Episode 5: The Reverse Blade Sword Vs the Zanbatou or Beyond the Battle

Brohoof's: 4.9/5 Content Rating: Filly

Early in the morning Kenshin is caught doing the laundry. As Yahiko and Kaoru confront the hero about facing the fighter for hire, he ponders the reason that his opponent has so much hate. Sanoske, meanwhile, reflects on his past, to prepare. From a short flashback, we learn that Sanoske's mentor was the captain of a group supposedly fighting for peace. The memory is quickly interrupted bu the presence of Gohei. Angered by the way Gohei was sneaking, Sanoske leaves. Dr. Gensai, comes to visit the dojo with his granddaughters. While Kenshin and the girls play, the doctor exchanges the rumors he has heard of Zanza. According to Gensai, Sanoske was one of the original Sekihoutai. The Sekihoutai were a first line army, but what the government told the public, and the Sekihoutai were saying were in conflict. Having believed to have mislead commoners they were executed. Little Ayame and Suzume (Gensai's granddaughters) return to the dojo without Kenshin. When asked where the swordsman went, the pair answer with Sanoske. Yahiko and Karou rush to stop the fight. They find the couple dueling on the edge of the river. Locked in battle, Yahiko and Kaoru are forced to sit this battle out. Finally, as Kenshin seems to win the battle the flashback picks back up. We find out that the Sekihoutai were used as a sacrificial lamb when the government could no longer hold up it's promises. Sanoske had to watch as the entire group of friends and comrades were murdered. Muttering words under his breath, we return to the battle between Kenshin and Sano(ske). suddenly, Gohei jumps out of the bushes and shoots at Kenshin. The bullet is deflected with the reverse blade sword. Still using the element of surprise, Gohei grabs Yahiko and Kaoru, and threatens to kill if kenshin moves. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Zanbatou strikes Gohei in the leg. With Gohei out of the way, the group exchange a lil' dialogue and the battle gets underway. Kenshin destroys the Zanbatou, and does his preaching. Defeated in body, and soul at ease, Sano finally falls. Another day, Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko visit Akabeko and meet Sano again. No longer a fighter for hire, the group gain another comrade, for their next adventure.