Yahiko is the orphan son of a samurai family. His noble past is tainted by a gang of yakuza (Japanese mafia types) who keep him around to steal money so that he can repay the debt of his dead parents.
Strong headed and a wise ass in every sense of the word, Yahiko is out pick pocketing one day while Kenshin notices him. He stole money from an old man out in town with his grandson, and when he hears the grandson ask for a toy he returns the money to the old man. In this act Kenshin sees that Yahiko is not a bad person and that there must be more to his story.
Yahiko then tries to steal from Kenshin but is foiled. In s strange twist Kenshin tries to give the money to Yahiko, but he refuses to take it (he's more pissed than anything). Kaoru immediately begins to fight with Yahiko and they all leave furious - well all but Kenshin.
While back at the akabeko restaurant Kenshin and Kaoru find out what is going on with Yahiko and Kaoru storms out with the intention of saving this poor boy.
Kaoru manages to win a fixed dice game to gain Yahiko's freedom, but the yakuza had no intention of letting either of them leave. Luckily Kenshin followed Kaoru and defeated all of the yakuza very easily... and scared the head of the gang so much that none of them will ever be bothered ever again!
As the series progresses Yahiko matures as a character and a warrior and even defeats a member of the Juppon Gatana while mimicking some of Kenshin's trademark moves! Kaoru would expect nothing less from the prize student of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu!
|
|
