Ryujiro: "I hope nobody saw me doing this. I should get out of here".
When the age of the Samurai ended in 1868, Emperor Meiji started ruling Japan and made sure that the Samurai didn't exist. Because if Samurai existed, the world government would destroy the whole country of Japan.
Ryujiro had been training for those 7 years, hidden in a forest where nobody would come. When two people came in that forest by mistake and saw Ryujiro, he killed them.
KYOTO, JAPAN. OCTOBER OF 1875.
He wears his cape again and hides his sword, Kurogane.
"You're doing a great job for the last ten years, Kurogane. As sharp as ever". Ryujiro said.
When Ryujiro was seven years old, his master Kenshin forged a sword for him.
Kenshin: "Here. Take this sword, Ryujiro. You've mastered your skills with the wooden sword. Now it's time for a real one. I've put all my efforts in making this. Give it a name of your choice".
Ryujiro: "A name.. What about.. Kurogane".
Kenshin: "Kurogane?? That's your family name, right?"
Ryujiro: "Yeah. That's why I chose this name".
Kenshin: "Ahahaha. You're so interesting, Ryujiro! Well then. Practice more.. and take care of Kurogane".
BACK TO THE PRESENT
Ryujiro: "He was a skilled fighter and a swordsmith too. Why would he do that. Ending his life with his own hands".
Ryujiro was walking around thinking about executing his plan for which he was training since the war ended. He walked into a girl who was coming towards him.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" The girl said.
Ryujiro: "No.. It's okay."
She saw Ryujiro's sword when his cape got lifted.
"Wait.. Is that.. a Katana??" The girl asked.
Ryujiro: "So you saw it, huh? Sorry, but I have to kill you."
The girl said, "No, wait! You're Ryujiro Kurogane, right?"
Ryujiro: "What? How do you know me? Just tell me who the hell are you, girl!?"
-"I'm Yuki... Yuki Takahashi. Do you remember me?"
Ryujiro: "Yuki Takahashi? I think I've heard that name before. Wait.. I remember now."
1868. AT THE TIME OF WAR
The French military captain, Vincent helped Ryujiro hide in a shelter.
Yuki was hidden there too. She gave Ryujiro water to drink.
Yuki: "How did you find this place? Did your parents leave you here?"
Ryujiro: "My parents... died just a few minutes ago."
Yuki: "Oh.. I'm.. so sorry."
Ryujiro: "What about you?"
Yuki: "My mom died when I was four years old. My dad left me here and went to fight in the war. I'm waiting for him to return. I'm Yuki Takahashi. What's your name?"
-"Ryujiro... Ryujiro Kurogane".
Yuki: "What will you do now? Without parents. Without a home to live."
Ryujiro: "I.. I will.. I will burn them alive."
Yuki: "What?"
Ryujiro: "No matter what it takes... I will overcome my fear.. and kill those bastards. Every single country involved in this. And the world government too"
Yuki: "You mean.. You will become a revolutionary? A terrorist?"
Ryujiro: "I don't care what I become.. But that's my only goal. Even if every single Samurai ends. Then I will be the last Samurai.. Hidden in the shadows."
Yuki: "If that's what you want.. Then I'm with you. If we survive this war, then I'll help you to achieve your goal. You're not wrong at all."
RETURN TO THE PRESENT
Ryujiro: "Yuki.. I remember now."
Yuki: "I saw a katana. That means you're still following your goal. And I'm still with you, as I promised."
Ryujiro: "I'm about to start my journey today. Are you sure that you wanna come?"
Yuki: "Yes."
Ryujiro: "But.. What about your father."
Yuki: "My father.. he died a few days ago.. of a disease."
Ryujiro: "Oh.. I'm.. sorry for your loss."
Yuki: "No.. It's okay.. I already knew for two years that he was about to die.. I prepared myself for that. So tell me now.. How will you start your journey?"
Ryujiro: "I can trust you, right?"
Yuki: "Yes. Even if everyone is afraid of doing things like this.. you're fearless. And me too."
Ryujiro: "Well then... We will be entering the Russian Empire by sea route. I've prepared a sailing ship already."
Yuki: "A sailing ship for just the two of us?"
Ryujiro: "Yeah."
Yuki: "But how did you manage to prepare a sailing ship?"
Ryujiro: "I don't know."
Yuki: "Well whatever. You're always so serious, aren't you?"
Ryujiro: "Maybe."
Yuki (In her mind): "Why does he look so good to me.. Maybe because.. He's the only person after my parents whom I trust."
Ryujiro: "What are you thinking?"
Yuki: "Nothing. Let's go."
Ryujiro: "Hmm."
Yuki (In her mind): "Why does he trust me so much?"
Ryujiro: "Because you're my only friend."
Yuki: "Wait what? How do you know what I was thinking?"
Ryujiro: "Just a guess, I guess..
There's our ship. Let us start this journey.. A journey of revenge."
TO BE CONTINUED