Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ The Mysterious Swordfighting Monk ❯ Battles ( Chapter 2 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Maria Cline 
The Sekihoutai adapts to the mytserious young man and have to fight off bandits. What will happen as a result of the attack?
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Comedy / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.08.2004 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 267 | Status: Completed
The Sekihoutai adapts to the mytserious young man and have to fight off bandits. What will happen as a result of the attack?
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Comedy / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.08.2004 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 267 | Status: Completed
The Mysterious Sword Wielding Monk
Part Two
By Maria Cline
Sanosuke snickered as he tiptoed through the bush with the bucket of cold water in his hands. It was ‘tradition’ for someone to wake up the new guy with a nice cold bath. He remembered the ‘reception’ he had when he first joined. He screamed and tried to pound the guy who did it to him. It was his conciliation that when a new guy shows up, he will do the ‘welcome’.
With cat-like stealth, Sanosuke walked up to the still sleeping monk/samurai/wanderer and held the bucket over his head. Shinta’s eyes shot open and with a quick thrust of the hilt broke the bucket in half and poured the freezing water all over the boy’s body. “HEY!”
“Oh no!” Shinta gasped as he looked over the boy. “I am so sorry, are you okay? I thought I was being attacked. Did I hurt you? Do you need a healer?”
Sanosuke coughed as he spat out the water. “No! I’m not okay! I’m wet! I’m all wet! No fair! No fair!”
Shinta sighed in relief as he put the sword at his hip. “At least you are not hurt. Let me dry you off, Sano-chan.”
The boy was startled, not by the fact that Shinta had managed to break the bucket with his sword or the fact that he was aware of what was going on but that he was actually sorry about what happened. Someone else would laugh at Sanosuke and chide him for pulling a prank but not Shinta. The only one else that would feel that much remorse was the captain himself. “Okay.” He muttered.
After Shinta helped dried him off and got him his extra set of clothes, he endured the ribbing from Katsu and the others.
“Did you like the last ‘bath’ too much, Sanosuke?” Katsu laughed as he sat on the log watching Shinta drying off Sanosuke’s hair.
“Ah, shut up.” The other boy pouted.
“I do not know about this ‘traditional’ bath. If I do, I would have let you pour water on me, Sano-chan.” Shinta said as he hung Sanosuke’s clothes to dry.
“That’s not the point!” Sanosuke seethed, “All new guys get baths. That’s the rule.”
“Ah, to get cleaned, I must remember that.” Shinta nodded and Sanosuke bang his head on the table in frustration.
*****
Kenshin did feel sorry for Sanosuke for the ‘bath’ he avoided. He could remember all the times when he was awaken by a cold ‘bath’ by his master. At least he was kind enough to help Sanosuke dry off. As he was getting his clothes dried and tried to make sure that Sanosuke’s friends stop making fun of him, Captain Sagara appeared.
“Shinta.” Captain Sagara said as he came up, “I was wondering if you would like to come with us to town to inform citizens about the government’s policies to cut the price of rice in half. You seemed to be the likeable type, you can help us.”
Kenshin’s jaw dropped. “Likeable? Me?” He could not believe it. Someone had told him that he was likeable. Someone actually believes that the Battousai was a likeable man. True, he was nice to others but to be said that he was likeable was a little odd for a former manslayer like him.
“Of course you. You do not have to fight with us just come with us. You will have to wear our uniform and the double sword set.” Captain Sagara explained.
Kenshin grabbed his own sword and clutched it in his hands. “I’d rather not have two swords, Captain Sagara. I want to keep my sword.”
“Of course.”
*****
“I’m sorry, sir but *snicker* that was the smallest uniform we had.” Oriko said as he fit a uniform on Shinta’s small frame. The embarrassment over Sanosuke’s ‘bath’ was forgotten and everyone had something to focus on.
In the fitting tent stood Shinta wearing a Sekihoutai uniform with his hands covered by his sleeves and his feet hidden from view by his pants. His bald head was exposed with only the small red bandana to cover a small part of it. Shinta looked and obviously felt ridiculous.
“I had no idea he was that small.” Bonsani said as he looked down.
“I tried to alter it but it would just make him look silly. We don’t have uniforms for his frame; most of our troops are adult farmers and merchants who had more... muscle.” Oriko explained as he looked at the uniform.
Sanosuke and Katsu were tickled at the sight. They had similar problems when they first the Sekihoutai but they were children who would grow up. Shinta was obviously no different. “Maybe after you get your growth spurt you can catch up.” Bonsani said.
Shinta glared at him and held his sword. “I’m nineteen.”
At once, everyone face faulted in disbelief. “NINETEEN?! YOU’RE NINETEEN?!” Sanosuke exclaimed, “I thought that you’re fifteen!” It was the truth. Shinta’s wide eyes, slender frame, and that innocent sounding voice made him look and act much younger than nineteen.
“I’m eighteen and I’m way taller than this shrimp.” Bonsani muttered.
“I’m just small for my age.” Shinta growled as he took off the oversize uniform.
*****
After much deliberation and the constant fight to cut the group down with a few sword moves, Kenshin decided to wear just his normal clothes. It irritates him many times to be shorter than the average fighter and to look much younger than he was. However, he had learned to accept his shortcomings and used them in battle. He was the Battousai, he could jump higher than many buildings and father than the widest cliffs. If people see him, they do not think of him as a threat until it was too late. Despite his lean structure, he does have muscles of steel.
“Sorry you’re too short to wear a uniform.” Sanosuke said as he came up grinning wildly. “I’m too small for a uniform too.”
“But you are young, you will grow. Unlike me.” Kenshin said as he put his hand on Sanosuke’s head. He can feel Sanosuke’s bright energies and optimism. It was being around him made him feel warm inside.
“Well, yeah. When I grow up, I’ll get the largest sword and protect everyone around me. I’ll be so strong even the Battousai will be awed by me.” Sanosuke boasted as he beat his little chest.
**Maybe he was already.** Kenshin smiled again at the comment.
Sanosuke looked down and said, “Ummm... Shinta, do you have a last name?”
“A last name? Of course, it’s Himura.” Kenshin remembered the time when he and his sensei were talking when he was a little boy. Hiko had given him the last name to show that he was a samurai to make him feel proud.
“I don’t have a last name but that will change when the four classes are equal.” Sanosuke said as he looked down. “Can I choose my last name when everyone is allowed to have one?”
“I don’t see why not. It is your name. Do you have an idea of what you want to call yourself?”
Sanosuke pulled Kenshin down to his level and whispered, “Sagara.”
“Oh?” Kenshin’s eyes widened. “You wish to name yourself after your captain?” He whispered back.
The boy blushed as he nodded. “Don’t tell anyone about his. I want to ask the captain himself. It’s a surprise. Do you think he will let me?”
“I don’t see why not. It is often a great honor to pass down a name from one generation to the next.” Kenshin said as he remembered the tradition of all Hiten Mitsurigi Ryuu Masters taking on the name Seijirio Hiko. After he left for his redemption, he contemplated returning to his master to complete his training but he can’t. He didn’t want to become more dangerous than he already is and the thought of begging his master to forgive him was too much. He will never take on the Seijirio Hiko name.
“Great!” Sanosuke gushed as he marched next to Kenshin with a spring in his step. “I can’t wait to ask the captain.”
The two walked on. Kenshin had one hand hovering over his hilt. He can feel someone was watching and waiting. There were many of them and he wasn’t entirely sure how strong they are. He wasn’t sure if he can take on so many on his own without giving in to the bloodthirsty demon within his fragile soul.
Captain Sagara held out his hand and the group stopped. “Come out.” He dared as he got out his sword. Fifty men came out with swords in their hands. He looked at Kenshin. “Shinta! Prepare yourself!”
Kenshin nodded as he unsheathed his sword. He cannot avoid fighting, not without putting innocent lives in danger. He went into battle stance, his heart was racing, his eyes became focused, at that moment, he was ready to do battle.
“HEY! THE MONK’S GOT A BACKWARDS SWORD!” One of the thugs exclaimed and Kenshin fell over. He had to wonder why so many people keep on thinking that he was a monk.
At once, the ambushers and the Sekihoutai army looked at Kenshin’s reverse-blade sword. “You’re holding the sword wrong.” Sanosuke pointed out.
“No, it’s a reverse-blade sword.” Kenshin explained, “I cannot kill with this blade.”
There was silence as both sides stared at the ‘monk’. Finally Sanosuke asked, “What kind of idiot would go around carrying a sword that can’t cut?”
“Me.” Kenshin said as he looked at the thugs. “Do you wish to give up or die?”
The thugs laughed at the man. At once, Kenshin realized that those words are having little effect. He wasn’t the Battousai, he wasn’t wielding a deadly katana, and he was the third smallest person of the group. He wasn’t as frightening as he was back when he was an assassin. “Get the runt first.” The leader ordered.
Kenshin braced himself as the horde came after him. They attacked him one-by-one and he saw the moves coming. He focused on them. The battle cries, the scent of sweat and blood, and even the shaking of the ground beneath his feet was intoxicating. All he wanted to do was killing them and protect innocent Sanosuke. Then, he remembered his dead wife and his promise. He cannot break that promise to her. He cannot take any more lives. He flipped and landed behind them and ran off. The horde chased after him like he expected. He jumped high into the trees and allowed himself to let loose.
He screamed and lashed out causing each one to drop. They were alive and barely conscious; hopefully they won’t be of a bother soon. He can hear the fighting going on the path. “AAAHHH!” A familiar scream was held.
Kenshin’s heart stopped as he turned toward the clearing. “SANO-CHAN!” He rushed at full speed and saw the boy lying on the ground. He had failed. Like so many times before, he had failed in protecting the ones he cared about. He failed to protect the three girls. He failed to protect his wife. He failed to protect an innocent idealistic boy. He closed his eyes as the manslayer within him screams for blood. He faltered and opened his eyes to see the leader staring at him. “You will die.” He stated coldly.
The leader’s face paled like many had before. The Battousai felt freedom as he chased the leader and the others. They were much easier to deal with than before. The restraints on his mind and soul had vanished. At that moment, nothing mattered to him. Voices blurred around him as he ripped off his bandage and slashed at the bandits more. He didn’t see anything else or hear anything else except for the victims in front of him.
“SHINTA, STOP!”
The man stopped and blinked. This wasn’t the Revolution any more. He looked around to find the bandits were on the ground, scared, wounded, but breathing.
“Stop it right now, Shinta. Sanosuke is fine.” Captain Sagara ordered as he put his hand on the man’s shoulder. Kenshin felt reality returning and the manslayer instincts reverting. The boy was alive. He did not need to let loose again.
“What happened?” He asked as he held his head and turned around smiling hoping the man didn’t see his display.
“Sanosuke was wounded but I saved him. You don’t have to kill today.” The man replied as he reached up and touched the bandage. Kenshin felt the bandage and realized that part of it was peeled off to reveal the scar. He knows.
*****
Sanosuke opened his eyes to see that he was lying on a cot with his head in a bandage. Shinta was sitting over him and smiled down at the boy. “What happened?” The boy asked as he rubbed his head.
“You were hit on the head, Sano-chan.” Shinta replied as he sat with him. Sanosuke noticed that Shinta seemed different for some reason.
“Are you okay? You seem sad.” Sanosuke observed and then panic rose in his heart. They were ambushed, he was hurt, and what if something happened to Katsu or the captain. “DID ANYONE DIE?”
Shinta’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “No, not at all. We were ambushed but we fought off the bandits. Katsu is getting the firewood and Captain Sagara is with the troop. They will be back soon.”
Sanosuke wasn’t satisfied with the answer. He sat up and grabbed Shinta’s shirt. “Then why are you depressed?”
“Because I nearly forgot what I want to be.” Shinta answered as he looked down. “I’m sorry, Sano-chan but I have to leave. I am a wanderer and my place is not with the Sekihoutai.”
“Oh.” Sanosuke turned his head as he tried not to look sad. He shouldn’t feel this bad. He knew Shinta for only a day and didn’t know that much about this mysterious bald wanderer but he still wanted to be with him. “Did the captain agree?”
“Yes, I am sorry, Sano-chan but I have to leave.”
“Why?” Sanosuke was confused, he thought Shinta was staying. “Is it because I made fun of your sword or that I was too weak to defend myself? I’ll get much stronger. I promise.”
Shinta put both hands on his shoulders. “It has nothing to do with you but everything to do with me. I have to deal with things and it is best if I do it alone.”
Sanosuke stared up at him. He did mean well. Shinta was so kind and yet there was something odd about him. There were so many questions that remained unanswered. Why does he wander? Why does he carry around a backwards sword? Why is his head bald if he wasn’t a monk? “You’re weird.”
Shinta laughed as he nodded. “Yes, I am.” He paused and then reached into his shirt. Sanosuke’s eyes widened as the man held out a small top. It was green and cracked with age. “Here.”
“A top?” Sanosuke asked insulted. He was too old for toys like tops. He was a fighter and part of the Sekihoutai. Why is he giving him a top?
“Yes, I had this since I was a child. It is my good luck charm. It kept me safe and I want you to have it.” Shinta explained softly as he placed the top in Sanosuke’s hands. His hands shook as he held it. To have it for so long, it must mean so much to him.
“Why are you giving it to me?” Sanosuke whispered in awe.
“Because, I need to grow up. Take good care of it, Sanosuke.” Shinta nodded as he got up and started to walk away.
“We’ll see each other again right?” Sanosuke called out.
Shinta paused, looked over his shoulder, and give a ‘v’ sign. “We will.” He vanished into the woods leaving his friend behind.
“I will get stronger and you will be proud of me.” Sanosuke vowed as he fingered the old top in his fingers.
*****
Kenshin sighed as he walked through the woods with a heavy heart. He will miss that top but it was in good hands.
“He will miss you.” Captain Sagara said as he came out of the bushes.
“Yes, but it is for the best. I cannot stay with the Sekihoutai and my presence would only attract trouble.” Kenshin explained.
“I understand.” Captain Sagara looked him over and said, “You were not at all like what the others had said about you, Himura Battousai.”
Kenshin winced at the use of the name. It hurts to hear someone, even an ally call him that nickname. “Please, do not call me ‘Battousai’. The Battousai is gone.”
“Of course... Shinta.” Captain Sagara nodded.
“How did you know that I was the Battousai?” Kenshin asked. He was certain that he didn’t reveal anything except for his fight with the bandits.
“You had that look in your eyes when you told me you do not wish to kill for me. The way you slept was the way many veteran fighters had done and that reflex that shattered the bucket. Then, when you were fighting those thugs, I saw those manslayer eyes. I knew that you were not just a sword wielding monk.” Captain Sagara smiled and looked at him. “Do not worry, I will not tell anyone.”
“Thank you, I didn’t want to attract any unneeded attention.” Kenshin bowed his head in respect.
“May I ask why the deception? You are infamous for ushering in the new era. The new government would have made you into a hero and give you a position. Why give that up to become a wanderer?” Captain Sagara asked confused.
Kenshin looked down. It was the first time that anyone had asked him that question. “I was no hero. I was a heartless assassin that had slaughtered many people for this era. I discovered my sins and will atone for them. If I work for the government, they will ask me to kill for them. I cannot do that. I cannot kill for them again. I will still fight for the Meiji Era but I will not shed blood to do so.”
Captain Sagara stared at him. “You are a truly honorable man, Himura Shinta.” He stood up straight and saluted him. “Take care. We will make the Meiji Era peaceful and honor the sacrifice of your soul. No matter where you go, I will support you.”
Kenshin bowed toward him. “Thank you, and I wish you luck with the Sekihoutai. You are a good leader. And take care of Sanosuke, he has great potential.”
“I know. I will.” The man lowered his salute.
*****
Three weeks passed as Kenshin wandered into the city of Edo. His hair had grown out somewhat but he still wore the bandana since he looked fairly silly. The city was bright and has people everywhere.
“I cannot believe those traitors.” A vendor said as he talked with a customer. “They lied about the tax cuts and the price on rice. Those damn Sekihoutai.”
Kenshin stopped as his blood turned cold. He raced up to the vendor and demanded, “What about the Sekihoutai?”
“They lied about representing the government.” The vendor answered as he stepped back at the man’s harsh gaze. “Their leader Sagara Souzou was executed for his crimes of treason. They’re displaying his head that way if you want to see.” He pointed down the road.
Kenshin didn’t bother to thank him. He rushed down the street, faster than the eye can see. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t want to believe it. Would the new government do anything so low against one of their own? Finally, he saw a crowd of people surrounding a display case. Shoving his way in, Kenshin finally got up to the front to see Captain Sagara’s bleeding head being displayed like a trophy. It wasn’t the first time that he had seen a disembodied head, he had beheaded a few people in the war, but he felt sick and angry.
“Bastards.” He growled. The new government, the same government that he had helped established had betrayed their own kind. It’s obvious that the government could not keep their promise for lower taxes. They cannot admit their mistake so they used the Sekihoutai as a scapegoat.
“Yes, they are traitors to the government.” A man agreed.
“I’m glad they’re dead.” A woman beside him nodded.
Kenshin’s fists tightened as he stared at his friend’s head. Like so many he had befriended, Captain Sagara was dead. He couldn’t help but wonder what if he stayed with them? Would he be able to save them or die with them? He also realized something else, what would stop the government from denying responsibility for all the assassinations he caused? Now, he knows that he cannot fully trust the government.
“Sanosuke.” Kenshin whispered as images of the bright optimistic boy appeared in his mind. What happened to him? Was he dead or maybe in hiding? He was just a small boy and he wasn’t wearing the uniform. There was a chance he could be alive but does he want to be found? Sanosuke, if he was alive, must be hurt and in great pain. If he knew what role Kenshin played in the Revolution, would he forgive him or want to kill him? He bowed his head down and prayed, **Captain Sagara, I will fight for the people and make sure the Meiji Government will remain true to their ideas. One day, people will know the truth about you and respect you, until then please rest in peace. Sanosuke, forgive me.**
To Be Continued...
Part Two
By Maria Cline
Sanosuke snickered as he tiptoed through the bush with the bucket of cold water in his hands. It was ‘tradition’ for someone to wake up the new guy with a nice cold bath. He remembered the ‘reception’ he had when he first joined. He screamed and tried to pound the guy who did it to him. It was his conciliation that when a new guy shows up, he will do the ‘welcome’.
With cat-like stealth, Sanosuke walked up to the still sleeping monk/samurai/wanderer and held the bucket over his head. Shinta’s eyes shot open and with a quick thrust of the hilt broke the bucket in half and poured the freezing water all over the boy’s body. “HEY!”
“Oh no!” Shinta gasped as he looked over the boy. “I am so sorry, are you okay? I thought I was being attacked. Did I hurt you? Do you need a healer?”
Sanosuke coughed as he spat out the water. “No! I’m not okay! I’m wet! I’m all wet! No fair! No fair!”
Shinta sighed in relief as he put the sword at his hip. “At least you are not hurt. Let me dry you off, Sano-chan.”
The boy was startled, not by the fact that Shinta had managed to break the bucket with his sword or the fact that he was aware of what was going on but that he was actually sorry about what happened. Someone else would laugh at Sanosuke and chide him for pulling a prank but not Shinta. The only one else that would feel that much remorse was the captain himself. “Okay.” He muttered.
After Shinta helped dried him off and got him his extra set of clothes, he endured the ribbing from Katsu and the others.
“Did you like the last ‘bath’ too much, Sanosuke?” Katsu laughed as he sat on the log watching Shinta drying off Sanosuke’s hair.
“Ah, shut up.” The other boy pouted.
“I do not know about this ‘traditional’ bath. If I do, I would have let you pour water on me, Sano-chan.” Shinta said as he hung Sanosuke’s clothes to dry.
“That’s not the point!” Sanosuke seethed, “All new guys get baths. That’s the rule.”
“Ah, to get cleaned, I must remember that.” Shinta nodded and Sanosuke bang his head on the table in frustration.
*****
Kenshin did feel sorry for Sanosuke for the ‘bath’ he avoided. He could remember all the times when he was awaken by a cold ‘bath’ by his master. At least he was kind enough to help Sanosuke dry off. As he was getting his clothes dried and tried to make sure that Sanosuke’s friends stop making fun of him, Captain Sagara appeared.
“Shinta.” Captain Sagara said as he came up, “I was wondering if you would like to come with us to town to inform citizens about the government’s policies to cut the price of rice in half. You seemed to be the likeable type, you can help us.”
Kenshin’s jaw dropped. “Likeable? Me?” He could not believe it. Someone had told him that he was likeable. Someone actually believes that the Battousai was a likeable man. True, he was nice to others but to be said that he was likeable was a little odd for a former manslayer like him.
“Of course you. You do not have to fight with us just come with us. You will have to wear our uniform and the double sword set.” Captain Sagara explained.
Kenshin grabbed his own sword and clutched it in his hands. “I’d rather not have two swords, Captain Sagara. I want to keep my sword.”
“Of course.”
*****
“I’m sorry, sir but *snicker* that was the smallest uniform we had.” Oriko said as he fit a uniform on Shinta’s small frame. The embarrassment over Sanosuke’s ‘bath’ was forgotten and everyone had something to focus on.
In the fitting tent stood Shinta wearing a Sekihoutai uniform with his hands covered by his sleeves and his feet hidden from view by his pants. His bald head was exposed with only the small red bandana to cover a small part of it. Shinta looked and obviously felt ridiculous.
“I had no idea he was that small.” Bonsani said as he looked down.
“I tried to alter it but it would just make him look silly. We don’t have uniforms for his frame; most of our troops are adult farmers and merchants who had more... muscle.” Oriko explained as he looked at the uniform.
Sanosuke and Katsu were tickled at the sight. They had similar problems when they first the Sekihoutai but they were children who would grow up. Shinta was obviously no different. “Maybe after you get your growth spurt you can catch up.” Bonsani said.
Shinta glared at him and held his sword. “I’m nineteen.”
At once, everyone face faulted in disbelief. “NINETEEN?! YOU’RE NINETEEN?!” Sanosuke exclaimed, “I thought that you’re fifteen!” It was the truth. Shinta’s wide eyes, slender frame, and that innocent sounding voice made him look and act much younger than nineteen.
“I’m eighteen and I’m way taller than this shrimp.” Bonsani muttered.
“I’m just small for my age.” Shinta growled as he took off the oversize uniform.
*****
After much deliberation and the constant fight to cut the group down with a few sword moves, Kenshin decided to wear just his normal clothes. It irritates him many times to be shorter than the average fighter and to look much younger than he was. However, he had learned to accept his shortcomings and used them in battle. He was the Battousai, he could jump higher than many buildings and father than the widest cliffs. If people see him, they do not think of him as a threat until it was too late. Despite his lean structure, he does have muscles of steel.
“Sorry you’re too short to wear a uniform.” Sanosuke said as he came up grinning wildly. “I’m too small for a uniform too.”
“But you are young, you will grow. Unlike me.” Kenshin said as he put his hand on Sanosuke’s head. He can feel Sanosuke’s bright energies and optimism. It was being around him made him feel warm inside.
“Well, yeah. When I grow up, I’ll get the largest sword and protect everyone around me. I’ll be so strong even the Battousai will be awed by me.” Sanosuke boasted as he beat his little chest.
**Maybe he was already.** Kenshin smiled again at the comment.
Sanosuke looked down and said, “Ummm... Shinta, do you have a last name?”
“A last name? Of course, it’s Himura.” Kenshin remembered the time when he and his sensei were talking when he was a little boy. Hiko had given him the last name to show that he was a samurai to make him feel proud.
“I don’t have a last name but that will change when the four classes are equal.” Sanosuke said as he looked down. “Can I choose my last name when everyone is allowed to have one?”
“I don’t see why not. It is your name. Do you have an idea of what you want to call yourself?”
Sanosuke pulled Kenshin down to his level and whispered, “Sagara.”
“Oh?” Kenshin’s eyes widened. “You wish to name yourself after your captain?” He whispered back.
The boy blushed as he nodded. “Don’t tell anyone about his. I want to ask the captain himself. It’s a surprise. Do you think he will let me?”
“I don’t see why not. It is often a great honor to pass down a name from one generation to the next.” Kenshin said as he remembered the tradition of all Hiten Mitsurigi Ryuu Masters taking on the name Seijirio Hiko. After he left for his redemption, he contemplated returning to his master to complete his training but he can’t. He didn’t want to become more dangerous than he already is and the thought of begging his master to forgive him was too much. He will never take on the Seijirio Hiko name.
“Great!” Sanosuke gushed as he marched next to Kenshin with a spring in his step. “I can’t wait to ask the captain.”
The two walked on. Kenshin had one hand hovering over his hilt. He can feel someone was watching and waiting. There were many of them and he wasn’t entirely sure how strong they are. He wasn’t sure if he can take on so many on his own without giving in to the bloodthirsty demon within his fragile soul.
Captain Sagara held out his hand and the group stopped. “Come out.” He dared as he got out his sword. Fifty men came out with swords in their hands. He looked at Kenshin. “Shinta! Prepare yourself!”
Kenshin nodded as he unsheathed his sword. He cannot avoid fighting, not without putting innocent lives in danger. He went into battle stance, his heart was racing, his eyes became focused, at that moment, he was ready to do battle.
“HEY! THE MONK’S GOT A BACKWARDS SWORD!” One of the thugs exclaimed and Kenshin fell over. He had to wonder why so many people keep on thinking that he was a monk.
At once, the ambushers and the Sekihoutai army looked at Kenshin’s reverse-blade sword. “You’re holding the sword wrong.” Sanosuke pointed out.
“No, it’s a reverse-blade sword.” Kenshin explained, “I cannot kill with this blade.”
There was silence as both sides stared at the ‘monk’. Finally Sanosuke asked, “What kind of idiot would go around carrying a sword that can’t cut?”
“Me.” Kenshin said as he looked at the thugs. “Do you wish to give up or die?”
The thugs laughed at the man. At once, Kenshin realized that those words are having little effect. He wasn’t the Battousai, he wasn’t wielding a deadly katana, and he was the third smallest person of the group. He wasn’t as frightening as he was back when he was an assassin. “Get the runt first.” The leader ordered.
Kenshin braced himself as the horde came after him. They attacked him one-by-one and he saw the moves coming. He focused on them. The battle cries, the scent of sweat and blood, and even the shaking of the ground beneath his feet was intoxicating. All he wanted to do was killing them and protect innocent Sanosuke. Then, he remembered his dead wife and his promise. He cannot break that promise to her. He cannot take any more lives. He flipped and landed behind them and ran off. The horde chased after him like he expected. He jumped high into the trees and allowed himself to let loose.
He screamed and lashed out causing each one to drop. They were alive and barely conscious; hopefully they won’t be of a bother soon. He can hear the fighting going on the path. “AAAHHH!” A familiar scream was held.
Kenshin’s heart stopped as he turned toward the clearing. “SANO-CHAN!” He rushed at full speed and saw the boy lying on the ground. He had failed. Like so many times before, he had failed in protecting the ones he cared about. He failed to protect the three girls. He failed to protect his wife. He failed to protect an innocent idealistic boy. He closed his eyes as the manslayer within him screams for blood. He faltered and opened his eyes to see the leader staring at him. “You will die.” He stated coldly.
The leader’s face paled like many had before. The Battousai felt freedom as he chased the leader and the others. They were much easier to deal with than before. The restraints on his mind and soul had vanished. At that moment, nothing mattered to him. Voices blurred around him as he ripped off his bandage and slashed at the bandits more. He didn’t see anything else or hear anything else except for the victims in front of him.
“SHINTA, STOP!”
The man stopped and blinked. This wasn’t the Revolution any more. He looked around to find the bandits were on the ground, scared, wounded, but breathing.
“Stop it right now, Shinta. Sanosuke is fine.” Captain Sagara ordered as he put his hand on the man’s shoulder. Kenshin felt reality returning and the manslayer instincts reverting. The boy was alive. He did not need to let loose again.
“What happened?” He asked as he held his head and turned around smiling hoping the man didn’t see his display.
“Sanosuke was wounded but I saved him. You don’t have to kill today.” The man replied as he reached up and touched the bandage. Kenshin felt the bandage and realized that part of it was peeled off to reveal the scar. He knows.
*****
Sanosuke opened his eyes to see that he was lying on a cot with his head in a bandage. Shinta was sitting over him and smiled down at the boy. “What happened?” The boy asked as he rubbed his head.
“You were hit on the head, Sano-chan.” Shinta replied as he sat with him. Sanosuke noticed that Shinta seemed different for some reason.
“Are you okay? You seem sad.” Sanosuke observed and then panic rose in his heart. They were ambushed, he was hurt, and what if something happened to Katsu or the captain. “DID ANYONE DIE?”
Shinta’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “No, not at all. We were ambushed but we fought off the bandits. Katsu is getting the firewood and Captain Sagara is with the troop. They will be back soon.”
Sanosuke wasn’t satisfied with the answer. He sat up and grabbed Shinta’s shirt. “Then why are you depressed?”
“Because I nearly forgot what I want to be.” Shinta answered as he looked down. “I’m sorry, Sano-chan but I have to leave. I am a wanderer and my place is not with the Sekihoutai.”
“Oh.” Sanosuke turned his head as he tried not to look sad. He shouldn’t feel this bad. He knew Shinta for only a day and didn’t know that much about this mysterious bald wanderer but he still wanted to be with him. “Did the captain agree?”
“Yes, I am sorry, Sano-chan but I have to leave.”
“Why?” Sanosuke was confused, he thought Shinta was staying. “Is it because I made fun of your sword or that I was too weak to defend myself? I’ll get much stronger. I promise.”
Shinta put both hands on his shoulders. “It has nothing to do with you but everything to do with me. I have to deal with things and it is best if I do it alone.”
Sanosuke stared up at him. He did mean well. Shinta was so kind and yet there was something odd about him. There were so many questions that remained unanswered. Why does he wander? Why does he carry around a backwards sword? Why is his head bald if he wasn’t a monk? “You’re weird.”
Shinta laughed as he nodded. “Yes, I am.” He paused and then reached into his shirt. Sanosuke’s eyes widened as the man held out a small top. It was green and cracked with age. “Here.”
“A top?” Sanosuke asked insulted. He was too old for toys like tops. He was a fighter and part of the Sekihoutai. Why is he giving him a top?
“Yes, I had this since I was a child. It is my good luck charm. It kept me safe and I want you to have it.” Shinta explained softly as he placed the top in Sanosuke’s hands. His hands shook as he held it. To have it for so long, it must mean so much to him.
“Why are you giving it to me?” Sanosuke whispered in awe.
“Because, I need to grow up. Take good care of it, Sanosuke.” Shinta nodded as he got up and started to walk away.
“We’ll see each other again right?” Sanosuke called out.
Shinta paused, looked over his shoulder, and give a ‘v’ sign. “We will.” He vanished into the woods leaving his friend behind.
“I will get stronger and you will be proud of me.” Sanosuke vowed as he fingered the old top in his fingers.
*****
Kenshin sighed as he walked through the woods with a heavy heart. He will miss that top but it was in good hands.
“He will miss you.” Captain Sagara said as he came out of the bushes.
“Yes, but it is for the best. I cannot stay with the Sekihoutai and my presence would only attract trouble.” Kenshin explained.
“I understand.” Captain Sagara looked him over and said, “You were not at all like what the others had said about you, Himura Battousai.”
Kenshin winced at the use of the name. It hurts to hear someone, even an ally call him that nickname. “Please, do not call me ‘Battousai’. The Battousai is gone.”
“Of course... Shinta.” Captain Sagara nodded.
“How did you know that I was the Battousai?” Kenshin asked. He was certain that he didn’t reveal anything except for his fight with the bandits.
“You had that look in your eyes when you told me you do not wish to kill for me. The way you slept was the way many veteran fighters had done and that reflex that shattered the bucket. Then, when you were fighting those thugs, I saw those manslayer eyes. I knew that you were not just a sword wielding monk.” Captain Sagara smiled and looked at him. “Do not worry, I will not tell anyone.”
“Thank you, I didn’t want to attract any unneeded attention.” Kenshin bowed his head in respect.
“May I ask why the deception? You are infamous for ushering in the new era. The new government would have made you into a hero and give you a position. Why give that up to become a wanderer?” Captain Sagara asked confused.
Kenshin looked down. It was the first time that anyone had asked him that question. “I was no hero. I was a heartless assassin that had slaughtered many people for this era. I discovered my sins and will atone for them. If I work for the government, they will ask me to kill for them. I cannot do that. I cannot kill for them again. I will still fight for the Meiji Era but I will not shed blood to do so.”
Captain Sagara stared at him. “You are a truly honorable man, Himura Shinta.” He stood up straight and saluted him. “Take care. We will make the Meiji Era peaceful and honor the sacrifice of your soul. No matter where you go, I will support you.”
Kenshin bowed toward him. “Thank you, and I wish you luck with the Sekihoutai. You are a good leader. And take care of Sanosuke, he has great potential.”
“I know. I will.” The man lowered his salute.
*****
Three weeks passed as Kenshin wandered into the city of Edo. His hair had grown out somewhat but he still wore the bandana since he looked fairly silly. The city was bright and has people everywhere.
“I cannot believe those traitors.” A vendor said as he talked with a customer. “They lied about the tax cuts and the price on rice. Those damn Sekihoutai.”
Kenshin stopped as his blood turned cold. He raced up to the vendor and demanded, “What about the Sekihoutai?”
“They lied about representing the government.” The vendor answered as he stepped back at the man’s harsh gaze. “Their leader Sagara Souzou was executed for his crimes of treason. They’re displaying his head that way if you want to see.” He pointed down the road.
Kenshin didn’t bother to thank him. He rushed down the street, faster than the eye can see. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t want to believe it. Would the new government do anything so low against one of their own? Finally, he saw a crowd of people surrounding a display case. Shoving his way in, Kenshin finally got up to the front to see Captain Sagara’s bleeding head being displayed like a trophy. It wasn’t the first time that he had seen a disembodied head, he had beheaded a few people in the war, but he felt sick and angry.
“Bastards.” He growled. The new government, the same government that he had helped established had betrayed their own kind. It’s obvious that the government could not keep their promise for lower taxes. They cannot admit their mistake so they used the Sekihoutai as a scapegoat.
“Yes, they are traitors to the government.” A man agreed.
“I’m glad they’re dead.” A woman beside him nodded.
Kenshin’s fists tightened as he stared at his friend’s head. Like so many he had befriended, Captain Sagara was dead. He couldn’t help but wonder what if he stayed with them? Would he be able to save them or die with them? He also realized something else, what would stop the government from denying responsibility for all the assassinations he caused? Now, he knows that he cannot fully trust the government.
“Sanosuke.” Kenshin whispered as images of the bright optimistic boy appeared in his mind. What happened to him? Was he dead or maybe in hiding? He was just a small boy and he wasn’t wearing the uniform. There was a chance he could be alive but does he want to be found? Sanosuke, if he was alive, must be hurt and in great pain. If he knew what role Kenshin played in the Revolution, would he forgive him or want to kill him? He bowed his head down and prayed, **Captain Sagara, I will fight for the people and make sure the Meiji Government will remain true to their ideas. One day, people will know the truth about you and respect you, until then please rest in peace. Sanosuke, forgive me.**
To Be Continued...