Rurouni Kenshin: Season 2

1996 · 35 episodes · ★ 7.7

Legend of Kyoto

What Season 2 of Rurouni Kenshin

Kenshin begins to have dreams about his past as a warrior of the Ishin Shishi, and his old fight against the Shinsengumi weighs on him once again. Saitō, a former Shinsengumi captain, reappears, and old wounds reopen. Meanwhile, Makoto Shishio is making plans to conquer Japan, and Kenshin travels to Kyoto to stop him. Kaoru and Sanosuke decide to follow him, though they fear being a burden. Misao follows Kenshin, hoping to reach Aoshi, who wants to challenge him again to prove he is stronger. Kenshin also faces a difficult choice about whether he should kill again, and his own master refuses to take him back as a student.

35episodes

Oct 30, 1996aired

Sep 17, 1997last episode

14.6 hrtotal runtime

Season 2 Episodes

2x01 Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
Oct 30, 1996 · 25 min
A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.
2x02 Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
Nov 6, 1996 · 25 min
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.
2x03 A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
Nov 13, 1996 · 25 min
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.
Directing: Kazuhiro Furuhashi · Writing: Michiru Shimada · Starring: Yoshisada Sakaguchi
2x04 A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
Nov 27, 1996 · 25 min
While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.
Directing: Kazuhiro Furuhashi · Writing: Michiru Shimada · Starring: Yoshisada Sakaguchi
2x05 Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice
Dec 4, 1996 · 25 min
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 .
Starring: Yuri Shiratori
2x06 For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict
Dec 11, 1996 · 25 min
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.
2x07 The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side
Jan 8, 1997 · 25 min
After befriending Misao, Kenshin insists that she return the money she's stolen before letting her accompany him on his quest to stop Shishio.
2x08 Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands
Jan 15, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x09 Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
Jan 22, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x10 Shock! Reverse Blade Sword Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
Jan 29, 1997 · 25 min
Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.
2x11 Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji, the Destroyer
Feb 5, 1997 · 25 min
As Kaoru and Yahiko continue tracking Kenshin, Sanosuke encounters a fallen Buddhist monk who offers to teach him some powerful fighting techniques.
2x12 The Creator of the Reverse Blade: Shakku Arai's Final Swing
Feb 12, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Starring: Chieko Honda
2x13 A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
Feb 19, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Starring: Chieko Honda
2x14 The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko
Feb 26, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x15 The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio
Mar 5, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x16 Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
Mar 12, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x17 A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop, Juppongatana
Mar 19, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Starring: Junko Takeuchi
2x18 As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!
Apr 16, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x19 Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio
Apr 23, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x20 Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
Apr 30, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x21 Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
May 14, 1997 · 25 min
During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.
2x22 The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
May 28, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x23 The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
Jun 4, 1997 · 25 min
Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.
2x24 Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
Jun 11, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x25 To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya
Jun 18, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Starring: Junko Takeuchi
2x26 The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair
Jun 25, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x27 Hiten Versus Shukuchi: Sojiro's Inborn Talent
Jul 2, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x28 The Tragedy of a Stormy Night: Sojiro's Past
Jul 9, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x29 A Duel With an Extreme Moment: Shuntensatsu Versus Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki
Jul 16, 1997 · 25 min
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.
2x30 Two Men at the End of an Era: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Final Battle
Aug 6, 1997 · 25 min
As Kaoru and Yahiko anxiously await his return, a wounded but determined Kenshin arrives for his final showdown with Shishio, who is unwilling to have anyone stand in his way of controlling Japan's future.
Directing: Shinichiro Aoki · Writing: Yoshiyuki Suga
2x31 The Age Chooses Shishio? Kenshin's Greatest Crisis
Aug 13, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Directing: Akira Yoshimura · Writing: Yoshiyuki Suga
2x32 Not Out of Luck! The Revival of a Fighting Spirit
Aug 20, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Directing: Koichi Chigira · Writing: Yoshiyuki Suga
2x33 The Man Who is Chosen for Victory: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Finale
Sep 3, 1997 · 25 min
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.
Directing: Kazuhiro Furuhashi · Writing: Yoshiyuki Suga
2x34 The Juppongatana Who Remain: A Choice for Life
Sep 10, 1997 · 25 min
Following Shishio's defeat, his remaining allies put their fate in the hands of the government. While Kenshin is reunited with his Peace Force, the vanquished Shishio vows to take over Hell.
2x35 Kyoto, the Engraved Memory: Begin with a Wish Season Finale
Sep 17, 1997 · 25 min
As Kenshin is nursing the wounds sustained in his fight with Shishio, Kaoru prepares the Peace Force for their return home.