nice

Just one nitpick, being a millitary historian and mythology buff. The Kusanagi no Tsurugi was NOT a curved sword. It was a double edged straight sword similar to a Roman Spatha, called a Tsurugi. Tsurugi were the Samurai longsword before the Katana was invented.

I like all of this detail and feel that you are remarkably true to character. You have a definite talent for fighting scenes. I can visualize these events well! I've had /similar/ inspiration for a fanfic. I'm writing many sketches right now, but have yet to post even one. You've done better than I would, and now I'd feel I was copying, even if unintentionally. If you don't mind parallel moments, I'll send it to you for approval if I ever finish and feel like posting it. I look forward to your next chapter!

Kenshin was about 28 in the anime series when he first met Karou, who was about 17. Misao was 16, Sano about 19, Soujiro 18, Yaiko 11, and Aoshi was 26 or 27 I think. Not sure about Megumi though. I'm pretty sure she was suppose to be a teen, but I was always under the impression that she was in her early 20s. Either way, cool fic! :)

i'd also suggest when naming the HMR moves that you loose the hyphens in between. it breaks the mood apart a bit and kinda rattles when it comes to reading. "Kuzu Ryuu Sen" compared with your "Ku - Zu - Ryu - Sen" (i'm prone with extending vowels so don't mind me). *shakes head to clear up webs*

on Ryuu Sou Sen, you kinda messed up. you get a heck of bruising (or slicing) on the shoulder/head with Ryuu Tsui Sen as Kenshin is using gravity to his advantage. Ryuu Sou Sen is literally a rain of blows all over the body; not same to Kuzu Ryuu, which strikes all 9 vital points at once for newbies. (was a RK nutcase, still am)

hope that cleared up some of my gripes. ganbare!

I think you made a mistake. It looked to me that Kenshin/Shinta performed the Ryu Tsui Sen instead of the Ryu Sou Sen. Ryu Tsui Sen is when Kenshin jumps high in the air and slams his sword on to his opponent as he goes back down. Ryu Sou Sen is a rapid fire, multiple hit attack that he once used against Sanosuke, when he noticed that one hit isn't enough to bring him down.

update soon! it's a great story and i can't wait for the next chapter! ^_^

This is an superb chapter! I can't wait to see more. I've always loved supernatural stories involving kenshin (there's too much going on in the series to be explained normally) The death-master-in-ultimate attack theory you expain here is actually something I've toyed around with and may eventually write. Your research for gods and assorted info was wonderful broadening my knowledge. Makes me want to check out a book on Shinto. Your insigt into Shishio is also wonderful. Question, is Hiko alive in the OAV? (Refuses to watch it...*sob* KENSHIN! NO!) Ironically I believe Shinta means purity...funny he should be with a god. Anyway, hope for more soon!

Wow, I'm definately putting you on my Author Alert list! Your writing is very good, which is a major plus, and the plot is very interesting.

I would like to first start off with telling you that you have a good story going here. Now that that is out of the way on to the review. I like the part about how you have Kenshin sitting in purgatory rather than in heaven, and I agree with that because Kenshin has had so much guilt that he's had to run around with I feel as you do that he would not be able to let it go. I also like the way you told that story of how Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu was given to mortals as a gift form the gods, I also liked the way it was given to mortals. I think the way you handle how Kenshin's family was doing with his death, I like to think that it would take something as drastic as one of the Kenshin-gumi dieing to bring Sanosuke and Megumi's feelings for one another to the surface.Though I was a little shocked at the fact that you still had it to where Kenji still showed some resentment for his father,but I will say this you pulled it out with his wanting to listen to Sano's stories of his younger days. I also agree with the fact that Sano did not like the fact that he was seeing what happened to Kenshin happening to Kaoru. I really can't think of anything more to say really because there is only one chapter that I hope there will be more of. Before I forget you made mention in your Auther's notes that you were not sure about the characters ages well here are some of their ages at the start of the series, Kenshin 28,Kaoru 17,Sano 18,and Megumi 22
Well Ja.
P.S. I aplogise for any spelling and or grammatical errors(English was never my best subject) Also if I could ask if you would reply,to this review you it does help to know that people actully care about what I have to say about there stories.

I really like the premise for this story, and it's executed so well. You've got a talent for manipulating actual Japanese mythology so that it meshes believably with the RK storyline- so THAT'S where the "god-like speed" element comes from! Good thing Hiko wasn't aware of the origin of the style, or we'd constantly be hearing him boast about his inherited divinity! ^_^
I wish I could offer more constructive comments on the writing, but it flowed so well (and I was so caught up in the story) that I couldn'y seem to find any glaringly obvious mistakes, technical or otherwise. My only advice- keep up with the writing! I can already tell this story will be well-worth the effort. Kudos.

Hm. An interesting start. I look forward to more