Saitou:
Do you really think that you’ve won?! Battousai!!
[Saitou attacked Kenshin]
Kaoru:
Kenshin!
Kenshin:
Ugh…
Saitou:
You’re avoided being stabbed… But…
[Saitou slashes Kenshin’s body]
Saitou:
Even if the stab misses, I can change it into a side sweeping attack without pose. There is no weakness in the “Hiraduki” attack that was developed by Toshizou Hijikata, Assistant Leader of the Shinsengumi. Especially my variation of it… the “Gatotsu”!
Kaoru:
That stance again! Is it another Gatotsu?!
[Kenshin countered Saitou’s attack]
Saitou:
Haaa!!!
Kenshin:
Ugh!
Saitou:
My sword which has kept me safe from harm numerous times between the revolution and the Meiji Era combined with my Gatotsu technic. There’s no way you could hope to defeat me as you are now…
Yahiko:
This guy is in a completely different class!
Kaoru:
Are you all right, Kenshin?! Ken…
[Kenshin is looking sharply at Saitou]
Saitou:
Stand up.
[Kaoru tries to protect Kenshin]
Saitou:
You’re in the way.
[Kenshin rises]
Saitou:
Even though he has a deep wound in his chest area, his response to my second attack was faster than the first. It’s as I expected, each time he swings his sword, he has gradually, unconsciously but surely returning to his former self. Battousai the Manslayer.
Kenshin:
Let’s go…
Saitou:
He has gotten even faster!
[Saitou managed to counter the Kenshin’s attack]
Saitou:
What was that?! That move far surpassed my expectations…
Kaoru:
He is breathing. He is using more strength than he thinks he has and his body can’t keep up.
[Kenshin rises]
Saitou:
By fighting me, you’ve returned to the Battousai you once were… well then… Now I will attack with the true Gatotsu. No more holding back!
Yahiko:
I don’t believe it! He was holding back until now!
Saitou:
YAAAH!!!
[Kenshin countered Saitou’s attack]
Saitou:
Guagh!
Yahiko:
Yeah! He dodged the Gatotsu like it was nothing!
Kenshin:
Back then, in Kyoto, I needed to use an attack that would defeat my enemy in one blow. Saitou, the Gatotsu was that kind of attack for you. However, it’s not invincible. After seeing it four times already, I can think of at least one or two ways around it. Stand up! It would be a poor ending to our first duel in ten years otherwise.
Saitou:
The end? This wasn’t my plan… But it doesn’t matter! I’ll kill you now…
Kenshin:
I think you got it wrong… Those are my words!
Yahiko:
Huh? Kaoru?
Kaoru:
It’s happening again… it’s the same as the time he fought Jine… Stop him… Someone…
Saitou:
YAAAAAGH!!!
Kenshin:
HAAAAAGH!!!
[Kenshin vs. Saitou]
Kaoru:
If this keeps up… Kenshin… the one we know… will disappear…
[Kenshin vs. Saitou]
Saitou:
Haaagh!
Kenshin:
Aaaagh!
[Kenshin breaks Saitou’s sword]
Kenshin:
It’ll be your turn next… and it’ll be your head!
Kaouru:
Please stop it! Somebody stop the two of them from fighting!
Sanosuke:
It’s impossible Missy…
Kaoru:
Sanosuke!
Yahiko:
Sanosuke!
Sanosuke:
There’s no way we can stop the two of them. Those two aren’t fighting in Tokyo, in the Meiji Era. They are fighting in Kyoto in the revolution. Our voices won’t be able to reach them anymore. The only ones who can possibly stop this fight are the ones who live through the bloody chaos of the revolution. People who know what it was like… who remember Kyoto.
Okubo:
Kawaji.
Kawaji:
Yes, what is it, sir?
Okubo:
How long is it been since Mr. Saitou entered that dojo?
Kawaji:
About… four and half hours.
Okubo:
I see. The fate of the entire nation may revolve around those two men. Please hurry, before it becomes too late.
Kawaji:
Yes sir!
[Saitou vs. Kenshin]
Sanosuke:
What’s he doing?! His sword is useless! It has been broken!
Yahiko:
Another Gatotsu?!
Kenshin:
You Shinsengumi guys never did know when it was in your best interest to retreat.
Saitou:
The first rule of the Shinsengumi is to always fallow the way of the Samurai… and freeing an enemy in front of you isn’t an option! Ah!
[Saitou throws his broken sword, Kenshin blocked it by his hand]
Megumi:
He has blocked it with his hand?!
Sanosuke:
Yeah, so he wouldn’t leave himself vulnerable.
Kenshin:
And he’d choose pride over life as a Samurai should…
Sanosuke:
This fight is over! Even he can’t fully block Kenshin’s sword with his fists… ugh?
[Saitou snaps Kenshin’s sword with his belt]
Sanosuke:
Agh?!
Megumi:
He used his…
Yahiko:
Belt?!
[Saitou beats Kenshin]
Kenshin:
Ugh!
Megumi:
Sir. Ken!
Sanosuke:
This doesn’t look good! Without a sword, Kenshin hasn’t got a chance!
Saitou:
This is… the end!
Yahiko:
A strangle hold! He is suffocating Kenshin!
Kenshin:
Agh…
Sanosuke:
It’s not something as gentle as that. What he is really trying to do is break Kenshin’s neck…
[Kenshin managed to escape from Saitou’s hold]
Sanosuke:
So this is how they fought in the revolution… Neither one of them has the strength to keep going. The next attack will decide who wins this battle… life or death… or wii they kill each other.
Saitou:
I think it’s time… we put an end to this…
Kenshin:
I agree…
[Kaoru couldn’t stop Kenshin]
Kawaji:
Stop this fight now! Get a hold of yourself, Saitou! The mission that you were accepted from our office was only to determine the Battousai’s competency!
Saitou:
We’re in the middle of something here… I won’t allow even you, the police commissioner to interrupt us…
Megumi:
Police commissioner?
Sanosuke:
Determine his competency? What is that means?
Okubo:
Mr. Saitou, I know you have your pride as a member of the Shinsengumi. However, I don’t want you or Himura to waste your lives needlessly here.
Kenshin:
I see, the true mastermind behind all of this was you… an old imperialist from the Satsuma area, the Meiji Secretary of the Interior, Toshimichi Okubo.
Kaoru:
Ah… the Secretary… of the Interior?
Yahiko:
Man, those two guys came out from nowhere. Who exactly this beard guy supposed to be anyway?
Sanosuke:
Kids like you ought to read newspaper more often.
Yahiko:
Ugh?!
Megumi:
The three men who did the most work during the Meiji restoration are called the “Three great Imperialists”. Takamori Saigou, Kogorou Katsura and one other who’s the only one left alive.
Yahiko:
You mean that Okubo’s one of the three?!
Sanosuke:
And now he is the Secretary of the Interior. The minister who’s basically at the top of the Japanese government.
Okubo:
I truly am sorry that we had to be so laugh on you. It was important for us to determine just how effective you still were after all these years. You will stay and hear me out, won’t you?
Kenshin:
I will. Why don’t you start now?
Akamatsu:
I can’t believe it’s Okubo! I never imagined someone this big could be involved in this! There’s no time to waste! I’ve got to tell Mr. Shibumi right away!
Saitou:
Huh! It looks like our final duel has been preempted. We’ll have to settle our score in other day…
Kenshin:
You’re life has been spared for now.
Saitou:
And so as… yours.
Kawaji
Hold on, Saitou!
Saitou:
According to my observation, Kenshin Himura is at no use to us what so ever. However, Himura the Battousai up to be relatively useful. That’s all.
Kawaji:
That man is insufferable. He may be our most skilled undercover agent. But I have any idea what’s going on inside his head!
Okubo:
Himura. I have a carriage waiting for us outside. Come with me.
Kenshin:
You’ll tell me your story right here. After all, I’m not the only one involved in this anymore…
[Kenshin hits his forehead]
Kenshin:
After all, I’m not the only one involved in this anymore, that I’m not.
Kaoru:
That I’m not?
Kenshin:
Everyone here should hear your explanation.
Kaoru:
You’re back to your old self again, Kenshin!
Kenshin:
UGH!! Agh…
Kaoru:
Uh… Oh! Miss Megumi!
Megumi:
What are you doing, you numskull! Yahiko, get me the medicine and a bandages, quick!
Yahiko:
You got it!
Kaoru:
Kenshin, please don’t die…
Kawaji:
Load Okubo…
Okubo:
We’ll do as Himura wishes. Right now, we desperately need his assistance above all else.
Okubo:
Allow me to get straight to the point, Himura. Shishio has been working underground in Kyoto.
Sanosuke:
The name doesn’t ring any bells Mr. Okubo. Who’s this Shishio supposed to be?
Kawaji:
Hey you! You’ll speak more politely!
Kenshin:
Makoto Shishio. He is a manslayer from the revolution just like myself. After I came out in the open, he took over the role of the manslayer in the shadows. He is another imperialist from the Chyoshu area. And you’ll might say, that Shishio was the successor of the Battousai the Manslayer.
Yahiko:
Battousai the Manslayer’s…
Megumi:
Successor?
Sanosuke:
You had… successor?
Kenshin:
Since he kept himself completely in the shadows, practically no one knows of his existence. Even I have never met Makoto Shishio face to face. But I do remember hearing news of his death during the Boshin wars ten years ago. So the truth is been hidden… by the ones in the shadows…
Okubo:
We sort safety by secretly eliminate him, the assassin of shadows. Back then, that was the only thing we could do… Makoto Shishio was a powerful man who possessed the same sharp wits and expertise with the sword that you had. But unlike you, he was a very dangerous individual… with the longing for glory and conquest. The entire reason he accepted the role as the manslayer in the shadows was to demonstrate his talents and make the higher ranking imperialists aware of his existence. Of all the assassination Shishio has done, there are some so important that if they were released to the public, the Meiji government would crumble like an avalanche. If he were to play upon that weakness that he alone may have the power to do whatever he wishes with the entire nation of Japan.
Kenshin:
And so, in the middle of all chaos during the Boshin wars…
Okubo:
We got rid of him… Yes… we had his body drenched with oil… and we set him on fire… His body was scorched from head to toe. But Makoto Shishio stayed alive. Since then, he has become demon of revenge. He has gathered to get the crazed fighters, who lust for blood shed, make as a weapon who wants to abolish peace. They are evil men, a large army of killers in the underground Kyoto. Under his command, and using his secret assassination as his tramp card, he is attempting to take his revenge by starting a war to sprit the country in two. We’ve sent in troops to attempt to control them but they’ve been completely unsuccessful so far. It’s seems that the only hope we have left is you. Himura… for the sake of the people of the great country, will you go to Kyoto once again?
Kaoru:
So that means that you… want Kenshin to… assassinate Shishio. Is that what you trying to say, more or less?
Okubo:
It’s precisely what I’m saying.
Kawaji:
Naturally, we will pay a considerable bounty… and we will also grant special pardons to all of the illegal acts that we’ve turned on backs until now. For instance, we will equate Megumi Takani of opium possession charges…
Megumi:
You got to be kidding! If my freedom is going to be a part of this deal and force Sir Ken to do something shouldn’t, then I’ll be happy to choose life imprisonment or execution right now!
Sanosuke:
You guys play dirty. The way I figured, all the nasty stuff you did in the past is the real problem. And now you want Kenshin to clean up the mess for you? Kenshin chose to live his life as a wonderer. One it doesn’t kill. And now you’re asking him to murder innocent…
Kawaji:
Shut up! The government is in danger of been overthrown! Can’t you see that?!
Sanosuke:
And dirty government like this one deserve to be overthrown! We’ll all be better off for it!
Kawaji:
There can’t be any lasting peace in Japan without the prosperity of the Meiji government!
Sanosuke:
You guys are so fully of yourself, I’m in a bar.
Kawaji:
If you keep this up, I’m going to arrest you!
Sanosuke:
Try and arrest me, boldy!
Yahiko:
I’m a kid, so I don’t understand everything. But it’s seems to me, if things were just a little bit different, you guys might be asking Shishio to go after Kenshin. You all guys were the ones who mess things up!
Kaoru:
Lord Okubo, I can see why the Meiji government would want Battousai the Manslayer’s help so much right now. but Kenshin isn’t the manslayer like he was in the revolution. The last thing that four of us would ever do is let Kenshin go to Kyoto.
Sanosuke:
Yeah.
Megumi:
We won’t get him back to you.
Yahiko:
Kenshin is a wonderer now! Not your manslayer!
Kaoru:
We will all protect Kenshin to the end, no matter what happens to us.
Kawaji:
Idiots! The fate of our entire nation is depended on this!
Okubo:
That’s enough.
Kawaji:
Huh? But sir!
Okubo:
I don’t expect an answer immediately, Himura. Please think about this seriously. Not only for Japan sake but in order to end your own revolution.
Shibumi:
Toshimichi Okubo?
Akamatsu:
That’s right! So, what do we do now?!
Shibumi:
I see… Saitou is one of Okubo’s dogs. Hum… this could work out nicely if I pay Saitou off to get me some dirt on Okubo, I just might have a shot at taking his place one day.
Akamatsu:
You got to be kidding me, Shibumi! If we try to go up against Okubo, of all muff in Japan would be insanity! Then nothing you can offer me to take on a job like that! So I think I’ll hide till chill out of here somewhere safe, like Shanghai, if you don’t mind. See you around…
Saitou:
I know a place there will be much safer to run to than Shanghai. It’s called “Hell” If I recall correctly…
[Saitou kills Akamatsu]
Saitou:
Shibumi, there’s one thing that I’d like you to understand. You imperialists think that you created the Meiji Era all by yourselves, but I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. We sided with the Shogunate, because we risked our lives for the Meiji Era by being the ones who lost. The reason that I obey the government as an undercover agent is so that I can rid the world of the scum that feast upon it. As the Shinsengumi of the Meiji Era. If anyone including Okubo will allows greed to overcome them and tries to bring misfortune to this country, then they will be trialed under our law that stays that evil must be eradicated.
Shibumi:
Please wait, I’ll do anything! I’ll give you all the money you want!
Saitou:
Train a dog with food, you can buy a person with money… but there isn’t man alive able to influence the Wolves of the Mibu!
[Saitou kills Shibumi]
Saitou:
Something will never change… A wolf will always be a wolf… the SHinsengumi will always be the Shinsengumi… And the manslayer will always be a manslayer. Correct, Battousai?
Okubo:
You can expect me to return to hear your answer exactly week from today, Himura. Yes, I’ll see you in May fourteenth…
Kawaji:
You got it?! On May fourteenth!
Kenshin:
Mr. Okubo. You look rather tired… compere to ten years ago.
Okubo:
I’m finding out slowly that it is far more difficult to raise a new era than it is to break an older one. Of course, I won’t out. I hoping for positive answer from you, “Battousai”…
Kaoru:
That was the last time we saw Load Okubo ever again. The promised day May fourteenth, of the eleventh age for the Meiji Era… that would turn out to be a fateful day for all of us. A day when our lives will be turned completely upside down. Nothing could ever have prepared us what was to come…
<Preview>
Kaoru:
Next time, “A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs”. You won’t wanna miss it!
A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio’s Plot
[Kenshin dodged Saitou’s attack]
Saitou:
Do you really think that you’ve won?! Battousai!!
[Saitou attacked Kenshin]
Kaoru:
Kenshin!
Kenshin:
Ugh…
Saitou:
You’re avoided being stabbed… But…
[Saitou slashes Kenshin’s body]
Saitou:
Even if the stab misses, I can change it into a side sweeping attack without pose. There is no weakness in the “Hiraduki” attack that was developed by Toshizou Hijikata, Assistant Leader of the Shinsengumi. Especially my variation of it… the “Gatotsu”!
Kaoru:
That stance again! Is it another Gatotsu?!
[Kenshin countered Saitou’s attack]
Saitou:
Haaa!!!
Kenshin:
Ugh!
Saitou:
My sword which has kept me safe from harm numerous times between the revolution and the Meiji Era combined with my Gatotsu technic. There’s no way you could hope to defeat me as you are now…
Yahiko:
This guy is in a completely different class!
Kaoru:
Are you all right, Kenshin?! Ken…
[Kenshin is looking sharply at Saitou]
Saitou:
Stand up.
[Kaoru tries to protect Kenshin]
Saitou:
You’re in the way.
[Kenshin rises]
Saitou:
Even though he has a deep wound in his chest area, his response to my second attack was faster than the first. It’s as I expected, each time he swings his sword, he has gradually, unconsciously but surely returning to his former self. Battousai the Manslayer.
Kenshin:
Let’s go…
Saitou:
He has gotten even faster!
[Saitou managed to counter the Kenshin’s attack]
Saitou:
What was that?! That move far surpassed my expectations…
Kaoru:
He is breathing. He is using more strength than he thinks he has and his body can’t keep up.
[Kenshin rises]
Saitou:
By fighting me, you’ve returned to the Battousai you once were… well then… Now I will attack with the true Gatotsu. No more holding back!
Yahiko:
I don’t believe it! He was holding back until now!
Saitou:
YAAAH!!!
[Kenshin countered Saitou’s attack]
Saitou:
Guagh!
Yahiko:
Yeah! He dodged the Gatotsu like it was nothing!
Kenshin:
Back then, in Kyoto, I needed to use an attack that would defeat my enemy in one blow. Saitou, the Gatotsu was that kind of attack for you. However, it’s not invincible. After seeing it four times already, I can think of at least one or two ways around it. Stand up! It would be a poor ending to our first duel in ten years otherwise.
Saitou:
The end? This wasn’t my plan… But it doesn’t matter! I’ll kill you now…
Kenshin:
I think you got it wrong… Those are my words!
Yahiko:
Huh? Kaoru?
Kaoru:
It’s happening again… it’s the same as the time he fought Jine… Stop him… Someone…
Saitou:
YAAAAAGH!!!
Kenshin:
HAAAAAGH!!!
[Kenshin vs. Saitou]
Kaoru:
If this keeps up… Kenshin… the one we know… will disappear…
[Kenshin vs. Saitou]
Saitou:
Haaagh!
Kenshin:
Aaaagh!
[Kenshin breaks Saitou’s sword]
Kenshin:
It’ll be your turn next… and it’ll be your head!
Kaouru:
Please stop it! Somebody stop the two of them from fighting!
Sanosuke:
It’s impossible Missy…
Kaoru:
Sanosuke!
Yahiko:
Sanosuke!
Sanosuke:
There’s no way we can stop the two of them. Those two aren’t fighting in Tokyo, in the Meiji Era. They are fighting in Kyoto in the revolution. Our voices won’t be able to reach them anymore. The only ones who can possibly stop this fight are the ones who live through the bloody chaos of the revolution. People who know what it was like… who remember Kyoto.
Okubo:
Kawaji.
Kawaji:
Yes, what is it, sir?
Okubo:
How long is it been since Mr. Saitou entered that dojo?
Kawaji:
About… four and half hours.
Okubo:
I see. The fate of the entire nation may revolve around those two men. Please hurry, before it becomes too late.
Kawaji:
Yes sir!
[Saitou vs. Kenshin]
Sanosuke:
What’s he doing?! His sword is useless! It has been broken!
Yahiko:
Another Gatotsu?!
Kenshin:
You Shinsengumi guys never did know when it was in your best interest to retreat.
Saitou:
The first rule of the Shinsengumi is to always fallow the way of the Samurai… and freeing an enemy in front of you isn’t an option! Ah!
[Saitou throws his broken sword, Kenshin blocked it by his hand]
Megumi:
He has blocked it with his hand?!
Sanosuke:
Yeah, so he wouldn’t leave himself vulnerable.
Kenshin:
And he’d choose pride over life as a Samurai should…
Sanosuke:
This fight is over! Even he can’t fully block Kenshin’s sword with his fists… ugh?
[Saitou snaps Kenshin’s sword with his belt]
Sanosuke:
Agh?!
Megumi:
He used his…
Yahiko:
Belt?!
[Saitou beats Kenshin]
Kenshin:
Ugh!
Megumi:
Sir. Ken!
Sanosuke:
This doesn’t look good! Without a sword, Kenshin hasn’t got a chance!
Saitou:
This is… the end!
Yahiko:
A strangle hold! He is suffocating Kenshin!
Kenshin:
Agh…
Sanosuke:
It’s not something as gentle as that. What he is really trying to do is break Kenshin’s neck…
[Kenshin managed to escape from Saitou’s hold]
Sanosuke:
So this is how they fought in the revolution… Neither one of them has the strength to keep going. The next attack will decide who wins this battle… life or death… or wii they kill each other.
Saitou:
I think it’s time… we put an end to this…
Kenshin:
I agree…
[Kaoru couldn’t stop Kenshin]
Kawaji:
Stop this fight now! Get a hold of yourself, Saitou! The mission that you were accepted from our office was only to determine the Battousai’s competency!
Saitou:
We’re in the middle of something here… I won’t allow even you, the police commissioner to interrupt us…
Megumi:
Police commissioner?
Sanosuke:
Determine his competency? What is that means?
Okubo:
Mr. Saitou, I know you have your pride as a member of the Shinsengumi. However, I don’t want you or Himura to waste your lives needlessly here.
Kenshin:
I see, the true mastermind behind all of this was you… an old imperialist from the Satsuma area, the Meiji Secretary of the Interior, Toshimichi Okubo.
Kaoru:
Ah… the Secretary… of the Interior?
Yahiko:
Man, those two guys came out from nowhere. Who exactly this beard guy supposed to be anyway?
Sanosuke:
Kids like you ought to read newspaper more often.
Yahiko:
Ugh?!
Megumi:
The three men who did the most work during the Meiji restoration are called the “Three great Imperialists”. Takamori Saigou, Kogorou Katsura and one other who’s the only one left alive.
Yahiko:
You mean that Okubo’s one of the three?!
Sanosuke:
And now he is the Secretary of the Interior. The minister who’s basically at the top of the Japanese government.
Okubo:
I truly am sorry that we had to be so laugh on you. It was important for us to determine just how effective you still were after all these years. You will stay and hear me out, won’t you?
Kenshin:
I will. Why don’t you start now?
Akamatsu:
I can’t believe it’s Okubo! I never imagined someone this big could be involved in this! There’s no time to waste! I’ve got to tell Mr. Shibumi right away!
Saitou:
Huh! It looks like our final duel has been preempted. We’ll have to settle our score in other day…
Kenshin:
You’re life has been spared for now.
Saitou:
And so as… yours.
Kawaji
Hold on, Saitou!
Saitou:
According to my observation, Kenshin Himura is at no use to us what so ever. However, Himura the Battousai up to be relatively useful. That’s all.
Kawaji:
That man is insufferable. He may be our most skilled undercover agent. But I have any idea what’s going on inside his head!
Okubo:
Himura. I have a carriage waiting for us outside. Come with me.
Kenshin:
You’ll tell me your story right here. After all, I’m not the only one involved in this anymore…
[Kenshin hits his forehead]
Kenshin:
After all, I’m not the only one involved in this anymore, that I’m not.
Kaoru:
That I’m not?
Kenshin:
Everyone here should hear your explanation.
Kaoru:
You’re back to your old self again, Kenshin!
Kenshin:
UGH!! Agh…
Kaoru:
Uh… Oh! Miss Megumi!
Megumi:
What are you doing, you numskull! Yahiko, get me the medicine and a bandages, quick!
Yahiko:
You got it!
Kaoru:
Kenshin, please don’t die…
Kawaji:
Load Okubo…
Okubo:
We’ll do as Himura wishes. Right now, we desperately need his assistance above all else.
Okubo:
Allow me to get straight to the point, Himura. Shishio has been working underground in Kyoto.
Sanosuke:
The name doesn’t ring any bells Mr. Okubo. Who’s this Shishio supposed to be?
Kawaji:
Hey you! You’ll speak more politely!
Kenshin:
Makoto Shishio. He is a manslayer from the revolution just like myself. After I came out in the open, he took over the role of the manslayer in the shadows. He is another imperialist from the Chyoshu area. And you’ll might say, that Shishio was the successor of the Battousai the Manslayer.
Yahiko:
Battousai the Manslayer’s…
Megumi:
Successor?
Sanosuke:
You had… successor?
Kenshin:
Since he kept himself completely in the shadows, practically no one knows of his existence. Even I have never met Makoto Shishio face to face. But I do remember hearing news of his death during the Boshin wars ten years ago. So the truth is been hidden… by the ones in the shadows…
Okubo:
We sort safety by secretly eliminate him, the assassin of shadows. Back then, that was the only thing we could do… Makoto Shishio was a powerful man who possessed the same sharp wits and expertise with the sword that you had. But unlike you, he was a very dangerous individual… with the longing for glory and conquest. The entire reason he accepted the role as the manslayer in the shadows was to demonstrate his talents and make the higher ranking imperialists aware of his existence. Of all the assassination Shishio has done, there are some so important that if they were released to the public, the Meiji government would crumble like an avalanche. If he were to play upon that weakness that he alone may have the power to do whatever he wishes with the entire nation of Japan.
Kenshin:
And so, in the middle of all chaos during the Boshin wars…
Okubo:
We got rid of him… Yes… we had his body drenched with oil… and we set him on fire… His body was scorched from head to toe. But Makoto Shishio stayed alive. Since then, he has become demon of revenge. He has gathered to get the crazed fighters, who lust for blood shed, make as a weapon who wants to abolish peace. They are evil men, a large army of killers in the underground Kyoto. Under his command, and using his secret assassination as his tramp card, he is attempting to take his revenge by starting a war to sprit the country in two. We’ve sent in troops to attempt to control them but they’ve been completely unsuccessful so far. It’s seems that the only hope we have left is you. Himura… for the sake of the people of the great country, will you go to Kyoto once again?
Kaoru:
So that means that you… want Kenshin to… assassinate Shishio. Is that what you trying to say, more or less?
Okubo:
It’s precisely what I’m saying.
Kawaji:
Naturally, we will pay a considerable bounty… and we will also grant special pardons to all of the illegal acts that we’ve turned on backs until now. For instance, we will equate Megumi Takani of opium possession charges…
Megumi:
You got to be kidding! If my freedom is going to be a part of this deal and force Sir Ken to do something shouldn’t, then I’ll be happy to choose life imprisonment or execution right now!
Sanosuke:
You guys play dirty. The way I figured, all the nasty stuff you did in the past is the real problem. And now you want Kenshin to clean up the mess for you? Kenshin chose to live his life as a wonderer. One it doesn’t kill. And now you’re asking him to murder innocent…
Kawaji:
Shut up! The government is in danger of been overthrown! Can’t you see that?!
Sanosuke:
And dirty government like this one deserve to be overthrown! We’ll all be better off for it!
Kawaji:
There can’t be any lasting peace in Japan without the prosperity of the Meiji government!
Sanosuke:
You guys are so fully of yourself, I’m in a bar.
Kawaji:
If you keep this up, I’m going to arrest you!
Sanosuke:
Try and arrest me, boldy!
Yahiko:
I’m a kid, so I don’t understand everything. But it’s seems to me, if things were just a little bit different, you guys might be asking Shishio to go after Kenshin. You all guys were the ones who mess things up!
Kaoru:
Lord Okubo, I can see why the Meiji government would want Battousai the Manslayer’s help so much right now. but Kenshin isn’t the manslayer like he was in the revolution. The last thing that four of us would ever do is let Kenshin go to Kyoto.
Sanosuke:
Yeah.
Megumi:
We won’t get him back to you.
Yahiko:
Kenshin is a wonderer now! Not your manslayer!
Kaoru:
We will all protect Kenshin to the end, no matter what happens to us.
Kawaji:
Idiots! The fate of our entire nation is depended on this!
Okubo:
That’s enough.
Kawaji:
Huh? But sir!
Okubo:
I don’t expect an answer immediately, Himura. Please think about this seriously. Not only for Japan sake but in order to end your own revolution.
Shibumi:
Toshimichi Okubo?
Akamatsu:
That’s right! So, what do we do now?!
Shibumi:
I see… Saitou is one of Okubo’s dogs. Hum… this could work out nicely if I pay Saitou off to get me some dirt on Okubo, I just might have a shot at taking his place one day.
Akamatsu:
You got to be kidding me, Shibumi! If we try to go up against Okubo, of all muff in Japan would be insanity! Then nothing you can offer me to take on a job like that! So I think I’ll hide till chill out of here somewhere safe, like Shanghai, if you don’t mind. See you around…
Saitou:
I know a place there will be much safer to run to than Shanghai. It’s called “Hell” If I recall correctly…
[Saitou kills Akamatsu]
Saitou:
Shibumi, there’s one thing that I’d like you to understand. You imperialists think that you created the Meiji Era all by yourselves, but I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. We sided with the Shogunate, because we risked our lives for the Meiji Era by being the ones who lost. The reason that I obey the government as an undercover agent is so that I can rid the world of the scum that feast upon it. As the Shinsengumi of the Meiji Era. If anyone including Okubo will allows greed to overcome them and tries to bring misfortune to this country, then they will be trialed under our law that stays that evil must be eradicated.
Shibumi:
Please wait, I’ll do anything! I’ll give you all the money you want!
Saitou:
Train a dog with food, you can buy a person with money… but there isn’t man alive able to influence the Wolves of the Mibu!
[Saitou kills Shibumi]
Saitou:
Something will never change… A wolf will always be a wolf… the SHinsengumi will always be the Shinsengumi… And the manslayer will always be a manslayer. Correct, Battousai?
Okubo:
You can expect me to return to hear your answer exactly week from today, Himura. Yes, I’ll see you in May fourteenth…
Kawaji:
You got it?! On May fourteenth!
Kenshin:
Mr. Okubo. You look rather tired… compere to ten years ago.
Okubo:
I’m finding out slowly that it is far more difficult to raise a new era than it is to break an older one. Of course, I won’t out. I hoping for positive answer from you, “Battousai”…
Kaoru:
That was the last time we saw Load Okubo ever again. The promised day May fourteenth, of the eleventh age for the Meiji Era… that would turn out to be a fateful day for all of us. A day when our lives will be turned completely upside down. Nothing could ever have prepared us what was to come…
<Preview>
Kaoru:
Next time, “A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs”. You won’t wanna miss it!