Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 26

るろうに剣心 [Rurōni Kenshin] #26

by Nobuhiro Watsuki

If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.

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

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 1999

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 3 out of 5]

If volume 25 was Yahiko's, this was surely Sano's spotlight story-arc. Sano didn't want to see his friend Kenshin in such state, so he departed for parts unknown. With Sano's poor sense of direction, little did he know that he would end back in his old hometown. Sano went back being a thug for hire and ended up facing his own father. His old village was under the thumb of a local yakuza and he may have took the wrong side.

I'm not sure how much of Watsuki was in these pages because the character designs was definitely done by Eiichiro Oda, who was at this moment of his career one of Watsuki's top assistants. Oda has already made his mark in this series with his design of Shishio's aide Hoji as acknowledged by Watsuki. A bomb containing the symbol of the Straw Hat pirates also made a cameo pre-One Piece.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 26 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (228–237) of the on-going manga series.

Sagara Sanosuke finds the village where he was born and is hired by Fudōsawa, a local yakuza, to beat up a villager who was opposing him. Sanosuke finds that this villager is in fact his father, Higashidani Kamishimoemon, who is living along with his two children who do not know that Sanosuke is their brother.

While discussing with his father, Sanosuke finds that the village is being tortured by Fudōsawa, who is supported by Tani Jūsanrō. After defeating Fudōsawa and all of his soldiers and beating up Tani, Sanosuke returns to Tokyo.

Once he is healed, Himura Kenshin and his friends go to Yukishiro Enishi's island to save Kamiya Kaoru. However, as they arrive to the island, the group is attacked by Enishi's partner, Woo Heishin.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The first two-thirds of the tankōbon centers on Sagara Sanosuke and explains much of his backstory as he meets up with his father and two siblings that does not know his relationship towards them as siblings. Together, they weed out the tyrannical hold of his hometown. The last third focuses on the recovery of Himura Kenshin and their rescue attempt to save Kamiya Kaoru from Yukishiro Enishi.

All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 26 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

super awesome. really sad it's coming to an end

[EvaN · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,85*
I loved the Sanosuke side story. ❤️

[Sofia Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting ready for an amazing fight!

[Harumichi Mizuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aku kaget, ternyata Sanosuke masih punya keluarga, ya 🤣 Dasar anak berandal. Dulu awal dia jadi ikut Komandan Sagara apa, sih? Kukira dia yatim piatu yang terus dirawat pasukan itu, loh. Dasar 😂

Di sini dia menyelamatkan desa kelahirannya dari pejabat dan mafia yang ingin memonopoli perdagangan ulat sutra. Rule of cool, sih. Melawan 200 orang sendirian? Huh! Padahal, guru bela diri mana pun pasti akan bilang kalau dikeroyok orang ya harus lari menyelamatkan diri 😂

Tapi sayang adik-adiknya enggak notice dia sampai akhir. Kira-kira adik lelakinya itu bakal muncul di dojo Kamiyakasshin waktu Hokkaido arc nggak, ya?

Misao menunjukkan kemampuan melempar tobikunai-nya. Dibantu Aoshi untuk menentukan arah, dia menghancurkan ranjau-ranjau laut yang dipasang anak buah Enishi untuk meledakkan perahu sekoci mereka. Ternyata tahu dasar rule of cool itu penting, ya. Biar bisa dapat pemecahan konflik seperti ini.

[Ευθυμία Δεσποτάκη · Rating 5 out of 5]

Αν και περίμενα να δω αυτή την ιστορία πολύ νωρίτερα, ήταν ένα πολύ ευχάριστο διάλειμμα σε σχέση με το συναισθηματικά έντονο τρέχον arc. Δεν ξεφεύγει από την πεπατημένη, αλλά μένεις και με την ικανοποίηση στο τέλος, πως ό,τι έγινε έχει αρχή μέση και τέλος, επιλογή και συνέπεια αυτής. Μπράβο, ρε Σανόσουκε και δεν σου το 'χα.

[Fugo Feedback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Por algún extraño motivo me sigo indignando cuando veo que el imbécil de "Deleted Member" que arrasó con miles de ediciones en castellano eliminó algún tomo que tenía. Este ya lo volví a subir, pero andá a saber cuántos quedarán deleteados todavía. ¿El manga? Ah, sí. Muy bueno, como la gran mayoría de los tomos de Kenshin. Muy simpática la familia de Sanosuke.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 26 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 185 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kaoru and Tomoe in the foreground with Kenshin and Enishi behind them. It is the twenty-sixth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-five 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- If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.


Review- Most of the volume is Sanosuke dealing with his past. He goes home to think about everything that happened with Kenshin and Kaoru. He gets hired to fight some old man who is in the way of the local bad guy. Sano wants to fight someone because that helps him work stuff out. But the old man is his father.Sano gets some nice character development. We get to see the family that he comes from and they are interesting themselves. Back to Tokyo, Kenshin wakes up because Tomoe smiled and spoke to him in a dream. He is finally ready to face Enishi and rescue Kaoru. Everyone is there for the showdown. The volume ends with Enishi's partner trying to steal his revenge from him. More fights, more drama, and more action 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,

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 26 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 185 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kaoru and Tomoe in the foreground with Kenshin and Enishi behind them. It is the twenty-sixth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-five 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- If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.

Review- Most of the volume is Sanosuke dealing with his past.  He goes home to think about everything that happened with Kenshin and Kaoru. He gets hired to fight some old man who is in the way of the local bad guy. Sano wants to fight someone because that helps him work stuff out. But the old man is his father.Sano gets some nice character development. We get to see the family that he comes from and they are interesting themselves. Back to Tokyo, Kenshin wakes up because Tomoe smiled and spoke to him in a dream. He is finally ready to face Enishi and rescue Kaoru. Everyone is there for the showdown. The volume ends with Enishi's partner trying to steal his revenge from him. More fights, more drama, and more action 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,

[Fangirling Pain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Sano, but, not gonna lie, I was kinda bored by this. In the middle of the action we took a detour. But we got to learn more about Sano's past, and also this is how he was dealing with grief.

I was angry with Sano before for leaving Kenshin in that state, when Kenshin clearly needed support from his friends the most (I know, Kenshin looked and behaved like he didn't want help, but that's exactly why they all should have pushed to at least take him back to the dojo and help him... Kenshin was so ill with grief and he needed help!) but I understand now this was his way of dealing with grief. In that night he not only lost a friend, after believing Kaoru to have been assassinated, but he also felt like he lost Kenshin. He looked up to Kenshin, admired him, and seeing him in that state of devastation, catatonic even, not doing anything or saying a word... Sano couldn't handle seeing Kenshin like that, and so he left. I'm glad he realizes that instead of being away, right now he should be by Kenshin's side. Kenshin needs him to be there, and so he returns. This mini arc felt like a detour to me, but this is what Sano needed to deal with the emotions of what happened.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One statement that made my mouth drop in this volume (and I am not saying it does not make sense mind you, but…) it tells us that all the actions that took place in this entire series up to this very volume happened in the span of 6 months (see page 11). That statement makes me sit and ponder the timeframes for deep relationships and growth of characters in manga. If you look at the One Piece manga it has a similarly short timeframe but yet since we have read these series for years and sometimes decades…you feel as if more time should have gone by for the growth in characters strength and approach to life and others. Again, this moment had me really stuck for a good bit thinking on all that has transpired and how quickly it all has happened. This volume serves as some backstory of Sagara Sanosuke as we meet his estranged family (10 years apart). But the ages just blow my mind as it seems he left when he was 9 years old!!! To me, this volume could have been a side story independent volume dedicated to Sanosuke, but it still serves a greater purpose. Solid reading and art as always were great. The end is looming heavily as you read this volume, and you know it by the way it unfolds.

[M.D. Williams · Rating 4 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

[Scott Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially a bit disappointed at a side-story, even a relatively short one, this late in the series with the end at hand.

However, the character moments that eventually come in the final chapter or two of this Sanosuke min-arc, "A Man's Back" make it well-worth the time.

Still, I couldn't help being far more excited by the beginning of the end in the last two chapters as Kenshin and company head for Ishikiro's island to rescue Kaoru.

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

We get a Sanosuke focused arc that shows what he was doing while Kenshin was in his depression and it ok. I do like we finally learn how and why he showed up in Tokyo and it was funny seeing some of the first villains of the series appear in a little gag moment but it was just ok, the Yakuza are kind of boring villains and even though Sanosuke and his dad are funny together it just felt like a filler arc.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little side track for Sanosuke. It kind of derailed the pacing of the main plot, which was also slowing down, but I think it was meant more so to cement how far he's come as both a physical force, a protector, and a friend to Kenshin. Not a bad volume at all, just nothing particularly special imo.
(Seeing some old faces was kind of funny too).
Onto volume 27!

[James De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In retrospect, I think I enjoyed this volume a lot more than I thought as I was reading it.

We get to see Sanosuke’s family and really learn why he’s the way he is. I would have liked to have his surer realize who he was, but I understand why it wasn’t done this way.

I’m glad Watsuki decided to tell this side story before ending the manga.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yukishiro Tomoe. You will never cease to amaze me, woman.
"When you smile, the part of me inside you will be smiling too"
。゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜。

"Please, take care of Enishi. I am probably not smiling inside him right now..."
。゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜。。゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜。

[King Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think Watsuki portrayed all he needed to thematically with Sano's diversion back home, but I don't care. It was enjoyable to see an extended adventure with the tritagonist (and a refreshing break from the Enishi stuff).

[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 2 out of 5]

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

[Febyan Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terungkapnya keluarga Sanosuke. Dan pertarungan puncak Kenshin vs Enishi.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a little meh.

[Channie]

Excuse me? How do I read the book?

[Mourning_elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerita petualangan Sanosuke sih ini ma keluarganya

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a lineup of all the characters for me to realize what kind of goddamn hill giant Aoshi is.

[Omar Villafane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their bodies might be done but their spirits just rejuvenated ♾️🤩⚔️🗡️

[Jeffrey Greek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrapping up the side quests, we're finally ready for the final battle.

[Liz Licata · Rating 5 out of 5]

hey, actual plot advancement!

[Veronica Ika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sanosuke's Homecoming
Sanosuke returns to his birthplace, unaware that he will be embroiled in a conflict involving his own family. Hired by the local yakuza leader Fudōsawa to intimidate a villager, Sanosuke discovers that this villager is none other than his estranged father, Higashidani Kamishimoemon, who lives with Sanosuke's younger siblings, unaware of their familial connection.

Standing Against Oppression
Through heartfelt discussions with his father, Sanosuke learns that the village suffers under Fudōsawa's tyranny, backed by the corrupt official Tani Jūsanrō. Motivated by a sense of justice and familial duty, Sanosuke decisively defeats Fudōsawa and his henchmen and delivers a stern lesson to Tani. With his task complete and familial bonds reaffirmed, Sanosuke returns to Tokyo.

Rescue Mission
Fully healed, Kenshin and his friends set out for Enishi's island to rescue Kaoru. Upon reaching the island, they are met with immediate resistance from Enishi's formidable ally, Woo Heishin. A fierce battle ensues as the group fights to reach Enishi and save Kaoru, demonstrating their unwavering resolve and unity in the face of adversity.