The article explores the battle between Kenshin Himura and Shishio Makoto in the anime series “Rurouni Kenshin.” Kenshin, a former assassin turned wandering samurai, is tasked by the Meiji government to stop Shishio and his army from starting a revolution. The battle between the two is not just a physical fight but a clash of ideologies. Kenshin seeks to protect people and uphold justice, while Shishio seeks revenge on the government for betraying him and wants to create chaos. Kenshin emerges victorious but is left severely injured. The battle highlights the clash between honor and revenge.
Kenshin Himura vs. Shishio Makoto: The Battle between Honor and Revenge
Introduction
Kenshin Himura is a master swordsman who once led a life as an assassin, known as “Battosai the Manslayer.” After realizing the atrocities he committed, he vowed to protect people with his sword and became a wandering samurai. Shishio Makoto, on the other hand, was also an assassin who survived an assassination attempt by the Meiji government. He amassed an army of followers and seeks to overthrow the government and create a new era of chaos.
The Setup
Kenshin was asked by the newly-formed Meiji government to stop Shishio and his army from starting a revolution. Kenshin, along with his friends, Sano and Kaoru, and others, make their way to Shishio’s hideout on an island. The battle between the two masters is inevitable.
The Battle
The battle between Kenshin and Shishio is not simply a clash of swords, but a battle between two ideologies. Kenshin believes in protecting people with his sword and upholding justice, while Shishio seeks to take revenge on the government for betraying him and creating a new order of chaos.
The fight starts with Kenshin trying to reason with Shishio, but he is met with rejection. Shishio tells Kenshin that he cannot understand his pain and proceeds to attack him. The fight is intense, with both sides exchanging blows and creating massive damage to their surroundings. Kenshin’s swordplay is precise and controlled, while Shishio’s is brutal and savage. Shishio’s body is covered in bandages, which protect him from Kenshin’s attacks.
It is revealed that Shishio’s body is covered in burns, a result of being left to die after the assassination attempt. He survived by burning his body, muscles, and skin, which made him immune to the pains of being burned. This is also why he is resistant to Kenshin’s sword techniques.
Kenshin is forced to use his ultimate technique, the Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki (Dragonflight of Heaven), which he rarely uses due to its destructive nature. The technique is successful in defeating Shishio, but it also damages Kenshin and leaves him severely injured.
The Aftermath
Kenshin is taken back to Tokyo to recover from his injuries, while Shishio’s army is defeated. Shishio’s second-in-command, Yumi, commits suicide, and Shishio dies from his wounds, but not before telling Kenshin that the new era will still be chaotic even without him.
The battle between Kenshin and Shishio may have ended, but the clash between honor and revenge continues. Kenshin stays true to his ideals of protecting people, while Shishio’s legacy still lives on through his followers.
Conclusion
The battle between Kenshin and Shishio is a classic example of a battle between ideologies. Kenshin fought for honor and justice, while Shishio sought revenge and chaos. The battle was not just a physical exchange of blows but a battle of wills. Both sides fought with all their might, and in the end, Kenshin emerged victorious, but not without being wounded. The encounter between Kenshin and Shishio will remain a legendary battle of two masters who fought for what they believed in.