Kaoru readies her bokken
to fend off Enishi, even though she knows she has no chance
against him. Enishi asks politely for Kaoru to give up,
but seeing that his planned victim for Jinchuu won't give
up without a fight, he disappears into the smoke. Second
later, the silver-haired man reappears behind Kaoru, who
is caught completely off guard. Enishi holds her tight and
covers her mouth, leaving Kaoru able to do nothing more
but silently call out Kenshin's name.
Kujiranami attempts to crush
Kenshin like an ant, but the rurouni summons whatever strength
he has and begins to release the one-armed man's hold on
him. Before Kujiranami can smash Kenshin like a bug, Sanosuke
and Saitou come to the rescue. A fierce punch and Gatotsu
are delivered to Kujiranami's chest. The massive man falls
to the ground, allowing Kenshin to run off in hopes of reaching
Enishi. Following closely behind is Sanosuke. When the two
disappear into the smoke, Kujiranami gets back to his feet,
angry as ever. His spirit has surpassed his body, just like
Enishi. Yet, that kind of strength does not frighten the
lone wolf left behind.
Kenshin brushes past Megumi
without noticing her presence for a second. The rurouni
stops in the field of smoke suddenly, once his nose catches
the scent of white plums. Nearby, but not revealing himself
completely, is Enishi. He tells his "brother" to follow
the fragrance of his dear sister, as it will eventually
lead him to what he's searching for. Using his senses to
guide him, Kenshin finds his way to the Kamiya Dojo.
Sanosuke and Megumi catch
up with Kenshin, only to find him staring blankly at something
in the dojo. Kenshin falls to his knees, questioning what
good is his Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu and life. Once again, Himura
Kenshin was not able to saved the one he loved the most.
Up against a wall in the Kamiya Dojo is Kaoru's body, dressed
with Enishi's tachi drilled through her heart and a cross-scar
on her left cheek.
