Part 152: Do you Still Have the Scar?

(A large steamship pulls into port.)

Passenger: So we've finally arrived in Osaka.

Passenger 2: Yes... It was a long voyage from Shanghai.

(Enishi is standing at the railing, looking out. He is dressed in Chinese-style pants and jacket, wearing small sunglasses and carrying a wrapped sword. Overhearing their conversation, he smiles slightly.)

Enishi: Long?... Long indeed. It's been ten years since I last saw Japan...

(A hot summer morning. Kenshin and Yahiko are training outside the dojo.)

Kenshin (blocking Yahiko's stroke): Close. Try a little harder.

Yahiko: I'm not done yet!

(He whacks at Kenshin so furiously that he seems to leave the ground.)

Sanosuke (sitting on the porch fanning himself): What do you think you're doing in this heat. (looking up) First I've seen you train with Yahiko. You're not passing on the school, are you?

Kenshin: Oh, I'm not teaching him the Hiten Mitsurugi school.

Yahiko: WHAT?? (kicking Kenshin in the head) That's what I thought we were doing!

Kenshin: (Oro!) Wait, wait, you're growing strong under the Kamiya Kassin school, right? To that end, I thought I should do all that I can to help you. Was I wrong?

Sanosuke: You lose, Yahiko. If you don't like it, you'll have to beat Kenshin with the Kamiya Kasshin school.

Kaoru (coming out into the yard): Yahiko! Time for work, okay?

Yahiko: Kay, be right there. Kenshin, we're training again tomorrow!

Kaoru (to Yahiko): I'm coming with you today.

Yahiko: What? Why?

Kaoru: I'm going to see Tae and Tsubame. So, Kenshin, we'll be back this evening.

Kenshin: All right. See you then.

Sanosuke (getting up): Well, it's time I got going too.

Kenshin: Oro? But there's some youkan cooling in the well.

Sanosuke: Oh, sounds good. But today I have to get the hand checked out. The vixen will never shut up if I keep her waiting. (walking off) I'll come by tomorrow, save some of that youkan for me.

(Kenshin watches him go; Sanosuke suddenly turns back and seizes Kenshin by the front of the shirt)

Kenshin: Oro?

Sanosuke: What do you say? (I take my food seriously!)

Kenshin:... Roger that.

Sanosuke (slapping him on the back): All right then. Remember, I'm counting on you.

Kenshin: I think I overestimated you a little.

Sanosuke: See ya!

Kenshin: I give up. (heading back into the house) Well then... Maybe I'll do some laundry.

(At the Oguni clinic; Megumi is changing the bandages on Sanosuke's right hand.)

Megumi: Ken-san's acting strange?

Sanosuke: Yeah, a little. He smiles all the time, but it feels like he's drawn a line somewhere and he's not gonna let himself step over it.