The Juppongatana Who Remain

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Kyoto, The Engraved Memory

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The Legend of The Fireflies

The Kenshin-gumi has returned to the Dojo, and it's back to business as usual. Ms. Kaoru puts everyone to work. Sano is told to fix the wall (damage left by his fight with Saito), Kenshin is sent fishing for dinner, and everyone else is given other cleaning chores.

As Kenshin, Ayame, and Suzame begin to fish, they witness an old fisherman rescue a young boy from several hoodlums. Judging by the man's speed and grace, Kenshin knew he was a skilled samurai. After the confrontation, the old man sat with Kenshin and recapped a story from his past.

Several decades ago, the fisherman (Ryunosuke) was a skilled swordsman...the top of his class. One day his good friend, Shinpachi, showed him a large tree and explained the legend of the wishing fireflies. Seems if you prayed to the fireflies for a year, your wish would come true. Shinpachi's sister, Kinu, was praying by that tree for months hoping to get Ryunosuke to notice her.

One rainy night, Ryunosuke saw men slaughtered by a mysterious thief who used an ultimate technique. Ryunosuke became obsessed with learning this technique. He began wandering and killing determined to find that mysterious man and learning that ultimate skill.

It was the 21st year of wandering, Ryunosuke despaired and contemplated taking his life when finally he saw that very thief. The two drew swords. When all was done, Ryunosuke learned that he had surpassed that ultimate technique long ago. He began seeing visions of the men he had killed and desperately wanted to repent for his actions. That's when Kinu appeared to him, and suddenly, Ryunosuke knew what had to be done. He returned to the tree of his past where he encountered his old friend. Shinpachi told how Kinu waited and prayed for the man she loved by this tree everyday for 20 years. Sadly, that particular day was the one-year anniversary of her death.

Ryunosuke explained to Kenshin how he had been so determined to master the ultimate sword technique that he lost sight of the things that were important. When he finally realized this, it was too late. He told Kenshin, "Don't let this happen to you."

It was late when Kenshin returned to the dojo, but Ms. Kaoru didn't mind. Dr. Gensai had brought over dinner earlier. Kenshin never did catch any fish, but the bucket wasn't empty. Inside was a lovely flower, which we're led to believe will be given to Ms. Kaoru.

The Birth of Prince Yahiko?

Tae had given Kenshin and Ms. Kaoru tickets to a play. On the way home that evening, they witness an ambush. Three thugs are attacking a lavish carriage while an elderly, yet skilled, samurai fights valiantly to protect it. When Kenshin and Kaoru assist, the thugs flee.

Afterwards...the elderly samurai pulls a boy from the overturned carriage. What?!? Ms. Kaoru mistakes him for Yahiko and gives the boy a slap. The samurai is shocked and outraged. He explains that the boy is Prince Shin of Jakarta, a small country in Asia. His resemblance to Yahiko is uncanny!

Back at the Dojo, Dr. Gensai examines the Prince. The boy's composition is weak and requires rest for a few days. At this time, the elderly man introduces himself as Marukesu Murakami a descendent of a very famous samurai. It is his responsibility to protect the Prince. Sadly, the boy's father passed away a few days ago. The Prince traveled to Japan in an attempt to deepen the friendship between the two countries. Tomorrow is an important banquet in order to strengthen relations. If Prince Shin does not attend, others will lose trust in their country, thus it becomes vulnerable to the Western World. Reluctantly, Yahiko agrees to go in his place.

The next day Marukesu and many of the Prince's servants teach Yahiko and the rest of the Kenshin-gumi (who are acting as aides) how to act like royalty. Yahiko lets his newfound power go to his head, but Sanosuke and Ms. Kaoru bring him back down to Earth. (This part of the episode is hilarious especially when Kenshin uses his skill to cut his steak.)

Before the banquet, Aritomo Yamagata meets with Kenshin. He explains an assassination conspiracy is out against Prince Shin. Jakarta is a prime target for those Western nations that are interested in starting to invade Asia. The mastermind is Ukyo Inagi.

The banquet is underway, and Yahiko is clumsily managing to fool the other guests, but he feels stifled and uncomfortable. When nature calls, he sneaks outside to relieve himself. A perfect opportunity for the hoodlums. Little do they know...the Prince's stand-in can protect himself pretty well, and when Kenshin and the others join in the fight, those criminals are toast. Uh..Oh..Ukyo has a gun, and he's aiming for Yahiko!! Marukesu takes the bullet in the shoulder saving Yahiko. Shortly after Kenshin takes care of Ukyo, Mr. Yamagata and the police arrive to arrest all of the conspirators.

A few days later, a healthy Prince Shin departs intact....grateful for the help of Yahiko, Kenshin and the others.....^_^!!

Find the Lost Treasure!

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