Run! Yahiko, Bring The Sakabatou Back!

Gohei still seeks revenge. Yahiko has gotten quite arrogant. After saving the Akabeko from being robbed by an armed thief with a butcher knife, Yahiko has begun growing lazy about his training and even thinks he has graduated to using a sword, rather than a shinai. Yet, lurking in a forest somewhere in Tokyo is Hiruma Gohei. Gohei has become a successful businessman, yet, he longs for getting revenge on Kenshin. He has hired the services of the Tsuchikumo Ryuu, two brothers skilled in assassination. Once terms are agreed upon, Gohei suggests to the two a plan he has.

A draw is the outcome of this little run-in. Both Kenshin and Kaoru leave Yahiko behind at the dojo. Kaoru went off to practice, while Kenshin went shopping. Yahiko ended up cleaning the floors as a result of their absences. As he complained about doing such tasks, Gohei made his presence known by throwing a piece of wood at Yahiko's head. Angered, Yahiko called out Gohei, leading to a little fight. Even if Gohei could not use his hands well, he battled Yahiko's shinai with an umbrella. Gohei taunted Yahiko, saying that if he had a sword, he still wouldn't beat him. The comment had upset Yahiko even further. From the top of his head, Yahiko said he'd fight Gohei with Kenshin's Sakabatou. Delighted to hear that from the boy's mouth, Gohei ran off, shouting back at Yahiko to meet him at the Shinto shrine outside of town.

What a nice, warm welcome. Later, when Kenshin had returned, Yahiko snuck into his room to steal his sword, Although Kenshin had noticed Yahiko sneaking away with his Sakabatou, he did nothing. With the Sakabatou in his possession, Yahiko arrived at the set location, but was ambushed by the Tsuchikumo Ryuu. When Kaoru had returned home, a ninja star with a note attached was thrown at the door as she was about to open it. The note was signed by Gohei, telling Kenshin to meet him at Kikyo Hill before sunset if he wished to save Yahiko.

Yahiko with the Sakabatou Kenshin and Kaoru went together to Kikyo Hill where Kenshin, unarmed, was pitted up against Onizaki Tekkan and Gengo with Gohei watching from afar. Kenshin was helpless against the brothers. Gengo had tried to hit Kenshin with his nunchuks, but Kenshin dodged all of his moves. Once Kenshin had gotten in an uppercut on Gengo, something was holding him down. It was a Tsuchikumo Ryuu technique. Just in the nick of time, after escaping his bonds and running away from the police for carrying a sword, Yahiko arrived. Standing in his way, however, was Gohei. This time, Gohei was armed with a sword.

Tearing Nutcracker!! The two swords clashed. Yahiko was forced to draw the Sakabatou. Gohei had the edge over Yahiko strength wise, but using some of his teachings from Kaoru, Yahiko used Gohei's strength to his advantage. Somehow, Yahiko slipped under and got a good shot at Gohei's crotch with his knee. The pain was indescribable, and Gohei was knocked out. Quickly, Yahiko threw Kenshin his sword. Just as Gengo was about to attack him, Kenshin raised his Sakabatou and hit his opponent in the eyes. With just one stroke of his sword, Kenshin cut the wire that was holding him down, the so-called Tsuchikumo Ryuu specialty.

Yahiko apologizes to Kenshin. With his brother out of commission and his special "technique" a failure, Tekkan charged at Kenshin, spinning his spear. Just one Do Ryu Sen from Kenshin, however, was the defeat of Tekkan. Yahiko joined Kenshin and Karou and apologized for his stupid actions. Kenshin accepted it without hesitation, glad that Yahiko has grown to understand the facts. Yet, after everything, Yahiko is still arrogant. Arrogant at the fact that he made up a new technique for the Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu - the Tearing Nutcracker.