A Bored Fighter
The chapter opens away from the Kamiya Dojo, with a mysterious man dismantling a group of thugs almost effortlessly. Instead of feeling proud, he calls the fight boring and complains that there are no "real fighters" around. Right from the start, you get the sense that this guy isn’t just strong—he’s looking for trouble, and more importantly, for a worthy opponent.
Dinner at the Akabeko
Back at the dojo, Kaoru is overjoyed to find an ink painting left by her late grandfather—something valuable enough to sell and celebrate. She convinces Kenshin and Yahiko to go out for sukiyaki at the Akabeko. The atmosphere feels lighthearted, almost like a family dinner. But things turn quickly when the restaurant manager, Sekihara Tae, gets punched by a thug from a rowdy group nearby.
Just as Kenshin and Yahiko prepare to intervene, the mysterious fighter reappears. He catches Tae before she falls and then decides to take matters into his own hands.
Zanza Appears
The fight spills out into the street, where the stranger—now known as Zanza—defeats the thug with ridiculous ease, brushing off a suntetsu strike to his forehead like it was nothing. Kenshin doesn’t fight, but with just a subtle glare he’s enough to scare the rest of the gang away. Zanza, curious about Kenshin, leaves him his address before walking away, the kanji for “evil” emblazoned on his back.
The final pages show Zanza eating at home, meeting with the Hiruma brothers. When they reveal that the wanderer he met is none other than the legendary Hitokiri Battosai, Zanza’s eyes light up. He decides he’ll face Kenshin—but this time with a weapon he hasn’t used in years. The tension rises: a storm is brewing.
Final Thoughts
I really liked this chapter because it shifts the energy of the story. Until now, Kenshin has been dealing with smaller conflicts—corrupt police, petty gangs—but Zanza feels different. He’s reckless, fearless, and clearly powerful. His introduction sets up a direct clash with Kenshin that feels inevitable. The dinner scene at the Akabeko also adds warmth and normalcy, making the sudden interruption hit even harder.
It’s one of those chapters that makes you close the book already excited for the next.
All images are personal captures taken from my own physical copy of the manga.