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The Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin Season 2

Every episode of Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin Season 2!

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 live, lurking in the shadows and waiting for a chance to use their killing blades again. Only Kenshin Himura, formerly one of the most brutal of killers, hopes to keep his swordsman's honor and still live in the new era.

Genres:Action & AdventureAnimationComedy
Network:Fuji TV

Season 2 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Rurouni Kenshin" season 2 is "Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near", rated 8.4/10 from 172 user votes. It was directed by N/A and written by N/A. "Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near" aired on 10/30/1996 and is rated 0.3 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!".

  • Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
    8.4/10 172 votes

    #1 - 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

  • Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
    8.7/10 188 votes

    #2 - 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

  • A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
    9.0/10 230 votes

    #3 - 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

  • A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
    8.7/10 183 votes

    #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

  • Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice
    8.0/10 145 votes

    #5 - Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 12/4/1996

    Following Kenshin's departure from the dojo, everyone, and especially Kaoru, are sad at being left behind. And while Saito tries to dissuade Sanosuke from following him, Megumi sends Kaoru to deliver some medicine that will aid in Kenshin's fight .

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict
    7.8/10 142 votes

    #6 - For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict

    Season 2 Episode 6 - Aired 12/11/1996

    In the wake of Kenshin's departure, everyone at the dojo is anxious to join the battle against Shishio. With Sanosuke, Kaoru and Yahiko in pursuit, Kenshin encounters Misao, a young girl who also happens to be a clever thief.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side
    7.7/10 147 votes

    #7 - The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side

    Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 1/8/1997

    After befriending Misao, Kenshin insists that she return the money she's stolen before letting her accompany him on his quest to stop Shishio.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands
    8.0/10 145 votes

    #8 - Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands

    Season 2 Episode 8 - Aired 1/15/1997

    When he and Misao come across a village terrorized by forces loyal to Shishio, Kenshin enlists Saito to help liberate it from the evil gang.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
    8.3/10 150 votes

    #9 - 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

  • Shock! The Reverse-Blade is Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
    8.3/10 144 votes

    #10 - 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

  • Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji the Destroyer
    8.1/10 141 votes

    #11 - 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

  • The Creator of the Reverse-Blade Sword: Shakku Arai's Final Swing
    7.9/10 139 votes

    #12 - The Creator of the Reverse-Blade Sword: Shakku Arai's Final Swing

    Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 2/12/1997

    As the showdown with Shishio approaches, Misao finds someone who could produce the sword Kenshin needs, only to be is disappointed when Shakkuu Arai refuses.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
    8.2/10 152 votes

    #13 - 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

  • The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko
    8.1/10 143 votes

    #14 - 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

  • The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio
    8.2/10 139 votes

    #15 - 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

  • Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
    8.9/10 204 votes

    #16 - 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

  • A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop Juppongatana
    8.0/10 139 votes

    #17 - A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop Juppongatana

    Season 2 Episode 17 - Aired 3/19/1997

    While waiting in jail, Sanosuke learns of Shishio's plan to overthrow the government by recruiting a deadly band of Samurai, including the blind warrior Usui, to defeat Kenshin and Saito.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!
    7.8/10 136 votes

    #18 - As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!

    Season 2 Episode 18 - Aired 4/16/1997

    Reunited with Sanosuke, Kenshin lays plans to stop Shishio from burning Tokyo to create the confusion he needs to overthrow the government. But Shishio harbors a surprise with his newest weapon, an ironclad battleship hidden inside another.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio
    8.0/10 136 votes

    #19 - Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio

    Season 2 Episode 19 - Aired 4/23/1997

    After Kenshin, Saito and Sanosuke destroy his battleship, Shishio issues his challenge for a final confrontation. And following Misao's defeat of the blind Samurai, Usui, Kenshin vows to spare the life of her mentor, Aoshi.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
    8.2/10 138 votes

    #20 - 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

  • Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
    8.6/10 153 votes

    #21 - 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

  • The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
    8.3/10 139 votes

    #22 - 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

  • The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
    8.1/10 137 votes

    #23 - 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

  • Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
    8.2/10 135 votes

    #24 - 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

  • To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya
    7.7/10 132 votes

    #25 - To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya

    Season 2 Episode 25 - Aired 6/18/1997

    After Yahiko's fighting skills are stretched to the limit during his defeat of Shishio's warrior, it's now up to Kaoru to enter a battle of her own.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A