Rurouni Kenshin: Unmasking Battousai the Manslayer and the Path to Redemption
Introduction
“I’m not a man who is easily swayed by threats, or anything else for that matter. But… when I see a woman or child suffering, I want to help. Even if I risk being hurt.” These words, spoken by the wandering swordsman Kenshin Himura, belie a past steeped in blood and violence. Before he vowed to protect the innocent, he was Battousai the Manslayer, a figure of legend and terror whose name echoed through the battlefields of the Bakumatsu period. Rurouni Kenshin, the manga and anime sensation created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, isn’t just a tale of samurai action; it’s a profound exploration of redemption, the enduring power of guilt, and the struggle to reconcile a brutal past with a desire for a peaceful future. This article delves into the dark origins of Kenshin, dissecting his persona as the ruthless Battousai and examining how that violent history continues to shape his journey towards atonement. We’ll uncover the events that forged him into a killing machine, the scars that haunt his present, and the relentless effort he makes to atone for the blood on his hands.
The Legend Forged in Blood: The Making of Battousai
Before he was Kenshin Himura, the cheerful wanderer with a reverse-blade sword, he was simply Shinta, an orphan taken in by the master swordsman Hiko Seijuro. Hiko recognized a hidden potential within the boy and trained him in the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, a legendary sword style renowned for its speed, power, and devastating efficiency. It’s a style designed to end battles swiftly, often with lethal force. The Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, while undeniably powerful, also demands a strong will and moral compass to wield its techniques responsibly. The speed and strength offered by Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū made the wielder a formidable opponent, capable of taking down multiple enemies with ease, and even turning the tide of battles. Shinta changed his name to Kenshin when Hiko passed on the name to him, but at the time he had no clue he would have to use the full extent of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū.
The tumultuous backdrop of the Bakumatsu period, a time of political upheaval and civil war in Japan, thrust Kenshin into a world of violence and bloodshed. The Imperialists, seeking to overthrow the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate, desperately needed skilled assassins, and Kenshin’s mastery of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū made him the perfect weapon. He became Battousai, the “Manslayer,” a figure cloaked in shadow who moved with incredible speed, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. His name became synonymous with fear and death, whispered in hushed tones by both enemies and allies alike. In the chaotic streets of Kyoto and on the blood-soaked battlefields, Battousai quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He assassinated key figures, disrupted enemy plans, and turned the tide of crucial battles in favor of the Imperialist cause. One notorious event was the Fushimi incident, where Battousai single-handedly eliminated dozens of Shogunate loyalists, solidifying his reputation as a demon of the battlefield.
However, the path to becoming Battousai was paved with moral compromises and psychological trauma. He was still a young man, barely out of his teens, forced to make life-and-death decisions in a brutal and unforgiving environment. Each kill chipped away at his innocence, hardening his heart and desensitizing him to the suffering around him. The weight of his actions began to bear down on him, even as he continued to fight for what he believed was a just cause. One fateful encounter left a deep and lasting scar on him. The loss of Tomoe Yukishiro, a woman who briefly pierced through his hardened exterior and offered him a glimpse of love and peace, irrevocably changed him. Her death, witnessed by Kenshin, shattered his already fragile sense of self and served as a catalyst for his eventual decision to abandon the path of the assassin. This tragedy would ultimately lead him to his path of atonement.
Scars That Never Fade: The Psychological Burden of Battousai
The physical and emotional scars of Battousai‘s past are a constant reminder of the lives he took and the man he once was. The most visible of these scars is the distinctive cross-shaped mark on his left cheek. It’s not merely a battle wound; it’s a symbol of his guilt, remorse, and the enduring consequences of his actions. The scar has two origins. The first blade mark was made by Kiyosato Akira, a fallen samurai that lost to Kenshin when Kenshin was protecting Tomoe Yukishiro. The second, and final cross shape, was made by Tomoe right before she died, protecting Kenshin from an assassination attempt. These events caused much trauma to Kenshin.
The memories of his past as Battousai constantly haunt him. He experiences vivid flashbacks of the battles he fought, the faces of the people he killed, and the screams of the dying. These memories often manifest as nightmares, disrupting his sleep and leaving him shaken and disturbed. The psychological toll of his past actions is immense, and he struggles to reconcile the brutal acts he committed with his desire for a peaceful and fulfilling life. This internal conflict creates a constant tension within him, threatening to unravel the fragile peace he has worked so hard to achieve.
Perhaps the most unsettling manifestation of his past is the occasional reemergence of the Battousai persona. When faced with extreme threats or witnessing acts of injustice, a dark and primal instinct takes over, transforming him back into the ruthless killer he once was. His eyes narrow, his movements become lightning-fast, and his words take on a cold and menacing tone. The “Battousai switch,” as it is often referred to by fans, is a terrifying reminder of the violence that still lurks beneath the surface of his gentle exterior. Each time this transformation occurs, Kenshin is forced to confront the darkest aspects of himself, grappling with the fear that he might succumb to his violent impulses once again.
Atonement Through the Sakabato
Haunted by his past, Kenshin vowed never to kill again. As a promise to himself and to all those he had killed, he chose to wield a sakabato, a reverse-blade sword, a weapon specifically designed to inflict injury without taking a life. This unusual weapon is a physical manifestation of his commitment to non-violence and a constant reminder of the oath he has sworn. The sakabato becomes his symbol, his commitment to using his skills for good.
Despite his vow, Kenshin finds himself constantly drawn into conflicts, forced to defend the innocent from those who would prey upon them. He uses his skills to protect others, disarming opponents and subduing them without resorting to lethal force. This is where Kenshin’s skills are needed the most. In a world where violence is often the answer, Kenshin seeks a different path, using his sword to protect those that can’t protect themselves. He uses his sakabato to protect people at all costs.
His journey towards redemption is not a solitary one. His relationships with Kaoru Kamiya, the fiery and compassionate owner of a dojo; Sanosuke Sagara, a former soldier with a strong sense of justice; and Yahiko Myojin, a young boy who looks up to Kenshin as a role model, provide him with the support and understanding he needs to heal. They offer him a sense of belonging and purpose, helping him to confront his past and move forward. They each help him find what he needs to find peace. Kenshin seeks and finds forgiveness from them, and the strength to try and move on. He seeks peace and forgiveness for himself.
Battousai and Kenshin: A Battle Within
The fight between the Battousai and Kenshin is more than an internal battle. The past always threatens to consume him. The people around him are in constant danger because of his past. The enemies he faces often test him to see if they can bring back the Battousai. He is constantly on guard for those who would try to bring out his past self.
Kenshin’s past made him a master swordsman. He is able to use Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū to protect others, without killing. He has learned how to use his moves, and use the power of his stances, to disarm enemies. Kenshin doesn’t shy away from Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, instead he utilizes it to protect others.
Ultimately, Kenshin does not erase Battousai. He merges his past self, with his present self. While fighting, he has learned how to not kill, but protect instead. He is able to be kind and a wandering swordsman. He has found balance through the journey.
Legacy
Battousai, later Kenshin, has left a permanent mark on anime. He is a rare hero, an anti-hero, who does everything that he can to stop his violent past. The legacy that he has is that even those who have done bad things can always change. He sought peace, and was able to find balance for himself. He is one of the most beloved characters in anime, because he is relatable to those who are doing their best to become better people.
Conclusion
Rurouni Kenshin is not just a story about samurai and sword fights; it’s a poignant exploration of human nature, the consequences of violence, and the possibility of redemption. Kenshin Himura embodies the duality of man, the struggle between darkness and light, and the enduring power of hope. While Battousai the Manslayer represents the brutal and unforgiving side of humanity, Kenshin Himura embodies the potential for change, forgiveness, and the unwavering pursuit of peace. His journey is a testament to the fact that even those who have committed terrible acts can find redemption and that the scars of the past, though painful, can ultimately lead to a brighter future. The tale of Battousai will live on in the hearts of fans, and he serves as a reminder that anyone can seek forgiveness, and find redemption.
