at all. (edit)
Aoshi: (staring at the graves of his 4 comrades For now...for now, I can't place flowers here. But I will someday, I swear it. (edit)
Kenshin: (To Kanryuu) If you're begging for your life, why don't you ask your money to save you?! (edit)
Megumi: I can cure almost anything, except love-sickeness.

Birth of a Boy Swordsman
"Shounen Kenshi Tanjou! Ichiban Deshi Yahiko no Tatakai"
The Birth of a Child Swordsman! Number One Student Yahiko's Battle

Yahiko is out training, when he slips and breaks one of his shoes. A girl, who was standing by the river and watching him, comes down and fixes it for him. She leaves, and he forgets to thank her.

Later, Kenshin, Sanosuke, Kaoru, Yahiko and Dr. Gensai's grandchildren are all at AKABEKO for another dinner. Their waitress, however, is the same girl that tied Yahiko's shoe together. He's embarrased at first, but then takes the opportunity to thank her. He follows her outside and thanks her, and helps her with gathering water from a well. They have a little moment, and then Yahiko heads back inside. He's just about to go into the doorway, when some thugs approach the girl. The lead thug gives a big speech about her family had been slaves to his family for 100 years, and that she had better have done what he told her to: make a wooden print of some key, that will allow him to sneak in and steal a noble's money. She refuses, for obvious reasons, and he slaps her. A Yahiko jump down, protecting her, and starts to take on gang. He does well at first, blocking them, but they start to team up on him, and eventually he's knocked down and beaten. The girl eventually agrees, and the men lay off Yahiko and take her away with them. Yahiko, utterly disgusted with him self, walks back home alone. Little did he know, however, that Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sano witnessed the whole thing. Kaoru was going to jump in, but Kenshin had held her back, telling her that if they always came to Yahiko's rescue, he would never get any stronger.

Yahiko vows to protect her, and since they're going to be breaking into the place the next night, he practices all day. Kenshin stops by and watches him, and Yahiko asks him for help fighting a bunch of opponents at once. Kenshin lets him in on a small fighting tactic: By running away, it causes them to disperse into a straight line, the faster ones reaching first, allowing one to fight a one-on-one match with each opponent seperately. Yahiko's hope is restored, and he thanks Kenshin. Kenshin tells him to rememebr that the Kamiya Kasshin style is to protect people, so failure is not an option. Yahiko smiles, and tells Kenshin he'll give it everything he's got.

That night, Yahiko watches the men take the key to enter the noble's house. Yahiko jumps down and steals the key, telling them to chase him down for it. They do, and eventually he leads them into a thin alleyway, allowing him to fight each person at a time. He knocks them all down easily, until they all unsheath knives, and approach him. Then, Kenshin and Sanosuke jump onto the roof. The men recognize the Kenshin's cross-scar, and run away. Yahiko is surprised, but the leader stays, wanting to 'punish the punk'. He pulls out a real sword and attacks. Sano realizes this is Yahiko's first opponent with a real sword. Yahiko does well to dodge, but then, the leader cuts his bokken in half. He's cornered, but he hears the girl cheering him on from the opposite corner, and at the last second, he slides under the man's legs. He grabs the leader's sword, and, using his lack of height, ducks under the next sword swipe and trips his opponent. He comes back around quickly, slamming the sword down and knocking him out. Yahiko has succeeded protecting someone he cares for, and is now a true swordsman.
Kaoru: Tsubame!
Tsubame: Miss Kaoru!
Kaoru: So you came to stop those guys one last time... (edit)
Yahiko: Kenshin, weren't you exposed to go buy some tofu?
Kenshin: Oh, I don't think it matters anymore. (edit)
Kenshin: Defeat isn't an option for the sword that protects others. (edit)
Kenshin: If you should lose, not only does your future end, but also the future of the one you protect.

Striving For the Grand Championship
A kind, caring sumo wrestler runs away from the place where he trains because of the abuse he was taking from the other sumo wrestlers there.

A self-contained episode about Kaoru rescuing an ex-sumo wrestler named Toramaru from committing suicide. She takes him home, dries him off, feeds him, and he LOVES HER COOKING!!, so she decides to keep him and train him in sumo herself.

It turns out that Toramaru was forced off the sumo team because he was so good, and the top-ranking sumo wrestler felt threatened. It all ends well. Sano gets to beat up some of the sumo hotshots, and Kenshin falls real hard for 200 pounds of rice.

Toramaru ends up at Kamiya dojo where he trains under Kaoru, realizing the potential he has for becoming a great suomo wrestler.
Sanosuke: Woah. That was pretty impressive. (edit)
Toramaru: It's delicious! It's been a long time since I've had a meal this good.
Kaoru: I'm so glad you enjoyed it! You really know how to appreciate good food, don't you? (edit)
Yahiko: Who knows what goes through the mind of ugly woman anyway?
Kaoru: And what do you mean by that Yahiko? (edit)
(Watching Toramaru getting ready to eat)
Yahiko: Before you start, I have to warn you that Kaoru's cooking tastes horrible.
Kenshin: Yahiko, Miss Kaoru's cooking has improved a lot! You don't have to force yourself to eat it anymore.
Sanosuke: It's better than dying, in any case. (edit)
Sanosuke: (Referring to Kenshin) He's unstoppable if you give him a sword, but give him a bale of rice and he's just an ordinary guy.
To Save a Small Life
To Save a Small Life: The Challenge of Doctor Megumi.

When Dr. Gensai is injured with a back problem, it's up to Megumi to keep the clinic up while he is recuperating. This episode really has nothing to do with the plotline, but strengthens the intimate relationship between Sanosuke and Megumi.

Megumi is walking down a street, when she seems a man double over in a 'stomach pain'. She looks at him, and then leaves. Yahiko asks her why she didn't do anything, and she tells him that the man was faking. Just then, another man appears, claiming that he can cure the man's stomachache with a special herbal medicine. He does so, but since the man was never sick in the first place, normal water seems like a magic spell. Tons of people flock to buy his product, causing Megumi and Dr. Gensai to lose their patients. It doesn't help when the Hishi Manji Gang start spreading rumors about Megumi.

While the man is boasting, however, Sanosuke drops in, and beats them up. They pull out a cannon to kill him, but Kenshin arrives and chops it in half. The men admit to their fake scheme, and the clinic is back to its prosperity.
Megumi: As long as you're not lovesick, I'll do whatever I can to help you.

Two Legendary Manslayers
Two Legendary Manslayers: The Jinpu Squad on the Run.

A group of men in dark clothes are seen killing nobles in a mansion. They are the Jinpu Squad, a group of assassins that have been killing people. The oddity, however, is that the people that they've been killing, nobles or politicians, have all been found to be embezzeling money.

At the Kamiya Dojo, a man brings an injured child, looking for Dr. Gensai. Kaoru tells him that Gensai just left to go far away on an important patient, but Megumi steps up and takes the job. As she's healing the child, everyone watches from outside. Sanosuke tells everyone that the man lives in the poor district by his house, and that he is a old sensei that now teaches poor children to read and write. His name is Sasaki, and Kenshin thinks he's seen him somewhere before, but can't remember.

We then see the leader of the Jinpu Squad, Toma Sakaki, speaking with a dark-faced man about his next mission. The man tells him it's time to get a different target… an old manslayer from the revolution.

Kenshin and Yahiko are walking, and they see Sasaki tending the fields, as an odd job to pay for his rent and school. He's still working long after the other men have gone home, and Kenshin acknowledges his good heart. Then, Toma appears on the horizon, and attacks Sasaki. Sasaki quickly defends, by using his pickaxe like a sword, and they are both inches from each other's throat. Kenshin tells Yahiko this is a lethal technique that he remembers on the revolution. He realizes he's fought Sasaki before, and just barely survived that technique. After that, he never saw Sasaki again, until now. Toma steps back, and tells Sasaki he's just as powerful as he remembered, then leaves.

Later that night, Sanosuke heads over to Sasaki's house to visit. As he does, he sees Sasaki walking down the street, surrounded by men from the Jinpu Squad. He follows, and hears them trying to recruit Sasaki to become an assassin in the squad. Sasaki declines, saying the children are the only things he has left, and leaves. Toma is angered.

The next day, Sanosuke tells Kenshin of the past night's events. Dr. Gensai comes home, and as Sanosuke sees him hugging his grandchildren, he realizes that Sasaki's children are in danger as well.

At Sasaki's dojo/classroom, he's in the middle of a lesson, when a knife flies through the window. Sasaki manages to catch it, inches from a child's throat. He goes outside, to see Toma standing there. Toma gives him no choice but to join, or have his children killed. Sanosuke reaches the classroom too late, and a child tells him that Sasaki just left with a dark man.

Later, the Jinpu Squad massacres a carraige carrying politicians and nobleman. As the last man is left, Toma hands Sasaki a sword, and tells him it's his job to finish. Sanosuke jumps down then, telling Toma he can't do that. He fights off some of the Jinpu Squad, and Toma pulls a sword on him, as two other squad members chase the man who Sasaki was supposed to kill. Kenshin jumps out from an alley and knocks down the two men, and tells Toma that he will be his opponent. They begin to fight, and Toma uses the lethal technique. Kenshin barely dodges, getting a small mark on his neck. They turn around, but Toma hears a police whistle, and escapes with the remaining members of the Jinpu Squad, telling Kenshin he'll look forward to fighting him again.

Sasaki gives Kenshin his thanks, realizing he's the Battousai. Kenshin nods, but his eyes are locked intently on the horizon, wondering about Toma's next move.
Sasaki: As long as I live I'll never pick up a sword again.
Sanosuke: That's good to hear. (edit)
Kenshin: I was once the one on the recieving end of that deadly technique.

Sanosuke: Your hands were never meant to hold a sword. They were meant to teach children how to read and write.

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