Ep. 39: Kenshin seeks Sakaba Arai to replace his sword after arriving in Kyoto with Misao
Aired on February 12, 1997
39
Kenshin and Misao arrive in Kyoto, where they encounter Nenji Kashiwazaki, known as Okina from the Oniwabanshū. Okina immediately recognizes Kenshin as the legendary Battousai. Seeking to repair his broken reverse-blade sword, Kenshin visits Sekku Arai, son of the original swordsmith Shakku Arai. Sekku declines the request, arguing that the era of peace means samurai should no longer wield swords. Shortly after, Chou Sawagejou, the Sword Hunter of the Ten Swords, kidnaps Iori, the infant son of Sekku. Kenshin confronts Chou, demanding the immediate release of the child. This sequence establishes the central conflict regarding the sword's restoration and the safety of Sekku's family amidst the changing times.
Episodes
- Ep. 35 · Kenshin and Misao aid Eiji Mishima in Shingetsu Village against Shishio's forces
- Ep. 36 · Kenshin defeats Senkaku easily before Misao and Eiji arrive at the mansion
- Ep. 37 · Kenshin fights Sojiro after Shishio refuses the duel, resulting in broken swords.
- Ep. 38 · Sanosuke meets Anji Yuukyuuzan and learns the Futae no Kiwami technique in one week
- Ep. 39 · Kenshin seeks Sakaba Arai to replace his sword after arriving in Kyoto with Misao
- Ep. 40 · Kenshin confronts Cho over Iori, wielding the Shakku reverse blade sword to save the child
- Ep. 41 · Kenshin reunites with master Seijuro Hiko, who trains him while Misao joins them.
- Ep. 42 · Aoshi Rejects Okina and Joins the Ten Swords After a Deadly Confrontation
- Ep. 43 · Seijuurou teaches the nine-strike Kuzu-ryuusen while Kenshin discovers the Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki