THE END
:
If you don't include the cute Picnic story with Kenji, family and friends, Misao's part in the manga ends in a very touching way. If you'd like to view/download the translated version, please check here. Please don't take her scans without asking.
We begin with Kaoru bringing in her gifts for Okina and the rest of the Oniwabanshu. She finds Misao curled on the floor against her bag, and when Kaoru asks where Aoshi is, Misao replies that he's having "tea" with Himura. By this point Misao is clinging on to Kaoru, begging her to let her and Aoshi stay longer. But Kaoru is in her own little world.
Inside, Kenshin sighs at Aoshi's lack of conversation. Finally, Kenshin thanks him for his help with their latest incident, while Aoshi merely responds with "Yeah." Twice. Kenshin then tells him, "Although you work outside the law, don't kill people too freely." And Aoshi assures him that he'll take his advice to heart. Aoshi then stands up to leave, nearly running into Kaoru who's at the door with Misao with a tray of snacks for their tea. He tells her that they're finished, and when she starts to thank him as well, he tells her Kenshin has already done so. On the other hand, Kenshin recognizes the snack right away, and looks very happy.
Misao asks Aoshi if they're really going to be leaving the next day. Kenshin points out that they would be happy to have them stay longer, and Kaoru agrees. She even goes as far as to say that Misao could stay longer by herself if it came down to it. Aoshi explains that they have to move "them" (the deceased Oni.'s) to the mountains soon, as their weather is a step ahead of their current location, and they would have to wait until the next spring to bury them. Realizing her misake, Misao quickly apologizes and thanks them for the offer. Kenshin and Kaoru both agree that it was for the best.
Kenshin points out that Aoshi has lived a "melancholy" life that most wouldn't understand. Kaoru concludes by thinking to herself that she knows this, but can't help be see a place of comfort in his heart, and the flower that resides in it. (I'm pretty sure she's referring to Misao, or his "new life")
back to info