Rurouni Kenshin (Japanese: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-, Hepburn: Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan-)[a] is a Japanese anime television series, based on the mangaseries of the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is the second anime television series adaptation after the 1996–98 series. Animated by Liden Films, the series' first season, which was directed and storyboarded by Hideyo Yamamoto, aired from July to December 2023 on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block. A second season, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance and directed by Yuki Komada, premiered in October 2024.
Premise
In the Meiji era in Japan, Himura Kenshin is a pacifistic rōnin, wandering the country and helping people with his swordsmanship skills. Once a deadly and feared political assassin known as Hitokiri Battōsai, he has since led a path of peace, wielding a reverse-bladed sword, known as sakabatō, in a vow to never again take another life.
Yamamoto said that he used to watch all Rurouni Kenshin works during his youth, and was in particular impressed by the original video animations for its different artwork. He came to think the main appeal of the series was how the series showed people's lives in the Meiji era and how Kenshin not only fought enemies but also helped them redeem from their crimes while interacting with them. The latter was further noted to make Kenshin as a man every viewer wants to be like. From the beginning, he was thinking that he wanted to show "a way of foreshadowing" but wanted the details to be subtle, similar to the dramas that often air next to Kenshin. In contrast to the more comical original work, Yamamoto aimed to make the narrative more serious and avoid slapstick or superdeformed designs in order to make it more realistic. In animating the work, they used 3DCG with 3-D models of the rooms, fitting for the modern age. Horse carriages were animated through CGI as they were a common vehicle used in the Meiji. In regards to the action, the animation was given a more unique style for the fight scenes. The designs were made by Nishii under supervision by Yamamoto and Watsuki. Careful detail was given to the kimono and other clothing featured in the anime.[21]
Among many supervisions of the series, Kaoru Kurosaki [ja] and Watsuki aimed to make it fitting for the Reiwa era as well as accessible to both newcomers and returning audience. The story arc involving Raijuta was revised in order to be improved in the 2023 anime. Kurosaki in particular revised the scripts of the Raijuta episodes. Kurata came up with new ideas to revisit Sanosuke's backstory in order to bring further depth to the character.[22] Meetings were done in order to supervise most episodes. While the clothing remained the same, the way bodies are drawn were revised due to improvements from the graphic style from the manga and 1990s version. Soma Saito was chosen because the staff found him fitting to portray both the gentle and rude demeanors of Kenshin. After the musical based on the manga was done, the staff found the manga very comical and wanted to generate different style with the new anime, to the point Kenshin no longer says his expression of "Oro?" meant to sound as comic relief to his reactions in jokes. Nevertheless, there was still a desire to keep some comical scenes.[23]
Kenshin's voice actor, Soma Saito, said he was a fan of the series ever since he was a child and looks forward to creating his own take of Kenshin. Meanwhile, Kaoru's voice actress, Rie Takahashi, was surprised she was selected to voice the heroine and, similar to Saito, wanted to create an appealing version of Karou.[24] Other main voice actors include Makoto Koichi, Yahiko's voice actor, who commented that she aimed to portray his passionate spirit, and Taku Yashiro, Sanosuke's voice actor, who expressed that he aimed to portray various aspects of his personality, such as his "straightness, youthfulness, roughness, strength, and warmth."[25]
On December 16, 2023, a second season, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance (京都動乱, Kyōto Dōran), was announced at Jump Festa '24.[26] Yuki Komada replaced Yamamoto for the second season, while Kazuo Watanabe (first season's sub-character designer and chief animation director) joined Nishii for the character designs.[27][28]
Release
The first season of Rurouni Kenshin ran for two consecutive cours, for a total of 24 episodes aired from July 7 to December 15, 2023, on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block.[9][29][30][b] For the first cours, the opening theme is "Hiten" (飛天), performed by Ayase and R-Shitei [ja] (under the name Ayase×R-Shitei),[9] while the ending theme is "Kissaki" (切っ先, "Edge"), performed by Reol.[29] For the second cours, the opening theme is "Rurō no Katashiro" (るろうの形代, "Wandering Cloth"), performed by Masaki Suda and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (under the name Masaki Suda×Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra), while the ending theme is "Sonzai Shōmei" (存在証明, "Existence"), performed by Kid Phenomenon.[32] The episodes were collected by Aniplex on eight DVDs and Blu-ray sets; the first volume was released on October 25, 2023,[33] and the last one on May 29, 2024.[34]
Following the first season's finale, it was announced that the series was renewed for a second season.[26] Subtitled Kyoto Disturbance, it premiered on October 4, 2024, on the same programming block, and is set to run for two consecutive cours.[35][15][c] For the second season's first cours, the opening theme is "Chained" (also known as "Iranai Mono" (いらないもの, "Unnecessary Things")), performed by Tatsuya Kitani and Natori [ja] (under the name Tatsuya Kitani×Natori),[37][36] while the ending theme is "Suikōsetten" (水光接天), performed by Nomelon Nolemon [ja].[38]
Aniplex of America screened the U.S. premiere for the series at the 2023 Anime Expo on July 3 in the Main Events stage of the Los Angeles Convention Center. A conversation between Aniplex producer Masami Niwa and voice actors Soma Saito and Rie Takahashi followed the screening.[39]Crunchyroll is streaming the series outside of Asia.[40] An English dub premiered on October 15, 2023, although neither Aniplex of America nor Crunchyroll revealed the cast.[41][42] The English dub for the second season premiered on October 24, 2024.[43]
10 years after the Bakumatsu's end, the former assassin "Hitokiri Himura Battosai" wanders around Tokyo where he is attacked by swordsmanship teacher Kamiya Kaoru from the Kamiya Kasshin dojo. Himura gives up, claiming his weapon, the sakabatō, is unable to kill a person. Just then, a man claiming to be Battosai himself studying the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu causes riots in the city and Himura escapes with Kaoru after seeing her wounded. In the dojo, Himura learns of Kaoru's values of how a sword can used to save others and suspects one of her aids, Kihee, might be related to Battosai. After Himura investigates Kihee, the fake Battosai invades the dojo, revealing Kihee as his older brother aiming to take the place. Himura then reveals his true identity and easily defeats Hiruma's forces, sparing them with his sakabatō. As Himura is about to leave, Kaoru asks him to help her with the dojo as she does not care about his past. He accepts the idea, revealing his true name is Himura Kenshin.
As he is about to split from Kaoru to buy food, Kenshin is robbed by a child, Myojin Yahiko, but allows him to take his wallet out of pity. This enrages Yahiko and he throws it back, causing Kenshin to remark that he should keep that mature attitude before doing this. Later, Kenshin is arrested by policemen for wielding a sword, but a more ruthless group takes the case sadistically. When Kaoru tries to alert Kenshin about the policemen, Kenshin defeats all of them. He is then spotted by his former ally Yamagata Aritomo, a politician from the Meiji era who wants him back, but Kenshin denies any privilege as he aims to continue his own way of life. Having seen Kenshin's fight, Yahiko remembers his words and gives up being a thief. However, this causes him to be abused by his superiors.
The yakuza beat Yahiko and mock his late parents until Kenshin reaches the area and intimidates the leader into releasing him. Learning from the child that he wants to be strong to protect his parents' reputation, Kenshin decides to make Yahiko the next student of Kaoru's Kasshin-ryu. However, following his recovery, he remains rebellious towards Kaoru. When two students appear asking for Kaoru's help due to being involved in a fight with bandits, Yahiko realizes the students were drunk and had caused the confrontation. Nevertheless, Kaoru takes responsibility, earning Yahiko's respect as he decides to fight alongside her. Kenshin then returns to the dojo, scares the bandits, and tells Kaoru's former students never to wield a sword again. Despite Kaoru and Kenshin's specific thoughts about their beliefs, they change their mind when Yahiko picks up his wooden sword and starts cleaning up the place.
4
4
"The Fighter for Hire – Sanosuke Sagara" Transliteration: "Kenka no Otoko・Sagara Sanosuke" (Japanese: 喧嘩の男・相楽左之助)
Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko go to Akabeko restaurant where a trio of drunk men causes mayhem while talking about politicians. As Kenshin is about to face them, he is interrupted by a young man named Sagara Sanosuke who easily beats them. After Kenshin scares them with his sword, Sanosuke explains that he is a fighter-for-hire and is interested in seeing Kenshin's strength. Although Kenshin rejects the offer, Sanosuke later finds the Hiruma brothers, who ask for his help to kill Kenshin. Sanosuke is initially reluctant until learning he is from the Ishin Shishi. Sanosuke once again challenges Kenshin who accepts upon discovering he was hired by the Hirumas. Using his large lance-like zanbatō, Sanosuke tries to kill his opponent, but Kenshin easily dodges his moves.
5
5
"And Then, Another" Transliteration: "Soshite Nakama ga Mata Ichi-nin" (Japanese: そして仲間がまた一人)
With his superior skill, Kenshin easily bests Sanosuke, but his anger towards the Ishin Shishi for killing his captain Sagara Sōzō from the Sekihōtai during the revolution pushes him to keep fighting. Kihee takes advantage and tries to shoot Kenshin but he blocks the bullet with his tsuba. His brother then attempts to take Kaoru and Yahiko but Sanosuke stops him with his zanbatō. He and Kenshin engage in another clash in which his sakabatō slices his zanbatō, leaving Kenshin victorious. Sanosuke refuses to give up until he realizes that Kenshin is not like the Ishin Shishi he hates due to his values in regard to the actual revolution. The next day, a wounded but recovering Sanosuke beats up drunken people in the Akabeko and befriends Kenshin, thanking him for testing his values.
The deaths of several politicians at the hands of a single swordsman forces the police to request Kenshin and Sanosuke's aid as bodyguards for the next likely target. During the night, Kenshin suspects the swordsman might be an old rival based on the supernatural technique he used. At midnight, the killer, former Shinsengumi and hitokiri Jin-e, appears and begins killing the man's bodyguards. He easily paralyzes Sanosuke and the rest with his chi, but Kenshin resists. Attracted by his ability, Jin-e escapes, having decided to target him. Despite Kenshin wanting to fight him alone, Kaoru confronts Kenshin, making him promise not to leave the town until he returns her bow. However, Jin-e kidnaps her, enraging Kenshin.
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"The Two Hitokiri" Transliteration: "Hitokiri Futari" (Japanese: 人斬りふたり)
Following Jin-e's instructions, Kenshin finds his enemy's location where he keeps Kaoru. Jin-e easily bests Kenshin as he claims he was stronger in the Bakumatsu when showing a notable thirst for blood. Disappointed, Jin-e paralyzes Kaoru, giving her little time before her death. This causes Kenshin to go back to his Hitokiri Battosai persona and tries to kill him with his battojutsu techniques to overwhelm his enemy. Before Kenshin kills his enemy, Kaoru remembers his kind personality and breaks free of Jin-e's control so that Kenshin will not break his vow of not killing. Jin-e kills himself but not before taunting Kenshin in his final moments. Returning to the dojo, Kenshin and Kaoru thank each other for preventing a murder from happening but the latter is displeased upon seeing her bow now covered in blood.
8
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"Beauty on the Run" Transliteration: "Tōsō Reijo" (Japanese: 逃走麗女)
While gambling with his friends and Kenshin, Sanosuke becomes shocked to hear that one of them has died after becoming an opium addict. They are then spotted by a woman named Takani Megumi who is being pursued by two men and an assassin, Beshimi. After defeating them, Kenshin and Sanosuke learn Megumi too carries opium and tries hiding it from Kaoru. This results in the group being kicked out of the dojo. One of Sanosuke's friends reveals the two men have been executed by Takeda Kanryu, who is responsible for bringing the drug to Tokyo. Kenshin is startled by his bodyguard Shinomori Aoshi, the leader of the Oniwaban forces. As they return to the dojo, Kenshin asks Megumi for further information but she refuses to divulge sensitive material. After apologizing to Kaoru for lying about the current problem, a large man from the Oniwaban, Hyottoko, attacks the dojo.
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"The Oniwabanshu Strike" Transliteration: "Oniwaban Kyōshū" (Japanese: 御庭番強襲)
Hyottoko tries to incinerate Kenshin and Sanosuke but is quickly defeated. A hidden Beshimi tries to kill Megumi with a poisonous bullet but Yahiko blocks the shot. As the poison takes effect, Kenshin tries to attack Beshimi but is interrupted by the Oniwaban Hannya. Kenshin injures him but he escapes with the men. Megumi helps create an antidote to heal Yahiko. It is revealed that Megumi originally belonged to the Takani clan, who forced their children to study Western medicine. After a conflict in Aizu, Megumi loses her family and is forced by Kanryu to produce the opium he distributes. Realizing the guilt she carries, Kenshin requests Megumi to stay in the dojo which Kaoru agrees with. As a wounded Hannya reports to Shinomori about Kenshin, his boss becomes interested in the swordsman. In the post-credits scene, Kanryu becomes delighted upon seeing an unknown item on a Western ship.
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"A Reason to Act" Transliteration: "Ugoku Wake" (Japanese: 動く理由)
Though Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko accept Megumi, Sanosuke remains resentful over her previous work. Hannya approaches Megumi while she is alone at the dojo and threatens her into meeting with Kanryu. Arriving at his headquarters, Megumi tries to kill him but is stopped by Shinomori and taken prisoner. Kenshin goes to rescue her and convinces Sanosuke to join him. Accompanied by Yahiko, they storm the compound and defeat Kanryu's private army. As they reach his mansion, Kanryu attempts to recruit Hitokiri Battosai as a bodyguard but is refused. Entering the room where she is held, Shinomori returns Megumi's knife and implores her to choose between a peaceful end at her hands or being tortured to death by Kanryu. As Kenshin's group enters the mansion, they are confronted by Hannya.
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"Savage Han'nya – Honorable Shikijo" Transliteration: "Sōretsu no Hannya・Sōi no Shikijō" (Japanese: 壮烈の般若・創痍の式尉)
Kenshin fights Hannya but initially struggles to avoid getting hit. Using his sakabatō pointed forward in a defensive stance, he determines that Hannya's tattoos are giving the illusion of his arms changing length, allowing him to land a blow. Hannya's mask breaks, revealing a mutilated face due to his work as a spy. Kenshin defeats Hannya and the group move to the next floor of the mansion, where they are confronted by the physically imposing Shikijo. Sanosuke decides to face him alone while Kenshin and Yahiko find Megumi. Shikijo reveals how Shinomori took him in for his strength and invites Sanosuke to join them, impressed by his'. Preferring Kenshin's pacifist values over the strength of the Oniwaban, Sanosuke defeats Shikijo but loses consciousness soon after. Elsewhere, Kenshin confronts Shinomori and both prepare to fight.
Shinomori easily overpowers Kenshin with his kenpo fighting style and shorter kodachi. After Kenshin understands his technique, he grips his sakabatō by its blade to shorten his range and manages to wound Shinomori. The Oniwaban tries to kill his enemy with his strongest move, the Kaiten Kenbu, but Kenshin reads it and counterattacks. Both fighters fall to the floor with Shinomori briefly losing consciousness and Kenshin refusing to kill him. Accepting his defeat, Shinomori explains he wants to bring the rejected Oniwaban their works, but only Kanryu accepted them. They are then interrupted by Kanryu who tries to kill them with a Gatling gun, wounding Shinomori's legs. Sanosuke, Hannya, and Shikijo arrive to stop Kanryu; Shikijo uses his body as a shield to protect his leader but is caught in the gun-fire.
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"Battle's End" Transliteration: "Shitō no Hate" (Japanese: 死闘の果て)
Though Shikijo, Hyottoko, Beshimi, and Hannya are killed protecting Shinomori, Kenshin uses their sacrifice to defeat Kanryu. When the group finds Megumi, she decides to atone for her crimes and surrenders to the arriving police. Kenshin stops her and claims that Megumi is an innocent woman who was used by Kanryu to create his drugs. With Kanryu intimidated by Kenshin into silence, the police leaves with him, while Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko convince Megumi to redeem herself by healing others. Elsewhere, a traumatized Shinomori escapes with the severed heads of his subordinates and prepare for his next fight with Kenshin. As the group heads back to the dojo, a doctor offers Megumi a new house where she can stay. In the post-credits scene, Shinomori promises his late underlings to bring them the honor of the invincible.
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"Yahiko's Battle" Transliteration: "Yahiko no Tatakai" (Japanese: 弥彦の戦い)
Curious about Yahiko's absences from his classes, Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sanosuke find him working into the Akabeko restaurant alongside a young girl, Tsubame. Threatened by a group of thieves, Tsubame gives them a replicated key to rob the place; Yahiko's attempts to stop them prove unsuccessful. Despite Kaoru's and Sanosuke's complaints, Kenshin convinces them to let Yahiko handle the situation himself rather than rely on others. In the aftermath, Yahiko asks Kenshin for help with how to defeat several opponents at once and is reinforced by Kaoru the values of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu. That night, Yahiko recovers the key from the thieves and downs several men one by one until Kenshin and Sanosuke scare the rest. As Tsubame begs for Yahiko's help, the young boy is able to singlehandedly defeat the boss of the group. Afterwards, Yahiko confesses to Sanosuke that his true objective was buying a sakabatō like Kenshin's, lamenting that it is too expensive. Nevertheless, he is satisfied with his growth as a swordsman.
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"That Man – Raijuta" Transliteration: "Sono Otoko Raijūta" (Japanese: その男・雷十太)
Kenshin accompanies Kaoru and Yahiko to the Maekawa dojo where he sees kendo being taught and trained. A man named Raijuta Isurugi enters the dojo, seeking to take it down. In a duel with Maekawa, Raijuta nearly kills the master with a bamboo sword, forcing Kenshin to stop him and challenge Raijuta himself. In their duel, Kenshin sees Raijuta use a technique to make his bamboo sword deadly but avoids his slashes. Raijuta then leaves but sends an invitation to Kenshin the next day. Upon meeting with him again, Raijuta reveals his goal to restore swordsmanship back into a deadly martial art, resentful of widespread non-lethal kendo. Kenshin rejects his belief, unwilling to live in a world where lethal swordsmanship thrives. Raijuta accepts his answer and draws his katana.
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"The Ideal Man" Transliteration: "Risō no Otoko" (Japanese: 理想の男)
Raijuta fights Kenshin but is quickly defeated; nevertheless, he vows to crush him. His student, Yutaro, then challenges Yahiko to a duel, arriving at the dojo in the early morning. His lack of skill is evident when Yahiko realizes he came whilst he is sleepy to win. Feeling sorry he was never taught by Raijuta, Kaoru teaches him. Yutaro reveals his desire to surpass his father as a swordsman, who abandoned becoming a samurai to be a merchant. Raijuta allows Yutaro to train in the Kamiya dojo, where he progresses quickly. However, while thankful of his training, Yutaro believes his true potential is by training with Raijuta, telling them of when he saved him and his father from bandits. He takes them to the site of the attack but Raijuta ambushes Kenshin, inadvertently wounding Yutaro. He reveals that he had staged the incident to have his wealthy father as an investor. Kenshin accepts Raijuta's duel but takes Yutaro to a hospital first, where his wounds are revealed as severe enough to prevent him from ever practicing swordsmanship again.
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"Settling the Score" Transliteration: "Ketchaku" (Japanese: 決着)
Kenshin battles Raijuta and determines that he uses vacuum-like slashes by displacing the air around his blade. Through his boasts, he also surmises that while highly skilled, Raijuta has never killed anyone. Despite sustaining several cuts, Kenshin defeats him by striking Raijuta with his handle and scabbard, knocking him down. Humiliated, Raijuta grabs Yahiko and threatens to kill him, but his threats are rebuffed and they leave with Yutaro. Later, his father speaks with Kenshin and explains his choice to move with his son to Germany, hoping he will forget about swordsmanship. Crippled by his wounds, Yutaro becomes despondent over his inability to practice swordsmanship; Yahiko encourages him by swinging at Yutaro with his bamboo sword, who blocks it with his cane and realizes his skills are not entirely lost. In the post-credits scene, Raijuta finds two civilians and attempts to kill them to prove he has the willpower to murder, but he relents and break downs at his inability to act.
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"Sanosuke & Nishiki Paintings" Transliteration: "Sanosuke to Nishiki-e" (Japanese: 左之助と錦絵)
While browsing amongst a collection of nishike paintings, Sanosuke finds a piece detailing his former captain, Sagara. He discovers the painting was made by a man named Tsunan Tsukioka, who he recognizes as an old friend, fellow member of the Sekihōtai, and Sagara's protégé. Upon reuniting with him, Sanosuke learns that, despite ten years passing since the army's disbandment, Tsukioka remains loyal to the Sekihōtai's cause and plans to use a cache of incendiary bombs to launch an attack on Tokyo, destroying the Meiji government. Tsukioka gives Sanosuke time to considering joining him. The next day, Sansosuke organizes a large party and invites everyone in town; Tsukioka meets Kenshin but grows wary after learning he is a former member of the Ishin Shishi. As the party winds down and the guests begin to leave or fall asleep, Tsukioka and Sanosuke make their move and head to Tokyo, unaware that Kenshin is awake and aware of their actions.
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"Tsunan & Nishiki Paintings" Transliteration: "Tsunan to Nishiki-e" (Japanese: 津南と錦絵)
Kenshin confronts Sanosuke and Tsukioka in Tokyo. After several failed attempts to defeat the former Ishin Shishi, Sanosuke knocks out Tsukioka and leaves all of his friend's bombs to be hidden by Kenshin. In the aftermath, a furious Tsukioka feels betrayed and attempts suicide but Sanosuke tries to stop him. After a brief fight, Sanosuke convinces Tsukioka to avoid causing mayhem in the city as the Meiji era taught him that there are several people that are trying to live like his friends and a suicide would not affect the current state. Afterwards, Tsukioka gives and decides to start writing a newspaper that criticizes the government. In the post-credits scene, former Ishin Shishi Ōkubo Toshimichi discusses the recent attack but discards the possibility of "Shishio" being the cause of it due to a lack of casualties.
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"Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story: Act Zero" Transliteration: "Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan Dai Rei-maku" (Japanese: 明治剣客浪漫譚 第零幕)
At his friends' insistence, Kenshin tells a story about one of his journeys. While visiting Yokohama, Kenshin meets a rickshaw puller, Dankichi. As they introduced themselves, a woman collapses nearby; Dankichi's passenger, a foreigner known as Dr. Elder, begins to treat her. They were confronted by Deian Ishizu, a greedy doctor who wants to monopolize Western medicine and despises Dr. Elder's treatment of the poor. Ordering his men to kill the woman, Kenshin defeats them while Dankichi takes the woman to a hospital. A grateful Dr. Elder invites the two to afternoon tea, but inside the restaurant, Kenshin notices a man carrying a sword of Western design. After a ride around Yokohama, Kenshin and Dr. Elder stay at a hotel for the night. He inadvertently learns that Dr. Elder is actually a woman. Meanwhile, Ishizu enlists the help of a foreign man to kill Dr. Elder. The man's assassin, Espilar, becomes excited to fight Kenshin, having recognized him earlier.Espilar, who wields a spiral-bladed sabre, lures Dankichi and Dr. Elder outside and attacks them. When he demands Kenshin's whereabouts, Kenshin soon arrives, having deduced that a message sent to Dr. Elder was a trap. Despite using numerous thrusts and eventually his fastest attack, Espilar is soundly defeated. To his shock, Kenshin does not kill him; knowing that a samurai's katana is his soul, he sees his sakabatō is indicative of his new ways. Ishizu attempts to release a vial of smallpox to kill them but Espilar stops him. Later, Espilar reflects on his failed goal to defeat Kenshin but is encouraged by Dr. Elder to have smaller aspirations he can be proud of. He becomes Dr. Elder's new bodyguard and shows Kenshin his new sabre, inspired by his sakabatō. Before they depart for the United States, Dr. Elder reveals her true identity to the people of Yokohama. To his friends' surprise, Kenshin tells them that this particular story was only five days before he met Kaoru.
22
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"Resurrection of the Wolf" Transliteration: "Yomigaeru Ōkami" (Japanese: 蘇る狼)
Kenshin's friends notice he seems more reserved and quiet as of late. He tells them about his experience with the Shinsegumi. The predominant opponents of the Ishin Shishi, they were the last and greatest group of swordsmen in Japan. A man enters the Kamiya Dojo and is met by Sanosuke; he realizes he is looking for Kenshin but is quickly defeated. The attacker, Saito Hajime, a captain of the Shinsegumi, is in league with Senate Secretary Shibumi, former Ishin Shishi and mastermind behind Jin-e's attacks on government politicians. While Megumi treats Sanosuke, Kenshin determines that Saito is responsible, though he is unsure if he can defeat him. Saito coordinates a plan with Akamatsu Arundo, Shibumi's mercenary. Kenshin follows instructions left by Saito and travels to an open field alone. There, he battles Akamatsu, who lures him in with a false sense of security and ensnares him within his chains. Elsewhere, a disguised Saito finds Yahiko.
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"The Wolf's Fang" Transliteration: "Kiba o Muku Ōkami" (Japanese: 牙を剥く狼)
Entering the dojo disguised as a policeman, Saito tells Kaoru and Yahiko that Kenshin is being targeted. Kaoru offers to let him stay and wait. Believing he has won, Akamatsu tells Kenshin that he is being targeted by someone for a special reason, but Kenshin rises up and defeats him. Kaoru sees him as he is walking home, telling him of the "policeman" at the dojo sent to protect him. Coming face to face with his old foe, Kenshin tells them who Saito truly is. They duel but Kenshin quickly sustains several wounds. To Kaoru's shock, Kenshin reverts into his Hitokiri Battosai persona and begins to fight more viciously. Sanosuke notes that with both fighters now intent on killing the other, the only one who can stop them is someone who has fought their war. After Kenshin and Saito lose each other's weapons, they prepare to deliver the final blow, but the clash are interrupted by the arrival of Okubo.
Okubo informs Kenshin he is needed as Makoto Shishio is active in Kyoto. A former Ishin Shishi assassin, Shishio was exceptionally skilled but dangerous and ambitious. He was executed out of fear he would take over Japan when the Meiji government was newly established but survived. Okubo gives him a week to decide. Saito later kills Akamatsu and Shibumi, upholding his belief as a Shinsegumi to immediately kill his enemies. Before Kenshin can plan to meet with Okubo to discuss his decision, the Home Minister is assassinated by an associate of Shishio. Kenshin goes to the scene of his death and is taunted by the killer before he vanishes in the crowd. He and Saito know Okubo's death will trigger civil unrest that Shishio will use. Having made his decision, Kenshin farewells Kaoru and explains that while a part of him will remain Hitokiri Battosai, he had only reverted into that persona in situations that endangered himself or her. Embracing Kaoru, he thanks her for everything she has done before leaving.
Kenshin travels to Kyoto alone fearing more people could fall victim to Shishio's forces, despite Saito's desire to work alongside him. Meanwhile in Tokyo, an angered Sanosuke tries to follow Kenshin but is stopped by Saito, who claims his weakness will make him a liability to Kenshin should he go to Kyoto. Determined to prove himself, Sanosuke challenges Saito to a brawl; despite soundly defeating him with his speed and skill, Saito recognizes Sanosuke's determination and allows him to travel to Kyoto alone. Meanwhile, Megumi is disappointed to find Kaoru depressed over Kenshin's departure and attempts to entrust her with medicine intended for him while she takes care of the dojo; Megumi also reminds her that she is not the only one hurt by his departure. Kaoru is convinced by Yahiko to chase after Kenshin as he notes that she is the only person who could make the swordsman return to the dojo, as evidenced by how he only said his goodbyes to her.
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2
"On the East Sea Road" Transliteration: "Meiji Tōkaidō-chū" (Japanese: 明治東海道中)
Directed by : Toshiyuki Anzai & Shinsuke Terasawa Storyboarded by : Shinji Itadaki
Megumi finds Shinomori at the dojo looking for Kenshin. He threaten to kill her for not revealing his status when Saito appears, informing him about Shishio; Shinomori leaves, intent on waiting for his return. He is met by Shishio's envoys, who attempt to persuade him to meet their master; Shinomori refuses and kills them for defiling his comrades' graves. He is then confronted by Okubo's killer Seta Sōjirō, who invites him to Kyoto. While travelling, Kenshin witnesses a skirmish between a girl, Makimachi Misao, and Yakuza bandits who have stolen a nearby town's money, whom she defeats and robs. She attempts to mug Kenshin but finds he has little of anything valuable. He attempts to persuade Misao to stop her life of crime when more Yakuza bandits appear. Unwilling to get involved in a fight, Kenshin diffuses the situation by slashing the bridge they stand on, causing them to fall into a river. Misao thanks him and explains she is trying to find the people who helped raised her when she was orphaned, Shinomori and the Oniwaban, shocking Kenshin.
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3
"The Abandoned Village" Transliteration: "Misuterareta Mura" (Japanese: ⾒捨てられた村)
Directed by : Koji Aritomi Storyboarded by : Tomoya Takashima & Yuki Komada
Kenshin refuses to tell Misao about the Oniwaban's fates, which enrages the young girl. After seeing how determined she is to meet Shinomori again, Kenshin allows her to follow him on the way to Kyoto. As Sanosuke, Yahiko, and Kaoru continue their different travels to Kyoto, Kenshin finds a dying man with an unconscious boy, who begs Kenshin to grant him his final wish of saving his village, Shingetsu, from Shishio's forces. Following the man's death, the young boy claims that the Meiji Government abandoned the village and Kenshin decides to protect it, especially since one of Shishio's men, Senkaku is corrupting it. Upon his arrival to Shingetsu, Kenshin finds two bloodied bodies hanging, which causes Eiji to scream in horror as he recognizes them as his parents. As Senkaku's men start fighting Kenshin, Saito arrives and saves Misao and Eiji from another assassin.
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4
"Portrait of the Ambitious" Transliteration: "Yashinka no Shōzō" (Japanese: 野心家の肖像)
Directed by : Toshiyuki Anzai Storyboarded by : Yuki Komada
Saito recognizes Eiji's brother as a policeman sent to investigate Shingetsu until his death at the hands of Senkaku, a follower of Shishio. After cutting down Eiji's parents so that they could be buried, Kenshin and Saito depart to face Shishio in Shingetsu while asking Misao to look after Eiji. However, Eiji and Misao later decide to follow them. Saito and Kenshin are welcomed to Shishio's abode by Seta, who guides them to his master. Shishio explains he is using the village to gain dominance over Japan and eventually destroy the Meiji Government. He then commands Senkaku to test Kenshin's skills. Kenshin lures Senkaku into continually pursuing him at high speeds, straining his immense body until he breaks his knee. When Shishio threatens to kill him for not revealing a single technique from Kenshin, Senkaku attempts a desperate last attack but is defeated by Kenshin using his Hiten Mitsurugu Ryu, before he challenges Shishio.
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5
"To Kyoto, Once More" Transliteration: "Futatabi Kyōto e" (Japanese: 再び京都へ)
Directed by : Ryuta Yamamoto Storyboarded by : Yuki Komada
Disappointed by his non-lethal fighting, Shishio refuses to battle Kenshin, claiming his pacifism will prevent him from ever winning. Before leaving, he allows for Sojiro to fight the swordsman and gives him his Nagasone Kotetsu katana. Understanding that Sojiro is a highly unpredictable opponent with no chi, Kenshin engages Shishio's righthand man through a battojutsu clash, drawing their blades as fast as possible. This results in the destruction of Kenshin's sakabatō and Sojiro's katana. Sojiro then escapes back to Shishio, who orders him to gather the "Ten Swords" in order to bring back Kenshin's dark side. Saito stops Eiji from killing the unconscious Senkaku, with Kenshin and Misao comforting the orphan. With the two free from Shishio's men, Saito decides to have his wife take care of Eiji while Kenshin and Misao continue their journey to Kyoto. In the post credit scene, Sanosuke is still lost on his journey to Kyoto.
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6
"Encounter in the Forest" Transliteration: "Mori no Deai" (Japanese: 森の出会い)
While stumbling through a forest, Sanosuke meets a fallen monk who continues to train as a vow to protect others. He reveals a technique called Futae no Kiwami that allows him to negate the resistance in a target. Sanosuke wishes to learn this but due to its secretive nature, the monk will kill him if he fails. He accepts and gives himself a week to master it. At first, Sanosuke makes no improvement while damaging his hand, but he declines the monk's chances to reconsider. On the sixth night, he sees a vision of Sagara, who asks why he is pushing himself; Sanosuke reveals his newfound desire to keep his friends safe by strengthening himself. On the last day, Sanosuke demonstrated he has mastered the technique by easily shattering a large boulder. Amazed, the monk shows him the way to Kyoto and reveals his name as Yukyuzan Anji. As Sanosuke departs, Sojiro appears, revealing that Anji is a member of the Ten Swords.
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7
"Arrival in Kyoto" Transliteration: "Kyōto Tōchaku" (Japanese: 京都到着)
Upon their arrival to Kyoto, Kenshin and Misao are received by former Oniwaban from the Aoiya inn who raised Misao, with Kashiwazaki "Okina" Nenji quickly realizing Kenshin is Battosai. While Misao rests, Kenshin tells Okina the truth about Shinomori's group but Okina welcomes him as an ally because he already knows of Shishio's plot. Meanwhile, Yahiko and Kaoru find the restaurant Shirobeko where they meet Tae's twin sister Sae, though Yahiko is more shocked when he spots Shinomori walking in the city. Using the Oniwaban's intel, Kenshin has Okina discover the location of a swordsmith, Arai Shakku, to forge a new weapon to fight Shishio. Instead, they find his pacifist son Seiku, causing Kenshin to stop his request for a new sword. As Kenshin, Misao, and Okina leave, two spies of Shishio are alerted to see him in Kyoto.
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8
"Chō of the Ten Swords" Transliteration: "Juppongatana: Chō" (Japanese: ⼗本⼑・張)
Directed by : Koji Aritomi Storyboarded by : Takashi Kawasaki
Shishio meets with a subordinate, Hoji, to discuss their next course of action. When Hoji disagrees with using the Ten Swords against Kenshin, Cho, a member of the group, learns of Kenshin's failed attempt to receive a new weapon from Seiku and goes after his father's final katana. Cho threatens Seiku and his wife Azusa into revealing that the katana is housed in a temple, taking their son Iori hostage. While initially going to convince Seiku, Misao learns about Cho's actions and sends a message through Okina's network. Upon learning of this, Kenshin rushes to the temple and faces Cho, allowing him to take the katana in exchange of Iori's safety. Cho refuses and plans to test the katana on Iori, leading the two to fight. Kenshin destroys his array of katanas and jabs him in the stomach with his scabbard. However, Cho continues to stand and reveals he was protected by another katana, wrapped around armor across his stomach.
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9
"Drawing of the Forbidden" Transliteration: "Kinki no Battō" (Japanese: 禁忌の抜刀)
Directed by : Tetsuya Endo Storyboarded by : Yoshiaki Okumura & Yuki Komada
Cho uses his whip-like Hakujin no Tachi to overwhelm Kenshin, who is injured as he struggles to evade the highly unpredictable weapon. He taunts Kenshin for maintaining his pacifistic ways as a killer, but his conviction persuades Seiku into giving him his father's katana. Seiku enters the temple to retrieve it while Kenshin resorts to elbowing Cho to knock him down. Deciding he will kill him and take the katana, Cho lures Kenshin by pretending to attack Iori, angering him into reverting to his Hitokiri Battosai persona. Kenshin draws the katana and uses his Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu to defeat Cho. In the aftermath, everyone is stunned to learn that the katana is actually another sakabatō, allowing Kenshin to maintain his vow. While Cho is taken to Saito, Seiku and Kenshin reflect on Shakku's decision to create the weapon. A message on the handle reveals his decision to help Kenshin usher a new era of peace away from his murderous work; hence, the blade was created to support his vow to never kill.
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10
"Sakabato First Attack" Transliteration: "Sakabatō Shōgeki" (Japanese: 逆刃刀 初撃)
Directed by : Shunji Yoshida Storyboarded by : Yuki Komada
In the past, a weakened Kenshin is found by a couple, Giichi and Satsuki. While staying at their home, Kenshin learns that Giichi was a former detective, who retired after his work led him into conflict with the Goyoto — mercenaries for the Meiji Restoration. Satsuki and Giichi discover soldiers of the new government hunting down combatants from the Battle of Ueno, urging Kenshin to leave. The Goyoto confront Giichi, who surrenders himself to keep his wife safe. However, they refuse to let them both live, leading Kenshin to enter the fight. Initially, he refuses to fight back, but he reluctantly draws the katana he last received from Shakku. He discovers it is a sakabatō and defeats his opponents without killing them, before urging the Goyoto to cease their actions for the sake of their fallen comrades. The next day, Kenshin thanks Giichi and Satsuki before departing, marking the start of his journey as a ronin. In the present, Kenshin humbly accepts his new sakabatō from the Arai family.
Kenshin realizes he must continue his path alone and leaves the Aoiya inn, much to Misao's frustrations. She goes to the Shirobeko where she meets Kaoru and Yahiko. Kenshin, who has enlisted Okina's help to find someone, reunites with his former master, Hiko Seijuro, in the woods near the town. He asks Seijuro to teach him the final technique of the Hiten Mitsuruji Ryu to defeat Shishio, but Seijuro refuses. Sensing that his former student is desperate, he chastises Kenshin and reminds him that his abandonment of mastering the technique has led to his path as an Ishin Shishi, and subsequently, Shishio's rise to power. Seijuro explains that Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu was founded to protect people without belonging to a group. Kaoru, Misao, and Yahiko arrive at his house and overhear him reveal his regret of ever teaching Kenshin, causing the latter two to burst inside and for Kenshin to see Kaoru with them.
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12
"Meeting of the Warlords" Transliteration: "Shura no Kaigō" (Japanese: 修羅の会合)
Directed by : Tomo Ōkubo Storyboarded by : Shinji Itadaki
Upon being told by Kaoru of Kenshin's noble actions since the Meiji era began, Hiko finds his student worthy of protecting society from Shishio's forces enough to teach him the strongest technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. As Kenshin and Hiko go training, Yahiko remembers Shinomori Aoshi also reached Kyoto much to Misao's surprise. In thanks of helping her find Kenshin, Kaoru tells Misao all of what she knows about Aoshi. As this happens, Okina is visited by Aoshi who requests him Kenshin's location but he is denied of such information. Having chased after him, Sojiro and the rest of the Swords take Aoshi to Shishio's hideout. As Aoshi is against joining Shishio's forces, he is still instead convinced of becoming allies to give him Kenshin's location in exchange of betraying the remaining Oniwaban.
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"Aoshi vs. Okina" Transliteration: "Aoshi tai Okina" (Japanese: 蒼紫対翁)
^"The Epic Tale of a Meiji Swordsman: The Wanderer, Kenshin". The word Rurōni (るろうに) is the author's altered reading of the word Rurōnin (流浪人), that means "wanderer".
^Fuji TV listed the series premiere on July 6 at 24:55, which is effectively July 7 at 12:55 a.m. JST.[31]
^Fuji TV listed the series' second season premiere on October 3 at 24:55, which is effectively October 4 at 12:55 a.m. JST.[36]
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