Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal OVA [4 episodes]

If you’ve ever watched Rurouni Kenshin and wondered why Kenshin Himura carries that reverse-blade sword or has that sad glint in his eyes, Trust & Betrayal—the 1999 OVA prequel—is your answer. And let me tell you, it’s not just a backstory; it’s a raw, emotional ride that turns Kenshin from a cool samurai into someone you can actually feel for.

First, let’s get the basics straight: This 4-episode series is a prequel to the main anime, set during the chaotic final years of Japan’s Edo period. Kenshin isn’t the gentle wanderer we know yet—he’s the Hitokiri Battousai, a ruthless assassin whose name makes enemies shake. But beneath that killer facade, there’s a kid who’s lost his way, haunted by every life he’s taken.

The story kicks off when Kenshin meets Tomoe Yukishiro, a quiet woman who saves him from an attacker. He takes her to a small village, and for the first time in years, Kenshin gets a taste of normalcy. They cook rice together, walk through snow-covered fields, and share quiet nights by the fire. Tomoe’s presence softens him—you can see it in the way he smiles when she hands him tea, or how he hesitates before drawing his sword. But their peace is fragile: Kenshin hides his assassin past, and Tomoe has secrets of her own.

Here’s the twist (spoilers ahead, but trust me, it’s worth it): Tomoe is the sister of a man Kenshin killed. She’s supposed to revenge her brother, but by the time she finds out Kenshin’s identity, she’s fallen for him. The final episode is a gut-punch: Tomoe takes a blade meant for Kenshin, and in her last breath, she tells him to live. That moment changes everything—Kenshin abandons his assassin life, picks up the reverse-blade sword, and swears never to kill again.

Now, I know some fans (like one on MyAnimeList who said they “don’t get it”) find the slow pacing annoying. But that’s the point. This OVA isn’t about flashy fights (though the sword scenes are chef’s kiss—fluid, intense, and beautifully animated). It’s about the quiet moments: Kenshin staring at his blood-stained hands, Tomoe touching his scar, the way they hold each other like they’re scared to let go. These moments make the tragedy hit harder.

The animation is timeless, even by 2024 standards. The dark, muted colors set the mood—think moonlit sword fights, dim inns, and snow that looks like it’s crying. The opening scene, where a young Kenshin watches his master die under a full moon, is so haunting it’ll stick with you for days. And the soundtrack? Oh, don’t get me started. The piano pieces are so emotional they’ll make you cry even when nothing sad is happening.

Fan discussions about this OVA are everywhere. On Reddit, one user wrote: “This is the best prequel ever. It turns Kenshin from a cool character into a human being with regret.” Another said: “Tomoe’s death still hurts—I rewatched it last week and sobbed again.” Even the MyAnimeList user who didn’t get it eventually came around: “I rewatched it a year later and now I see why everyone loves it. It’s about redemption, and that’s something we all get.”

If you’re under 20 and love stories that make you feel things, Trust & Betrayal is a must-watch. It’s not always easy—there are heavy moments—but it’s worth it. It’s the kind of anime that makes you think about life, regret, and second chances. And let’s be real: Who doesn’t love a tragic love story with samurai?

So next time you’re scrolling Netflix or Crunchyroll, give this OVA a shot. You might not be into samurai anime, but this is more than that—it’s a story about being human. And trust me, you won’t regret it. After watching, you’ll look at Kenshin in the main series and think, “I know why he’s so kind now.” That’s the magic of Trust & Betrayal—it stays with you.

Final Note: If you’re new to Rurouni Kenshin, watch the main series first—this OVA hits harder when you know Kenshin’s future self. But either way, it’s a masterpiece you shouldn’t miss.

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P.S. The reverse-blade sword? It’s Kenshin’s way of atoning—he wants to protect people without taking lives. Thanks, Tomoe. You changed him forever.

(Disclaimer: All fan references are based on common discussions from anime communities, as sourced from available data.)