Wow! A shishio fic. very rare. At first, I was assuming this was Kenshin. But as I read along, I thought it couldn't be him. The way of thinking is too different.

Katsura's characterization here is what struck me the most. It's a contrast to the Katsura who cared so much for his first hitokiri. In reality, he can be a demon when necessary (which is most of the time). I like the idea that from the beginning, Katsura has already read through Shishio's motives.

Great fic. Thank you!XD

I love how you trace the train of his thoughts so smoothly. Shishio's candid view of the world never fails to thrill me. And I like how his confident attitude contrasts with the imagery of the fallen and himself in the end. I wish he could put up a better fight, but even the greatest are helpless before political machinations, I guess!

Wow, this was powerful! Dark and heavy, just like I like them. :-)

And you really caught his character--it was perfectly obvious, hinted with the most-un-Kenshin-like sneer, truly revealed with his contempt for the assignment, and developed to a most detailed degree with his inner thoughts and reactions, especially his cynicism regarding his "target"--GREAT characterization! Congratulations on that.

The scene was wonderfully visual and audible, tightly focused, so that we feel that we are right next to him, and get to be startled along with him at his name's pronouncement, get to feel his instant regret and "dammit" at being caught off guard.

I like your take on how they took him down--very realistic and visceral. I was also interested in your depiction of the relationship between commander and solder--I tend to paint Katsura as having some idea of his potential and, to the end, intending to "reclaim" him in the face of his (to us) obviously irredeemable mental state.

A deeply satisfying scene--thanks!