For the file, I just about went chilly turkey on this episode. I’ve by no means learn “Sakabatou Shougeki”, the particular chapter that Watsuki Nobuhiro wrote for from Ruroken Celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary in 2023. Till every week in the past I did not even understand it existed (or if I did, I forgot). In precept, I am positive with adapting materials that hasn’t been tailored earlier than, particularly because it’s a lot much less possible that Lidenfilms would attempt to adapt all the Kyoto arc in two quick bursts. But there’s disquiet with each main change within the narrative holy shrine that’s the Kyoto Arch. If it ain’t broke, do not repair it, and shounen would not get a lot much less damaged than “Kyoto”.
I can say this with out reservation: no matter my expectations have been, “Sakabatou Shougeki” exceeded them. Comfy. I just like the components of the Hokkaido Arc that I’ve learn, nevertheless it’s honest to say that the fabric Watsuki wrote within the authentic timeline was the perfect. However this – this was actually good. I’d dare say it was among the finest episodes of the collection. Not simply because it is an awesome standalone story, however as a result of it was probably the most trendy and exquisite episodes in all the reboot thus far. And it match completely with the place director Komada Yuki positioned it within the story (I say that each by way of what got here earlier than and what comes after). It was fully per the primary story and completely related.
Kenshin’s backstory is fertile floor for exploration, each in canon and non-canon channels. And that’s not so shocking. When you have got a protagonist this excellent, one with a private story so exquisitely constructed, any cross-section of it’s prone to show fascinating. The theme right here is – appropriately – Ken’s first expertise with an inverted-blade sword. He’s in Tokyo in 1868, simply after the Battle of Ueno. This was one of many final main skirmishes on the mainland, pitting a drive of Tokugawa loyalists (often known as the Shougitai) in opposition to Imperial forces led by Saigou Takamori (who gained a decisive victory, with a lot collateral injury within the space) .
Since Kenshin was in 1868, he would have been solely 19 years outdated (a reminder of how younger he was when he carried out his murderous acts). After renouncing his Hitokiri title and vowing by no means to return to Kyoto, he leads to Edo (with Shakku’s sword – which he by no means drew – in tow). Once we meet him right here, Kenshin is sick with a fever and sheltering from the rain in a small shrine corridor, within the firm of an deserted kitten. A lady named Satsuki (Koshimizu Ami) finds him (due to the cat). Somebody with a transparent gentle spot for stray animals, she tells them each again to their humble farm distant within the sticks (Tokyo wasn’t a megalopolis again then).
Satsuki lives together with her husband Giichi (Majima Junji) and many cats, and the pair naturally assume that this feral younger samurai is likely one of the stragglers from the dropping facet within the Battle of Ueno. Imperial forces are at the moment in search of them, so hiding Kenshin is a giant threat for them (or in order that they suppose). Satsuki is pregnant and Giichi is working his small plot of land, regardless of having misplaced his proper arm. Misplaced to a gang of paramilitary criminals who dedicated crimes within the title of the brand new Meiji authorities, criminals who got here into contact with Giichi in his former job as a non-public investigator.
These are themes that we see bolstered time and again Rurouni Kenshin. Regardless of the real need of some to create a greater, extra fashionable Japan, many noticed this new order merely as a way of payback and self-enrichment. And kindness flourished on the fringes of society, the place individuals who had little for themselves have been happiest giving to others who have been even worse off. That is the place the strands of destiny that at all times ensnare Kenshin pull him in reverse instructions. Basically, his resolution to be a rurouni is a type of operating away, however the issues he runs from at all times discover him and drive a call. It is a sample we’ll see play out many extra instances in his life, not least the Shishio Rise up itself.
Giichi nonetheless has his to throwhowever with one arm he is not likely ready to defend his spouse (or cats). Once we hear the outlaws describe a goal for his or her revenge, we’re led to suppose it was Kenshin, however in reality it’s Giichi, an outdated nemesis. And it will drive Kenshin to choose that he’ll face time and again. He should act, draw that sword regardless of having sworn by no means to kill once more (and regardless of nonetheless being very in poor health). However to his shock, this can be a unusual sword: the blade is on the flawed facet. It is a sakabatou, after all, Shakku’s message to him, however Ken has by no means held one. Nevertheless, a sakabatou remains to be a sword, and he is aware of very effectively what to do with a sword in his hand.
That is all superbly staged and really stunning to have a look at. However greater than that, it manages so as to add one thing new and important to a narrative that has been thought of a masterpiece for 25 years. The way in which Kenshin frames the expertise of seeing the inverted blade for the primary time – the way it states that the enemy is in reality himself, the beast that has taken all these lives and at all times lurks inside him – I am unable to bear in mind. Rusmoking use beforehand. And it is a particularly highly effective thought, one which encapsulates Kenshin’s arc in a really elegant method. By managing to meaningfully embellish a much-loved and well-established story, this episode is one thing of a revelation. And it looks like an announcement of objective for this adaptation – it is clear that it is grown into the characteristic and is able to soar to even higher heights.
