Chapter 96: Between Life and Death

(Kaoru is lost in thought at the Aoiya.)

Misao: It's dangerous to sit staring out the window like that. You don't know when or where an enemy will strike.

Kaoru: Misao.

Misao: Uh-uh-uh! Not Misao, Okashira! (Kaoru sighs) Himura should learn the secrets and hurry back, huh.

Kaoru: Yes, but... (they look out the window, at Yahiko practicing outside) Stronger, stronger... it's only natural for a swordsman. If he gains the great strength of the succession techniques, he'll have an advantage in the battle with the Shishio faction. But on the other hand, it will be even more of a disadvantage in the battle between the vagabond sworn never to kill and the Hitokiri that lurks in Kenshin's own heart. I think... I'm sorry, Misao, you have enough to worry about.

Misao: Oh no, don't worry about it. I'll be fine.

(At dawn, Hiko and Kenshin face each other again, with deep circles under their eyes.)

Hiko: You look like you didn't get a wink of sleep last night.

Kenshin: So do you.

(They go splash their faces with cold water, and try again.)

Hiko: So... did you discover what it is you lack?

Kenshin: No...

Hiko: I see. So after all, you are a man with limits here. You did not find what you lack. Incomplete as you are, mastering the succession technique or defeating the Shishio faction is meaningless. Even if you devoted yourself to defeating them, you could not defeat the Hitokiri who lives in your heart. Tormented by anguish and pain your whole life, you kill. (He casts off his cloak.) Instead of the succession technique, prepare for the worst. My final duty as your master.