Chapter 68: Portrait of an Ambitious Man

(As Kenshin and Saitou approach the inn, Soujirou is waiting for them at the front gate.)

Soujirou: Mr. Himura Battousai, and Mr. Saitou Hajime.

Kenshin (thinking): That voice... (aloud) Be careful, Saitou. This is the man who killed Governor Okubo.

Soujirou: Oh no no no, today I'm just your guide. Look, I'm not even armed. Mr. Shishio is waiting for you inside. Please come in.

Saitou: We can't start out being this cautious. Let's go.

(Shishio sits on a cushion, smoking a pipe.)

Yumi: Lord Shishio, a drink after your bath?

Shishio: They're here.

Kenshin: You're ... Shishio Makoto?

Shishio: Call me Shishio, my rude predecessor.

Kenshin: Don't let it bother you. The rudeness is on both sides.

Saitou (to Soujirou): Hey, are you sure you want him to just stand there? Battousai could kill Shishio in a single leap.

Soujirou: Oh, it's all right. Mr. Himura isn't like you, Mr. Saitou. He'd never try anything as dishonorable as a surprise attack.

Saitou (thinking): He saw right through me.

(In the village. Eiji picks up his brother's sword.)

Misao: Wait a minute! Where do you think you're going with that thing?

Eiji: Shishio's inn. For revenge.

Misao: What? You'll never make it.

Eiji: Whether I can or not is not that problem! It's whether I do or don't! I'm already alone. My life means nothing to me.

Misao: Wait!

Eiji: What? If you're just trying to get in my way--

Misao: Idiot. Senkaku won't be alone at Shishio's inn. Shishio's important; the place'll be crawling with those masked soldiers. You won't make it past the front gates. So I'll help you. (thinking) I understand his feelings. If the Oniwabanshuu were killed I'd throw away my life to get revenge! Sorry, Himura, but I have to help him!