Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Oro, oro? Oh my. Yet another classic anime series has been given a makeover. After Fruits Basket and Shaman King had their successful remake, it is the turn of Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan to get its makeover dues. Initially, I thought this was going to be a new content instead of a remake but as I watched the series, well, it is definitely the latter. Oh well, what to do but to take a look at it because this was one of the early cartoons animes which I watched during my childhood years and you bet this plays a huge part in bringing back the nostalgia as a kid watching weekend morning cartoons. Yeah. Besides, if you don’t know Samurai X, oh sorry, the correct term is Rurouni Kenshin, then you have no right to be in the anime business! Hah!

Episode 1
Kaoru Kamiya catches a wanderer named Rurouni and accuses him for being that famed Battousai going around using her dojo’s name to kill people. He easily disapproves it by showing his dull sword. Can’t cut anything. But then nearby, policemen are getting slashed by this huge dude who calling himself as Battousai. Kaoru engages him but gets injured. Rurouni saves her and takes her back to the place while letting the police chase after him. Back in her dojo, she tells him about this sword style in which her father created. He believed a sword is to give life. So when this Battousai is making a bad name out of it, that is why she is so desperate to clear her father’s name. All Rurouni says that she is too weak to take on Battousai and it would be sad if she losses her life while attempting to protect it. Next morning, Kaoru sees the police are trying to arrest Rurouni for flouting some sword rules. Had not her live-in servant, Kihei Hiruma bribed them, he wouldn’t have gotten off scot free. As Kaoru has info about that culprit that his base is in a neighbouring town, Rurouni realizes the reason he can’t find him since he searched all night. So he makes a visit to that neighbouring dojo and all the ruffians soon gang up on him. Meanwhile Kihei wants Kaoru to sign this contract that will hand over the dojo to him. Shocking but not, he is the mastermind behind this and this fake Battousai is his brother, Gohei. Because of her stubbornness to hand it over, he had to resort to this Battousai ruse. Obviously Kaoru cannot best him but look, Rurouni is back! Is the neighbouring town that close? First, he talks about swords being weapons of death and that is a fact no matter how you sugar coat it. Also, Kaoru’s ideals are only spoken by those who has not shed blood. But he prefers those lies. He hints he is the real Battousai because it has its roots in the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style. He swiftly takes out all the ruffians with intense speed. Even fake Battousai is no match for him. Kihei got so scared he passed out and soiled his pants! Rurouni tears up the contract and leaves. But Kaoru needs him to take responsibility. Can’t let a girl bring back her sword style alone, right? Not wanting to sound like a confession, he asks for his real name. Kenshin Himura. He claims he is tired of travelling and hopes she won’t mind him staying here for a while. But she is stumped. If he is that famed Battousai, how come he looks this young?! Oro?!

Episode 2
Yahiko Myoujin tries to pickpocket from Kenshin but Kaoru sees this and puts a stop to it. In fact, Kenshin willingly gives him his wallet. Yahiko is not amused about being called a child and throws it back to him. Yahiko returns to some ruffian who beats him up since he cannot cough up the cash. The police surrounds Kenshin for his usual sword flouting rules. Lt Ujiki wants him to draw his sword but Kenshin won’t. With the crowd booing the police, Ujiki abuses his power to have his men arrest them. Anyone resisting shall be slain! This forces Kenshin to draw his and warns him their blades will not cut anyone. If they want a fight, he will be their opponent. Ujiki is happy seeing he can now cut him down via self-defence. Meanwhile Aritomo Yamagata is in town because he heard Battousai is here. In fact, he believes he is not a cold blooded killer and his killings were never in self-interests. In fact, it helped saved many lives. Thanks to him, the revolution would never have succeeded. His purpose is to find and welcome him back to the Meiji army he is leading now. Well, when he heard about a commotion with a man with a scar on his face, you bet that’s him. Kenshin singlehandedly defeats everyone and including Ujiki. No sweat. The crowd praises and is amazed by Kenshin. When Yamagata shows himself and invites Kenshin to join his army, Kenshin politely declines as he thinks he doesn’t deserve such honour. No matter what Yamagata says, Kenshin won’t be swayed. This has Kaoru understanding the free flow in life that Kenshin leads. Unhindered by anything and to freely protect those with his sword. As Yahiko is one of many who witnessed Kenshin’s awesomeness, he decides to change. So when the ruffian shows up for his due money, Yahiko tells him he is giving up this miserable way of life. Instantly he is beaten to a pulp.

Episode 3
Yahiko is taken back to see their boss and he tries to convince Yahiko is of a samurai lineage to give up his honour and just work for him. It’s the only way he can survive. But since he went too far badmouthing how his parents died, Yahiko remains steadfast to quit this business. The other hoodlums start beating him up. Yahiko fights back but it is not enough. Cue for Kenshin to barge him and display his awesomeness. You bet the baddies are scared sh*t of him and are willing to let Yahiko go in exchange for their lives. Though, Yahiko isn’t grateful and thinks he could’ve handled it all himself. Kenshin apologizes for underestimating him again. But this only makes Yahiko feel like sh*t since he wishes to be strong so he doesn’t need people like him to help. Well then, Kenshin sets him up to be Kaoru’s disciple! You bet those 2 don’t get along. Yahiko wants to learn Kenshin’s sword instead but Kenshin doesn’t intend to have Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu succeed him. Bad blood continue between Kaoru and Yahiko until one day, Kaoru’s ex-students come running to the dojo to hide. They claim they were trying to teach some drunkards a lesson and now the whole gang is after them. Yeah. The whole damn bunch! Kaoru recognizes them as Hishimanji Guren gang and are just a bunch of thugs. Would hiding inside the dojo help? Yahiko deduces from the circumstances and it seems it was the students who caused the trouble and even went as far to use the dojo’s teachings to injure them. Hishimanji has a wooden cannon to blast open the door! Kaoru is willing to bear the responsibility of her students as long as they leave them alone. Yahiko will not accept such pity and attacks them. Now they’re mad and want to slaughter. That’s the buzzword because Kenshin just returned. Who this f*cker? The f*cker who can cut your cannonball in half! Now you know who you dealing with? Scram! After Kenshin hears what happened, he tells the ex-students to leave and never associate with this dojo again. Yahiko realizes he can’t be like Kenshin, so he’ll settle for Kaoru. This means he’ll become her student.

Episode 4
Looks like Kaoru found some painting from grandpa and now they have some cash to splash! I guess the concept of saving is unheard of then. As they go out to eat at a restaurant, some democratic rights activists are being rowdy. Thus Sanosuke “Sano” Sagara calls them outside to fight. No matter what tricks they throw at him, he is still standing and he just uses a finger to defeat them. When one is about to draw his sword, that is when Kenshin draws the line. Try it. And so those losers leave. Sano is impressed with Kenshin and wants to fight him but he humbly declines. Sano will be waiting if he ever changes his mind. Sano returns to his clients who are no other than Kihei and Gohei. How the hell did they escape from prison? They want to hire him to kill Kenshin. He accepts the job after learning Kenshin is the famous Battousai. Sano then confronts him at Kaoru’s dojo. It seems he has done his research on him and knows all about Kenshin’s days as Battousai. But he is stumped he suddenly went missing after a pivotal victory and decided not to kill anymore. That is why he wants to fight him and see what has changed. Meanwhile Kihei and Gohei eavesdrop and they know Sano cannot best Kenshin. They will wait for the moment till Kenshin tires out and will shoot him. But of course Kenshin and Sano call out to those brothers as Kenshin knows they are Sano’s employers since not many would know of his past. While Sano asserts his hate for imperialists like Kenshin because of the kind of justice they preach, this is his fight and will not allow any dirty play. He destroys the gun and then change their place to the river bank where they have more space to swing about. That’s because Sano introduces his ‘partner’, this giant zanbato that is too heavy for anyone to master perfectly. As the fight begins, it looks like Kenshin won easily since he is too fast for Sano. However he gets back up and that is when Kaoru realizes they have misjudged him. Sano is strong not because of his strength but rather his ability to take abnormal hits. Hence this fight is not the sharpest or strongest sword that wins but the last one standing.

Episode 5
Well, the fight ended quick since Kenshin is able to deduce the zanbato’s heavy weight and take measures to his own advantage. As he lies there, he reminisces about his past. 10 years ago he was part of the Sekiho Army led by Captain Souzou Sagara, going around to announce some land tax reform on behalf of the government. Sagara had hopes of equality with the rise of the new revolutionary government but one day, they were accused of being a fake army and pretended that tax reform thingy never happened. Sagara went to settle the issue but was branded a traitor and beheaded. This gives Sano the much needed strength to get up and fight Kenshin. He can’t lose. At this point, Kihei shoots Kenshin with his hidden gun but he deflects it with his hilt. Kihei then threatens to shoot Kaoru and Yahiko and tells Gohei to break the kid’s legs. That won’t happen since Sano gives the big guy a major pain. After Kenshin teaches that old fart a lesson, the duo return to settle the score. As expected, Sano loses again. Although he remains stubborn and continues to run his mouth against Kenshin as an imperialist, Kaoru and Yahiko correct his misconception of him. He now wields his sword to protect others. Kenshin further adds about the new era in which many are still trapped in poverty and equality. He doesn’t know when the revolution will be successful, but he is doing this as atonement for all those he killed. The same can be said for Sano. Sano realizes he has lost. Kenshin sounded like Sagara. The big difference is that Kenshin continued his fight while he gave up and picked street fights as an excuse to run away. In the aftermath, Sano decides to move on but won’t forget his past with Sekiho and that’s why he won’t remove the current clothes he is wearing.

Episode 6
A police officer seeks Kenshin’s help. It seems there is an assassin, Kurogasa who has 100% record in slaying all his targets. He also enjoys killing them. A local police chief, Tani is targeted and he thinks he is okay barricading himself with all the guards and defence but that is where he is wrong. Because Kurogasa loves all those challenges. The more people, the more chances to kill. When explained about the strange technique he uses that petrifies others, Kenshin could identify that move as Nikaido Heiho. So Kenshin and Sano go see Tani who thought those band of hooligans he hired is enough to keep him safe. Yeah, those hooligans don’t want to get their ass whoop again by them so they better toe the line. So as they wait, here comes merry Kurogasa, relishing slicing some of the guards down. He uses his skill to petrify the rest but it doesn’t work on Kenshin and Sano. It seems Nikaido Heiho is not some sort of sorcery but fighting spirits. As long as they can keep it and equal to its aura, they won’t be affected. With Kenshin able to defend Tani, this impresses Kurogasa so much that he decides to make Kenshin his next target before fleeing. It could be all part of Kenshin’s plan to turn the attention to him but he laments he couldn’t finish off Kurogasa tonight. On the way back, Kenshin explains to Sano more about the move as well as Kurogasa himself and his origins. Not that I get it, though. Sano returns to tell Kaoru and Yahiko about Kenshin not returning to the dojo for a while to settle things. This makes Kaoru unsatisfied. She will go look for him. She has lost so many people and she doesn’t want to be lonely should she lose Kenshin. In that case, she’d rather put herself in danger! That’s a weird way of saying she loves him!!! ISN’T IT?! Kaoru’s angry aura is deadlier than Kurogasa, better explain yourself Kenshin! She gives him her ribbon to hold on after hearing him out. And then suddenly Kurogasa kidnaps her! OMFG! How the heck did he show up so fast and quietly on a boat?! Is he riding a motorboat?! He throws Kenshin a letter where he’ll be waiting for their duel.

Episode 7
Wow. Look at Kenshin’s mad face as he rips the letter. As Kurogasa waits, he explains to Kaoru that she is just bait to make Kenshin mad and return to his hitokiri man slaying days. Flashback shows when Kurogasa was once in the Shinsengumi, his side faced Battousai. All were killed swiftly except him as he was made to report what happened. But he became thrilled with that and that inspired him to become a killer like him. Kenshin is here and Kurogasa likes the look on his face. They clash swords but knowing Kenshin has been reading his moves, he got a few tricks up his sleeve. Since Kenshin lacks that killer instinct, Kurogasa does his Nikaido Heiho on Kaoru. She will suffocate in a few minutes if Kenshin doesn’t kill him. This makes Kenshin even madder as Kurogasa gets a taste of his might. And he likes it as much as he fears him. Even more so Kenshin announces he is going to kill him. As Kenshin does his killer stance, Kurogasa thinks it is a race to dodge his attack. Doing so will be his win. He does so but didn’t anticipate Kenshin using his sheath to counter attack. Now that Kurogasa’s arm is broken, he cannot wield a sword anymore. Kenshin is going to really kill him and Kurogasa relishes death by his sword. Kaoru doesn’t want Kenshin to return to such ways so she manages to break out and call out to him. As he goes to her, Kurogasa is not done. You think he is going to sneak attack on Kenshin but he kills himself instead. He can’t let the police catch him as they will trace back to his employers. He hints there are many who want to return to the old ways. Now that his arm is busted, staying alive is pathetically boring. He knows Kenshin will return being a hitokiri because once a hitokiri, always a hitokiri. On the way back, Kaoru thanks him for saving her but he thanks her instead. Without her call, he would’ve returned being Battousai. He returns her ribbon. Hope you like it blood soaked! Kenshin vows to never go back being a hitokiri and stay a wanderer until he dies.

Episode 8
Sano takes Kenshin to gamble? Illegal but hey, Kenshin carrying his sword around is illegal too. When Sano hears one of his gambler buddies died earlier due to opium, he becomes mad. But this makes Kenshin wonder how he could afford such expensive drug. Suddenly Megumi Takani barges in and begs Kenshin to protect her. A few goons are here to get Megumi but they are taken out easily. Yeah, being rude and crude sealed their fate. Some recognizes those men working for Kanryu Takeda, a powerful entrepreneur whom many want to avoid crossing paths with. He has his own personal army and speaking of which, here is one, Beshimi warning Megumi to come back or else. He tries to attack her as warning but Kenshin protects her and Sano knocks him out. The plot thickens as Megumi drops packs of opium. She refuses to divulge more but continues to seek Kenshin’s protection. You bet Kaoru is being given the wrong signals of this beauty staying with them for a while. Especially Megumi being a bit flirty with Kenshin. Later there is a commotion at the river. The guys that were chasing Megumi ended up dead. Megumi also points out among the crowd is that Kanryu guy. But more concerning is the man next to him, Aoshi Shinomori. Basically he is the leader of the Oniwabanshu ninja clan. It is unknown why this group joined Kanryu’s side but they have to be wary of him. Even Aoshi is wary of Kenshin. As Kanryu doesn’t want to attract bad rep, he doesn’t want his men to get Megumi and cause a scene. She is after all his golden goose. Though, he hints he got rid of those useless men because only then he feels reassured. As Kenshin seeks more info about the group structure of Kanryu’s army, Megumi tells what is needed but stops short of revealing anything pertaining to opium. She believes Oniwabanshu is getting serious if Kanryu is mobilizing them. She thinks of fleeing while both sides clash. Well, put that on ice because Oniwabanshu’s Hyottoko just crashed in.

Episode 9
Sano tries to take on Hyottoko but it seems he can breathe fire. Kenshin mocks him that his street performance won’t burn any hair of his so an enraged Hyottoko blows all his got until he runs out of fuel. Kenshin is still in 1 piece. Although he refuels, Sano has learnt his trick and grabs the fire sack inside his throat before finishing him off with a kick. Beshimi tries to snipe at Megumi but Yahiko acts faster and protects her. However he is now poisoned. Kenshin knocks out Beshimi. Hannya is here to collect his pals and blocks Kenshin’s blow. He assures as long as Megumi is with them, they will eventually face each other. Yahiko is now going into seizures. Megumi then tells the rest what to do next and the ingredients they need to get. Thanks to that, his condition stabilizes. The doctor is impressed with who wrote this prescription because this person is very skilled in western medicine. Then he realizes it is Megumi. He knows her because she worked for a doctor friend of his until his murder 3 years ago. Some brief history about the proud medical achievements of her family until some war that has her father drafted and killed and the rest of her family members missing. Alone, Megumi drifted around until she came upon that doctor who created the opium. Kanryu bought it cheaply from him and made massive gains from selling this destructive drug to others. Of course Kanryu tried to get him to reveal the refining process but he wouldn’t. In a scuffle, he was killed. As Megumi was his assistant at that time and the only one who knew the process, that is why she is Kanryu’s golden goose. So now that her story is clear, Kenshin believes they will not let her go so it is best she stays at the dojo for a while. Just don’t make a move on Kenshin, as ‘warned’ by Kaoru. Hannya reports to Aoshi about what happened. Hyottoko and Beshimi are out and Hannya’s injuries will have him sit out of any combat for days. Relegated to spying duties, Aoshi orders him to find out more on Kenshin.

Episode 10
While Megumi adjusts to life in the dojo, Sano still doesn’t like her, even calling her the opium girl. Soon, Hannya kidnaps Megumi to bring her to see Kanryu. He wants her back. She won’t. In that case, he will call all his army to burn down the dojo. She has until tonight to think about it. This is part of Kanryu’s tactic to let her return on her own free will. Doing so, that Battousai will not have any reason to come after him and he won’t make enemies out of that legendary killer. So when Megumi leaves them a letter saying she has left for home, Kenshin realizes too late that Kanryu has got her. She has no family left back in her hometown. Kenshin will go take her back but Sano is still sulking over the issue. So Kenshin tells him that he has not looked directly in Megumi’s eyes and saw the loneliness she has been through. Sano being Sano, he stops being petty and joins Kenshin and Yahiko to go raid Kanryu’s mansion. Obviously no matter how many guards he has, nobody can match their speed. Yeah, not even those with guns! What kind of combo did they pull off?! As Kanryu welcomes Megumi back, she is actually here to kill him and then herself. They will atone their sins together in hell. Luckily Aoshi stops her as he notes Kenshin is here. Kanryu wants to hire Kenshin into his fold but no matter how much he offers, all Kenshin wants is the return of Megumi. Kanryu then surrenders but wants an hour so he can settle his own stuffs (he plans to torture Megumi to spill out the refinement process). Kenshin is willing to wait but Aoshi is itching to fight him and disobeys whatever orders Kanryu gives him. Just like Kenshin, Oniwabanshu isn’t motivated by money but battles. Aoshi tells Megumi those dojo guys are here to save her. She laments her efforts go to waste. Aoshi gives her a choice whether to take her own life or die from Kanryu’s torture. His group came here thinking things might get suspicious with the illicit sales of opium but thanks to her, they have come across a formidable foe. The hour is up so Kenshin steps in and his first opponent is Hannya.

Episode 11
Kenshin losing against Hannya? Well, only because of some spell he put on him when the exchanged glances before. Of course Kenshin will soon find the solution to this and best him. Something about the stripes on his clothes serving as optical illusion and his arm longer than usual thus Kenshin used his sword as measurement against his attacks. Hannya losing his mask and reveals he has no face. Do we care about his back story? Basically only someone like Aoshi believed in him and took him into his ranks. Loyalty. Game over as Kenshin knocks him out. In the next room, we have this muscular guy, Shikijo. Sano fights him so Kenshin and Yahiko could go rescue Megumi. Meanwhile Kanryu pleads to Megumi to run away together. They can start life anew and atone their sins. However she calls out his lies. What they have done cannot be atoned. See you in hell. Now he changes his tone and blames her for everything. Everything. Now we follow the usual formula of Sano losing to Shikijo’s hard muscles. Shikijo also talks about his loyalty to Aoshi since he picked him up as a nobody. He wants Sano to join them and perhaps he could even surpass them all in strength. Obviously Sano passes and notes Oniwabanshu is just strong. That is all. They are not like Kenshin because he fights to protect others. There’s the difference. This makes Shikijo mad and pummel all the way but Sano somehow becomes stronger and knocks the daylights out of him. Now Kenshin is faced with Aoshi.

Episode 12
Aoshi uses a weaker sword and Kenshin realizes it works well with his speed since Aoshi is a kenpo master. As usual, time for Aoshi to narrate the reason he fights. Basically he couldn’t accept the coward shogun for running away and negotiated for a surrender. Because of that, his Oniwabanshu couldn’t fight. Because had they fought, victory could’ve been theirs. He even details his plan on how to achieve it. Of course Kenshin cannot accept it as it would mean many innocent lives lost. Kenshin manages to overcome Aoshi’s attacks by holding the bottom of his blade and shortening the distance. Aoshi then unleashes his real fighting style, Kaiten Kenbu and slays down Kenshin. You think Yahiko should be his next opponent? Thank goodness Kenshin gets up. He is not dead since he used his sheath to protect himself from its full blow. Kenshin then uses his own bare hands to grab his sword and turns the tables on him. Effectively, knocking Aoshi out for a while and secure his victory. Aoshi warns Kenshin to finish him off now or he will keep hunting him down. Obviously Kenshin won’t because he doesn’t kill now. Kenshin asks there were so many places, positions and proper channels for Aoshi to test his strength and become the strongest, so why did he resort to this? From what I understand, it is to keep the pride of his men. Talk is cut short with Kanryu here to show off his gatling gun. Wow, Kenshin and Aoshi fast enough to dodge those bullets? Oh, Aoshi got hit in the leg. Kanryu then reveals his true goal is to be an international arms dealer. Selling opium was just to secure his funds for that. He brags about the power of money that could be power and bypass all those years of harsh training. Despicable scum resumes his firing but with many targets, he focuses on immobile Aoshi. Shikijo is fast enough to use body to shield him.

Episode 13
Hyottoko’s turn to sacrifice himself. He warns Kanryu of shooting at him filled with fuel. Guess what? Kanryu shoots his head! But it’s also a trap as Beshimi is hiding there and jumps out to shoot his mini drills. Too bad that didn’t last as he took some lead too. Finally, Hannya charges straight at Kanryu and gets holes all over so that Kenshin has enough time to get his sword. Kanryu’s luck runs out because he used up all his bullets. Kenshin might be angry but he still won’t kill and knocks him out. Then when they go rescue Megumi, she is going to kill herself. Sano stops her so as not to let their efforts be wasted. With the police here, Megumi intends to surrender herself despite knowing well that the penalty for producing opium is death. So when she gives herself up, Kanryu is more than happy to reveal everything about her. But Kenshin shuts him up and just says she is a doctor and was under duress to make opium. Oh well, take Battousai’s word for it. Kenshin believes if Megumi wants to atone for her crimes, she should continue to be a doctor and help others. Killing herself won’t bring the dead back to life. Then they realize Aoshi is missing. Oh look, he just got out via the mansion’s secret passageway. Kenshin wants him to fight him and he will willingly lose to give him the title of the strongest. However Aoshi tells him not to be killed until the day he comes back to kill him. Aoshi escapes and Kenshin seems pretty okay to be his eternal target. No point fretting about it, right? Everyone returns to the dojo, much to Kaoru relief. Since the dojo can’t house more people as it is already, Megumi will go live with the doctor. She hints she is willing to be Kenshin’s companion if he gets tired of Kaoru. Aoshi buries his comrades but promises revenge for them.

Episode 14
Yahiko has not been stopping by the dojo lately. Kaoru thinks it is he has found some food. Sano: A girl: Kenshin: Training for his swordsmanship. The only way is to go spy on him. They’ve got nothing else better to do, right? So, he is working at the restaurant they frequent too? Oh, what’s this? There’s this new young girl working there, Tsubame? He is doing labour to help train his swordsmanship. Food, woman, sword training. Yup, all 3 there. But even so, why is he even telling the shop’s mistress, Tae to keep it a secret? Soon we discover that Tsubame is being threatened by a bunch of ruffians to make a mould of the owner’s house key since he brings home the cash from the restaurant. Tsubame doesn’t want to do it but is forced to after all the threat. Now Yahiko enters the scene to teach this guys a lesson. He would’ve won one on one until they gang up and beat him up. Tsubame can’t stand this sight so she gives the mould and they leave. Kenshin and co have been watching but they can’t intervene. This is Yahiko’s battle and if he is to get stronger, he must win his own battles without their help. So Yahiko needs to get stronger but how to do so before those bastards rob the house? Especially multiple opponents. Kenshin’s advice is a tactic to hit and run since enemies run at different speed so when you’re done dispatching one group, you run away until the next batch catches up. That night as the ruffians are about to rob the house, Yahiko steals the keys. Then he corners himself in a dead end to easily fight the bad guys one on one. The leader sees where this is going and tells him men to wear him down. But they see Kenshin and Sano watching from afar. They get scared and run away. The boss is now left to face Yahiko alone. Obviously Yahiko knows his tricks and defeats him. With this case solved, Yahiko finally reveals why he is working at the restaurant: To save up money to buy a sakabato (a reversed blade sword that Kenshin uses). Sano laughs his ass off but what does Kenshin say? My dear boy, it is going to cost a lot. Way much…

Episode 15
Kaoru brings Kenshin to Maekawa dojo since the master is one of her father’s friends and she used to train here. Maekawa has wanted to meet Kenshin but of course seeing that he is old, he won’t be foolishly challenging him. But soon this towering dude, Raijuta Isurugi (and his cocky little disciple, Yutarou Tsukayama) comes in to challenge Maekawa. He agrees but with a few terms. Although Raijuta is not impressed, he accepts the challenge. Obviously Raijuta is stronger as he wins the first round. Although Maekawa is injured, he still wants to continue. Obviously he gets owned in the second. Raijuta is actually going to kill him but Kenshin steps in. Raijuta admits to that since a man has only 1 life and thus a match is decided in the first round. He also laments the decline of swordsmanship especially with dojos nowadays using these bamboo swords. He dares other to challenge him or he will have their signboard burnt. This is when Kenshin agrees to duel him (or Kaoru would have) but also to fight using bamboo swords. As the match begins, Kenshin is just dodging his moves. Raijuta realizes this is a ploy to draw the match so he can’t burn the signboard. When Raijuta unleashes a powerful attack that splits the ground, Kenshin manages to dodge. Raijuta calls the fight off and leaves. Later Kenshin and co get an invitation letter from Raijuta. Sorry, this huge mansion doesn’t belong to him but Yutarou’s dad. He exports swords to Europe as they fetch a high price. One day he was attacked by bandits but Raijuta saved him. Yutarou was so impressed he wanted to train under him. As Kenshin meets Raijuta, the latter asks about his opinion on today’s swordsmanship. As with the law of nature the weak gets weeded out, his goal is to restore the great swordsmanship. However he must weed out useless ones first like those using bamboo swords (the reason he challenges such dojos). Once such useless swordsmanship are eradicated, he will begin the authentic restoration. He wants Kenshin to join him in his cause but of course he declines. As a fellow swordsman, Kenshin too laments the fate of swordsmanship today. However if that fate leads to more murders, he would not accept it and will go so far as to stop him. In that case, we’re enemies from now on.

Episode 16
Kenshin seemingly dodges all his attacks. And when he goes in, he breaks Raijuta’s sword. So they’ll settle this another day? With Yutarou continuing to b*tch about everything, Yahiko shuts him up and if he is so itching for a fight, he’ll take him on at the dojo. Well, well. Yutarou actually takes up his word but goes to fight him in the wee hours of the morning? Then they realize Yutarou has no training in swordsmanship whatsoever since he holds the bamboo sword wrongly. The cat is out of the bag as he reveals Raijuta never trained him once. It is suggested he trains here. Got a problem, Yahiko? Even Raijuta gives his blessing for him to train there. To know yourself is to know your enemy. Whatever. It’s going to be noisy since Yahiko and Yutarou are loggerheads. But Yutarou’s skill is seen improving in this short span of time. Kaoru wants him to continue training but he declines. If he wants to get stronger, he still wants to train under Yutarou. His goal is to put his dad to shame. He was once a samurai but gave up his life to sell swords, putting up fake smiles to European customers. Yutarou continues to explain that night when bandits attacked them, he was appalled his dad grovelled to beg for mercy. It was then Raijuta popped up. His single strike made all the bandits run helter-skelter. That was when Yutarou wanted to be strong like him. He hopes Kenshin will fight him fair and square. But soon Raijuta ambushes Kenshin from behind. So much about honour, huh? As they continue to fight, Raijuta unleashes a powerful strike. Had not Kenshin jump in, Yutarou would’ve bear the full brunt of the force. Everyone is appalled he did this to his own student but Raijuta dismisses Yutarou ever as his student. He is more concerned in reviving his swordsmanship and for that he needs lots of funds. That is why he puts up with this brat and staged that fake robbery. Obviously Kenshin is mad. He will fight him after he sends Yutarou to the doctor. Although his life is not threatened, it seems his nerves and tendons are slashed. Meaning, he will never hold a sword again.

Episode 17
Yahiko, please don’t blame the doctor for being unable to do anything. Medical technology isn’t so advanced yet. But he is not done as he takes Yutarou so he can witness the outcome of the match. Kenshin and Raijuta’s match resumes. The latter doing his specialty moves although Kenshin has figured out the trick behind. Just using the pressure in the air and the wind to cut through. When Kenshin gets a small cut, Raijuta relishes in this. But Kenshin not so impressed. If he is this happy with a small cut, this means he has never killed a man before. Because a real killer won’t be this happy if he doesn’t kill and that he doesn’t know how deep such killer swords are. Raijuta continues to go on the offensive and Kenshin just dodging. Just in time for the rest to arrive to witness Kenshin using one of his Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style to knock him out with the hilt of his sword. But when he comes to, he takes Yahiko hostage and threatens to kill him. Yahiko dares him and so does everyone else. Kenshin lectures him about murderous swords and tells him his style can only hurt but cannot kill. Warning, abandon your sword now before he faces a real murderous sword and lose his life. Raijuta can only stand there in frustration as everyone leaves. With Yutarou depressed and cooped up in his room, Kenshin talks to his father who talks about his success from the viewpoint of outsiders. But as a samurai, it is a dishonour to sell such souls of a samurai to westerners and in this context, he is a loser. That is why Yutarou wanted to live a different life. He then says they will move to Germany in a week. It has the most advanced medical technology and he hopes his son will forget about swordsmanship. As the gang see them off, both sides cannot find the correct words. They depart with no words exchange until Yahiko tries to attack Yutarou in which he perfectly blocks. Yahiko tells him off to be stronger than Raijuta and shake off all the disappointment of betrayal. Or else he’ll be a loser for life! Yutarou denies he has given up and promises to come back stronger and beat his ass. Kenshin ponders about Raijuta’s obsession with the technique and that he didn’t question the essence of the sword. Should he pursue that, it could’ve opened up a whole new swordsmanship style. It is a blessing he didn’t cross the line by killing others. Seeing Yahiko and Yutarou, he needs not worry about today’s swordsmanship state. Meanwhile Raijuta tries to kill innocent women. He couldn’t and just slashed off a statue. Loser can only cry.

Episode 18
When Tae requests Sano to buy a Nishiki painting for her, well, this guy is so free to do her a favour. But at the stall, he notices a painting of Sagara. He gets the vendor to spill out the details of who drew this and his whereabouts. Although he goes by the name Tsunan Tsukioka, Sano knows he is Katsuhiro who was a member of Sekiho. He goes to the slums and surprises his old buddy. They catch up on times and it seems Tsunan has been miserable for the last 10 years. The only thing on his mind is to get revenge on Sagara and clear Sekiho’s name. He is hell bent on materializing Sagara’s dream and has created very lethal homemade bombs for the past 10 years. The first step to crush the current government is to bomb the home ministry’s place to cause chaos. He will slowly bomb the other ministries and cause all dissatisfied samurais and farmers to revolt. Tsunan claims he is one man show and will take time to do all this. He won’t force Sano into this but as a fellow Sekiho, he gives him until tomorrow night to think about it. As Sano leaves, he rues Tsunan has been so obsessed with his revenge he couldn’t see the present. Tsunan remembers back when Sagara told him to expand his knowledge because the next era will be theirs. However Tsunan still laments failing to protect him. Sano surprisingly wants to hold a big party at the dojo. Don’t worry, he isn’t going to leech of Kaoru. So, Tsunan is sponsoring them? Okay. Whatever. So we see all the usual people gathering at the dojo and having a great party. Tsunan also draws portraits as per requested. He draws Kenshin and learns he was a former revolutionary army. His portrait of Kenshin has no face because he cannot clearly see who he is. When the party is over and everyone is asleep, we learn this is all part of Sano’s last supper plan. He is going to aid Tsunan and although he knows this is wrong, Sekiho holds a special place in his heart. That is why he has no regrets the next time he faces Kenshin as a bad guy and is prepared to be cut down by him.

Episode 19
Tsunan and Sano drop bombs as the front gate as distraction. While the guards are trying to put it out, the duo enter from the back. However Kenshin is waiting. Tsunan throws his bombs but Kenshin cuts off the fuse! Those he can’t, he dodges them! Seeing this is going nowhere, Sano stops him. Bombs can’t stop him. Sano knocks him out and Kenshin lets them go. All part of the plan? When Tsunan wakes up in his room, all his bombs are gone. Sano says Kenshin has taken them all to be buried. Tsunan is distraught his 10 years were all for naught. He is going to kill himself in front of the home ministry to expose their wrongdoings. He escapes but soon Sano catches up as the guys trade punches over their ideals. As Tsunan takes out his 10 year old anger, Sano tells him off there were many other ways he could’ve tried to clear Sagara’s name. Besides, he is 10 years too late. He tells how the people are getting by today without complaining. They’re just living their everyday life at their best and smiling. This means his suicide will not move the world or anything. This eventually breaks Tsunan. Sano explains Kenshin’s reason for stopping them. Because he was part of the previous admin and doing a lot of shady things, this is precisely why he cannot let them do shady stuffs. Even if today’s government is corrupted, that doesn’t mean they have to stoop that low to do something. Tsunan remembers Sagara’s words about fighting the way that suits him best. He picks up his brush. When Sano visits the vendor, Tsunan left his final Nishiki painting for him. It seems he is going to start an illustrated newspaper to expose the government’s tyranny. He might be cracked down hard but it’s better than mindless violence.

Episode 20
As narrated, with Japan opening up to the west, Yokohama is now a settlement for foreigners. Kenshin almost gets bumped into a rickshaw puller, Dankichi Asahiyama. But nearby a young girl is crying since her mom has fallen ill. Don’t worry, a masked doctor, Elder Peaberry will treat her. However, a local doctor, Deian Ishizu is not pleased with this since Elder has been treating patients for free. You see, Ishizu only treats those with money or who can pay. People like Elder will cause prices to fall. Especially in a time when western medicine is now all the rage. Of course, he knows hitting a foreigner is illegal. He is going to do something to the sick woman instead. This is where Kenshin steps in to stave off the goons as Dankichi takes the patients away before Kenshin flees with Elder. As the woman gets proper treatment in her place, Elder wants to take them by inviting them to tea. Kenshin experiencing some western stuffs for the first time. After that, Dankichi takes them on a tour on Yokohama. Yeah, time for some history lessons on some of its famous landmarks! After parting ways, so Kenshin going to lodge in the same room as Elder? He realizes Elder is a woman. Uhm, I actually figured that out a long time ago! Was it not obvious? Anyway, Kenshin soon receives a letter addressed for Elder. Meanwhile Ishizu talks to a foreigner about Elder getting in his way. He understands he wants this doctor eliminated seeing she is intruding on his turf. But since his men cannot best her bodyguard, western dude has a subordinate who craves fighting a samurai. He is Espiral and from his crazy looks and crazy looking rapier, he is itching to fight Kenshin.

Episode 21
Ishizu has a devious plan to spread smallpox so he can get more money in treating people. Then to test Espiral’s skill, Ishizu has a goon fight him and is easily defeated. Elder reveals her cross-dressing because even in the western world, women are not trusted no matter how skilled they are. After parting ways, it seems Dankichi arrives to get Elder as someone has sought for her. But along the way, Espiral stands before them and uses his twisted rapier to dismantle the whole of Dankichi’s rickshaw. Espiral threatens Elder for Kenshin’s whereabouts but oh look, he is here. Espiral challenges him to see whose sword is better. Or Elder gets it. Kenshin accepts the duel and dodges Espiral’s attacks. We learn the trick to his twisting technique and using that force, that is why he is able to twist and break things easily. Like a screw, right? Espiral then uses his ultimate technique that contorts his body in a weird way. When he lunges, the attack finally hits but Kenshin uses that force to repel it back to him, breaking his sword. Espiral expects to be finished off but Kenshin shows his reversed sword to dispel his perception of him as Battousai. Watching Ishizu is not happy and throws the smallpox bottle. OMG, who gonna catch it?! Surprisingly Espiral because he doesn’t want this bout to be further tainted. Ishizu is knocked out by Dankichi throwing his broken wheel! In the aftermath, Elder treats Espiral’s injuries. He is saddened this is how his fate ends but Elder advises him about being lost since his goals are too big. Now that he has decided to change his ways, Espiral now becomes Elder’s bodyguard and will accompany her trip to USA. He changed his rapier to a straight one to reflect his change. As Kenshin sees both of them off, the people give thanks to Elder. This is also when she unmasks herself to shock them the beautiful woman she is. Elder talks to Kenshin about his scar. Kenshin doesn’t intend to change and the scar is a reminder of his past he can’t easily cast off. For now, he will live and protect as many people as he can. If you’re wondering why this mini arc is just Kenshin alone, all this happened about 5 days before he first met Kaoru.

Episode 22
It has been a while since Kenshin has a dream about the Bakumatsu days. Because of that, he is spacing out a lot and looking a bit serious. Meanwhile a medicine peddler arrives at Kaoru’s dojo while everyone was out. Only Sano is in. However Sano can tell he is not a usual medicine peddler from his rough hands. This is when Hajime Saito reveals himself and has a score to settle with Battousai. Sano fights him but is no match for his sword style. When the rest return, they see a hole in the wall and Sano badly injured. Now we see Saito talking to a politician named Shibumi. He is the one who has been ordering assassinations in the background including Kurogasa on Kenshin. He finds it ironic but delightful that Saito who was once part of the Shinsengumi to be working for him and to take this job to assassinate Battousai. Shibumi hopes he is successful because after this job, he will be done doing dirty assassination jobs. As Megumi takes care of Sano, Kenshin continues to put a forlorn look as he analyses the damage and injury that has been dealt. Based on all that, he can tell the only one who could pull this off is Saito. He has returned to settle a score and his skills have not declined a bit. Meanwhile Akamatsu Arundo sees Hajime and doesn’t trust him. Because the job to kill Battousai was originally his. Saito proposes they cooperate. In fact, Saito has set up all the details and even sent a letter to Kenshin for their showdown. This means Akamatsu will have the honour in finishing him off Kenshin. Akamatsu likes the deal and goes off to finish Battousai. Kenshin receives Saito’s letter and heads to the appointed place. However he is attacked by Akamatsu. Obviously Kenshin defeats him easily and makes him spill the beans. Akamatsu feigns cowardice and lies he was forced to do so by Saito. When Kenshin turns his back, Akamatsu binds him in his chains and beats him up.

Episode 23
Saito visits the dojo and tells Kaoru and Yahiko that police intel states someone is after Kenshin’s life. He is willing to wait till Kenshin returns. Akamatsu thought he has bested Kenshin and then like any dumbass baddie, reveals about the politicians who hired them to get rid of him. Obviously Kenshin is not dead and lands his surprise attack to knock him out. When Kenshin returns, Kaoru spots an obvious worried looks on her face. He is baffled how she knew about this. Then it all falls into place when he sees Saito at the dojo. Yes, both men fought each other 10 years ago when Saito was a Shinsengumi. Kenshin maintains his stand that he will not kill as a wanderer even with this weakened strength, as long as he protects others, it is fine. However Saito notes even that, he fails as a wanderer. Because he had a hard time taking care of Akamatsu, Saito could have just killed his friends whenever he likes. All the battles he has fought, he hoped Kenshin would’ve realized his destiny as Battousai but to his disappointment, 10 years is enough for a man to rot away. How can he protect others if he doesn’t kill? Saito will not accept the current Kenshin as they prepare to fight. At first Saito dominates and pushes Kenshin until he starts breathing hard. But with Kenshin putting on a serious killer looks, Saito realizes he has been slowly returning to his Battousai self unconsciously. Because now Kenshin is faster and takes Saito by surprise. The more the fight continues, the more Kaoru gets worried because this is not the Kenshin she knows. This is Battousai. When Saito swords breaks and Kenshin claiming he will KILL him, it is all the more worrying. Somebody please stop them! The fight turns into a fist fight as both sides go all out hard against each other. Until a police officer stops them and chides Saito for going too far since his original job was just to gauge Kenshin. Popping up is the mastermind behind it all, the former revolutionary fighter and the current home minster of the Meiji government, Toshimichi Okubo.

Episode 24
Saito reports Kenshin is a failure. But Battousai, perhaps there is a chance. Okubo needs to talk privately with Kenshin but since he has involved others, he wants others to know too. Does Makoto Shishio ring a bell to you? You could say he is Battousai’s successor. But he died 10 years ago, right? Of course he didn’t. The government realized his greed for dominance and snuffed him out by burning him. Yeah well, looks like he survived. Now he is back doing assassinations in the shadows and has gathered a group of his based in Kyoto. He is plotting a war of revenge that would split this nation. Okubo has sent many men to put him down. None were successful. That’s why he had to resort in testing Kenshin this way. He is their only hope. Can a rurouni kill? Although the government is willing to close an eye on the laws they have break and even acquit Megumi of her opium charges, the rest call it dirty because they’re using it as leverage against Kenshin. After all, this mess was started by them and now they want Kenshin to clean it up. Who cares if this sh*tty government goes down, right? Better let it die! Everyone is firm against Kenshin going to Kyoto. Okubo will wait for a week to hear his reply. Akamatsu heard everything and tries to bail. However he along with Shibumi gets killed by Saito. As Kenshin thinks hard, he still believes Saito continues to remain true to his justice. Because he cuts down all corrupted and rotten people. Had Okubo been one, he would’ve been slain by his hands. As Okubo makes his way, he is attacked and killed by Soujirou Seta. Looks like Shishio didn’t like him contacting Battousai. Bandits who wanted to attack Okubo are shocked somebody got to him earlier than them. But they just continue to beat a dead horse. Soon, news of Okubo’s assassination is all over. Kenshin and Saito talk to Yamayoshi who is Fukushima’s governor and the last person Okubo talked to. That talk was to chart Japan’s future and truly Okubo wanted to change Japan for the better. Now a good man is gone and there will be chaos. Shishio will definitely take advantage of this. Hence when Kenshin returns to Kaoru, he tells her he is going to Kyoto. He can’t promise he can’t kill but Shishio must be stopped. As for that reversion to Battousai. His fight with Saito was different than Kurogasa. The latter, he reverted to save Kaoru. With Saito, it was just to fight. Her voice did not reach him. He realizes this Battousai has never changed. If he stays here, everyone will be caught up and the higher chances he will return being Battousai. He gives her a goodbye hug and leaves. Poor Kaoru left in tears.

Samurai (Fle)X: X Marks The (Rurouni) Spot
Well people, can they end the season like that? Oro, oro? Kenshin leaving a girl broken hearted and in tears?! It’s like a guy dumping his girl, dammit! Oh, Kenshin you meanie! Obviously not! Because it is only right to continue the next arc with another season! Hooray! It would be an insult and blasphemy for them to end it like that seeing how they teased us with a ‘new’ character right in the final episode. Well, technically speaking. It’s his first appearance, no? That’s right. The next arc would be one of the most important and memorable plots of the series. Even if you disagree, it was for me. So yes, hoping to look forward to the next season and watch again all the awesome group fights in the Kyoto Arc. We’re going to get group fights in this arc, right? Kenshin not going in solo and doing a John Wick and bringing down everyone with his sakabato, right?!

Story/Plot
Fortunately, this remake stays true to the manga source and animates all plots from the source itself. This means unlike the original series, this remake doesn’t have all the filler episodes such as that apprentice sumo one, that runaway locomotive one and yes, that female pirate one. It was no surprise that with so many fillers, the original series blew up to 94 episodes. The remake does away with all that and gets to the point with all the necessary plot. Of course the only arc which I have not seen or recall is the one with Elder (hence aptly named as this series second title?). I truly did not recall ever watching that and it is proof that this remake isn’t just copy and paste of the old and doing away with filler episodes. So with at least this new animated never seen before arc (at least from the original TV series), it brings much value to this remake. And as said, this remake isn’t just copy and paste seeing there are some parts which are shown differently. Oh yeah, I can still vividly remember one part whereby Kanryu was firing his gatling gun away and Beshimi jammed it with his mini projectile before dying. However in this remake, that did not happen and instead Kanryu just simply ran out of bullets. That’s how much some of the episodes especially the important arcs were so memorable for me. Thus I believe that there are many other scenes which also follow this pattern and it gives the remake a much needed new breath of air.

Action
Obviously when you watch this series, it is because of the samurai sword fights or the action scenes, right? Needless to say, the remake makes the action scenes much faster and slicker and they are worth your time watching. Because of that, this greatly makes the remake a great rewatch and you will not be disappointed especially if you are old veteran fans of the series. With that, I can only shiver with great anticipation the fights for the next big arc to come. Oh yeah. I’m having such high expectations right now! Though as far as this season is concern, most of the fight scenes only involve Kenshin since he is the protagonist so it is only logical that he takes on his challengers. Sano has a few moments but nothing compared to Kenshin drawing his sword to protect those in need. Thus if you want a variety of fights from various characters like Shaman King, sorry this season has not reached that stage yet. Because Yahiko still an amateur honing his (bamboo) sword skills and Kaoru remaining useless, oops I mean the moral support for Kenshin.

Characters
Safe to say, not much has changed in terms of character from the original series. They largely remain the same here for those who have seen them in the original. Like Kenshin who has turned over a new leaf but a few motherf*ckers can’t accept that and try to force him to return to his old ways only to fail spectacularly or deceive themselves with false hope he will eventually revert (still watching this from hell, Kurogasa? Keep waiting…). At other times, Kenshin is the same carefree doofus, spouting his trademark “Oro, oro…” at times.  Yeah, sometimes it is unbelievable to find this once cold blooded killer turned into some sort of softie joker. Though, this updated version tries to paint him in a slightly more darker and serious tone especially his bloody Battousai past. Are they going for this Jekyll and Hyde thingy later on when this moral dilemma rears its ugly head again? But still, his skills are real and don’t you dare mess with him. Being a wanderer (because vagabond sounds like a dirty word) may not cleanse Kenshin of his past sins but as long as he is alive, he can make amendments and atone them. Sure, he can’t please everybody but as I can see and expect, he makes a difference for those around him. I’ll be sounding like a broken recorder trying to talk about the other characters because like I’ve said, they’re still largely the same like Sano the straightforward and brash dude, the steadfast and astute Yahiko, the icy and ruthless Aoshi as well as the strong willed Kaoru. Any chance of seeing Kenshin x Kaoru romance in this remake? I wouldn’t bet on it. However if there are a couple of minor characters veterans would notice missing, are a couple of lolis that were staying at the doctor’s place. Ah yes, remember Suzume and Ayame? Sorry lolicons, original source never had them. It is a good thing they don’t exist here because I can only see them get in the way. If not, just being useless. Phew?

Art & Animation
It goes without saying that whenever you have a remake of any classic series in today’s era, it is mainly because there will be updates in the art and animation. This remake of course updates the visuals and obviously it looks much better and superior than the original. Yes, when you compare both the series side by side, you can see how outdated the visuals, colouring and animation quality are. This is also one reason why the action scenes as mentioned earlier look way better than in the original. Thanks to the better visuals, everything is no doubt better looking although no overhaul of the character designs or anything else. Because we can still clearly identify Kenshin with his huge ‘X’ scar on his cheek as well as the other trademarks of other characters, even with the minor and supporting characters. The new visuals also gives the remake a serious and slightly darker vibes. This is because with the lack of filler episodes that were supposed to be comical, we don’t see Kenshin’s chibi and stupid-like expressions like huge bulging or spiralling eyeballs. At least not as frequent as the original one. Yeah. The original series was done by Gallop before subsequently being taken over by Studio Deen for its remainder episodes. For this remake, Lidenfilms did a great job in bringing new life to a classic and beloved series. Hopefully they will maintain this quality in the next season.

Voice acting
Unlike Shaman King, this one has a total overhaul in their entire cast (just like Fruits Basket). Of course the series itself has many OVAs and other spinoffs and there were a few changes to the seiyuus too. But as far as the main anime TV series is concerned, it’s a complete overhaul of the original casts. Oh yeah. How nostalgic and a trivial matter as I remember the first time I heard Kenshin’s original Japanese voice. Because Kenshin sounds so much like a girl! OMFG! Yes, I originally saw this cartoon, ahem, ANIME, while it was dubbed in English! The horror! So when I transitioned later on and being a noob at anime during that time, it was a huge shocker. Yeah, Mayo Suzukaze helmed the original Kenshin voice and back then, Kenshin sounded really weird. Heck, it was the only ever character role she ever voiced in her entire short-lived voice acting career.

Anyway, the remake now casts a male character as Kenshin, Souma Saitou. I don’t know if the producers had the same feeling like me and thought the original Kenshin was too girly and hence had a male helm his character in the remake. Thankfully, this doesn’t break Kenshin’s character and makes his character sound more believable. The rest of the new casts are Rie Takahashi as Kaoru, Taku Yashiro as Sano, Makoto Koichi as Yahiko, Saori Oonishi as Megumi, Yuuma Uchida as Aoshi, Satoshi Hino as Saito, Mitsuaki Madono as Kanryu, Ryoutarou Okiayu as Hannya, Hiroyuki Yoshino as Beshimi, Fukushi Ochiai as Hyottoko, Daisuke Ono as Sagara, Yuichiro Umehara as Tsunan, Kanae Itou as Elder, Shinichirou Miki as Espiral, Tomokazu Sugita as Kurogasa, Kenta Miyake as Raijuta, Ryouta Takeuchi as Akamatsu, Yuuko Oono as Tsubame and Yuko Sanpei as Yutarou. OMG… What’s this… MAMIKO NOT WAS THE VOICE OF TAE!!! HOW THE F*CK DID I MISS THAT!!! OMFG!!! HOW????!!!! I thought I got her voice in the bag! BUT I AM SO ASHAMED!!! Anyway, all are great in reflecting their respective character roles.

Music
If there is a downside to this series, it would be the music. A very big unfortunate that all the songs including the BGMs do not hold a candle or not even close to the original ones. Take for example the first opening theme, Hiten by Ayase, R-Shitei. OMG what the f*ck is this techno rock crap?! It sounds so out of place! It’s not even catchy! I know they want to do something edgy and perhaps want to match the rock vibes of Sobakasu (the first opener of the original TV series). However this one just falls flat and can’t even come close to Sobakasu even if this song is not my favourite of all the themes. Then the second opener, Rurou No Katashiro by Masaki Suda, Tokoyo Ska Paradise Orchestra has some fanfare and orchestral vibes. It comes off as weird more than anything else. Then there’s the modern techno beat of Kissaki by Reol as the first ending theme and some edgy rock beat for the second ending theme, Sonzai Shoumei by Kid Phenomenon. Yeah, all not to my liking.

Because the worst song for me in the original series was 1/2 (second opener of the original), and both the new ones don’t even come close to this cringey 1/2. Yeah. That’s how bad it is. Or at least not memorable to me. That says a lot for these new songs. Heck, even the gay Kimi Ni Fureru Dake De to the cheesy It’s Gonna Rain and the basic Namida Wa Shitteiru sounded way better than these and I would prefer to hear them anytime, anywhere than the new ones. For the record, my favourite from the original is The Fourth Avenue Café followed by Dame and 1/3 No Junjou Na Kanjou. So sue me. As for the BGMs, oh boy, the original had so much good and memorable tunes. A bunch of them in my collection. In this remake, I don’t even notice them. Not even one. Well, at least this proves that they didn’t reuse and recycle those great BGMs but because of that, they just flew by me and never crossed my mind until I am writing this section of my blog! Honest!

Overall
It has been a great remake and obviously because this hits my nostalgia side. The remake has been a solid experience although it still lacks being called a classic masterpiece since it has its flaws. Yes, the internet is still divided whether this remake of a great series is good. With a handful of classic animes getting their remakes in recent years, I have theorized that this is to bring some exposure to the newer generation. I mean, how else to introduce to one of the early classics to the younger people. Because with so much animes todays and other distractions of social media and life, there is no way the young ones will have time to go back and do some retrospective viewing. Even if they heard of this series, there lacked the motivation for them to do so. Unless a remake. It is sad they had to break it into a few cours rather than running straight for a couple of years like the original because our generation has such a shorter attention span and we need to take a break from all the overwhelming goodness or we’ll die from its overdose! Heh. Weaklings. So there you have it. What needs to be said has been said. We’ll see how the next season turns out and then maybe I’ll have more to say about it! Especially Kenshin is the Batman of the anime world because he doesn’t kill others no matter how bad they are. Well, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Ororo…