A Duel With an Extreme Moment: Shuntensatsu VS. Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki (極限の勝負! 瞬天殺対天翔龍閃 Kyokugen no Shōbu! Shuntensatsu Tai Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki) is the 56th episode of the Rurouni Kenshin 1996 anime.
Synopsis[]
Seta Sōjirō, the young man known as the Tenken of the Jūppongatana, with a speed able to cover the earth in a flash and whose heart is unfettered by emotion, now begins to waver amongst a man whose ideals clash with his own! As the duel in the Room Without Space begins to near its end, the mysteries behind the two speeds like divine power, the Shukuchi and the Shinsoku, will now reveal themselves and collide in a decisive strike. What will be the outcome of this match between the two quickest swordsmen? And where are Shinomori Aoshi and Saitō Hajime while this fight is happening?
Plot[]
Sōjirō getting ready to use his strongest technique
After missing one of his attacks, Sōjirō finds himself at the end of Kenshin's Sakabatō. From what Kenshin heard Sōjirō mention, he tells the boy that deep inside, there's a part of him that regrets what he's done in the past. What Kenshin suggests is that Sōjirō change his life and forget everything that has been done. Suddenly, emotions and thoughts run through Sōjirō, breaking him down. Sōjirō has snapped, and once he's finished through his fit, he looks with angry eyes at Kenshin, swearing to kill him with his next stroke.
Kenshin and Sōjirō about to use their final attacks
Sōjirō tells Kenshin he will finish him off with a technique known as the Shun Ten Satsu (Blinking Heaven Kill), a technique where Sōjirō combines his Shukuchi and Battōjutsu. Kenshin prepares himself in a Battōjutsu stance. When Sōjirō accelerates, the hit that will decide the match has begun. However, in the blink of an eye, the battle is finished. Kenshin manages to hit Sōjirō with the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (Flash of the Heavenly Flying Dragon) thanks to the previous crack the Sakabatō made to Sōjirō's sword, and that made a weak point that allowed Kenshin's ōgi to overcome the clash of the Shinsoku-speed techniques.
Aoshi barely standing on foot after his own fight
When Sōjirō wakes up, he is tended to by Yumi. At last, Sōjirō has seen the light; he knows what Kenshin means and takes his advice about atoning for his wrongs. However, there is no time to waste with Sōjirō; Kenshin and Sanosuke hurry off to Shishio's room. Meanwhile, at Hōji's room Aoshi tries to walk out, when Saitō appears and tells him about the state of the fights, and thanks Aoshi for weakening Kenshin, so Saitō has been able to move in the shadows while everyone was distracted in the duels. Saitō also tells Aoshi his master plan: If both Shishio and Kenshin get severely wounded after their fight, Saitō himself will be able to defeat both of them.
Sōjirō crying before leaving Shishio's faction
Back at the Room without Space, Sojiro is still too weak to stand up. With Kenshn and Sanosuke gone towards Shishio, Sōjirō informs Yumi of a secret passage that'll take her directly to Shishio's room in no time. And also, Sōjirō asks Yumi to tell and give Shishio something. Sōjirō reveals the power of Kenshin's Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki; the swing all depends on Kenshin's left leg, since that is the leg he leads with instead of the usual right when executing a Battōjutsu. Using what's left of his strength, Sōjirō trudges into another room and asks Yumi to give Shishio the wakizashi he gave him ten years ago when he was about to be killed by his relatives. Both the information and the wakizashi are good-bye presents.
A badly wounded Kenshin struggling to keep running
Shishio becomes enraged when he hears of Sōjirō's departure from Yumi. Nevertheless, Shishio claims that he will bring down Kenshin once and for all. Shishio departs with Hōji to his arena and Yumi greets Kenshin and Sano when they arrive with such a spectacular entrance, thanks to Sanosuke. Sano is prepared to do battle, but Kenshin asks his friend to stay out. Kenshin is dripping blood, however. Knowing that he's been through two big battles and is tired, Yumi offers Kenshin and Sanosuke a chance to leave; the catch is that they must never interfere in Shishio's plans again. Kenshin doesn't take the offer, even though he knows that Yumi is the one who fears for Shishio's life. With that said, Yumi takes Kenshin and Sanosuke up to Shishio's arena. Sano knows that he can't interfere, but if Kenshin's life is in danger, he'll save him even if he was asked not to. The doors of Shishio's arena are opened, revealing a large platform with fire surrounding it. In the center awaits Shishio Makoto, prepared to battle with Himura Kenshin.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Himura Kenshin
- Sagara Sanosuke
- Komagata Yumi
- Seta Sōjirō
- Shinomori Aoshi
- Saitō Hajime
- Shishio Makoto
- Sadojima Hōji
Anime Notes[]
To be added
Trivia[]
- For the second time in this series, this episode uses a "widescreen effect" in certain scenes for dramatic purposes.
Gallery[]
