Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 08

るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #8

by Nobuhiro Watsuki

In the 11th year of Meiji, on the day marked in the Western calendar as May 14th, time once again begins to flow. The shocking midday murder of Department of Internal Affairs Chief Ôûkubo a fait accompli, Kenshin leaves for Kyoto, scene of chaos and bloodshed--against the wishes of nearly everyone who knows him as the gentle "rurouni." Awaiting him there is Shishio Makoto, the hitokiri who replaced the cold-eyed assassin Himura Battôsai who forswore further killing and took up the reversed-blade sakabatô. But does Kenshin go to Kyoto for a duel...or for a death-match?!

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, Historical, Fiction, Shonen

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

Watsuki Nobuhiro (和月伸宏) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for his samurai-themed series Rurouni Kenshin. He once worked as an assistant for his favorite author Takeshi Obata.

Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing how everyone reacted to Kenshin leaving was so heartbreaking! But they’re so determined to find him and I love how attached to each other they’ve all become that they’re willing to risk both leaving and following for each other.

Gotta say I like the new girl, Misao! She’s a fiery little thing and really lightened up Kenshin’s side of the story by not taking no for an answer on literally anything, haha.

This series does a great job of showing harsh things and making you think yet also has well timed humor to keep everything from getting too depressing and dark. And the way this volume ended really heightens the stakes and tension of what Kenshin will eventually have to do and I wonder how he’s going to do it without losing himself in the process. I honestly have no idea how this is all going to play out, so I’m going to keep reading to find out!


‼️Content‼️

Language: bastard; damn; what the; frickin’; wench

Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); guys punch and kick each other (PG-13); a girl almost slaps another; a girl kicks and hits a guy; characters fall off a cliff; a bloody man is found slumped against a tree (R); bloody bodies hang in warning at the entrance of a village (R)

Sexual: a mild suggestive hint; a woman barely wears a top that shows a lot of cleavage; a girl’s voice is called sexy

Other: death and grief

[EvaN · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
It is really interesting that we see Kenshin wandering like his past self. I can't wait to read the next volumes and see how strong everyone gets. I also loved the new character, Misao.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapters 58-66
I like the new companion.

[Nicolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fallout from the previous volume placed Kenshin back on the road as a rurouni. Although he returned to being a wandering swordsman, he's working for government and has Saito as an ally. Inevitably, Kenshin's departure also brings the rest of his friends on the road to Kyoto, but took three different routes.

Misao also made her debut in this volume and she became an important supporting character for the rest of this arc. She's a member of the Oniwabanshu of Kyoto looking for Aoshi and she's determined to get answers from Kenshin.

It took me more than a decade but I finally figured out how they traveled across Japan. The cast set out westward from Tokyo; Kenshin and Sano took two different overland routes, while Kaoru and Yahiko took the sea route from the port in Yokohama. Yokohama isn't that far from Tokyo after all!

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 1 out of 5]

If there's one thing I hate is when heroes/villains announce the move they're going to do, the plans they have, the things they're going to do BEFORE they do them to their opponents.

If there's another thing I hate is when heroes/villains explain the move they did, or analyze why they made that move and/or how they did that move.

And this manga right here is FULL of that shit. The only thing that's keeping me so far is the artwork and I thin I'm giving this one a try until Volume 10 and then I'm done with it for the time being. I doubt it's going to get any better or it's going to change any pace in the storyline of repetitive shit happening every single chapter after chapter the same thing again and again.

#Frustration

[Iman Danial Hakim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saya sedang dalam marathon menghabiskan siri manga Samurai ini. Dulu pernah disiarkan di tv3 (ke NTV7) sewaktu saya kecil.

Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.

[João | · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mais uns capítulos incríveis daquela que é provavelmente a melhor fase de Kenshin, O Samurai Errante!

[Mr. Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. I know it’s manga, but I can’t believe how fast I read that. Really good stuff.

[Omar Villafane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things just got dark 🫨 Battosai mode

[La Revistería Comics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reedición de Rurouni Kenshin volumen 8: Por el camino tokai-meiji.
Incluye la popular sección "Aclaraciones de la traducción" y el índice original, inédito en la primera edición argentina.

Índice de Rurouni Kenshin Volumen 8: Por el camino Tokai-Meiji
Capítulo 58: Hacia Kyoto... (primera parte)
Capítulo 59: Hacia Kyoto... (segunda parte)
Capítulo 60: Los sentimientos de Megumi - Los sentimientos de Kaoru
Capítulo 61: Un hombre cruel
Capítulo 62: Por el camino tokai-meiji
Capítulo 63: Misao Makimachi
Capítulo 64: Jugando a la mancha
Capítulo 65: Cada uno por su camino
Capítulo 66: Una villa abandonada

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the addition of Misao in this one, we finally have all of my favourite characters on the page - I never cared all that much for Kaoru (not that I dislike her, I just find her a little boring) and Megumi is so very annoying most of the time, so it's great to have a female character in this series that I really really like.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 8 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (58–66) of the on-going manga series.

Furious that Himura Kenshin broke his promise not to go wandering again without letting him know, Sagara Sanosuke decides to go to Kyoto to confront him. Saitō Hajime finds Sanosuke at Katsu's, where he went to borrow money for the trip, and says that he is an amateur who will only endanger Himura Kenshin and that he should stay in Tokyo. They fight and Saitō easily overpowers Sanosuke, who is still weakened from his earlier injuries. He still insists on going to Kyoto and Saitō decides to let him go.

Meanwhile, Takani Megumi goes to see Kamiya Kaoru, who is severely depressed at Kenshin's departure. She convinces Kaoru to go to Kyoto, giving her some medicine that Kenshin said was valuable for wounds, and Myōjin Yahiko and Kaoru leave Tokyo. On his way to Kyoto, Kenshin meets an Oniwabanshū named Makimachi Misao, who is searching for Shinomori Aoshi without knowing what happened in Tokyo to the Oniwabanshū.

Kenshin allows Misao to accompany him, but avoids telling her what happened to Aoshi. While on their journey, Kenshin and Misao find a village that has been conquered by Shishio. They meet a boy from the village named Mishima Eiji whose family was slaughtered by Shishio's soldiers.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. A new direction begins as Himura Kenshin, a wandering samurai, heads to Kyoto to prevent an assassination. Those left behind respond to his perceived abandonment with rage, while in an affecting chapter, the women compare their hurts in an effort to determine who cares for him more.

All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 8 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.

[✮Octjillery✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having finally finished the anime in its entirety for the first time last week (had only ever seen through the Kyoto Arc several times before, which is all that's actually worth watching, honestly), and now reaching the first volume with Misao, I can say... I liked her more when I was a kid. She's super scream-y and obnoxious in the anime and they adapted her basically word-for-word from the manga, so one benefit of reading it is not having to hear the screaming.

Weird feeling that way now, because I always really liked her.

This volume isn't bad, but it's a definite transition from the previous shorter arcs to this major one. Because of that, it bounces around between several groups of characters who are now separated, and it's a little slower than previous volumes.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epic return of Shinomori Aoshi! Given the character's popularity his return was inevitable, but definitely an unexpected and pleasant surprise here. As I've said many times before I'm eager to see what roles the supporting cast will have in the coming chapters. (Hopefully I won't have to wait much longer?) While everyone sets their motivations on Kenshin, I hope things pan out in more interesting ways. Also, with the introduction of Makimachi Misao - a character who Watsuki himself described as a combination of Kaoru and Yahiko - I hope the cast doesn't become overstuffed with jobbers. I fear they'll just become background fluff behind the real story involving our "hitokiri". Regardless there's definitely a lot being set up that's got me hooked.
Onto volume 9!

[Scott Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar effort. While the conflict is embodied in Kenshin and the character Shishio Makoto who is first mentioned as source of trouble for the Meiji government in volume seven, the focus here is primarily on internal conflict and debate. The subtext, and the central pillar that underlines all of this is Kenshin's battle for his own soul as a rurouni as opposed to the notorious Hitokiri Batosai. And that emphasis of an internal conflict and character challenge, however externalized, makes this volume a cut above most action manga which are exactly what they appear to be--a bunch of people beating on each other.

[M.D. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, so given that Manga is more of an ongoing story split into arcs that are in no way split up between volumes. I'm going to be reviewing story arc by story arc. This will then be copy and pasted throughout all of the 28 Volumes of the Manga. Also, let's get this out of the way. This is 1. A Reread and 2. Spoiler Warning I won't be directly recapping, but I will use points to describe my thoughts and feelings.

Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10

The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.

Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.

Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misao is hard to take in large doses. Kaoru's passivity in this one reminds me of the Reflection anime, where she's a complete doormat who just sits around waiting for Kenshin to come home from helping people, too obsessed with him to even properly parent their son. She doesn't even have enough of a backbone to point out that when he has an incurable, infectious disease, trying to "help" is the last thing he should be doing. Oh, nevermind, that has nothing to do with this volume, except for her general uselessness.

[Ashe Catlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad that they stepped away from the formula in this one, instead they focus on the fallout from Kenshin leaving. His friends are dealing with it in their own way, trying to come to grips with what they should do next. My favourite was Sanosuke, as he’s finally making steps to being a more progressed character. Meanwhile Kenshin is on his way to Kyoto, it’s never easy for him as he quickly stumbles into trouble.

[James De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saito vs Sano moment is so damn good. Also, I’ve commented before about reading manga after having watched an anime adaption but it bears repeating… it’s often hard for the manga to live up to the adaptation to me because, when it’s done well (like in the case of this adaptation), when I read the manga I immediately think about the music and the moment in the adaptation.

When Kenshin learns about Misao’s connection to Aoshi… man l. Such a good moment in the anime.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenshin does not appear in this volume until page 90...and because of that the impact of his departure at the end of volume 7 is truly felt. I found myself loving the emotions his departure brought to Team Kenshin! And with that said...it seems there might be a new addition to the team, but we will have to wait and see how things develop. This is another amazingly solid volume that balances, action, laughter moments, heartbreak and the pressures of trying to protect innocence.

[Jeffrey Greek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something of a transitional volume, following the fallout from the last volume and rearranging the pieces. There's some really good character work here, beyond the standard shonen stuff (although that's here as well). Megumi pointing out to Kaoru that she was the only person Kenshin said goodbye to is quite affecting.

[I Nyoman Dhimas Yudha Yudha Satria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st appearance of Misao, and the beginning of her prime role in Shisio story arc.
i never really fond of her, maybe because she looks like a child. But I love shisio story arc, kenshin and friends vs the juppongatana is marvelous.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Random guy: kills numerous master fighters without batting an eye in 5 seconds via gatling gun
Japanese government: cannot get their shit together long enough to put down one rogue operative

Well. Okay. Guess we wouldn't have a story if they did use guns...

[Goncalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neste oitavo volume, começam a ficar mais claras as ramificações do arco Shishio, o mais emblemático de todo o anime, mas nota-se algum desleixo em partes da história, característica que começo a encarar como habitual.

[Engie · Rating 3 out of 5]

No me ha gustado para nada este tomo, mucha inutilidad alegando ser debido a la tristeza, no, no y no. El siguiente será interesante.

[Nathália · Rating 5 out of 5]

megumi sambou

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a guilty pleasure re-read of the series alongside my regular GR challenge. I’ve loved Rurouni Kenshin since I was a kid, and it makes me happy to dive back into this series.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rurouni Kenshin is one of my favorite animes and manga. Quite enjoyable.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aoshi ♥

[Ευθυμία Δεσποτάκη · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ούτε η Μισάο με ενθουσίασε, ούτε κι ο νέος μικρός και το ταξιδάκι αρχίζει να τραβάει σε μάκρος. Ο Σάιτο κι η σχέση του με τον Σανόσουκε, όμως, είναι κάτι το ενδιαφέρον.