Rurouni Kenshin is based in the Meiji era of Japan, after the Tokugawa regime had ended. A wandering swordsman, Himura Kenshin placed a vow never to kill again. During the Restoration period, Kenshin was known as the Hitokiri Battousai and carved the way into the new era, the Meiji era. During his journey, old rivalries continue to force him to return to his former self and break his oath, but he continues to fight for the belief that a sword can help to protect the innocent. To keep himself from killing, he carries a reversed edge sword (sharp site switched with the non-sharp side). As he roams Japan, he comes across the passionate Kendo instructor Kaoru Kamiya. Kaoru is immediately attracted to the wanderer, and Kenshin decides to stay for a bit to help Kaoru rebuild her father's dojo. But there are still elements beyond his control that threaten to pull him back to his bloodstained past.

       Rurouni Kenshin is a great action-packed story with unique characters and funny personalities. It's a great show for all ages, including adults. Check it out!!! ^_^

Characters

        Kenshin Himura a.k.a. Battousai the Slasher - Before the end of the Tokugawa period, Kenshin was a killer for the government. He disappeared during the final battle that led to the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, he saw the error of his ways and wandered Japan as a ronin (masterless samurai) for ten years. Upon meeting Kaoru, his life changes and he begins to settle down and begin to care about people once again. His school of fighting is the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu, which specializes in quick sword strikes that kill instantly. He was given the name "Battosai," which means "master of sheathing a sword," because his attacks were so fast. However, at the end of the Meiji Restoration, Kenshin renounces killing and uses only a sakabatou (reversed-blade sword). He now uses his sword to protect rather than kill.

        Kaoru Kamiya - Since her father was killed in the war, responsibility for running the family dojo fell to young Kaoru. She is the one who first identifies Kenshin as Hitokiri Battosai and challenges him to a fight. Her pure heart and gentleness touch Kenshin and he accepts her offer to stay at the dojo. As the story progresses, their relationship continues to grow, and Kaoru seems to be harboring feelings for Kenshin. Feelings that she won't openly admit, however. And when she gets angry, Kenshin usually bears the brunt of her rage.

        Sanousuke Sagara - When he was young, Sanosuke was a junior member of the Sekihora squad. When the squad was betrayed by the Meiji government, he saw its leader and his idol, Sagara Souzo, beheaded. As a result, Sanosuke hates the Meiji government. To honor his fallen idol, he took the surname of Sagara. He wears the chinese character for "evil" on his back. He is incredibly strong and uses a very large sword to defeat his enemies. It took defeat at the hands of Kenshin to make him realize that he was going about things the wrong way, and he too joined the others at the Kamiya dojo.

        Yahiko Myojin - Son of a samurai, Yahiko fancies himself a samurai as well. He is a little young to truly fit the bill, but his heart is in the right place. And after being rescued by Kenshin from the thieves guild, he finds a home at the Kamiya dojo. Kaoru begins schooling him in her family's fighting techniques. Thus, Yahiko joins his surrogate family at the dojo. In this environment, he resolves to become as great a fighter as he can be. He idolizes Kenshin and wants to become as strong as he is so he can protect the ones he loves.

        Misao Machimaki - A young ninja Kenshin meets en route to Kyoto, Misao is a rather headstrong girl. At first she journeys with Kenshin rather reluctantly, but when she is betrayed by Aoshi, she joins his cause. She is the granddaughter of the former head of the ninja clan.

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