Beautifully written! The scene with Saitou, Okita, Battousai and the irises was superb.

Very introspective. Nicely written & it explores Saito's character rather well.

A wonderful story,and quite a delight to read! To me, this was very poetic, which is unusual for Saito. But then again, no one really knows what is going on inside that head of his, so who knows? (Shrugs) The story was very introspective, as was "Taste" and "Fishbone" before it. It's nice to see what the Wolf Of Mibu thinks of Kenshin other than a rival, and to see him other than Battousai in the Bakumatsu. Okita was a nice addition, he's a favorite character of mine.

There were a lot of lines in here that potrayed how the Bakumatsu was and how people were affected by it, whether it be a Shisengumi or Ishin Shishi. Most of them displayed a comparison between smoke, fire and huan beings. A particularly noticable sentence that struck me was this:

"Blood and death danced together to a tune known as combat."

Simple, yet significant. It really gives the reader a sense of how the Bakumatsu was during the time, chaotic and absolutely brimming with madness. Overall, an amazing piece of literature, nicely done.

Nice insight into Saito's character. I really liked how you wrote his progressive thought. ]

Sheer brilliance.

Wonderfull...and long. Wonder how many sleeples nights you spent dreaming this up. But it was worth it. U did a great job.

Wow! That is all I can say. This is amazing. I'm telling you, it should be posted all over the world for people to read and marvel at. Rock on! _

I must say that this has got to be one of my all time favorite stories. I absolutely love the metaphor use and the depth of the story. You also included detailed author's notes! I had no idea Saito and Nagakura died in the same year! Wonderful job, I look forward to your other works.

A-chan, lovely metaphor use. Very poetic indeed. The idea of Himura crossing paths with Okita of the Shinsengumi at the flower stall is wonderful. I love it!

Thank you. I really loved your fic! Again 4 gatotsu(s) for a fic which capture's RK Saitou's spirit.

Absolutely wonderful! Listen for electronic applause now. This story is wonderfully written and so rich observed both in characterizations and in historic detail. This is so refreshing. You methapors are so clear and evocative. My favorite line of all is the descritpion of Kenshin as water, "He was water, flowing with the times. He rushed in violently if needed, as he did in the Bakumastu, but watching him here, in the Meiji, I realized he was content simply trickling his way along, like a quiet stream." Those are words that seems so perfect that I know they will stick with me in understanding Kenshin.

What an incredible story! I'm not sure I can even put into words how wonderful I thought this was! It's definitely going on my favorites list, that it is. ::blinks, looks at what she just wrote and groans:: Did I just write that? I must've been reading way too much RK lately. Either that or it has something to do with it being one in the morning...

Anyway, I definitely don't have any criticisms for this peice, it is one of the most insightful and inspired pieces I think I've ever read. I love the metaphors you employ throughout the story and really like the look you give into both Saito's and Kenshin's characters. Beautifully done!

you suck

I am very inpressed by your research and your writing ability. You rock. Ya should write some original fiction and enter it in some writing contests or something. Keep up the uber cool work, and I look forward to reading your other stuff. LATERS!

PS - HEY! Review some of my stuff, no da?

Iris. Fire. Smoke. Water. Stone. Your metaphors were amazing. Reading this story was like reading poetry. The color imagery was the best I've seen on ffdotnet. The historical background -both of the meijii restoration period and Watsuki's series -was meticulous and well done. You captured Saitoh's personality and motivations with consumate skill. You are an incredible author. I'm adding this to my Favorites list right now. I'm still in shock about how good this was. You are, in a word, awesome!