Explosive Showdown: Kenshin Takes on Aoshi, Unleashing a Startling Twist by Kanryu Takeda

Rurouni Kenshin episode 12 aired on Friday, September 22, 2023, continuing the thrilling battle of Team Kenshin against Kanryu Takeda and his Oniwabanshu. After defeating Han'nya and Shikijo, Kenshin and Sanosuke are now left to face Aoshi Shinomori.

Fans have eagerly been awaiting the long-awaited showdown between Kenshin and Aoshi, uncertain of what to expect other than the stunning animation by LIDEN FILMS. However, the fate of Aoshi holds particular intrigue for fans, considering his mysterious connection to Kenshin from a distant past.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 12 sees final battle between Kenshin and Aoshi commence

Aoshi's kick connected with Kenshin, causing him to realize that Aoshi is also skilled in kenpo. Kenshin quickly analyzes Aoshi's fighting style, recognizing that he uses the kodachi defensively and kenpo offensively. Confirming that he taught Han'nya kenpo, Aoshi's previous attacks leave a lasting impact on Kenshin.

In episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin, Aoshi discloses his intention to kill Kenshin, driven by Kenshin's past affiliation with the Imperialists. Aoshi reveals his own connection to the Tokugawa Shogunate and recounts a specific battle where the Shogunate abandoned 10,000 soldiers, leaving them to die. Despite surrendering without violence, Aoshi expresses regret for not being able to engage in combat.

According to him, had the Tokugawa Shogunate taken a stand back then, they would have emerged victorious in the war. He discloses their strategy to ignite Edo into flames and eliminate key Imperial army officials, thereby leaving the leaderless Imperialist army vulnerable to the Shogunate's forces. Aoshi further remarks that executing such a plan in the present time would be meaningless, emphasizing that the only thing of significance now is to demonstrate their superiority in the war by defeating Kenshin.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 12, Kenshin acknowledges that neither side is entirely right or wrong, as both are motivated by the country's future and the people's happiness. He adds that Aoshi lacks these concerns and is solely driven by competitiveness. As a Revolutionary warrior, Kenshin cannot tolerate such absurd talk from Aoshi.

With determination, Kenshin charges at Aoshi, but his attack is effortlessly blocked. Meanwhile, the perspective shifts to Kanryu Takeda, who is furious and humiliated by the disrespect shown by both Aoshi and Megumi Takani. Takeda starts contemplating a way to eliminate both Kenshin and Aoshi simultaneously, drawing inspiration from his subordinate who mentions a certain "test."

Yahiko Myojin's appearance in the anime adaptation of the series (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin, Aoshi effortlessly blocks yet another one of Kenshin's attacks, leaving Yahiko to acknowledge Kenshin's struggle. Nevertheless, Kenshin unveils his strategy to overcome Aoshi's defense. Seizing his sword by the base of the blade, Kenshin explains that Aoshi's control over the battle lies in the reach of his kodachi.

Yahiko recalls the valuable lesson taught by Kaoru Kamiya - the significance of fighting within one's own range in high-level combat. In the present, Kenshin discloses that Aoshi is exploiting his blindspot in his fighting style. Consequently, Kenshin makes the decision to switch to a kodachi length blade in order to eliminate this vulnerability.

In episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin, Aoshi astonishes everyone with a new technique, described by Kenshin as a sword dance. Aoshi successfully delivers a seemingly devastating blow to Kenshin, causing him to collapse. Aoshi refers to this technique as Kaiten Kenbu, leaving Yahiko visibly shocked as he desperately calls out for Kenshin.

Aoshi claims Kenshin's demise, leading Yahiko to declare his intention to confront Aoshi. Yet, to everyone's surprise, Kenshin emerges, ready to battle on and revealing that he employed his metal sheath to diminish the impact of the assault. Once again, Aoshi executes the Kaiten Kenbu, fueled by his unwavering belief in imminent victory. However, Kenshin successfully blocks the attack, seizing Aoshi's kodachi after Aoshi knocks aside Kenshin's katana.

In episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin dismisses the significance of the contest for the title of the strongest and delivers a powerful blow to Aoshi's throat. However, Aoshi retaliates fiercely, sending Kenshin crashing across the room, causing him to lose consciousness. To everyone's surprise, Aoshi regains his footing promptly and questions why Kenshin refuses to end his life.

Kenshin declares that he is no longer a hitokiri and inquires why Aoshi decided to align himself with Takeda. He explains that he couldn't bear the guilt of betraying his subordinates, who didn't receive the same opportunities as himself, similar to what the Tokugawa Shogunate did to Aoshi. Although Aoshi acknowledges the differences in their circumstances, he remains steadfast in his decision not to make the same choice.

Kanryu Takeda is depicted in the anime adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

In episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin, Aoshi expresses his desire for death unless Kenshin succumbs to him. However, Takeda abruptly enters the scene, brandishing a Gatling gun and unleashes a barrage of bullets towards Kenshin, Aoshi, and Yahiko. The commotion catches the attention of Megumi, Sanosuke, Shikijo, and Han’nya, who decide to investigate the source of the disturbance to assist their comrades. Meanwhile, Hyottoko and Beshimi also overheard the noise and set off to inspect it.

Meanwhile, Kenshin and his companions attempt to evade Takeda’s bullets temporarily, but unfortunately, Aoshi is eventually struck by one. Subsequently, Takeda discloses his ultimate objective: to establish himself as the foremost profitable dealer of illicit weapons on the black market, with his opium trade merely serving as a means to achieve this. The twelfth episode of Rurouni Kenshin concludes with the arrival of the rest of the group, witness to Shikijo sacrificing himself as a human shield to protect the motionless Aoshi from the hail of bullets fired by Takeda.

Brief episode recap

The anime adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin showcases a captivating portrayal of Shikijo (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

Episode 12 of Rurouni Kenshin serves as a remarkable culmination of Team Kenshin’s arduous battle against the Oniwabanshu. By means of Sanosuke’s dialogue with Han’nya and Kenshin’s exchange with Aoshi during their intense clash, it becomes evident that each participant is driven by their own sense of righteousness, as Kenshin himself affirms in the episode. Considering this, it sheds new light on the Oniwabanshu’s allegiances and elucidates Aoshi’s decision to prioritize honor over Takeda’s commands.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 12's battle between Kenshin and Aoshi is exceptionally well-animated, meeting the fans' high expectations. The unity of the Oniwabanshu and Team Kenshin against a common foe sets the stage for a thrilling resolution to their conflict as the two groups join forces. Additionally, this unexpected turn of events seems to hint at the possibility of some members of the Oniwabanshu joining Team Kenshin, which is both surprising and welcome.

Episode review

Rurouni Kenshin episode 12 excellently paves the way for an epic conclusion in the next installment, although it doesn't completely wrap up the Oniwabanshu arc. The episode dedicates significant time to showcase the intense battle between Aoshi and Kenshin, which can easily be considered one of the series' finest alongside the confrontation between Kenshin and Udo. #RurouniKenshin #Episode12 #AoshiVsKenshin

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