Kenshin is older now. He has long since given up the sword and his body is feeling the effects of so many brutal encounters, as well as the diseases he tried to help people overcome. To top it off, he's nearly drowned saving a sailor from being washed overboard - and has amnesia as a result. But someone gets the word to Sagara Sanosuke, his long-time friend, and Sano is there, without hesitation, to retrieve Ken and help him home to Kaoru where he belongs.

Sano gazes deeply into Kenshin's eyes here. So many emotions are written on his face... respect, love, disbelief that such a powerful man could have been reduced to such a state. Pain that Kenshin is in pain. But above all, friendship, plain and simple. And Kenshin, in his muddled state, looks back trustingly. Slowly and painfully he breathes "Sano-suke.. Ari-gatou." And Sano embraces Kenshin, knowing this is the last time he'll see his friend.

I know that many simply despise this imagined ending to Kenshin's life, which goes beyond the bounds of what was actually written about him. Yet, to me, this is an echo of so many things said about Kenshin during the series. He's a simple, pure-hearted man. His small body will eventually break, and potentially his mind as well. His face is so carefully aged here, with just a few lines showing the fatigue and pain so well. As will we all, he has lost his youthful beauty and grace. But what remains, in the end, is friendship, and trust. And love.