Revival of the Shinko Style, The Killing Sword Which Heralds a Storm (真古流の復活! 嵐を呼ぶ究極の殺人剣 Shinkoryū no Fukkatsu! Arashi o Yobu Kyūkyoku no Satsujinken) is the 20th episode of the Rurouni Kenshin anime.
Synopsis[]
After Kenshin refuses Raijūta's offer to assist they in their efforts, he has to retreat to save Yutarō from drowning in the sea. After he is saved, the group decide to quietly distance Yutarō from Raijūta with persuasion. This is prompt by Yahiko who Yutarō declares as his rival, so he starts training seriously under the Kamiya Kasshin-ryū. What will Raijūta do to continue his efforts at creating his kingdom? Is now Kenshin going to stop him once and for all?
Plot[]
Kenshin and Yutarō arrive to Hana's house
Kenshin fights his way from the Shinko-ryū after showing his true fighting skills by turning Battōsai for a little bit. With the four lackeys of Raijūta out of the way, the rurouni dives into the stream and saves Yutarō. Raijūta and the Shinko-ryū are unaware of Kenshin's save, thinking that he jumped to his own death. By the next morning, Kenshin returns to Doctor Gensai's sister's house carrying Yutarō in his arms. Everyone was waiting for Kenshin's return, worried about where he was all night. Yutarō is treated by Megumi, but at the same time, the young boy's house is the gathering spot for many swordsmen and assassins under Raijūta's preparation for his empire.
Yutarō preparing to fight Yahiko
Word has gotten out about the men gathering at the Tsukayama mansion around the country. Kenshin is determined to stop Raijūta before things get messy. As the Kenshin Gumi feast upon their cakes, Yutarō wakes up from his slumber and announces that he's headed straight home. Although Kenshin asks that Yutarō stay with them for a little while, the stubborn boy tries to leave. Yahiko steps in his way, halting him, and challenges Yutarō to see if Raijūta taught him anything. If Yutarō manages to win, Yahiko will let him go on home. Yutarō foolishly accepts the challenge and never gets a hit in.
Yutarō interrupts Yahiko's bath to challenge him
After his complete loss to Yahiko, Kaoru offers to teach Yutarō Kamiya Kasshin-ryū. Yutarō willingly accepts and trains day and night with Kaoru and by himself, hoping to defeat Yahiko when he's ready. A couple days pass by and during a meal out in the open, Yutarō finally thanks Kenshin for saving him. Even though he's learned a lot from Kamiya Kasshin-ryū, Yutarō, however, wants to go back to Raijūta and show him his strength because he was offered a spot in the Shinko-ryū. Ayame and Suzume drag Yutarō away after he finishes his fish and take him to a place where, just by coincidence, he meets up with the police chief from Tokyo, Muraki. Muraki asks Yutarō if he knows where Kenshin is and if he lives in the area. Yutarō answers both questions and is given a reply that shocks him.
Raijūta declaring the rebellion will be victorious
Muraki meets up with Kenshin and tells him that the military will now be getting involved to prevent Raijūta and the Shinko-ryū's takeover. The government has allowed it, and all Muraki came to Izu for was to ask Kenshin his opinion on the subject at Yamagata's request. Kenshin repeats, he thinks it'll be an ugly scene. Kaoru bursts into the room and informs Kenshin that Yutarō is missing. Immediately, Kenshin turns to the police chief and asks if he told the boy. Muraki didn't meant to of course, he couldn't help. Yutarō arrives at his home, only to see many men killing each other or are already killed. It's up to the Kenshin Gumi to save Yutarō, for he does not know what kind of fate he'll meet if he stays in the middle of the battlefield.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Himura Kenshin
- Tsuruzaemon
- Sakuramaru
- Kiriji
- Tsukiō
- Tsukayama Yutarō
- Isurugi Raijūta
- Kamiya Kaoru
- Takani Megumi
- Sagara Sanosuke
- Myōjin Yahiko
- Oguni Hana
- Oguni Ayame
- Oguni Suzume
- Muraki
Anime Notes[]
- There are significant differences in the events of this episode between the anime and the manga:
- In the original manga, Yutarō and Yahiko met previously (during chapters that correspond to events in the previous episode), and he threatens Yahiko to a future fight.
- The next day Yutarō arrives at the Kamiya Dōjō very early in the morning, and they have a Kendo duel, which Yahiko easily wins. As a result, Kaoru offers to teach Yutarō some kendo. This is in contrast with the anime, where they spend days at Hana's house.
- In the manga it is not specified if the police is aware of Raijūta and his plans.
Trivia[]
- The instrumental parts of the song "Kokoro no Hadaka" (Naked Heart), which is an image song of Sanosuke Sagara, is heard at several moments of this episode.
- An instrumental version of the song "Suki toka Janakute..." (It's not like I like you...), which is an image song of Kaoru Kamiya, is heard in the scene where Kaoru is teaching kendo to Yutarō.
Gallery[]
