I woke early that morning, slipping into my usual spot by the dojo to watch Yahiko. His sword moved with purpose, cutting through the air with a fierceness I hadn't seen in a while. Ever since the fight with Aoshi and the Oniwabanshū, he had been more focused, more driven. I leaned against the wooden post, watching him quietly. It was like looking at a younger version of myself and Kenshin—determined, but still figuring things out. "Yahiko," I called softly, stepping forward. "You've been practicing harder than usual. What's going on?"
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He stopped mid-swing, glancing at me with a hint of annoyance. "Nothing," he replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just...want to get stronger."
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I narrowed my eyes, knowing there was more to it, but I didn't push. "Keep it up. You'll be stronger than Kenshin in no time," I teased, giving him a small grin.
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He snorted. "Yeah, right."
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Later, as the morning sun rose higher, the familiar chatter of the dojo filled the air. Kenshin, Kaoru, Sanosuke, and I gathered for breakfast, the smell of rice and miso soup wafting through the small room. "Yahiko's been acting strange lately," Kaoru said, sitting down beside Kenshin. "He's been leaving the dojo almost every day, and he's taking kenjutsu more seriously than usual. Do you think he's training somewhere else? Or maybe..." She paused, a playful gleam in her eye. "Maybe he has a girlfriend?"
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Sanosuke grinned, leaning back with his arms crossed. "That kid? A girlfriend? I'd bet he's just sneaking off to eat more food. He's still a growing boy, after all."
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I stayed quiet, simply listening as they speculated. Yahiko had been acting odd, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions. He was stubborn—like Kenshin and me—but he had his own way of handling things. Just as we were deep in discussion, Yahiko stomped into the room, scowling. "Stop peeking into my life! I don't need any of you worrying about what I'm doing," he snapped, crossing his arms defiantly.
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Kaoru tried to hide her smile, but I could see the amusement dancing in her eyes. "We're just curious, Yahiko."
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"Yeah, yeah." Yahiko huffed and stormed out of the dojo. We exchanged glances, and without saying a word, Kenshin, Sanosuke, Kaoru, and I silently agreed to follow him. It wasn't that we didn't trust him—more like we wanted to know what was driving him to sneak off every day. Keeping our distance, we followed Yahiko through the streets of Tokyo. His destination soon became clear—the Akabeko. Tae was inside, bustling around, and when Yahiko entered, she greeted him with a warm smile.
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"Yahiko's been working here for several days," Tae explained when we finally made our presence known. "He's been helping out, trying to earn some money. And..." Her smile widened knowingly. "I think he's taken a liking to Tsubame."
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I looked over to where Yahiko was helping Tsubame draw water from the well. The girl was close to his age, delicate and sweet, with a quiet strength about her. Yahiko's usual cockiness softened around her, and it was almost amusing to watch him act so...thoughtful. When Yahiko finally noticed us, his face flushed with embarrassment and fury. "What the hell are you all doing here?!" he shouted, glaring at us.
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"We just wanted to see where you've been running off to," Sanosuke said with a shrug.
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"Didn't know you were working here. Or, you know..." He grinned. "Helping the ladies."
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Yahiko's scowl deepened. "Mind your own business!"
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Kaoru giggled, trying to cover her mouth. "Sorry, Yahiko! We couldn't help it."
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Yahiko turned away from us, clearly annoyed. As we settled at a table, Tsubame served us, her hands trembling slightly. She exchanged a few words with Yahiko before rushing off to attend to other customers. I watched them both, sensing there was more to this situation than we knew.
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Later that afternoon, a shift in the atmosphere caught my attention. Yahiko had been keeping an eye on Tsubame all day, and when a group of thugs approached her, I noticed the way her face paled. One of the men, a sneering brute, grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the others. We followed quietly, staying hidden as Yahiko trailed them. The thug's voice was low, dangerous, as he threatened Tsubame. "Tell me about the earnings of the Akabeko," he demanded, his grip tightening on her arm. "And the key—did you make an imprint like I asked?"
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Tsubame hesitated, shaking her head. "Please... don't do this..."
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He slapped her across the face, and my blood boiled. I felt my hand tightening around the hilt of my sakabatō, but Kenshin placed a hand on my arm, shaking his head. "Wait," he whispered.
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Yahiko stepped forward, fury burning in his eyes. "Leave her alone!" he shouted. "The days of masters and slaves are over! We're living in the Meiji era now. You can't get away with this kind of injustice anymore!"
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His lips curled into a sneer. "You think you can stop me, boy?"
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The thugs lunged at Yahiko, and he fought them off bravely, his movements sharp and determined. But then the thug threw a katana at Yahiko's feet, tripping him. The others pounced, beating him to the ground as Tsubame cried out in desperation. I tensed, ready to jump in, but Kenshin's voice stopped me. "He has to fight his own battles, Aka. If we interfere now, he'll never grow stronger."
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I bit my lip, watching helplessly as Yahiko took the beating. Eventually, Tsubame, in her panic, gave him the key, and the thugs left, laughing at their victory. Yahiko lay on the ground, battered but unbroken. Tsubame rushed to him, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Yahiko!" she sobbed. "I didn't mean for you to get involved..."
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Yahiko slowly pushed himself up, his face bruised but his spirit intact. "It's not your fault," he muttered. "I chose to get involved."
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As he helped her to her feet, I felt a surge of pride. Yahiko might have been beaten today, but his resolve was stronger than ever. And as I looked at Kenshin, I could see the same pride in his eyes. Yahiko was growing—step by step—into the swordsman he was meant to be.
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Back at the dojo, Yahiko was restless. His earlier defeat still weighed heavily on him, and it showed in every movement he made. He stood in the yard, surrounded by several wooden boards propped up like makeshift opponents. His brow furrowed as he gripped his bokken tightly. He swung at one, then another, but it wasn't enough. The boards stood strong, unyielding. His strikes were fast, but he was growing frustrated.
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I stood off to the side, watching him struggle. Yahiko was strong, no doubt about that, but I could see the doubt creeping into his stance, slowing his strikes. His breathing became heavy, and after a while, he stepped back, staring at the boards with a mix of anger and uncertainty.
"How am I supposed to defeat multiple opponents like this?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration. He turned to Kenshin and me, his eyes searching for answers. "Is there a way to fight off multiple opponents?"
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"Why? Did you get into some trouble?" I asked with a small playful smile.
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"N-no! Just...curious."
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Kenshin, standing beside me, gave him a gentle smile, his eyes soft with understanding. "Yahiko," he began, stepping forward, "fighting multiple opponents is never easy, not for anyone. But there are ways to handle it."
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Yahiko frowned, still looking uncertain. "How can I take on a whole group?"
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Kenshin looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke quietly, his voice almost nostalgic. "During the Bakumatsu, when we Ishin Shishi were outnumbered, we couldn't always fight head-on. We had to be smart. One method we used was to run."
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"Run?" Yahiko blinked in surprise. "That doesn't sound like a way to win."
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Kenshin smiled again. "Not running away forever. Just long enough to turn the odds in our favor. When you run, your opponents naturally chase after you. But not everyone can run at the same speed. Eventually, they become separated, leaving you with one opponent at a time. You defeat them, then run again. By the time the next one catches up, you're ready for another fight."
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I nodded in agreement, stepping up beside Kenshin. "He's right, Yahiko. It's about turning the fight into a series of one-on-one battles. But here's the thing—this method only works if you're fast, and if you can take down each opponent quickly before the others catch up."
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Yahiko seemed to absorb this, his expression shifting as he considered our words. "But... what if they catch me before I can beat the first one?" he asked, his voice quieter now, more unsure.
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"That's where training comes in," I said, giving him a small smile. "You need to be faster, stronger, and smarter in battle. You can't let doubt slow you down."
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Kenshin nodded. "Speed and precision are key, but remember, Yahiko, the battle isn't just about winning. It's about survival. If you find yourself overwhelmed, retreating is not defeat—it's strategy. Live to fight another day."
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Yahiko sighed, still looking at the boards around him. "But what about protecting people? What if running means I can't protect someone?"
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I stepped closer to him, my voice gentle but firm. "Running doesn't mean abandoning someone. If you can create enough distance between yourself and the enemy, you can still protect those you care about by keeping the fight on your terms. But you have to trust your instincts, and you have to believe in your own strength."
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Kenshin gave Yahiko a soft pat on the shoulder. "Aka's right. The way we fight is about more than just winning. It's about protecting others, and sometimes, the best way to do that is to keep yourself alive."
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As Kenshin and I turned to leave, I glanced over my shoulder at Yahiko, who stood staring at the boards, deep in thought. He was still young, still learning what it meant to carry the weight of the sword. But I had faith in him.
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Just as we reached the edge of the yard, Kaoru appeared, carrying a bundle of fresh laundry. She stopped beside Yahiko, her expression soft but serious. "Yahiko," she said, her voice calm, "the Kamiya Kasshin-ryū isn't just about fighting to win. It's about protecting. Remember, this style is based on katsujinken, the sword that gives life. When you fight, it's not just your victory or defeat that matters. It's the fate of the ones you protect as well."
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Yahiko looked up at her, his eyes wide as he absorbed her words. I could see the weight of her message sinking in, the realization that the battles he fought weren't just for himself—they were for the people who depended on him.
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Kaoru smiled gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're strong, Yahiko. But strength alone won't always be enough. Protecting others comes from the heart, and that's something you have plenty of."
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Yahiko nodded, his resolve slowly returning. I could see it in the way he gripped his shinai tighter, his stance firming up. He wasn't just training to fight anymore—he was training to protect. And that made all the difference. As Kaoru walked back into the house, I caught Yahiko's eye and gave him a nod of approval. "You're getting stronger, Yahiko. Just remember, it's not about how many opponents you can defeat at once. It's about keeping those you care about safe."
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He gave me a determined look, his jaw set with newfound focus. "I won't let them down. I'll protect them... no matter what."
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I smiled, feeling a surge of pride. Yahiko had come a long way, but this was only the beginning. There were still battles ahead, and I knew he would rise to meet them.
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The moon hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets. The air felt tense, like the calm before a storm. I perched quietly on the roof with Kenshin and Sanosuke, watching the Akabeko owner's house in the distance. We knew Mikio would make his move tonight, and sure enough, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the empty street below.
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"There they are," I whispered, my eyes narrowing as Mikio and his thugs approached the house.
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From our vantage point, we could see everything. Mikio pulled out a small object—a key imprint. My heart clenched as I recognized it. Tsubame had given it to him, no doubt under duress. Just as Mikio began to smirk, Yahiko came out of nowhere, darting forward with a speed that surprised even me. He snatched the imprint from Mikio's hand and bolted down the street.
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"Yahiko!" I muttered, my voice a mix of concern and pride.
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Mikio shouted in anger, and his henchmen immediately gave chase. "Get that brat!" he barked, his face twisted with fury.
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From behind a nearby house, I caught a glimpse of Tsubame, her wide eyes filled with fear. She had been hiding, watching everything unfold. I tensed, but before I could make a move, Kaoru appeared at her side, speaking softly to her. "You did well, Tsubame," she said, her voice full of warmth. "You were brave to try to stop them yourself."
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Tsubame, still shaken, nodded but remained silent. Her eyes flicked nervously to where Yahiko was leading the thugs into a narrow alley.
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I felt a surge of anticipation. Good thinking, I thought. In that alley, Yahiko could control the fight, turning it into a one-on-one battle just like Kenshin had taught him earlier. Kenshin, standing beside me, seemed to be thinking the same thing. He gave a small nod of approval, his gaze never leaving the scene.
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As Yahiko lured the thugs into the alley, Mikio realized too late what was happening. He snarled and shouted, "Kill him! Now!"
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I tensed. These men weren't playing around anymore. They drew their blades, advancing on Yahiko with deadly intent. My hand moved instinctively to my sword, but Kenshin gently placed a hand on my arm, shaking his head. "Wait," he whispered.
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I gritted my teeth but nodded. We had to see how Yahiko handled this.
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The thugs stopped dead in their tracks, eyes widening as they looked up and saw the three of us—me, Kenshin, and Sanosuke—standing above them on the rooftop. The moonlight cast our shadows down into the alley, making us appear larger, more menacing. Recognition flashed in their eyes.
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"That's Battosai!" one of them stammered. "And Sagara..."
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"And her... Himura's sister..." another one whispered, his voice shaking.
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Panic spread through the group. One by one, they turned and ran, their earlier bravado completely shattered. Mikio stood frozen, his expression shifting from confusion to rage as his men abandoned him. Yahiko, panting and gripping his bokken tightly, looked around in disbelief. "What... just happened?"
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Before he could spot us, Kenshin gave a subtle nod. The three of us dropped backward off the roof, out of sight, and I could hear Sanosuke snicker under his breath. "You really think he didn't see us?"
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"Shh, cicada time," I muttered with a grin, and Kenshin, Sano, and I began mimicking the sound of cicadas from our hidden position.
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Yahiko spun around, frowning. "There are no cicadas in the spring!" he shouted, clearly frustrated.
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But there was no time for him to dwell on it. Mikio, now alone and cornered, drew his sword, the metal gleaming in the dim light. "You're dead, kid," he growled, advancing on Yahiko with murder in his eyes.
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I felt a pang of worry, but I trusted Yahiko. This was his fight now.
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Yahiko squared his shoulders, gripping his bokken tighter. His face was set in determination, but there was fear there too. I could see it in the way his hands trembled just slightly. Mikio lunged, his katana slicing through the air. Yahiko dodged, but not fast enough. The blade grazed his shoulder, and a few strands of his hair fluttered to the ground.
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"Yahiko..." I whispered, instinctively leaning forward. I could feel Kenshin's calm presence beside me, but I couldn't help the tension in my chest. This was his first real fight against a blade.
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Yahiko stumbled back, his back hitting the wall. He was cornered, nowhere to go. Mikio advanced, his sword raised high, ready to strike the final blow.
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"Yahiko, win!" Tsubame's voice rang out from the shadows, her plea desperate and full of emotion.
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Yahiko's eyes widened at the sound of her voice, and I saw something click in him. He wasn't fighting for himself anymore. Kenshin's words from earlier must have echoed in his mind—victory or defeat seals the fate of those you protect.
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Mikio swung his katana low, aiming for Yahiko's legs. But Yahiko jumped, narrowly avoiding the slash. He landed with surprising agility, stepping down hard on Mikio's katana, trapping it under his foot. Mikio's eyes widened in shock.
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Yahiko didn't hesitate. With a shout, he brought his bokken down hard on Mikio's head, the sound of the impact echoing through the alley. Mikio crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
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There was a beat of silence. Then Kaoru rushed out from her hiding place, sprinting toward Yahiko. "Yahiko! You did it!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
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Yahiko, still catching his breath, looked at her, confused. "What... what are you doing here?"
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Kaoru grinned and opened her mouth to explain, but Yahiko turned around, scanning the rooftops for us. Kenshin, Sanosuke, and I, still hanging off the edge, froze. But it was too late. Yahiko had already pieced it together. "You three!" he yelled, pointing an accusing finger. "Get down here!"
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Sanosuke scratched the back of his head, grumbling. "Looks like we've been caught."
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I couldn't help but laugh as we dropped back down to the ground, joining Yahiko and Kaoru. Tsubame shyly stepped out from her hiding spot, a soft smile on her face. "Yahiko... you were amazing," she said quietly.
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Yahiko blushed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "It wasn't a big deal..."
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"It was," Tsubame insisted, her eyes bright with admiration. "Watching you fight... I feel braver now. Like I can stand up for myself."
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I smiled, watching the two of them. Yahiko was growing, both as a fighter and as a person.
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Later, as we all sat around the dojo, Kenshin finally asked the question that had been on all our minds. "Yahiko, why did you start working at the Akabeko in the first place?"
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Yahiko hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I wanted to save up for a sakabatō. Just like yours and Aka's."
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Kenshin chuckled, shaking his head. "A sakabatō is quite expensive, Yahiko."
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I grinned, ruffling Yahiko's hair. "Guess you'll have to work a bit longer, huh?"
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Yahiko pouted, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes. "I don't care how long it takes. I'll get one. Just watch me."
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