Hitokiri Battosai is the main character of the manga about the tramp Himura Kenshin. It tells about the adventures of a wandering swordsman and his friends. Hitokiri Battosai was once a great swordsman, but then suddenly disappeared, deciding to fight with a sword only to protect people.
Briefly about the content of manga
Manga takes place in Japan during the Meiji era, which began in 1868. Kenshin Himura is a wandering swordsman who helps people while not killing anyone. The manga Nobuhiro Watsuki is not completely historical, but it mentioned some real people who took part in the Meiji restoration.
Also in the manga there are references to the turbulent period of Bakumatsu - it was then that hitokiri, hired killers, who eliminated prominent political figures, appeared. In the manga Nobuhiro Watsuki it is shown that the restoration did not end with the approval of the new government. There was still a lot of work to be done so that order and justice reigned in society.
Not everyone was happy with the liberal ideas of the new government. Some also recognized the legendary hitokiri in Kenshin and tried to defeat him in order to win the title of the strongest. Also, the creator of the manga showed Kenshin's internal struggle with his past swordsman and the desire to not kill anyone, but only to protect.
Content of the first arch
The manga about Himura Battosai is divided into three parts. The first action takes place in Tokyo. 10 years after the events known as the Meiji Restoration, a tramp appears in Tokyo with an unusual sword - a sakaba, whose blade is sharpened from the inside. During the troubled period, he was the legendary hitokiri to the Bakumatsu, paving the way for the new government.
But then Kenshin repents of his perfect deeds and decides never to kill again, but to protect people. In Tokyo, he meets a young girl, Kaoru Kamiya, and helps her protect the dojo from bandits. In gratitude, the girl offers the tramp to stay. Then they meet an orphan boy, a descendant of a samurai, Yahiko. He becomes a student of Kaoru.
Also, a very strong hired street fighter, Sanosuke Sagara, joins their company. Himura rescues from a gang of Megumi Takani a talented girl doctor who was forced to make opium. So, devoted friends gathered around Himura. The first arch ends when Himuru finds his long-standing and dangerous enemy since the Bakumatsu, Saito Hajime, who was once the captain of one of the Shinsengumi squads.
The content of the second arch
The duel between the two enemies is interrupted by Minister Okubo. He tells Himura that an ambitious, power-loving Sishio Makoto appeared, who was also once a hitokiri like Kenshin. Okubo asked Himur to eliminate Makoto, which Kenshin promised to think about. But after a while, Minister Okubo was eliminated by Sishil's right hand, Seth Sojiro. Battosai leaves for Kyoto.
Most of his friends go after him. During their journey, Kenshin and the rest meet Miaso Makimachi and the rest of the Onivanban-shu gang. Himura completes his studies with Hiko Seijuro and defeats Shishio Makoto. Then they return with friends to Tokyo.
The content of the third arch
In the third part, Kenshin has a new strong enemy - Yukishiro Enishi, who wants to take revenge on Battosai for the death of his sister Tomoe. During the Bakumatsu period, she was the wife of Battosai, but accidentally died at the hands of Himura. Enisi decides to take revenge on Kenshin by staging the death of Cahors.
Kenshin is desperate that he could not protect the person closest and dearest to him. But friends manage to find out that Kaora is alive. Himura fights with Enisi, and in a fierce battle defeats him. Yukishiro refuses to further take revenge on him and Kenshin returns to Kamiya's dojo. Himura finds peace of mind and marries Kaoru, then the couple has a son, Kenji.
Character Creation History
Himura is the main character of the manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin. The prototype of this character was the real-life Kawakami Gainsai, hitokiki, executed by the Meiji government. Nobuhiro Watsuki decided to make the protagonist fragile, small in stature, with blond hair more like a girl. A scar on the cheek in the form of a cross turned out because the mangaka did not know what else could be added to the character's appearance. Watsuki borrowed most of the fighting techniques from one swordsman who actually existed during the Edo period, who used the acrobatic component in battle.
Disputes with the editor-in-chief of the mangaki were over Kenshin's speech. It was decided that he would use slang words. But still, Vatsuki corrected the speech at his discretion. Himura often uses the word "parasite" oro to express surprise. Watsuki wanted to make the protagonist older than 30 years, but the editor-in-chief noticed that the manga is intended for a teenage audience. Therefore, Kenshin was reduced age to 28 years, so that he was not perceived by teenagers as too an adult hero.
Character
Kenshin Himura is shown in the anime as a peaceful swordsman for whom life is the highest value. But such views formed after Bakumatsu. Then he was a ruthless hitokiri who sought to pave the way for a new government. But then he realizes that only good deeds can change the world.
In an effort to atone for the sins of hitokiri, he goes to wander around Japan and helps people without killing anyone. His thinking and life views are adopted by other characters. For example, Sagara abandoned his goal of revenge and decided to help people like Kenshin. Megumi became a doctor to correct everything that she had done when she was making opium.
Himura was also distinguished by a calm and judicious character; in a duel, he always tried to maintain composure. There was a need for this: he was so sure that the hitokiri Battosai would not wake up in him. Protecting the lives of other people, he himself did not value his life, because he believed that he was not worthy of this because he was hitokiri.
But with the help of his teacher, he managed to understand the value of his life, and he was able to finish his studies. Kenshin is modest, and he refused important posts in the government. He is restrained by the manifestation of emotions, so sometimes it may seem to others that he is indifferent. But love and kindness of Kaoru helps him to find peace of mind and happiness.
Combat technique
Himura Battosai owned the invented fencing style "Hitan Mitsurugi", which means "Flying sword of heaven." Its distinctive abilities are ultra-fast speed and lightning fast reaction. During the fight, he remembers and predicts the actions of the enemy. It was not easy for him to fight Seto Sojiro, because he did not feel any emotions - he only smiled.
Although his fencing style is the strongest in manga, Himura uses it for defense. Therefore, he has a special sword (also invented by the author) sakaba - this is a katana with a sharpening on the back of the blade. During the Bakumatsu period, he becomes known as the hitokiri Battosai, which means his ability to crush the enemy with the first blow. This is the Battojutsu technique and he owned all of its options. Knowledge of this technique and Mitsurugi's “Hitan” made him a very dangerous opponent.
Relations with Kaoru Kamiya
After the death of Tomoe Himura tried not to become attached to anyone, so he went on a pilgrimage. He believed that because he was a hit man, he was not worthy to own a house. But, having met the young mistress of the dojo Kaoru Kamiya, Himura decided to stay in order to protect the girl.
They had the same views on life and for her, Kenshin’s past was not important. Kaoru always told him that it was the wanderer who was important to her, and not the hitokiri. Despite the fact that Himura behaves with restraint and emphasized politely towards the girl, those around him understand that she is the most dear and close person to him. It was Kaoru’s faith in his strength and himself that allowed Kenshin to find inner harmony and family happiness.
Relations with other characters
Kenshin is trying to maintain equal relations with everyone. He treats all those around with respect and as an equal to himself. Even the boy Yahiko, he considers a brave warrior. Kenshin is trying to resolve all conflicts peacefully.
But some only after battles with him understand his philosophy of life. For example, Sanosuke Sagara, after a duel with Kenshin, understands that if he wants to return the good name to the army of Sekiho, then he must help people like Himura. Ever Sanosuke considers Kenshin his best friend.
Kenshin also helps another of his dangerous adversaries, Aoshi Shinomori. Khimur is also respected by his opponents, realizing that, despite his beliefs, he is still a strong rival. Kenshin is very fond of the children and granddaughters of a doctor from the Kaoru family very often play with him.
Anime "Hitokiri Battosai"
The manga about the wandering swordsman, who was once the most formidable warrior, has become very popular. An anime series about Hitokiri Battosai was shot on it, which was a great success. The creators of the series tried to reflect all the important points from the manga. But, of course, there were differences. Critics favored the manga itself and its television adaptation.
The anime series was broadcast in many countries of the world, but with minor changes. So, for the American audience, the name was changed, which in the Russian translation sounds like "Samurai X." Under this name, the series was shown in Russia. Of course, fans of this manga and Japanese culture were unhappy with such a translation. But the leadership of the channels considered that the name "Samurai X" would be more understandable to the audience.
In addition to the anime series, several additional additional stories were released. But the author of the manga and the creators of the series were not too happy with them. Kenshin Himura is one of the most popular heroes among the works of the senen genre and was included in the list of the best anime heroes.