The Meaning of the Name is the thirteenth chapter of the Rurouni Kenshin manga.
Synopsis[]
The fight between Kenshin and Jin-e continues, but now that the abilities of both swordsmen are much closer, and Kaoru is running out of time to live. On top of that, Jin-e uses a secret techniue to make himself stronger. Can Kenshin really defeat this new enemy to save Kaoru? Is he going to revert to his Battōsai persona and break his promise to never kill again?
Summary[]
Himura Kenshin says that the time for talk is over, and tells Udō Jin-e to approach so that he can kill him. Jin-e answers that this is a speech worthy of a hitokiri and responds by looking at his sword as if it was a mirror and using the Shin no Ippo on himself to make himself believe that he is the strongest (which actually makes him stronger).
Kenshin responds by sheathing his katana and adopting a Battōjutsu stance. Thinking that the reverse blade sword will slow down the battōsai's technique, Jin-e decides to charge, anticipating a slash that he dodges. He raises his weapon to strike down his opponent, declaring his victory, but his sword arm is then struck and broken by Kenshin's scabbard.
Kenshin reveals the name of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū technique he just used to defeat Jin-e. The results are gruesome from the technique Kenshin calls the "Sō Ryū Sen" (Twin Dragon Flash). Jin-e's elbow is broken and his tendon is severed. No longer can Jin'e use a sword properly. Kenshin declares that his enemy's life is over, and raises his katana to deliver the final blow.
Characters in order of Appearance[]
Chapter Notes[]
This chapter has several differences with other portrayals of the events of the story in different iterations of the franchise:
Differences with the 1996 anime[]
- There are practically no differences between the events of the anime episode and the manga.
Differences with Rurouni Kenshin: Origins[]
- In the manga the fight between Kenshin and Jin-e takes place at night. This is in contrast with the live action movie, where the fight takes place during the day.
Differences with Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration[]
To be added
Differences with the 2023 anime[]
- There are practically no differences between the events of the anime episode and the manga.
Trivia[]
- This manga chapter marks the first time Kenshin uses an actual Battōjutsu technique, which is stressed Kenshin himself when he points out that his mastery of the Battōjutsu is the root of his nickname "Battōsai".
Gallery[]
To be added