Oh! I thought she had already made the connection in her crazed flight from the brigands.
No matter, it ended well, thanks for the lovely story!

Finally!
Though it sickens me that one such as he should touch her, let alone kiss her, it could have been so much worse.
And she figured it out on her own, so it will not derail their future.

I hate being right.

"
"I'm Yahiko Mvoiin," the boy said proudly.
"
You romantic, cruel, lovely big softy jerk! You severely tested my power to restrain a *Squeee!* lol

Oh... so, someone followed them to Hiko, but they should be safe there - unless they attack en masse?

Excellent, finally her healing is uninterrupted.
I hope that Kenshin is not further (spiritually) wounded, but it seems likely :(

Progress... painful, but progress.

*weeps for the loss of Yahiko*
I knew it was so, she was clear that her apprentice had been killed, but it hurts to have it confirmed all the same.
Such is the desperate challenge not to urge Kenshin to take permanent revenge. We know that this must not be, especially for his sake, and yet...

*another happy smile*
First kiss, and one given in reassurance and promise - truly Kenshin's kiss.

*happy sigh*
Glad to return to this story, for the slow, gentle revelation of their characters and the tentative growth of their bonds. I know there will be further conflict - Battousai attracts chaos like bees to honey if nothing else! - yet I'm looking forward to when their flower blooms nonetheless.

*happy dance*

Heh, I wonder what went through Kenshin's mind when he heard the thugs say "SHE" stabbed me lol

Ermmm, hopefully you'll answer this next chapters AN, but why would he leave her (him) if he sees an innocent, yet frightened person with two killers?

It is nice of you to answer questions in reviews.
I'm not sure how you could give such info otherwise, we can either extrapolate (to a degree) or you can go on some internal monologue for... reasons.
In any case it is good information, but not critical to understanding the extremely small world that is KK at this moment.

I am so glad you are portraying Kaoru as Kenshin loves her - strong yet gentle, with an indomitable will yet also a loving heart. She is his balance, and he hers. It is why they are one of my favorite couples.

Very good opening chapter, intriguing!