Himura_battousai - Cover

Himura_battousai

Copyright© 2011 by Murasame

Chapter 163: Rembrances 1--Hitokiri

The first year of Genji (1864), Kyoto. (Three samurai, Ishiji, Shigekura, and Kyosato, are walking home late at night.)

Kyosato: It's getting late. We should hurry a little. Lately there have been more of those Hitokiri--

Ishiji: Like that so-called Hitokiri Battousai? Whether he exists or not, we'll crush the rebellion soon.

Shigekura: Now, now, let's not talk shop when we've got reason to celebrate. Kyosato, you're going to be married next month, aren't you?

Kyosato (who is probably twenty years younger than the other two): That's right...

Shigekura: Marrying your beautiful childhood sweetheart ... you lucky dog.

Kyosato: Thank you.

(Footsteps behind them.)

Kyosato: But I can't help worrying. In these troubled times, why should I--

Shigekura: What are you talking about.

(An intense gaze follows their every move.)

Shigekura: In this world, everyone's trying to find a little happiness. If anything, if we make a new age in this work of ours, that's the form it should take.

Battousai: You must be Shigekura Juubeh. Though I bear you no grudge, for the sake of the new era, I must have your deaths.

Ishiji: Who are you...

Battousai: A Choushuu Ishin Shishi. Himura Battousai.

(All three reach for their swords. Battousai kills Ishiji before he can even draw.)

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuutsuisen Zan!

(He leaps in the air and stabs downward, killing Shigekura as well.)

Kyosato: Mr. Shigekura--Mr. Ishiji!

(Kyosato blocks Battousai's blow, but is driven back against a wall, Battousai's bloody sword inches away from his throat.)

Battousai: Give up.

(Kyosato pushes him back, freeing his sword.)

Kyosato (thinking): I won't die. I don't want to die. Why should I have to die!!

 
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