Here's another try at sending it out.  I have the whole thing saved, but it's odd that it got cut off prematurely.  Perhaps it's something to do with Hotmail's mail server.  ._.;;;

All the usual disclaimers apply.

The opinions and views in this fic are those of the author only.  o_o;


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  If the dueling bokuto were shinken, the sight would have been mesmerizing.  The bokuto flew through the air with inhuman speed, clashing and striking with a swiftness beyond human sight.
  The leather and cloth pads weren't necessary.  The bukto would never have touched them.  As it stood, the bokuto were ready to shatter.
  "This duel is amazing," Yohiko mumbled, entranced by the stacatto clacking of the bokuto and the low whooshing noise from each stroke.
  "Whoever this guy is, he must be a true samurai!  Only the greatest samurai possess speed and ability this legendary," Kaoru mumbled.
  "You just think he's a samurai because he's got a top-knot," Sanosuke muttered.  "I haven't seen one of those in ages..."
  The three were lulled back to silence again as the bokuto clashed back and forth.  There seemed to be no end.

  "Your speed is amazing my friend," Kenshin commented as the pair clashed and then each hopped a step back.
  The other figure simply nodded and turned his back to Kenshin.
  "I have trained for a long time," the stranger said quietly, in a rather soprano voice.  "Though I know you are holding back.  For the sake of my training, I must ask that you use all your skill."
  "But you turn your back-"
  "It is no matter.  My training allows me to see from all angles - even from behind.  It is this technique that I use to defeat my opponents.  No matter your speed, I will see it."
  Kenshin nodded.  They were protected and they were using bokuto.  At the least he could easily pull back the form.
  Yohiko, Kaoru and Sanosuke stared as Kenshin readied himself.
  "He's going to use just his battoujutsu," Yohiko mumbled.
  Nobody had time to say anything afterwards as Kenshin lashed out with all his speed.
  Everyone fell over stunned as the stranger seemed to know just when to dodge to the side and rap Kenshin over the head with tsuka of the bokuto.
  "How-" Kenshin stuttered in confusion, rubbing his head.
  The stranger simply loosened the topknot on his head.
  "That technique is inhumn!  Nothing can let a man see behind him!" Yohiko said incredulously.
  Sanosuke blinked.  "That's because he isn't human, Yohiko," he replied as the topknot fell into two, neat, floppy halves.
  "You mean, it wasn't a mask?" Yohiko mumbled in surprise.
  Kaoru facefaulted.
  "Oro," Kenshin mumbled.
  "What?  Haven't you seen a rabbit before?" Usagi asked.

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