Background

Kenshin Himura

"If fighting could provide us with the truth, nobody would make any mistakes in their lives. A person’s life is not that easy. The truth you must learn from yourself, from how you live"

At an early age he was born under a poor family and his original name was Shinta, his parents died from cholera, as a result he was sold into slavery. Eventually he was raised by 3 other enslaved women known as Akane, Kasumi and Sakura hoping to give Shinta a happy life unfortunately one day his slave-caravan was attacked by Ronin bandits, turning the situation into a bloody massacre as he was shielded by one of the women who cared and raised him, telling Shinta to live a happy fulfilling life with their dying breath. Just when all hope seemed lost, his soon to be master Hiko Seijuro appeared and killed the bandits just for courtesy of not seeing the cruel hearted treat the weak as scum. Seijuro told the boy to go to a nearby village to continue his life and a day later when he passed by another village was told no news of Shinta’s appearance and so out of concern he walked back to the previous village later to find that Shinta had buried the bodies of everyone who died just as Seijuro was checking up on him and in that moment decided Seijuro had respect for the boy’s level of kindness so he would take him under his wing to train him under the Hiten Mitsurugi style and would rename the boy as Kenshin. As time passed Kenshin grew more and more proficient in swordsmanship, eventually even deciding himself to help in the Meiji Revolutionary War despite Seijuro telling him to rethink his decision Kenshin believed he was doing a worthy cause and went all the way. Killing many swordsmen across Japan, having killed over 100 people in the first 6 months of the war he earned his infamous name “Hitokiri Battosai” (The Man Slayer) overtime during the war Kenshin begin to question on if he was still doing a worthy cause amidst all the murder and bloodshed but that epiphany would soon turn into a clear realization after accidentally killing his lover at the time Yukishiro Tomoe during a fight, it was this moment that gave him a new outlook and put the life of others on a high pedestal it was also her who gave  his iconic scar, the first slash being from Tomoe's previous husband who originally intended to kill Kenshin before she grew feelings for him the second slash coming from her dagger that fell out of her hands as she fell into Kenshin’s arms. From this point onwards Kenshin was resigned as a soldier from the war and fully gave up his swordsmanship in favor for the current time of peace and even having his well known Sakabato (The Reverse Blade Sword) to not kill anyone.

Beyond this point Kenshin’s life just grew hard and challenging, time and time again he would face more skilled assassins, fighters and swordsmen who wanted to face Kenshin to a battle to the death by any means necessary in hopes to fully revive Battosai. Whether it be via questioning Kenshin’s morals, their personal revenge, kidnapping his loved ones or another attempt at rechanging Japan for the better via attacking the government Kenshin would still not hold a sword made for bloodshed but instead a sword for protection and kindness. Through it all Kenshin still stayed strong, having opened his heart to his new friends the famous street brawler Sanosuke Sagara, orphaned Myojin Yahiko and The Kamiya Kasshin-ryu style user turned future wife Kaoru Kamiya and keeping his skills sharp having met his rivals, The Wolf of Mibu Hajime Saito and The Okashira of the Oniwabanshu clan Aoshi Shinomori. From fully coming to terms with his past facing many battles Kenshin decided to stay in Kaoru’s village and help train others under her sword style Kamiya Kasshin-ryu alongside Yahiko and raising his son Kenji but old habits die hard and now Kenshin once again must take his Sakabato and help in Hokkaido to face the new threat in the form of the Kenkau Heiki despite his body getting weaker now with age he is willing to fight no matter the cost.

Equipment

Kimono, Socks & Sandals

Traditional Japanese attire that was worn by everyone back in the Meiji Era of Japan, not only was it considered comfortable to walk around in (especially in a lot of terrains because of the sandals) but it made it much easier for Samurai to carry their swords closer to their bodies.

Samurai Arm Guards

Kenshin used these back during the war, they were used to protect a samurai’s arms from blades whenever they would cross paths with their opponents to lessen any chances of losing an arm in close quarters combat. These were typically made of up hard cloth/silky materials for clothes or small metal materials.

Medicine

Some medicine that Megumi gave Kenshin that she believed would help patch up the 3 slash marks made by Aoshi, despite Kenshin not needing it at the moment Megumi is more than welcome to give some to Kenshin anytime and he has used it before.

Umbrella

A normal umbrella that Kenshin obtained during a circus act episode of the original Rurouni Kenshin anime. Kenshin was seen using umbrellas in a lot of promotional materials for the original anime, any random umbrella would be a good lethal weapon in his hands.

Shealth

The placeholder of where Kenshin puts his sword away, initially one wouldn’t take this into consideration for weaponry however Kenshin is very resourceful and has used this combat as he’s used it to strike opponents for lethal damage to even reduce the output of opponent’s attacks by half.

Wakizashi

As you can notice from the shorter blade on Kenshin’s kimono, it’s what he would carry with him during his Battosai days known in the series as a Wakizashi, for those unfamiliar it’s a short sword that makes it easier to engage in close combat scenarios. Kenshin has used this to stab Yatsume’s arm onto a tree when he was in a tight spot.

Katana

A blade that needs no introduction, the signature weapon for Samurai throughout all fictional mediums as well as since the beginning of swordsmanship in Japan, a Katana. This was originally Kenshin’s iconic weapon used back during the war that earned his “Hitokiri Battosai” title and that gave him his high kill count since before the start of the series.

The Sakabato

As you can guess from its appearance it is a standard Katana however the blade’s slicing placement is reversed, the back of the blade is where the sword resides and the front part where the blade is supposed to be is replaced with a blunt end hence its name meaning “The Reverse Blade Sword”. Kenshin used it once he retired from the war and started his vow to never kill his opponents again.

The “True” Sakabato

When Kenshin’s original Reverse blade sword shattered, he asked for a new sword in Kyoto. During his fight with Cho, what he initially believed was a normal katana turned out to be a new Sakabato. Kenshin claims this new one however feels better in his palm than his old one meaning it’s easier to handle and use in battle. It being the superior Sakabato was also made vocally apparent as well.

Skills

Master Swordsmanship

As you can guess Kenshin is very skilled with a blade having used one for +19 years now being trained in Kenjutsu.

Sword Stances:

Notable feats of Swordsmanship:

Modoshigiri

This technique allows Kenshin to slice an object so cleanly that not even the cells are damaged, making it possible to repair it. It’s a high level skill that requires a great sword but Kenshin is so skilled with a blade he can even perform this with a kitchen knife.

Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu Style

The fighting style is considered a staple part of Kenshin’s capabilities. Kenshin fully mastered how to use it when he defeated his own master Hiko Seijuro and learned the ultimate technique. Kenshin has now become much stronger than he was before. Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu was made for fighting multiple opponents at once as well as speed and focusing on reading your opponent’s next movement that comes with a plethora of techniques. It has been said this style is the best among the 500 Kenjutsu styles.

Anime Originals:

Game Originals:

Analytical Thinking and Prediction

Kenshin can predict his opponent's movements based on their emotions, aura and slight movements.

Abilities

Accelerated Development

Kenshin has been noted for growing fast in a very short period of time.

Air Manipulation

Kenshin has consistently shown his ability to control high pressure air/wind.

Enhanced Senses

Kenshin has very keen senses and instincts shown throughout the series.

Fighting Spirit

Kenshin is capable of utilizing his own Chi to boost his physical capabilities, detect nearby energies even down to their emotional intent.

Transformations

Hitokiri Battosai

When was a cold blooded killer back in his war days, he had his killing instincts on high alert and wanted nothing more than bloodshed. However, after fully mastering his sword style he states he can now access his full capabilities without losing his sense of self thereby obtaining full control of this form.

Resistances

Feats

Overall

Strength

Speed

Durability and Endurance

Scaling

Team Kenshin

Composed of Kaoru Kamiya, the elegant princess of kendo and the Kamiya Kasshinryu Dojo, Myojin Yahiko the son of a tokyo samurai and the Dojo’s best student and Sanosuke Sagara the well known brawler of Tokyo who originally went by “Zanza” and spent 10yrs fighting well known fighters across Japan until he was beaten by Kenshin. All of them have affected Kenshin’s life in some way shape or form molding him more into the kind hearted person he is today and are known to stick with him through hard times, the group is officially called “Team Kenshin” by Yahiko.

Kaoru Kamiya:

Myojin Yahiko:

Sanosuke Sagara:

Shinomori Aoshi and the Oniwabanshu

The Oniwabanshu are legendary undercover Ninjas that thrived in Japan and are well known as being combat geniuses and super sneaky with resourceful and strange methods of fighting for some. Being composed of Makimachi Misao who is a ninja in training, her grandfather Kashiwazaki Okina, Kurojo, Shirojo, Masukami, Omime and the main group being Beshimi, Hyottoko, Shikijo and Hannya with their leader being Aoshi Shinomori the best of the best amongst them and known as one of Kenshin’s iconic rivals that was defeated by the man himself, now he lives to help his group thrive while also oneday seeking a runback at Kenshin.

Oniwabanshu Ninjas:

Kashiwazaki Okina:

Makimachi Misao:

Aoshi’s Oniwabanshu Group:

Aoshi Shinomori:

Enishi Yukishiro and the Jinchu

A small time terrorist group lead by Enishi Yukishiro, each of them are composed of people who have it out for Kenshin in some way shape or form whether it’s a runback via being defeated in disgrace or to prove themselves worthy as “the strongest” in the form of Otowa Hyoko, Inui Banjin, Gein, Kujiranami Hyogo and Yatsume Mumyoi. In Enishi’s case he simply wanted Kenshin to suffer to the point he wished for Kenshin to commit suicide in an act of depression after he initially believed he took away everything Kenshin held close to his heart after Kenshin killed his sister Tomoe Yukishiro. Unknown to him that Tomoe decided herself to jump between Kenshin’s blade and take her own life in an attempt to save his own against his opponent at the time.

Otowa Hyoko:

Gein:

Enishi Yukishiro:

Inui Banjin:

Yatsume Mumyoi:

Kujiranami Hyogo:

Saito Hajime and the Shinsengumi

A group of Samurai that simply wish to save Japan’s future like many groups around the Bakumatsu era did. There are different branches of the Shinsengumi but if one thing for certain they are all composed of the most elite swordsmen throughout the country some becoming traitors during the war like Hattori Takeo, some becoming assassins after the war like Udo Jin-e, some becoming policemen like Saito Hajime or some becoming simple civilians like Nagakura Shinpachi but have not dullied in their skill. Led by commander Kondo Isami and vice commanders Hijikata Toshizo and Yamanami Keisuke very little is known personally about all members of the groups besides the series choosing to hype up their fighting prowess. Amongst them all Saito or Nagakura are debated to be the strongest and Kenshin himself has faced the best of them before fighting to a draw.

Northern Division:

Hattori Takeo:

Udo Jin-e:

Nagakura Shinpachi:

Saito Hajime:

Makoto Shishio and the Juppongatana

A group of people grew up in the midst of the war’s aftermath that left most of Japan in harsh ruin due to the government. These people wish to rebuild the Meiji era and overthrow the government in an attempt to either remake a better Japan, fight for vengeance due to the pain and loss they suffered or they simply adore or wish to have a chance at facing the leader Makoto Shishio in a duel. The Juppongatana is composed of Seta Sojiro, Sadojima Hoji, Uonuma Usui, Yukyuzan Anji, Sawagejo Cho, Kariwa Henya, Honyjo Kamatari, Iwanbo, Saizuchi and Fuji. Shishio wishes to develop a much stronger Japan to an unstoppable force in the government but of course Kenshin had to battle the best of his group Sojiro as well as Shishio himself to prevent his totalitarian ideals prosper and most likely ruin Japan forever and won the battle.

Iwanbo:

Sawagejo Cho:

Kariwa Henya:

Honyjo Kamatari:

Yukyuzan Anji:

Fuji:

Uonuma Usui:

Seta Sojiro:

Makoto Shishio:

Byakuya Itekura and the Kenkaku Heiki

An undercover organization that was created to make “ultimate fighters”. People who were genetically experimented on and had undergone severe combat training to become “perfect” in any style of combat that they excelled at. These are the people who succeeded in the training method (the 10% who survived it all) and now wish to spread their ideals further to the government just like Makoto Shishio they wish to rebuild Japan from the ground up in their ideals to launch their plan to create superhumans on a national scale. We know members such as Byakuya Itekura, Doi Mogura, Gonguu Gongou, Itoi Isagawa, The Hyoube brothers, Ono Tomitaka and Honda Udoku so far but there are still some we have seen that have not been revealed yet alongside the leaders of the organization. Kenshin is currently battling Itekura who appears to be the strongest amongst the group visibly named/shown thus far.

The Kenkaku Heiki:

Ono Tomitaka:

Doi Mogura:

Gonguu Gongou:

Itoi Isagawa:

The Hyoube Brothers:

Honda Udoku:

Byakuya Itekura:

Miscellaneous swordsmen and other characters

The following now are just random characters that either don’t have enough screen time to make a subsection about them or people who were clearly made for the cast to showcase their feats. Some of them are even characters who were filler originals of the 1996 anime.

Isurugi Raijuta:

Seijuro Hiko:

Civilian:

The Chi Dragon:

Weaknesses

As you can guess having fought in a long war prior Kenshin’s mental state is definitely not normal. He suffers from PTSD which causes him to initially hold back against his opponent unless he is reverted to his Battosai state also he actually lacks hand to hand combat skills after having used a blade for so long Kenshin’s form would be much sloppy by comparison if he were disarmed. Kenshin also initially struggles with predicting the unpredictable since he normally reads opponents via emotions and slight body movements when faced with someone of no emotion his process to read them is much slower and as irony may have it being a master of the Hiten Mitsurugi is a weakness of Kenshin. His Chi sensing capabilities cannot work in areas with a magnetic field. The Battojutsu technique also isn’t normally suited for Kenshin’s sakabato due to the blunt edge slowing down the speed of the slash for its maximum potential. The vacuum effect of the Amakakeru ryu no Hirameki has a specific range it can work in if Kenshin isn’t close enough his opponent will not be sucked into the vaccum. The style was originally intended for those with a larger body and frame like his master Seijuro however Kenshin’s much smaller body leads to his deteriorating much faster than a more suitable body with constant usage of it’s techniques it’s even stated Kenshin has become weaker in the Hokkaido arc and will lose his capability to move normally in the next 4 - 5 years.