The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style

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The Formation of an Alliance

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Between Life and Death

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A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters

Kenshin quickly filters through his Master's cabinets. He finds a special medicine and administers it to the unconscious Seijuro. Now it is up to the big man's inner strength if he is to survive.

Meanwhile, Sanosuke is behind bars facing Saito. A frustrated Sano gets angry when Saito pretends he's never seen him before. Sano uses his new futae-no-kiwami technique to break out of prison, but only slightly impressing Saito. With Sano present, Saito starts questioning an imprisoned Chou (the sword hunter) about a killing spree that took place. Where the deadly incident took place 50 men of the military and police were killed all by the hands of ONE man. Chou sarcastically says it was himself. Saito claims that cooperation would allow his release, but Chou is not buying...seems he may be fearing Shishio. When Sano get involved, the two get into a shouting match using names such as Rooster Head and Broom Head. It isn't until Sano displays the power of his new technique that Chou finally agrees to cooperate.

Chou begins by saying that he knows 2 people who could kill 50 people in 2 hours. The first being Soujiro (but he was searching the Eastern 1/2 of Japan for the Juppongatana at that time), and the other is Usui (the blind swordsman).

At Shishio's Fortress, Hoji and Yumi are discussing the converging of the Juppongatana when one of the men announces an intruder. Hoji can't believe this intruder killed some of their own men. Shishio, however, is not worried. He knows exactly who it is and easily thwarts an impending attack. Shishio compliments the blind man, Usui, on his improved skills. Usui is a bitter member of the Juppongatana mostly because it was Shishio who was responsible for his loss of sight.

We return now to Saito, who is smoking one cigarette after another. He asks Chou of Shishio's plan to destroy Kyoto. Chou explains that as soon as all members of Juppongatana arrive, fires will be started all over the city.

The scene switches again to Shishio. All members of the Juppongatana have arrived and gathered in one room. Soujiro offers Shishio a pastry apologizing for being away for three days. When he opens the box of goodies, a note placed for Shishio's eyes only reads, "preparations are ready." Shishio laughs evilly and proclaims, " Tomorrow at 11:59 we will commence the Kyoto fire project and be on our path to victory. We'll burn Kyoto to the ground with flames the color of blood!!"

Back at Seijuro's home, Kenshin has fallen asleep while watching over his master. He is awakened roughly. Seeing that it was Seijuro who awakened him, Kenshin is overjoyed to see his Master is alright. Seems it wasn't the medicine that saved the big man's life at all. In actuality, it was Kenshin's Sakabatou. Before Kenshin leaves, Hiko offers his cloak to the inheritor of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. Kenshin refuses for two reasons; first, he doesn't want to use the name Hiko Seijuro the 14th, and second, it is way TOO big for him. Kenshin asks Hiko one last favor; please protect the people of the Aoiya. He then bids goodbye.

At the police station Saito is given good news. Kenshin has been found and will arrive by carriage shortly. When the carriage pulls up, Saito watches as Kenshin exits. "He's changed," Saito thinks, "He's not the same Battousai. What did he gain in this short time?"

As If To Fly

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