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| Hajime's complicated relationship with Kenshin is a highlight of this episode. Actually, I think he is his biggest rival this season given their pasts and conflicting personalities. VA did a great job at protraying Hajime's character to make him believable imo. I like how among all this drama, he didn't forget about his close friend Kaoru. |
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| It's a fact that Kenshin is always a wanted man, and that puts all his friends in danger. Having emerged victorious in the battle against Akamatsu, Kenshin encounters Saitou Hajime once again at the Kamiya Dojo. Despite Saitou approaching as a police officer named Fujita Gorou, Kaoru and the others welcome him without suspicion. Saitou criticizes their complacency, pointing out the laxity in Kenshin and the others' attitude. The sword of Saitou, honed in the ten years since Kenshin's departure from the world of assassins, now unsheathes its fangs, showcasing his refined intent to kill. Saitou's smart and cunning nature brings back memories of why I used to like him. Is Kenshin really that weak? Well, he did manage to beat that other guy pretty fast. Then again, maybe he's a bit weaker than we thought. But, you know, Saitou seems like the perfect villain to awaken the Battousai. Poor Karou's dojo didn't stand a chance. I don't quite get why Kaoru is so worried, though. Man the animation when Kenshin and Saitou were going at it with their katanas were phenomenal. If only LIDEN gave some of this budget to Tokyo Revengers.. The more Kenshin gets into fights, the more dangerous he becomes. Ever since Saitou showed up, things have gotten pretty interesting. It's just too bad it's ending next week, right when it's starting to get good. |
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| Man really likes to fool people, ain’t he? Last time it was Sano, but now he’s here to complete the set. Can’t blame Kaoru and co. thinking whatever Saito blabbered about someone targeting Kenshin was true. Let it be that way, at least the thing about Kenshin fighting someone was a truth, and unsurprisingly Kenshin beat that chain dude in the end too at that. Though the main thing.. finally the confrontation between Kenshin and Saito. Liked how it just took a single glance of his back, and Kenshin recognized, which did lead to an argument, or more like Saito spitting harsh facts and Kenshin simply denying in answer. I mean it isn’t exactly false that Kenshin indeed has gotten weaker, from the time when he was a ruthless man-killer. Protecting people at every corner made him softer. Was it tough watching someone overwhelming Kenshin? Damn yes, I mean that’s what Saito did for the most part when he and Kenshin fought. Whatever motives Saito had, that did lead to Kenshin showing an image of his past self, the time when he was used to being hitokiri. Look at those eyes, and that expression I mean… and the final slash he dealt to Saito. Though little did it stopped Saito, was a hell of a fight... ... if wasn't for Okubo, they might've killed each other. It was some entrance but now just one more episode. |
Softhenic03Dec 7, 2023 8:35 AM
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| yeah I think I'm kinda done with this anime... I was holding to hope that they were saving their best to the Kyoto arc, but some of the action, like Saito using his belt to attack Kenshin was done so poorly... I think the only people this anime is appealing to are people who wanted a Kenshin anime with digital animation in HD, I just don't see who else this anime is supposed to appeal to... Edit: just remembered, in '96 you have this shot of Saito spewing his broken teeth out, fucking badass and a stroke of genius, I'm sorry, this anime is just complete garbage I'm done |
Perrin4869Dec 7, 2023 9:32 AM
| back to his old self again. unexpected person stopped their fight. 25:05 JST again next, which is finale for this season. |
tsubasaloverDec 12, 2023 1:04 AM
I ♥ Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!! |
| More than anything Saito can be said to be a dark mirror to what Kenshin was like back then as an assassin. We finally get to see Kenshin get pushed to the limit fighting an opponent that was even more skilled that he was. Even more chilling was Kenshin's revertion to his past self in the latter half of the dual. Saito though proved to be one hell of a challenge for his skill not just with the blade but in unarmed combat as well. Using his jacket that way was pretty novel. Overall an excellent ep that handled its centerpiece in the form of the dual between Saito and Kenshin extremely well both in the combat aspect but also in the unique pressence that Saito brings to the table as both a member of the Shinsengumi and as a fellow survivor of the Bakumatsu. |
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| The fight from the original anime, if any new viewers want to compare (though this clip is dubbed). |
| this was probably the best episode so far seeing Kenshin the way he was in the Bakumatsu era is always nice next week is the final episode can't wait |
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| Now that what I'm talking about, an intense fight between Saito and Kenshin who quickly reverted back to his Hitokiri self after being pushed to the limit. Okubo stepped in to stop the fight, but now we are left with a cliffhanger on why Saito was targeting Kenshin Only one episode left. |
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| Very good episode, animation was smooth, fight was interesting and unpredictable, i just love how unorthodox Kenshin's fighting style is, also props to who did the sound design the clashes sounded great, almost david production tier |
| Deep dark fantasies |
Perrin4869 said: I was holding to hope that they were saving their best to the Kyoto arc, but some of the action, like Saito using his belt to attack Kenshin was done so poorly... Overall , it was much better than i expected it to be. But yeah , i have no idea what they had in head to rush the scenes of Sano from the previous episode , and the belt's and the strangulation's ones in this one... Perrin4869 said: just remembered, in '96 you have this shot of Saito spewing his broken teeth out, fucking badass and a stroke of genius Yeah , they really did an amazing job at making the characters badass. That's no wonder people thought the yellow eyes of the "Battousai mode" were Canon. x) |
 "Genius lives only one storey above madness." – Arthur Schopenhauer. "Stupidity is a talent for misconception." – Edgar Allan Poe. "I'm tired... and hungry." – Alexioos95. |
The_Sum_of_Zero said: The fight from the original anime, if any new viewers want to compare (though this clip is dubbed). Nice contrast the 90s version had a better atmosphere and the belt part was done better but other than that it's really not that different from this version animation wise, Just some nostalgia simps on this thread. Kaoru still annoying in both versions though lol Hope Kaoru has limited screentime next arc/season Can't deal with all her shouting |
Cestlavie_Dec 7, 2023 1:15 PM
| The penultimate episode. "you even fail as a rurouni", Saito's cut him verbally as well as physically. He could've killed everybody there if he felt like it. For mocking Kenshin's failure to uphold his vow to protect his friends, Kenshin had no rebuttal except to fight Saito. Best fight in this anime yet. Like Jin-E, Saito can bring out Hitokiri Battousai from Kenshin. Most competent opponent yet. But "fool me once, shame on you", he accidentally gave Kenshin some practice runs that he was able to dodge a proper serious Gatotsu. It was politicians of the Meiji era who orchestrated all this, but it was a politician who saved Kenshin and Saito from each other. Okubo needs these men whose pasts lay in the Bakumatsu for something, and we know what. |
 Novels I have read/am reading pending approval: since November 10 2022 |
| First anime's fight was better but I like this one. |
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| Kaoru sucks so much it's absurd. She really exists only to cry and be useless. She is much worse than sakura from naruto in every aspect. |
ComboSmoothMar 25, 1:07 PM
| https://combosmooth.itch.io/ - I make free-to-play browser games for PC and I sell pixel art animation here |
| Man what an episode. It never gets old seeing Kenshin go straight up battosai. Seeing a lot of people complain about how the fight looked compared to the OG, it’s been so long since I watched Rurouni as a kid I legit don’t remember. On its own merits, this was a very hype episode though. Saito is on another level from the villains we’ve had so far in this series. He brings a ferocity that we haven’t seen yet. Even going back to his Battosai persona, Kenshin was still struggling and in a dog fight. And we now know who’s behind everything, Toschimichi.. but what’s he playing at.. only one episode left, wonder how they’ll set up the inevitable second season |
Marinate1016Dec 7, 2023 5:20 PM
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| Now that was hell of a fight, perhaps one of the bests of the show so far, hard to say it’s the definitive best because I really liked the Gatling gun fight but it was definitely a very good one. Saito’s attacks were very cool but it was kinda silly of him to use the same attack that many times against Kenshin, of course he’d eventually find an opening, but from there the real fight began with the two of them seeming to revert to their wartime selves, especially Kenshin who casted aside his refusal to kill and was actually out for blood. And I heard that in the OG Kenshin’s Battosai self is actually more noticeable because of his eye color changing, that would have been cool to see in the remake but oh well, what we have is still very cool. And of course Kaoru tried her best to stop the fight since she caught on that Kenshin wasn’t himself, and I get that she needed to at least try but the love for shonen battles in me wanted her to keep quiet so we could see more of the fight lol, sorry Kaoru, her scream was really good tho. But the fight ended being over too soon anyway with the masterminds showing up, and as expected they’re also former soldiers, and with one episode left I’m guessing this has to get a sequel announcement because there ain’t no way they let it end here right lol. |
| I just realised this is ending next week and am now very sad I really liked this show. Seeing Ken return to his former self is both incredible to witness and actually pretty unnerving especially with how he speaks and seeing him actually struggle is really cool, saito immediately stabbing him really caught me off guard. That exchange of blows towards the end outside the dojo was animated beautifully, hopefully kaoru can stop Ken if the fight continues. |
| THIS EPISODE WAS SO FUCKING GOOD OMG |
Sorry if my english is bad (っ˘▽˘)っ~~~ Btw, cry about it.  |
Reply to Cestlavie_
The_Sum_of_Zero said:
The fight from the original anime, if any new viewers want to compare (though this clip is dubbed).
The fight from the original anime, if any new viewers want to compare (though this clip is dubbed).
Nice contrast the 90s version had a better atmosphere and the belt part was done better but other than that it's really not that different from this version animation wise,
Just some nostalgia simps on this thread.
Kaoru still annoying in both versions though lol
Hope Kaoru has limited screentime next arc/season
Can't deal with all her shouting
| @Cestlavie_ What I find ironic about people bringing the nostalgia card to the table, is that I think a lot of the reason people enjoy this anime is precisely because of the nostalgia and groundwork done by the previous works. What I mean is, yeah, here you get a fight you were familiar with, and it's serviceable (I was being hyperbolic when I called it trash :P), so you'll enjoy it at a basic level? It's not like I fell asleep watching it or anything but in my opinion, if it weren't for the attachment people have for the previous incarnation and are just watching this version, what you get is a cheaply animated fight you'll forget about in the morning? And of course, some people will like it regardless, but it's a fact that the same day we had an epic fight in the Jujutsu Kaisen S2 anime and that forum is super active non-stop, and this one isn't, and there is a reason for it... |
| lowkey banger of an episode |
| Now that is a well choreographed fight, very enjoyable to watch. The only thing I didn't like was Kaoru's desire to stop the fight to do what she thinks will save Kenshin from becoming Battousai again. This shows she is either (1) an idiot for trying to come between two men who hate each other's guts who are currently fighting in what is pretty much a to the death grudge match or (2) even if they're cold bloodedly going at it, interfering might see her get skewered plus show she doesn't trust that Kenshin HAS changed for the better permanently. Sigh, I hope it's (1) but can se both of them being true at the same time. IDK if I can respect Kaoru more if she thinks like this. Even Sanosuke "got it" and said the only ones capable of stopping them are higher authority figures who fought in the last war (the ones they both clearly have unfinished business in). Great, great episode. And such a cool sword stance too. Not sure how practical it is, but looks damned cool. |
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Reply to Marinate1016
Man what an episode. It never gets old seeing Kenshin go straight up battosai. Seeing a lot of people complain about how the fight looked compared to the OG, it’s been so long since I watched Rurouni as a kid I legit don’t remember.
On its own merits, this was a very hype episode though. Saito is on another level from the villains we’ve had so far in this series. He brings a ferocity that we haven’t seen yet. Even going back to his Battosai persona, Kenshin was still struggling and in a dog fight.
And we now know who’s behind everything, Toschimichi.. but what’s he playing at.. only one episode left, wonder how they’ll set up the inevitable second season
On its own merits, this was a very hype episode though. Saito is on another level from the villains we’ve had so far in this series. He brings a ferocity that we haven’t seen yet. Even going back to his Battosai persona, Kenshin was still struggling and in a dog fight.
And we now know who’s behind everything, Toschimichi.. but what’s he playing at.. only one episode left, wonder how they’ll set up the inevitable second season
| @Marinate1016 Marinate1016 said: Man what an episode. It never gets old seeing Kenshin go straight up battosai. Seeing a lot of people complain about how the fight looked compared to the OG, it’s been so long since I watched Rurouni as a kid I legit don’t remember. Hahaha you took the words right out of my mouth! I saw this so long ago I barely remember anything either! I just left it as PTW on MAL because of that. Was going to do a re-watch at some stage, I think I watched this over 25+ years ago? Uhm, just occurred to me that might be longer than some of the younger ones on this site, geez now I feel old. |
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| The way Souma Saitou switch up his voice into Hitokiri Battousai. That was a very intense battle!! I kinda understand Kaoru point, yeah just heartbreaking moment. One more episode left for this season... |
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| This battle shows how Kenshin doesn't fight only against his opponent, but also against himself. |
Reply to Stark700
Hajime's complicated relationship with Kenshin is a highlight of this episode. Actually, I think he is his biggest rival this season given their pasts and conflicting personalities.
VA did a great job at protraying Hajime's character to make him believable imo. I like how among all this drama, he didn't forget about his close friend Kaoru.
VA did a great job at protraying Hajime's character to make him believable imo. I like how among all this drama, he didn't forget about his close friend Kaoru.
| @Stark700 Hajime vs Kenshin is by far the best fight of the whole manga. Loved this, once again watching these two absolute legends go at it. |
| i guess these guys never heard "let sleeping dogs lie". they keep trying to fight over old ass grudges i feel super bad for everyone they end up dragging into their silly games. i kind of get where kenshin is coming from in his not wanting to kill people but there is no reason to be so strict about it. not every bad guy is just going to disappear with a bop on the head. |
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| I went ahead and re-watched the same episode from the OG series, and everything was far superior. The fight in this episode was very disappointing, they rushed so many aspects. |
| What a cool duel within them, the ghost of Bakumatsu era. They truly 'having fun' on their nostalgia time. Agreed, Kaoru intentionally making their battle sequence almost unsatisfying, too much interruption for heaven sake. But still respectfully pay no mind in the end. Since y'know, waifu always win in my heart. Anyway, looks like those moustache man kinda wish Kenshin to be on his prime time again and need Saitou to verify it. Perhaps he have some mission ahead? I really don't get to know this series plot up until now, since i am not the old watcher of Samurai X. So let's just end it there for me, and let's pray this remake is not stop at this point already. |
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Stormy_77 said: @Marinate1016 Marinate1016 said: Man what an episode. It never gets old seeing Kenshin go straight up battosai. Seeing a lot of people complain about how the fight looked compared to the OG, it’s been so long since I watched Rurouni as a kid I legit don’t remember. Hahaha you took the words right out of my mouth! I saw this so long ago I barely remember anything either! I just left it as PTW on MAL because of that. Was going to do a re-watch at some stage, I think I watched this over 25+ years ago? Uhm, just occurred to me that might be longer than some of the younger ones on this site, geez now I feel old. Nah fr they got the memories so fresh in their heads man this was decades ago for us 😂 |
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| Even at its climax this anime continues to fail to deliver anything above mediocrity. One episode left, let's see how they finish this. |
| Finally my favorite episode in all Rurouni Kenshin anime got adapted. And though it was nowhere near as awesome as its 96' counterpart, I still appreciate the extra effort the staff put into some fighting sequences as well as the addition of a more varied camera work during a few scenes. |
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