9.0/10231 votesLoading...#1 - A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 11/13/1996
After stopping a fatal battle with Hajime Saito, a top government official asks Kenshin's help in killing a shadowy assassin who's threatening the future of the regime.
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Writer: Michiru Shimada
8.9/10204 votesLoading...#2 - Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
Season 2 Episode 16 - Aired 3/12/1997
As Kenshin struggles to learn, Sijuro teaches him the most secret of his fighting techniques. And though Kenshin doesn't want to kill, it's inevitable if he is to beat Shishio. Meanwhile, Sanosuke is arrested during his search for Kenshin.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.8/10190 votesLoading...#3 - Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 11/6/1996
Saito sets a trap for Kenshin by enlisting another assassin in his plan. And once Kenshin repels the accomplice, he's left to take on his old rival.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.7/10185 votesLoading...#4 - A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 11/27/1996
While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Writer: Michiru Shimada
8.7/10166 votesLoading...#5 - The Man Who is Chosen for Victory
Season 2 Episode 33 - Aired 9/3/1997
Kenshin's final effort to win the ultimate battle ends with Shishio destroying himself. But in the wake of Kenshin's victory, Shishio's closest aide vows revenge.
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Writer: Yoshiyuki Suga
8.6/10152 votesLoading...#6 - Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
Season 2 Episode 21 - Aired 5/14/1997
During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.6/10149 votesLoading...#7 - The Age Chooses Shishio?
Season 2 Episode 31 - Aired 8/13/1997
In their long awaited battle, Kenshin and Shishio compare ideologies as well as fighting techniques. But once Shishio uses gunpowder to gain the upper hand, it looks like Kenshin is doomed.
Director: Akira Yoshimura
Writer: Yoshiyuki Suga
8.4/10172 votesLoading...#8 - Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 10/30/1996
A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.4/10138 votesLoading...#9 - The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
Season 2 Episode 22 - Aired 5/28/1997
In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio. And while Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao are preparing to defend themselves from an ambush, Kenshin readies for his fight against Aoshi.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.4/10146 votesLoading...#10 - The Tragedy of a Stormy Night
Season 2 Episode 28 - Aired 7/9/1997
In an effort to explain Souijuro's emotionless posture, Kenshin recalls how the young assassin was rescued from a life of slavery and then taught to fight by Shishio.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/10149 votesLoading...#11 - Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 1/22/1997
Leaving Misao behind, Kenshin and Saito make their way inside Shishio's fortress. Following a confrontation with one of his most powerful henchmen, Kenshin is ready to take on Shishio himself.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/10143 votesLoading...#12 - Shock! The Reverse-Blade is Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
Season 2 Episode 10 - Aired 1/29/1997
Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/10145 votesLoading...#13 - Not Out of Luck!
Season 2 Episode 32 - Aired 8/20/1997
As Aoshi tries to stop a takeover of the country, Kenshin poses Shishio with his greatest challenge. In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio.
Director: Koichi Chigira
Writer: Yoshiyuki Suga
8.2/10186 votesLoading...#14 - Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 4/24/1996
Kenshin defeats a local mob's most powerful fighter, only to then face a gang leader who's determined to spread powerful new guns across Japan.
Director: Takashi Kobayashi
Writer: N/A
8.2/10159 votesLoading...#15 - Midnight Battle: Kenshin versus Sanosuke Revisited
Season 1 Episode 24 - Aired 8/21/1996
Following a lavish party at the dojo, Sanosuke can no longer resist joining his old army troop's plot to punish the government. However, in an effort to stop them, Kenshin is forced to take on Sanosuke.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10152 votesLoading...#16 - A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
Season 2 Episode 13 - Aired 2/19/1997
After watching an unarmed Kenshin bravely defend himself, Shakkuu Arai's only chance at saving his own son is to deliver his father's final reverse edge sword.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10138 votesLoading...#17 - The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio
Season 2 Episode 15 - Aired 3/5/1997
Although Misao is excited by the return of her mentor and hero, she's stunned to discover that Aoshi has betrayed one of their closest friends.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10137 votesLoading...#18 - Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
Season 2 Episode 20 - Aired 4/30/1997
As Shishio prepares for battle, a henchmen suggests a plan to weaken Kenshin and his forces, ridding them of any opposition once and for all. As the moment of truth draws near, Sanosuke is pitted against Anji.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10135 votesLoading...#19 - Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
Season 2 Episode 24 - Aired 6/11/1997
Following his defeat by Kenshin, Aoshi vows to renounce Shishio. And while Shishio looks for clues to help in his impending fight with Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao fight to stay alive.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10136 votesLoading...#20 - Hiten versus Shukuchi
Season 2 Episode 27 - Aired 7/2/1997
As Sanosuke looks on, Kenshin goes to battle with Souijuro, the emotionless assassin responsible for breaking his sword. Though Shishio is confident of the young warrior's ability, Kenshin may be able to win without having to resort to killing.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10139 votesLoading...#21 - A Duel With an Extreme Moment
Season 2 Episode 29 - Aired 7/16/1997
In the face of Kenshin's probing questions, Souijuro's concentration is broken. In defeat, the young assassin returns his prized sword to Shishio, warning him of the danger that lays ahead.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10140 votesLoading...#22 - Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji the Destroyer
Season 2 Episode 11 - Aired 2/5/1997
As Kaoru and Yahiko continue tracking Kenshin, Sanosuke encounters a fallen Buddhist monk who offers to teach him some powerful fighting techniques.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10142 votesLoading...#23 - The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko
Season 2 Episode 14 - Aired 2/26/1997
To prepare for Shishio, Kenshin asks a former teacher to help him master the last of his fighting techniques. However, Kenshin is distracted when Kaoru and Yahiko finally catch up with him after their long journey.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10136 votesLoading...#24 - The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
Season 2 Episode 23 - Aired 6/4/1997
Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10140 votesLoading...#25 - The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair
Season 2 Episode 26 - Aired 6/25/1997
Despite the overwhelming odds, Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao continue to face warriors sent to eliminate them. But it's the arrival of Kenshin's teacher that turns the tide in their favor.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin
Every episode of Rurouni Kenshin ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin!
The Meiji Era was one of great renewal for Japan, where swords and killing were outlawed. However, many survivors from the time of Revolution still...
Genres:Action & AdventureAnimationComedy
Network:Fuji TV
Best Episodes Summary
"A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot" is the best rated episode of "Rurouni Kenshin". It scored 9/10 based on 231 votes. Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi and written by Michiru Shimada, it aired on 11/13/1996. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!".