The air was thick with tension as the massive man with the barrel on his back, who called himself Hyottoko, leered at us from the gate. He had the kind of overconfidence that made my skin crawl, but Sanosuke seemed unfazed. "Hyottoko?" Sanosuke snorted, stepping forward with that familiar cocky grin. "Sounds too cute for you. Pick something better."
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Hyottoko sneered, clearly not amused by Sano's taunt. I glanced at Kenshin. He had that look again—the one that meant he was ready for a fight. My brother's focus was razor-sharp, and his eyes were fixed on our opponent. "Right," Hyottoko boomed, his voice filled with smug confidence. "Who's first? The three of you can come at once if you'd like."
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"He's a fistfighter, very strong. Let me handle this," Sano said, his tone brimming with determination.
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Kenshin's brow furrowed slightly. "But they're Oniwaban. There could be more to him."
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"I don't care! I'll take him alive and he'll spill about the opium!" Sanosuke exclaimed as he rushed in, his fists clenched and ready.
Hyottoko swung his massive fist, but Sano dodged with surprising agility, landing a solid punch to the man's gut. The force of the impact made a dull thud, and for a moment, I thought Sano had this in the bag. "No matter how strong you are, you still gotta land the hit," Sano said, his confidence unwavering.
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Hyottoko grinned, his beaver-like teeth gleaming. "Thanks...for coming within range..."
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Range?
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My heart skipped a beat, realizing too late what he meant. Before I could shout a warning, Hyottoko clicked his teeth together, and a massive blast of fire erupted from his mouth. "Sanosuke!" I cried out, my voice filled with fear as I watched his haori fall to the ground, singed and covered in burn marks.
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Sano staggered back, his expression one of surprise, but then he straightened up, his usual bravado returning. "Not nice, fat boy!" he shouted, his voice steady despite the burns. Relief flooded through me—he was tougher than I'd given him credit for.
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"Impressive," Hyottoko said, his voice dripping with malice. "You dodged my 'fire breath,' but now your legs are burned..."
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Before Sano could respond, Kenshin stepped forward, his voice calm but filled with resolve. "Why look over there? I'll face you. Not one strand of my hair will burn, you freak show."
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Hyottoko's face twisted in anger. "F-freak show!?" he yelled, blasting another wave of fire at Kenshin. But my brother was ready. He spun his sakabatou in a swift motion, deflecting the flames like a shield. The fire swirled around him, but Kenshin stood firm, unscathed.
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"How long do you think you will last, idiot?" Hyottoko taunted, but his voice was strained. His flames were dying out, and he struggled to breathe.
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Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "Now do we all see who the true freak show is?"
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"It's not over yet!" Hyottoko roared, desperately trying to catch his breath.
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"He's going to refuel!" I exclaimed, taking a step forward. But before I could move, Sano stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
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"Thanks for your help, but he's mine," Sanosuke said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Sorry, you'll have to let me take over."
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I exchanged a glance with Kenshin, and we both nodded. This was Sano's fight. Hyottoko inhaled deeply, his chest puffing out as he prepared to unleash another inferno. "Refueling is complete. Poor fool, walking into your own cremation!"
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"You're the fool," Sano shot back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Tricks don't work once you know how they're done."
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Hyottoko's face twisted in rage, and he sent out another massive blast of fire. This time, Sano didn't dodge. He charged straight into the flames, his fists raised. My heart pounded in my chest, but I trusted Sano's judgment—dodging would only cause more harm. "Cheap magic always has a gimmick!" Sano shouted as he plunged his fist into Hyottoko's mouth. With a swift motion, he ripped out a large sack, the source of Hyottoko's fire breath.
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"You have no chance now. Give up," Sano said, his voice filled with finality.
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Hyottoko's eyes widened in shock. "Heh, you're the one with no chance! With those burned arms, you can't repeat that punch from befo—" His taunt was cut short by a powerful kick to the face.
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"You forgot about the kicking. Not that a sausage-leg like you would think of it," Sano said as Hyottoko crumpled to the ground, unconscious. He turned to Kenshin and me, flashing a grin and a thumbs up. "Easy!"
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I hadn't realized how tense I'd been until I finally relaxed, a smile tugging at my lips. Kenshin sighed softly beside me, his relief palpable. "If you don't mind getting burned, yes," Kenshin said, a hint of teasing in his voice.
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"Who's burned up?" Sano shot back, grabbing Kenshin playfully. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
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"Hey, stop that!" Kaoru shouted as she ran up to us, her eyes wide with concern. "Wow, you really are burned, aren't you?"
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"Right?" I chuckled, my laughter a mix of relief and exhaustion.
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Kaoru was about to scold us further when Kenshin interrupted, his tone serious. "Anyway, what should we do now? Wake him with cold water?"
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I tensed again, sensing another presence nearby. My brother must have felt it too, because he spun around, his hand already on his sword. "Look out! There's another one!" Kenshin exclaimed, his voice urgent.
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A voice from the trees screamed out, "I'll kill you!" and before any of us could react, Yahiko leapt in front of Megumi, shielding her with his body. Whatever was thrown hit him in the arm, and he cried out in pain.
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"Yahiko!" I gasped as we all rushed to his side. Kaoru grabbed his arm, her face pale with fear.
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"Do you ever quit!?" she snapped at him. "Even a small one can be fatal if it hits the heart! This is dangerous, stay back!"
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"No way," Yahiko grunted, his voice strained. "Kenshin, Akasuki, and Sano protect her, right? I'm part of Team Kenshin too! Even if I can't attack yet...I can at least defend! Have...faith in your pupil, huh?" His voice wavered as he slumped forward, unconscious.
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"Yahiko!" we all gasped, our worry clear in our voices.
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"That's what you get!" a voice sneered from the shadows. The small man we had encountered when we first met Megumi stepped into view, his eyes gleaming with malice. "The brat won't last the hour. Deadly poison Rasenbyo. This is Oniwaban group Beshimi's secret art! I'll fill you all with it, and next is you, red hair!"
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Before he could attack again, Kenshin and I sprang into action, our movements swift and coordinated. But when we struck, our blades met nothing but air. A log fell where Beshimi had stood. My eyes narrowed in frustration, searching the shadows for him.
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Then, from the corner of my eye, I spotted a figure—clad in a ninja outfit, a demon mask covering his face, and red and black striped arms. He was holding both Beshimi and Hyottoko. The way he moved, fast and precise, made my blood run cold. He'd be a tough opponent. "I'll be taking my comrades, but we will fight another day," the masked ninja said, his voice calm, almost dismissive. And then, just like that, he vanished into thin air.
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"These guys are skilled warriors. Kanryu is smart for getting them on his side, I'll give him that," I muttered, my mind racing.
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Kenshin nodded, his expression troubled. "But why would they be fighting for him? They don't seem like people who would do it for money."
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I agreed, but there was no time to ponder. We hurried back to Yahiko, who lay still, his face pale.
"No!" Megumi shouted, her voice filled with authority. "Sucking the poison out will only make things worse. Kenshin, Akasuki, go get some water boiling and cloths. Sanosuke, I'll write a list of medicines for you to get. Kaoru, help me get him inside."
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We all hesitated for a moment, surprised by Megumi's sudden take-charge attitude, but then we snapped into action. Kenshin and I rushed to get the supplies, and when we returned, Megumi was already working on Yahiko, her hands steady despite the urgency of the situation.
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Sano came back a few minutes later, his arms full of the medicines Megumi had requested. We watched in tense silence as she worked on Yahiko, her focus unbroken for what felt like an eternity.
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Finally, after what seemed like hours, Megumi stepped back, her face pale but determined. "There," she said, her voice soft but filled with relief. "He'll be fine now. He just needs rest."
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The tension in the room slowly dissipated, and we all let out a collective sigh of relief. Yahiko would be okay, and for now, that was enough.
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The next morning, the sun barely peeked through the windows when I noticed Megumi was gone. Kaoru, always quick on her feet, immediately sent for Dr. Gensai to check on Yahiko. When the elderly doctor arrived, he wasted no time examining the young boy. After a moment, he picked up the list of medicines Megumi had written and nodded approvingly.
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"Whoever made this list must have studied medicine in Europe," he remarked, his voice filled with admiration.
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"It was Megumi," Kaoru replied, watching the doctor closely.
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Dr. Gensai's eyes widened in surprise. "Megumi Takani? The last known survivor of the famed Takani family?"
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"Uh, yes?" I responded, somewhat confused by his reaction.
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What did this mean for Megumi?
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The doctor went on to explain how the Takani family was well-known in the medical community, revered for their dedication to treating everyone, regardless of status, during the war in Aizu. He spoke of her father's death and the disappearance of her mother and siblings. "I remember hearing about Aizu," I said softly, trying to connect the dots. "But I had no idea about the Takanis."
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My brother nodded beside me, his expression thoughtful. Kaoru furrowed her brow. "But then, why is she working for Kanryu?"
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"It's not by choice," I interjected, my voice firm. "She's been trying to escape him, remember? She saved Yahiko's life. We've got to help her."
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Kaoru nodded in agreement, her determination clear. Dr. Gensai also expressed concern, but the only person who remained unconvinced was Sanosuke. He stood by the door, arms crossed, his face a mask of anger. "I can't help someone who made the opium that killed my friend," he stated coldly before turning and walking out.
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Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I quickly followed him outside. "Sanosuke, listen," I called out, my voice more desperate than I intended. He stopped but didn't turn to face me. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I get how you feel, but she saved Yahiko's life. I'm willing to bet my life that she was forced to make that opium. You can't blame her for that. If you want to blame someone, blame Kanryu. By helping her, you'll be able to get at him."
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Sano sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. He was silent for a few moments, considering my words. Finally, he spoke, his tone less harsh. "Okay, fine. I'll help, Aka, but not for her."
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I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Sano."
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We returned inside, where Kaoru and Kenshin were waiting. We began discussing how to approach the situation when a servant suddenly arrived, carrying a letter. Kenshin took it and unfolded the paper, reading its contents aloud. "It's from Megumi," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "She says she's going back to Aizu and thanks us for everything."
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My heart sank. "Going back to Aizu? That doesn't make sense...unless...no, this has to be Kanryu's doing!" I exclaimed, my mind racing. "We have to go now! Megumi's in danger!"
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Kaoru nodded, concern etched on her face, but I could see the conflict in her eyes as she glanced at Yahiko. "Kaoru, stay here with Dr. Gensai to look after Yahiko," I instructed gently. "Sano, Kenshin, and I will go rescue Megumi."
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Kaoru hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Be careful," she whispered. With a final glance back at the dojo, the three of us set out for Kanryu's mansion, determination fueling our every step.
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We stood outside Kanryū's mansion, the ominous structure looming over us as if it were alive, breathing in the chaos that surrounded it. My hands clenched around the hilt of my sakabatou as I exchanged glances with Kenshin and Sanosuke. We had vowed to rescue Megumi at all costs, and the weight of that promise hung heavily in the air. "There's no turning back now," I murmured, my voice barely audible over the rustling of the wind through the trees.
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Sanosuke cracked his knuckles, a determined grin spreading across his face. "I never planned on it."
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"Let's go," Kenshin said simply, his voice as calm as ever, though I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. We knew what we had to do.
With that, we charged forward, the mansion's gates creaking open as if in mockery of our resolve. The first wave of Kanryū's bodyguards met us almost immediately, their faces twisted in grim determination. There were so many of them, but I didn't let that faze me. We had fought through worse, and we would fight through this.
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My sword cut through the air with precision, deflecting blows and striking down those who dared to stand in our way. Beside me, Kenshin moved with fluid grace, his sakabatou a blur as he disarmed one guard after another. Sanosuke, always preferring brute force, plowed through the opposition with his fists.
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The clash of steel, the grunts of pain, the thud of bodies hitting the ground—it was a symphony of violence that seemed to stretch on forever. But finally, as the last of the guards crumpled to the ground, we found ourselves standing at the foot of the mansion's steps, breathless but victorious. Kenshin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he looked up at the balcony where Kanryū stood, smirking down at us like a king addressing his subjects. "Kanryū," Kenshin called out, his voice carrying a dangerous edge, "come down at once and release Megumi."
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Kanryū's laughter echoed across the courtyard, a sound that grated against my nerves. "What formidable warriors you are," he sneered, trying to hide the fear that I could see flickering in his eyes. "Such skill shouldn't go unrewarded. How about this? I'll pay you the salary of fifty bodyguards if you join me as my personal guards. Think of the wealth, the power you could have."
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I felt my blood boil at his words. "You think we'd ever join someone you?" I spat, my voice dripping with disgust.
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Kenshin remained unflinching. "Release Megumi. Now."
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Kanryū's smirk faltered, but he wasn't ready to give up. "A hundred guards' worth of salary, then! Or perhaps two hundred? Name your price, and it's yours."
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Sanosuke growled low in his throat. "You really don't get it, do you? We're not for sale, Kanryū. You can take your money and shove it."
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Kanryū's desperation was palpable now, his bravado slipping away like sand through his fingers. "Fine," he snapped, the veneer of control cracking. "I'll give up Megumi. But I'll need an hour to make the necessary... preparations."
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I could feel the tension in Kenshin's stance, a quiet fury that matched my own. He didn't respond to Kanryū's words; instead, he turned and walked away, moving toward one of the thick stone pillars that lined the courtyard. Without a word, he drew his sword and, with a single, fluid motion, sliced the pillar clean in half. The stone crumbled, a cloud of dust rising into the air as the remnants of the pillar crashed to the ground. Kenshin turned back to Kanryū, his voice low but clear. "We'll free Megumi by force if we have to."
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Kanryū visibly paled at the sight of the destroyed pillar, his eyes widening in fear. He stammered something incoherent, but I didn't care to listen. We had made our point. With that, we pushed through the doors of Kanryū's mansion, the tension thick as we braced ourselves for whatever lay ahead. We didn't have to wait long. Standing in our path was a man with a cold, calculating gaze, his features partially obscured by a menacing mask.
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"So, you've made it this far," the guy with the mask and striped arms we met before said, his voice a quiet menace. He glanced over at us, his gaze lingering on each of us in turn. "But this is where your journey ends."
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I tightened my grip on my sword, my eyes locked on him. "We'll see about that."
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Sanosuke stepped up beside me, cracking his knuckles. "Guess we're gonna have to go through you to get to Megumi, huh? Fine by me."
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I could feel the tension spike, the air practically humming with the promise of violence. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I wasn't about to back down. Not now. Not ever.
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"My name is Han'nya," the man said, his voice low and steady, like a predator toying with its prey. Kenshin didn't flinch, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sized up the man before him.
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"Step aside, Han'nya. We have no quarrel with you. Let us pass, and no harm will come to you."
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Han'nya's expression didn't change, though I could tell from the way his body tensed that he had no intention of stepping aside. "The Okashira's orders are absolute. I cannot allow you to proceed."
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Kenshin sighed softly, a sound that was almost regretful. "I see. Then I apologize, but I cannot hold back. Time is of the essence, and I must rescue Megumi."
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Han'nya's eyes gleamed with a cold light. "Likewise," he said simply, before shifting into a Kenpo stance, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to unleash. The battle began in an instant. Han'nya moved with astonishing speed, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His first punch landed squarely on Kenshin's face, the force of it sending him stumbling back. Before Kenshin could recover, Han'nya followed up with a spinning back fist that knocked him to the ground.
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"Kenshin!" Sano called out, his voice tinged with panic as he watched my brother struggle to regain his footing. "Why are you losing?"
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Kenshin's voice was strained as he replied, "His arms... they stretched right before my eyes. I could predict his movements, but I misjudged the distance..."
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Han'nya chuckled darkly, the sound sending a chill down my spine. "If you cannot see through my technique, you won't last a minute against the Okashira. The moment you saw me, you were already under my spell."
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Spell?
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I narrowed my eyes, focusing on Han'nya as I tried to decipher his technique. He was skilled, no doubt about that, but there had to be something more. Something that gave him the upper hand against Kenshin. My hand tightened on my sakabatou, ready to leap in if needed. Kenshin, however, didn't appear ready to give up. He took a deep breath and shifted into a new stance—a defensive one I recognized immediately. The Shin-ken stance. It allowed him to respond quickly to any attack, though it made counterattacks difficult.
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Han'nya seemed to recognize the stance as well, and a sneer curled his lips beneath his mask. "You've chosen the path of a coward? Such a man has no right to face the Okashira. You'll die by my hands."
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He charged again, but this time Kenshin was ready. With a swift, fluid motion, Kenshin dodged the attack and struck Han'nya in the face with the sheath of his sword. The impact was so strong that it knocked Han'nya's mask clean off, sending it clattering to the ground. As the mask fell away, Han'nya's true face was revealed—a face twisted and disfigured, scarred beyond recognition. For a moment, I was stunned into silence, the sight of his ruined features shocking even me. But Kenshin remained focused.
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"The spell was nothing more than an illusion," Kenshin said calmly, his eyes locked on Han'nya. "The stripes on your arms created an optical illusion, making them appear thicker than they are. I misjudged the distance because of that. But the Shin-ken stance allowed me to see through your trick."
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Han'nya's eyes narrowed, the realization of his failure dawning on him. But instead of retreating, he seemed to grow more determined. "You think you've won because you've seen through my technique?" he hissed, his voice laced with bitterness. "I've been through hell for the sake of the Okashira. I'll not lose to you!"
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With a fierce snarl, he pulled out metal blades from his hands, the sharp edges glinting ominously in the dim light. "For the Oniwabanshū, I'll win this battle!"
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Kenshin didn't waver. Instead, he met Han'nya's gaze with a calm, unwavering resolve. "What pride do you have in holding Megumi hostage? This isn't about the Oniwabanshū."
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"Shut up!" Han'nya roared, charging at Kenshin with a speed born of desperation and fury. The two clashed in a flurry of movement, blades flashing as they exchanged blows. Kenshin was swift and precise, his movements a dance of lethal grace, while Han'nya's attacks were wild and vicious, driven by sheer willpower. Despite his disfigured appearance, Han'nya fought with the determination of a man who had nothing left to lose.
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But Kenshin was faster. In a swift, decisive move, Kenshin struck with his sakabatou, the blade slashing forward in a blur. Han'nya let out a grunt of pain as the force of the blow sent him crashing to the ground, his body crumpling like a broken doll. Kenshin, however, wasn't unscathed. A thin line of blood seeped through his shoulder, a shallow cut from Han'nya's blade during their final exchange.
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Han'nya lay there, gasping for breath, his strength rapidly fading. But even in his defeat, he managed to choke out a final warning. "You... stand no match... for Aoshi..."
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With that, his eyes rolled back, and he lost consciousness, his body going limp. For a moment, the room was silent, the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. I stared down at Han'nya's fallen form, a mix of emotions churning in my chest. Pity, perhaps, for a man who had been twisted by a life of suffering and loyalty to a cause that had ultimately led to his downfall. But also, a fierce determination to see this through to the end.
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Kenshin wiped the blood from his shoulder and sheathed his sword, his expression somber as he looked down at Han'nya. "Let's keep moving. Megumi is still waiting for us."
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I nodded, sharing a quick glance with Sanosuke. We had won this battle, but the war was far from over. And as we continued deeper into the mansion, I knew that the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult. But we wouldn't back down.
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