Yahiko’s Training
A week after being freed from the Yakuza, Yahiko has recovered and begun training in kenjutsu at the Kamiya Dōjō. On the second day, while Kenshin is away shopping, Kaoru prepares to teach Yahiko when her former students suddenly appear, begging for help. Almost immediately, the gang known as the Hishimanji Gurentai storms the dōjō, bringing chaos with them.
The Hishimanji Gurentai
Kaoru discovers that her ex-students had gotten drunk and attacked the Hishimanji with swords, provoking their retaliation. Feeling responsible as their teacher, Kaoru bravely steps outside to take the blame. Yahiko, unwilling to let her face the danger alone, charges at the Hishimanji leader. Just as the situation grows dire, Kenshin returns, calmly ordering the gang to stop their assault.
Kasshin-ryū Reborn
Ignoring his men’s warnings, the Hishimanji leader orders their wooden cannon to fire at Kenshin. With stunning precision, Kenshin slices the clay cannonball in half, shocking everyone present. The gang retreats, and Kenshin sternly tells Kaoru’s former students to forget their ties to the dōjō if they cannot respect the sword. Though Kaoru feels crushed by her failure, Kenshin consoles her, reminding her that not every student can be saved. In a touching moment, Yahiko tells Kaoru to stop crying and, determined to grow strong, declares he’ll accept her as his kenjutsu instructor. This marks a new beginning for the Kamiya Kasshin-ryū.
Final Thoughts
This act captures both the weight of failure and the spark of renewal. While Kaoru feels discouraged by her ex-students, Yahiko’s loyalty and determination breathe new life into the dōjō. With Kenshin’s strength and guidance in the background, the Kamiya Kasshin-ryū is reborn with a single but promising student.
All images are personal captures taken from my own physical copy of the manga.