Kenshin's DEADLIEST Foes RANKED! You Won't BELIEVE #1!

Rurouni Kenshin” is a popular manga series written by Nobuhiro Watsuki, published from 1994 to 1999 and consisting of twenty-eight volumes. It was later adapted into a 95-episode animated television series, an animated film, and a series of OVA episodes. A new anime adaptation, produced by studio Liden Films, is set to premiere in July 2023 as a reimagining of the original manga. This article will focus on one aspect of the series: its villains.

The characters in “Rurouni Kenshin” are one of the main reasons why the series stands out, and we will be discussing a group of these memorable villains today.

This piece will provide you with a rundown of the fifteen strongest villains from the popular series, “Rurouni Kenshin.” The ranking will be based on their power level, starting from #15 and moving up to #1. Rather than simply naming characters, we’ll give you some background information about each one so that you can understand their significance within the storyline and appreciate why they are considered powerful.

15. Saizuchi

A man of advanced years, renowned more for his gift of gab as a peace-keeper rather than a soldier. He seeks aid from Fuji. Though we’ve yet to witness him in combat, it is known that he matches Okina, a formidable warrior and tactician, in terms of prowess and talents.

14. Han’nya

Among the Oniwabanshū, there’s one particularly powerful warrior. He engages in combat using a martial art known as kenpō, and he sports gloves equipped with concealed, retractable claws reminiscent of Wolverine. A mask from the Noh theater conceals his disfigured visage; he is unwaveringly loyal to Aoshi. Initially, Kenshin defeats him, but later sacrifices himself to enable this warrior to ultimately vanquish Kanryu.

13. Fuji

A Juppogatana associate named Fuji is a colossal figure boasting immense physical power. He’s always got a massive sword in hand, capable of leveling entire structures. Despite his prodigious strength, there are areas where he falls short, making it easier for opponents to overcome him. The question has been raised about whether he’s truly human due to his towering size.

12. Honjō Kamatari

Honjō Kamatari presents himself as a flamboyant woman, yet beneath this facade lies a male identity. He is gay and has romantic feelings for Makoto Shishio, however, he recognizes that his love may never receive the same level of admiration as Yumi Komagata or Soujiro Seta, who serves as the boss’s right-hand man.

In the story, Ogama is the name of Kamatari’s weapon – a massive and incredibly heavy scythe, equipped with an iron ball and chain at its handle’s end. Throughout the series, three distinct abilities of Kamatari are showcased. Kamatari practices the Honjō style, which is famously recognized as the martial art associated with the scythe.

11. Isurugi Raijūta

In the series, Isurugi Raijūta is among the earliest adversaries, boasting immense combat prowess capable of annihilating anyone who dares oppose him. His school’s unique technique, named Izuna, involves swiftly moving a sword to generate a vacuum-like effect, effectively slicing through any object. The name derives from an ancient Japanese mythical creature made of wind. Some of the techniques showcased include Matoi Izuna and Tobi Izuna.

1. In the manga, Raijuta delivers a strong close-quarter attack using a shinai, slicing through Kenshin’s shinai and damaging the gym floor. Kenshin asserts that the force of this blow could even cleave a diamond in half.

2. At a distance, Raijuta wields a technique that forms a vast wind blade, making it difficult to defend against. This is how he injures Yutaro’s arm.

10. Kariwa Henya

Yahiko’s initial formidable adversary exhibits a unique flying style by employing explosives, making it appear as if he’s truly soaring during battles. His feather-light physique enhances the authenticity of his flight and allows for easier maneuverability. Moreover, this lightness enables him to use explosives not only for offense but also to obscure his opponents’ vision.

9. Iwanbō

As a fervent admirer, let me describe an enigmatic character I encountered: A man of substantial girth, yet seemingly as naive as he is formidable. Unbeknownst to many, this individual was a devotee of Enishi. This fellow, Iwanbō, may have been mentally challenged, but his erratic and unpredictable nature made him an unnerving maniac. His propensity for sudden, brutal violence towards virtually anyone made him a threat that was as terrifying as it was unexpected.

In the beginning, Iwanbō’s arsenal consisted solely of razor-sharp blades affixed to his fingertips, adding an air of danger and intrigue to every encounter he had.

Eventually, however, he resorts to employing every available weapon but predominantly engages in hand-to-hand combat, leveraging his unique striking method for both offense and defense. His assaults are remarkably potent and devastating, making it advisable to evade his attacks rather than confront them directly.

8. Sawagejō Chō

Chō is a samurai who roams freely. He’s not just any samurai; he’s a connoisseur of swords, belonging to an elite group known as The Ten Swords. Unlike some legendary figures such as Kenshin or Shishio, Chō may not have a vast array of fighting techniques, but he makes up for it with his impressive arsenal – he carries five swords at once! These swords allow him to execute intricate and potent combos. The swords that Chō wields include: two katanas held in each hand, two wakizashi strapped to his back, and the Velvet Blade Killer Sword, which is his most prized blade.

This is the finest sword created by Shakku Arai. The techniques used by Chō are not known.

7. Yūkyūzan Anji

As a seasoned movie critic, allow me to share my thoughts on this captivating tale: In a time not so distant, I find myself drawn to the story of Anji Yūkyūzan, once a revered monk. Now, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Makoto Shishio in their valiant quest to dethrone the Meiji administration, a regime that has shown little concern for the rampant anti-Buddhist campaign.

The loss of his temple and the lives of five orphaned children under his care have left deep scars on Anji’s heart. Yet, he no longer dons the robes of a monk; instead, he carries the wisdom of his Buddhist upbringing like a shield against life’s hardships.

What sets Anji apart is his unwavering commitment to cleansing the world of injustice. Though he has chosen to walk the path of the righteous alongside the forces of evil, it is his innate sense of justice that guides him. This story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of justice can shine brightest.

Among The Ten Swords, Anji ranks as the third most powerful and merciful fighter; he even has the power to decide whether someone lives or dies. This is why Usui Uonuma often avoids confronting him when Anji stands guard between the blind assassin and Misao Makimachi, despite his own strength. Uniquely among the Juppongatana warriors, Anji does not wield a weapon; instead, he excels in the Double Strike technique, known as Futae no Kiwami.

6. Udō Jin-e

Udō Jin-e is a formidable warrior who posed a significant threat during the Tokyo Arc. His technique, Nikaido Ryu’s “Heart Cut”, exploits human vulnerabilities to hypnotize its targets. For instance, he can make his victims believe they are unable to move, causing them to freeze in place. Alternatively, he can convince them they cannot breathe, leading to suffocation.

Jin-e can employ this method not just on others, but also on herself, instilling within herself the belief that she’s invincible and tapping into her maximum physical potential. However, this technique, known as the Cut of the Heart, relies entirely on the fighter’s mental fortitude, so to shatter the illusion, one must possess an equally strong or stronger will to fight.

5. Yukishiro Enishi

Enishi, who is Yukishiro Tomoe’s younger brother and a secondary antagonist from the Jinchū Arc, employs a unique fighting style known as Watojutsu. This martial art form is a blend of kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship) and traditional Chinese sword techniques, but with a twist – it’s performed using the Wato sword. The allure of Watojutsu lies in its ability to combine the swiftness of kenjutsu strikes with the agility characteristic of Chinese swordsmanship. Enishi developed this fighting style after discovering a manual for it in his guardians’ home.

Watōjutsu encompasses methods that prove particularly effective against Mitsurugi Hiten’s technique, surprisingly so given the story’s context; Enishi’s approach, however, is all about offense rather than defense. Unlike most fighters, he never attempts to block attacks but instead counters with even stronger moves.

On numerous occasions, his swiftness and size put Kenshin’s skills to the test. Among all his adversaries, only Enishi is capable of thwarting Kuzu Ryu Sen. Remarkably, when Kenshin attempts to strike him with that technique, Enishi intercepts it even before Kenshin initiates his first attack.

4. Seta Sōjirō

Setasojiro, with his mild appearance, is a formidable ninja and an expert assassin; he is the swiftest member of the Juppongatana. Known as the “Heavenly Sword” by Shishio, he believes that his natural swordsmanship abilities are a gift from above.

Sojiro’s fencing style is self-taught and exceptional in the rapid Batto technique – a skill nearly on par with Kenshin. What sets Sojiro apart, however, is not just his mastery of swordsmanship but also his emotional detachment. This stems from the harsh treatment he endured as a child, leading him to subconsciously repress intense emotions like anger and sadness. The only feeling he openly expresses is joy.

3. Uonuma Usui

Uonuma Usui is one of the strongest members within the Juppongatana, second only to its leader. Notably, Usui’s unique skill lies in what’s called the “Mind’s Eye.” After losing his sight during a battle against Shishio, Usui significantly enhanced his hearing, allowing him to navigate and fight as if he still had his vision. His extraordinary hearing abilities also let him sense a person’s emotions by listening closely to their heartbeat and determine their fighting stance through the sounds produced by muscles and bones.

Usui’s tools include the Timbei and Rocin. The Timbei is a curved shield crafted from a turtle shell, designed to cause an enemy’s weapon to glide off its surface and reduce harm. The Rocin, on the other hand, is a short spear with a wide, sharp edge at one end and a metal ball at the other.

Usui has two tools – Timbei (a curved turtle shell shield) and Rocin (a short spear). The Timbei deflects enemies’ weapons due to its pronounced curve, reducing potential damage. Meanwhile, the Rocin sports a broad, sharp tip at one end and a metal ball at the other.

The Rocin can be taken apart into its separate components, enhancing its usefulness when combined with the Timbei. Ususi’s unique method, known as Pokenpogyoku Hyakka Ryuran (or the burst of a hundred flower spheres), involves rapid strikes that alternate between the ends of the Eocin.

2. Shinomori Aoshi

In the given series, Shinomori Aoshi was initially a villain, but he’s now known for being one of the most proficient ninjas. This skilled warrior primarily uses the kodachi as his weapon. Initially, he only wielded a short sword; however, over time, he adopted the two-sword fighting style.

Inside the sheath, the swords seem to be one long blade at first glance, but the second short sword cleverly blends in due to its handle being made from the same material as the scabbard, deceiving the enemy. His primary fighting style is Kodachi Nito Ryu.

Shinomori Aoshi is a composed and intelligent individual who rarely speaks, choosing his words carefully when necessary. He’s known for taking time to consider actions before executing them, which can give the impression of being emotionless. This persona has earned him the nickname “the melancholic fool” from Yahiko Miyojin.

1. Shishio Makoto

Makoto Shishio serves as one of the main antagonists in the series and is considered the most powerful villain overall. One of Shishio’s swords, known as Mugenjin, has been drenched in the accumulated fat of his past victims. This gives him the power to employ a firing technique that he finds satisfying.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but draw parallels between the indomitable spirit of Shishio and the unyielding resolve of Kenshin. Much like Kenshin, Shishio possesses an uncanny ability to internalize his adversaries’ moves and discern their strengths and vulnerabilities, granting him a formidable edge in combat. His will to survive is nothing short of remarkable, mirroring Kenshin’s own tenacity to such an extent that it leaves me breathless.

In a straightforward and conversational manner: Shishio’s immense power, endurance, and uncanny understanding of opponents make him a match for Kenshin. During their climactic battle in his hideout, Shishio showcased his skills by halting Kenshin’s Ryusen using just his fingers.

In a quick succession of moves, he skillfully evaded and retaliated against Saito’s Zeroshiki, managed to perceive past Aoshi’s Waterfall Technique, and miraculously endured Sanosuke’s dual strike without receiving any harm. Shishio employs Mugenjin to perform the strikes of the Ware Ryuu school, which Hoji refers to as “The Three Hidden Swords.

2025-05-29 21:45

Kenshin’s DEADLIEST Foes RANKED! You Won’t BELIEVE #1!