Kenshin's Former Adversary Resurfaces, Jeopardizing Kaoru and Company's Lives

In this episode, one of the most intimidating figures from Kenshin's past, former Third Unit Captain of the Shinsengumi, Hajime Saito, makes a chilling return. By the end of the episode, Kenshin's friends are caught in the middle, leaving Kenshin with a race against time to confront and resolve his past before it interferes with his present.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 sets up Kenshin’s biggest fight yet in the series

Brief episode recap

The depiction of Kenshin's past as Hitokiri Battosai in Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 serves as a foreshadowing of upcoming events (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

Episode 22 of Rurouni Kenshin opens with a glimpse into Kenshin's past, as he confronts Captain Hajime Saito of the Shinsengumi's Third Unit after the massacre of several members. Just as their clash begins, the scene shifts back to the present, where Kaoru Kamiya is urgently trying to wake Kenshin from his slumber.

She and Yahiko Myojin scold him for being so absent-minded before dragging him out of the dojo to head back home. Kenshin shares his dream and the origins of the Shinsengumi group with the two, mentioning that they faded into history due to modern weaponry but were likely the greatest group of swordsmen in Japanese history.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 22, Kaoru criticizes their unfair tactics, but Kenshin defends them, citing their goal of protecting Kyoto. He then praises the First, Second, and Third unit captains for their individual strength, admitting that he fought each of them many times but was never able to settle the score officially.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 22, Hajime Saito's alias allows him to catch Sanosuke off guard (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

Kenshin also reflects on his former enemies, feeling no personal grudge towards them and even feeling closer to them than the Revolutionaries in government positions. He then wonders why he is suddenly having dreams about that era after so long.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 22, the scene shifts back to Kaoru’s dojo where Sanosuke Sagara expresses his disappointment at missing out on free food. A medicine vendor named Goro Fujita appears, attempting to sell Sanosuke a miracle drug. Sanosuke notices the man’s narrow eyes and calloused hands, indicating a background in swordsmanship. Goro Fujita acknowledges Sanosuke's perceptiveness and draws a sword, revealing his connection to the Bakumatsu era in Kyoto and hinting at his past association with the Shinsengumi, the same group Kenshin was dreaming about.

The encounter between Kenshin and co and Megumi Takani in Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 proves to be fateful as they end up saving Sanosuke's life (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In the same episode, Megumi Takani crosses paths with Kenshin and his friends coincidentally, expressing her desire to spend time with them since she has the day off today and tomorrow. When she directly asks Kenshin if it's okay to join them, she remarks on his lack of spirit. Kenshin then realizes that he should stop worrying about his own aspirations, as they return to the dojo only to discover a hole in the wall and the scent of blood.

Upon entering, they discover Sanosuke unconscious, with a broken blade embedded in his shoulder. The scene then shifts to a restaurant, where it is revealed that the perpetrator is none other than Hajime Saito of the Shinsengumi. The individual conducting business with Saito is identified as Senate Secretary Shibumi, who is also implicated in the orchestrated events involving Jine Udo from earlier in the season.

In episode 22 of Rurouni Kenshin, Saito inquires about the person seeking to assassinate Kenshin, expressing apologies for delving into matters that do not concern him. Shibumi dismisses this and suggests celebrating, but Saito indicates that he must attend to his primary duties before his absence raises suspicions. It is disclosed that he serves as an Assistant Inspector for the police under the alias Goro Fujita.

Sanosuke appears to be unable to participate in the imminent battle with Saito at the end of Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

The scene shifts to Megumi attending to Sanosuke, who is still alive but in a critical condition. Meanwhile, Kenshin investigates the attack, and the others assist with the treatment, leading him to infer the responsible party. Subsequently, it is revealed that three days later, Megumi and her team are still monitoring Sanosuke's condition, with Kenshin steadfastly keeping vigil at the breach in the wall.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 22, Kenshin reveals that Hajime Saito of the Shinsengumi is the mastermind behind the attack, and questions whether he can defeat Saito without killing him. The episode then cuts to Saito being approached by Akamatsu, Shibumi's associate, who was originally meant to carry out the attack. Saito offers to cooperate with Akamatsu, as he believes Kenshin has figured out his involvement and suggests using Akamatsu to complete the job now that Kenshin is convinced of Saito's guilt.

In episode 22 of Rurouni Kenshin, Saito's declaration of his lack of concern for Kenshin, despite previous statements to Shibumi, is met with a knowing smile from Akamatsu. As Akamatsu agrees and warns Saito to remember his own prowess within their organization, Saito walks away, dismissing the claim. Meanwhile, Kenshin informs Yahiko that he has an errand to attend to and instructs him to lock up in case he returns home late, hinting at the receipt of Saito's letter.

Arundo Akamatsu appears as planned, using a sickle and chain weapon to attack Kenshin. Kenshin questions Akamatsu's motive for attacking him, but Akamatsu remains silent. However, Kenshin becomes serious and swiftly defeats Akamatsu, breaking his weapon and demanding to know his connection to Saito.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 22, Akamatsu claims that Saito threatened him into attacking Kenshin while apologizing. As Kenshin turns away, Akamatsu reveals two more chains hidden in his gauntlets and restrains Kenshin. He repeatedly slams Kenshin into the ground, only for it to be revealed in the episode's final moments that Saito is at the dojo with Yahiko and the others.

In review

The pace of the installment starts off slow, but by the beginning of its second act, it picks up dramatically and doesn't let up. During this rapid pace, the episode subtly provides important worldbuilding information, including the revelation that a government official was responsible for the Jine Udo incident earlier in the season.

Additionally, Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 effectively highlights why Kenshin is so fearful of the return of Saito and his Shinsengumi comrades. Saito's introduction as a character is particularly noteworthy, as it gives him a memorable first appearance and firmly establishes him as the equal to Kenshin.

In summation

The latest episode of the anime series sets up the upcoming final episodes of the first season exceptionally well. With Sanosuke defeated by Saito, the stakes are higher than ever for Kenshin as he must defeat Akamatsu and hurry home to save his friends. Stay updated on all Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga news, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action news throughout 2023.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Rurouni Kenshin, I am thrilled to see the return of Hajime Saito, Kenshin's formidable rival from the Shinsengumi. The anime has been building up to this moment for several episodes, and it does not disappoint. The animation is top-notch, and the fight scenes are intense and well-choreographed. The voice acting is also excellent, with the original Japanese cast reprising their roles.

Overall, Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 is a thrilling and action-packed episode that leaves me eager for more. I can't wait to see how Kenshin and his friends will deal with the threat posed by Hajime Saito and the Shinsengumi.