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.
Oct 31, 9:31 AM
#1

Offline
Nov 2011
129033
These have been the most emotional impactful episode Kenshin has been in imo.

Not going to lie, Soujirou comes across as a very mysterious character. Especially with that happy-go face, it's hard to tell what he's thinking. And of course, being associated with Shishio...I would love to see more background storytelling about their group. Shishio's intimidating presence in this show is still very noticable.
Oct 31, 9:31 AM
#2

Offline
Dec 2021
2872
I mean, ofc yeah the MAIN battle wouldn't happen this soon into the season, it was expected. That doesn't mean we didn't still get one of the more important and major fights this episode though, with Kenshin v. Soujirou. At a first glance, just because of the duration of the battle, you wouldn't expect this to be a major battle, but thanks to the consequences that came from this battle, that being Kensin's Sakabatou being destroyed at the hands of a Soujirou in THE FIRST SECOND of the fight LOL.

Kenshin did his damage to Soujirou's blade as well dw. Though, yeah, just the damage, as he has changed from what Makoto wanted out of him. I mean, he did change Eiji for the better, clearly. Dropped him with that "The dead don't desire revenge, but the happiness of the living.".... This is WHY Kenshin is the undisputed GOAT.

Prologue is no over, with Makoto wanting to assemble the Juppon Gatana to take down Kenshin. And yeah, the biggest reveal of the arc, Hajime does INDEED have a wife xD


Oct 31, 9:35 AM
#3

Offline
May 2020
11424
A fucking nobody will be a fucking nobody in the end, I mean if that guy was actually enough to do anything at all to Kenshin and co. then we wouldn’t have needed a villain like Shishio right? Though I actually found it really hilarious how Shishio just roasted the Senkaku guy along with Kenshin and left like this all has nothing to do with him. Add the entire scenery of Kenshin and Saitou just watching him leave lol. That man’s aura is really something else.

This arc really peaks in its latter parts, but yeah, the entire bit with Sojiro just tells the kind of people Kenshin and everyone would be dealing with. Shishio is that big bad final boss who only gonna fight with you when you’ve at least accumulated enough experience to beat people a level or lower than him. Btw, the animation this season really does look a bit polished if anything. Loved that brief faceoff between Kenshin and Sojiro. Btw, Sojiro dude really is a monster with a cute smile lol.
Oct 31, 10:15 AM
#4

Offline
Nov 2007
31756
I Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!!
Oct 31, 12:06 PM
#5
Deadhead

Offline
Dec 2018
3963
Well no wonder Shishio doesn’t get defeated here, he didn’t even fight lol, just let his lapdog Soujirou keep Kenshin from chasing him down, but their brief clashing of swords was pretty cool at least, I like that they kinda made you think Soujirou is this badass that Kenshin is beneath when he cut Kenshin’s sword, but then Soujirou’s own sword crumbles lol. But I suppose Soujirou flexed how dangerous he is anyway, bro’s extremely fast and has next to no emotions besides pleasure, yeah I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley lol.

But with the defeat of Senkaku, and Sishio out of the village, it’s now saved thanks to Kenshin and co., I liked that short bit with Eiji too, Kenshin said just the right things to keep the kid from doing he could never take back. And although even Saito is trying to push Kenshin into killing again to take on Shishio, I really want him to try and maintain his usual ways anyway, falling back into that state is exactly what Shishio wants, and that probably means it’s bad lol, hopefully Misao can keep our boy mellowed on that front.
Oct 31, 12:13 PM
#6

Offline
Aug 2022
1498
If Kenshin don't turn back to his old self ill be pretty disappointed. Im not asking him to murder everyone but it'll be disappointing if we don't see it.
Oct 31, 12:46 PM
#7

Offline
Dec 2013
2641
Poor Eiji, I wish we could trade Yahiko for him, I never liked Yahiko.
Oct 31, 1:31 PM
#8

Offline
Feb 2012
3960
Everything that happens pressures Kenshin to become Battousai again; Shishio's disappointment in his Ryushousen variation rather than a "proper" one against Senkaku and the fact his sakabato boke in the Battoujutsu duel with Seta. He'll rather take time from his journey to Kyoto get a new sakaboto forged than just use Hiten Mitsurugiryu with a katakana. again.
Eiji wants revenge against Senkaku but Saitou can't have him breaking the law and Kenshin can't have him stain his hands with blood.
Misao and Kenshin are surprised Saitou has a wife. Before going into Tokio's care, Tokio uses Saitou's cigarette as makeshift incense for his brother's sword-marked grave.

Sanousuke's hella lost.

Novels I have read/am reading pending approval: since November 10 2022
Oct 31, 1:56 PM
#9

Offline
Dec 2018
3885
sagura lost as usual in our post ED; Kenshin has to decide on how to fight (I think we know the answer). Really good buildup episode but I don't think we'll see much action just yet. Hopefully sagura can beat the owl, but I'm pretty sure i could do that with a nerf gun so he'll be fine.
StateofOhayoOct 31, 2:01 PM
Oct 31, 1:59 PM

Offline
Dec 2018
3885
Reply to Phantom_Siren652
If Kenshin don't turn back to his old self ill be pretty disappointed. Im not asking him to murder everyone but it'll be disappointing if we don't see it.
@Phantom_373
Oct 31, 3:31 PM
🥊 CHAMPION 🥊

Offline
Apr 2016
23507
Draw! It was the score of the swords duel!!
Bad signal to Kenshin!!!
kekeke
Oct 31, 4:42 PM
Offline
Oct 2016
2548
Kenshin facing his first real test of this Kyoto arc! I'm not talking about the big conehead either. Sojiro establishing himself just as big a threat as Shishio. We already saw last season during the assassination that Sojiro is emotionless and unfeeling. He's so calm in his speech that is unnerving and odd. Shishio not willing to face Kenshin yet as he knows the rurouni isn't Kenshin at his peak. Shishio wants to amp Kenshin up before their fight, which I can't blame him because that would be more exciting. Sojiro gets the first real crack at trying to draw Kenshin out, with incredible sword speed to match its quick but effective. Breaking the famed reverse sword Kenshin wielded. Its a disheartening turn of events but it shows us how far Kenshin still has to go, both in terms of actual distance and in terms of mentality, before he can face Shishio himself. I'm glad that Saito is looking after the kid now, good to knows he's taken care of. Kenshin and Misao continuing their travels towards Kyoto. Very excited for Kenshin to face these ten elite henchmen that Shishio has summoned. Some classic shonen power building as he works his way to to the boss man!
Oct 31, 5:32 PM
Offline
Jun 2020
31
AHAHA I tought i broke my arm at the start because i jumped off the chair shouting so loud. I liked a lot you guys looking like bringing it to first season style: without things that go over the possible. Amazing epsode. I was quiet after the intro but i said "what?" in my langue when - you guys know who - did something that was diferent from the film. The team behind this anime is being pretty creative. I liked a lot too when that little boy is joining the road to meet Shishio and that amazing soundtrack with that amazing sunset get together in scene. Before those 3 meet in a rock, Shishio's girl had some expressions in face that reminds somebody IRL that i think everyday. Is amazing the teorys about fighting styles that are in this episode like why Saito acted in a way since he arrived there and something about Kenshin's style: all these informations make the fight more awesome because creates motivations to try figure out how it works IRL - i figured out since I had a nice karate master xD. - The part about Saito's family was interesting too: i laughted. The pos credits of this episode were cool too: the way you are representing Sano is pretty awesome ! I liked a lot his participation in history in the first season and this season the fight on the first episode is memorable.
Monday to thrusday is so exausting, but when I see this anime's new episodes I get reborn xD 100% hyped again.
Ty so much for the dedication in bringing 1 anime that is cool among so many that are awful. Hope the team that make this anime be doing awesome - fine seems not enought to what you deserve.
SlenderKSOct 31, 5:40 PM
Oct 31, 6:15 PM
#FreeWatermelon

Offline
Feb 2020
9287
Welp, catch up to the latest episode. Senkaku defeated easily before, then ofc its the boy's turn to play sword with Kenshin. Sir Okubo assassin surely have his skills to corner Kenshin that much, even under the battojutsu duel, Kenshin Sakabato just broke! Meanwhile Shishio escape from the scene in style together with his oiran, respect. Tho, the later scene indicates something big coming up at Kyoto, which for sure giving a good teaser for the incoming part of this arc...

But before that, return back to Sanosuke lost saga in the forest, its time to him to show his worth, before reaching Kyoto? And also not to mentioning Misao part too tho, can't wait for Aoshi to arrive as well, and pour hot water to the burned area instead...
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
Oct 31, 6:39 PM

Offline
Jul 2016
8614
Glad to see they kept the joke about Saitou having a wife.

5/5 episode. Kenshin sure dodged a bullet there, otherwise Shishio would have slaughtered him if he accepted the duel. That's a fact.

So... Anji next episode?
Oct 31, 6:41 PM
Offline
Jul 2024
1269
Reply to IzanaSolos
I mean, ofc yeah the MAIN battle wouldn't happen this soon into the season, it was expected. That doesn't mean we didn't still get one of the more important and major fights this episode though, with Kenshin v. Soujirou. At a first glance, just because of the duration of the battle, you wouldn't expect this to be a major battle, but thanks to the consequences that came from this battle, that being Kensin's Sakabatou being destroyed at the hands of a Soujirou in THE FIRST SECOND of the fight LOL.

Kenshin did his damage to Soujirou's blade as well dw. Though, yeah, just the damage, as he has changed from what Makoto wanted out of him. I mean, he did change Eiji for the better, clearly. Dropped him with that "The dead don't desire revenge, but the happiness of the living.".... This is WHY Kenshin is the undisputed GOAT.

Prologue is no over, with Makoto wanting to assemble the Juppon Gatana to take down Kenshin. And yeah, the biggest reveal of the arc, Hajime does INDEED have a wife xD
@IzanaSolos Saito being married is the ONLY thing in the Episode that shocks Himura & Misao. ROFLMAO
Oct 31, 7:20 PM

Offline
Feb 2019
9386
WAIT SAITO IS MARRIED LMAO??! Awesome episode, if Shishio’s minions are this strong, imagine how powerful he is. Like we’ve never seen Himura actually truly contemplate having to go back to his battosai days, but after his sword broke and he saw Sojiro’s strength even he was like damn maybe I will have to go back to the old days lol.

And we’re getting the 10 swords assembled? I really don’t see how Kenshin gets thru this without some massive power up. Maybe channeling the full strength of Battosai, but to save people instead of just pure hate and vengeance? This arc is gonna be fun
Marinate1016Oct 31, 7:26 PM
Oct 31, 7:26 PM
Offline
Jul 2024
78
i wouldnt call this a fight, it was a single slash
that being said this sequel so far has been much better in both story an visuals compated to its previous season
Oct 31, 8:41 PM

Offline
Nov 2020
378
Loved the new scene with Eiji visiting his brother, you can tell that Saito cared for him on his own way.

Also the scene with the ten swords presentation was very cool.
-Hyunckel-Oct 31, 8:46 PM
Oct 31, 8:48 PM
Offline
Mar 2019
627
Be careful what you wish for Shishio, you just might get it. On the other hand, Kenshin just has to improve his skills to the point that he doesn't need to be the "Battousai" once again. Even with this new iteration, Rurouni Kenshin still packs a LOT of emotional beats. I know what's coming, but it doesn't affect my enjoyment.
Oct 31, 11:14 PM

Offline
Jul 2008
10993
To kill or not to kill that is the question.
Nov 1, 12:55 AM
Offline
Feb 2021
610
Phantom_373 said:
If Kenshin don't turn back to his old self ill be pretty disappointed. Im not asking him to murder everyone but it'll be disappointing if we don't see it.

Then you’re going to be disappointed cause he won’t
Nov 1, 6:43 AM
Offline
Jan 2020
1985
It's crazy just how much better this looks than anything literally by Lidenfilms
Nov 1, 7:13 AM

Offline
Jul 2014
3
Haters been real quiet since Kyoto Disturbance dropped…
Nov 1, 8:56 AM
Shingster

Offline
Jun 2015
4397
Misao sure picked the best moment to sneak a peek lol. In a way i guess Sojiro is a blank slate whose entire life is focused in finding joy via fighting. That fight though brief as it was really handled the tension well. Kenshin's words with Eiji really was heartfelt. Looks like Shishios pushing ahead with his plans by gathering his elites. Guess now Kenshin would need a new sword to replace the one he broke.
Signature removed. Please follow the signature rules, as defined in the Site & Forum Guidelines.
Nov 1, 10:28 AM

Offline
May 2023
59
Another great episode. The internal struggle between the need to go back to the hitokiri vs the desire to not kill is just gonna amp up.
Nov 1, 11:16 AM
Offline
Apr 2008
246
S2 has been very consistently good now. Very intense and engaging flow. Good direction.

I highly disagree with Kenshin's advice to Eiji. But maybe it does in fact make sense now that Senkaku and Shishio's group have been taken care of and brought to justice. In that case, Kenshin is right. If not for that, I wouldn't have faulted him for trying to find his own justice.
Nov 1, 3:13 PM

Offline
Oct 2022
1102
I hope we see Saito's wife at some point, you can't tell us about her without showing us.
-Login to mal
-Looks at notifications
-Three messages deleted
"Oh no"
Nov 1, 3:51 PM
Offline
Jan 2011
14
I really liked how they handled this first part. Eiji was done so well, the Senkaku fight was fun, and the characterization of Soujiro has been great! Soujiro's overly gentle voice is an interesting choice.
Nov 1, 9:23 PM

Offline
Feb 2016
960
Another sick episode, this entire adaptation is sick.
Sorry if my english is bad (っ˘▽˘)っ~~~
Btw, cry about it.

Nov 2, 1:08 PM

Offline
Sep 2011
136
love the "historical fact" note that popped up for those who didn't know saito was indeed married irl XD
Nov 3, 10:10 AM
Offline
Mar 2015
13472
The preliminaries are over Time for the main event in kyoto
Nov 3, 1:58 PM

Offline
Oct 2010
226
Reply to -Hyunckel-
Loved the new scene with Eiji visiting his brother, you can tell that Saito cared for him on his own way.

Also the scene with the ten swords presentation was very cool.
@-Hyunckel- Agreed, liked the ten swords scene.

@silversain2 yes, from season two this is easily the successor to the original.

Great episode, some laughs, some tears, all as it should be.
Nov 4, 12:01 AM
Offline
Oct 2019
7398
Soujirou what an interesting character for sure.

Can't wait to meet the Ten Swords members.

The post credit scene, Sanosuke Zoro LMAO
Nov 5, 9:38 PM

Offline
Nov 2021
657
I'm so impressed with the step up in quality and direction for this arc
Nov 14, 2:32 PM
Anime Archivist

Offline
Aug 2019
890
Shishio fight time? Funny to see Misao stumble in, but... wow. How can Shishio talk about fighting being a "boring fight" when he's running away like a coward. Lame, after all the setup of him staring.

Sojiro at least gives some entertainment in the meantime. Both of them destroying each other's weapon in a single strike.. doesn't amount to much but it's something. He doesn't skip leg day either, bolting out of that resort.

Kenshin giving the motivational speech of kindness 🙏 nice. And now Shishio wants to call for more backup? Suppose he really is all talk and infamy for now. Shame.

But with this we put the village adventure aside, and we're back to the Kyoto track. Bless Misao.
Nov 14, 3:55 PM
Offline
May 2021
268
The remake is starting to be really good.
I started to have Hopes they will success to do my Fifth favourite arc of all time🙇‍♂️👑💚,like it deserves!
Nov 19, 1:25 AM
Shalltear

Offline
Apr 2018
34425
Things are stabilized for now... but Kenshin and Soujirou breaking each other katana was something, especially because it turns out Soujirou's weapon was extremely valuable
Nov 20, 3:16 AM

Offline
Jul 2016
3126
Reply to Phantom_Siren652
If Kenshin don't turn back to his old self ill be pretty disappointed. Im not asking him to murder everyone but it'll be disappointing if we don't see it.
@Phantom_Siren652

You will have to wait and see.

More topics from this board

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

Stark700 - Nov 21

24 by davidyodo24 »»
Yesterday, 6:29 AM

Poll: » Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Episode 7 Discussion

Stark700 - Nov 14

45 by Wam_0001 »»
Yesterday, 12:53 AM

Poll: » Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Episode 6 Discussion

Stark700 - Nov 7

34 by Vindicater »»
Nov 23, 3:16 AM

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

Alexioos95 - Oct 4

32 by Alexioos95 »»
Nov 22, 4:01 AM

» Need To Know VA!!!!

Cammedham - Nov 15

5 by LenRea »»
Nov 19, 12:34 PM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login