Sai just stands there, not believing what has happened. Hajime explains to Bantaro that in order to be able to defeat possessed Shiro, she must have total concentration. She cannot, for even one moment, hesitate in her actions. Because of this, she has locked Jiyu's soul away. Hajime also explains that Shiro is possessed by Taiko Daiyu, the re-born, ghost form of Daigo Ryujoji. Sai refuses to leave Jubei alone like he did long ago. The Ruffians attack Koinosuke, blaming him for everything. It was him, after all, that brought the lovely eye-patch to Jubei in the first place. Sai asks Koinosuke what he has against his daughter. What did she do to deserve this. Koinosuke replies that he was only following the wishes of his master. Sai punches him again. Hajime shows up and says that if Jubei hadn't fought, his family, and all Ryujoji would still be consumed by the curse of hatred. To Sai however, that doesn't matter. He wants to know how to get Jiyu back. Yagyu Jubei finds Shiro and they duel again. She is still tired though and falls quickly. However, Shiro is not able to kill her. Shiro rejects Taiko Daiyu and Jubei expels him from Shiro's body. Sai picks up a sword, and challenges Yagyu Jubei himself. He calls to Taiko Daiyu claiming that if he needs a body to fight Yagyu Jubei, he will provide one! Sai becomes possessed and attacks Yagyu Jubei. A vicious fight ensues. Sai is stronger than anyone thinks however, and his soul calls to Jiyu's. He tells her he will give her a sign, and on that sign, she is to return to being Jiyu. Possessed Sai hurtles himself at Yagyu Jubei, and Sai's voice is heard calling "Jubei!". Sai's sword (blunt side) hits Yagyu Jubei, and Sai pulls himself, and Jiyu out from Yagyu Jubei and Taiko Daiyu. Yagyu Jubei turns to give one more look, then turns her sword into Taiko Daiyu and destroys him. Yagyu Jubei disappears as Jiyu looks on over her father's shoulder. Mikage wakes up in the doctors office and Shiro wakes up and finds that both Taiko Daiyu and Yagyu Jubei have both disappeared for good. Jubei tells Sai that she heard his voice. She also heard the song Bantaro sang for her. She welcomes Shiro back. There is still one person to take care of. In the background, Koinosuke picks up the lovely eye-patch and runs off. Jubei runs after him. Koinosuke apologizes for all he's caused her. Koinosuke calls to his master, Yagyu Jubei, who's spirit appears before him. He tells him that he has done well, and calls him to his side once more. Koinosuke begins to disappear as Jubei runs up to him. He says its better this way. Jubei asks him not to leave. Koinosuke admits he wasn't much help as a samurai, but admits that in his 300 years, his short time with her has been his happiest. He says a final farewell to everyone, and Shiro and Hajime tell him they've all been saved because of the lovely eye-patch. He disappears suddenly and everyone just stands there. Jubei screams "no!" She is staring at a small house Koinosuke built for himself. She realizes all the friends she still has. She calls everyone together at the desert shop she never managed to go to with Maro and Saichi to celebrate the formation of both the "New Student Lovelies" and the "People defeated by Jubei" club. Sai finds out on the way that Mikage is doing much better and....married. His poor heart is broken ;_; Everyone at the desert shop raises their deserts in a cheer. Everyone is talking and having fun. The Ruffians look at some manga and see the oddly drawn character who challenged Jubei, Tenchi Muyosuke, in it. Jubei suddenly realizes she still has the "koinosuke whistle" She knows that she can call Koinosuke to her side at anytime. <END> |