Toward a New Era is the two hundred fifty-fifth and last chapter of the original Rurouni Kenshin manga.
Synopsis[]
Himura Family + Yahiko
June 1882 - 15th Meiji Year, Yahiko is about to enter the Kamiya Dojo, but stops after hearing and finding Kenshin and Kaoru's son, Kenji, on the roof of the gate crying on the roof of the gate. Yahiko uses his bokken to bring Kenji down to safety, and for his good deed, he is rewarded with a sandal to the head by Kaoru thinking he scared her child. Even if the angered Yahiko were to explain the truth, Kaoru would ignore him anyway. She takes Kenji into her arms while Kenshin invites Yahiko inside.
To Yahiko's surprise, Kenshin immediately stands across from him and flips his scabbard around. Kaoru reminds her student that the today is Yahiko's fifteenth birthday, where warriors in the past were treated like men once they reached that age. Kenshin wishes to test Yahiko to see if he is worthy of being recognized as a man or if he still wishes to remain a child in a one hit duel. Yahiko is rather hesitant to take part of Kenshin's test, but the rurouni reminds him about all of the fights he saw and participated in, to remember everything that led up to where he is. With those words of encouragement, Yahiko stands tall, ready to strike.
Kaoru signals the start of the battle, which comes to an end rather quickly. Both Kenshin and Yahiko had hit each other at the same time, yet, it is Yahiko who falls. Kenshin commends Yahiko for his effort and holds out his Sakabatou to Yahiko. A bit shocked at the outcome, Yahiko refuses to accept such a great honor. Although he had lost the battle, what Kenshin was looking for was to see if Yahiko used all of his strength in his blow, and since he believes such was executed, he is willing to give away his old friend once and for all. Yahiko gladly accepts it. The Sakabatou is a bit heavy for him, but Kenshin promises it'll be lighter and perhaps in due time till the day Yahiko may surpass him. And so, the final person set off.
It had almost been like a part of him, but the life he is currently living makes up for the loss of his trustworthy companion. Slowly, the cross scar that had reminded him of the past is fading away, as well as the techniques he used to protect the innocent and those he loved. Even though he had given up his sword, Kenshin promises to keep fighting with the beliefs he always had. Kaoru, on the other hand, asks him to do one simple thing - rest for the time being.
Characters[]
Chapter Notes[]
The first page was originally released in color.