Himura Kenshin, the Battousai:
* Alias: Known as "Hitokiri Battousai" (Manslayer Battousai) during the Bakumatsu era. The name "Battousai" refers to his mastery of Battōjutsu (sword-drawing technique).
* Background: During the final years of the Bakumatsu, a period of political upheaval in Japan, Kenshin was a legendary assassin feared for his ruthlessness and unmatched swordsmanship. He worked for the Ishin Shishi, a group striving to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate.
* Appearance: He had a slight, almost feminine build with long red hair. A distinctive feature was the cross-shaped scar on his left cheek.
* Personality as Battousai: As the Battousai, he was a cold and efficient killer, showing little emotion towards his targets.
* Transformation: After the war, Kenshin disappeared and adopted a new identity as a wandering swordsman, vowing never to kill again. He carries a sakabato, a sword with a reverse blade, symbolizing his commitment to non-violence. He seeks to atone for his past by offering protection and aid to those in need.
Yukishiro Tomoe:
* First Appearance: Tomoe is introduced in the Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal OVA (original video animation) and is a significant character in Kenshin's past. She also appears in the live-action film Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning.
* Background: Tomoe was initially engaged to Kiyosato Akira, a man Kenshin killed during his time as the Battousai. She initially sought revenge against Kenshin for her fiancé's death.
* Relationship with Kenshin: Under specific circumstances orchestrated by the Ishin Shishi, Tomoe and Kenshin lived together in hiding, posing as husband and wife. During this time, despite her initial intentions, Tomoe and Kenshin gradually fell in love.
* Personality: Tomoe is depicted as a sophisticated, intelligent, and seemingly cold woman. However, beneath her reserved exterior, she is a complex character burdened by her past and her evolving feelings for Kenshin.
* Tragic Fate: Tomoe's past as a spy for the Tokugawa shogunate and the forces seeking to eliminate Kenshin lead to a tragic confrontation. In an attempt to save Kenshin, she throws herself between him and his attacker, and he unintentionally kills her.
* Impact on Kenshin: Tomoe's death has a profound and lasting impact on Kenshin. Her final act and the revelation of her love for him solidify his resolve to never kill again and to dedicate his life to protecting others. The second part of his cross-shaped scar is a result of this tragic event. She is considered his first wife in his heart.
In essence, Battousai was Kenshin's persona as a deadly assassin during a violent period in Japan's history, while Tomoe was a woman deeply connected to his past as Battousai, who ultimately played a crucial role in his transformation into the peace-seeking wanderer he becomes. Their relationship is a central element in understanding Kenshin's character and his motivations.
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