Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
What did you think of this episode?
DO NOT discuss the source material beyond this episode. If you want to discuss future events or theories, please use separate threads.
DO NOT ask where to watch/download this episode or give links to copyrighted, non-fair use material.
DO NOT troll/bait/harass/abuse other users for liking or disliking the series/characters.
DO read the Anime Discussion Rules and Site & Forum Guidelines.
Dec 5, 8:31 AM
#1

Offline
Nov 2011
129113
I think this is another episode of character study of Kenshin. His guilt of the past and current role conflicts with his character.

That sword he carries itself represents part of what he has to live with. It' a somewhat slow paced episode but important for Kenshin.
Dec 5, 8:32 AM
#2

Offline
May 2020
11497
Pretty sure this backstory wasn’t a part of the kyoto arc, and tbh, with how this stuff came out of nowhere when we’re already ten episodes in, and there’s still a lot to adapt of the arc this series is in currently, I’m not sure how they’re planning to manage the rest of the stuff. Still, looking at how the last couple of episodes were about Kenshin again looking out for a meaning to hold his sword, this kinda makes sense. Also, any of the stuff related to Kenshin’s past are actually always good, as you can see again, despite how ruthless and hard his past was, he kind of always found people who were willing to help him out.

That couple actually knew what was wrong with Kenshin as well, but hey, they still looked after him, even though things went south for them, almost inevitably. I was doubting for a moment if that man would actually die, but yeah, not really when Kenshin’s there. Those goons deserved worst, and I’m glad they got that as well. Btw still, this could be an original epsiode, but I think I liked it.
Softhenic03Dec 5, 8:36 AM
Dec 5, 8:35 AM
#3

Offline
Nov 2007
31800
I Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!!
Dec 5, 8:45 AM
#4
Offline
May 2009
138
Softhenic03 said:
Pretty sure this backstory wasn’t a part of the kyoto arc, and tbh, with how this stuff came out of nowhere when we’re already ten episodes in, and there’s still a lot to adapt of the arc this series is in currently, I’m not sure how they’re planning to manage the rest of the stuff. Still, looking at how the last couple of episodes were about Kenshin again looking out for a meaning to hold his sword, this kinda makes sense. Also, any of the stuff related to Kenshin’s past are actually always good, as you can see again, despite how ruthless and hard his past was, he kind of always found people who were willing to help him out.

That couple actually knew what was wrong with Kenshin as well, but hey, they still looked after him, even though things went south for them, almost inevitably. I was doubting for a moment if that man would actually die, but yeah, not really when Kenshin’s there. Those goons deserved worst, and I’m glad they got that as well. Btw still, this could be an original epsiode, but I think I liked it.

this season is gonna end with kenshin arriving at mt. hiei or sano vs anji encounter at best

they gonna be filling this season with slower paced episodes and extra material stuff that is not in the manga.

then next season is gonna be all the jupongatana fitghts
Dec 5, 9:17 AM
#5
Offline
Jul 2023
42
Reply to Alphchan
Softhenic03 said:
Pretty sure this backstory wasn’t a part of the kyoto arc, and tbh, with how this stuff came out of nowhere when we’re already ten episodes in, and there’s still a lot to adapt of the arc this series is in currently, I’m not sure how they’re planning to manage the rest of the stuff. Still, looking at how the last couple of episodes were about Kenshin again looking out for a meaning to hold his sword, this kinda makes sense. Also, any of the stuff related to Kenshin’s past are actually always good, as you can see again, despite how ruthless and hard his past was, he kind of always found people who were willing to help him out.

That couple actually knew what was wrong with Kenshin as well, but hey, they still looked after him, even though things went south for them, almost inevitably. I was doubting for a moment if that man would actually die, but yeah, not really when Kenshin’s there. Those goons deserved worst, and I’m glad they got that as well. Btw still, this could be an original epsiode, but I think I liked it.

this season is gonna end with kenshin arriving at mt. hiei or sano vs anji encounter at best

they gonna be filling this season with slower paced episodes and extra material stuff that is not in the manga.

then next season is gonna be all the jupongatana fitghts
@Alphchan this part is canon also.
Dec 5, 11:40 AM
#6

Offline
Feb 2012
3981
The graphic spilling of blood Battousai did haunts his own mind, now, the restoration is over.

I was really fearing the worst for that kind couple who took care of the cats and Battousai.

But when people use straggler hunting as an excuse to settle a grudge, Battousai steps up, first using martial arts. He hesitates to stain his swords with blood once more but he fortunately realizes the extreme circumstances he is in, having to protect the people who sheltered him. And thus, the sakabato's first attack, it all worked out in the end.

Due to reverence and/or fear of Hitokiri Battousai, the fellow revolutionary who allowed these crimes to happen under his watch quickly apologizes for his mistakes.

Can't wait for Hiko Seijuro, next ep

Novels I have read/am reading pending approval: since November 10 2022
Dec 5, 11:58 AM
#7

Offline
Dec 2013
2671
Another sweet couple shown this episode, those two had a strong sense of justice, it makes you want to cheer for them, I liked this episode, not much happened but it was a cute backstory about Kenshin unsheathing his new Katana for the first time.
Dec 5, 12:18 PM
#8
Offline
Aug 2020
3541
Another great ep about the past of Kenshin

He can’t not live without a sword…
otakuweek on insta for News /recom etc

just have a look, you won't regret it...
Dec 5, 12:39 PM
#9
πŸ₯Š CHAMPION πŸ₯Š

Offline
Apr 2016
23751
Romantic memories of when Kenshin first used the inverted sword!
kekeke
Dec 5, 12:58 PM
Offline
Aug 2024
10
Although the lady is possibly one of the most powerful people we have met: she can herd cats.
Dec 5, 3:19 PM
Deadhead

Offline
Dec 2018
4026
Very nice episode giving us some more backstory on Kenshin and how he originally came to use his original Sakabato, I don’t think it was completely necessary but I loved it for the world building and for giving more depth to what it means to use the Sakabato, and how Kenshin came to be how he is in the present (well, the past but it’s the present for them lol). I also really liked that husband and wife couple, they were super sweet with each other and were funny as well, especially the way the husband would embarrass the hell out of his wife but she was unable to do it back lol, that man really won life, who needs an arm when you got a babe like that.

But I’m ngl I was fearing for the couple the whole episode, I thought they were dropping so many death flags with the pregnancy thing and just how wholesome they were, but thankfully our boy Kenshin was there to save them, he even converted one of the baddies in the process that thought he was doing good. This may have been a bit of a detour from the Kyoto arc, but it was a great one for sure.
Dec 5, 4:00 PM

Offline
Jul 2016
3139
Reply to Miraz_Un_Nabi
@Alphchan this part is canon also.
@Miraz_Un_Nabi

Yep, just in a different spot. I dont mind it, it makes sense to put this here as he gets his new blade.
Dec 5, 4:12 PM

Offline
Nov 2020
386
Very nice new episode. I liked the couple and interesting to watch how the detective did fight like Kenshin before him, and that weapon too.

Also the philosopy is one of the best things in this series, how there are no side entirely good or bad, even in the winning side there is people like the boss of the gang in this episode.

Bassically RK was the shounen evolution in manga and anime and in general the genre owns a lot to it. This is much more that the classic good vs bad. Even the "samurai" production boom in the 90s/00s was thanks in part to Kenshin.

The cats are cool too xD.
-Hyunckel-Dec 5, 7:16 PM
Dec 5, 7:17 PM
Offline
Aug 2016
1711
This was a very nice Kenshin backstory episode. Well, you can't exactly call it backstory episode in a conventional way, but more so in a side story way that studies Kenshin's growth as a character in great depth. The scene especially where he unsheathes his Sakabato and confronts himself felt very very reminiscent to Vagabond as that is what Musashi does in the later arcs: heavy contemplation about his past deeds by asking himself, "Who am I?"

5/5 episode.
Dec 5, 7:21 PM
Offline
Jul 2024
1395
Ahh, one of the Flashbacks to his past. This one is not as dark as most of them, it just shows how he got & first used the sword that was broken.
Dec 5, 8:00 PM

Offline
Dec 2021
2904
Damn, didn't expect for the manuscript of this to be fully adapted one day. Very nice to see regardless, and yeah, was very sick to see.

Also, episode basically confirmed that yeah, the full Kyoto arc isn't going to be in this season alone. Probably will take around 30 eps like the OG.


Dec 5, 8:58 PM
Offline
Jul 2023
42
Reply to IzanaSolos
Damn, didn't expect for the manuscript of this to be fully adapted one day. Very nice to see regardless, and yeah, was very sick to see.

Also, episode basically confirmed that yeah, the full Kyoto arc isn't going to be in this season alone. Probably will take around 30 eps like the OG.
For the first time they could bring out the emotional moments properly in this anime. And I guess it is the best episode till now.
And sure again that they are going to adapt master or flame. The back story of Shishio
Dec 6, 12:44 AM

Offline
Feb 2019
9483
Really loved this flashback to Kenshin’s first time using the Sakabato. I know some people are saying this is filler and a waste of time, but I think it narratively makes a ton of sense since Kenshin just saved a couple in present day by defeating chou and got his new Sakabato.

The flashback just re-emphasises why Kenshin fights to protect the weak and innocent lives, as well as the importance of that blade to him and why he uses that over an actual blade. Yea, it’s a side story sort of thing but I’m not too bothered about it. Plus, Satsuki was adorable and Giichi was a great fella so I don’t mind seeing them. Can’t wait for next ep.
Marinate1016Dec 6, 1:04 AM
Dec 6, 12:55 AM
Offline
Oct 2019
7448
PEAK BACKSTORY!!

Amazing episode, love it!! πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Dec 6, 1:53 AM

Offline
Oct 2010
232
Hmm, wonder if we get the Theme of Hiko Seijuro next episode?
Dec 6, 4:29 AM

Offline
Jul 2024
312
That was some fine backstory there full of stray cats of all types.
Dec 6, 6:36 AM
#FreeWatermelon

Offline
Feb 2020
9313
Its always nice to see more of the past story of Kenshin, especially when he's being so cool with the attack. Sakabato first attack tho, saving those lucky one-arm man from a miserable mob petty grudge. Idk if this is canon or just a filler story to fill the gap. But once again its always nice there'll always be a story to be told, and truly need more of these honestly....
Hide and seek is the best offline games on this fatamorgana-called-world-thing. Please comment nicely. I am newbie here.

I'm level on mal-badges. View my badges
Dec 6, 8:05 AM

Offline
Feb 2016
976
THANK GOD THIS WAS A WHOLESOME STORY
I WAS ALREADY SAD BECAUSE I LEGIT THOUGH THEY WERE GONNA GET KILLED
Sorry if my english is bad (γ£Λ˜β–½Λ˜)っ~~~
Btw, cry about it.

Dec 6, 12:22 PM
Offline
Jul 2024
85
while the backstory was fine for the most part, i dont think it needed a full episode for it
anyways Master Hiko is next
Dec 6, 1:53 PM
Shingster

Offline
Jun 2015
4410
Hmm never expected a flashback ep to appear. The kittens were soo cute. Loved the bond between Satsuki and Giichi. The battle to defend the two of them from the brigands was an excellent motivation for Kenshin to start his new way of non lethal disabling of hostiles.
Signature removed. Please follow the signature rules, as defined in the Site & Forum Guidelines.
Dec 7, 12:38 AM

Offline
Jul 2008
11017
I liked that couple they introduced from Kenshin's past. The thugs had it coming.

And also....kittens.
Dec 7, 12:34 PM

Offline
Jul 2016
8647
No Hiko Seijuurou debut this episode. Sadge.

Still a pretty solid "new" episode tho. It sure was interesting to see Kenshin's first days with his first Sakabatou. Not to mention I found Satsuki and Giichi fairly enjoyable, both as characters and as a couple.

Animation and direction were pretty solid as well. Especially the parts with the action sequences occurring in slow-mo under the rain and the scene with Kenshin metaphorically facing his Hitokiri version. As for this last part, the detail of him explaining the meaning behind having the sharp side of the blade now pointing at him when fighting was something I really, really liked. Truly powerful stuff.
Dec 9, 8:09 PM
Offline
Mar 2015
13523
Our boi's first battle with Sakabato
Yesterday, 12:34 AM

Offline
Mar 2008
1130
2 minutes in I was like wtf is this, who are these people. Cool to see it was a 25th anniversary unpublished draft chapter. I didn't even know about it. It was pretty good.

More topics from this board

» List of chapters adapted. (+breakdown of skipped/altered content) - II

Alexioos95 - Oct 4

39 by RyogiSHIKI7 »»
Dec 8, 6:15 PM

» Why is this so Underrated? Animation βœ… Characters βœ… Storyline βœ… Music βœ… Whats wrong?

Ben10ison - Dec 2

26 by phantom346 »»
Dec 7, 11:41 AM

Poll: » Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Episode 9 Discussion ( 1 2 )

Stark700 - Nov 28

61 by _MushiRock11_ »»
Dec 7, 8:25 AM

Poll: » Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Episode 8 Discussion

Stark700 - Nov 21

28 by Ashhk »»
Dec 4, 1:22 AM

Poll: » Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Episode 4 Discussion

Stark700 - Oct 24

39 by Shadowmon »»
Dec 3, 3:23 AM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login