One of the most iconic enemies to Kenshin, though short-lived, appears! Jin-e Udo, also known as Kurogasa (Black Hat), demands a battle against the hitokiri (assassin) of legend. Rurouni Kenshin has many legendary enemies, but few look as evil as Jin-e.
Episode 6 — Kurogasa
Rurouni Kenshin: Past and Present — Kurogasa Approaches
Rurouni Kenshin 2023 has a habit of ending an episode where the following one in the 1996 version begins. Case in point, Episode 5 ended with Jin-e killing a bunch of people in a manor. This scene was at the beginning of Episode 6 in 1996, whereas Episode 5 ended with Sanosuke walking off. This new version hates to let the tension fade after a conflict, with no chance to catch your breath.
Jin-e’s next target is Jusanro Tani, so Police Chief Uramura asks Kenshin for aid. The 2023 iteration plays out differently, wherein Mr. Tani boasts about his hired guard and his exploits during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin shows up and makes Mr. Tani show some respect with a few words. The 1996 version skips to the part where everyone waits for Jin-e to appear.
As an aside, the manor itself looks different. The walls are white in the 1996 version and have a more ornate design, whereas they’re wood-colored with a simple appearance in the new version.
Another scene in the 2023 version adds more to the episode. Sanosuke and Kenshin play a board game while talking about the current situation.
The 1996 version has its own better moment because we can see Jin-e approach the manor and cut down police and other security. The 2023 iteration only shows us downed police outside, and then Jin-e stands on a window sill. The action still picks up in the office, but the 1996 version shows the glowing outline of Jin-e’s sword technique, whereas the 2023 version doesn’t.
Rurouni Kenshin: Past and Present — After the Battle
Sanosuke’s arm was in a sling after his encounter with Jin-e in the newer version, which raises the stakes. There’s also a new scene where Kenshin explains the Nikaido Heiho style to Sanosuke as they walk down a dark street. He also gives a history lesson about Jin-e himself.
The most egregious change happens at the end when Jin-e captures Kaoru to antagonize Kenshin. You see, Kenshin changes color whenever he goes into his hitokiri mindset. It’s an iconic moment to tell the viewer that epic things are coming. That didn’t happen here. First, we lost Dr. Gensai and his granddaughters Ayame and Suzume, then we lost Kenshin calling out his sword techniques as he uses them. Now this.
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass
Fun times are had right at the start of the episode. Sanosuke complains about Kaoru’s cooking. In retaliation, Kaoru complains that he’s eating for free, then proceeds to throw things at him. Sanosuke, in turn, grabs Kenshin to use him as a human shield. Watch as Kenshin takes a fish to the face!
Sanosuke gets his own “Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass” moment. He decides to awaken Kaoru by stretching her mouth out, which makes Yahiko laugh. Kaoru hits the two of them with her kendo sword. Sanosuke could have blocked or dodged, but he didn’t. He took his lump, which was more severe in 1996 when Kaoru snapped her kendo sword on Sanosuke’s head like a champ.
Kaoru is incensed when Sanosuke delivers the news that Kenshin has gone to face Jin-e alone. She appears at the riverbank with such a malicious aura that Kenshin mistakes her presence for Jin-e. He even insists that she’s scarier.
Rurouni Kenshin Ep. 7: The Two Hitokiri
The next episode will pit Kenshin against Jin-e, two legendary hitokiri. One turned away from that blood-soaked life while the other eagerly embraced it. A battle of good versus evil.
Round six of our fantasy fights, as provided by the J-List shop, is the Ruler/Jeanne d’Arc POP UP PARADE Figure from the Fate series section. I think Kenshin would make a great Heroic Spirit.
What did you think of this week’s episode? Are you hyped to see Kenshin take on Jin-e next week? How do you feel about this new take on the Rurouni Kenshin anime so far? Let us know in the comments below.
