Nine were injured by the
Kurogasa at Tani's residence. On their way back to the
Kamiya Dojo, Kenshin tells Sanosuke what he knows about
Jin'e. Formerly, Udou Jin'e was a member of the Shinsen
Gumi. He had killed Ishin Shishi, but also committed other
murders that were pointless. He later fled the Shinsen
Gumi to avoid sanctions and enlisted on the side of the
Ishin Shishi. Kenshin plans on dealing with the situation
by himself, so he gives a message to Sanosuke.
Sanosuke later arrives
at the Kamiya Dojo, where he finds Kaoru sleeping on the
porch and Yahiko, who happens to be outside as well. After
waking Kaoru up, Sanosuke explains the whole Kurogasa
incident from earlier in the morning and concludes that
Kenshin wants to handle it alone and won't be coming home
anytime soon, so he asked him to protect her. Kaoru demands
to know where Kenshin might be. Sanosuke remembers what
Kenshin hinted at and suggests he's somewhere riverside.
Kaoru then darts out of the Kamiya Dojo, but is told by
Sanosuke to stay behind. There is a good reason Kaoru
wants to go. Even though she might be in Kenshin's way,
Kaoru fears that Kenshin may leave her, and would rather
risk her life than be alone again.
Riverside, Kaoru finds
Kenshin. Through conversation, Kaoru tells Kenshin she'll
be staying with him. Kenshin doesn't really like that
idea, as he mentions that if he has to protect someone
during the fight, he may lose. Kaoru stands up and gives
Kenshin her favorite blue ribbon, reminding him to return
it. Kenshin remains confused for a bit, but soon understands.
Out of the blue, Jin'e passes by on a small wooden boat
and grabs ahold of Kaoru. As he floats downstream, Jin'e
demands that Kenshin turn into the Hitokiri Battousai,
now that his woman is in his possession. Before he vanishes,
Jin'e flicks a note of challenge at Kenshin. All Kenshin
can do is helplessly watch as Kaoru is taken prisoner
by the Kurogasa.
