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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #20
Samurai X 20: Kenangan Masa Silam
After a night of gambling, Kenshin and Sanosuke return with an unexpected prize - a woman. Beautiful and mysterious, Takani Megumi, the daughter of a famous family of physicians, has unwittingly been participating in the production of a super-powerful, super-profitable form of opium. Hot on her trail is shady industrialist Kanryu, and Sanosuke may not be her best protector after the death of one of his friends from an opium overdose. But Kenshin has looked into her eyes and seen her sadness. He knows he must act - but will he be able to save her from the wrath of Kanryu, or for that matter, from Sanosuke?
191 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1998
2 people are currently reading
352 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 42 reviews
September 26, 2017
This volume was entirely a collection of flashbacks; back when Kenshin was heavily involved with the Satcho rebellion and the subsequent restoration of Japanese Imperial power. This was also my favorite section of the Jinchi arc since it revealed a lot of Kenshin's background prior to volume one and it also contained the chapters where Kenshin interacted with real-life historical figures.
This arc simply had the misfortune of following the Kyoto arc, an instant classic that would be celebrated as the high point of this series. Overall, this arc would reveal itself to be weaker than the one that preceded it, but it had these flashbacks, something reader wanted ever since volume one.
This arc was also where the anime and manga diverged. The anime would continue with original stories that where not originally serialized in manga and this arc was a story I haven't seen done with an animated adaptation.
This arc simply had the misfortune of following the Kyoto arc, an instant classic that would be celebrated as the high point of this series. Overall, this arc would reveal itself to be weaker than the one that preceded it, but it had these flashbacks, something reader wanted ever since volume one.
This arc was also where the anime and manga diverged. The anime would continue with original stories that where not originally serialized in manga and this arc was a story I haven't seen done with an animated adaptation.
October 7, 2024
Incrível, como sempre.
Mais um capítulo na fantástica história de kenshin depois da batalha com o shishio.
Mais um capítulo na fantástica história de kenshin depois da batalha com o shishio.
November 10, 2025
5*
So interesting! I loved it!
So interesting! I loved it!
April 21, 2013
The best volume of Kenshin, as far as I was concerned. One of the few that can still get me sobbing buckets of tears.
May 23, 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
February 14, 2019
Προβλέψιμο, αλλά εθιστικό. Έχω καταντήσει να το διαβάζω με τον ίδιο τρόπο που η γιαγιά μου έβλεπε βραζιλιάνικα: χωρίς απαιτήσεις άλλες παρά μόνο την συναισθηματική φόρτιση. Ωστόσο εδώ κι εκεί ξεπετιούνται πολύ-πολύ-πολύ ωραίες ιδέες κι αυτό κάπως θολώνει τις τύψεις...
July 3, 2023
Fight to keep alive what you can see and control ⚔️🤩
March 9, 2010
La calidad de este tomo es directamente proporcional a los litros de sangre que se derraman en sus páginas. Batallas bolaceras y entretenidas como ellas solas.
December 5, 2016
Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 20 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in the foreground and Enishi in the background looking over his shoulder. It is the twentieth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first nineteen 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- To build a new age, must one truly be mad enough to turn from the extreme justice that political allegiance requires? Deep in the Japanese countryside, far from the gore-spattered streets of the capital, a man who never knew what happiness was begins a new life as husband to a woman who claims to have nowhere else to go. If a man cannot fight to protect the woman he loves, what will become of the nation? Can one woman alone be enough to hold back the madness?
Review- We continue with Kenshin's tragic past in this volume. How he met Tomoe, how he fell in love with her, and the volume ends with him fighting to save her from the people she was working for. The story moves very quickly and is full of historical facts for the history lovers. We get to see Enishi as a child and he is not very different from the man he will become, just a little less crazy. We do get a break from the very sad tale to see what Enishi is doing. He is lying to the men he is working with and while I think that Enishi is going to make it out alright I cannot say the same for those men. Whatever Enishi is planning is going to pretty terrible. The volume ends with Tomoe refusing to sell Kenshin out and Kenshin is in a fighting rage. More Action and Drama 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.
March 29, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 20 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (168–177) of the on-going manga series.
Himura Kenshin's flashback continues showing how he met Yukishiro Tomoe, and both started a romantic relationship. After an incident from the Ishin Shishi, Kenshin and Tomoe get married, and move to live to a little town under advice from Kenshin's superiors. During those days, Kenshin becomes happier and calmer, but it is later revealed that Tomoe was sent by a group of assassins known as the Yaminobu to discover his weak points. When Tomoe goes to her group's base, but lies to them as she is in love with Kenshin. However, the group realizes this and kidnaps Tomoe to make Kenshin try to rescue her. Kenshin manages to defeat the assassins and meet their boss, but is severely injured during the fights.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It continues the story about Himura Kenshin’s past and how he met his wife – Yukishiro Tomoe and how his life was before he became a wondering warrior. While encompassing most of the tankōbon, the flashback story has yet to be finished and most likely would be in the next tankōbon.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 20 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
Himura Kenshin's flashback continues showing how he met Yukishiro Tomoe, and both started a romantic relationship. After an incident from the Ishin Shishi, Kenshin and Tomoe get married, and move to live to a little town under advice from Kenshin's superiors. During those days, Kenshin becomes happier and calmer, but it is later revealed that Tomoe was sent by a group of assassins known as the Yaminobu to discover his weak points. When Tomoe goes to her group's base, but lies to them as she is in love with Kenshin. However, the group realizes this and kidnaps Tomoe to make Kenshin try to rescue her. Kenshin manages to defeat the assassins and meet their boss, but is severely injured during the fights.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It continues the story about Himura Kenshin’s past and how he met his wife – Yukishiro Tomoe and how his life was before he became a wondering warrior. While encompassing most of the tankōbon, the flashback story has yet to be finished and most likely would be in the next tankōbon.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 20 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
February 20, 2025
The flashback is EPIC! You really get to take ahold of a piece of the old Rurouni Kenshin and it flushes out the character in a whole new light. I believe that while I felt like the series maybe should have ended earlier this is such a welcome addition to the lore and really starts to bring full circle the life and trials of Rurouni Kenshin. I think this book really just had such great revelations that I could not help but applaud it. While not necessary, it is such a great addition I am thrilled that Nobuhiro Watsuki gave which makes this series so much greater. The action sequences in this volume are above the usual (which are nothing to sneeze at), but this one especially hits hard, fast and violently beautiful.
September 17, 2018
RuroKen continues to be one of my absolute favorite manga / anime series. Partially for the humor employed but also for the decent historical accuracy of the stories. Volumes 19 thru 21 focus on the Enishi / Tomoe Remembrance arc (only partial) which was to me unknown until in early 2018 I learned that these were never adapted into the English Anime. 20 is my favorite of the 3 in this set. Really funny interactions with Ken and Tomoe and the kids. Loved to see how Tomoe turned from a "cool beauty" into the symbol of what Kenshin fights for.
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 13, 2018
The attacks directed at Kenshin and all he cares about continue, as the group of Battosai's former enemies continue their attack. None of them comes at Kenshin directly yet, but he is made aware of exactly what's happening.
Also the flashback storyline continues, telling the story of Kenshin's doomed first love, and all that came of that as Battosai starts the journey toward being Himura Kenshin.
Also the flashback storyline continues, telling the story of Kenshin's doomed first love, and all that came of that as Battosai starts the journey toward being Himura Kenshin.
April 19, 2023
Really cool to see Kenshin and Tomoe after they meet up and I do like twist that even thought Tomoe acts all high and mighty she to has a dark secret so it makes her seem less perfect and it does make both of them believable. I also liked that we start seeing more familiar personality traits that we would know from modern day Kenshin as he starts act more like a dork, and easy going. As we do see him play with the kids as he tries to escape the chaos of Kyoto.
December 5, 2024
Enishi ni dendamnya salah sasaran. Dendamnya ke orang-orang yang udah nyulik kakakmu buat mancing Kenshin, dong! Mereka toh mau ngebunuh Tomoe. Hih!
Ngomong-ngomong kenapa ada Venom di sini? 🤣 Bahkan adaptasinya jauh lebih kasar daripada Jine Udo dan Gambit. Walaaaaaaaah 🤣 Gak kena pelanggaran hak cipta tuh? 🤣
Ngomong-ngomong kenapa ada Venom di sini? 🤣 Bahkan adaptasinya jauh lebih kasar daripada Jine Udo dan Gambit. Walaaaaaaaah 🤣 Gak kena pelanggaran hak cipta tuh? 🤣
April 11, 2023
Aaaand the fact that he basically said "why don't we get married" as casually as you'd expect someone to say "oh and be sure you make your bed" to someone who had no romantic attachment to him whatsoever really speaks volumes about the depth of the relationship.
October 18, 2024
Great volume. I’m really Looking forward to seeing this part of the story adapted as it’s in the manga.
The ovas are great (and that score is top notch). Seeing a longer version of this story will be a treat.
The ovas are great (and that score is top notch). Seeing a longer version of this story will be a treat.
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 like this part.
February 8, 2021
Seeing Kenshin's past is fascinating, but I also can't help but feel it pales when compared to the roller coaster that was the Shishio arc... (broken record I know)
May 14, 2021
Kenshin is THE character, i can't-
July 26, 2021
Entre Kawabata y Kurosawa.
August 11, 2021
Sorry not sorry this is my most favourite arc in the whole story. I love it, and hate it with passion at the same time. I can't cope with Tomoe's totally meaningless death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2021
Flashbacks in this one. A little boring but I think necessary to explain why Enishi feels that way about Kenshin. But maybe explain it in less chapters.
July 7, 2023
God I love this part of the story 🩸☔💗
Onto volume 21!
Onto volume 21!
December 1, 2024
Tomoe!!!!!
February 17, 2017
This volume kicks off with Chapter 68: Rememberance- part 4 Yukishiro Tamoe
Here is the point where we learn much of Kenshin's past, and how scary he really was as the hitokiri battosai.
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
Here is the point where we learn much of Kenshin's past, and how scary he really was as the hitokiri battosai.
I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!
March 4, 2013
Here we find out more history between Kenshin and Tomoe (which links Enishi's thirst for revenge). Romeo's fiancé was killed by Kenshin and she sought revenge, so she agreed to spy on him and report his weaknesses to his enemies. However, their marriage grew into love and she went to the enemies to report false weaknesses. However, they foresaw their love growing so they kidnap her and use her as bait to draw Kenshin into their traps. Enishi is unaware that his sister ha been betrayed and has a burning hatred for Kenshin. This volume ends with several battles leading up to a final battle for Tomoe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews