Part 252: Autumn Winds

Then--there was suddenly a lot of change for the people I knew.

(At the Oguni Clinic.)

Kaoru: You're going back to Aizu?! This is so sudden...

Megumi: I didn't really decide suddenly. I've always been thinking of opening a clinic where I grew up. Now that this whole thing is over, and Ken-san and Yahiko are better, I've decided to leave Tokyo in a week.

Kaoru: Kenshin...

Kenshin: It will be a little lonely here without you, Miss Megumi, but this is something you've chosen to do for yourself. It's been an honor knowing you.

Megumi: Thank you... By the way, Ken-san... I've kept quiet up till now, but as your doctor, there's something I need to tell you...

Then--there was suddenly a lot of change for the people I knew. Thinking back on it, maybe Miss Megumi's announcement was the beginning of it all...

(Standing guard in front of the police station, Shin'ichi lets out an enormous yawn.)

Shin'ichi: I'm so bored. I wish something would happen around here.

Fellow Guard: Don't say that! That's bad luck!

Shin'ichi: Sorry, sorry... It's just that nothing exciting has happened around here lately... (getting a manic gleam in his eye) Don't you get filled with that overwhelming sense of duty as an officer in times like that?

Guard: Idiot! I don't want any more of that! I don't want to die on this job!

(Kenshin is walking toward them.)

Shin'ichi: Master Himura!

(He bowls Kenshin over with his enthusiasm.)

Kenshin: You must be...

Shin'ichi: Shin'ichi Kosaburo, officer, fifth class, sir!

Kenshin: Mr. Shin'ichi, then, why do you call me sir?

Shin'ichi: I heard all about you from the chief! I believe all Ishin Shishi are worthy of respect!

Kenshin:... Well, it doesn't matter. I don't want to go into the station since I'm carrying a sword. Would you take this for me?

Shin'ichi: Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem for you, sir... A letter?

Kenshin: Yes. Please give this to Inspector Fujita.

(In Saitou's office. Saitou is sitting on a couch holding the letter, while Chou toys with a sword.)

Chou: From Battousai? Zat some kind of thank-you note or something?

Saitou: Why don't you read for yourself? Chou (picking his nose): Lemme see then...

(He ends up stabbing himself in the nose and bleeding in shock.)

Chou: Man, this is...

Saitou: Huh. Funny, isn't it. But this is no time for jokes. He's finally...

I've kept quiet up till now, but as your doctor, there's something I need to tell you...

Kenshin: This must have to do with my condition, doesn't it?

(Everyone looks surprised.)

Megumi: So you've noticed...

Kenshin: It is my body, so... I first felt something was wrong some time after the Kyoto battle... And now each time I fight it gets a little worse. It was so faint that I might have been imagining it, but I felt that something was stagnating in my own body.

Megumi: It's true that in the time since I examined you in Kyoto and when I examined you today, your condition has gotten worse...

Kenshin: It was probably mastering the succession technique... that acted as the trigger.

Megumi: The Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu is a style of kenjutsu that was meant to be used by large men, blessed like Hiko with a muscular physique that shields their bodies. Ken-san, you're just a little too small. No matter how great your talent, the more you use it, the more damage your body will take. You've seen the slight damage already...