Rurouni Kenshin Episode 19: Embracing Redemption, Tsukioka and Sanosuke Forge a New Path

Rurouni Kenshin episode 19, released on November 10, 2023, continues the captivating 2023 readaptation of the original manga series. While it may lack action compared to the previous episode, this installment delivers an emotionally gripping storyline.

In this episode, Rurouni Kenshin episode 19 delves into the character development of Tsukioka, showcasing how he reflects the previous self of Sanosuke. It explores the growth and transformation of Tsukioka, highlighting the distance he has traveled. Moreover, Sanosuke's character serves as a contrast to Tsukioka, offering a ray of hope for moving forward from the pain caused by their former captain's death and framing.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 19 sees titular samurai yet again change his friends’ lives for the better

Brief episode recap

In episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin, Sanosuke and Tsukioka embark on their daring mission to blow up the Home Ministry building. As the bombs detonate and chaos ensues, they take advantage of the confusion to sneak around to the back entrance for their infiltration.

As they scaled the walls, they discovered Kenshin awaiting them inside. It was here that Sanosuke disclosed Kenshin's true identity to Tsukioka. Kenshin clarified that he did not come to retrieve Sanosuke, but rather to put a stop to their "abhorrent acts." Tsukiona launched two bombs, but Kenshin swiftly sliced off the fuses, dismissing their "foolish actions."

In episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin continued to skillfully remove the fuses from the bombs, except for one that managed to slip by. However, it was revealed that Kenshin skillfully evaded this bomb and emerged unscathed. When Tsukioka prepared to throw another bomb, Sanosuke intervened, acknowledging that they couldn't defeat Kenshin in that manner and that their chance had been lost due to wasted time.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 19, Kenshin once again comes to Sanosuke's aid, helping him realize the true importance of his actions. Despite Tsukioka's protests, Sanosuke delivers a powerful blow, rendering him unconscious. Taking advantage of the chaos, Sanosuke escapes through a hole that Kenshin had created earlier with a well-timed bomb. Reflecting on their encounter, Sanosuke questions Kenshin if he would have resorted to violence against him had he gone along with Tsukioka's plan. Kenshin assures him that he would have, prompting Sanosuke to express his gratitude. The scene then shifts to Tsukioka's residence.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 19, Tsukioka wakes up to discover that his stash of bombs has been taken by Kenshin. Sanosuke informs him that Kenshin plans to bury them somewhere, leading Tsukioka to suspect that Sanosuke led Kenshin to the location. Feeling betrayed by his former comrade, Tsukioka decides to carry out Seppuku in front of the Home Ministry building, believing that his dramatic death will provoke mistrust towards the Meiji Government. Aware that things won't go as smoothly as Tsukioka hopes, Sanosuke expresses his doubts. However, Tsukioka escapes under the disguise of a smokescreen created by a smoke bomb.

In episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin, Tsukioka remains determined to seek vengeance (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

Meanwhile, Sanosuke embarks on a pursuit of Tsukioka, vividly recalling the moment he handed over the explosives to Kenshin. His companion assures him that there are various ways to handle the bombs, but warns him that dealing with Tsukioka and the imminent dangers is his responsibility. As Tsukioka encounters the police, they inquire about his destination, prompting him to swiftly employ yet another smoke bomb to make his escape.

Sanosuke heard the officers' whistles blow, and he used this opportunity to locate Tsukioka. He swiftly brought him down to the ground near the river bank, a place where he and Kenshin had once engaged in a fierce battle. Tsukioka accused Sanosuke of being a traitor, claiming that he had informed Kenshin about his plans and turned against him. Sanosuke was perplexed by this accusation and countered that Kenshin has a tendency to interfere in others' affairs.

In episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin, Sanosuke punched Tsukioka, prompting the latter to draw his knife for self-defense. However, he promptly smiled and dropped it, stating that his fists are sufficient to take on Sanosuke. It was later revealed that Sanosuke had never defeated Tsukioka before, as both of them charged at each other. Tsukioka declared that he would not be defeated because he had a responsibility to clear the Sekiho army of any wrongdoing.

Tsukioka's determination in Rurouni Kenshin episode 19 is fueled by the late Sozo Sagara's aspirations (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

He questioned Sanosuke about his past decade, curious to know what he gained from their leader. In response, Sanosuke challenged Tsukioka to reflect on his own ten wasted years, believing it to be too late to redeem their captain's reputation. However, Sanosuke also revealed how their mutual acquaintances, Megumi, Shu, Ginji, Kaoru, Kenshin, and Yahiko, are striving to create positive change in their own unique ways, despite the mistakes of their past.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 19, Sanosuke expressed that the gathering of these people earlier that night exemplified the class equality their captain aimed for. This realization led Tsukioka to reflect on how he had been causing trouble. Sanosuke pointed out that everyone else, except him, was living in the present day. Tsukioka worried that Kenshin might betray him, but Sanosuke reassured him that he was not that type of person. In fact, Sanosuke felt a greater responsibility for the state of Japan than the rest of them.

The two then deliberated on what their captain might have done in his past before joining the Sekiho army. Sanosuke emphasized that they should not adopt the government's tactics. Instead, he advocated for a slow, consistent, and peaceful approach which would make their captain proud and enable them to bring about the change in the world that he desired.

In episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin amazed Sanosuke and Tsukioka by turning a bomb into a spectacular firework display. This served as a signal that the hidden bombs had been successfully located. The following morning, Tsukioka reflected on a childhood fight with Sanosuke, where Sozo had advised him to fight according to his own style.

In the present moment, Tsukioka resumed his painting, finding inspiration from this particular memory. The focus then shifted towards Kenshin and Sanosuke, who happened to be walking by the art stall they visited the previous day. The art stall employee then presented Sanosuke with what was claimed to be Tsukioka's final masterpiece before he left to establish a newspaper.

Episode 19 of Rurouni Kenshin unveiled the painting as a depiction of a joyful Sozo. The scene then transitioned to the Home Ministry building, where the officials deliberated on whether the recent attack was orchestrated by a group affiliated with a certain individual named Shishio. Okubo, another individual involved in the discussion, emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and ordered the investigation to continue as the episode concluded.

In review

This latest episode of the series is arguably its most compelling and well-crafted to date. It centers around the contrasting characters of Sanosuke Sagara and Tsunan Tsukioka, effectively showcasing Sanosuke's personal growth and Tsunan's potential for change and overcoming his deep-seated animosity.

Furthermore, Rurouni Kenshin episode 19 highlights the profound impact Kenshin has had on the lives of his friends, as explicitly expressed by Sanosuke. This cohesive and captivating portrayal solidifies the episode as one of the most thrilling and captivating in terms of its narrative and writing.

In summation

Not much progress is made in the plot of this latest installment. However, it compensates for this with the deeper characterization and development of the central characters Kenshin and Sanosuke. Additionally, the series hints at the return of a significant character from Kenshin's past, offering fans the promise of upcoming installments that will make up for the lack of action and storyline in this one.

Stay updated on all news related to Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action news throughout 2023.

Editor's P/S

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 19, the captivating tale of redemption and growth continues to unfold as Kenshin's influence transforms the lives of his friends. This episode beautifully explores the character development of Tsukioka, showcasing his transformation and growth. The episode also highlights the contrast between Tsukioka and Sanosuke, offering hope for moving forward from the pain caused by their former captain's death and framing.

The scene where Kenshin skillfully removes the fuses from the bombs, except for one that manages to slip by, is particularly thrilling. It showcases Kenshin's remarkable skills and determination to stop Tsukioka and Sanosuke from causing further harm. The moment when Sanosuke realizes the true importance of his actions and delivers a powerful blow to Tsukioka, rendering him unconscious, is another standout moment in the episode. It highlights the growth and change that Sanosuke has undergone, thanks in part to Kenshin's influence.