Saito's Bold Challenge: Unmasking the Puppeteer at Kamiya Dojo - Rurouni Kenshin Episode 23

The 23rd episode of Rurouni Kenshin, called "The Wolf's Fangs," aired on December 8, 2023, and delivered an intense and action-packed showdown between Kenshin and his old foe, Saito Hajime. Viewers were kept on the edge of their seats as the two engaged in a evenly matched battle, following Saito's dramatic return and cunning attack on Kenshin's friend in the previous episode.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 23 shows Kenshin’s Hitokiri Battosai persona return

Kaoru gets a visitor

Kaoru's appearance in episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

During episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kaoru stumbled upon the realization that Kenshin was out running an errand, which struck her as unusual. Yahiko entertained the idea that Kenshin might be out with a woman, but was promptly reprimanded for his inappropriate speculation.

Upon arriving at the dojo, Saito introduced himself as Fujita and revealed that he was sent by the police chief, which relieved Kaoru. Saito explained that the police had information about a threat to Kenshin and decided to wait for his return. Kaoru later expressed her suspicion to Megumi that the same people targeting Sanosuke were after Kenshin. Megumi advised her to be cautious, as the attacker seemed indiscriminate. Meanwhile, Yahiko was surprised to see Saito carrying a katana, as he thought the police only used sabers. Saito explained that he found sabers to be brittle and unreliable and had special permission to use a katana.

Akamatsu vs Kenshin

Akamatsu as seen in Rurouni Kenshin episode 23 (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 23, Akamatsu believed Kenshin was on the brink of death and admitted to being an assassin, along with Saito and Jine, hired by politicians. He suspected that a VIP who knew about Kenshin from the Kurogasa case was afraid of their past crimes from the Bakumatsu Era being revealed and ordered his assassination. With this new knowledge, Kenshin quickly recovered and defeated the assassin.

Saito confronts Kenshin

Saito as seen in Rurouni Kenshin episode 23 (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin came back home to find Saito, whom he hadn't seen in almost a decade since their battle at Toba-Fushimi. Saito, who used to be the Captain of the Shinsegumi's Third Unit, was now going by the name Goro Fujita.

Kenshin had always considered Saito to be a cunning but honorable adversary. However, he was surprised to see Saito resorting to deceitful tactics, such as hurting Sanosuke and using Akamatsu. When Kenshin confronted him about it, Saito dismissed the accusations and suggested that Kenshin's struggle against Akamatsu revealed his own weaknesses.

Kenshin believed in his strength as a rurouni and not needing to rely on his hitokiri powers. But Saito countered him by pointing out his repeated failures to protect his friends. Saito reminded him of their shared belief from their Shinsengumi and hitokiri days that evil must be swiftly eliminated. Yet Kenshin maintained his stance that he would not be taking any more lives.

The battle begins

In Rurouni Kenshin episode 23, there is a showdown between Kenshin and Saito. When Saito challenged Kenshin, he allowed Saito to make the first move. Saito lunged at Kenshin, but Kenshin easily dodged the attack. Meanwhile, Yahiko was impressed by Kenshin's agility, but he was then unexpectedly stabbed by Saito’s anti-air Gatotsu. Kaoru tried to intervene, but Kenshin urged her to step aside.

Saito observed that Kenshin had matured during their decade apart. Despite facing numerous foes and being wounded, Kenshin was able to keep standing, indicating a return to his Hitokiri Battosai persona. When Kenshin charged faster and changed course to attack from below, Saito dodged and pushed his hypothesis by attacking with Genuine Gatotsu. As expected, Kenshin dodged both attacks and then struck Saito on the back of his head with his sword.

In episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin was willing to kill Saito as their swords clashed, prompting Kaoru to believe she needed to intervene before losing the Kenshin she knew. Just as she felt the need to act, Saito’s katana broke. Sanosuke arrived and explained to Kaoru that Kenshin was not aware he was in the Meiji Era, mentally stuck in the Bakumatsu Era. He also explained that the only person who could stop them was someone who had experienced the turmoil of the Bakumatsu Era, someone who had lived in chaotic Kyoto.

The battle is interrupted

Toshimichi Okubo as seen in Rurouni Kenshin episode 23 (Image via LIDEN FILMS)

In episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin, a man in a fast-moving carriage inquired with Kawaji about Saito's duration at the Kamiya Dojo. Kawaji informed him it had been over four hours, causing the man to fear they may arrive too late. Meanwhile, at the dojo, Saito, committed to the samurai code, adamantly refused to back down. He prioritized his honor above all else and launched another attack on Kenshin.

Their swords gone, they resorted to hand-to-hand combat. Saito delivered a series of punches to Kenshin's abdomen and tried to break his neck with his coat, but Kenshin fought back, managing to free himself by striking Saito's head. Exhausted, Sanosuke predicted that the next hit would determine the outcome. Kaoru's attempt to intervene was in vain, as was Kawaji's, who reminded Saito of his mission to assess Battosai's strength. However, Saito ignored him.

Finally, in the carriage, Toshimichi Okubo, a former Revolutionary warrior from Satsuma and the current Home Minister of the Meiji government, stepped in. He made it clear that he would not allow either Saito or Kenshin to die in such a manner. However, Kenshin realized that Okubo was the mastermind behind the attacks.

Rurouni Kenshin episode 22 recap

The image features Megumi and Sanosuke as seen in episode 23 of Rurouni Kenshin (Image via LIDEN FILMS).

The preceding episode opened with a dream sequence depicting Kenshin engaged in a battle with Saito. While it was merely a dream, the encounter left him feeling unsettled even after waking. In a surprising turn of events, Saito appeared in reality in the guise of a medicine peddler and gravely wounded Kenshin’s friend, Sanosuke, who was later cared for by Megumi.

Saito was revealed to be operating under the pseudonym Fujita Goro, working as a police officer for the government. He was the one who sent Jine to fight Kenshin, and also dispatched Akamatsu to pursue Kenshin as he headed to the Kamiya Dojo.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Rurouni Kenshin, I was thrilled to watch episode 23, "The Wolf's Fangs." The intense battle between Kenshin and Saito was truly captivating, and it was fascinating to see Kenshin's past resurface and test his resolve. The episode also provided some unexpected twists and turns, such as the revelation of Saito's true identity and the appearance of a mysterious assassin.

Overall, I found this episode to be one of the most exciting and suspenseful in the series so far. The fight scenes were well- choreographed and the voice acting was top-notch. I can't wait to see what happens next in Kenshin's journey!