Tatsumi and
his underlings, Nakajou, Sumita, and Yatsume,
all watch as Tomoe walks through the forest,
headed towards their shack. Once she arrives,
Tatsumi asks what information she brings.
Before she begins on that subject, Tomoe inquires
why her brother Enishi was involved. Tatsumi
answers the inquiry by saying he couldn't
stand seeing the young boy running around
Kyoto, asking for his sister's whereabouts.
Growing a bit tired of waiting, Sumita asks
the visitor what Battousai's weakness is.
Tomoe knows Kenshin's weakness is that he's
too kind to be a hitokiri, but she tells everyone
around her that Battousai is weak only when
sleeping. Tatsumi then asks if Battousai is
in love with her. Tomoe thinks Tatsumi is
trying to change the subject, but soon discovers
that was her task all along. If Battousai
had fallen in love with her, he would be led
straight into the trap. Already, Tatsumi has
sent Battousai a letter of invitation. Realizing
that she has been used, Tomoe draws her dagger
in hopes of killing one of the four so Kenshin
won't have to stain his sword in blood even
further. Tatsumi immediately notices Tomoe's
dagger in hand. Without hesitation, he backhands
her. As Tomoe lies helplessly on the ground,
Tatsumi orders Nakajou, Sumita, and Yatsume
to head out.
Enishi watches
as Battousai, eyes filled with anger, exits
the farm home. Tatsumi had told Enishi that
once he delivered the letter of invitation,
he and his sister would be able to go back
to Edo.
Battousai arrives
at the location where Tomoe is being held
captive. As he enters the forest, Battousai
feels something strange come upon him, almost
as though he's lost one of his senses. From
behind, Nakajou surprises Battousai when he
slashes his left shoulder. Battousai regains
his stability shortly after to stand face-to-face
with his opponent. Nakajou welcomes Battousai
to the Forest of Barriers, a special place
where swordsmen lose their sixth sense and
only those who have trained in the Dark Arts
are able to use it. Battousai could care less
for Nakajou's rambling. With great speed,
he draws his sword and slashes Nakajou across
the chest. The might of Battousai's blade
is so great that it sends Nakajou soaring
and off of his feet. Already severely wounded,
Nakajou is helpless. Battousai walks over
to stand tall before his foe. With an intense
look in his eyes, Battousai swears that he
will kill anyone who tries to prevent him
from protecting Tomoe's happiness.
