Hiten versus Shukuchi is the 54th episode of the Rurouni Kenshin anime series.
Synopsis[]
Before the doors of the "Room Without Space" the prodigious young man within, and assassin of Ōkubo Toshimichi, lies in wait for the former hitokiri. Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yumi enter, and Kenshin readies himself for this duel, to avenge the death of lord Ōkubo and in a rematch against the boy who destroyed the Sakabatō that Arai Shakkū forged. But as this young man reveals a speed that flashes like magic to close the distance of the earth that possibly surpasses the Shinsoku of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, and holds no emotion that can even be sensed, how will Kenshin overcome this demon of the heavens?
Plot[]
Kenshin and Sōjirō facing each other for battle
Kenshin, Sanosuke and Yumi stand before the Room Without Space where Sōjirō is waiting. Sanosuke becomes concerned when Kenshin tells him that Sōjirō was the one that split his previous Sakabatō, but Kenshin reassures him as he now has the principal true Sakabatō that Shakkū forged, and the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (Flash of the Heavenly Flying Dragon) that his master Hiko taught him, so he is stronger now for this battle.
Sōjirō after successfully dodging Kenshin's Kuzu Ryū Sen
As both Kenshin and Sōjirō face each other, their stances are for a Battōjutsu speed contest. After a clash, Kenshin manages to make a crack in Sōjirō's Katana, giving Sanosuke a boost of confidence. However, this confidence would soon be shattered when Sōjirō demonstrates the speed of Shukuchi (Reduced Earth), and even more so when he explains that it was actually 3 steps from the true Shukuchi. When Sōjirō charges at 2 steps from the Shukuchi, Kenshin tries to attack with the Kuzu Ryū Sen (Nine-Head Dragon Flash). With his Shukuchi, Sōjirō was able to dodge the "undodgable" Kuzu Ryū Sen, and land a strike on Kenshin's back.
Sōjirō confused about Kenshin's endurance in battle
Though Sōjirō is clearly winning the duel so far, he is confused and seems almost disappointed that it is taking this long to defeat Kenshin. Sōjirō knows that something is not right, and reflects on Shishio’s philosophy that the strong live, and the weak die. He asks why Kenshin saved Senkaku’s life, and tells him it was a mistake to do so.
Sōjirō ready to strike Kenshin
Sōjirō charges at 1 step from the Shukuchi, but Kenshin quickly sees that Sōjirō's sword-speed is more inconsistent than before. When Kenshin inquires about Sōjirō's troubled mind, the latter only continues to preach Shishio's philosophy. However, Kenshin is able to read through Sōjirō's mindset, and infers that Sōjirō truly does not wish to kill. This sparks flames of anger in Sōjirō, and he stays in denial. Though he charges at Kenshin again, he hesitates, and goes to repair his Waraji.
Kaoru taking care of Misao's wounds at the Aoiya
Back at the Aoiya, Kaoru is treating both Kamatari and Misao from their injuries. Misao complains about how tight are the bandages Misao wrapped, while Kamatari states that since he was defeated, and then taken care of by the enemy, he will never be able to take Sōjirō's place as Shishio's assistant, but Kaoru says that it is her duty to take care of all the wounded in battle, and just wait until his wounds are healed.
Yumi scolding Sōjirō for not killing Kenshin quickly
As Sanosuke is tending to Kenshin’s wounds (while Sōjirō is reparing his broken waraji), they both deduce that Sōjirō does not really lack emotions, but only has been keeping them buried deep inside his heart (and they are resurfacing again very slowly). Meanwhile, Sōjirō is checking his waraji (next to Yumi who is scolding him for his lazyness). To help resolve his confused state of mind, Sōjirō begins to recall a story from his own past.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Sagara Sanosuke
- Komagata Yumi
- Himura Kenshin
- Seta Sōjirō
- Ōkubo Toshimichi
- Shishio Makoto
- Sadojima Hōji
- Senkaku
- Honjō Kamatari
- Kamiya Kaoru
- Makimachi Misao
Anime Notes[]
- There is a difference between the original manga, and this anime episode:
- The scene of Sōjirō talking to Senkaku at the river, and then killing him is anime original. That scene does not exist in the manga.
Trivia[]
- This episode marks the only time in the story (manga and anime) in which Kenshin is hit in his back, confirming the fact that Sōjirō is faster than Kenshin.
- Sojiro's sandal breaking as a result of his speed is not only considered a residual effect of his Shukuchi. In Japanese superstition, it is considered horrendously bad luck to have one's sandals break apart or fall into disuse.
Gallery[]
