Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2: Makoto Shishio begins pursuing Kenshin as Aoshi Shinomori reappears

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 was expected to focus primarily on Kenshin Himura to balance out the last episode’s focus on Kaoru Kamiya and co. Officially released on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the installment did give focus to Kenshin, but not as much as fans were expecting. Instead, the protagonist split time with the returning antagonist Aoshi Shinomori.

At the same time, Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 saw Makoto Shishio begin making significant moves to further his plot against Kenshin. The episode even teased that the pair would meet soon, with Kenshin’s new acquaintance Misao Makimachi potentially getting caught in the crossfire.

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 sees new and old characters alike appear

Brief episode recap

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Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 began with a focus on Megumi Takani, who ran into Aoshi Shinomori at the Kamiya Dojo while taking care of it. He asked her where Kenshin went, to which she said she didn’t know. Hajime Saito then appeared, telling Aoshi what he wanted while calling himself Goro Fujita. Saito updated Aoshi on everything that’s happened, prompting Aoshi to decide to head to Kyoto.

It’s then revealed that the pair were being watched by one of Shishio’s men, as the focus shifted to Aoshi traveling the next day. He was then ambushed by the Four Monks of Abukuma, who were ordered by Makoto Shishio to bring him Aoi. After defeating them with his dual kodachi style, Aoshi was approached by the man who watched him and Saito, Sojiro Seta. Aoshi rejected this, prompting Sojiro to meet with Shishio, who was seemingly nearby.

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 saw Shishio decide to meet Kenshin sooner rather than later, while also praising Aoshi’s skills. The focus then shifted to Odawara, a castle town on the Tokaido, which is typically where travelers lodged and prepared for what’s ahead. Kenshin was here, passing through to avoid involving others in his troubles. While camping in the woods, he heard a woman seemingly being abused by several men.

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 sees Kenshin and Misao quickly become close (Image via Liden Films)

However, this was revealed to actually be a 16-year-old girl, who then fought the men after they ridiculed her. Kenshin happened upon the group as she won, stunned at what he saw. Kenshin then went to return the money she stole, with the girl following him. It was eventually revealed that the girl was from Kyoto, and was on her way back home from Tokyo after looking for her adoptive father there.

Rorouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 saw the girl introduce herself as Misao Makimachi. However, the two were interrupted by the local yakuza, who cornered the pair after one of the men Misao fought went for backup. However, rather than fight, Kenshin cut up the entire bridge to create an opportunity for him and Misao to escape.

Misao complimented Kenshin’s skills before speaking about the adoptive father and his friends she’s looking for. It’s then revealed that she’s looking for Aoshi Shinomori, whom Kenshin obviously knew very well. However, the episode ended before he responded to Misao’s question of whether or not he knew him, surmising as much from his reaction.

In review

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Like the season premiere, Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 particularly shines in how much more stylistic it’s being compared to the first season. Aoshi’s fight against the Four Monks of Abukuma specifically highlights this, with his attacks being animated in a unique and appealing way. This fight scene in general has other examples, such as when Aoshi draws his blades for the first time.

While there aren’t any other significant examples from the second episode beyond this fight, this repetition in practice is what’s especially encouraging to see. It speaks to an overall elevation of the series and its artistic vision, likely buoyed by the safety that is afforded via producing a sequel season in the first place. Also likely to be encouraging this approach is an increased budget overall for the second season.

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 also continues to shine in its animation overall, both in fight scenes and out of them. Character animation specifically highlights this, with the cast feeling more expressive overall than season 1. Aoshi drives this home, his dead eyes and furrowed brow perfectly communicating his feelings without any words. To describe his emotions would be simply superfluous, emphasizing how fantastic this production area is.

Aoshi Shinomori's presence in Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 embodies how season 2 has been elevated from the first (Image via Liden Films)

The final major highlight of the episode is how Misao is introduced, proving to be very effective and organic. This is intensified by the reveal of her connection to Aoshi Shinomori; it serves to further endear her to fans in a unique way that doesn’t feel forced at all. This approach is likewise complimented by the first half of the episode seeing Aoshi pursue Kenshin, and thus likely reunite with Misao soon.

One critique that can be made of Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 is that the series is moving relatively slower compared to the first season’s pace. While the difference in story structure between what the two seasons adapt excuses this to a degree, there are still general issues with the Kyoto Arc's pacing thus far. However, Makoto Shishio’s appearance in episode 2 does tease that this won’t be the case for long.

Final thoughts

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It’s still very early in the Kyoto Arc’s adaptation, but both of the season 2 outings so far have been extremely pleasant watches. Tension is being built, motivations are being explored, and new characters are being introduced in ways that give them organic bonds to Kenshin. Simultaneously, old supporting characters are not only returning but also being given relatively major roles for the Kyoto Arc.

Rurouni Kenshin season 2 episode 2 also excels at highlighting exactly what the production team behind the series can do when given the freedom, security, and budget to do so. The anime has been of an incredibly high quality so far, building on top of what was already a technically sound season 1. The flashy directorial choices likewise serve as delectable eye candy built upon a rock-solid visual foundation.