Rurouni Kenshin, Vol. 10

Book excerpt: The battle to decide the fate of Meiji-era swordsmanship has begun! Action, romance, and historical intrigue help make Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin, the tale of a wandering swordsman set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, one of the most popular Shonen Jump titles among fans to date. Himura Kenshin, once an assassin (or hitokiri ) of ferocious power, now fights to protect the honor of those in need. His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it--Arai Shakkû--only to be turned away. Seikû, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work (the forging of katana, meant for killing), but has since given up that calling and spends his time making humble cooking knives. Respecting Seikû's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade...but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakkû has forged one last sword. Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his ten generals or "Ten Swords" to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Chô, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakkû's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabatô, Kenshin must face Chô in battle...