Rurouni Kenshin episode 17: An unexpected turn of events alters Yutaro's life forever

Rurouni Kenshin episode 17, released on Friday, October 27, 2023, delivers an exhilarating conclusion to the captivating Raijuta Isurugi storyline. Despite lacking the desired backstory and development for Raijuta, the episode compensates with intense action and a focus on Yutaro Tsukayama.

Moreover, Rurouni Kenshin episode 17 effectively highlights the significant impact Kenshin has on Raijuta's mindset during the episode's climactic moments. While it doesn't necessarily indicate a future spotlight on Raijuta in the series, it leaves the possibility open for such a direction to be explored.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 17 sees Kenshin utterly embarrass Raijuta in their seemingly final fight

Brief episode recap

The opening of Rurouni Kenshin episode 17 serves as a reminder of Yutaro's injury and its impact. In this episode, a quick recap reveals how Yutaro Tsukayama got injured, leading to his inability to practice swordsmanship. Yahiko Myojin responds with intense anger, but eventually comes to accept the reality of the situation. Later, Yahiko visits Yutaro, who has awakened from sleep and fallen out of bed. It is at this moment that Yutaro realizes that his trusted teacher, Raijuta Isurugi, has betrayed him.

Yahiko suggested that they accompany Kenshin Himura to witness his fight against Raijuta for closure, particularly for Yutaro. In the meantime, Raijuta expressed his frustration to Sanosuke Sagara about Kenshin's delay, claiming that Kenshin had fled out of fear. Sanosuke refuted this, explaining that it would actually be beneficial for Raijuta if Kenshin were to retreat.

In episode 17 of Rurouni Kenshin, Sanosuke appeared ready to confront Raijuta in order to pass the time, but Kenshin returned just in time. Kenshin proceeded to clarify that Raijuta's Izuna attack is actually a vacuum wave caused by the displacement of air, also known as a Wind Scythe - a natural phenomenon. He then confidently stated that he could now overcome the Izuna, having grasped its nature.

The secret behind Raijuta's Izuna technique is finally unveiled in episode 17 of Rurouni Kenshin (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

Disputing Raijuta's claims, Kenshin effortlessly evades a barrage of Izuna attacks, seamlessly slicing through the surrounding area. Though one attack manages to graze the top of Kenshin's wrist, Raijuta foolishly boasts about his skill and power. Kenshin, unimpressed, questions Raijuta's elation over a mere scratch.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 17, Kenshin pointed out that Raijuta's pride in his attack is unfounded as he has never actually killed anyone. He proceeded to recount how Raijuta's actions affected Yutaro's swordsmanship, urging him to prepare for redemption. In a fit of anger, Raijuta charged at Kenshin, utilizing a combination of close- and long-range Izuna techniques to maintain the upper hand.

Raijuta boasted about grazing Kenshin's leg with an attack, prompting Kenshin to retaliate with his own long-ranged technique, creating an opportunity to strike Raijuta with his sheath. This resulted in Raijuta being rendered unconscious, ultimately concluding their battle. However, as Yahiko attempted to reach Kenshin, Raijuta seized him and issued a threat to kill him if Kenshin made any move.

However, in episode 17 of Rurouni Kenshin, Yahiko encouraged him to take action, declaring his refusal to succumb to someone like Raijuta. Sanosuke and the others challenged Raijuta to prove the lethality of his sword, but he hesitated. Kenshin then urged Raijuta to forsake his sham of a lethal weapon before facing a genuine one, with fatal consequences.

Team Kenshin departed, urging Yutaro to join them. After bidding farewell to his former master, Yutaro followed them, leaving Raijuta weeping in the forest. Later on, Yahiko, Sanosuke, and Kaoru brought a gift for Yutaro, but he was not in the mood to see anyone, so they left it with one of the servants.

In episode 17 of Rurouni Kenshin, the trio discussed the understandable desire of Yutaro to isolate himself, pondering how they could assist him. Meanwhile, Yutaro was seen shedding tears in his room, while Kenshin conversed with Yuzaemon Tsukayama (Yutaro’s father) about the impact of the Meiji revolution on their lives.

He mentioned his role in selling the souls of samurais through sword sales, suggesting that this may have influenced Yutaro's desire to become a samurai and idolize Raijuta. Upon the arrival of Kaoru and the others, Kenshin declared that it was time for them to leave. Yuzaemon then disclosed his plans to relocate to Germany with Yutaro, citing the country's advanced medical facilities and the possibility of Yutaro moving on from swordsmanship and receiving treatment for his injured hand.

Team Kenshin bid farewell to Yutaro and his father at the train station, but the young boy appeared visibly upset, leaving everyone at a loss for words. In Rurouni Kenshin episode 17, Yahiko confronted Yutaro, wielding a bamboo sword, only to have his attack blocked by Yutaro's cane. Yahiko proceeded to deliver a speech, urging Yutaro to stop wallowing in despair and rise above the influence of Raijuta, whom he idolized. Yahiko wanted Yutaro to overcome his current slump and avoid being a "loser" for the rest of his life.

Moved by Yahiko's words, Yutaro declared his unwavering commitment to the art of swordsmanship, even if he had to rely solely on his left arm. The two boys continued their friendly quarrel, entertaining the rest of Team Kenshin as they clashed in the bustling train station. Before Yutaro's departure, Yahiko and Kaoru offered words of encouragement, letting him know he had acquired some valuable companions. Yuzaemon expressed his gratitude to his son and acknowledged the strong friendships he had formed.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 17, Yahiko's words of encouragement to Yutaro solidify their friendship. As the train carried them across the horizon, Yutaro vowed to return one day and defeat Yahiko. Meanwhile, Kenshin reflected on Raijuta's single-minded pursuit of techniques, and Kaoru suggested that if he had overcome his obsession, he could have introduced a completely new style of swordsmanship to the world. (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

Kenshin acknowledged that Yutaro and Yahiko hold immense potential for the future of swordsmanship as they set off to catch up with Yahiko and Sanosuke. The scene then transitioned to Raijuta, who was preparing to execute an elderly woman and her grandchild as they prayed at a nearby statue. However, Kenshin's words resounded in his mind, preventing him from carrying out the act. Instead, he watched them leave, sinking to his knees in anguish and shedding tears.

In review

Although Rurouni Kenshin episode 17 didn't quite meet the series' usual high standards in certain aspects, the fight scene featured in the episode was undeniably spectacular. Despite Kenshin being handicapped and genuinely overpowered by Raijuta's technique, this encounter prompted him to adopt a fresh strategy, distinct from previous battles showcased in the series.

The second half of the episode was expertly executed, centering on Yutaro's emotional state after his injury and Raijuta's defeat. Yahiko's role in this portion of the episode is commendable as well, portraying him as a genuinely thoughtful and compassionate child, despite his attempts to console Yutaro in a different manner. The final scene, which focuses on Raijuta's true inability to kill, is also noteworthy and hints at the possibility of his return and further character development in the future.

In summation

Rurouni Kenshin episode 17 delivers a satisfying ending to the Raijuta Isurugi arc, despite falling short in some areas. Although these flaws should not be dismissed, the episode's strengths, particularly in the conclusive third act, more than compensate for them.

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.