:: :: Non spoken conversation
#   A line of these means that the scene has moved from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Kokoro - Heart, Mind and Soul
Part 10
By Jade One

Time Frame: Day 7 The Exchange aka An Explanation of Actions

Akihisa said nothing. He simply smiled and stood, bringing his sword up, ready to resume combat with the Hitokiri. He is ready. I am ready, he thought, confirming the information through the link he had established. Now we can begin.

There were no words, no challenges, no taunts, no screams. The only warning was a slight tensing before Battousai launched himself toward Akihisa. Diagonal right left slash. Controlled. Akihisa moved forward, sword braced horizontally. Clang. Eep! He's strong... Coming in from the left. He shifted his sword. Clang. Step back. The feelings and decisions were much clearer now.

They stepped back, circling each other, carefully looking for an opening. Akihisa felt no pain from his chest or arm. They were both bruised and the ribs were probably cracked but the distraction pain would cause was not something needed in this fight. Since he wasn't angry he couldn't use it to fuel rage and fuel motion born of that rage. He had pushed the pain aside, blocking it off. His face was intent, concentrating only the man before him.

Left swing from below. Akihisa smiled moving in defense as the thought formed. He's going to have to improve or get a lot faster, he thought bringing his sword in sliding it against Kenshin's aiming for his ribs. The move was blocked. Battousai twisted his sword to bring it before him, crossed against Niijima's. His expression hadn't changed but he was considering every move Niijima made. His next moves were decided upon. The move was familiar, it didn't even register as thought.

Niijima caught lightning flash of decision. There was nothing definite but he moved instinctively blocking. Clang, clang, clangshinnn... They circled, swords locked against each other. Battousai's glare was formidable, his eyes burned into Akihisa's black orbs. Neither was breathing hard.

Kenshin closed on Niijima. The move, left, above, right slashes was so practiced he barely needed to think about it. Niijima became the rock Hiko had made him practice it on. But Niijima moved smoothly, his defense flawless, almost as if he was expecting that exact attack. Masaka!.. He jumped back briefly hitting the ground before coming in to attack again.

Niijima moved again in defense, his sword flashing in the exact proscribed defense. Masaka! The thought came again. No trace showed on his face as the realization became clear. But he is. He's reading my moves, almost before I make them. It's almost like fighting Shishou but not quite. So what if..? Kenshin stepped back, standing at attention, his sword held in a formal ready position, vertical, waiting.

Niijima watched Battousai step back, He had felt the man's surprise and then recognition. He couldn't feel ki normally but Battousai's was like a wild thing, twisting around him, cold and unconfined. It's depth, it's power was incredible. It flared briefly with each attack but as Battousai stepped back his intentions obvious he controlled his ki, damping his presence. His thoughts similarly quietened as he waited for Niijima to take his invitation to attack.

Niijima smiled stepping back and falling into an imitation of Battousai's position. Despite everything he had done to keep the pain from affecting him, his breath still rasped slightly, almost imperceptibly and blood was still coming into his mouth. I won't take him head on again. His eyes narrowed as he decided on his attack. Kouken third attack, projection, multiple form... You've probably seen something like this before Battousai but I doubt you have felt my variation on it.

Inhale. He blinked. Exhale and begin!

He moved as images of himself surrounded Battousai. Experience had taught him that whether or not someone had encountered some version of this technique almost everyone tried to kill the original image. Battousai did no such thing.. His eyes flicked over the images, a reaction to try to determine which was the original but he did nothing else. He was still contented to wait. You think they are just illusions Battousai? Not when everyone can cause you pain, when all of them can kill but I don't want you dead, just agreeable. As one the images moved, all angling their swords in towards Battousai. Niijima deepened his link, straining to feel his opponents mind. For this next part he'd have to plant the impression, the belief of a hit, when one of his illusions struck. But in a mind so quiet, so focused, belief could be a fragile thing.
 

Saitou watched the conflict with some interest. The man, Niijima Akihisa was better that his fight with the Rooster head had indicated. His defense seemed to improve to match the level of skill of his adversary although his attacks were simplistic. He is an idiot, to think such a move would work against the Battousai's battoujutsu. But he wasn't overwhelmed by the pain and he didn't seem affected by the hit. They were with that sakaba, the next hit though...

He had watched the Battousai accept the bladed katana with joy but he had also observed Kaoru's reactions. She was an important part of his life now. She had sense enough not to try to stop him. She is no longer quite so naive. And then as she had watched her love turn away he had come to the conclusion, she is made for him as Tokio is for me. He will have to hide her better.

He'd watched the next few blows exchanged. Niijima's confidence was unchanged from the beginning and his defense seemed in place before the Battousai even moved. Waiting was a good strategy, he nodded slightly as Himura stood unmoving.

He could see the projections and he knew that's all they were. Although Niijima had taken care to make them identical, in the harsh mid day sun, only one cast a shadow. Still it is an interesting trick, a more advanced attack than his last attempts.
 

Niijima paused and then allowed the attack to begin. Three of his projections moved, covering all angles, one jumping, one coming in from below and one at a normal height. The Battousai did not move. You're waiting for me to attack. Ah... Akihisa considered. You see the lack of shadow and assume a lack of substance..? His amusement rose and the Battousai's eyes flicked as he felt the change in ki.

Kenshin moved. He didn't try to attack anything but instead dodged, jumping and twisting gracefully to avoid all the images. The long trail of his hair flashed through one of the katana's but by then it was too late. Nan da..? The three images coalesced into one as they hit each other and then vanished even as the Battousai hit the ground and jumped towards Niijima. Akihisa's eyes widened as he realized the attack which was coming.

"It's over. Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. RYU KAN SEN - Tsumuji!"

Niijima saw the move an instant before the Battousai flew by him, his body twisting to increase his swords speed. Saitou! The image of the battle he had seen flashed into his head accompanied by a vision of him being hit by a similar move with the sharp edge of the sword. There was so much blood. This is a good opportunity though. He reached out, ignoring the vision of blood. His projections vanished as his concentration altered. Niijima threw himself forward. Gotta get under his blade. His palms hit the dirt but he didn't brace his arms. Lower. He could feel the sword, its sharp edge cleaving the air above him as he touched the ground. His right arm was slightly extended, holding his sword away from him least he injure himself. As the Battousai completed his move with a smooth landing, he crossed his arms over his chest and rolled away.

There was a slight smile on his face as he rose. That was too close but I got it. He coughed and spat blood. The sudden desperate pitch forward and rolling had jarred both arm and ribs. Although he could dampen pain the damage remained. He grimaced slightly, the movement at odds with his smile as he considered. I can't continue fighting much longer. That idiot move I tried earlier has tipped the balance. It is time I started using all of Kouken's techniques. I shouldn't have tried to hold back. He reasoned. A small part of his mind screamed "Escape!" but he ignored that. It was not his goal. Or... I was hoping not to use her thus The thought was sad but was ruthlessly answered. She is leverage. He will see things my way then and I don't really want that much from him... One more try and then... "Gomennasai Kaoru-dono," he whispered in advance, his face darkening for an instant.

Battousai watched impassively. "You cannot stand against me," he repeated his assertion.

"Oh, I think I'm doing okay and thanks to you, I'm about to do better." He got no response from that quip, not that he expected one. The Battousai would need to be educated before he fully understood. "Shall we continue," he invited.

"Aa," the Battousai said, disappearing.

Again behind. Akihisa twisted, turning right even before the Battousai finished moving. He whipped his sword around aiming for his neck. There was no difference between the moves except Akihisa'a blade was flipped. Ryu Kan Sen! In the instant they stood side by side, facing away from each other, Niijima saw the Battousai's eyes flash in recognition of the move.

"Yarh!" He stumbled slightly, still spinning as he encountered nothing. Akihisa recovered quickly, facing the Battousai as he turned from where he had landed. A pang came from Niijima's arm. He had wrenched it slightly, spinning. The damage is done. Forgive me Kaoru-dono.

"So that is your power, to copy another's moves," Kenshin said, summarizing the moments just past.

"Heheh! Far more than copy, Battousai," he stepped back coughing into his hand. "But I think you have seen enough of my technique and I really didn't come here to fight. I came to make an exchange." He rubbed his arm, ignoring the smear of blood and then took the top of his saya in his left hand. He'd continued moving backwards, towards Kaoru but as his sword slid home, clicking sharply he stopped. Internally he removed the pain blocks on his arm and chest, bracing himself as the pain flashed through him.

"Your life for Kaoru," the Battousai's lips moved, creasing into a soft smile before he again disappeared, heading straight for his opponent.

"I don't think so!" Kouken fourth technique, Restraint! He ignored the pain, snapping his right arm up. His index finger and middle finger extended, ring and little fingers curled in. He'd never been able to master this move with out the gesture.
  #####################################

"While we can all take techniques from anyone it is easier to take them from one of the same generation That is why this concerns your student more than you," Shinichi continued, coming to the important part of the conversation. "Despite the age differences I am of your generations Hiko-san but I had two pupils who belong to your students generation. Masujiro here will inherit Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu and the name Segawa Shinichi. My other pupil is called Niijima Akihisa.  He was expelled, disinherited from our Ryuu. He disobeyed the teachings of Kouken. But now, because he may not inherit, his is trying to create the ultimate technique by combining all three disciplines. While we don't know exactly what will happen if he does it, it is one of the few things which we are taught is completely forbidden to a Kouken disciple. And it is the one thing we are told to stop at all cost, even if that includes our lives or the continuation of the Kouken Ryuu.

"Given the strength with which we are told to avoid this I'd imagine it disastrous if he does get all three. I think all the techniques would amplify each other. But what that actually means I'm not exactly sure. I think it would mean an extention of the range and strength of all the techniques. For Kouken, that might mean he could force people to believe what he tells them. We can do that to a limited degree now but it is very difficult. You'd have a better idea what it would mean for Hiten but allow me to speculate, increased physical prowess, speed, strength, endurance, that sort of thing. My wildest speculation would be an actual altered body, increased healing maybe. I really don't know although probably like a ninja he'd certainly be able to control every aspect of his body. What it would mean for Tamashii though, I just don't know. He may be able to touch souls or perhaps something more physical but what else is beyond me," he smiled wryly. "Despite watching for many years, we still don't know much of what they are capable of. So what I think is unusual may be normal for them. It doesn't matter though. He'd be the strongest human on this planet and he'd have a way, somehow to control everything. Japan... The world would be his," Shinichi finished.

Hiko shook his head smiling. It made such a nice story he may even help them for the entertainment value. He needed something to do. Pottery was boring him. But one point grated. "Are you supposed to have two students?" Shogu had proven the damage two could cause.

Shinichi looked down, shaking his head slightly, ashamed. "He was so skilled," he whispered. "He had such potential. I shouldn't have taught him... Demo..."

"That's enough!" Masujiro broke in sharply, slamming his fists on the ground. "This is something you don't need to know!"

Hiko grinned, genius grin. So this is what they were hiding. "But I do!" he said seriously. "You want my help, presumably to kill this man. I am no assassin, nor is my deshi, despite his old name. You will tell me or you will leave," he added firmly.
  #####################################

Kenshin appeared, his position was one of running. He was frozen mid charge.

"Nani?" The call came from Saitou. He was trying to fold his arms.

Akihisa looked over, noticing the attempt at movement. "Sorry Wolf-san. I don't really trust you." He looked back to the Battousai and saw the thin sheen of sweet covering him. His face was intent, although his eyes were opened wide in surprise at being forced to stop and held motionless against his will. Suddenly they narrowed, becoming mere slits.

"Yah!" He drew his arms in, bracing his body.

Akihisa felt the bonds he'd placed shatter under the Battousai's strength. He winced slightly in pain as the recoil came to him, stepping back. It looks like it's the hard way. Forgive me, Kaoru-dono.

The Battousai jumped, swinging his sword over his head. The sun glinted off the blade, one point become a star shining in daylight. His eyes focused on Akihisa's shoulder.

Akihisa looked up, seeing the man. His clothing flapped slightly and his hair trailed behind him. He made a beautiful but deadly picture. Niijima jumped back, out from under the Battousai, flipping. He'd spent ages practicing a move like this. His left hand hit the ground and he pushed off again. His right hand was at his waist. The Battousai had seen him move and knew his attack would not connect. He shifted his sword accordingly, driving it point first into the ground as he landed. "Dou Ry..." The cry died as he looked up, confirming his target. He froze.

Akihisa stood behind Kaoru. His left hand was fisted through her hair, wrenching her head back. His right hand gripped the hilt of his tanto, its edge pressed against her throat. She still held the sakaba and although Kaoru was trained and able to throw off such attackers, Akihisa's grip was such that she couldn't, not without the risk of killing herself. Her eyes were wide but still they held defiance. The look she directed at Kenshin though, showed absolute trust. "Kenshin," her voice was strained.

He looked at the Battousai as he slowly stood upright, pulling the sword out of the half formed farrow. His gold eyes burned into Akihisa's emerald. "Heh! Will you listen to me now?"

Kenshin nodded slowly. His eyes never left Akihisa's.

Akihisa didn't move but he did back the blade off slightly, wincing slightly as he felt Saitou finally break his restraint. "Good. I know you do not teach but my little demonstrations earlier both with Futae and your Ryu Kan Sen should serve as illustrations. In return for Kaoru-dono I want Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu," he said softly. This was a private conversation. Saitou and the doctor need never know. "Give it to me and I assure you that while you may hear of me, you will never hear from me again."

Kenshin's eyes widened as he realized what was being asked of him. It was nothing like he had expected. Akihisa knew his fears. He didn't want to create another Hitokiri Battousai. "I know what you fear. You do not want another Battousai. I understand your fears but Japan now must live with the rest of the world. The time for the Hitokiri is passed..." His words seemed to have no effect. "It really is a small price to pay for such a remarkable woman. I wondered what you saw in her. You have spent the past years wandering but now I know. I am truly sorry for intruding on your lives but after today I will be gone forever." He put emotion in his tone. It was the truth he spoke.

Akihisa waited. This was not a decision he could force or he could not take the technique. The Battousai stood there. His sword was held loosely as he considered the proposition. His expression changed from a mind numbing out rage to a cold cunning. They alternated but his eyes remained the same, a chilling burning amber.

Suddenly his expression changed becoming neutral. The Battousai closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Akihisa knew he had reached a decision but what it was he didn't know. He tensed, what ever it was he had to be prepared for all outcomes.

"Temee!" Kenshin snarled. His sword flashed as it spun. He drove it into the ground. The sun glinted off it, making it cast both a shadow and a ray of light on to the ground. "I'll humor you." He stepped back, letting his hands fall to his sides. "You may attempt to take my techniques but if I ever see you again I will kill you. And if you hurt her, Kami-sama himself will not be able to help you."

"Thank you, Hitokiri Battousai," Niijima smiled, carefully removing the knife and stepping away from Kaoru, resheathing his tanto. Kenshin's eyes directed her to a position apart from them, she nodded slightly as she moved away, clutching the sakaba to her chest.

Niijima stepped forward, approaching the unsheathed sword. He stopped a pace away and slowly reached out pulling it out from the dirt. He held it carefully, left hand gripping the hilt his other supporting the blade, his grip was not one of attack. He looked into the Battousai's eyes, "Unless you wish me to hold your head, the way I did with Sagara, I will need you to touch the blade," he spoke quietly, gently, aware of Saitou's intense glare. His voice was not condescending though, but was matter of fact. Akihisa doubted that any gloating would be received well.

"Aa," Kenshin raised his hands. He placed his right hand on the hilt, away from Akihisa's and the other on the blade, palm down. His knuckles were white with tension.

"Relax. I will not hurt her and this will not hurt you," Akihisa said earnestly, reaching out to touch his mind, his eyes becoming black. He tried to project calm to make it easier for him to enter the Battousai's mind. It was in turmoil, memories coming all at once. Not at his decision, that was the one point of calm. Akihisa focused on it, using it to stabilize himself before reaching deeper, opening himself slightly to the Battousai. But he had to do that and there was little danger since the Battousai did not know how to use the opportunity. He had to do it though, the knowledge he sought would be deep within the Battousai. Memories swept around him, they were so strong and it was hard to tell which belonged to the Battousai and which to his sword. Instinctively he fisted his hands. He didn't even feel the blade cut his fingers, his blood running along its length as the memories pulled him along.

That woman again. Her beautiful white face was sad, her eyes having the quality of death. But then it changed. Her mouth curved into a smile, her eyes softening, despite the tears which sparkled there. "It's better this way, so please don't cry..." her voice ghosted around him. The implications of the words at odds with the image before him. She stood in the rain, her face strained and her kimono splattered with red. It was not her blood. The sword fell from his hand as she approached him, her steps small and her eyes unafraid. She ignored the blood and gore around her, "You're the one who makes it rain..." White plum, white plum and blood. The memory was strong and unmistakable. The woman's face appeared again. Joy radiated from her, as blood trickled down her chin. She smiled.

Akihisa's eyes burned black. He fought the storm raging about him. He could feel their blood mixing. This link was nothing like he had ever felt before. He could feel it, feel the Battousai through his power, through the blood and through the sword. The joining had a depth, a purity which was ripping him apart. He struggled to keep himself, to remember his focus, his purpose. It was difficult but he pushed forward, deeper. He needed to get to the core, to the center, then he could absorb the technique the way he had been taught, the way Shishou...

"Shishou!" The scream echoed in his ears. The man he addressed was not listening. From this angle all he could see was a white layered manto, with its collar edged in red. His hair was confined at the base of his neck and trailed to his knees. He was shaking his head.

They were standing on a cliff. A water fall flowed behind them. He could remember practicing in the pool at his base, always trying to be faster, to move as normal through the water. He knew he could jump almost half way up the length of the waterfall. His master could jump higher, far higher and he always made it look so easy. He envied the ease his master had.

He stamped his foot, trying to get the mans attention. It didn't work. Nothing was working. Why couldn't Shishou see that this was the only way? The country was in turmoil, the people needed Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu wielded for them. The conflict had to be brought to a close before it continued much longer, before it took more innocent lives. Why couldn't Shishou see that? Why wouldn't he help?

"...baka deshi!" The man finished.

He shook his head, his red hair flicked before is eyes, "We've got to help, please Shishou, teach me..." he began again.

Saitou, Megumi and Kaoru watched in morbid fascination. The two men stood together, eyes locked on to each other, unmoving. Kenshin had cried out once, and to Megumi and Kaoru who knew the name it almost sounded like he called for his past wife, a strangled cry, "To...moe..." But it could have been just noise. His hand had tightened on the blade, his and Niijima's blood mixing before it dripped onto the ground, the only counter keeping time.
 

The street was misty but that was not a problem, he could see well enough and what he couldn't see he could feel. It was a nice part of Tokyo. He heard the foot falls behind him. Their rapid pace was at odds with the serenity and dampening quietness of the mist but they persisted. Probably someone late home. The thought was confirmed by the feeling of determination.

It wasn't until they called out, a woman's voice, yelling at him, that he knew something was wrong. "Matte! Matte, Hitokiri Battousai!" He'd frozen at the words. He'd heard them before but was it really that obvious, could this woman really see the blood that stained his soul? He's turned to regard he and had seen a young lady, probably slightly older than she looked, challenging him with a boku. Her hair had been confined to a high pony tail, which whipped around her as she moved. Young, innocent. He made the assessment. But her eyes were determined and were the most startling shade of blue he'd even seen. But how did she know?

He'd seen the attack coming even before she moved, it was so open. Impulsive, young, innocent, but caring and compassionate. He'd updated his assessment, little knowing then, just how much compassion, how much love this woman child had to give.
 

Time past. The wind played with both men's hair and cloths, tugging at them playfully. Neither of them noticed as they stood unblinking and unmoving.
 

The long grass was just slightly wet and the mists rose around it, thin ribbons of fuzzy whiteness. The fire flies danced around. They were the stars on earth. Over head the sky stretched forever upwards, millions of stars looking down on them. Kaoru's hand was warm. He fought the urge to pick her up on the pretense that she would ruin her kimono with the moisture.

The river loomed ahead. Its dark expanse defined by the lack of mist over its surface. The fire flies continued the dance.  He saw her smile as she watched their random play in darkness. Yukishiro Enishi was just a fading memory. And the pain he felt from the wounds was fading.

"Kaoru..." he said softly, not wanting to disturb her.

"Kenshin..." She responded, turning towards him. Her face was so open, so beautiful.

He looked at her, reaching carefully into his sleeve with his free hand. He pulled out the flower he had put there earlier. It was the exact same purple of her kimono but had a delicate yellow center. He held it out to her, the offering made in silence. He was so afraid. He thought he knew what she wanted. He wanted this but if he'd been wrong in reading her intentions?

She gasped but then she smiled, her eyes lighting up from within. Her whole being was radiant. "Kenshin." She whispered, gently reached out to take the flower.

As their hands touched he whispered the words he had been longing to say to her, his chest hurt but it was joyous, she wanted this. "Ai shiteru."

She closed her eyes, holding her breath at his words before she looked back at him. Her voice was bright as gave her response. "Kenshin..." So beautiful, the way she said his name. "Ai shiteru." Her smile if anything became brighter.

He pulled his hands free and gently closed his arms around her, feeling hers slide around his waist. She was so warm. "Kaoru-koishii."

A thousand images hit Akihisa a once. They were all of Kaoru, her smile, her long silky hair, the way her eyes sparkled, how cute she looked when she was determined, her tears on the night he said good-bye, the annoyed but contented feeling she had when she was chasing Yahiko down for his taunts, the way she said his name, the way her body moved, her quiet presence standing in the doorway of his masters hut, the small peaks of her breasts, the way she'd looked calling for him to live... They came on and on, all of them of Kaoru some were accompanied by a desperate fear. The way she looked, slumped against the wall, Enishi's sword through her breast. Grief and guilt accompanied that image but a fear overlaid them now. What if he lost her again? What if someone really killed her because of who he had been? Fear and longing. The fear of what could happen clashed with the longing to have her acknowledged as his and to have her know that he was hers. I should ask her for marriage...

  Akihisa struggled deeper, opening himself to the Battousai and living his memories. He was nearly there. He could sense it. Just a little more and he would have the first part of his dream.
 

Kenshin watched Niijima take up the blade. His voice when he had spoken had been gentle but most of all it had been sane. His actions to him, were perfectly normal if somewhat dishonorable. But Kenshin could sense that despite the dishonor Niijima might feel, he felt that the goal was worth the stain. His voice had been quiet, but Kenshin could hear the culture behind it and the power that Niijima wielded. He was far more that met the eye.

He had followed the Niijima's instructions, only after Kaoru-koishii was a safe distance away. "I want Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu," Niijima's voice whispered in his mind. "It really is a small price to pay for such a remarkable woman." Was he really capable of taking his technique? Tomoe, Shishou, Kaoru, the memories, the people floated in his mind. None of it made any sense.

"Small price to pay..." For her, he would give anything, and although he wanted nothing more than to wrench the sword away and drive it through Niijima's chest, no matter the cost to himself, he found himself reaching out to touch his old sword on Niijima's request. But I will never let you out of my sight again Kaoru-koishii. No one will ever touch you again. He let his mind wander, the memories of his life playing before him. This was the only choice. He was certain of that.

He looked into Niijima's eyes, watching them darken, in the opposite way from his. Breathe! He reminded himself forcefully. He could feel Niijima, not in the way he could feel ki. He could feel Niijima with his mind. The man was a powerful presence, standing tall and reaching out, easing his way into his mind. It was not painful, but it was odd. He had no way to stop it, he had no control but he could feel and he knew Niijima would leave Kaoru-dono here after he had what he wanted. A small part of Kenshin sighed. At least he thinks of her with the proper respect. But most of him focused on learning more about the man before him.

Niijima was sorry at his actions but he would have repeated them again for the prize. Kenshin did not understand why he wanted it so badly though. Now that he could see from Niijima's point of view he know that his technique Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu was, if used to its full extent at least as good as Hiten. Why he wanted Hiten was information Kenshin could not learn. He lived the memory of an argument with a man... Shishou? Iie, Shishou is younger. He does not have white hair. The man was beloved, respected but he wasn't listening. He refused to teach him further. He was indicating another man. Rage... The memory of flight and a cold cunning plan. The love disappeared becoming a hatred which drove him on accompanied by a pleasure, the anticipation of a deadly surprise. I learnt it anyway, Shishou. The word was snarled, the honorific made mocking by the tone of hatred.

He's really there. He really is in my mind. The knowledge was comforting and worrying at the same time. Comforting because what he could feel of Niijima indicated that he meant to keep his word. He would never disturb them again. But that doesn't mean I won't disturb him, the Hitokiri thought. Worrying because it indicated that Niijima could really extract his price. What's done is done. I can hunt him later. Despite the fact that Niijima was there, Kenshin didn't feel violated. He felt sleepy, calm, despite the storm of memories. Kaoru-koishii. He remembered her smile, everything about her. This was a small price for her. It doesn't matter about me, I would give my life for her.

There! Found it! Akihisa's thoughts were triumphant as he entered the calm center of the Battousai. He closed his eyes, opening himself up fully to the Battousai, allowing the knowledge he sought to enter him. Names flowed through him and with them came movements. Sou Ryuu Sen, Ryuu Tsui Sen, Ryuu Shou Sen, Hi Ryuu Sen, Ryu Sou Sen, Kuzu Ryu Sen, they kept coming and variations on the movements followed the basics. It was incredible. The technique was so perfect.

Kenshin arched back, screaming silently as he felt the knowledge flowing from him to Niijima. There was no pain but the feeling was disorientating. Kaoru-koishii. He clung to her name.

Akihisa breathed deeply, clenching his teeth. He was sweating profusely but he couldn't stop. He could feel his strength flowing from him and ruthlessly quashed the worry that he could pass out, leaving himself vulnerable to Saitou or the Battousai. That will not happen. I'm nearly there. He knew he almost had the whole technique. The last few moves were coming to him now as well as the general skill that marked the Battousai's formidable fighting style. Finally. The ougi. Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. It came to him. The ultimate technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. It is so simple! But I have everything now. Time to leave.
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So that's why... Hiko thought at the explanation Shinichi had related. "Such a situation is impossible for Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. If a student is incapable of learning the Ougi they die and a new one must be found to take their place. So why don't you kill him yourselves?"

Both of them looked downcast. "We can't," came the whispered response from Masujiro. "We have tried but neither or us can do it."

"Heh! Well, I still don't see what it has to do with me or my student. Kenshin is more than capable of taking care of himself. He should be! I gave him the Ougi." Hiko looked smug.

"That may be but we still..." Both heads snapped up. Their eyes darkened as they focused on something Hiko could only vaguely sense.

"He's done it," Masujiro whispered, horrified. His brown eyes were wide with terror as he looked over at Hiko.

"He's got it," Shinichi confirmed, no less shaken but slightly more composed. "I'm sorry Hiko-san, this just became your concern. Niijima Akihisa has just successfully take the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu technique from your student, Himura Kenshin. There are now three Hiten Mitsurugi Masters in this world," he paused, allowing the information to sink in. He could see that Hiko knew something had happened. Shinichi bowed slightly. "As Master of Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu, I formally request the help of the Thirteenth Master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu for the destruction of the man known as Niijima Akihisa."
  #####################################

The two men collapsed, both staggering and stumbling to maintain their balance. Kenshin backed way, releasing his sword and dropping its saya. Kaoru ran forward, wrapping her arms around her love and helping him move away. Akihisa bent forward to retrieve the saya and resheathed the sword after flicking their blood off it.

He breathed deeply and damped his power. His eyes became emerald again. He felt, different, exhausted, but there was something definitely there. Something within him had changed when he had absorbed the technique from the Hitokiri Battousai. I can think on that later. He watched the Battousai being lead away. He would feel weak for several days but he would recover.

"Thank you, Himura Battousai," he smiled, standing upright. He was covered in sweat, his hair was lank with it and he shivered in the brisk wind.

A movement flicked in the corner of his eye. Saitou! He'd broken the Restraint earlier but had been content to wait. Now though he was carefully and slowly falling into a gatotsu stance. He was trying to appear unthreatening. It's not going to work Saitou. He gripped the sword he held tighter. He had the technique that was worthy of it now. He would not lose it. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small black ball. He watched Saitou carefully, slowly backing away. Saitou finished moving. He was crouched over his sword, his fingers spread over the naked blade. Megumi looked on. Her eyes were wide. Surprise and horror were mirrored there. Her mouth was open with fright but she was silent. Kenshin and Kaoru were out of the way.

Saitou leapt forward, his sword angled slightly down. Akihisa turned towards him. He smiled and threw the pellet. It landed between them and exploded. Smoke billowed everywhere. Akihisa ran into it, dodging left to avoid Saitou's continuing charge. He had, as expected, ignored the smoke. Niijima ran, he knew where he was going, he bent once, scooping up his manto and flicking it around his shoulders in a smooth move. He entered the trees, breathing hard but confident that he would get away.

He reached out. The strain was incredible. He'd used a lot of power today. But he could feel them. Saitou had stopped clear of the smoke. His mind was cursing even if he appeared calm as he resheathed his blade. Megumi still held Sanosuke who was slowly coming around. The wound was not fatal but the hit had been intentionally hard. Kaoru was supporting a dazed Battousai. He stumbled against her but was comforted by her presence. He was in no condition to attempt to follow him.

He turned and ran on, through the trees, calling out as he left, laughter in his tone, "Sayonara."

End Part 10

Japanese Terms
Sayonara - Good bye (But I'm told the implication is that you will never see the person/people again.)
Ai shiteru - I love you
Demo - But
Shishou - Master
Masaka - No way! It can't be. Impossible
Nan da? - What the
Mou - darn
Ikuzo - Let's go
Temee - very bad form of kisama.
Nani - What
Doko - Where
Ahou - moron
Kami-sama - God
Ichi - one
Ni - two
San - three
Shi/yon - four
Busu - ugly
Nani kuso - what the hell?
 

Tamashii Hitokken Ryu - Yasutake Ryuichi's and Murakami Seir's technique
Tamashii - soul
Hitokken - One Sword

Kouken Sokuuchi Ryu - Niijima Akihisa, Segawa Shinichi, and Ryusaki Masujiro's technique
Kou - Thought
Ken - Sword
Soku - Swift
Uchi - Strike

Fairly simple ne?
HUGE Thank you to Tatsuko for helping to create the names of some fighting schools.

Any other names that appear in this fic, eg names of people, while I'm sure they mean something, I did not pick them because of any meaning they may have. I picked them because I liked them when I was choosing names. Some I stole from other manga's and animes and one or two I made up myself.