Rurouni Kenshin episode 18 is scheduled to premiere on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 12:55 am JST. After the recent confrontation between Raijut and Team Kenshin, fans are anticipating a new story arc in the upcoming episode. Unfortunately, there are no reliable spoilers available for episode 18 at this time. However, fans can take comfort in knowing the release date and time for this highly-anticipated episode.
Rurouni Kenshin episode 18 likely to either start a new arc or take a filler-like breather after Raijuta arc
Release date, time, and where to watch
Get ready for the thrilling adventure in Rurouni Kenshin episode 18, which is scheduled to premiere on local Japanese networks at 12:55 am JST on Friday, November 3, 2023. While this equates to a Thursday release for some international fans, many will have the opportunity to catch the episode bright and early on Friday morning, just like the Japanese viewers.
Here is the release schedule for Episode 18 of Rurouni Kenshin, which can be watched on Crunchyroll worldwide approximately one hour after its initial airing in Japan:
- Time Zone 1: (Insert time)
- Time Zone 2: (Insert time)
- Time Zone 3: (Insert time)
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Pacific Standard Time: 8:55 am, Thursday, November 2
Eastern Standard Time: 11:55 am, Thursday, November 2
Greenwich Mean Time: 3:55 pm, Thursday, November 2
Central European Time: 4:55 pm, Thursday, November 2
Indian Standard Time: 9:25 pm, Thursday, November 2
Philippine Standard Time: 11:55 pm, Thursday, November 2
Japanese Standard Time: 12:55 am, Friday, November 3
Australia Central Standard Time: 2:25 am, Friday, November 3
Episode 17 recap
The 17th episode of Rurouni Kenshin commenced with a brief glimpse of Yutaro waking up and comprehending the gravity of his own injury. Shortly after, Kenshin embarked on his fight against Raijuta, with Kaoru, Yahiko, and Yutaro tagging along, as Yahiko insisted that Yutaro needed to witness Kenshin's triumph over Raijuta. Meanwhile, Sanosuke and Raijuta almost engaged in a warm-up skirmish, but Kenshin arrived just in time.
During their encounter, Kenshin and Raijuta engaged in a heated battle. Raijuta quickly gained the upper hand by utilizing a series of rapid Izuna techniques, leaving Kenshin unable to counter or retaliate. Seeking a way to turn the tide, Kenshin cleverly employed the handle and sheath of his sword to launch a ranged attack, which appeared to incapacitate Raijuta. However, it was soon revealed that Raijuta remained conscious. At that moment, Yahiko passed by, unknowingly becoming a pawn in Raijuta's hands. Holding Yahiko hostage, Raijuta forced Kenshin to admit defeat under the threat of killing the young boy.
Without hesitation, Yahiko valiantly declared that he would rather sacrifice his life than allow Kenshin to lose because of him. This noble act caused Kenshin to realize that Raijuta had never actually taken a life before, as he hesitated to harm Yahiko. Overwhelmed by his own defeat, Raijuta eventually released Yahiko, his tears reflecting the weight of his failure.
The episode concluded with a spotlight on Yutaro and his father, as they relocated to Germany together. Yutaro's father promised him that he would return one day to challenge Yahiko and demonstrate his continued prowess as a swordsman.
What to expect (speculative)
With the Raijuta arc seemingly concluded (at least for the time being), Rurouni Kenshin episode 18 is expected to embark on a fresh story arc or present a self-contained one-episode tale. The latter possibility appears more plausible, considering the absence of any foreshadowing of future adversaries or antagonists in the previous episode. However, both scenarios are equally plausible at the time of writing this article.
Should Rurouni Kenshin episode 18 mark the beginning of a new arc, fans can anticipate a formidable collective of adversaries, enabling Team Kenshin's complete engagement in the ensuing conflict. Alternatively, should the series opt for a standalone episode, it is probable that it would center around Kaoru, given her prominent non-combatant role within the team, alongside Yahiko. Stay updated on all developments in the world of Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga, as well as the broader realm of anime, manga, films, and live-action productions, as 2023 unfolds.