Dangerous Characters: Kenshin Himura

Since I was running late, we're going two for two this week with the monthly introduction of a dangerous character. Hailing from Meiji era Japan, this ex-revolutionary still maintains his sword-skills to deadly accuracy, even if he has refused to kill. Surrounded by enemies and dangerous friends alike, if you are anywhere near him, you'd better make sure you avoid any confrontations. Otherwise someone is going to get much worse than a headache from that reverse-blade sword he carries. So allow me to introduce Kenshin Himura, of Studio Gallup and Studio Deen's TV series based off of Nobuhiro Watsuki's manga, Rurouni Kenshin.

The source of danger for Kenshin is somewhat convoluted, though mainly derived from occupational hazards. Back during the Meiji revolution he was a powerful assassin with a reputation for being brutally efficient. He may just be a wanderer now, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still have some pretty mad skills, only dulled by the fact that his sword has a reversed blade so a swing of it won't kill anybody (theoretically). His has a past that not only haunts his own nightmares, but also returns in the form of old enemies or rivals ruthlessly searching for anything from testing their skills to revenge. As a result, just being around Kenshin is a risky affair, as many of his enemies make no bones about taking hostages, or hurting bystanders. His friends are especially at risk as more often than not, they serve as a means for foes to get to him in order to make him do what they want. So if you ever find yourself in Meiji Japan, keep an eye out for him, and steer clear, unless you are an epic samurai. Even then, you probably shouldn't tell anyone he's your friend in public.

Image taken from Rurouni Kenshin.

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