Great insight into their relationship and Saito's mindset. You're note at the end about Saito's irritation is the first time that his disgust towards Kenshin makes sense to me. Like he just can't accept that someone that vicious could ever change. Its as tho he feels that Kenshin is running from the truth of himself, like a coward, instead of owning the demon he was. You're point about Saito's high regard, and that he measured himself by Battousai, really illuminates why he takes the change to Rurouni so personally.

Thanks for the character study!

Really excellent! Loved the Saito centric POV.
Thanks for writing.

Amazing.
I hope to see more of these two.
Hope to see it
My email:shinelilac3 at Gmail dot com
:-)

i think it was because in the series, battousai was the only one who challenged him, he enjoyed the fight and was disappointed that kenshin no longer wanted to fight.
gin

Wow. May I say that I love your writing style? Because I do. I have been muttering to myself the whole time I have been reading this, and I do not even care that someone may have noticed.

The relationship between these two is both complex and fascinating and I believe you do the subject matter justice. I totally agree with your interpretation of Saito's character and how he is outraged at Kenshin's decision to be a rurouni.

By the way, personally I am taking your description of their encounters as canon from now on. This story provides an excellent context to their future fight at the dojo and I am sure I will read it again... although maybe I will be careful and do it at home...

Thank you for this gem.