Ep. 12: Anotsu reveals his philosophy to Rin after her failed assassination attempt in the forest.
Aired on December 15, 2008

12
Anotsu visits Magatsu, who suspects hidden motives. Meanwhile, Manji accompanies Rin to her former home with Machi, criticizing her swordsmanship and noting that dojo practice differs from real combat. In the forest, Rin attempts to assassinate Anotsu with ten knives but hits only his shoulder. Recognizing her inadequacy, she weeps. Anotsu demonstrates his axe’s superiority and explains his conflict with her father stemmed from a desire to prioritize victory over traditional swordplay. He notes the irony of increasing dojos despite declining wars. Anotsu returns her weapons, stating her use of knives already breaks Mutenichi-ryuu tradition, then leaves her in despair.
Episodes
- Ep. 8 · Manji and Rin search for Anotsu in Fukagawa while Makie Otono-Tachibana defends herself from attackers.
- Ep. 9 · Makie defeats Manji in Anotsu while rejecting her past as a geisha.
- Ep. 10 · Rin endures harassment at a festival while Manji bonds with Araya Kawakami through a blood-painted mask.
- Ep. 11 · Kawakami confronts Rin about her parents while Manji intervenes in their violent conflict.
- Ep. 12 · Anotsu reveals his philosophy to Rin after her failed assassination attempt in the forest.
- Ep. 13 · Shira kills O-Ren while Rin resolves to train as a swordsman