Tatsumi hits Battousai with
his Muteki Ryuu technique Goufubaku, shattering a vertebrae
in the hitokiri's neck. When Tatsumi begins rambling on
about how he will win, Battousai slashes him across the
chest. Meanwhile, inside the shack, Tomoe comes to her senses.
After being knocked out unconscious for a while, Tomoe picks
up her nearby dagger and hears the sounds of battle outside.
She opens the door to take a look. To her surprise, the
shadow of Kiyosato stands before her, but when she looks
closely, it is Kenshin.
Battousai is unable to hit
Tatsumi whenever he has the opportunity. Tatsumi, on the
other hand, is able to get in his shots and evade without
getting touched. Due to the loss of blood and cold weather,
Battousai is slowly losing the sense of touch to the fourth
barrier. He can barely manage to hold his sword. In his
mind runs the thought of defeat. Battousai knows he may
die in this combat, but plans on taking his opponent with
him.
In a sudden rush of energy,
Battousai charges forward. Tatsumi readies to execute the
finishing blow, but Tomoe leaps in his way. Battousai raises
his sword and brings it down with much force, slicing through
his enemy and Tomoe as well. When he opens his eyes, Battousai
sees the mistake he has made. Tomoe falls back and cuts
Kenshin across the face with her dagger in hand to complete
the cross scar. The whole time, Enishi was watching; he
had seen everything.
Kenshin catches Tomoe in
his arms and cradles her on the ground. Tears fill Kenshin's
eyes as he wonders why his beloved would do such a thing
as sacrificing her life for him. With whatever strength
she has left, Tomoe brushes away Kenshin's tears and asks
that he stop crying. Tomoe smiles one last time then closes
her eyes forever.
