Rurouni Kenshin Episode 24: Kenshin's Heartbreaking Farewell to Kaoru and Company due to Makoto Shishio's Influence

The tearful finale of Rurouni Kenshin episode 24 saw Kenshin making a difficult decision to protect his friends, seemingly abandoning them in the face of danger. This was prompted by a shocking death within the episode, highlighting the skill and discretion of Shishio’s group of assassins and soldiers.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 24 builds up Shishio’s army in a memorable way before concluding the series’ first season

Brief episode recap

The opening scenes of Rurouni Kenshin episode 24 show Saito and Kenshin's fight being cut short. The interruption comes from a former Revolutionary Warrior, Toshimichi Okubo, who is regarded as the last of the Great Trio of the Revolution and holds a powerful position as a minister in the Japanese government. (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

He informs Kenshin that he had sent Saito to test his strength and asks Kenshin to listen to his request for help. Afterward, Saito departs, stating that Himura is of no use but Battosai may be useful. Kenshin then punches himself in the nose, seemingly as a form of penance for involving his friends in the situation.

In episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kaoru celebrates Kenshin's return to his old self before their meeting with Okubo. Okubo reveals that a notorious figure named Makoto Shishio has resurfaced, with Kenshin explaining that Shishio is the successor to Hitokiri Battosai. Shishio has remained in the shadows, and few are aware of his existence, including Kenshin who has never met him in person.

Kenshin mentions his belief that Shishio had died, but Okubo's expression reveals that the government had concealed his continued existence for their own benefit. Okubo asserts that their abilities are on par, but Shishio's ambitions and malevolence are unparalleled. He goes on to mention that certain assassinations carried out by Shishio could potentially destabilize the entire Meiji government if they were to be exposed.

In episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin, Okubo reveals that despite their attempts to kill him, he survived and has gathered an army of traitorous subordinates in Kyoto. He urges Kenshin to return to Kyoto to take down Shishio, as he is the only one capable of defeating him. Okubo offers rewards, including money and clearing Megumi Takani of her drug-related charges, as incentives for Team Kenshin. Sanosuke expresses concern for the impact of Shishio's actions on ordinary people, showing a disregard for the state of the government.

The faith Kaoru has in Kenshin becomes a central focus in Rurouni Kenshin episode 24 (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

Episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin features Kaoru expressing that the present Kenshin refuses to kill and as a result, they will not go to Kyoto. Okubo gives them a week to consider his proposal before returning for Kenshin’s decision. Meanwhile, Saito eliminates Akamatsu Arundo and his former employer, revealing his loyalty to the Meiji Government as a spy.

The episode then fast forwarded to a week later, with Sanosuke questioning Kenshin about his decision. Kenshin indicated that if he had acted out of self-interest, Okubo would have been killed by Saito long ago. He argued that Saito's mention of justice shows he is more than just a blindly obedient dog.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 24, Saito sneezes in a restaurant while reflecting on whether someone hates him. He then ponders what Kenshin's response will be upon realizing the date. Meanwhile, Kenshin announces his intention to visit Okubo to give his answers, with Megumi Takani arriving as he speaks. He informs her that he is preparing to leave, and asks the others to stay behind for what he anticipates will be a "complicated conversation."

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 24, Team Kenshin appears to be preparing for a trip to Kyoto (Image via LIDEN FILMS). Despite the comfort of the others assuring Kaoru that Kenshin would not abandon her, Okubo's carriage is ambushed by one of Shishio’s men who proceeds to kill Okubo. This act is followed by a group of samurai attacking the carriage. Upon discovering Okubo's death, they mutilate his body and claim responsibility for the murder.

In episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin, the narrator refers to the Kioizaka Incident as the event that effectively kept Shishio and his group's actions hidden from the public. When Kenshin arrived, one of Shishio's allies, the true killer of Okubo, warned Kenshin not to stand against Shishio. However, they had already disappeared by the time Kenshin turned to confront them. Later, Kenshin met with Okubo's associate and Saito, and they were joined by someone who had last spoken to Okubo. In a flashback, Okubo expressed his desire to see Japan thrive as a reborn nation-state. Saito remarked that Okubo's ideals were too grandiose, as news of his death spread throughout Japan.

The death of Okubo in episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin appears to be the catalyst for Kenshin's shocking decision (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In this episode, Saito remarks on the assassination of the last honorable member of the Japanese government and predicts that Shishio’s group will undoubtedly exploit the situation. Later, Sanosuke escorts Megumi to visit a late-night patient, while Kenshin unexpectedly appears behind Kaoru as she leaves.

Kenshin inquired about Yahiko's whereabouts before informing Kaoru that he would be traveling to Kyoto to confront Shishio, expressing that he couldn't leave him unchecked. He clarified that his intention was not to assassinate Shishio, acknowledging the meaningful moments he had shared with Kaoru and the others. However, Kenshin acknowledged that his encounter with Saito made him realize that he was fundamentally a Hitokiri who could not escape his nature.

In episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kaoru attempted to persuade Kenshin that he could change, but he refuted her, stating that her words did not reach him during his battle with Saito. He expressed gratitude for the time he had spent with Kaoru, confessing that he did not deserve it. Kenshin acknowledged that he could not stay any longer as he would always revert to being Hitokiri Battosai.

In review

Kenshin embraced Kaoru, expressing his gratitude for all she had done and bidding farewell as a wandering rurouni. The episode concluded with Kenshin departing, leaving behind a tearful Kaoru, while dialogue hinting at the next season played and Makoto Shishio appeared on the screen.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 24 beautifully wraps up the first season of the reboot anime series. Kenshin’s emotional farewell to Kaoru underlines the stark contrast between the Kenshin fans have known so far and the one they will encounter in the second season.

The episode also excels in establishing Shishio’s group through Okubo’s murder, particularly in how slyly Shishio’s soldier manages to alert Kenshin to the repercussions of his actions. Similar to Aoshi Shinomori and his Oniwabanshu group, Shishio’s army comes across as a formidable and formidable opponent for Kenshin to conquer, and this time, he must do it alone.

In summation

Episode 24 of Rurouni Kenshin excellently wraps up the first season of the anime, serving as a satisfying conclusion. It beautifully showcases Kenshin's enjoyment of his time with Kaoru and the others, while still highlighting his internal struggle as Hitokiri Battosai. Overall, it's a great way to end the first season of the series.

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

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Rurouni Kenshin, I was eagerly anticipating the release of episode 24, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The episode delivered an intense and emotional conclusion to the first season, leaving me both satisfied and yearning for more. The show's creators did an incredible job of building up the tension and suspense, culminating in a heartbreaking farewell between Kenshin and his friends.

The decision Kenshin had to make was truly gut-wrenching, and it showcased the depth of his character. His unwavering commitment to protecting those he cares about, even at the cost of his own happiness, is what makes him such a compelling protagonist. The episode also highlighted the strength of the bonds between Kenshin and his friends, particularly Kaoru, whose unwavering faith in him was truly touching.