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.

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.

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.

While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.

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.

During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.

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.

A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As Kaoru and Yahiko continue tracking Kenshin, Sanosuke encounters a fallen Buddhist monk who offers to teach him some powerful fighting techniques.

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.

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.

Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.

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.

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.

As Kenshin is nursing the wounds sustained in his fight with Shishio, Kaoru prepares the Peace Force for their return home.

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 .