The Age Chooses Shishio? Kenshin's Biggest Crisis (時代は志々雄を選ぶのか? 剣心最大の危機! Jidai wa Shishio o Erabu no ka? Kenshin Saidai no Kiki!) is the 58th episode of the Rurouni Kenshin 1996 anime.
Synopsis[]
Kenshin is unable to gain any upper hand in the duel between him and his vicious successor. As the duel goes on, his already wounded body takes on more than it should and gives out quickly to his pain. With Japan's only hope now down, uncertainty only reigns- Who is capable of continuing this awful struggle against the ambitious and power-hungry devil of flame and destruction known as Shishio? Who will get an advantage during the ferocious fight?
Plot[]
Shishio displaying fire all around because of the Homura Dama
Kenshin is slow to get up after being bitten by Shishio. The rurouni and Shishio exchange words of their philosophy. Of course, Kenshin states that he's fighting for those who wish to build their lives and pursue whatever they want, while Shishio explains that he must bring down the Meiji Government in order to prevent Japan from becoming a western colony. The battle resumes after much talk. Shishio creates a wall of fire around him and when Kenshin least expects it, grabs him by the neck. Slicing his glove, Shishio creates a big explosion that knocks out Kenshin.
Saitō attacking Shishio with the Gatotsu San Shiki
Gunpowder was soaked on Shishio's glove, allowing him to execute his Guren Kaina (Crimson Lotus Upper Arm) technique. Sanosuke becomes enraged as he sees Kenshin out cold on the ground, but busting out from behind closed doors comes Saitō. Saitō charges out with his Gatotsu and gets a direct hit at the forehead of Shishio. Even so, Shishio reveals that he has an iron bandanna equipped. After he was shot in the head by the Meiji Government, Shishio has decided never to make the same mistake again, thus, Saitō's chance to kill Shishio in one hit failed. Usui had wounded Saitō's legs, causing him to have a weaker thrust and charge than normal. However, Saitō's "mere" injuries won't stop him from battling with Shishio. Fighting for his own sense of justice: Aku, Soku, Zan (Slay Evil Immediately), Saitō and Shishio clash. Saitō uses every stance of his Gatotsu, even the zero stance, but he is defeated very easily by Shishio.
Sanosuke hitting Shishio with the Futae no Kiwami
With two of the most powerful men back in the Bakumatsu, Kenshin and Saitō, defeated Sanosuke curses Shishio out loud. Shishio turns his attention to the former gangster, surprised he's still present. Shishio does offer Sanosuke to leave, but of course, he refuses the offer. Sanosuke throws a punch, but his fist is caught by Shishio, who crushes it shortly after. When Sanosuke rebounds, he gets a punch in at Shishio's left cheek with his Futae no Kiwami (Mastery of Two Layers), shattering the bones in his fist. No damage is done. With one punch to the face, Shishio knocks Sanosuke out with Kenshin and Saitō.
Aoshi entering the arena to fight Shishio
An evil laughter is emitted from Shishio, who celebrates his victory over Kenshin, Saitō, and Sanosuke. Hōji joins in the celebration as well, heavily praising Shishio. Before he gets too happy, onto the fields walks the only remaining opponent for Shishio, Shinomori Aoshi. Shishio forgot all about his temporary partner who is now revived with a new personality. It all comes down to this fight, perhaps. With Kenshin out cold, showing barely any signs of life, Saitō lying in his own blood, and Sanosuke smashed into a wall, there is little hope for the side of good to prevail victorious.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Komagata Yumi
- Shishio Makoto
- Himura Kenshin
- Sagara Sanosuke
- Sadojima Hōji
- Shinomori Aoshi
- Seta Sōjirō
- Kamiya Kaoru
- Myōjin Yahiko
- Kashiwazaki Nenji
- Makimachi Misao
- Kurojō
- Shirojō
- Ōmime
- Masukami
- Takani Megumi
- Saitō Hajime
Anime Notes[]
To be added
Trivia[]
- Shishio comments on the fact that european countries are fighting in order to colonize other places on the Earth. While he says that there is a scene that shows the asian region and the colonies taken by the British, the French, the Dutch and the Spanish.
Gallery[]
