What do you think?
Rate this book
るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #13
Samurai X 13: Malam Penuh Kejutan
Created by Watsuki, who has also published a Kenshin spin-off in Japan, this bestselling 28-volume manga series has been translated in 14 countries worldwide. "Rurouni Kenshin" centers on the adventures of a wandering samurai in Meiji-era Japan, just as the country begins to reluctantly open its doors to Western influences in the mid-19th century. Rated for older teens. (Graphic Novels)
183 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 1996
13 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Nobuhiro Watsuki
246 books425 followersWatsuki Nobuhiro (和月伸宏) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for his samurai-themed series Rurouni Kenshin. He once worked as an assistant for his favorite author Takeshi Obata.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 21, 2023
This is by far my favorite cover in the series, so of course it’s the first lowest rated volume. 🤦🏼♀️
I’ll get to why I dropped my rating in a minute, but first I wanted to mention the things I liked! The first third with Kenshin returning to the others and the gang just hanging out and having some chill time before we launch back into the action was by far my favorite part as it’s pretty much just these goofs being honest and weird with each other, lol. Also so nice to see the original “Team Kenshin” back together again and just overall having fun. And later on near the end the fight between Sano and Anji was really well done and intense.
Unfortunately now we get to the stuff that lowered my rating. One, these people aligned with Shishio (crazy Mummy Wrapped guy, in case you forgot my name for him, hehe) are INSANE, like literally one guy rips off his own fingernails to show how loyal he is and that is both sick and disturbing and, um, was that really necessary? We already know each and every one of them is crazy, so I don’t really think that was needed.
However, I could have bypassed and ignored that part if it wasn’t for the second and most disliked part of this volume: Anji’s past. Now to preface what I’m going to say, Rurouni Kenshin is extremely violent: no doubt about that, most of the fights involve R rated blood and such and for the most part I’m fine with it as it adds narrative to how brutal the bad guys are—not to mention slicing people with swords is probably going to be that bloody in real life—and it shows a stark contrast to how Kenshin handles fighting with as little injury as possible. All this to say Anji’s past, and specifically the two parts where kids are burned alive inside a building (though not shown burning up, thank God) and Anji basically vaporizes a guy’s head between his hands, crossed the thin line this series has walked and I don’t appreciate it. That violence was unnecessary in my opinion and is the reason I docked a star from this volume.
Still overall enjoy the story and characters (especially Kenshin!), so I’ll continue the series as long as this violence line isn’t crossed again.
‼️Content‼️
Language: damn
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a character is thrown into a roof; characters smack others; a character bites and rips off his own fingernails (R); the twisted arms of dead children’s’ bodies stick out of the ground before a burning temple (R); children were burned alive inside a temple (the action of them burning isn’t shown but I still rate this scene R); a man smashes a man’s head between his hands (R)
Sexual: a woman wears a cleavage showing/very low dress; shirtless guys
Drugs/Alcohol: characters mention wanting to drink sake; guys smoke
Other: a burning building; a pile of skeletons under a bridge
I’ll get to why I dropped my rating in a minute, but first I wanted to mention the things I liked! The first third with Kenshin returning to the others and the gang just hanging out and having some chill time before we launch back into the action was by far my favorite part as it’s pretty much just these goofs being honest and weird with each other, lol. Also so nice to see the original “Team Kenshin” back together again and just overall having fun. And later on near the end the fight between Sano and Anji was really well done and intense.
Unfortunately now we get to the stuff that lowered my rating. One, these people aligned with Shishio (crazy Mummy Wrapped guy, in case you forgot my name for him, hehe) are INSANE, like literally one guy rips off his own fingernails to show how loyal he is and that is both sick and disturbing and, um, was that really necessary? We already know each and every one of them is crazy, so I don’t really think that was needed.
However, I could have bypassed and ignored that part if it wasn’t for the second and most disliked part of this volume: Anji’s past. Now to preface what I’m going to say, Rurouni Kenshin is extremely violent: no doubt about that, most of the fights involve R rated blood and such and for the most part I’m fine with it as it adds narrative to how brutal the bad guys are—not to mention slicing people with swords is probably going to be that bloody in real life—and it shows a stark contrast to how Kenshin handles fighting with as little injury as possible. All this to say Anji’s past, and specifically the two parts where kids are burned alive inside a building (though not shown burning up, thank God) and Anji basically vaporizes a guy’s head between his hands, crossed the thin line this series has walked and I don’t appreciate it. That violence was unnecessary in my opinion and is the reason I docked a star from this volume.
Still overall enjoy the story and characters (especially Kenshin!), so I’ll continue the series as long as this violence line isn’t crossed again.
‼️Content‼️
Language: damn
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a character is thrown into a roof; characters smack others; a character bites and rips off his own fingernails (R); the twisted arms of dead children’s’ bodies stick out of the ground before a burning temple (R); children were burned alive inside a temple (the action of them burning isn’t shown but I still rate this scene R); a man smashes a man’s head between his hands (R)
Sexual: a woman wears a cleavage showing/very low dress; shirtless guys
Drugs/Alcohol: characters mention wanting to drink sake; guys smoke
Other: a burning building; a pile of skeletons under a bridge
September 21, 2017
It's a war on two fronts; as Kenshin, along with Sano and Saito took on a gauntlet of Shishio's best fighters, in order to reach the final fight boss fight. Not all of Shishio's elite ten swords are in on the gauntlet, the rest were sent to burn Aoiya to ground. Aoiya was where Kaoru and Yahiko staying with Misao with the rest of the Oniwabanshu.
May 18, 2018
Saya sedang dalam marathon menghabiskan siri manga Samurai ini. Dulu pernah disiarkan di tv3 (ke NTV7) sewaktu saya kecil.
Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.
Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.
June 26, 2023
Purpose and strength arc 🥶❤️🔥♾️
February 16, 2017
This volume kicks off with Chapter 103: One Dawn.
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
February 14, 2013
I loved this volume too- I should probably stop saying that because I've given all the volumes so far 5 stars and I'll probably continue to so so until the end.
The majority of this volume was Kenshin preparing to head to the meet up with Shishio to begin the battles. We have our 3 (Kenshin, Sanosuke and Hajime) against Shishio and his 10 warriors. First up, Sanosuke against Anji (I liked Anji when we first met him and I liked him just as much this time). We get a glimpse into his history and find out why he joined Shishio, and he becomes a creature to be pitied. The end of the battle appears to be finished but it will be concluded in the next volume.
The majority of this volume was Kenshin preparing to head to the meet up with Shishio to begin the battles. We have our 3 (Kenshin, Sanosuke and Hajime) against Shishio and his 10 warriors. First up, Sanosuke against Anji (I liked Anji when we first met him and I liked him just as much this time). We get a glimpse into his history and find out why he joined Shishio, and he becomes a creature to be pitied. The end of the battle appears to be finished but it will be concluded in the next volume.
October 20, 2008
Not only was this an action packed series, but it was also full of great historical information. I learned so much about Japan's history by reading this series. Watsuki managed to throw in a nice amount of romance as well. All in all, it was a great fun read that kept me wanting more.
August 2, 2009
This volume focuses on one of Shishio's Lieutenants: the fallen priest Anji. He's probably my favorite character of the series and has a very tragic past. His story is very touching and makes me cry every time I read it.
March 15, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 13 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (103–111) of the on-going manga series.
While Saitō Hajime makes the arrangements for the fight against Shishio Makoto, Himura Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke returns to the Aoi-Ya, where they find Kamiya Kaoru and Myōjin Yahiko. Okina wants Kenshin to end Shinomori Aoshi's life, but Kenshin believes there is still a chance to save him and promises Makimachi Misao that he will bring him back.
The next morning, Saitō picks up Kenshin and Sanosuke and they leave for Shishio's base. Unknown to them, Sadojima Hōji has sent most of the Juppongatana to attack the Aoi-Ya to prevent any further interference from the Oniwabanshū. Guided by Shishio's lover, Komagata Yumi, Kenshin and his friends find the first Juppongatana, the fallen monk Yūkyūzan Anji.
Sanosuke is shocked to find Anji there and volunteers to fight him to learn if he is really evil. During the course of a brutal fight, Anji tells Sano his history and why he joined Shishio. He wants to save the world, but Sanosuke convinces him that his wish to destroy is not the way to achieve his goal. Although Sano is injured, he defeats Anji, who then warns them that the Aoi-Ya is under attack.
Kenshin had asked Hiko Seijūrō to go there to protect Kaoru and the others, and he decides to trust his master to defend the Aoi-Ya. Kenshin then asks Yumi to guide them to the next fighter.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The Kyoto arc continues as Himura Kenshin accepts the challenge of Shisho Makoto. Sagara Sanosuke fights Yūkyūzan Anji and eventually wins, but not without any injury. Meanwhile, a sneak attack was issued to the Aoi-Ya, where Kenshi sends his master, Hiko Seijūrō, to help defend as he continues forward towards Shisho Makoto.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 13 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
While Saitō Hajime makes the arrangements for the fight against Shishio Makoto, Himura Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke returns to the Aoi-Ya, where they find Kamiya Kaoru and Myōjin Yahiko. Okina wants Kenshin to end Shinomori Aoshi's life, but Kenshin believes there is still a chance to save him and promises Makimachi Misao that he will bring him back.
The next morning, Saitō picks up Kenshin and Sanosuke and they leave for Shishio's base. Unknown to them, Sadojima Hōji has sent most of the Juppongatana to attack the Aoi-Ya to prevent any further interference from the Oniwabanshū. Guided by Shishio's lover, Komagata Yumi, Kenshin and his friends find the first Juppongatana, the fallen monk Yūkyūzan Anji.
Sanosuke is shocked to find Anji there and volunteers to fight him to learn if he is really evil. During the course of a brutal fight, Anji tells Sano his history and why he joined Shishio. He wants to save the world, but Sanosuke convinces him that his wish to destroy is not the way to achieve his goal. Although Sano is injured, he defeats Anji, who then warns them that the Aoi-Ya is under attack.
Kenshin had asked Hiko Seijūrō to go there to protect Kaoru and the others, and he decides to trust his master to defend the Aoi-Ya. Kenshin then asks Yumi to guide them to the next fighter.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The Kyoto arc continues as Himura Kenshin accepts the challenge of Shisho Makoto. Sagara Sanosuke fights Yūkyūzan Anji and eventually wins, but not without any injury. Meanwhile, a sneak attack was issued to the Aoi-Ya, where Kenshi sends his master, Hiko Seijūrō, to help defend as he continues forward towards Shisho Makoto.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 13 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
January 5, 2018
The Kyoto story keeps growing, and the character depth Watsuki is able to bring to each battle is phenomenal. The reader doesn't only get Manga action--we have a feeling of why the characters are fighting, and what the various fights mean to them as well as emotional impact beyond immediate outcomes, win or lose.
This volume focuses mostly on pitting Sanosuke against Anji, who taught him the "mastery of two layers" on his way to Kyoto. The true revelations are all on Anji's side as we've got a good feel for Sanosuke's background at this point, but the brief character arc Sanosuke follows through the volume is still impressive.
This volume focuses mostly on pitting Sanosuke against Anji, who taught him the "mastery of two layers" on his way to Kyoto. The true revelations are all on Anji's side as we've got a good feel for Sanosuke's background at this point, but the brief character arc Sanosuke follows through the volume is still impressive.
February 13, 2025
While there is a lot of dialogue, and it is light on the action (more to speak about this below), this volume seems to take the weight of the instances that have led us to this moment and boy does it really have a heavy impact on the reader. Kenshin shows why the book is titled after him in his interactions with those who have gravitated towards him. He has become the heartbeat of the organization. Near the end of this volume the action picks up the pace in an alarmingly all out speed! The all-out battle which I believe was beautifully rendered and exhilarating to read is simply amazing! This volume will leave you very content…maybe just a tad less than volume 12.
May 30, 2020
Alright, so given that Manga is more of an ongoing story split into arcs that are in no way split up between volumes. I'm going to be reviewing story arc by story arc. This will then be copy and pasted throughout all of the 28 Volumes of the Manga. Also, let's get this out of the way. This is 1. A Reread and 2. Spoiler Warning I won't be directly recapping, but I will use points to describe my thoughts and feelings.
Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10
The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.
Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10
Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10
The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.
Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.
Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10
December 4, 2024
Gila. Nggak cuma penganut Kristen, ternyata penganut agama Buddha pun pernah ditekan segitunya ya sama pemerintahan Jepang. Pemerintahan zaman Meiji pula. Kelam sekali sejarah Jepang. Jahat betul orang-orangnya zaman dulu. Kok aku nggak ingat kalau ada cerita soal ini di versi animasinya dulu, ya?
Haibutsu Kishaku. Itu nama peristiwanya.
Backstory-nya Anji beneran bikin sedih! Kasihan banget nasib anak-anak yatim piatu itu. Di dunia ini memang ada orang yang nggak punya hatinya kebangetan kayak gitu, ya 😭 Huwaaaaaaa
Haibutsu Kishaku. Itu nama peristiwanya.
Backstory-nya Anji beneran bikin sedih! Kasihan banget nasib anak-anak yatim piatu itu. Di dunia ini memang ada orang yang nggak punya hatinya kebangetan kayak gitu, ya 😭 Huwaaaaaaa
May 15, 2020
It started a bit slow, with the group coming together to discuss everything that has happened. They decide to accept the challenge and take the bad guys head on, the rest of this is mainly battles.
The first bit was a little dull, felt more like a slice of life than anything. Though there was a nice moment between Kenshin and his love interest, the rest of was action packed which I really enjoyed.
The first bit was a little dull, felt more like a slice of life than anything. Though there was a nice moment between Kenshin and his love interest, the rest of was action packed which I really enjoyed.
June 9, 2023
I find it strange how Watsuki himself says he doesn't enjoy writing sad stories, yet this is where I feel like his narrative shines brightest. His characters are the stars that illuminate their dark and tragic pasts' that is the night sky. It gives his characters shape, his story direction, and his themes impact. While "Ruroken" certainly isn't at its peak here, Anji's backstory is a pretty decent example of this imo.
Onto volume 14!
Onto volume 14!
March 5, 2017
As great as ever. Priest Anji's backstory coupled with the last eight pages of the volume practically brought me to the verge of tears.
July 13, 2017
This is a guilty pleasure re-read of the series alongside my regular GR challenge. I’ve loved Rurouni Kenshin since I was a kid, and it makes me happy to dive back into this series.
September 15, 2017
Rurouni Kenshin is one of my favorite animes and manga. Quite enjoyable.
March 13, 2019
Sano always gets his ass kicked. What's up with that?
May 19, 2021
Isinya pertarungan Sano vs Anji
April 4, 2023
Even the author admits that the current arc is so (unnecessarily?) long winded that it's necessary to clarify that (somehow) there's a story beyond the arc.
September 30, 2024
Though Sano’s battle with Anji was the highlight of this volume, just the thought of having Hiko involved in any of these fights makes me excited.
October 17, 2016
Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 13 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin on it looking very cool. It is the thirtenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twelve in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- The Great Kyoto Fire behind them (and casualties relatively slight), Kenshin and the others consider their next move. The Oniwabanshu may indeed be allies this time ("Now there's a weird twist," as Sano says), but their leader, Shinomori Aoshi, is not. Is Kenshin truly, as it is claimed, the only one who can bring peace to the former Okashira or "head" of the Kyoto-based spy group...? Elsewhere, madman Shishio Makoto has made his own plans for Kenshin and the others, plans involving a "man-to-man," death match-style battle to the finish…
Review- So the first big fight of the Kyoto Arc has begun and Sano is the first one up. He must fight with the monk that trained using the same technique. But of course they must go over their reasons for fighting for or against in this battle. With Kenshin and others in the background we get to see what Sano can do with his new fist. Shishio is having some trouble with his second in command, who wants to make sure that Shishio wins at any cost. But Shishio wants to face Kenshin in one-on-one combat. But the second does get what he wanted in the end and trouble is headed back to Kaoru and the others at the inn. More fights, more drama, and more action ahead!
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
From the back of the book- The Great Kyoto Fire behind them (and casualties relatively slight), Kenshin and the others consider their next move. The Oniwabanshu may indeed be allies this time ("Now there's a weird twist," as Sano says), but their leader, Shinomori Aoshi, is not. Is Kenshin truly, as it is claimed, the only one who can bring peace to the former Okashira or "head" of the Kyoto-based spy group...? Elsewhere, madman Shishio Makoto has made his own plans for Kenshin and the others, plans involving a "man-to-man," death match-style battle to the finish…
Review- So the first big fight of the Kyoto Arc has begun and Sano is the first one up. He must fight with the monk that trained using the same technique. But of course they must go over their reasons for fighting for or against in this battle. With Kenshin and others in the background we get to see what Sano can do with his new fist. Shishio is having some trouble with his second in command, who wants to make sure that Shishio wins at any cost. But Shishio wants to face Kenshin in one-on-one combat. But the second does get what he wanted in the end and trouble is headed back to Kaoru and the others at the inn. More fights, more drama, and more action ahead!
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
May 10, 2024
Preparations for the Showdown
As Saitō organizes the battle against Shishio, Kenshin and Sanosuke return to the Aoi-Ya, finding Kaoru and Yahiko. Despite pressure from Okina to end Aoshi's life, Kenshin remains determined to save him, promising Misao he'll bring him back.
Unexpected Attacks and Revelations
Hōji's preemptive strike on the Aoi-Ya sends shockwaves through Kenshin's group, prompting them to confront the Juppongatana. Sanosuke faces the fallen monk Anji, learning of his history and convictions, ultimately convincing him to reconsider his path.
Trusting in Allies
With the Aoi-Ya under attack, Kenshin entrusts its defense to Hiko and presses on, guided by Shishio's lover Yumi. As they journey forward, Kenshin and his friends must confront their enemies while navigating the complexities of trust and loyalty in the face of impending danger.
As Saitō organizes the battle against Shishio, Kenshin and Sanosuke return to the Aoi-Ya, finding Kaoru and Yahiko. Despite pressure from Okina to end Aoshi's life, Kenshin remains determined to save him, promising Misao he'll bring him back.
Unexpected Attacks and Revelations
Hōji's preemptive strike on the Aoi-Ya sends shockwaves through Kenshin's group, prompting them to confront the Juppongatana. Sanosuke faces the fallen monk Anji, learning of his history and convictions, ultimately convincing him to reconsider his path.
Trusting in Allies
With the Aoi-Ya under attack, Kenshin entrusts its defense to Hiko and presses on, guided by Shishio's lover Yumi. As they journey forward, Kenshin and his friends must confront their enemies while navigating the complexities of trust and loyalty in the face of impending danger.
May 11, 2010
one of the first manga series i started buying, when the concept of shonen was completely new to me. there's been a lot of manga under the bridge since then, but i still like Nobuhiro's clear layouts and non-confusing fight scenes, and Kenshin is completely cute. [that moment in the anime when Kaoru lets him go, at the beginning of the Kyoto arc, remains one of my favourite small but sharp romantic scenes.:] i'm quite tempted by the 3-in-1s since the art is even clearer, but that would disturb the symmetry of my shelves. the life of a manga reader is hard.
July 26, 2008
Very full of Sanosuke, which is awesome. I liked Anji's character story. Somehow the plot of this volume reminded me of the IL arc in GetBackers -- each person facing a single opponent, etc, etc. Which makes for interesting fights, in both of them.
August 17, 2009
A good volume, featuring the background of my favorite villain, Anji. However, too little time is devoted to the story in face of too much fighting. Still, if you're going to read the series, you need to read this one too.
September 13, 2008
Very violent which is good.
April 27, 2009
One of my favorite manga series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews