In the aftermath of their battle for Japan’s future, Kenshin and his friends are ready to enjoy a hard-won peace. But the past isn’t finished with them. A new threat arises in the form of an army of vengeful warriors—each of whom has a grudge against Kenshin from his days as the ruthless assassin Battōsai. Forced to face his old sins, Kenshin must find a way to make peace with the victim he most regrets hurting: his wife.
The Shinsengumi--fearsome and formidable protectors of the Shôgunate. Kenshin knows them well, having done battle with them during the final days of the Meiji Restoration. One man in particular--Saitô Hajime, captain of the third unit--lingers in Kenshin's mind. Now an officer of the law and known as "Fujita Gorô," Saitô arrives on the steps of the Kamiya Dojo, challenging Kenshin to a duel that will force a reawakening of Kenshin's own past. But the confrontation with Saitô is just the beginning of something much larger, something that will involve the future of the new Japan...
The Shinsengumi--fearsome and formidable protectors of the Shôgunate. Kenshin knows them well, having done battle with them during the final days of the Meiji Restoration. One man in particular--Saitô Hajime, captain of the third unit--lingers in Kenshin's mind. Now an officer of the law and known as "Fujita Gorô," Saitô arrives on the steps of the Kamiya Dojo, challenging Kenshin to a duel that will force a reawakening of Kenshin's own past. But the confrontation with Saitô is just the beginning of something much larger, something that will involve the future of the new Japan...
Under attack by an alliance of warriors with grudges against Kenshin, the dojo battles on three fronts at once. Sanosuke takes on weapons expert Inui Banjin and his indestructible gauntlets. Yahiko faces off against Otowa Hyōko, who specializes in the secret techniques of assassination. And Kenshin has a rematch with the puppet master Gein, who’s invented a deadly new toy. All the while, Enishi, the architect of the attacks, watches the chaos from above…
A Collection of Volumes 22 - 24!Making good on his promise to attack the Kamiya Dojo, Enishi and his comrades pounce on Kenshin and company and quickly fight them to a standstill. Seeking to break the impasse, the masked puppet master Gein prepares to unleash his greatest creation, Iwanbō Version Three. Now the battle has three fronts: Sanosuke vs. Inui Banjin and his indestructible gauntlets, Yahiko vs. the deviously deadly Otowa Hyōko, and Kenshin vs. Gein's latest toy.Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Saitō Hajime happens by in time to clash with the freakish Yatsume MumyōI, but has this all been a calculated step in Enishi's master plan? For the first time since his appearance in Tokyo, Enishi unveils his awesome fighting skills, a deadly combination of both Japanese and Chinese techniques. Believing that Kenshin's death alone will not satisfy his departed sister's soul, Enishi prepares to cast Kenshin into a living hell of remorse and regret. Will Kaoru become a sacrifice on the altar of Enishi's bloody revenge?
In the 11th year of Meiji, on the day marked in the Western calendar as May 14th, time once again begins to flow. The shocking midday murder of Department of Internal Affairs Chief Ôûkubo a fait accompli, Kenshin leaves for Kyoto, scene of chaos and bloodshed--against the wishes of nearly everyone who knows him as the gentle "rurouni." Awaiting him there is Shishio Makoto, the hitokiri who replaced the cold-eyed assassin Himura Battôsai who forswore further killing and took up the reversed-blade sakabatô. But does Kenshin go to Kyoto for a duel...or for a death-match?!
In the 11th year of Meiji, on the day marked in the Western calendar as May 14th, time once again begins to flow. The shocking midday murder of Department of Internal Affairs Chief Ôûkubo a fait accompli, Kenshin leaves for Kyoto, scene of chaos and bloodshed--against the wishes of nearly everyone who knows him as the gentle "rurouni." Awaiting him there is Shishio Makoto, the hitokiri who replaced the cold-eyed assassin Himura Battôsai who forswore further killing and took up the reversed-blade sakabatô. But does Kenshin go to Kyoto for a duel...or for a death-match?!
A glimpse of the new Japan if the mad ambitions of Shishio Makoto should succeed is revealed when Kenshin arrives in Kyoto and meets him at last...although the epic battle between them will have to wait. Pitted against Shishio's soldiers, Kenshin's reversed-edge sakabatô is broken--can it be reforged? Should it be reforged? For time has once again begun to flow, and violence once more washes over the land. Although Kenshin has abandoned the ways of the hitokiri and has sworn to take life no longer, a new assassin has now arisen--one whose taste for blood and thirst for power knows no bounds…
Felled by grief, Kenshin is powerless to stop Enishi’s conquest of Tokyo. His friends struggle to fill in, with Yahiko taking on the criminal powerhouse Kujiranami and Sanosuke defending the city from yakuza. But without Kenshin, the dream of a new Japan founded on peace will never be realized. In the misery of the Fallen Village, Kenshin must somehow find hope…and lift his sakabatō for the final time!
Final Volume!A Collection of Volumes 25 - 28!Yukishiro Enishi's plan to cast Kenshin into a living hell of remorse and regret appears to have succeeded. Holding himself responsible for Kaoru's death, Kenshin has taken up residence in the "Fallen Village," a community of outcasts and untouchables. But if he doesn't snap out of his depression soon, there may no longer be a Tokyo to return to. Kujiranami, the behemoth of a warrior whose arm Kenshin severed during the Bakumatsu, escapes from prison and is bent on total annihilation. Yahiko takes it upon himself to stand up to Kujiranami's madness, but the odds are far from being in the young swordsman's favor.Meanwhile, Sanosuke also manages to get into his own unique brand of trouble when he steps into a dispute between an old man and a group of land-grabbing yakuza. Little does Sano expect, though, that he was bound for a family reunion he won't soon forget. And finally, to realize his dream for a new Japan that has cleansed itself of the blood of the Bakumatsu, Kenshin and friends make their way to Enishi's island compound for a definitive battle. How does one of the most memorable tales of Meiji era Japan come to a close? Plus, the bonus short story "Yahiko no Sakabato-" and an additional, all-color short story which is being published in English for the very first time!
A glimpse of the new Japan if the mad ambitions of Shishio Makoto should succeed is revealed when Kenshin arrives in Kyoto and meets him at last...although the epic battle between them will have to wait. Pitted against Shishio's soldiers, Kenshin's reversed-edge sakabatô is broken--can it be reforged? Should it be reforged? For time has once again begun to flow, and violence once more washes over the land. Although Kenshin has abandoned the ways of the hitokiri and has sworn to take life no longer, a new assassin has now arisen--one whose taste for blood and thirst for power knows no bounds…
His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it--Arai Shakkû--only to be turned away. Seikû, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work (the forging of katana, meant for killing), but has since given up that calling and spends his time making humble cooking knives. Respecting Seikû's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade...but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakkû has forged one last sword. Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his ten generals or "Ten Swords" to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Chô, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakkû's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabatô, Kenshin must face Chô in battle...
His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it--Arai Shakkû--only to be turned away. Seikû, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work (the forging of katana, meant for killing), but has since given up that calling and spends his time making humble cooking knives. Respecting Seikû's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade...but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakkû has forged one last sword. Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his ten generals or "Ten Swords" to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Chô, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakkû's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabatô, Kenshin must face Chô in battle...
With Misao's help, Kaoru finally manages to locate Kenshin in Kyoto--at the home of Hiko Seijûrô, his master in the school of Hiten Mitsurugi. Having convinced his master to resume (complete) his training, Kenshin assumes the role of pupil once more, while elsewhere in Kyoto, other forces come together. There is the arrival of Shinomori Aoshi, soon approached by the men of Shishio Makoto to join their cause; there is the arrival also of Saitô Hajime, who comes to free Sano from jail and also to join him in questioning "Ten Swords" member Chô. The truth of Shishio's plan for Japan is beginning to be unveiled…
With Misao's help, Kaoru finally manages to locate Kenshin in Kyoto--at the home of Hiko Seijûrô, his master in the school of Hiten Mitsurugi. Having convinced his master to resume (complete) his training, Kenshin assumes the role of pupil once more, while elsewhere in Kyoto, other forces come together. There is the arrival of Shinomori Aoshi, soon approached by the men of Shishio Makoto to join their cause; there is the arrival also of Saitô Hajime, who comes to free Sano from jail and also to join him in questioning "Ten Swords" member Chô. The truth of Shishio's plan for Japan is beginning to be unveiled…
As Kenshin continues his re-education at the hand of his master in Hiten Mitsurugi, Hiko Seijûrô, he looks back also to the first, early years of that training...including the moment in his life in which he changed his name to "Kenshin." Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Juppongatana , or "Ten Swords," arrive in Kyoto, while the first phase of Shishio Makoto's plan for Japan finally gets underway. While Misao and the Oniwabanshu plan how best to pool their resources to stop Shishio from setting Kyoto ablaze, Kenshin, Sano, and Saitô--now reunited--must consider their own next course of action.
As Kenshin continues his re-education at the hand of his master in Hiten Mitsurugi, Hiko Seijûrô, he looks back also to the first, early years of that training...including the moment in his life in which he changed his name to "Kenshin." Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Juppongatana , or "Ten Swords," arrive in Kyoto, while the first phase of Shishio Makoto's plan for Japan finally gets underway. While Misao and the Oniwabanshu plan how best to pool their resources to stop Shishio from setting Kyoto ablaze, Kenshin, Sano, and Saitô--now reunited--must consider their own next course of action.
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…
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…
As the Juppongatana or "Ten Swords" move to attack those at Aoi-Ya (Kaoru, Yahiko, Misao, and the rest of the Kyoto-based spy clan), Kenshin--accompanied by Sanosuke and Saitô--squares off against one of his most powerful opponents yet: Shinomori Aoshi, former Okashira or "head" of the Oniwabanshû. Bound by promises to both return Misao's "Aoshi-sama" to her safely, and to face Shinomori himself in a climactic, decisive battle, the time is now to learn once and for all who has the will to live, who has the will to die...and who has the will to fight.
As the Juppongatana or "Ten Swords" move to attack those at Aoi-Ya (Kaoru, Yahiko, Misao, and the rest of the Kyoto-based spy clan), Kenshin--accompanied by Sanosuke and Saitô--squares off against one of his most powerful opponents yet: Shinomori Aoshi, former Okashira or "head" of the Oniwabanshû. Bound by promises to both return Misao's "Aoshi-sama" to her safely, and to face Shinomori himself in a climactic, decisive battle, the time is now to learn once and for all who has the will to live, who has the will to die...and who has the will to fight.
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...
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...
Is there such a thing as divine will or guidance...? Seta Sôjirô, stopping for a moment in mid-battle with Kenshin, may be beginning to think so. When Sôjirô made the fateful decision to ally with the monomaniacal Shishio Makoto, his family paid the ultimate price. But is the flesh of the weak truly the sustenance of the strong, as Shishio insists? Kenshin, whose Hiten Mitsurugi school places the protection of the helpless before all else, would surely disagree. In a world where might makes right only too often, what choice have "the wronged" but to wait for a savior? And when that savior comes too late...what then?
Is there such a thing as divine will or guidance...? Seta Sôjirô, stopping for a moment in mid-battle with Kenshin, may be beginning to think so. When Sôjirô made the fateful decision to ally with the monomaniacal Shishio Makoto, his family paid the ultimate price. But is the flesh of the weak truly the sustenance of the strong, as Shishio insists? Kenshin, whose Hiten Mitsurugi school places the protection of the helpless before all else, would surely disagree. In a world where might makes right only too often, what choice have "the wronged" but to wait for a savior? And when that savior comes too late...what then?