SharP' Unfinished Symphony.

THE KAMIYA DOUJO

Kaoru's doujo becomes a haven for the series regulars. After Kenshin's arrival, he and Kaoru find themselves helping a boy named Myojin Yahiko. Yahiko has been pressed into the service of a band of local thieves in order to repay a debt. Kaoru goes to rescue him but finds herself outnumbered. Kenshin shows up and rescues them both, gaining the admiration of the boy. When he says he wants to be just like Kenshin, Kenshin replies he's not interested in teaching anyone how to kill and tells him Kaoru should be his teacher. Reluctantly, he agrees.

Sanosuke's introduction to the doujo is somewhat less peaceful. Incredibly strong, Sanosuke uses the giant Zanba sword, which was originally designed to be used by horsemen. The sword proved too unwieldy to be used, but Sanosuke's strength enables him to use it as a normal sword. When he beats up some drunks at the local restaurant, he catches the attention of several people. Sanosuke challenges Kenshin, but he declines. Meanwhile, one of the other men from the bar hires him to kill Kenshin. After several rounds of fighting, Kenshin wins, and Sanosuke tells him that he'll be keeping an eye on him to see if he will really protect those he cares about. Over time, the two gradually become friends.

The final member of the "family" is Megumi. A promising young doctor, she is unknowningly working for another doctor who is providing opium to the local crime lord. When the doctor is killed, the crime lord takes Megumi prisoner, as she also knows how to make the drug. Ultimately, Kenshin frees her from her forced employment and she becomes the neighborhood doctor, providing medical assistance for not only Kenshin and the others but all the people who live in the area.

Over time, the relationships of the characters develop and deepen. There are several subtle and not-so-subtle romantic relationships about to bloom. But the relationships between the characters who come to call the Kamiya doujo home make them seem very much like a family. They are a group of lost souls who find their place in a very troubled world.