I'm alive. No injury, nothing. Why?
It's a waste of time trying to escape from here.
This place is a natural fortress that nobody can access or get out of.
Answer me. Why don't you kill me?
I ask you back. How valuable is your existence to him?
He killed my sister.
He is the man who murdered his own wife with his own hands.
Would it put him into a living hell to lose you, or not?
Until I find it out, I will let you live.
That's the reason why I brought you here.
If you're the most important person to him,
he'll find this place and come here soon.
Then, I'll kill you in front of him,
and make him feel the same as I have.
After that, I'll torture and kill him slowly.
However...
If he doesn't show up, I have nothing to do with you.
I will let you go home alive, so for a while, stay here and be quiet.
I wonder how valuable I am to Kenshin?
Tomoe has continued to exist at the bottom of Kenshin's heart
with the cross-shaped scar,
a deep, sad existence which won't disappear until he dies.
She gained her spot to stay in exchange for her life.
What and how I can do as she did?
I have no idea.
I envy Tomoe.
If I die, will you remember me forever, Kenshin?
I swore I'd punish the person who once was called
the strongest murderer in the last days of the Tokugawa.
I can match him in swordsmanship skill.
I've investigated the Hiten sword technique, including its secrets.
I don't need any help.
I will punish him myself, with my own hands.
I wonder whether Kenshin, who has been tormented by his guilt,
will lose against this person who is willing to punish him?
Sister...
Why?
Why did you die?!
Sister...
He is also in a deep loneliness.
I'm sure that he's lived alone with his grudge and hate.
What the hell is this?
I'm a woman and of course I can cook.
It's no different making breakfast for one, or for two, so I made extra.
I don't care if you eat or not.
Sister...
You are waiting for him, aren't you?
If he comes, I'll kill you, but even so, you're hoping he'll come?
Sometimes, people feel more pain living than dying.
That's what you told me, a "living hell."
For me, a "living hell" means to lose Kenshin.
I don't know if he really needs me or not.
However, I hope so, I want to believe so. That's why...
He took many people's lives and happiness
away from them, erased them with his own hands.
The people left behind are still in the darkness of sadness and desperation.
His guilt is unfathomably great and deep.
Even so, he hasn't been judged and lives peacefully in the Meiji era.
Why? How can he live?! Why do you love a person like him?
He doesn't have any right to be happy.
He should never receive love from anyone!
Kenshin loved Tomoe.
That's why he's been suffering over it, even now.
He has a burden; he killed the person he loved.
He has been accusing himself and he can't forgive himself.
But he had to stay alive, because that's what Tomoe wanted him to do.
Your sister, she forgave Kenshin, who killed her fiancee.
I understand how she felt,
because I'm a woman who loves the same person she did.
He's been living by rescuing more people than he killed,
and he has been seeking for a way to atone for his guilt.
The answer of atonement...
You said he's been seeking for a way of atonement.
I think it's time to give him an answer. Get ready.
We will go to the seashore and wait for him.
For me, it took ten years to walk through this route of revenge.
Even if my sister forgave him, I can't. Never.
The answer is to punish him with my own hands!
Kenshin!
I won't give this woman to you.
If you want to get her back, you'll have to fight me.
I will kill him by myself.
If you want to go to him, you'll have to commit suicide and follow him.
Miss Kaoru, don't worry. Please wait there.
He is different than he was a little while ago.
His sword doesn't show any hesitation or confusion,
and I feel he's stronger than before.
I wonder if Kenshin finally got the answer he has been seeking so long?
You make me laugh if you're thinking about not killing me.
You are also disqualified to be a murderer.
The guilt of murder can be atoned only by your death,
however, the dead don't have any way to punish you.
So, those who loved the dead person must execute it as their successor.
That's what jinchu means.
You're a criminal.
Scream, suffer the pain! Regret!
Regret what you did to my sister, taking away her happiness!
You made my life crazy and smashed it.
You'll die covered in the sadness, anger and vengeance
of those who were left behind by the people you killed.
I'm not afraid of dying. However, my life is not only mine.
For the sisters who died for me when I was little,
and Tomoe... I was made to live by them.
In order to light more smiles and happiness in this world,
as long as I live, I risk my sword and my mind for those who are alive now,
and I will complete my life.
This is the answer I found as a way of atonement, led by Tomoe's smile.
Kenshin...
What I wanted was happiness for my only sister,
rather than all the people in this world.
But you ruined it, stepped on it, and erased it along with her life.
I don't have anybody to protect now.
What's left for me is only the flames and fire of anger.
That's why I'm going to kill you.
My hand started the flame of fire in you,
and if anger is the only truth for you, then I have to face it.
Enishi, I am so sorry.
I don't think my guilt will be forgiven even if I win.
No matter what answer I come up with,
I know your vengeance and sadness wouldn't disappear.
However, if your smile will come back to you in exchange for my life...
You are telling me that you will accept the punishment, aren't you?
Sister, are you telling me not to take revenge?
Do I need to forgive someone like him?
Sister... How frustrating!
If he had never existed... Damn... Damn... Sister...
Your answer, your life of battle, I will watch it until the end.
That's what Enishi Yukishiro said when he left.
No matter how much heart you put into it,
atonement can't be achieved without the other person's forgiveness.
You might never be forgiven, but...
Kaoru, let's go home together.
Even so he smiles at me.
His usual smile which secretly hides his sadness behind his gentleness.
I want to reply to this smile.
I can't exchange my life and his,
but at least I'd like to be at his side and support him
until the day when he smiles at me from the bottom of his heart.
That's my true answer.
It's ordinary and nothing special, but it's the most important.
Tomoe...
I might not be able to live a life of integrity and rigor like you did.
I don't think I can be more important than you were for Kenshin.
However, I will support him as much as I can in the best way I can.
So, please. Please leave Kenshin to me.
Tomoe...
How are you feeling, Kaoru?
Sorry, Yahiko, I'm giving you trouble.
It's nothing. The doctor said you need rest.
I can take care of you at a time like this, so don't overdo anything.
I've been dreaming.
About the days after I met Kenshin through the day we got married.
Old story.
Yes, but I feel like it was just a short while ago.
After the world calmed down and everyone went their own way,
starting their journey for their own lives.
I left here too. So things have happened which I don't know about,
but it must have been hard for you to live here after that.
Even after he got the answer, he lived in battles more than before.
He told me he would do all he could while he was able to use his sword.
His thoughts are left to you along with his reverse-bladed sword.
Passed on to you, Yahiko.
That was a good one. Can you stand up?
Yes...
Yahiko, this is a gift for your coming-of-age ritual. Take it.
Ms. Megumi told me about it, so I was prepared.
So many battles and scars... the rebounds of Mitsurugi swordsmanship
have undermined his small body so he won't live much longer.
Kaoru...
Yes...
I've been thinking ever since I left my sword.
The times are becoming peaceful. But unhappiness never disappears.
The scars of wars, natural disasters, illnesses and poverty...
I think these won't disappear no matter how times change.
However, if there is anything I can do...
Nowadays I don't have a sword and I've lost the power to protect people,
so instead of reaching out to help from above,
I can share their pain and suffering
and become an encouragement for the people.
Kaoru, would you allow me to do so?
That's what you chose.
Please be confident and go your own way.
I have already received more than enough happiness from you.
I will wait for you.
In order to welcome you with a smile.
No matter when you come back, I will wait for you with the baby.
Then he traveled all over Japan?
But he always came back.
And while he was here, he kept smiling,
but his smile contained deep sadness.
Natural disaster or epidemics take human lives mercilessly.
No matter how well you take care of your patients, they die.
The reality of being shunned and hated just for having fallen ill.
People were depressed and fought against desperation day by day.
The only thing I can do is to raise this baby safely,
and let him leave the house with a smile.
I feel it's been very long,
or sometimes, it's been very short for fifteen years.
Kenji grew and has left me now.
The only thing left for me is to wait for him to come back.
That's why I asked him to share a little piece of his suffering.
I wanted to have something which we could share,
because we are husband and wife.
Kaoru...
Yes?
Thank you.
I've been able to live the way I chose because of you.
I have no words to express my appreciation.
Thank you very much.
But to Kaoru and Kenji, because I was not a good husband or father,
I apologize from the bottom of my heart.
I am so sorry to have made you suffer through painful days...
I've found out how happy it is to devote yourself to someone after I met you.
If I'm successful in supporting you...
If you think so, then there is no greater happiness.
I'm happy. I've been happy and I will be forever.
So please come home.
Please don't leave me alone.
Please share your pain with me.
If I have it, I know I can suffer without you,
because I am your wife.
I'm sorry.
Kaoru...
Kenshin...
The name Kenshin was given by my teacher,
so as to befit as a man living by the sword.
Now that my life with the sword
has ended, it's not fit for me any longer.
My parents named me Shinta.
That's my real name.
Shinta...
When I come back,
can you call me by that name?
Kenshin!
Ke-ken-shin...
Kenshin, are you...
I have to...
I have to go home.
I'm going to bring a doctor.
Wait here, Kenshin!
Ms. Megumi, long time no see.
You came all the way here from Aizu?
Of course!
I was asked by Kenshin to take care of you.
Well, let me see.
Kenshin... Sanosuke...
You don't need to force yourself to remember things.
Rather, the first priority is to recover your health.
It's done now. Eat!
Isn't it good?
There is nothing left for you to do.
I will make you go back to Japan.
To the place where Kaoru is.
Kaoru...
I don't think I will be able to go back to Aizu soon.
I will stay here for a while. Is it okay?
Oh, yes, but...
I told you.
Kenshin asked me to take care of you.
I have a responsibility as a doctor.
I'm sorry.
Wind chimes?
It was summer when Kenshin left here.
So I keep it just as it was.
Then you have to be fine until he comes home, right?
Where is Yahiko?
He went to Kyoto.
He told me he'd bring Kenji back.
I see.
Ms. Megumi, how is Ms. Kaoru?
Yes, it's the same disease as Kenshin.
A serious disease which we don't have any idea how to cure.
And worse than that, there's no medicine that will stop its progress.
Oh, no!
She accepted a disease like that intentionally.
But that's too sad.
That's her way to show her devotion.
I think she didn't hesitate to do it, nor regrets it.
Indeed, it's her way.
I mean that she wasn't in a negative attitude.
She transfers his pain, making it into a bond or into hope,
and she's waiting for the person she loves to return.
That's why I can't give up on her either.
I can't lose the battle, as a doctor and as a woman.
In order to get onto a ship to Japan,
we will probably have to go to Shanghai.
But I don't think he can survive a long voyage in his condition.
What shall I do?
I don't want to kill animals,
but for my friend, I have to have your liver.
Sorry.
Kenji...
Mr. Yahiko?
I can't go home yet.
Kenji!
The person my mother has been waiting for isn't me.
I haven't found out what true strength is yet.
Until I see the answer with my own eyes, I...
True strength?
Why don't you ask this sword about it?
That is the reverse-bladed sword.
If you can't understand, then I will teach you myself.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
I'm going to make a special meat dish for you tonight.
Is there any meaning to this sword
that my father kept after he quit being an assassin?
He was strong and became a legend,
but it was in the last days of the Tokugawa.
The father I knew was not even a man who lived by the sword.
He didn't carry the sword and didn't come home for long periods.
My mother was always waiting for him.
What I wanted to be passed on was not the Kasshin swordsmanship,
nor my father's sword which doesn't kill people,
but Hiten Mitsurugi swordsmanship.
I will learn it and create a new legend superior to my father's.
I am sorry.
I came here without telling you and carried on with my business.
You don't need to worry about it.
First of all, I don't intend to give my swordsmanship to anybody.
Mitsurugi swordsmanship will die with me.
Once you have a power,
sometimes you are put in a situation which makes you carry extra burdens,
and live all your life with pain.
Just like me and him.
The secret of Mitsurugi swordsmanship is
to protect the weak from the pain of the times.
However, the times have changed dramatically,
and it's become a relic of the past.
Everything's fate is to change and disappear.
Only the moon remains unchanged.
Good morning.
This is an herb medicine which mainly contains ginseng.
It affects your vigorousness and warms your body.
It's bitter and horrible.
Don't complain.
I'm sorry.
You...
You can smile like that in any condition, can't you?
Because you told me, Ms. Megumi.
You said the best medicine for his cross-shaped scar is my smile.
That's why I try to smile any time, in any condition.
So it's become a habit now.
The reason why Kenshin chose you...
I really understand.
Indeed you are a genius at swordsmanship.
I almost envy you, Kenji.
However, I know you already know
that you can't be superior to Kenshin with talent alone.
In the next attack, I'm going to include
all of the feelings I've felt throughout my battles.
Just like me at that time.
Accept it and feel the strength of Kenshin's mind, sealed in this sword.
Heavy...
It's a little late, but this is a gift for your coming-of-age ritual.
Accept it officially now, Kenji.
My idiot student thinks he's changed the secret of swordsmanship.
Shanghai is close. Don't let the horse shake you off, Kenshin!
Kenshin!
Kenshin, the cargo ship will take you to Yokohama.
When you go back to Japan... When you see Kaoru...
I'm sure your memory will come back at once.
I've already asked someone to help you.
I really want to take you home by myself, but I have things to do here.
I have to say goodbye.
Sanosuke...
Thank you.
I'm the one to say thank you, not you.
You have changed me and changed everybody.
I will live as I am, just like you did.
Goodbye, Kenshin.
Kenji...
I'm home.
I am sorry, I...
Don't say sorry to a son who ran away from home.
Kenji.
The cherry trees are blooming.
Let's go see the cherry blossoms like we do every year.
Yes...
Kaoru...
I am home...
Kaoru...
Welcome home...
Shinta...
I wonder how long the cherry blossoms will last?
Kenji, Yahiko, Tsubame and Ms. Megumi, and Ms. Tae...
I want to go to a cherry blossom party and invite everybody.
And next year, and the year after next.
Then Yahiko might be a father.
Shinta?
You're tired, aren't you?
Finally...
It's finally disappeared.
Don't worry. I know he'll be back.
As you know, he comes back every time, no matter what happens.
Recalling our past, both you and I have lived with scars which won't fade.
The scars which were carved into a cross shape.
Father, do you think I can do it?
Share his pain and the weight of his sword?
Cherry blossoms are beautiful while they are out,
but it's also beautiful when they're falling.
You don't need to force yourself to smile in front of me.
Yes, matters of the past are the same as a dream,
and they will fade out in time and disappear someday.
Someday he will show me his smile from the bottom of his heart.
I believe so.
I knew that the times need him and I can't change his way of life.
I know that.
I knew that, but...
Thank you so very much for everything.
Goodbye...
Kaoru...
Kenji, what's wrong?
Oh, nothing.
What is it?
I'll tell you later.
Anyway, Chizuru, that ribbon looks good on you.
Really?
We'll live happily. Won't we?
Yes!