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るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #21
Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21
Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 1998
10 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Nobuhiro Watsuki
246 books424 followersWatsuki 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 26, 2017
As the flashbacks ended with a whirlwind of death that left everyone involved scarred for life; in the present, everyone in the Kamiya dojo prepared for the coming of Enishi and his judgment. As the rest of Kenshin's friends prepare for the battle that was to come, Kaoru made arrangements to contact the Aoiya in Kyoto.
November 13, 2025
5*
5 million yesses!
5 million yesses!
March 31, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 21 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (178–186) of the on-going manga series.
Himura Kenshin's flashback concludes as he faces the boss from the assassins, but is unable to defeat him. Kenshin desperately attacks the boss, but although he kills him, Yukishiro Tomoe dies while protecting him. Some weeks later, Kenshin returns to be a hitokiri until the Bakumatsu ends.
After Kenshin's flashback ends, all his friends prepare to fight against Yukishiro Enishi. During those days, Kamiya Kaoru also requests Makimachi Misao to bring Tomoe's diary to Tokyo to make Enishi read it and she sets out with Shinomori Aoshi.
When the Six Comrades invade Kamiya dojo, Kujiranami Hyōgo is the first to attack, wanting to take revenge for his defeat he had against Kenshin. Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke manage to defeat him, but they are then attacked by Inui Banjin and Otowa Hyōko. As Banjin once again surpasses Sanosuke, Gein prepares to attack the dojo.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It finally concludes the flashback of Himura Kenshin’s past and how he met his wife – Yukishiro Tomoe dies. The narrative finally moves forwards with the attack on Kamiya dojo by the Six Comrades.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 21 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
Himura Kenshin's flashback concludes as he faces the boss from the assassins, but is unable to defeat him. Kenshin desperately attacks the boss, but although he kills him, Yukishiro Tomoe dies while protecting him. Some weeks later, Kenshin returns to be a hitokiri until the Bakumatsu ends.
After Kenshin's flashback ends, all his friends prepare to fight against Yukishiro Enishi. During those days, Kamiya Kaoru also requests Makimachi Misao to bring Tomoe's diary to Tokyo to make Enishi read it and she sets out with Shinomori Aoshi.
When the Six Comrades invade Kamiya dojo, Kujiranami Hyōgo is the first to attack, wanting to take revenge for his defeat he had against Kenshin. Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke manage to defeat him, but they are then attacked by Inui Banjin and Otowa Hyōko. As Banjin once again surpasses Sanosuke, Gein prepares to attack the dojo.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It finally concludes the flashback of Himura Kenshin’s past and how he met his wife – Yukishiro Tomoe dies. The narrative finally moves forwards with the attack on Kamiya dojo by the Six Comrades.
All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 21 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
May 23, 2018
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
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
July 28, 2019
Sin duda alguna, los tomos 20 y 21 con mis favoritos ❤
September 8, 2009
While it has its moments, it's clear that Wasuki has failed to raise his game since the Kyoto arc. It's not that's bad, it's just pretty much the same-old, same-old for the past few volumes.
March 9, 2010
Después tengo que subir la edición argentina y ver si puedo subir las ediciones española, francesa y alemana (creo) que el imbécil del Deleted Member eliminó porque sí.
February 20, 2025
Rurouni Kenshin can at times be nothing short of a tragic character. Witnessing how Tomoe died…it is very very impactful. My daughter was very sad to see this and asked me why I like so many tragic manga series and I think my response is that when great sacrifices occur, there are greater heights that can be reached. This shows what impacted Kenshin in a meaningful way…and his change and life is owed to the sacrifice in which Tomoe made. Seeing how Team Kenshin reacts after learning of the past is also very interesting. The battle begins in this volume and Kenshin’s declaration is one I believe of hope.
September 17, 2018
Third volume of the 3 in my collection from Japantown visit in SF. This one was quick and a piece to set the stage for the big battle scenes between the Jinchu squad and the Kamiya dojo group. I thought it was a little sloppy / hasty how Aoshi, Misao, and Saito got engaged in the mix but I'm happy to see the familiar faces come back in. Classic random improvements to the bad guys weapons.
But the real magic is in the brief few pages where Kenshin and Kaoru share some moments of reflecting on the future and a future together (which Kaoru classically tries to hide as her desire).
But the real magic is in the brief few pages where Kenshin and Kaoru share some moments of reflecting on the future and a future together (which Kaoru classically tries to hide as her desire).
May 30, 2020
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
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
January 24, 2023
I didn't expect any romantic touch in a shonen manga because, usually, they just apply the basic formula of that cool boy added by comical circumstances and that lovey-dovey girl resulted to more or less your typical high schooler manga but I have to say how Tomoe reacted to everything around her and her influences on Kenshin is so personal. and no one fall in love in unfortunate events like them. They talk with their habits, body languages, and eventually fulfilling the vows. I really like how their story becomes a pivotal point for the entire Kenshin's character development in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2023
So we get to see the end to the flashback arc as we finally get to see how he got the scar and the motivation for the new villain Enishi and I do find that part a little weak since Enishi was not their for the event so because he did not see it and barely played a role in the flash back it feels that the story tries to make him out to be a tragic villain. But still a good finish to the flash back arc and I do like how the next arc start outs as we also get other familiar characters who seem to be joining in the fight or at least going to involved in some capacity.
July 7, 2023
I gotta admit I think overall the Trust and Betrayal did Kenshin and Tomoe's story better, but I'd argue it's still probably the strongest part of Watsuki's story.
Yahiko growing into his own, having more concrete aspirations, and sort of understanding his place is the grand scheme of things is very satisfying.
Kaoru stepping up as Yahiko's teacher, Kenshin's rock, and someone with her own wants and needs is also very much appreciated. Better late than never I suppose.
Other than that Jinchuu has begun, and I'm locked in.
Onto volume 21!
Yahiko growing into his own, having more concrete aspirations, and sort of understanding his place is the grand scheme of things is very satisfying.
Kaoru stepping up as Yahiko's teacher, Kenshin's rock, and someone with her own wants and needs is also very much appreciated. Better late than never I suppose.
Other than that Jinchuu has begun, and I'm locked in.
Onto volume 21!
October 18, 2024
I’m finding myself caring a lot more about what happened in the past than the current storyline. Anyway, interesting to see how Kenshin’s scars happen in the manga vs in the ova. I liked seeing both versions but the manga’s makes more sense… though, visually, I liked the ova’s moment / explanation better.
April 11, 2023
Okay but real talk. I absolutely do not understand why Tomoe had to jump in front of a deadly sword swipe aimed at a dastardly enemy and (to no one's surpise) die as she's cleaved in two. "It had to be this way" is also not a reason. Clearly, I'm missing some Japanese-style-angst logic here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Amazing as ever. Great plot and character development and well drawn art to bring to story to live. The drama and action of the series flies right off of the pages and into your face. Great reading!
July 14, 2017
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.
September 15, 2017
Rurouni Kenshin is one of my favorite animes and manga. Quite enjoyable.
October 4, 2018
Dimulainya Jinchu (hukuman manusia)
January 2, 2019
Continues high-level character work on Kenshin and especially Kaoru until the last chapter when this arc's battle is finally joined.
March 13, 2019
Nice.
October 16, 2019
Too bad your first wife dead
February 20, 2021
This volume continues a pretty interesting focus into Kenshin's backstory.
May 24, 2021
Dimulai jinchu dari Enishi, ga sabar liat pilmnya tapi masih harus nunggu sebulan lagi huff
August 16, 2021
Finally flashbacks ended in this one and it got much interesting again. The beginning of a very intense arc!
October 10, 2021
The story goes on its way. It can be sensed that we are close to the culmination of the series.
March 23, 2023
"The weakness of the heart, our most vulnerable enemy..."
July 5, 2023
Kenshin might be small but he Carries the whole team on his back lol how will he get out of this one without anybody close to him being harmed 🤺
December 5, 2024
Mulai bertarung dengan para Jinchu. Apa Saitou Hajime, Misao, dan Aoshi bakal ikut bantu, ya? Asyiiiiiik!!!
December 12, 2016
Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 21 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in the foreground and Tomoe in the background looking at the reader. It is the twenty-first volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?
Review- We get the last bit of Kenshin tragic past in this volume and it ends with Tomoe's death. Everyone is trying to decide what they think about it. Kaoru handles it very well and leads the rest to peace with Kenshin's past too. Kenshins is surprised when Kaoru sort of admits how she feels about him. That made me roll my eyes a little but whatever his character is a more than a little clueless about so much so why not this too. Kaoru also has a great idea about how to end Enishi and so bringing Misoa and Aoshi into the last arc. But they are going to be late to stop the attack. The volume ends with the attack on the dojo starting. We get a hint about what Enishi is really going to do and I cannot wait to see what it is. More Action, More Drama, and More Over-the-Top Fighting Coming Soon!
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
From the back of the book- Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?
Review- We get the last bit of Kenshin tragic past in this volume and it ends with Tomoe's death. Everyone is trying to decide what they think about it. Kaoru handles it very well and leads the rest to peace with Kenshin's past too. Kenshins is surprised when Kaoru sort of admits how she feels about him. That made me roll my eyes a little but whatever his character is a more than a little clueless about so much so why not this too. Kaoru also has a great idea about how to end Enishi and so bringing Misoa and Aoshi into the last arc. But they are going to be late to stop the attack. The volume ends with the attack on the dojo starting. We get a hint about what Enishi is really going to do and I cannot wait to see what it is. More Action, More Drama, and More Over-the-Top Fighting Coming Soon!
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
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