Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 12: The Great Kyoto Fire

るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #12

by Nobuhiro Watsuki

Action, romance, and historical intrigue help make Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin, the tale of a wandering swordsman set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, one of the most popular Shonen Jump titles among fans to date. Himura Kenshin, once an assassin (or hitokiri ) of ferocious power, now fights to protect the honor of those in need.

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, Historical, Fiction, Shonen

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2011

About the author

Watsuki Nobuhiro (和月伸宏) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for his samurai-themed series Rurouni Kenshin. He once worked as an assistant for his favorite author Takeshi Obata.

Reviews

[Nicolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume, Shishio revealed the scope of his plan to seize power in Meiji Era Japan. Kyoto would burn as a cover for his planned assassinations, in an ironic twist to the events that lead to fall of the last Tokugawa shogun and his own burns suffered at the hands of his former masters. Burning Kyoto was feint, to hide his real attack, a naval bombardment of Tokyo from his own steampowered "black ship", aptly named Rengoku or Purgatory.

Having a battleship was a major weapon at your disposal. It probably blew readers' minds who were expecting a direct confrontation with swords. This story isn't afraid to turn it up a notch and in the proper historical context too.

Kenshin's master, Hiko wore a cape that was inspired by another American comic book. This time, it's Todd McFarlane's Spawn. Looking back, the homage was so obvious I couldn't believe I never noticed it until now.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my gosh. 😱😱😱 What was that?! It was amazing!

Seeing Kenshin’s past and his real, true struggles deep inside that make him snap back to his assassin side were so powerful and raw and I felt it so deeply and just…wow. I didn’t know I could love Kenshin even more than I already did but somehow that has been surpassed after this volume! Like at the end he’s clearly still the Kenshin we first met and yet he has this air of confidence about him that he didn’t have before, and I’m just in awe of the masterful storytelling here and proud of Kenshin for finally moving a step forward in the right direction for him to finally heal.

Everyone comes together and has a role to play in stopping Mr Mummy Wraps’ first attack and I actually feel as if I’m warming up a bit to Saito??? Like what is happening?!?! I don’t like this guy so why do I almost feel like I’m starting to? 😂 And the way it ends…creepy!!! And NOT a good omen for our heroes. 😬

This story keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to get the next few volumes from the library and continue on this journey!


‼️Content‼️

Language: hell (as a place); dammit; screw up

Violence: fighting with weapons and hand to hand (PG-13 to R); injuries and blood (PG-13 to R); a man kicks another’s head; a man stabs through a carriage roof to poke another; a man punches another; heads and limbs are chopped off (R); attempted arson; part of a ship is blown up

Sexual: a woman wears a very low cut dress

Drugs/Alcohol: characters drink and one woman gets a little drunk; men smoke

Other: a child was held by slavers (only mentioned)

[Iman Danial Hakim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saya sedang dalam marathon menghabiskan siri manga Samurai ini. Dulu pernah disiarkan di tv3 (ke NTV7) sewaktu saya kecil.

Mujurlah bang Perewa membenarkan komik sebagai salah satu bacaan untuk Cabaran Bacaan 32 Buku. Banyak juga, ada dekat 28 naskhah yang menghimpunkan kesemua siri Rurouni Kenshin.

[AllBookedUp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never underestimate you opponent.

Kenshin has to overcome his biggest obstacle as he prepares fire a showdown with Shishio Makito. Kenshin‘s Master, Hiro Seijuro must make Kenshin unlock it and face it. Only then will Kenshin possibly defeat Shishio Makito.

As Kenshin‘s final test, not only must he discover the secret to defeat Shishio Makito, Kenshin will have to fight against his Master but only one of them will live.

Exciting story. Drawings are stellar but at times, it’s hard for me to follow the drawings to figure out what’s happening.

[Omar Villafane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find it or die with the flow ♾️

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume kicks off with Chapter 94: The beginning of the instruction.

Kenshin is finishing his training with his Master. The master is crazy buff like Arnold in his body-building days. Lol.

I'll write more when editing mode hits me.
Have fun reading!
Ta-ta Pretties!

[Karl Marberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistible! Packed with fast-paced action and awesome characters. The series proves itself to be a must read for all manga readers.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 12 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (94–102) of the on-going manga series.

Himura Kenshin trains with Hiko Seijūrō, but finds himself unable to master the final technique. Hiko gives Kenshin one night to prepare, warning him that if he cannot find what is missing in himself, it will be his final duty as Kenshin's master to end his life. The next day, Hiko attacks Kenshin and in the process, Kenshin learns the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki. He also discovers that the passing of this final technique usually costs the life of the master, but due to the reverse-blade sword, Hiko is only wounded and makes a full recovery.

Kenshin then returns to Kyoto, where he meets Saitō Hajime and Sagara Sanosuke. Learning that Shishio Makoto plans to burn Kyoto, Kenshin realizes that the fire is just a distraction. Shishio's real objective is to escape from Kyoto in his battleship, Rengoku, in order to attack the Meiji government.

While Kenshin, Saitō and Sanosuke head out to stop Shishio, the Oniwabanshū issue warnings all over Kyoto about the plan to burn the city. Although Sadojima Hōji dismisses Sanosuke as a street thug of no importance, Sano is the one who destroys the Rengoku with bombs supplied by Tsukioka Tsunan. Shishio then realizes he must defeat Kenshin, Saitō and Sanosuke before he can attempt to take over Japan, and challenges them to a fight on Mount Hiei.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The Kyoto arc continues as Himura Kenshin finally learns the secret behind the final technique and learns of the true motives of Shishio Makoto – as burning Kyoto was just a ruse to let him escape on his battleship and destroy the Meiji government that way. Shishio learns that in order to rule Japan, he has to get through Himura Kenshin, Saitō Hajime, and Saguara Sanosuke and challenge them to combat.

All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 12 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenshin is in intense training with his master to learn the most powerful technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi style. (I would have never known how to pronounce that correctly had I not seen the anime years ago.) There is some cool (at least to me) flashbacks to the early years of Kenshin which to me is pretty awesome. Also, the Ten Swords arrive in Kyoto and the countdown until the execution of the dastardly plan. And make no mistake…the plan goes into action in this volume! That is in my opinion what makes this such a good one! So much to unpack with action and suspense. This volume truly gave the reader a handful of moments and didn’t drag it out. This could have been the end of a series, or at least a prelude, but you can tell there is a great many more volumes of adventures that await the fans…and that alone is reason to rejoice.

[M.D. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, so given that Manga is more of an ongoing story split into arcs that are in no way split up between volumes. I'm going to be reviewing story arc by story arc. This will then be copy and pasted throughout all of the 28 Volumes of the Manga. Also, let's get this out of the way. This is 1. A Reread and 2. Spoiler Warning I won't be directly recapping, but I will use points to describe my thoughts and feelings.

Tokyo Arc - Acts/Chapters 1-47 - Rating: 8/10
-A great start for a historical fiction. A bit on the nose, but I generally find with historical fictions you have to pretend that no one knows what time period you're talking about so it's nearly unavoidable.
-Great character work. Each Character introduced in Kenshin's gang are examples of how the war has hurt these people. This reflects on Kenshin as he was a key figure in the war that caused all these people that he growing to love, pain. Whether it's Yahiko who lost his parents to draft of war. Or Sanosuke who joined the rebellion and through political means lost his captain and the person he admired most. Or even Kaoru, who attempts to run a dojo in a time when Swords are forbidden by the government. All of these are monumental in Kenshin's redemption from the wrongs he has committed.
-My issue is moreso in how these conflicts come up. They seem very much villain of the week story. And most Shonens are when they initially start and I understand that. Some do it great. (Yu Yu hakusho) some do it terribly (Reborn) I think RuroKen does it OKAY. There are a lot of conveniences and Kenshin is the type of character who can nearly fix everything at any point because he's Kenshin and he outclasses the people they face.
-This arc is really split into 4 mini arcs. Beginning 6/10. Sanosuke Arc 9/10. Jin-E Arc 7/10. Oniwanbanshu arc 10/10

The Kyoto Arc - Acts/Chapters 48-151 - Rating: 9/10
-Phenomenal Arc. Kenshin must tackle with the concept of whether he can keep his oath against a man who is arguably his better. The man who replaced him as Hitokiri. Shishio Makota.
-The jupponganta, the villain group of this ark are all well designed and each one makes perfect sense why they would follow Shisho. Whether they love, respect or just want to kill him. Each one feels like a tough nit group. As for Shishio himself. He's one of those cool villains. I understand why he is and why he's so charismatic. But as far as being an actual villain. He doesn't do much. I think that's to his benefit. His whole concept is realistic in terms of, he has a time limit to how long he can fight. Which is why he created the jupponganta. But that doesn't make him still do so little in the story besides sit and wait for Kenshin to show up. My only real gripe.
-Kenshin conquers all of his fears and redeems himself completely towards the government by stopping the man that replaced him. Mastering Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and finally allowing his friends to help him. It's a profound and beautiful arc that makes Kenshins character shine.

Jinchu Arc - Acts/Chapters 152-255 - Rating: 7/10
-Where in the last arc we saw Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of the government. This is the arc where we see Kenshin redeem himself in the eyes of himself. When his Brother in law returns from China and threatens his friends and everyone he's grown to care for over the last 151 chapters Kenshin struggles with the reality of what murdering his late wife has become of Enishi.
-To me, there are three chunks, but they all work towards the same goal. The beginning.(7/10) The Flashback. (9/10) The End (5/10)
-The flashback is the strongest part of this. It was the missing piece in Kenshin's character and it really helps us figure out how and why he became who he became. He smiles constantly because his late wife wanted him to smile more. It's so sweet and tragic.
-However, the actual arc collects a bunch of random riff raffs to challenge Kenshin and his group of friends that also kinda have "beef" with him. But this and the end were pretty much the weak parts of this arc to me. The one dudes whole problem was that he got his hand cut off....and Kenshin DIDN'T kill him so...he decided to lose his whale-like mind and join a terrorist group. Two of the others had people they loved died. Who weren't good dudes btw, they were villains. But still...revenge. The other guy had some kind of clan responsibility but when he was defeated Kenshin just told him to go back to his family so it really wasn't an issue. And the final guy...well he didn't even have a beef. He just wanted to test out his mega unrealistic puppets. I'm talking Naruto unrealistic for a historical fiction.
-But all of those dudes at least had reasons. The villains in the final part were all just throw away villains that even Watsuki reveals himself were just throwaways. They aren't too compelling and giving the characters we have grown to love a final fight may have been appreciated by me the initial go. (because I was 14) I just found myself not caring whatsoever about these fights that lasted a whole volume by themselves upon rereading.

Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a fantastic historical fiction centered around fantastic real life historical individuals. It's ability to write honest, true characters of the time period makes me remember them and I truly found so much more good in this series with the reread. The biggest issues this series has is staying consistent and opting to expose it's lack of authenticity for grenade launchers. Overall 8/10

[Febyan Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awal sebuah pertempuran besar.Oniwabanshu berhasil mencegah kebakaran di Kyoto.Dan Rengoku berhasil ditenggelamkan.Pertempuran babak pertama berhasil dimenangkan Kenshin.Tapi apa yg terjadi di Kyoto masih samar-samar.
Humor dan laganya seimbang.Guru Kenshin yg nyentrik ini juga memiliki kejenakaan tersendiri.Cara Saito membully Sano juga lucu.

[Scott Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenshin, Sano, and Saito discover Sishio's true goal and, leaving Kyoto in the hands of the remaining Oniwabanshu, head to Tokyo to confront Sishio directly. Sishio's influence and resources are revealed to be far more than the reader has been led to believe, but Kenshin, Sano--now proven a valid companion and threat--and Saito prove enough to stop Sishio's opening gambit.

[Harumichi Mizuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ini perasaanku saja atau memang cerita versi komiknya jauh lebih simple daripada cerita versi anime dan film ya?

Kapal bajanya Shishio langsung tenggelam begitu saja setelah dibom sama Sanosuke. Jadi, akhirnya mereka tempurnya di darat ya?

[Nathália · Rating 5 out of 5]

quem chorei com kenshin quando ainda era shinta?
pois é

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a guilty pleasure re-read of the series alongside my regular GR challenge. I’ve loved Rurouni Kenshin since I was a kid, and it makes me happy to dive back into this series.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rurouni Kenshin is one of my favorite animes and manga. Quite enjoyable.

[Ευθυμία Δεσποτάκη · Rating 3 out of 5]

Δεν την παλεύω με τον μάστερ του Κένσιν πχια.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like that fire part so much, but the beginning of this volume was really good.

[Mourning_elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seijuro Hiko nya ternyata badannya begituu haha. Ku macam pembaca cewek yg dijabarkan Watsuki setelah liat Hiko 😆

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot how very sloooow this series is. Practically nothing happened this volume, though the reader is inundated with historical facts.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm not much of a fan of training arcs at this point, but I'm glad the climax of this arc is finally underway, or at least so it seems. The highlight of this volume has to be the awareness of how Sanosuke is so out of his league. It's nice having him as an underdog, and one that proves his worth outside of just beating people up. I also have mixed feelings on Hiko Seijuro. Cool dude, but idk how I feel about Kenshin's teacher being kind of a goofy selfish a-hole. Regardless, let's keep the action going!
Onto volume 13!

[James De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume gets a 5 mainly due to the Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameku. But we also see Sano’s training has paid off when Saito, Kenshin, and him go against the Rengoku battleship.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 12 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and company on it looking cool. It is the twelfth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first eleven in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- As Kenshin continues his re-education at the hand of his master in Hiten Mitsurugi, Hiko Seijûrô, he looks back also to the first, early years of that training...including the moment in his life in which he changed his name to "Kenshin." Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Juppongatana , or "Ten Swords," arrive in Kyoto, while the first phase of Shishio Makoto's plan for Japan finally gets underway. While Misao and the Oniwabanshu plan how best to pool their resources to stop Shishio from setting Kyoto ablaze, Kenshin, Sano, and Saitô--now reunited--must consider their own next course of action.


Review- This volume finishing dealing with Hiko Seijûrô and Kenshin finishes his training. Shishio makes his first move to try and burn Kyoko and bomb Tokyo. But because of Misao and her spies that fails. Because Kenshin can think like Shishio, Tokyo is safe. No sign of Aoshi anywhere but everyone else is present for the drama. The fighting in this volume is mostly between Kenshin and his master as they finish. We get to see some of Kenshin's childhood. How him and Hiko Seijûrô met and why Hiko Seijûrô choose to take Kenshin as his apprentice. But there will be more Drama Ahead!


I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this volume.

Kenshin learns the Hiten Mitsurugi move from his master and we get to see a little glimps into their history. I liked learning about Kenshin's past and some of his master's stories. I thought their chemistry was very strong and it came across on paper.

Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao remain in Kyoto and are in charge of preventing the fires. Shishio, we find out, is going to burn Kyoto down, but as a distraction to he can destroy Tokyo. So Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Hajime all travel to where Shishio is launching his ship to stop him. Right when we think we will have a big battle, Sanosuke takes down the ship singlehandedly. It made me laugh!

Kenshin and Shishio set up a time and place for their battle and I hope it's in the next volume. I don't have volume 14 from the library yet, so I will have one heck of a cliffhanger coming up. Boo!

[Veronica Ika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mastering the Unmasterable
Kenshin trains tirelessly with Hiko, his master, but struggles to grasp the final technique. With a looming ultimatum, Kenshin faces a life-or-death challenge to unlock the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki, realizing its deadly cost.

Unveiling Shishio's Scheme
Returning to Kyoto, Kenshin learns of Shishio's true plan to attack the Meiji government, using the city's chaos as a distraction. With Saitō and Sanosuke by his side, Kenshin races against time to thwart Shishio's ambitions.

The Ultimate Showdown
Shishio, realizing the threat Kenshin poses, challenges him, Saitō, and Sanosuke to a final battle on Mount Hiei. As tensions escalate and loyalties are tested, Kenshin and his allies prepare for the ultimate confrontation that will determine the fate of Japan.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of the end of the "training montage" and the beginning of the villain's first major offensive. Given the historical and cultural implications of the plot, an interesting and intriguing story.

While it's not the true story of Meiji Japan, [author:Nobuhiro Watsuki[ clearly understands the period well.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this an action packed series, but it was also full of great historical information. I learned so much about Japan's history by reading this series. Watsuki managed to throw in a nice amount of romance as well. All in all, it was a great fun read that kept me wanting more.

[Putri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sayang banget!
Aku nggak baca komiknya dari nomor pertama!

Aku tahu cerita ini dari televisi, daaan... Lucu banget liat si Battousai jadi pengembara biasa begitu.

Komik ini (meski bukan buku pelajaran) memberi pelajaran yang dalaaaam banget maknanya. Apapun akan dilakukan demi...

[Nicolás Pinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finalizado el entrenamiento de Kenshin (qué gran personaje resultó ser el 13vo Seijūro Hiko), cancelado el plan contra Seishi por parte de Kenshin y amigos, se viene the final battle contra el boss y sus esbirros.

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I think this one deserves six stars if I've been giving the others all five. I really liked the way the threads started coming together here, and the reunion of Sanosuke and Kenshin.