Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 5: The State of Meiji Swordsmanship
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 6: No Worries
| Writer | Nobuhiro Watsuki |
| Illustrator | Nobuhiro Watsuki |
| Published in English | 2004 (both volumes) |
| Publisher | Viz Media |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Age rating | Teen Plus |
To Be a Swordsman
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 5: The State of Meiji Swordsmanship collects Acts 31–39 and the sixth volume titled No Worries includes Acts 40–47 of the series and an End-of-Volume Special. They were both released in 1995 and translated into English in 2004. The shōnen manga is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The comic book can be labelled as martial-arts-oriented action and historical drama.
One story arc spans over the two volumes. A strong swordsman Isurugi Raijūta fights challenges in dojos and wants to establish his own school called Shiko-Ryū. A young boy Tsukayama Yutarō is his loyal follower whereas Kenshin cannot let Raijūta crush other practioners of swordfighting. There are also two extra stories: the first one sets Yahiko against a group of thugs while in the second tale an old friend of Sanosuke has developed a suspicious plot.
Change versus tradition, legacy, and honour are the primary themes in these comics. Two characters are tied to the Edo-era understandings: Yutarō holds on to the old ideals while Tsubame is forced to serve a shady man on the grounds of past hierarchies. Sanosuke’s friend Tsukioka cannot adopt to the new era because of his bitterness. These two books do not match the depth of the Oniwabanshū arc (Volumes 3&4), nevertheless, they provide meaningful story without as dark content. Yahiko gets his time to shine, displaying determination and courage as Kenshin does not interrupt when the boy faces hardships. However, the character work has a weakness: often the depiction of the heroes is implausible for their young age.
A compelling tale follows Yahiko as he cannot initially cope with his fight and his friends try to keep distance (as long as it is safe). Maekawa-Sensei, a master of a dojo is challenged by an unknown fighter. When the situation goes too far, the protagonist decides to face Isurugi Raijūta – the stranger – himself. Kenshin soon discovers his opponent strikes with his weapon in a dangerous way he cannot understand yet. However, Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū (the protagonist’s fighting style) also offers a technique we have not seen so far. Isurgi Raiyūta fights by vile means. However, the solution to this arc is unexpected and different, although on the other hand, the villain can finally feel weak despite his physical abilities.
The drawing style completely change for one act and though it looks impressive the action is difficult to follow at times. Otherwise, the visuals are clear. The illustrations are great in expressing characters’ strength. The comics also features spectacular designs, particularly the diverse clothing, including some interesting historic costumes.
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 5 and Vol. 6 explore thought-provoking themes and focus more on Kenshin’s friends Yahiko and Sanosuke. The plot is exciting without the same degree of violence the previous volumes had. All in all, the Raijūta Arc brings new and different content while fulfilling the expectations of fans.
Characters
Themes
Plot
Artwork
Content advisory
Erotic content: MODERATE
Kaoru is dressing, her legs are fully revealed and her butt is barely covered.
Kenshin is partially bare-chested.
Violence: CONSIDERABLE
Frequent fights, men are knocked out, some blood.
A character is strongly beaten up.
A character’s arm gets cut with a sword, blood is coming.
The End-of-Volume special is most violent (otherwise the violence level would be moderate): contains swordfight, several men are killed, a soldier is beheaded and his arm is cut off.
Profanity: SLIGHT
Words ‘ass’ and ‘pervert’ are used once.
A character shows middle finger.
Scary content: SLIGHT
Some scenes were characters are in great danger.
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking: SLIGHT
Characters are drinking, presumably alcoholic beverages.
A salesman is smoking.
Occult content: NONE
Leave a comment