- 8.4/10174 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
- 8.8/10192 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
- 9.0/10235 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
- 8.7/10188 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
- 8.0/10144 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
- 7.8/10141 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
- 7.7/10147 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
- 8.0/10145 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
- 8.3/10150 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
- 8.3/10144 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
- 8.1/10141 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
- 7.9/10138 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
- 8.2/10153 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
- 8.1/10142 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
- 8.2/10138 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
- 8.9/10208 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
- 8.0/10138 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
- 7.8/10135 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
- 8.0/10135 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
- 8.2/10139 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
- 8.6/10155 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
- 8.4/10142 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
- 8.1/10138 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
- 8.2/10137 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
- 7.7/10133 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
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...
Genres:Action & AdventureAnimationComedy
Network:Fuji TV
Season 2 Ratings Summary
"Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near" is the best rated episode of "Rurouni Kenshin" season 2. It scored 8.4/10 based on 174 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/30/1996. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!".