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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #15
Samurai X 15: Pertarungan Paling Seru
“飛翔”の蝙也を弥彦、“大鎌”の鎌足を薫、操の奮戦で倒す。しかし、“破軍”の不二の人間離れした力に葵屋は破壊され、窮地に陥る。皆があきらめかけた時、比古清十郎が助っ人に現れた…！！
181 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
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384 people want to read
About the author
Nobuhiro Watsuki
246 books424 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 21, 2017
This volume collected the chapters of the Aoiya attack. Despite the disadvantage in numbers, Kenshin's friends were able to hold off Shishio's forces because of his lieutenants' plan of using their foot soldiers to surround the perimeter of the inn and prevent any escape. The lieutenants were part of Shishio's elite ten swords, so they were confident they would easily defeat the few defenders. They figured out wrong; because Kenshin's master was more than enough reinforcement to bring them all down.
This volume was great for the character development of both Kaoru and Yahiko. Even armed with a shinai, he was able to take down one of the ten swords for his first victory. Kaoru also reminded the readers that she was not a princess who needed rescuing. She's an instructor of the Kamiya Kasshin sword style and even armed with only the hilt of a broken shinai, she's got the skill to bring any Shishio groupie down. She's so bad-ass in this volume.
This volume was great for the character development of both Kaoru and Yahiko. Even armed with a shinai, he was able to take down one of the ten swords for his first victory. Kaoru also reminded the readers that she was not a princess who needed rescuing. She's an instructor of the Kamiya Kasshin sword style and even armed with only the hilt of a broken shinai, she's got the skill to bring any Shishio groupie down. She's so bad-ass in this volume.
August 6, 2021
So goooood
March 9, 2010
¿Eva 01 contra Spawn? ¡Compro! A eso sumémosle el comienzo de la batalla entre Kenshin y Soujiro y un par de peleas más y no tengo casi nada de qué quejarme.
November 23, 2023
The second volume to receive a low rating, but before I get to why I first want to talk about the stuff I liked!
The biggest thing that stood out to me is we get to see Kaoru fight for more then a few panels in a training spar and it really showed her ideals and beliefs so much more starkly then ever and how she and Kenshin aline in so many ways and further cements how perfect they are for each other. 🥰 Yahiko’s battle shows how much he’s grown, and the appearance of Kenshin’s master towards the end was great, not to mention the reason he was late was just hilarious.
Now for the reason I dropped this rating: there’s one part where a bad guy, who looks like a girl and is revealed to be gay (which was hinted at when he first appeared in another volume though I wasn’t sure at the time), drops his pants in front of Misao to show he’s a…er, guy. The area is thankfully censored but this then leads to Misao saying since she took baths with her grandfather as a kid she “saw things” and the mangaka tries to make this a huge joke and I was not amused. Like, did we REALLY need that? NO. Just…no. Totally unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth. (This better not come up again either…)
Annoying unnecessary part aside, the way the volume ended between Kenshin and Sojiro has me wondering what’s going to happen between these two and how IS Kenshin going to beat him?!?!
‼️Content‼️
Language: damned; hell; damn it; darn it; freakin’; what the
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a guy uses dynamite to “fly” and fight; characters crash into walls/roof; a character’s knee is broken
Sexual: a woman wears a cleavage showing/very low dress; a girl mentions she took bathes with her grandfather as a child and therefore “saw things”; a man strips his pants in front of a girl to show he’s a guy (nothing is shown aside from a censored spot); a fat man scratches his butt; the shoulder of a girl’s shirt is cut revealing her “bra” (though it covers more then a modern bra would, leaving it more like a strapless shirt)
Drugs/Alcohol: a guy smokes
Other: a character is gay; explosions; character sees and hears from the spirit of a dead friend
The biggest thing that stood out to me is we get to see Kaoru fight for more then a few panels in a training spar and it really showed her ideals and beliefs so much more starkly then ever and how she and Kenshin aline in so many ways and further cements how perfect they are for each other. 🥰 Yahiko’s battle shows how much he’s grown, and the appearance of Kenshin’s master towards the end was great, not to mention the reason he was late was just hilarious.
Now for the reason I dropped this rating: there’s one part where a bad guy, who looks like a girl and is revealed to be gay (which was hinted at when he first appeared in another volume though I wasn’t sure at the time), drops his pants in front of Misao to show he’s a…er, guy. The area is thankfully censored but this then leads to Misao saying since she took baths with her grandfather as a kid she “saw things” and the mangaka tries to make this a huge joke and I was not amused. Like, did we REALLY need that? NO. Just…no. Totally unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth. (This better not come up again either…)
Annoying unnecessary part aside, the way the volume ended between Kenshin and Sojiro has me wondering what’s going to happen between these two and how IS Kenshin going to beat him?!?!
‼️Content‼️
Language: damned; hell; damn it; darn it; freakin’; what the
Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a guy uses dynamite to “fly” and fight; characters crash into walls/roof; a character’s knee is broken
Sexual: a woman wears a cleavage showing/very low dress; a girl mentions she took bathes with her grandfather as a child and therefore “saw things”; a man strips his pants in front of a girl to show he’s a guy (nothing is shown aside from a censored spot); a fat man scratches his butt; the shoulder of a girl’s shirt is cut revealing her “bra” (though it covers more then a modern bra would, leaving it more like a strapless shirt)
Drugs/Alcohol: a guy smokes
Other: a character is gay; explosions; character sees and hears from the spirit of a dead friend
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 28, 2023
Speed kills. 👁️ ♾️🗺️
February 16, 2017
This volume kicks off with Chapter 121: Offense and Defense of the Aoiya.
Finally Kaoru gets to exibit her skill in this volume.
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
Finally Kaoru gets to exibit her skill in this volume.
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
May 7, 2023
Spoilers throughout review.
I'm not a person who goes into books needing balance between women characters and male characters. Modern audiences may gasp when I say that, but with all kind respect, I feel folks have lost the art of context and being chillax about imperfections. All content is imperfect, sometimes very imperfect; my philosophy is to go in with your mind sharp, reflect upon what you need reflecting upon, and have a good time.
In this case: it's shonen, it's Japanese, it was written in the 1990s, if you don't go into the story expecting men to be taking the lead, you're stupid. But that doesn't mean it's FUN watching characters with potential sitting to the sidelines when their entire set-up suggests they should be in fights.
For a long time, I've griped to friends that Kaoru, the master of a dojo, has taken a backseat while her child student of a short time goes into battles competently. Did it not cross Watsuki's mind once that the student does everything and the master sits around pining, or in several cases is a damsel in distress? Even in this volume, on The Secret Life of Characters (36), Nobuhiro Watsuki obliviously wrote, "Though some readers have raised the concern, 'Yahiko is too strong as it is' (um.... what?), Watsuki's feeling is that Yahiko ought to at least be at this level of competence, all things considered." I am looking at 1990s shonen, so I'm not expecting it to be better and it'd be foolish expecting it to be better, but examining it as a reader in 2023, it's obvious how many blindspots Watsuki had portraying women like Kaoru.
Contemporary readers repeatedly noticed it. Even presented with their complaints, Watsuki responded as though he didn't get 2+2.
This book had Yahiko display a new level-up of competence, being able to mimick one of Kenshin's moves simply from having watched Kenshin fight. It's a cool moment, one I can appreciate, even if I'd rather see him as a plucky newbie. It wasn't long ago Yahiko was struggling to fight against local ruffians. But this is a shonen, Yahiko is the boy reader's "insert," so of course he's going to get moments like this. That's his narrative role. And it was a good fight! I have no gripes.
But I am here to focus on Karou. Oh, Kaoru! We finally get a spectacular, competent fight with her! She and Misao team up, two women against one male fighter. This two-on-one fight is brought up in text as fair because of the difference in sex, and I'm fine with that, because physical speed and strength *are* different based upon one's biology. It doesn't diminish the fact we get to see Kaoru take a central role in a fight, and doesn't diminish the two women's competence, knowledge, and ability as fighters.
Kaoru and Misao are shown as fantastic butt-kicking action fighters, and I loved it. Their ability to coordinate and strike with precision makes them the clear upper-hand in the fight against Honjō Kamatari. They're commended as clever against their foe. Kaoru stands up and proclaims, magnificently, "Once I put on this dōgi and tie off this belt, I stand here as neither man nor woman, but as a master of the sword only." She gets to pull a badass stunt like defeating Kamatari with the HANDLE of her weapon. The handle! Why couldn't I have gotten content like this ten books ago????
I enjoy Honjō Kamatari as a character, too, so this showdown was satisfying. The compassion Kaoru and Misao showed Katamari at the end was also satisfying, as it ties back into their unique traits as compassionate characters.
Is it too much to hope this will continue into further volumes?
The fight between Fuji the giant and Hiko Seijūrō wasn't as satisfying. Part of that is a giant is a little extreme. I like things that feel more grounded than extravagant. Part of that is I was riding the high between Kaoru, Misao, and Kamatari's showdown, so little would've been able to top that (well, transitioning to Kenshin and Seta Sōjirō would've solved my problem).
Still, I do like Seijūrō as a character, so while he's Watsuki's self-professed "trump card" and shouldn't be used often, it was nice to have him appear once in relevant action. The constant dramatic entrances of villains and allies, though, were getting stale. Could've saved it for another time while we transitioned to Kenshin and Seta Sōjirō.
Volume 15 stopped in the middle of the match between those two. It's a good start -- Kenshin and Sōjirō ARE an interesting match -- so I hope it continues in Volume 16.
This volume is 5 stars LARGELY because of the Kaoru, Misao, and Kamatari material. That section is worth giving the entire volume 5 stars. Glory glory hallelujah Kaoru FOUGHT!
I'm not a person who goes into books needing balance between women characters and male characters. Modern audiences may gasp when I say that, but with all kind respect, I feel folks have lost the art of context and being chillax about imperfections. All content is imperfect, sometimes very imperfect; my philosophy is to go in with your mind sharp, reflect upon what you need reflecting upon, and have a good time.
In this case: it's shonen, it's Japanese, it was written in the 1990s, if you don't go into the story expecting men to be taking the lead, you're stupid. But that doesn't mean it's FUN watching characters with potential sitting to the sidelines when their entire set-up suggests they should be in fights.
For a long time, I've griped to friends that Kaoru, the master of a dojo, has taken a backseat while her child student of a short time goes into battles competently. Did it not cross Watsuki's mind once that the student does everything and the master sits around pining, or in several cases is a damsel in distress? Even in this volume, on The Secret Life of Characters (36), Nobuhiro Watsuki obliviously wrote, "Though some readers have raised the concern, 'Yahiko is too strong as it is' (um.... what?), Watsuki's feeling is that Yahiko ought to at least be at this level of competence, all things considered." I am looking at 1990s shonen, so I'm not expecting it to be better and it'd be foolish expecting it to be better, but examining it as a reader in 2023, it's obvious how many blindspots Watsuki had portraying women like Kaoru.
Contemporary readers repeatedly noticed it. Even presented with their complaints, Watsuki responded as though he didn't get 2+2.
This book had Yahiko display a new level-up of competence, being able to mimick one of Kenshin's moves simply from having watched Kenshin fight. It's a cool moment, one I can appreciate, even if I'd rather see him as a plucky newbie. It wasn't long ago Yahiko was struggling to fight against local ruffians. But this is a shonen, Yahiko is the boy reader's "insert," so of course he's going to get moments like this. That's his narrative role. And it was a good fight! I have no gripes.
But I am here to focus on Karou. Oh, Kaoru! We finally get a spectacular, competent fight with her! She and Misao team up, two women against one male fighter. This two-on-one fight is brought up in text as fair because of the difference in sex, and I'm fine with that, because physical speed and strength *are* different based upon one's biology. It doesn't diminish the fact we get to see Kaoru take a central role in a fight, and doesn't diminish the two women's competence, knowledge, and ability as fighters.
Kaoru and Misao are shown as fantastic butt-kicking action fighters, and I loved it. Their ability to coordinate and strike with precision makes them the clear upper-hand in the fight against Honjō Kamatari. They're commended as clever against their foe. Kaoru stands up and proclaims, magnificently, "Once I put on this dōgi and tie off this belt, I stand here as neither man nor woman, but as a master of the sword only." She gets to pull a badass stunt like defeating Kamatari with the HANDLE of her weapon. The handle! Why couldn't I have gotten content like this ten books ago????
I enjoy Honjō Kamatari as a character, too, so this showdown was satisfying. The compassion Kaoru and Misao showed Katamari at the end was also satisfying, as it ties back into their unique traits as compassionate characters.
Is it too much to hope this will continue into further volumes?
The fight between Fuji the giant and Hiko Seijūrō wasn't as satisfying. Part of that is a giant is a little extreme. I like things that feel more grounded than extravagant. Part of that is I was riding the high between Kaoru, Misao, and Kamatari's showdown, so little would've been able to top that (well, transitioning to Kenshin and Seta Sōjirō would've solved my problem).
Still, I do like Seijūrō as a character, so while he's Watsuki's self-professed "trump card" and shouldn't be used often, it was nice to have him appear once in relevant action. The constant dramatic entrances of villains and allies, though, were getting stale. Could've saved it for another time while we transitioned to Kenshin and Seta Sōjirō.
Volume 15 stopped in the middle of the match between those two. It's a good start -- Kenshin and Sōjirō ARE an interesting match -- so I hope it continues in Volume 16.
This volume is 5 stars LARGELY because of the Kaoru, Misao, and Kamatari material. That section is worth giving the entire volume 5 stars. Glory glory hallelujah Kaoru FOUGHT!
March 19, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 15 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (121–129) of the on-going manga series.
The Aoi-Ya is attacked by the Juppongatana. While Myōjin Yahiko fights Kariwa Henya, Makimachi Misao and Kamiya Kaoru confront Honjō Kamatari, leaving the remaining Oniwabanshu to fight Iwanbō. Iwanbō escapes after the other Juppongatana are defeated but the last two members, Saizuchi and the giant Fuji, arrive. Hiko Seijūrō comes to the rescue and easily defeats Fuji. Saizuchi is helpless without Fuji, and the inn is saved.
Meanwhile, Himura Kenshin faces the strongest Juppongatana, Seta Sōjirō, whose fighting skills include the shukuchi, which allows him to move too fast to be seen, and a lack of emotion that prevents Kenshin from predicting his movements.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The Kyoto arc continues as it diverts the narrative back at the inn – Aoi-Ya. It depicts the battle with the Juppongatana and eventually their defeat as the allies of Himura Kenshin manages to save the inn. Meanwhile, Kenshin is having a difficult fight against Seta Sōjirō as he is too fast to be seen and has little affect in his face to predict his movements with some accuracy.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 15 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
The Aoi-Ya is attacked by the Juppongatana. While Myōjin Yahiko fights Kariwa Henya, Makimachi Misao and Kamiya Kaoru confront Honjō Kamatari, leaving the remaining Oniwabanshu to fight Iwanbō. Iwanbō escapes after the other Juppongatana are defeated but the last two members, Saizuchi and the giant Fuji, arrive. Hiko Seijūrō comes to the rescue and easily defeats Fuji. Saizuchi is helpless without Fuji, and the inn is saved.
Meanwhile, Himura Kenshin faces the strongest Juppongatana, Seta Sōjirō, whose fighting skills include the shukuchi, which allows him to move too fast to be seen, and a lack of emotion that prevents Kenshin from predicting his movements.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The Kyoto arc continues as it diverts the narrative back at the inn – Aoi-Ya. It depicts the battle with the Juppongatana and eventually their defeat as the allies of Himura Kenshin manages to save the inn. Meanwhile, Kenshin is having a difficult fight against Seta Sōjirō as he is too fast to be seen and has little affect in his face to predict his movements with some accuracy.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 15 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
June 13, 2023
FINALLY Kaoru and Yahiko get some play. Misao too. Strange how those referred to as some of the strongest swordsmen in Japan were wrecked seemingly by a couple of kids with wooden swords, especially when not too long ago these kids couldn't defend themselves against lesser threats. Training I guess? I don't know. I gotta say though I think chapter 126 might be my least favorite in the series so far. Super predictable, all the dialogue is emotionally and contextually expository af, and ya I'm not a fan of the super natural elements of the series. Even Watsuki apologizes at the end of the chapter for Fuji's uninspired design. Criticisms aside I still largely enjoyed our supporting cast finally getting to show their stuff, and I thought Honjo Kamatari was a pleasant surprise.
Onto volume 16!
Onto volume 16!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2018
Primarily the battle of Aoi-ya before getting back to Kenshin himself, this volume has a number of great short battles. Yahiko vs. one of the Juppongatana, Kaoru and Misao against another, and "The Great Man" (Hiro) against a third take the majority of the volume. Focus returns to Kenshin as he faces sojiro, but that battle is unresolved at volume's end.
Watsuki does a wonderful job of making use of his minor characters to great effect here, demonstrating their strength, and letting them really contribute to the story in a feature level fashion, which, other Sanosuke, hasn't happened I can remember. It was fun to see them get some emphasis as themselves, rather than merely in relationship to Kenshin.
Watsuki does a wonderful job of making use of his minor characters to great effect here, demonstrating their strength, and letting them really contribute to the story in a feature level fashion, which, other Sanosuke, hasn't happened I can remember. It was fun to see them get some emphasis as themselves, rather than merely in relationship to Kenshin.
February 14, 2025
This volume is dedicated to Team Kenshin fighting some of the minor Ten Swords members. I don’t know if it is fair to call them minor but know that the stronger members would have made short work of them. That said, these battles are still compelling and full of adventure and great panels. I especially loved page 104-105! Some of my favorite dialogue in this volume happens on page 156! “Your kind greeting is gracefully accepted. But this is no time for conversation.” Man, you can feel the intensity dripping from the words combined with the panel. Quality through and through as Nobuniro Watsuki delivers a tutorial on great storytelling, paneling and pacing. In this volume we have Kenshin versus Sojiro! I should have started with that…and that’s probably all that needs to be said!
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
October 18, 2024
My main gripe with this volume is that Hilo only gets a very small moment to shine.
He’s probably my favorite character of the manga and is so underutilized. I get that the author is basically saying that he’s too strong and would end the conflict too fast, but give us some more Hiko!
Anyway, Sojiro vs Kenshin is great and the fight between the Aoi-Ya and the Oniwabanshu (+ Kaoru and Yahiko) has its moments. A solid volume.
He’s probably my favorite character of the manga and is so underutilized. I get that the author is basically saying that he’s too strong and would end the conflict too fast, but give us some more Hiko!
Anyway, Sojiro vs Kenshin is great and the fight between the Aoi-Ya and the Oniwabanshu (+ Kaoru and Yahiko) has its moments. A solid volume.
January 29, 2022
Rurouni Kenshin does some of the best suspense in a manga. It isn't even a thriller or horror series. The suspense is built up in the fights. The feeling of knowing Watsuki isn't afraid to make Kenshin lose. The outcome is never certain, and so the pressure builds up with every battle. Never assume you know how a chapter is going to end.
December 4, 2024
Wuoooh. Jadi, inilah pertarungan Juppongatana versus para anggota Oniwabanshu di Aoiya plus Yahiko dan Kaori. Mantap. Mereka cepat sekali ya kalahnya. Dengan kekuatan rule of cool, akan menghukummu! Wahahahah!
Sekarang akhirnya pertarungan Kenshin dengan Sojiro Seta.
Sekarang akhirnya pertarungan Kenshin dengan Sojiro Seta.
May 22, 2017
Pertarungan yg seru antara Sojiro dan Kenshin.Tak sabar menunggu kelanjutannya.
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
I liked this one.
May 19, 2021
Kisah penyerangan di Aoiya dilanjutkan Kenshin vs Sojiro
April 4, 2023
I can't remember why, buy kid!me was utterly in love with Sojiro... his charming smile, perhaps?
May 21, 2023
Sojiro’s character archetype irritates, but he’s a formidable enemy.
May 19, 2020
A nice conclusion of the previous fight as well, as nifty one I didn’t see coming.
A chunk of this focuses on Kenshin’s crew taking on the ten swords, which I was surprised, to enjoy as much as I did.
A chunk of this focuses on Kenshin’s crew taking on the ten swords, which I was surprised, to enjoy as much as I did.
March 24, 2017
Sí, sí, ¡sí! Empieza lo bueno.
November 14, 2014
Judul chapter yg dijadikan judul edisi ini diambil dari pertarungan antara Seijuro Hiko dan Fuji, anggota Juppongatana yg raksasa. Di volume ini memang fokusnya lebih ke pertarungan yang terjadi di Aoiya, dimana beberapa anggota Juppongatana selain yg utama dikirim ke sana untuk menghancurkan teman2 Kenshin yang ada di Aoiya, yaitu anggota Oniwabanshu yg tersisa (termasuk Misao dan Ogina), dan Kaoru serta Yahiko.
Yahiko berduel melawan Henya Kariwa, anggota Juppongatana yg seperti manusia kelelawar. Henya memanfaatkan ledakan dari dinamit yg jadi senjatanya untuk terbang, dan menyerang dari atas. Yahiko berhasil memanfaatkan ledakan besar yg dibuat Henya untuk terbang ke atas Henya dan menggunakan jurus Ryutsuisen, jurus Kenshin yg sudah ditirunya.
Kaoru dan Misao menghadapi Kamatari, waria yg menggunakan senjata sabit. Misao sempat dilumpuhkan, tapi kembali bangkit dan membantu Kaoru menghancurkan senjata Kamatari. Meski begitu, Kamatari masih ngotot bertarung, tapi Kaoru berhasil mematahkan perlawanannya.
Anggota Juppongatana yg satu lagi, Iwanbo (yg kemudian kita tahu adalah boneka yg dikendalikan Gein) kabur karena yg lainnya sudah kalah. Untuk sesaat, Kaoru dan lainnya merasa lega, tapi kemudian muncullah lawan terberat mereka. Raksasa bernama Fuji, dan Saizuchi, kakek tua yg menemaninya. Satu serangan dari Fuji mampu menimbulkan kerusakan yang dahsyat.
Di saat tidak ada harapan, Yahiko dengan berani menantang Saizuchi, dan yakin bahwa Kenshin akan menolong mereka. Jadinya memang bukan Kenshin, tapi Seijuro Hiko, guru Kenshin, yg menyelamatkan mereka dari serangan Fuji.
Dengan mengagumkan, Seijuro berbicara dan memperlakukan Fuji sebagai lawan yg seimbang, sehingga Fuji pun melepaskan diri dari pengaruh Saizuchi dan bertarung dengan kehendaknya sendiri. Tentu saja, Seijuro Hiko yg sangat tangguh berhasil mengalahkan Fuji.
Kembali ke Kenshin. Sekarang dia sudah tiba di ruangan Sojiro Seta, anggota terkuat Juppongatana, yg dulu pernah bertarung dengannya dan mematahkan pedang sakabato-nya. Sojiro memberitahu Kenshin bahwa teman2nya di Aoiya baik2 saja, dan serangan pasukan Shishio ke sana gagal.
Pertarungan Kenshin dan Sojiro pun berlangsung. Awalnya, Kenshin terlihat sedikit lebih unggul, tapi kemudian Sojiro mengeluarkan kemampuan khususnya, untuk bergerak dengan sangat cepat, melebihi kecepatan Kenshin. Kenshin pun dalam posisi terdesak.
-OoO-
Penerjemahan di komik terbitan Elex ini menggunakan kata 'kamu' ketimbang 'kau' yg menurut gw lebih cocok. Ya, namanya juga ga ada yg sempurna. Dan ada halaman yg salah urutannya, pas pergantian chapter.
Kemunculan Seijuro Hiko di sini semakin menonjolkan badannya yg kekar. Keren abis emang gurunya Kenshin ini. Sayang pertarungan dengan Fuji tidak seseru yg dikira. Tapi di bagian akhir, Sojiro kembali menjadi pusat perhatian dengan kecepatannya yg mengagumkan.
Yahiko berduel melawan Henya Kariwa, anggota Juppongatana yg seperti manusia kelelawar. Henya memanfaatkan ledakan dari dinamit yg jadi senjatanya untuk terbang, dan menyerang dari atas. Yahiko berhasil memanfaatkan ledakan besar yg dibuat Henya untuk terbang ke atas Henya dan menggunakan jurus Ryutsuisen, jurus Kenshin yg sudah ditirunya.
Kaoru dan Misao menghadapi Kamatari, waria yg menggunakan senjata sabit. Misao sempat dilumpuhkan, tapi kembali bangkit dan membantu Kaoru menghancurkan senjata Kamatari. Meski begitu, Kamatari masih ngotot bertarung, tapi Kaoru berhasil mematahkan perlawanannya.
Anggota Juppongatana yg satu lagi, Iwanbo (yg kemudian kita tahu adalah boneka yg dikendalikan Gein) kabur karena yg lainnya sudah kalah. Untuk sesaat, Kaoru dan lainnya merasa lega, tapi kemudian muncullah lawan terberat mereka. Raksasa bernama Fuji, dan Saizuchi, kakek tua yg menemaninya. Satu serangan dari Fuji mampu menimbulkan kerusakan yang dahsyat.
Di saat tidak ada harapan, Yahiko dengan berani menantang Saizuchi, dan yakin bahwa Kenshin akan menolong mereka. Jadinya memang bukan Kenshin, tapi Seijuro Hiko, guru Kenshin, yg menyelamatkan mereka dari serangan Fuji.
Dengan mengagumkan, Seijuro berbicara dan memperlakukan Fuji sebagai lawan yg seimbang, sehingga Fuji pun melepaskan diri dari pengaruh Saizuchi dan bertarung dengan kehendaknya sendiri. Tentu saja, Seijuro Hiko yg sangat tangguh berhasil mengalahkan Fuji.
Kembali ke Kenshin. Sekarang dia sudah tiba di ruangan Sojiro Seta, anggota terkuat Juppongatana, yg dulu pernah bertarung dengannya dan mematahkan pedang sakabato-nya. Sojiro memberitahu Kenshin bahwa teman2nya di Aoiya baik2 saja, dan serangan pasukan Shishio ke sana gagal.
Pertarungan Kenshin dan Sojiro pun berlangsung. Awalnya, Kenshin terlihat sedikit lebih unggul, tapi kemudian Sojiro mengeluarkan kemampuan khususnya, untuk bergerak dengan sangat cepat, melebihi kecepatan Kenshin. Kenshin pun dalam posisi terdesak.
-OoO-
Penerjemahan di komik terbitan Elex ini menggunakan kata 'kamu' ketimbang 'kau' yg menurut gw lebih cocok. Ya, namanya juga ga ada yg sempurna. Dan ada halaman yg salah urutannya, pas pergantian chapter.
Kemunculan Seijuro Hiko di sini semakin menonjolkan badannya yg kekar. Keren abis emang gurunya Kenshin ini. Sayang pertarungan dengan Fuji tidak seseru yg dikira. Tapi di bagian akhir, Sojiro kembali menjadi pusat perhatian dengan kecepatannya yg mengagumkan.
October 31, 2016
Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 15 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and Kaoru on it looking very cool. It is the fifteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first fourteen 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- At the madman Shishio Makoto's headquarters, the long-delayed duel between Kenshin and Shinomori Aoshi concludes, while at Aoi-Ya, those left behind wage their own, desperate battle against Shishio's Juppongatana or "Ten Swords." The strength of one swordsman in particular seems monstrous, and defeat imminent...that is, until Kenshin's former Hiten Mitsurugi master, Hiko Seijûrô, takes the field. Will the respect of one warrior for another succeed where all else has failed? Elsewhere, Kenshin and Sôjirô cross swords at last. Although well-matched, Kenshin's victory is by no means certain...
Review- This volume is a group of three battles. Kaoru and company at the Aoi-Ya, Hiko Seijûrô and a giant, Kenshin and Sôjirô at the end. Kaoru does a wonderful job of keeping the others focused on what is going and not worrying about what could be. Yahiko makes Kaoru proud and Hiko saves not only the Aoi-Ya but the giant who faced him. The volume ends with Kenshin facing Sôjirô, who is a creepy kid. Shishio trained him and he has no emotions, no desires, and no way to stop. Kenshin, of course, at the beginning of the fight is not fast enough and that is where the volume ends. But Sôjirô did not get a killing hit when Sôjirô thought he had landed a killing blow. More action scenes, more drama, and more over-the-topness 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 11, 2024
Battle at the Inn
The Aoi-Ya is besieged by the Juppongatana, with Yahiko, Misao, and Kaoru facing off against their adversaries. While Yahiko takes on Kariwa Henya, Misao and Kaoru confront Honjō Kamatari, and the remaining Oniwabanshu battle Iwanbō.
Rescue by Hiko Seijūrō
As the situation becomes dire, Hiko Seijūrō arrives to aid in the defense of the inn. With his intervention, he easily dispatches the giant Fuji and incapacitates Saizuchi, securing victory for the Aoi-Ya.
A Deadly Duel
Meanwhile, Kenshin engages in a fierce battle with Sōjirō, the strongest of the Juppongatana. Sōjirō's unique fighting style and emotionless demeanor pose a formidable challenge for Kenshin, testing his skills and resolve to their limits.
The Aoi-Ya is besieged by the Juppongatana, with Yahiko, Misao, and Kaoru facing off against their adversaries. While Yahiko takes on Kariwa Henya, Misao and Kaoru confront Honjō Kamatari, and the remaining Oniwabanshu battle Iwanbō.
Rescue by Hiko Seijūrō
As the situation becomes dire, Hiko Seijūrō arrives to aid in the defense of the inn. With his intervention, he easily dispatches the giant Fuji and incapacitates Saizuchi, securing victory for the Aoi-Ya.
A Deadly Duel
Meanwhile, Kenshin engages in a fierce battle with Sōjirō, the strongest of the Juppongatana. Sōjirō's unique fighting style and emotionless demeanor pose a formidable challenge for Kenshin, testing his skills and resolve to their limits.
February 19, 2013
The majority of this volume takes place at Aoi-Ya. Yahiko battles a skeletal batman who loves his dynamite, Misao encounters a penis that upsets her world, Kaoru practically loses her shirt battling a womanly man, and Seijūrō arrives at the perfect time to battle with handsome giant with the brainy curmudgeon. I thought at first that I would be bored with these battles but I was proven wrong! So fun.
We end the volume with Kenshin beginning his battle with Sōjirō. This will be a close battle due to Sōjiro's strength.
We end the volume with Kenshin beginning his battle with Sōjirō. This will be a close battle due to Sōjiro's strength.
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