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opinions

psychoanalysis • pairings • clones • from hate to love

Nobuhiro Watsuki did not give Yukishiro Enishi a female match, probably so as not to complicate matters in the Jinchuu arc. Therefore, fanfiction alternate pairings are “alternate” not because of him, but because of the girls he is paired with, who have matches of their own. With a little work, all are possible and plausible.

Kaoru

While a fan favorite, it takes major convincing skills in a writer to prove that Kaoru will not look for Kenshin. Some writers make it easier for themselves and take out Kenshin altogether, placing them in an alternate universe.

Many supporters of the E/K pairing point to the days Kaoru and Enishi spent almost alone together in the island trading post. I beg to disagree. At that point, Kaoru’s mind was almost completely on Kenshin, and Enishi only considered Kaoru as Kenshin’s woman and his hostage. With such a tense situation as that, it will take many more days than was given in the manga to result in a relationship of convenience (I’m here and you’re here).

With that said, Kaoru’s belief that he is not entirely the bad man he seems will eventually make her forgive him. She is the girl who most reminds him of his sister. She has the understanding heart that a troubled heart like him needs most.

Misao

Is it actually possible to make Misao look at another man aside from the beloved okashira? Yes. Very difficult, but yes.

The relationship between Misao and Aoshi is rather vague, all considered. We have no clear idea if Aoshi really loves Misao as a woman, or as a little sister and foster daughter. It is possible that all the affection we see in him for her is just fondness and friendship, nothing more. Likewise with Misao, it was never clear if what she has is true love, or an infatuation with the man who raised her. Granted that the feeling was mutual, and that love was indeed present, the unspoken, one-sided relationship will eventually drive the female half out of it, in exasperation. Enter a man who does express his feelings, and does need a real breathing woman to comfort him.

She is the girl most unlike Tomoe, which could be a good thing. Her general cheerfulness and optimistic view of life will help him see the happier side of life, and hopefully make him a better for it.

Megumi

Fanfiction writers tend to avoid this pairing, not because it is not plausible. On the contrary, among the three ladies, she is most available for pairing. Understand that while Megumi is usually stuck with Sanosuke, no formal relationship between them was established, the way it is with Kenshin and Kaoru, and Misao and Aoshi. Then, by the end of Jinchuu arc, Sano has left the country and Megumi has returned to her hometown.

Writers avoid Megumi, because Megumi as a personality requires insight to understand. In many ways Enishi and Megumi are similar. Their stern presence only hides a trauma of the evil side of the world they had seen. They show outer strength to conceal their need for inner support. The presence of love for her fellow man as a doctor changed Megumi for the better. Hopefully her presence in his life would do the same.

Originals

Most successful original females I have seen paired to Enishi tend to be on the strong side. A weak-minded woman does not stand a chance against such a strong-willed and confused young man. The Mary Sue is definitely not tolerated. The woman sees him for everything he is, hard as that might be. But whatever he does allow her to see, she takes it and tries to make him understand it.

Whichever lady you choose, whichever path you take, enjoy the chance to see another side of Enishi, and the power in your hands to change him.