We continue our Bleach/Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs with the famed Kyoto arc, one of Enzo’s all-time favourite of the medium which he has plenty to gush over. But will Samu feel the same way?

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction - the companion piece to the Soul Society episode

5:04 Spoiler discussion warning

5:22 Himura Kenshin as a main character, comparisons to Ichigo Kurosaki?

9:48 Why is Kyoto arc considered one of the best of the series and battle shonen?

14:54 Juppongatana - standouts and our favourites

20:18 Honjo Kamatari depiction of the time, respectful or exploitative?

22:57 Samu’s many problems with Cho “The Sword Hunter”

26:22 Seijuro Hiko, Kenshin’s past, and their training

36:02 Shishio success as a villain and the influence on Horikoshi’s Stain

44:58 Our favourite fights

52:51 Kenshin vs Shishio and the implications afterlife, and the epilogue

58:51 Samu’s Recommendation: Gintama by Hideaki Sorachi

1:02:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Dororo by Osamu Tezuka

1:06:09 Overview and final scores