Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection
Synopsis
Meiji Era year 27- On his way homebound, Kenshin became shipwrecked on sea. Half a year has gone by since his sudden disappearance. Kaoru waits daily portside for her lover’s return recalling times past all the instances when Kenshin had come through for her. In the meantime, Kenji, the child of Kenshin and Kaoru, had left his Tokyo home to obtain greater strength with the sword, a strength that will surpass his father’s.
Review
Unlike the first OVA that took place prior to the anime series, Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen OVA is set years after the anime series. Composed of two episodes with the second twice as long as the first drawn in the same animation style as the original four part OVA, Seisouhen gives a glimpse of the future of the Kenshin-gumi. The protagonists of the anime, Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sanosuke, have not been immune to change. Kenshin passes down the Sakabatou to Yahiko and decides to help the less fortunate, those who are ill, and those who are suffering from pain sort of like a missionary. Kaoru, now Kenshin’s wife, raises his son until she herself falls ill. Yahiko fulfills his dream of growing up to be a master swordsman just like Kenshin. Sanosuke, still wearing the white jacket with the letter “aku” on the back, apparently has not had a shave or hair cut for quite some time but is nevertheless as arrogant as ever.
In addition, Seisouhen has been criticized for covering the Revenge Arc so briefly, with a short fight scene between Kenshin and Enishi. It is more romanticized though comparing Kaoru’s love for Kenshin with Enishi’s love for his sister, Tomoe. The story of Kenji carries the theme of the prodigal son. The father he knew was not the idolized and legendary Hitokiri Battousai. Thus, he leaves for Kyoto to learn the strongest technique there is, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. It is up to Yahiko to defeat the hardheaded youth and to show him the way once again. Seisouhen comes to an end with the symbolic reunion between Shinta and Kaoru.
The Breakdown
Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen OVA concludes the Rurouni Kenshin saga. More serious like the first OVA, no “oros.” The only exception might be Sanosuke who maintains his charm. Another must see for all must Rurouni Kenshin fans.