The Legendary Assassin

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Feudal Japan

The setting of "Rurouni Kenshin" reflects the overwhelming change in Japanese society when the Tokugawa shogunate (Edo Shogunate) gave way to a more liberal way of life in the Meiji Era. Many of the characters that appear in the story are based on people who trully existed during those times, therefore, it is important to understand the events that led the assassin to becoming a wanderer. In the beginning, Tokugaway Ieyasu gained control of Japan through a victory in the famous Battle of Sekigahara. Although the shogunate established two centuries of peace, the strict Bokuhan System caused many small political groups to form which opposed the shogunate. Among them were the Ishin Shishi, a small band of rebels that would later help bring about the end of the period. It is this small group that employs Kenshin and guides him down the path of bloodshed.

The Birth of Himura Kenshin

Quietly, a man stands and reflects on the ravenous disease that has invaded Japan. He seems to be wandering aimlessly about, awaiting an unavoidable destiny...

It was a clear night, crowned by a gleaming full moon, when a band of travelers slowly parade through a dirt road. Among them, a small child looks up from his toy top and smiles fondly at the young woman that stands above him.

Clattering sounds suddenly fill the air, and the first shriek pierces the silence. All other noise is drowned by following screams of agony until finally only the young boy and few women remain. Bravely, the young boy stumbles as he carries a heavy katana in his hands, afraid, but determined to protect the women until one protectively runs toward him and tries to shield his face from one cruel murder after another in vain. Finally, it is her own turn. Cruelly does the man grab her hair and easily slides the blade of his sword through her throat. The young boy could only helplessly watch as she pleads to him to continue his life until her own is silence with another thrust from the blade. Eagerly, the marauders turn to him...

Ripping flesh slashes the already tainted air and a gasp rises from the crowd of fighters. Soon none are left, but a man wiping his blood-stained blade. The young boy, Shinta could only stare.

The man continues his seemingly endless journey and comes upon mounds of graves from which crude, wooden crosses protrude. In their midst lay three rocks and the young boy looking on, his hands dirtied by his work, yet wisdom still on his lips. Finding that the young boy was an orphan adopted by the band of travelers, Soujiro Hiko bestows the young boy with a swordsman's name and appoints the young boy as his pupil.

After years of training in the art of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Kenshin defies his master in the hopes of creating a peaceful era for the people with the use of his sword. However, his principles conflict with his methods as he becomes drawn into the art of murder...