Rurouni Kenshin: The Epic Showdown - Kenshin vs Espiral in Yokohama's Side Story

Excitingly, episode 21 not only delivers on this front but also hints at a return to contemporary events in Tokyo, which has fans buzzing with excitement. The episode provides a satisfying conclusion to the Yokohama storyline, leaving fans extremely pleased with its contents.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 21 sees Kenshin continue to turn enemies into allies in Yokohama story's conclusion

Brief episode recap

The Yokohama adventures of Kenshin continue in Rurouni Kenshin episode 21 (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

Episode 21 of Rurouni Kenshin started with Deian Ishizu having a conversation with the two men from the previous episode about assassinating Kenshin Himura. Ishizu handed them a vial containing the smallpox virus, using it to illustrate that he can profit from its release, so cost is not a concern. He then asserted that, like subpar medicine, subpar bodyguards are worthless.

In the next scene, the Western swordsman effortlessly defeated one of his own bodyguards. The focus then shifted to Kenshin having a conversation with Doctor Elder about her appearance in masculine doctor attire. She explained that she adopts this look to combat the lack of respect and trust typically shown towards women in the medical field.

Kenshin expressed admiration for her dedication and training, and Doctor Elder revealed that she used to perform one-man theatrical shows. Kenshin empathized with her struggle of being mistrusted due to wearing a mask, but Doctor Elder voiced her contentment with the ability to showcase her medical skills that it afforded her.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 21, Kenshin discovers that he and Doctor Elder are kindred spirits (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

After realizing that Doctor Elder is a woman, Kenshin decides to leave the room but not before leaving her with some encouraging words. As he departs, Kenshin recalls a conversation about his sword style in a dojo from his past, before he became known as Hitokiri Battosai. He claims to have never killed a man with his style.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 21, Kenshin connects the words he said that day to what Doctor Elder told him as the series returns to the present. Kenshin discovers a note for Doctor Elder in his pocket, while Dankichi updates Elder on the situation. Elder becomes suspicious of the call, causing Dankichi to also become doubtful.

Then, the Western swordsman unexpectedly appears on the road, attacking their cart and destroying it, as Deian Ishizu watches from a nearby alleyway. The swordsman inquires about Kenshin's whereabouts and reveals his true identity as Hitokiri Battosai to Elder and Dankichi.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 21, Damkichi is caught in the middle of the conflict (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

This episode shows Kenshin declaring that he has long abandoned that name. However, the Western swordsman compels him to fight by threatening the Elder’s life. Despite the rough treatment, the swordsman apologizes to the Elder, indicating that he is aware of her true gender. He then attacks Kenshin with his blade, initiating their intense battle.

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 21, Kenshin evades the initial blow and subsequent flurry from his opponent, even managing to balance on the tip of Espiral's sword. The Western swordsman, Espiral, showcases his ultimate technique by contorting his body in unnatural ways, but Kenshin manages to block and counter the attack, breaking Espiral's sword. Despite admitting defeat and accepting death, Kenshin reveals that he no longer wishes to kill anyone.

Espiral's encounter with Kenshin in Rurouni Kenshin episode 21 brings about a profound transformation in him (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In a fit of rage, Ishizu hurls the smallpox virus into the street, aiming to unleash it upon Yokohama in order to create a diversion and make his escape. The vial bounces precariously, but it is Espiral who ultimately manages to catch it before it shatters. Meanwhile, Dankichi disrupts Ishizu's getaway by hurling a piece of his broken cart at him, effectively thwarting his plans. In the end, Kenshin, Dankichi, and Elder revel in their hard-earned victory.

In episode 21 of Rurouni Kenshin, Espiral wakes up in Elder's care the next day. He expresses a feeling of having no purpose in life, even if his wounds heal. Elder suggests that he may have lost sight of his true goals. Kenshin informs them that Ishizu has been arrested and the middleman between Espiral and Ishizu has been deported.

After some introspection, Espiral realizes that he should focus on smaller, more achievable goals. He decides to protect Elder as her swordsman and thanks Kenshin for helping him come to this conclusion. He bids farewell to Kenshin and Elder, shaking hands with Kenshin before departing.

Later, Dankichi and other civilians bid farewell to Elder, thanking her for her help. In return, she reveals her true identity to them.

In episode 21 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin and Elder finally bid each other farewell, with Elder remarking on how fresh Kenshin's scar looks despite its age. She advises him to start anew in a different place if he's still clinging to his past, but Kenshin firmly states that he has chosen his past and cannot simply abandon it.

Elder concurs, suggesting that this may be the best course for his life. The scene shifts back to Kaoru Kamiya's dojo, where Kenshin explains that this occurred just days before he arrived at Kaoru's dojo, much to the astonishment of those present. Megumi Takani then examines Kenshin's scar and points out that he mentioned being able to smell flowers but not black tea.

In episode 21 of Rurouni Kenshin, he confirms this, while Kaoru observes that he had just remarked that the tea tasted great. Megumi Takani reassures Kenshin that all is well, as he recalls Elder's advice about the necessity of both rest and treatment. Furthermore, Elder emphasized the importance of settling down in one location and providing comfort to the mind and body over time. Kenshin gazes at Kaoru, recalling Elder's words about pausing his journey for someone who is worth it as the episode concludes.

In review

Rurouni Kenshin episode 21 excels in delivering a satisfying conclusion to the Yokohama sidestory within a limited timeframe. The episode introduces memorable characters, such as Elder and Espiral, both of whom significantly influence Kenshin’s journey. Additionally, the sidestory effectively embodies Kenshin’s ideals, as he encounters individuals with similar experiences and emotions, guiding them towards a positive path in life. Notably, Espiral appears to be positioned for a potential return in the series, alongside Doctor Elder.

In summation

Episode 21 of Rurouni Kenshin is still a highly enjoyable experience, despite not reaching the heights of the first season. The Yokohama sidestory wraps up quickly and satisfyingly, preventing it from overstaying its welcome and delaying the return to the main plot. Stay tuned for updates on Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga, as well as other anime, manga, film, and live-action news in 2023.

Editor's P/S

In the latest episode of Rurouni Kenshin, fans were treated to an epic showdown between Kenshin and Espiral. The battle was intense and well- choreographed, with Kenshin ultimately emerging victorious. However, the episode also showed a more vulnerable side of Kenshin, as he revealed that he no longer wishes to kill anyone. This revelation adds depth to Kenshin's character and makes him more relatable to viewers.

Overall, this was a great episode of Rurouni Kenshin. The action was top-notch, the character development was strong, and the story was engaging. I can't wait to see what happens next in this exciting series.