I know this review is probably going to come up as surprise given how late it is! Over a decade but well...I must say I loved it. I raged, I got annoyed with the characters(in a good way) God knows how many times I groaned "you idiots" at Kambei and Nasami and wanted to just slap them on the back of the head for being foolish. But I also understood the characters and why they act like this. They were very realistic with flaws and development. Like I guess Nasami was perhaps a bit too attached to her honor at times, but she was also wise, and I loved seeing Katsuhiro being reckless and so passionate about the code and often overly idealistic about things, but he is the youngest of all 7(8) and young people tend to be like this with 'heads full of fantasies of dying like martyr' and wanting to fight and seeing things in more black/white than different colours and lots of gray areas. I laughed with Shiroji and his teasing esp in last chapters 'don't stop on my account' this was just so brilliant it brought a smile to my face.
I loved Kyuzo and I think I loved him the most in the moments where he came to the rescue of his companions. I do believe he deep down cared about all of them, like sure he wanted to kill Kambei but I sort of started to get this Shino-and-Mugen from Samurai Champloo thing here, that they swear they'll kill each other but don't really do it, even in a moment when they actually could. I cheered when he told Kambei to believe his heart instead of his mind and then summoned his last breath to tell the brooding idiot to stop beating himself up and just go and tell the girl he loves her. And told him she's alive too. It was the evidence of him caring for both of them, at least for me.
I ofc ADORED the romance it was so...my way. I just love those couples that are both aware of how the world looks like, both have seen things and are professional and all that and they fall for each other, because they are equals and treat each other as such but at the same time act reckless and get protective around one another, not because they do not trust the other can take care of themselves but because they are afraid to loose them, they don't want them to get hurt or die, which is an option. and I love the brokeness in their love and how- Kambei- despite saving all the women in rather selfless way, thinks Nasami will hate him because he did break trust with her while doing so, while it was a good deed and she would be proud of him for doing all those noble things though probably she'd be a little angry for the endearing his own life angle and recklessness
Once more great story.

Sue alert, but it's not bad if you can get past that.

Thunder

My sister says, and I quote, "I LOVE YOU SAMURAIKO!"
And I have to say, I quite agree...
"Great writer, you're beautiful. So beautiful I'm in love." ;) haha.
A Funny Admirer

To my anonymous 'admirer' - thank you very much for the kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed the story as much as you have. There are several other stories I've written for the S7 universe (some of which are here, others of which are on my LJ, still more on my website (under ScribblingsSamurai 7). And thank you again for cheering on Nasami's adventures. :) - Ko

Bravo, sensei. Please accept my humblest gratitude. I'll stop bugging you now.
A Content Admirer

My heart is, once again, broken. I bet you are sick of hearing from me, and I suppose I'm being naive to assume that you, sensei, are reading my posts, but someone should receive my gratitude. Someone should know, since I can't tell everyone I read from. I only hope that someday you an receive my appreciation.
A Hopeful Admirer

You just had to do that. You just had to ruin Kambei and Nasami's future, didn't you. But I'm putting my faith in you. If she dies, you'll make it worth it; if she lives, Kambei will still love and care for her. I have absolutely no doubts.
A Trusting Admirer

Picture this: I get to this chapter and realize what I'm about to read. I go to a different and try to avoid reading, but I am inexorably drawn back. I cover my head with a blanket and begin reading. I then spend the entirety of the chapter plugging my ears, moaning, shaking and rocking. I couldn't handle it, but I have absolutely no doubt it needed to happen. I would not have forgiven myself if I had given up. But I'm so incredibly pained, I'm sure my dreams will be saddening tonight. I'm still so very impressed though. Thank you.
An Overwhelmed Admirer

I am so in love! If Kyuzo was a. real and b. he hadn't died, I would so claim him, useless arm or not. He's mine! I'm so sad... I'm about to lose him again! I'm glad that you will give him the sendoff he deserves.
A Grateful Admirer

That was very accurate. I'm impressed. I can't wait to read your rendition of Heihachi and Kyuzo's deaths, but at the same time I'm scared. It was devastating enough to watch. To feel it, to be part of it is going to be much more painful.
A Worried Admirer

So, Nasami betrays her promise, Katsushiro gets a better way to fight and Kambei and the others get to go on one last suicide mission. Nothing like starting a battle with impossible odds huh? Of course that's the name of the game in this series. So why not?
A Matter-Of-Fact (and still Excited) Admirer

You are absolutely brilliant! I love this addition to Kyuzo's personality, this deep, almost romantic wisdom is so endearing. But you have convinced me off of my KyuNasa obsession. Oh well, Kambei and Nasami are made for each other. I can't wait to see how she deals with her... dilemma. Excited!
An Ecstatic Admirer

Well, I was right. You went with horrific instead of tragic. Nice job. You just love keeping me hanging off the tip of your little finger, don't you?
A Sarcastic Admirer

I would stop reading right now, but gosh dang you, you've got me hooked. Still, I have this gut feeling you are going to make up for it, somehow and I have not been wrong about you yet, so despite your public service announcement, I'm reading on, because I trust you.
A Fuming But Still Expectant Admirer

What the heck was that stunt? I think this is the first time I have truly been angry at you, but then again, that is what makes you a great writer. You are playing with my emotions like a cat with a ball of yarn. I must read on, because I know you'll redeem yourself, but if she dies...
A... Slightly Annoyed Admirer