Ep. 5: Zanza confronts Kenshin, revealing his past with the Sekihoutai and government betrayal.
Aired on February 7, 1996
Zanza returns to engage Kenshin in combat, explaining his motivations and his history with the Sekihoutai. He details how his captain and teammates were sacrificed as scapegoats by the government. Kenshin overcomes Zanza in the fight and shatters his zanbato. Following this defeat, the two former adversaries establish an alliance. The encounter resolves the conflict between them through the destruction of the weapon and the revelation of Zanza's grievances against the authorities who betrayed his unit.
Episodes
- Ep. 1 · Kaoru invites scarred swordsman Kenshin Himura to stay at her dojo after he defeats an imposter.
- Ep. 2 · Kenshin rescues Yahiko from yakuza debt and Kaoru reluctantly accepts him as a student
- Ep. 3 · Kenshin rejects military offer while Yahiko struggles with protective philosophy
- Ep. 4 · Gohei Hiruma hires Sanosuke Sagara to defeat Kenshin for reasons beyond financial gain
- Ep. 5 · Zanza confronts Kenshin, revealing his past with the Sekihoutai and government betrayal.
- Ep. 6 · Government officials are murdered by former hitokiri Jinei Udoh, who targets Kenshin.
- Ep. 7 · Kenshin faces Jinei under the moonlight while protecting Kaoru from forced regression
- Ep. 8 · Kenshin and Sanosuke Assist Megumi Takani While Pursued by the Oniwabanshū
- Ep. 9 · Kanryuu Takeda threatens dojo people to force Megumi's return