Hm... how about updating after another year on hiatus? It's very good.

its been so long since ive read this, hope you update soon ive missed this fic.

Oh, agony...after 28 chapters and you stopped posting right when the climatic battle for the future of Japan is to begin!

I hate reviews that just say update but I certainly hope you do. I'll be waiting.

I think this is a very complex and interesting story. Even though I think Kenshin is very OOC, I still enjoy your story and I do hope you finish it.

You made Gein absolutely the creepiest villan ever. That was a truly horrible image but quite effective for the story.

Damn, I am a bit concerned when you ask if people want to see Kaoru dead! I was thinking that Kenshin was going to actually take something positive away from this and I didn’t think Kaoru's death would be it. I will read on but I fear there is that angst ridden ending laying in wait. Personally, I like happy endings. RL has enough problems. It seems that fan fiction should at least be a place where things go right in the end.

Well, I must admit you have caught my attention with this story. Although I do think this characterization of Kenshin is a bit bizarre, I do want to see what you do with it. I certainly hope he comes to accept his own needs and desires while he helps people. This version if Kenshin is very out of balance.

Well, I like your story but I have to say that I think Kenshin is so OOC here. I can never imagine him being that cruel to Kaoru under any circumstnaces.

Well, I am very confused about Kenshin. It seems that in this chapter, it was more of a situation of his repressed desire taking control than a third personality, something which makes a lot more sense to me. I guess I'll just have to read on.

Well, I really thought you were treating Kenshin as a person divided against himself, even despising himself but not a split personality. Now it seems as if he is a split personality with even more personas to deal with. I personally don't see him this way and find it more of an artifice to deal with the complexities of his character. I'll have to see how you handle it but I am rather hoping this does not turn into a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide" tale.
As for this new side of Kenshin, I am can imagine him being angry with himself for so wanting Kaoru’s love and even being angry with Kaoru for "making" him love her. I just think the idea of him salivating at the idea of "soiling" or "staining" her is a little weird. I see Kenshin as someone who feels he is undeserving of love and in that respect his love would stain her. Somehow his declaration that he wants, "…To soil you, to make you mine" just doesn't suit him. Of course, I guess your point here is that he isn’t the person we generally know him to be.

Good cliff-hanger!

Great job with thte action sequecnces. i loved the quick Saito scene. So that officer was a spy? I love the dry way Saito goes right to it.
I really liked the 3 ring circus in the temple. You kept each fight fresh and different. I am glad that Kaoru had a chance to finish her fight and then to save Kenshin for a change. That should make her feel better about her skills.

has not let me post reviews for the last few chapters so I will summarize some comments here.
I liked Kaoru's dream sequence. It was vivid and clearly showed what she was concerned about. Hopefully (but doubtfully), her crying out in the night will get Kenshin to talk to her.
I am impressed that Megumi noticed the ninja out of everyone!
I like the way you had Aoshi face the fact that the Oniwabanshu need him as leader. I also liked that he had the sense of tradition, courtesy and respect to challenge Misao for it. Of course, he didn't expect to fight her but I think she would appreciate that he treated her seriously.
I like the villains you are created. You took the time to create a longer sense of history for them and their grievances.

I find the idea of Kenshin being angry with Kaoru very interesting. Is he angry with her because she is so giving and kind? Because she suggests that he is not unworthy?
By the way, even though you had Kenshin have a dialog with Battousai, I am glad that you are characterizing him as one person, even if he is someone who hasn’t accepted that fact about himself yet.

I feel so strongly that I have read this story before but I checked the review list and I don't see any reviews from me. In any case, although it seems familiar, I can’t quite remember the story so I anticipate the enjoyment of rediscovery.

I am excited to find this story. Although you obviously originally posted it years ago, it is new to me and a new, Meiji era fiction that promises to stay true to canon roots is always a reason to celebrate.