Rurouni Kenshin Episode 15: Unveiling Raijuta's Sinister Plot ignites a thrilling new arc

Rurouni Kenshin episode 15 aired on Friday, October 13, 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting new arc and the debut of a compelling new adversary. This antagonist brings a philosophical contrast to Kenshin and his beliefs, reminiscent of the dynamic between Kenshin and Jine Udo.

However, unlike Udo, this new foe possesses a skill level that is much more closely matched to Kenshin's. While the duration of this arc beyond episode 15 remains uncertain, fans are eagerly anticipating a prolonged presence from this captivating antagonist.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 15 introduces intriguingly philosophical antagonist for Kenshin to square up with

Brief episode recap

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 15, Kunai Maekawa serves as the catalyst for the events that unfold. The episode kicks off with Kaoru Kamiya starting her day at her dojo, only to have Yahiko Myojin unintentionally intrude on her while she is changing. As a consequence, he ends up receiving a punch. Still unconscious, Yahiko is then dragged out to the courtyard by Kaoru. Later on, Kaoru extends an invitation to Kenshin Himura to train with her at the Maekawa Dojo. However, Kenshin politely declines as he has chores to attend to.

Kaoru then requested him to do the shopping as well, causing Kenshin to ultimately decide to accompany her. A conversation between a young boy and an older man in the woods then took place discussing the Maekawa Dojo and its master, Kunai Makeawa. They also talked about Kenshin, referring to him as "just a rurouni" and assuming that he wouldn't achieve much as a result.

In episode 15 of Rurouni Kenshin, viewers were then taken to the Maekawa Dojo, where Yahiko had also joined them. As soon as Mr. Maekawa appeared to introduce himself to Kenshin, the students present immediately gathered around Kaoru. It was revealed that Maekawa actually desired to challenge Kenshin to a match, but he decided to hold off on doing so right away.

Instead of asking Kenshin to train everyone here, Maekawa requested his assistance in escorting Kaoru. However, Kenshin politely declined, stating that his main priority was to protect Kaoru. Understanding Kenshin's dedication, Maekawa instructed him to wait in the lounge. He then apologized to Kaoru and acknowledged his defeat, admitting that he would not engage in a fight with Kenshin. Meanwhile, Kaoru took charge of training the students who were present, prompting Maekawa to join Kenshin in the lounge for a conversation.

In episode 15 of Rurouni Kenshin, Maekawa revealed that he typically has 10 or fewer students, but the numbers increased because Kaoru was present as a "special attraction." Concerned about the state of his dojo, Maekawa expressed his worries to Kenshin, who offered words of encouragement. This prompted Maekawa to question the fate of swordsmanship in the future.

Shortly after, the mysterious man from earlier appeared in the woods. He effortlessly made his way through the crowd of students clinging to him and challenged Maekawa. Introducing himself as Raijuta Isurugi, he claimed to be genuinely concerned about the future of swordsmanship. Maekawa accepted his challenge, following the usual rules, which stated that the first to score two points would be declared the winner.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 15, Raijuta's challenge resulted in Maekawa suffering severe injuries. Raijuta refused to use a bamboo sword and was confronted by Yutaro Tsukayama, a boy he had encountered earlier. As Yutaro offered him a wooden or real sword, he ridiculed the use of bamboo swords. This provoked Yahiko to kick Yutaro and start an argument.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 15, Kenshin predicted that the contest would end in a tie, with Raijuta scoring the final point. Raijuta struck Maekawa twice, and Kaoru admitted she couldn't see his movements. Despite Maekawa's shoulder bone breaking from the blow, he continued fighting. Raijuta then shattered the bamboo sword over Maekawa's forehead and attempted to kill him with the splintered blade.

Kenshin intervened to save Maekawa's life, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on swordsmanship between Kenshin and Raijuta. Eventually, Raijuta challenged Kenshin to a duel with real blades, but Kenshin declined. Raijuta then instructed Yutaro to remove and burn the dojo's sign, claiming his victory over the dojo's master.

Choosing to confront Raijuta instead of Kenshin, Kaoru's declaration spurred Kenshin to accept Raijuta's original challenge. Armed with wooden blades, they agreed that the first to score a point would emerge victorious. Despite successfully deflecting and evading all of Raijuta's attacks, Kenshin refrained from launching a counterstrike. Realizing Kenshin's intention to end the confrontation in a draw, Raijuta cleverly foiled any possibility of damaging the dojo's sign.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 15, Raijuta unleashed an attack that appeared to split Kenshin's blade and the floorboards beneath. Afterward, Raijuta requested Kenshin's name and announced his departure with Yutaro, who took the opportunity to mock Yahiko. Yahiko retaliated by assuring everyone that Kenshin had not yet revealed his true strength, leading Yutaro to claim their fight was not over.

Raijuta applauded Kenshin's strength and his sword style, acknowledging that no one had ever successfully evaded his Secret Sword: Izuna technique. Meanwhile, Kenshin, impressed by Raijuta's skills, questioned his identity and the martial arts style he employed. At Kaoru's dojo, Sanosuke Sagara was briefed on the situation and reminded Kaoru that no rules had been broken during the match, making it an one-sided contest.

The home of Yutaro becomes the battleground for Kenshin and Raijuta in Rurouni Kenshin episode 15's conclusion (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

In episode 15 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin confronts Raijuta about his intentions, noting that he has no interest in bamboo sword fights. In this moment, Kenshin receives an invitation from Raijuta, urging him to board the waiting carriage outside. Accompanied by Team Kenshin, he is taken to a grand mansion where they come face to face with Yuzaemon Tsukayama, Yutaro's father.

Kenshin was escorted to Raijuta while Yutaro was instructed to entertain the rest of Team Kenshin. Yuzaemon then recounted how he met Raijuta, who had rescued him from bandits. Since Yutaro expressed a desire to train under Raijuta, Yuzaemon allowed him to live in their mansion. It was later discovered that Sanosuke and the others had captured Yutaro and were observing Kenshin and Raijuta from a nearby forest.

In episode 15 of Rurouni Kenshin, Raijuta questioned Kenshin about his views on modern swordsmanship and whether he believed the art had deviated from its true essence. Raijuta then unveiled his intention to eradicate the current 500 sword styles, starting with those who wield bamboo swords. He firmly asserted that his Shinko-ryu style would become the sole authentic form, restoring the art to its past glory.

In review

After acknowledging Kenshin’s strength, Raijuta invited him to join forces in their endeavor. However, Kenshin firmly declined, expressing his disapproval of a swordsmanship style that solely exists to take lives. Kenshin emphasized his determination to thwart Raijuta's plans, leading to a climactic battle between the two as the episode reached its conclusion.

Episode 15 of Rurouni Kenshin sets the stage for an exhilarating new storyline, showcasing the captivating and visually striking adversary, Raijuta Isurugi. True to its nature, the series excels at introducing formidable opponents for Kenshin, each embodying contrasting beliefs, leading to compelling clashes and enthralling moments.

In summation

Throughout this episode, the palpable feeling is evident, especially in Yahiko's conflicts with Yutaro, Raijuta's apprentice. Some may find it uninteresting to see Sanosuke, the true second fighter of Team Kenshin, seemingly taking a backseat. However, since the beginning of the series, Yahiko's role has been less impactful than Sanosuke's. Considering this, it can be argued that it is a sensible and possibly the right choice to focus on Yahiko's development.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 15 offers a promising start to an exhilarating arc. Despite its potential brevity, the current plotline is anticipated to be just as captivating and thrilling as previous ones. Here's hoping that fans are pleasantly taken aback by a longer and more enthralling story arc.

Be sure to keep up with all Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga news, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.