Rurouni Kenshin: Strongest Characters In The Series, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Rurouni Kenshin
is an anime series set in the Meiji era of Japan, following the story of Himura Kenshin, a former assassin turned wandering samurai.
The series features a range of strong and formidable characters, such as Hiko Seijuro and Shishio Makoto, who are widely feared and possess immense combat abilities.
Kenshin himself is one of the strongest characters in the series, known for his exceptional swordsmanship skills, agility, speed, and unique fighting style with the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu technique.

As I delve deeper into the world of swords and samurais, I find myself captivated by the extraordinary characters that populate the Rurouni Kenshin series. Each character possesses an unique set of skills, abilities, and personalities that make them stand out in their own right. However, among these formidable warriors, there is one who stands head and shoulders above the rest – Hiko Seijuro, the undisputed strongest of Rurouni Kenshin.

The anime series titled “Rurouni Kenshin” is set amidst Japan’s Meiji era. Its narrative revolves around Himura Kenshin, once an assassin known as Hitokiri Battosai, who now swore off killing and travels the land as a Rurouni (a roaming samurai). During his journey, he encounters diverse individuals – friends and adversaries alike – and finds himself caught up in numerous disputes and combats.

In the Rurouni Kenshin series, ranging from the venerable Hiko Seijuro to the shrewd and intelligent Shishio Makoto, several characters have demonstrated their prowess as skilled fighters. However, only a select few truly excel among the best.

16 Makimachi Misao

A Master Of The Oniwaban-Ryu Fighting Style

Manga Debut: Act 62

As a kunoichi, or female ninja, Misao exhibits the exuberance typical of a young girl and allows her feelings to guide her actions. Instead of covertly attacking an adversary, she prefers to make her presence obvious, engaging in battle more like a warrior than the stealthy kunoichi she is expected to be. Despite her occasional lapses, Misao proves formidable in combat due to her proficiency in the Oniwaban-Ryu martial art style, hand-to-hand combat, and Kempo.

Similar to many skilled female ninjas, Misao often relies on the kunai as her preferred weapon and employs diverse throwing methods in combat. Originally, this ninja girl departed from home in search of Shinomori Aoshi, someone she had a close brother-sister bond with during their childhood years. However, over time, she found herself traveling alongside Himura Kenshin instead.

15 Myōjin Yahiko

From Pickpocketer To National Champion

Manga Debut: Act 3

As a fan, I’ve followed Myojin’s incredible journey throughout the series. Initially, at just ten years old, I found myself in the grimy world of pickpocketing, forced by circumstance and under the control of the Tanishi Yakuza. But fate had other plans for me. I was rescued by none other than Himura Kenshin and given the opportunity to live my dream – becoming a warrior. This was not just any dream, it was a legacy born from my Samurai bloodline. It’s been an exhilarating transformation!

In contrast to figures such as Kenshin, Enishi, and Seta Sojiro, Yahiko still has much room for growth; however, his remarkable talent in Kenjutsu, honed by tireless dedication, has earned him the title of child prodigy. At just 15 years old, Yahiko has achieved a level of mastery that allows him to seize swords mid-flight and shatter them with his bare hands, making him a national champion-level swordsman.

14 Okita Sōji

A Genius Who Succumbed To Illness

Manga Debut: Act 48

In the cast of “Rurouni Kenshin”, while Sōji didn’t get as much screen time, he held strength equal to Saito Hajime. Tragically, Okita was afflicted by an illness that often prevented him from demonstrating his full power in combat, as he would cough up blood during battles, especially over extended periods.

Though illness eventually claimed his life, throughout his lifetime, Okita held his ground against Kenshin and was widely recognized as one of the top members within the Shinsengumi, even rising to become the first unit captain. Furthermore, he also devised an original sword technique involving a three-pronged thrust.

13 Yukyuzan Anji

From Buddhist Monk To Vengeful Juppongatana

Manga Debut: Act 72

Once a Buddhist monk and member of the Juppongatana, Anji is an exceptionally formidable fighter whose prowess few could rival. However, due to a shift in his allegiance towards vengeance, he now holds a bitter grudge. This transformation came about when the Meiji government’s anti-Buddhist views led to the burning of Anji’s temple, along with the five orphans under his protection. This tragic event made Anji question Buddha’s justness in determining who lives and who perishes, prompting him to take matters into his own hands and seek retribution for the innocent lives lost.

In time, Anji encounters Shishio and decides to become a member of his Juppongatana group. Since Anji is proficient in close-combat, it’s challenging for others to withstand his punches due to his impressive physique. Furthermore, he mastered the deadly technique called ‘Futae no Kiwami,’ which he later imparts to Sagara Sanosuke.

12 Sawagejo Cho

The Ambitious Sword Hunter Of Rurouni Kenshin

Manga Debut: Act 76

Cho the Sword Hunter, also recognized as Sawagejo Cho, is an individual with a passion for swords, amassing a wide array of them. His character exudes a fierce and haughty attitude, often leading him to view others with disdain. In combat, he may not measure up against figures like Kenshin or Shishio, but he remains stronger than the typical person.

Cho often resorts to a variety of strategies, some of which might not be all that effective. Interestingly, Cho seems to hold a special fondness for swords crafted by Shakku Arai. This being known, when it’s learned that Kenshin possesses the final sword from Shakku Arai’s forge, Cho makes a hasty move to challenge Kenshin in combat. Unsurprisingly, Kenshin emerges victorious in their encounter.

11 Fuji

A Towering Giant Of Destruction

Manga Debut: Act 97

In the anime series “Rurouni Kenshin“, it’s undeniable that Fuji towers above the rest in terms of size and power. This colossal figure possesses strength and resilience that only a handful of warriors can match. Wielding his massive sword, Fuji has the potential to flatten countless buildings, making him a formidable adversary for most warriors, as few would be able to withstand such an assault.

In the series, initially, Fuji appeared as a mindless beast due to his past service under Saizuchi, whom he owed his life to many years ago. Despite being mistreated and manipulated for malicious purposes, Fuji remained loyal and stayed with Saizuchi out of a sense of obligation. However, upon encountering and losing against Hiko Seijuro, Kenshin’s mentor, Fuji gained Seijuro’s respect. It was then that Seijuro enlightened him about the possibility of leaving his past behind and starting anew, which ultimately led to a change in Fuji’s outlook.

10 Sagara Sanosuke

Kenshin’s Unbreakable Right-Hand Man

Manga Debut: Act 5

As a devoted fan, I’d say, though Sanosuke Sagara might not be a match for formidable foes like Udo Jin-e, Shishio, and Kenshin, his remarkable physical abilities set him apart from many others. With his bold, unyielding, and somewhat thick-headed nature, Sanosuke proves to be a steadfast companion and an indispensable ally for Kenshin.

Sanosuke’s fighting skills aren’t about wielding a weapon, rather they stem from his extraordinary physical abilities. He possesses such immense strength that he can shatter trees with a single punch and demolish doors with a swift kick. However, even his colossal power might not be enough to counter various adversaries.

9 Usui Uonuma

A Blind Warrior Improved By Defeat

Manga Debut: Act 93

Originally a member of the Juppongatana led by Shishio, Usui Uonuma was once a ruthless, bloodthirsty individual who found joy in killing. He considered Shishio as a competitor but during their confrontation, it was Shishio who emerged victorious and left Usui blinded. With his sight taken away, Usui was deemed worthless and abandoned by the group.

Despite being blind, Usui honed his ability to perceive movements and feelings through sound. In combat, Usui wields a short spear and employs a turtle shell as a shield. As he grew stronger following his loss to Shishio, Usui joined the Juppongatana under the agreement that he could challenge Shishio at any moment.

8 Shinomori Aoshi

The Cold And Calculated Leader Of The Oniwabanshu

Manga Debut: Act 16

Standing tall with a lean physique, Aoshi heads the Oniwabanshu, an exceptional group of ninjas and assassins. His combat, stealth, and reconnaissance abilities are unrivaled, and he combines these skills with his chilly, strategic mind and intellect to achieve his objectives effectively.

As a master ninja from the Oniwabanshu clan, Aoshi is exceptionally skilled with swords, leaving dead bodies in his path. He also possesses exceptional observational abilities that allow him to pinpoint even the smallest distances and sounds. With his impressive skills, Aoshi aspires to be unrivaled and challenges Kenshin to overcome his Battosai persona in order to claim the title of the strongest.

7 Udo Jin-e

The Hitokiri Who Paralyzes His Prey

Manga Debut: Act 9

In the heat of war, Jin-e, driven by an intense desire to kill, turned into a ruthless slayer, taking lives both of his allies and adversaries. His bloodlust quickly took over, turning his violent profession into a source of amusement. With profound expertise in the Nikaido Heigo sword technique, Jin-e demonstrates exceptional agility in handling his sword, equally proficient whether he wields it with either hand.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to emphasize that while Jin-e’s agility, stamina, and raw power are undeniably impressive, it’s his extraordinary paralyzing terror technique that truly sets him apart. This unique method not only leaves opponents frozen in fear but also has the chilling effect of hypnotizing them. Remarkably, he can even manipulate their respiratory system, causing them to suffocate and eventually lose consciousness.

6 Saito Hajime

The Justice-Driven Captain Of The Shinsengumi

Manga Debut: Act 48

Originally serving as captain of the Shinsengumi’s third unit, Hajime Saito is a staunch advocate for justice who adheres to the motto ‘Quickly Dispatching Evil.’ Driven by his unyielding code, he has been assigned to confront Kenshin – a figure with whom he shares a long-standing history of conflict. In Saito’s eyes, Kenshin has always been an adversary.

In the series Rurouni Kenshin, every encounter between Saito and Kenshin ends without a clear victor. This pattern suggests that Saito’s abilities are comparable to Kenshin, but no ultimate winner has been determined. Additionally, Saito demonstrates mastery not only in swordsmanship but also in numerous martial arts styles.

5 Seta Sojiro

A Warrior With Speed And Precision That Rival Hittokiri Battosai

Manga Debut: Act 56

Sojiro, one of Shishio’s top lieutenants, demonstrates formidable combat skills against Kenshin in their battle. Despite being known for his cheerful demeanor, Sojiro shows little evidence of aggression, even while engaged in conflict.

In combat, Sojiro’s seemingly emotionless demeanor leaves opponents guessing and unable to predict his subsequent moves. When facing off against Kenshin, Sojiro required a mental dismantling before any chink in his remarkable swordsmanship could be found. Furthermore, Sojiro’s swiftness matches Kenshin’s, creating only limited opportunities for attack during their battles.

4 Yukishiro Enishi

A Self-Taught Sword Genius

Manga Debut: Act 152

In the storyline of the Jinchu Arc, Yukishiro Enishi is driven by intense vengeance. Tragically, his sister met her untimely death at the hands of her husband, Kenshin, and to avenge this loss, Enishi dedicated his life to seeking retribution against Kenshin, aiming to subject him to endless torment as he himself had endured.

Enishi is an exceptionally proficient swordsman, mastering the unique style of Watojutsu through self-teaching. He seamlessly integrates this technique with numerous other martial art disciplines, boosting his combat capabilities significantly. Furthermore, Enishi possesses a special ability dubbed ‘Frenzied Nerves’, which temporarily enhances his physical attributes like strength, speed, and reflexes; however, it comes at a certain price.

3 Makoto Shishio

The Successor To The Hitokiri Battosai

Manga Debut: Act 55

In the storyline of Rurouni Kenshin, particularly during the Kyoto arc, Makoto Shishio formed a militia with anti-government sentiments. This move came following an unsuccessful attempt on his life by government forces. Shishio is known for his icy demeanor and lack of mercy. He holds the view that the weak serve the purpose of the strong, employing them to further his own objectives.

With unparalleled might, Shishio boasts formidable abilities that back up his ambitious and cruel declarations. Shishio possesses the unique skill to respond and nullify a move immediately after witnessing it just once, and he inherited the title from the legendary Hitokiri Battosai.

2 Himura Kenshin

Hitokiri Battosai Turn Defender Of Justice

Manga Debut: Act 1

In the world of Rurouni Kenshin , Kenshin, our main character, stands out as one of the most formidable figures thanks to his extraordinary sword-wielding talent, nimbleness, and swiftness. Once a ruthless assassin, he’s spent years honing his skills through hard-earned experience.

Kenshin’s distinct combat method blends swiftness and accuracy with his iconic sword skill, Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu. With this technique, he can deliver exceptionally rapid and potent blows, positioning him as a tough adversary in conflict. Notably, Kenshin is renowned for his immense physical power, tenacity, and durability, traits that have enabled him to conquer numerous difficult scenarios across the series.

1 Hiko Seijuro

The Undisputed Strongest Of Rurouni Kenshin

Manga Debut: Act 83

Kenshin’s mentor, Hiko Seijuro, is the 13th inheritor of the martial art known as Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu, which revolves around swordsmanship. Despite appearing rough, unkind, and indolent, these traits do not affect his exceptional combat abilities in the slightest.

In conflicts, Hiko clearly outshines Kenshin. Even though he’s in his 40s, he carries an appearance more fitting for someone in their 20s. This youthful look is a result of the rigorous training he undergoes to maintain his impressive physique at its best. His combat skills are so exceptional that the creator of Rurouni Kenshin, Nobuhiro Watsuki, has likened him to an unusual card in a deck.

2024-10-29 11:54