The fight between Kenshin
and Sanosuke continues. Sanosuke, who is limited in his
attacks due to the weight of his Zanbatou, is unable to
hit Kenshin, like he wants to. Kenshin continues to dodge
all of Sanosuke's attacks and finally unleashes one of his
techniques. Attacking quickly at various parts of Sanosuke's
body makes Kenshin's Sakabatou look as though it's soaring.
The technique's name is Ryu Sou Sen. It sends Sanosuke onto
his back.
While lying on his back,
Sanosuke thinks to his past. Originally, when he was younger,
he was a member of the Seikihou Tai. Sanosuke had named
himself after the captain, Sagara Souzou, who had supported
the Meiji Government in hopes that they would be the ones
to end the suppression of the weak and unite the four classes.
The Seikihou Tai, however, was brought to an unfortunate
end. They had been told by the Meiji governor-general to
spread the word about tax reductions, but were later attacked
by troops sent by the same man. The Seikihou Tai had acted
as scapegoats. The Meiji governor-general had wanted to
win the support of farmers and countrymen, but had only
used the Seikihou Tai to completely ensure that victory.
Captain Sagara wanted no more controversy, so he visited
the headquarters in Shimosuwa where he was later executed
before the public.
Sanosuke opens his eyes,
enraged. When he mentions the Seikihou Tai's name, Kenshin
looks a bit surprised. Kihei takes the opportunity to draw
his pistol and fires at Kenshin. The rurouni, however, blocks
the bullet with his sword. Meanwhile, Gohei heads on over
to the defenseless Kaoru and Yahiko when ordered by his
brother to capture them. Just in the nick of time, Sanosuke
smacks Gohei with his Zanbatou, reminding him that it's
his fight. Kihei prepares to fire his pistol again, but
before he does, Kenshin moves his sword along the ground,
causing an uprise of the earth, which strikes Kihei. Do
Ryu Sen is what Kenshin calls the technique. Now, with the
Hiruma Brothers out of the picture, the fight between Kenshin
and Sanosuke can once again resume.
