Rurouni Kenshin (1996) – Season 1 Episode 5:
The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle


Watch Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 5 (February 07, 1996) – "The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle" online

Available Formats

Available Formats
Now Streaming
Watch Now

Secure Verified

Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 5 (February 07, 1996) – "The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle"

The Meiji Era was one of great renewal for Japan, where swords and killing were outlawed. However, many survivors from the time of Revolution still live, lurking in the shadows and waiting for a chance to use their killing blades again. Only Kenshin Himura, formerly one of the most brutal of killers, hopes to keep his swordsman's honor and still live in the new era.

Episode 5 of Rurouni Kenshin Season 1, titled "The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle", originally aired on February 07, 1996, marks a significant turning point in the ongoing narrative. This episode masterfully blends emotional intensity with plot development, offering a viewing experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

The episode begins with a gripping introduction that instantly hooks the audience. Through atmospheric visuals and a hauntingly beautiful score, the opening sequence sets a tone of mystery and urgency. Key characters face difficult decisions, unveiling new aspects of their personalities. The writing is sharp, the pacing deliberate, and every moment feels earned.

Midway through, the tension escalates. A critical conflict drives the characters into uncharted emotional territory. The interplay between performance and direction is striking—close-up shots, silences, and subtle gestures convey volumes. This is where the episode shines, inviting deep reflection on themes like identity, morality, and consequence.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the stakes rise even higher. Unexpected twists, moral dilemmas, and layered revelations lead to a memorable finale. Fans will appreciate how this episode builds upon prior events while setting up intriguing possibilities. Technically, it’s a showcase of tight editing, production design, and resonant scoring.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a new viewer, this episode 5 of Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 delivers a compelling experience. With its blend of drama, tension, and emotional depth, "The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle" stands out as a pivotal installment—one worthy of multiple viewings and in-depth discussion.

Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 5 - The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle (1996)
8.5/10 from 2 votes
Title Rurouni Kenshin
Genre Action & Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Air Date1996-02-07
Season1
Episode5
Overview The Meiji Era was one of great renewal for Japan, where swords and killing were outlawed. However, many survivors from the time of Revolution still live, lurking in the shadows and waiting for a chance to use their killing blades again. Only Kenshin Himura, formerly one of the most brutal of killers, hopes to keep his swordsman's honor and still live in the new era.
Stars
  • Mayo Suzukaze (Kenshin Himura (voice))
  • Miki Fujitani (Kaoru Kamiya (voice))
  • Mina Tominaga (Yahiko Myoujin (voice))
  • Yuji Ueda (Sanosuke Sagara (voice))
  • Mika Doi (Megumi Takani (voice))
  • Hirotaka Suzuoki (Hajime Saitô (voice))
  • Tomo Sakurai (Makimachi Misao (voice))
  • Yoshito Yasuhara (Aoshi Shinomori (voice))
  • Yoku Shioya (Gensai (voice))
Subtitles Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Filipino, Finnish, French, French Canadian, Galician, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

Submit a Review

🚫 You must    first to submit a review.
 James ThompsonRating: 9/10
2025-06-28 — Season 3, Episode 1

A thrilling journey with complex characters...

 Natalie WilsonRating: 8.6/10
2025-07-07 — Season 5, Episode 3

Well-rounded, emotional, and beautifully shot series.

 Emily JohnsonRating: 9.1/10
2025-07-16 — Season 2, Episode 43

Well-rounded, emotional, and beautifully shot series.

 Amanda ScottRating: 9.3/10
2025-06-22 — Season 1, Episode 50

Constant evolution with fresh character challenges.

 Mark DavisRating: 8.6/10
2025-07-12 — Season 7, Episode 19

An emotional rollercoaster with meaningful relationships.

 Mark DavisRating: 9.4/10
2025-07-15 — Season 6, Episode 2

An emotional rollercoaster with meaningful relationships.

 Robert EvansRating: 8.7/10
2025-06-17 — Season 3, Episode 25

Sharp writing and phenomenal ensemble performances.

 Michael LeeRating: 9.1/10
2025-07-15 — Season 1, Episode 48

Well-rounded, emotional, and beautifully shot series.

 Grace HallRating: 8.6/10
2025-07-13 — Season 1, Episode 19

An outstanding TV series with deep emotional storytelling, brilliant acting, and twists that keep you coming back.

 Emily JohnsonRating: 8.6/10
2025-06-26 — Season 1, Episode 20

Top-notch cinematography and well-paced story arcs.

 Natalie WilsonRating: 8.8/10
2025-06-25 — Season 8, Episode 11

An outstanding TV series with deep emotional storytelling, brilliant acting, and twists that keep you coming back.

 Daniel WrightRating: 8.5/10
2025-06-21 — Season 9, Episode 46

A masterclass in storytelling and emotional depth.

 Lisa CarterRating: 8.8/10
2025-06-26 — Season 10, Episode 45

An emotional rollercoaster with meaningful relationships.

 Amanda ScottRating: 8.8/10
2025-06-17 — Season 4, Episode 17

An outstanding TV series with deep emotional storytelling, brilliant acting, and twists that keep you coming back.

 Amanda ScottRating: 9.5/10
2025-07-05 — Season 9, Episode 31

An emotional rollercoaster with meaningful relationships.

    This filename has been transmitted via an external affiliate, we can therefore furnish no guarantee for the existence of this file on our servers.

    © 2023 - 2025

12888 Online Now