Rurouni Kenshin [Season 1 Episode 47]

Episode 47 Review: “Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sanosuke Screams!”

Rurouni Kenshin has always been a show that balances intense swordplay with deep character moments, and Episode 47 is no exception. As part of the Kyoto arc, this episode ramps up the tension as Kenshin, Saitō, and Sanosuke finally reach Shishio’s hideout at Mount Hiei. The stage is set for a series of brutal duels, and the first one pits Sanosuke against Anji the Destroyer—a man who once taught him the deadly Futae no Kiwami technique.

The Fight That Speaks Volumes

The episode’s highlight is undoubtedly the showdown between Sanosuke and Anji. Fans have been buzzing about how this fight elevates Sanosuke’s character from a hot-headed brawler to someone with real stakes in the conflict. One Reddit user pointed out, “Ever since the Shishio arc started, RK has been a lot better. The characters aren’t being very well developed still, but at least the fighting is interesting.” And they’re right—the choreography here is top-notch, with every punch and counterattack feeling weighty and impactful.

But what really makes this fight stand out is the emotional undercurrent. Anji isn’t just another villain; he’s a former monk turned destroyer, haunted by his past. When Sanosuke lands a critical blow, shattering a totem Anji carries, the moment is loaded with symbolism. As one MyAnimeList commenter speculated, “Looking at that totem probably reminded him of the slaughter he was talking about. The totem also maybe ‘protected’ him from the initial shock.” It’s a brilliant touch that adds depth to what could have been a straightforward brawl.

The Villains Steal the Show

One thing fans unanimously agree on is that the Kyoto arc has introduced some of the series’ best antagonists. Shishio’s faction, the Juppongatana, is filled with complex characters, and Anji is no exception. A fan noted, “All the characters introduced since the Kyoto arc have been quite cool—especially the villains. Before that, most of them were pretty bland.”

Anji’s ideology—destroying the corrupt system to rebuild something better—resonates with many viewers, even if his methods are extreme. As another commenter put it, “Shishio’s side represents more drastic change for the country, which is what Anji wants. He seeks to destroy what’s there to rebuild it better.” This moral ambiguity makes the conflict feel more engaging than your typical good-vs-evil showdown.

The Humor and the Heart

Despite the heavy themes, Rurouni Kenshin never forgets to inject humor. The moment when Kenshin and Saitō casually call Sanosuke an idiot had fans laughing out loud. One MyAnimeList user joked, “Lol, I laughed when Kenshin and Saitō said Sanosuke is just an idiot.” These small moments of levity keep the tone balanced, preventing the story from becoming too grim.

The Animation and Pacing

The animation in this episode is consistently fluid, with the fight scenes standing out as particularly well-executed. A fan praised, “The animation was consistent and fluid,” while another added, “Pretty damn impressive episode again! That action was totally insane!”

However, not everyone is sold on the pacing. Some viewers feel the arc leans too heavily into shounen tropes, like the promise of “fair one-on-one duels.” One critic pointed out, “Don’t cry and claim fairness and ‘honor’ when using underhanded tactics.” It’s a valid critique, but for most fans, the sheer intensity of the battles makes up for any narrative shortcuts.

Final Thoughts

Episode 47 of Rurouni Kenshin is a thrilling installment that delivers on both action and emotion. Sanosuke’s growth, Anji’s tragic backstory, and the high-stakes setting make it a standout in the Kyoto arc. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “This arc is very good.”

If you’re a fan of sword fights with substance, this episode is a must-watch. And if you’ve been sleeping on the Kyoto arc, now’s the time to catch up—because things are only getting hotter from here.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A near-perfect blend of action, drama, and character depth.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!