Chapter 3: Alone on the Mountain Village This presentation is fiction, the characters represented
Sorry to keep you waiting... The Romance of a Meiji Swordsman Reminiscence Edition
Beautiful weather today... What should I do?
The firewood will be dry.
Rurouni Kenshin OVA Series
Translation by: Hiko/Hiro (who is the MAN ^_^) Editing/Timing: Hiko
Special Thanks to: Chibi
I'm sorry...
Hm?
I feel I've been neglecting you lately...
Oh, it's nothing. I don't mind.
But...I feel terrible...
I want to grow some white radishes. Eh?
I don't know why, but it's something I've wanted to do.
When I was young I helped grow them often. at times. So you want a woman after you committed hitokiri?
I want to do it again.
Is that so...? You won't find vacancies anywhere.
Working hard I see!
Hmm... while I bring hot water and a change of clothes.
Hmm... What is it?
Nah, it's just that you two really look like a couple.
I'll go plant now... Anyhow, what should we do with this?
Uh, did I say something bad?
No, but anyway...
Yeah.
Got some bad news. I was drunk.
Back home we're having to reorganize ourselves, because of what happened in the Bakan War.
Reorganize? Yukishiro Tomoe.
Those who support the government, to show their loyalty, are being forced to commit seppuku.
Nowadays, not a day goes by without someone committing suicide.
Also, the Choshu managed to escape punishment from the government.
So, everything is pretty much level again.
But if this goes on...
Right now, we're working on freeing Takasugi-san from jail.
When he's out, he'll lead the Kiheitai into battle soon. who brought that girl back.
What of Katsura-san? There's something going on here.
I have no clue where he is.
They've nicknamed him 'Nige no Kogoro' (Runaway Kogoro)
No way..! Yeah, no kidding.
Anyway, all we can do now is wait. I swallowed the seed.
Here's some money for you, from Katagai-san.
Also, I'll leave these supplies for you. Go sell some medicine to support yourselves.
Medicine?
A merchant is much less conspicuous.
There's not many people around here, you know. last night and leave this place.
When you go through Otsu, there are some nearby villages. The medicine will help you to camoflage your journey.
From here, you can reach Kyoto in a day. But I don't recommend it...
The Shinsen Gumi and Mimawari Gumi are hunting us down like mad.
The number of reformists they kill is way more than the amount you killed as the Hitokiri Battousai. be drinking alone in the middle of the night...
If you do go, be careful.
Well, I'll see you later, Tomoe-san.
As of today, you're the wife of the medicine man.
I've forgotten about the Jugoya thing these past few years.
At dusk, I saw some dragonflies... this won't be much help.
What are we going to do now? is to find a place to return to. A place where these things aren't necessary.
How long will we live here?
It'll be a while. That's all I know...
I'd like to get back before sunset. Are you ready to go now?
Yes, I'm coming now.
I guess it's true a couple draws less attention. Isn't it you, Himura-san, who brought her here.
Yes...we sold more than I thought, I'm glad. ...the circumstance called for it.
You left your dagger at home. we, the Kohagi Inn, are very grateful...
Yes, I did.
Because now, I'm the medicine man's wife. From what I've seen she works hard.
It's getting cold. Let's get going.
Great...
Really?
It's been a while since I've tasted something this good.
Yes...
What's wrong?
No, it's nothing. Here.
Is that so...
Well, we should be patient a little longer.
Or maybe, you're tired of being a medicine man already?
That's not it at all. I don't like to kill people.
And also, in the time I've lived here, even if it's been boring, it has enlightened me greatly.
That's good. But, be careful that your skills don't weaken. See ya.
Yeah...be careful...
I'm sorry...I just don't like him. I didn't even see him off...
Oh no...
After all that... to talk about that woman.
It's because of the rain. Don't worry.
At least half of them should survive. It happens all the time.
But... on your way back?
But..... cleaning the mess up.
But.....! I can't take my eyes off of you for a minute.
You never ask about me, do you? Just give me your hunch.
About my past or anything.
I feel bad your father doesn't know of this.
Even though it's just a disguise, we are still living here as man and wife.
That's why even if I knew your past, I couldn't say anything about it.
You are... Hm?
No, nothing... the existence of Himura.
Tomoe-chan, take this...a keepsake for you.
I'm sorry to have troubled you.
Being the second child of a former samurai, he couldn't make Tomoe-chan happy, so that's why he went to join the Kyoto patrol groups...
Yes, he was all set to go with the patrol groups, and that's why all this happened... so we will do the investigation.
Don't say things like that. Think about how Tomoe feels.
Sis? What's wrong?
Answer me!
Sis! What's the matter?!
Sis...
When you aren't killing...how can you be so nice...?
Katsura's run off, but we still have Battousai. it's obvious she isn't from Kyoto.
Just a little longer, and we can finish him off. we can tell that she was well brought up. For instance she is skilled in calligraphy.
So, it was him after all... from a samurai family from Kanto.
These past few months, his Kenki has weakened, and the color of his eyes have changed. The strange thing is the Yukishiro family doesn't seem to exist.
I'm impressed on how the plan has been executed so far. but I couldn't find anything.
Damn, it was Katagai... her personal history?
I think it's about time to put on the final touch before we proceed.
Hey, Enishi. She has not made communication with anyone else besides us.
You've been waiting for this. it isn't all that strange.
After the rain ends...it's your turn. I can trust what you just told me, can't I?
Yukishiro Enishi...
Hey, sis!
Enishi...? Back home the elders are in an uproar.
I finally came, sis! the Shogunate is investigating us or not.
This is my brother, Enishi. but I doubt the situation will remain the same.
Your brother? Yes. This is the period that we must endure.
I've been sending him letters often, but I'm glad he finally came to visit.
I see. You must have a lot to catch up on, right? I'll go tend the crops.
It's so great to see you. Is father doing well? Then what about the letter I wrote you?
Yeah, I guess.
When did you leave Edo?
Ever since you did, about a half year ago. He has distanced himself from his woman for fear it might affect her.
Enishi...who is taking care of you now? It is unfortunate.
And how did you know we were here?
I know...because I'm the informant.
You're ready, right? Shinsaku is like a drawn blade. No one can hinder his way of life.
Come on, sis. Now, we can finally bring Tenchuu down on the Battousai!
That's what you wished for, right? then I suppose Uno-san would be the sheath.
That's why you went alone, right? I suppose so.
In this god forsaken place...living with him...
Go back to Edo alone.
What're you talking about, Sis?!
You're the heir to the Yukishiro family, right? I won't let you do such dirty things.
I don't care about the family! I'm doing this for you! That's why...
Go home, Enishi.
Please understand.
Why are you doing this? Why are you defending him?!
He's your enemy!
He's the one that took your happiness away!
Please give father my best. so I sent out these guys, but I should have been the one for this.
Please?
Sis...
Please?
I've told you where to meet them. This time it's the Shinsen-gumi.
Damn him...If only he hadn't been... There's no mistake now that there is a traitor.
We got it done before winter. before your hands.
Yes.
Since it was on the spur of the moment, I didn't know if it would work.
But it looks like they'll be fine.
Oh, you just look like you're enjoying your food... dream about a rain of blood...
I see.
So, if things were different, you would really be living like this?
Growing your own food and all... ...what did Katsura-san say?
I've been thinking since I got here. about this until further orders. That's all.
Mitsurugi Ryuu's purpose says that I should fight for others, to protect everyone's happiness.
It also says to forge a new era with my sword.
I thought I could protect everyone with my hands.
I know now the best I can do is protect the life I have now.
And now I finally realize it.
Having lived with you in these mountains, I realize the truth.
I now know what I was fighting for in the past, and what I will be fighting for in the future.
That is the answer you have shown me.
Can I also talk for a while? that there is a traitor among us.
Mm? ...Sure. what the Mibu wolves would want. We have no choice but to wait.
My family is from Edo, and my father is a former samurai.
He wasn't a great warrior, but he was a nice person.
My mother died of frail health shortly after Enishi's birth.
That's why, to Enishi, I'm not only a sister, but his mother also.
He's a cute brother. this is the last batch.
We weren't very wealthy, but we got by pretty well. you should at least have Irises.
My engagment...was arranged for me.
He was the second son of a former samurai, and a childhood friend of mine.
When Enishi heard of it, he was upset, but everything was set for the marriage.
But amidst the chaos in Kyoto...
...he was killed. Their aroma is the strongest during the rain.
When I heard the news, I couldn't sit still, so I went there as well.
And...
...that's where I met you.
I'm sorry...
I...love you.
Enishi, tomorrow you'll be able to go home with your sister.
If Battousai isn't here, then Sis will come home with me, won't she?
Yeah, that's right.
And then it'll all be over.
After this, the obligation will be over, for you and I both. A Hitokiri needs no education.
Sorry. There's just no way I can lose this gamble now.
Just a little more. Yes...
This is the last journey here. without a katana by your side.
The next time we come will be after the snow melts.
But that's if things do not change by next year.
We should hurry. You may catch a cold.
I... but I don't think it will last much longer.
I...will... I need you to worry about me.
I...will......
I...will......protect you.
I will...protect you. on your possessions once again.
When he died in that foreign place, my happiness disappeared. It is a lifestyle that I cannot understand.
I couldn't show my happiness in front of him.
But that was all my fault, because I didn't tell him my feelings.
Back then, If I'd had the courage to tell him...
And the more I thought about it... I'm sorry for bothering you so late.
...the more I felt I had to blame someone or something.
That's why I went along with the plan to kill you. I've come to speak with you.
A woman like that...and...
...you would still protect me? my master Yoshida Sh�in.
He was the second child of a former samurai...
He was just like my father, he was a kind person to everyone, no matter what.
That is what I liked most about him. a man named Takasugi.
When he had chosen me, I was truly happy. but at times he has a tendency to rush into madness and extort enjoyment from it.
But...even though I was happy, I didn't do anything. to tame the mad blade...
He never knew...how happy I really was.
But that was my fault.
Maybe I am destined to never be happy...
"You make it rain blood," you said when we first met. a drawn blade named Himura.
Yes.
You also said there is no happiness gained through killing others.
Yes. give birth to tragedy.
You are right. But, I must kill to pave the way for the new era.
But, when that time comes, I want to stop killing and find a way to protect people.
So I can protect the happiness of all that I can. Higo's Miyabe are in Kyoto.
And, so I may atone for my crimes. it's best to assume that there are a good amount of men from Choshu gathering here.
If you are with me, I can throw away my sword. Masuya won't be enough.
Tomoe... within a stronghold somewhere.
Yes? But we must hurry, according to him the meeting will be tonight.
I will protect your happiness...
Okay...
This man stole my happiness from me...
But, he also gave me a new happiness.
Goodbye...my second beloved one.
Tomoe?
Tomoe?! Toshi-san would go so far.
Iizuka-san!
We found the spy...It was Tomoe. would be at the meeting?
What? are usually kept away from political affairs.
Her accomplices are at the mountain shrine that way. Tennen Rishin-ryu respond to his presence?
Tomoe is probably there too. Take care of her. the teachings of the style...
No way...
There is evidence...in her diary.
Diary?
Remember the man who gave you the scar on your cheek?
Tomoe was the woman he was going to marry. to create a disturbance. This will be difficult to prevent.
"Amidst the fighting in Kyoto, he was killed..."
Next time on Rurouni Kenshin: Chapter 4: Cross Scar she leaves Kyoto before tonight.
Available on VHS/LD 9/22/99 someone "precious?"