The madness of Shishio Makoto may know no bounds, but what of his body? An eleventh-hour revelation suggests a possible weakness, but will the news come in time to help a critically wounded Kenshin, whose own strength is reaching its limit? In this new era of Meiji, it's getting harder and harder to tell the innocents from the outlaws. Perhaps, as Kenshin says, it should be for history to decide which side was right, and which side was wrong. The time for hitokiri such as Kenshin and Shishio has passed; let not the man decide the age...but the age, the man.
The madness of Shishio Makoto may know no bounds, but what of his body? An eleventh-hour revelation suggests a possible weakness, but will the news come in time to help a critically wounded Kenshin, whose own strength is reaching its limit? In this new era of Meiji, it's getting harder and harder to tell the innocents from the outlaws. Perhaps, as Kenshin says, it should be for history to decide which side was right, and which side was wrong. The time for hitokiri such as Kenshin and Shishio has passed; let not the man decide the age...but the age, the man.
He may be one of the "good guys" now (as Misao insists) but, even a month later, Kenshin still is haunted by Kyoto. How can he not be, when it was in Kyoto that, as the feared "Hitokiri Battôsai," he once made the streets flow red...? And yet, before he departs this place of so many memories, there are ghosts which must be put to rest. It's said that, when strong feelings are attached to a particular wound, so long as those feelings persist, the scar will remain. How did Kenshin get that cross-shaped scar on his face, and who was it that gave it to him?
He may be one of the "good guys" now (as Misao insists) but, even a month later, Kenshin still is haunted by Kyoto. How can he not be, when it was in Kyoto that, as the feared "Hitokiri Battôsai," he once made the streets flow red...? And yet, before he departs this place of so many memories, there are ghosts which must be put to rest. It's said that, when strong feelings are attached to a particular wound, so long as those feelings persist, the scar will remain. How did Kenshin get that cross-shaped scar on his face, and who was it that gave it to him?
It began with a sin, committed by Kenshin, back during his bloody days as hitokiri or a government-sanctioned slayer of men. Although stopping most of the assassins who still come seeking revenge should be easy enough, what of the innocent--Sanosuke and Yahiko (Kenshin's comrades), everyone at Akabeko Inn (Kenshin's friends), Kaoru (Kenshin's...?). For once there was another love in Kenshin's life, one which--given his nature--must by definition have been tragic. Can Kenshin escape the shades of his past, and find the will to fight for the real world--for the living--for reality?!
It began with a sin, committed by Kenshin, back during his bloody days as hitokiri or a government-sanctioned slayer of men. Although stopping most of the assassins who still come seeking revenge should be easy enough, what of the innocent--Sanosuke and Yahiko (Kenshin's comrades), everyone at Akabeko Inn (Kenshin's friends), Kaoru (Kenshin's...?). For once there was another love in Kenshin's life, one which--given his nature--must by definition have been tragic. Can Kenshin escape the shades of his past, and find the will to fight for the real world--for the living--for reality?!
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?
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?
Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?
Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?
The ghosts of Kenshin's past come to wreak havoc on his future as the fight is literally brought to the doorstep of Kamiya Dojo. Three great battles--three great warriors! Myôjin Yahiko, the student of swords not yet a man, takes on a fighter more than twice his age. Sagara Sanosuke, the free-wheeling street fighter, learns a new humility and becomes stronger for it. And Himura Kenshin, the former slayer of men, begins to see a way to atone for the sins of the hitokiri…
The ghosts of Kenshin's past come to wreak havoc on his future as the fight is literally brought to the doorstep of Kamiya Dojo. Three great battles--three great warriors! Myôjin Yahiko, the student of swords not yet a man, takes on a fighter more than twice his age. Sagara Sanosuke, the free-wheeling street fighter, learns a new humility and becomes stronger for it. And Himura Kenshin, the former slayer of men, begins to see a way to atone for the sins of the hitokiri…
In order to discover more about the relationship that binds Kenshin and Enishi, Saitô Hajime makes a surprise appearance at Kamiya Dojo--only to find the aftermath of Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko's desperate life-or-death battles with Enishi's cabal of fighters. One member of the "Six Comrades" remains standing--the mysterious and deadly Yatsume Mumyôi. Will the strength of Saitô Gatotsu be enough to fell this freakish warrior-of-the-shadows?!
In order to discover more about the relationship that binds Kenshin and Enishi, Saitô Hajime makes a surprise appearance at Kamiya Dojo--only to find the aftermath of Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko's desperate life-or-death battles with Enishi's cabal of fighters. One member of the "Six Comrades" remains standing--the mysterious and deadly Yatsume Mumyôi. Will the strength of Saitô Gatotsu be enough to fell this freakish warrior-of-the-shadows?!
To defeat an enemy in combat is one thing. To destroy an enemy's spirit by striking at what he holds dearest is another. Kenshin always felt that, so long as he wielded a sakabatô, those within his sight could be protected from harm, yet while he is incapacitated by the gargantuan Kujiranami of the "Six Comrades," Enishi seizes upon the opportunity to cripple Kenshin's resolve, and will to fight, for good. If Kaoru dies, will Kenshin's dream of a new Japan die with her?
To defeat an enemy in combat is one thing. To destroy an enemy's spirit by striking at what he holds dearest is another. Kenshin always felt that, so long as he wielded a sakabatô, those within his sight could be protected from harm, yet while he is incapacitated by the gargantuan Kujiranami of the "Six Comrades," Enishi seizes upon the opportunity to cripple Kenshin's resolve, and will to fight, for good. If Kaoru dies, will Kenshin's dream of a new Japan die with her?
Kujiranami, the giant whose right arm Kenshin severed during the Bakumatsu, escapes from prison and goes on the rampage. He is armed with a frightening new weapon, and the police force is helpless against his wrath. One warrior has the courage to stand up to him: Myôjin Yahiko, Kenshin's youthful ward and Kaoru's only student in Kamiya Kasshin-ryû. And while it's true that Yahiko's skill has increased, will he alone be able to stop a deranged Kujiranami? If Kenshin doesn't do something quick, this will certainly be Yahiko's greatest--and last--battle!
Kujiranami, the giant whose right arm Kenshin severed during the Bakumatsu, escapes from prison and goes on the rampage. He is armed with a frightening new weapon, and the police force is helpless against his wrath. One warrior has the courage to stand up to him: Myôjin Yahiko, Kenshin's youthful ward and Kaoru's only student in Kamiya Kasshin-ryû. And while it's true that Yahiko's skill has increased, will he alone be able to stop a deranged Kujiranami? If Kenshin doesn't do something quick, this will certainly be Yahiko's greatest--and last--battle!
If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.
If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.
Kenshin and his comrades have finally discovered the location of Enishi's island compound, but to free Kaoru from captivity, a good deal of fighting will be necessary. Woo Heishin, Enishi's mysterious second-in-command, meets them on the beach and brings his deadly bodyguards, the Sû-shin or the "Four Stars," to serve as a welcoming committee. Yahiko, Sanosuke, Saitô and Aoshi dive into combat with Woo Heishin's warriors as Kenshin prepares himself for his fateful, climactic duel with Enishi. Each of them a ferocious fighter, the Sû-shin are set on stopping Kenshin's friends dead in their tracks.
Kenshin and his comrades have finally discovered the location of Enishi's island compound, but to free Kaoru from captivity, a good deal of fighting will be necessary. Woo Heishin, Enishi's mysterious second-in-command, meets them on the beach and brings his deadly bodyguards, the Sû-shin or the "Four Stars," to serve as a welcoming committee. Yahiko, Sanosuke, Saitô and Aoshi dive into combat with Woo Heishin's warriors as Kenshin prepares himself for his fateful, climactic duel with Enishi. Each of them a ferocious fighter, the Sû-shin are set on stopping Kenshin's friends dead in their tracks.
As the feared assassin of the Bakumatsu, Himura Kenshin killed in the name of the new era. As the rurouni of Meiji, he wielded a sakabatô to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, all along holding true to his vow to never take another life. Now Kenshin's fight with Enishi has entered its final stage, as has his quest for atonement. Will another life be required to complete the circle? The road of redemption has been a long one for the world-weary swordsman, but now that Kenshin has found the will to live, can he muster the strength to survive?Find out in the final, unforgettable volume of Nobuhiro Watsuki's international manga sensation, Rurouni Kenshin.Exclusive double-sided poster inside!
As the feared assassin of the Bakumatsu, Himura Kenshin killed in the name of the new era. As the rurouni of Meiji, he wielded a sakabatô to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, all along holding true to his vow to never take another life. Now Kenshin's fight with Enishi has entered its final stage, as has his quest for atonement. Will another life be required to complete the circle? The road of redemption has been a long one for the world-weary swordsman, but now that Kenshin has found the will to live, can he muster the strength to survive?Find out in the final, unforgettable volume of Nobuhiro Watsuki's international manga sensation, Rurouni Kenshin.Exclusive double-sided poster inside!