A Dojo Without Students
The day after the fight with the sword-bearing police, more than fifteen people gather at the Kamiya Dōjō, eager to study kenjutsu under Kenshin. However, Kenshin refuses, saying he will not take any students. This deeply frustrates Kaoru, who saw in them the hope of reviving her struggling dōjō. With no one to train, Kaoru insists on sparring at another school, dragging Kenshin along with her.
Yahiko’s Struggle
As they cross a wooden bridge, a boy tries to steal Kenshin’s wallet. While Kaoru intervenes, Kenshin calmly lets the boy have it, only for the child—insulted by Kenshin’s pity—to throw it back. The boy, Yahiko, is later revealed to be trapped under the thumb of local Yakuza thugs. When he refuses to keep paying them with stolen money, he suffers a brutal beating. His defiance grows stronger after the thugs insult his late parents, showing a fiery spirit that refuses to submit.
A New Student
Just as Yahiko is about to be killed by Gasuke, Kenshin bursts into the hideout, effortlessly defeating the thugs and saving the boy. With quiet authority, he forces the Yakuza boss to release Yahiko. Back at the Kamiya Dōjō, Kaoru welcomes Yahiko as her new student. Despite his rough edges, Yahiko’s courage and determination make him the perfect disciple to carry on the spirit of Kamiya Kasshin-ryū.
Final Thoughts
This act introduces Yahiko, a character who adds both energy and heart to the story. His rebellious determination and tragic background make him an excellent contrast to Kenshin’s calm maturity. Together with Kaoru, the three begin to form a new kind of family inside the Kamiya Dōjō.
All images are personal captures taken from my own physical copy of the manga.