Himura Battousai
Copyright© 2007 by Trojan_85
Chapter 79: The Thin-Bladed Sword
Okina: One of Shakkuu's killing swords!
Misao: Watch out, Himura! He's still got a hidden sword!
(The long blade whips around to strike at Kenshin from behind.)
Chou: This is my favorite blade of all! The killing sword Hakujin no Tachi!(1)
Okina: It's long!
Misao: Himura!
(Kenshin ducks a little to the side.)
Seikuu: That won't work! Just dodging by a hair's breath won't--
(Chou snaps his wrist; the point snakes down and buries itself in Kenshin's thigh.)
Chou: Right on target. You won't move around so easily now.
Seikuu: The Hakujin no Tachi... It was forged to be as thin as possible while maintaining the strength of the blade. The tip is weighted so the slightest flick of the wrist can direct it. He's already taken a wound to the leg with the ever-changing Hakujin no Tachi...
Chou: Looks like we attracted an audience before I knew it. I guess it's time we got this show on the road. I'll show you my own Orochi style.(2)
(The sword snaps along the ground; Kenshin raises the scabbard to counter it, but it's cut in half.)
Chou: You blocked! But I'm not done yet!
(Kenshin rolls to avoid another attack.)
Misao: Himura!
Seikuu (thinking): It's no good. He has no chance of winning. If this goes on Iori will be...
(He turns away.)
Azusa: Dear?
Seikuu: I'll give up my father's sword. In any case, I'll save Iori. I can't get him away from this scene of violence a moment too soon. The man from Osaka is distracted by the fight. If I get a chance, I'll--
Misao: You're using Himura as a decoy? You know he can't fight with a broken sword! And Himura was the first to get here! You're--
Seikuu (head bowed): I didn't ask him to. He chose to fight.
Okina: Mr. Seikuu, as this girl's guardian, I understand the feeling that your child is the most important thing on earth. But Himura, by choosing to fight to protect him, understands this too.
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.