Awesome one-shot.

I don't think I've ever read Katsu's POV - particularly after his encounter with Kenshin - quite so well articulated.

That sense of Katsu's wanting to fight in a different way against the corruption of the Meiji government was still there as it was in the anime series, but you've given Katsu a maturity and ability to assess and contemplate that didn't come out in the series nearly as well.

Hiding his portraits away, using them as a personal symbol, was a great touch.

Good story!

Well at least you're writing. That's always the first step to regaining a writer's groove. I've always liked the friendship btw Sano and Katsu, and *that smile* is one of the most poignant moments of the anime. I s'pose it's a good thing Ken is hypocritical enough to defend a corrupt government despite his ideals of 10yrs ago, otherwise the Meiji would be in big trouble. But then, he's earned the right.

Heh, and the idea that Sano never wins at dice b/c his luck is used up elsewhere is hilarious. Thanks for that one classic idea!

Sugoi. *Waves banners & cheers*.

great going for a fic. Nice to see what goes inside Katsu's mind. After all he's the more mature of the two Sekihoutai survivors. his chargin at Sano's behaviour was a great read!

Okay, okay. I know you're on the couch about 10ft away from me but... anyway. I think in this story in particular you need to work on the clarity of your sentences. Okay so maybe I'm a bit, um, slow, but this isn't math and not all readers have the author living in the household.
I really like some of the remarks/explanations like the one on how Sano must be bad at gambling. Overall the story is allright and it did make me laugh. Perhaps I'm in a cruel mood or perhaps i'm taking after that lovely Chemistry teacher of mine and don't know how to give full marks( chokes on sarcasm). I left you alone all of yesterday whenever I saw you were writing and though this was entertaining-you are wright promise unfulfilled. I have homework tonight which I plan to actualy get done tonight/this morning so do you want to see a record for nagging? If I were you i'd write Meeting a Legend. Due to nagging of the person sitting next to and across from tou I will now end this scolding/warning. Night all!

You posted something new! I was beginning to think you had fallen off the face of the earth ;) Anyway, I really enjoyed this interesting view from Katsu; very nice job!

Nice internal monologue here--dark, and brooding, and yet, fruitful: "may some day..."

I like how Katsu sees Sano as baiting Saito; Sano probably doesn't even get that, doesn't even realize how risky that it--nice touch, that!