In the climactic showdown of the second season, Kenshin, despite sustaining severe injuries, staunchly adheres to his non-lethal principles. Although Shishio initially appears to hold the advantage, Kenshin has yet to unleash all the techniques of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style.

The season's conclusion features the anime's most compelling battle, with Shishio standing out as the ultimate antagonist in my view. He strategically ensures that Kenshin is fatigued from previous encounters before challenging him to a face-off. This intense confrontation showcases a wide array of Kenshin's techniques, including the latest one acquired from his master.

While the use of a regular sword could have brought a swifter conclusion, the prolonged clashes contribute to the ongoing drama and suspense, making each fight all the more engaging.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 136
• Anime debut Episode 59

The second duel between Kenshin and Sojiro unfolds as a riveting encounter in the series. As the battle prolongs, Sojiro gradually gains the upper hand until a brief intermission unveils Sojiro's poignant past. In a surprising turn, Kenshin skillfully prompts Sojiro to question his allegiance to Shishio, causing Sojiro to become unfocused and emotionally vulnerable during the confrontation.

This particular battle stands out as my favorite in the entire series. While there is a version of it available in the New Kyoto Arc, it lacks the intense impact of the original animation. The initial confrontation had already established Sojiro's superior speed over Kenshin, but his greatest advantage was his emotional control - until Kenshin disrupts that equilibrium. This disruption ultimately provides Kenshin with the opportunity to retaliate by breaking Sojiro's sword, a fitting payback for the earlier incident when Sojiro broke Kenshin's original reverse blade.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 127
• Anime debut: 36

Following Shishio's successful execution of the Guren Kaina attack, effectively incapacitating Kenshin, the sudden entrance of Saito bursts through the door with his Gatotsu Stance, initiating an attempt to bring down Shishio.

This sequence underscores the formidable nature of Shishio as an antagonist, demonstrated by his ability to overpower both Kenshin and even Saito, who had expended his Gatotsu stances in the prior encounters. Despite the strategic advantage of having his adversaries face challenges before reaching him, Shishio is pressed for time, and one would expect his body to display signs of fatigue.

Upon defeating Saito, subsequent efforts by Sano and Aoshi to confront him prove challenging, with the struggle persisting until Kenshin eventually regains consciousness.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 138
• Anime debut Episode 55

After their initial encounter, Jinei becomes fixated on defeating the legendary Battousai but struggles to lure him out. Seeking an opportunity, Jinei kidnaps Kaoru, understanding that Kenshin will engage him more earnestly if Kaoru is held hostage.

This confrontation marks one of Kenshin's first serious battles in a while, as Jinei manages to push him to the point where Kenshin contemplates killing him. It also stands out as the initial prolonged skirmish in season 1, showcasing Battojutsu and even double Battojutsu within a single episode. Despite wielding a Sakabato, a heavier blade that slightly impedes his speed, Kenshin skillfully devises counters to Jinei's relentless attacks.

While earlier episodes hinted at individuals eager to prove themselves as the best swordsman against Kenshin, Jinei emerges as the first formidable adversary among those who disrupt Kenshin's pursuit of a peaceful life.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 10
  
• Anime debut: Episode 6
  

While en route to confront Shishio, the group finds themselves at the Mount of Hiei and Shrine of the Six Torii, where a series of arranged duels must be won to progress and ultimately face Shishio. The inaugural duel pits Sanosuke against Anji, who happens to be the one who taught Sano the Futae no Kiwami technique.

Despite being one of Kenshin's more formidable allies within his regular circle, Sano had faced a bit of a losing streak leading up to this pivotal battle. The decision to provide Sano with an opportunity to showcase his growth in the anime is a welcome one. Originally intending to overpower his former mentor with a barrage of punches, Sano eventually opts for a gamble, employing the Futae no Kiwami technique - a move capable of internally destroying an opponent.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 107
  
• Anime debut: Episode 47
  

The clash between two former adversaries unfolds initially as a test of Kenshin's swordsmanship prowess, gauging his readiness to confront Shishio. However, as the confrontation extends, echoes of the "Battousai" persona within Kenshin begin to resurface, reigniting the historical rivalry Saito once shared with him during their time in the Shinsengumi.

Similar to earlier skirmishes, glimpses of Kenshin's darker past as the Manslayer become apparent, especially in this battle against a figure from his history. It stands as a moment where Kenshin teeters on the brink of reverting to his former lethal self. The fight takes an unexpected turn, incorporating underhanded tactics such as the use of belts and jackets, challenging the expectation of a straightforward sword duel.

This serves as a poignant reminder that during the revolutionary era depicted in the series, there are no clean or honorable fights. Saito, unhesitant to employ any tricks or items at his disposal, underscores the gritty reality of combat. Battles like these underscore the darker undertones beneath the anime's comedic facade, highlighting the pervasive presence of grim elements in its narrative.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 52
  
• Anime debut: Episode 30
  

Driven by an unwavering determination to claim the title of the strongest, Aoshi engages in a fierce battle with Kenshin, seeking to prove his worthiness for the coveted position. Aoshi successfully delivers a lethal blow, momentarily gaining an advantage, but Kenshin remarkably recovers and even manages to block the second potentially fatal strike. Despite both fighters experiencing moments of being knocked down, Kenshin is the first to rise to his feet again.

This confrontation serves as a clash between two of Japan's most formidable swordsmen, transcending the physical realm to become a battle of philosophies. The ideological differences regarding the meaning of strength create a backdrop that almost transforms the duel into a verbal exchange. Amidst the clash of ideals, Aoshi unveils his Kaiten Kenbu technique, designed to deliver a fatal impact on Kenshin.

Fortunately, Kenshin employs a split-second defensive move, using his scabbard as a buffer, minimizing the damage. This swift and ingenious defense technique sets Kenshin apart, showcasing a skill that few other characters in the series could replicate.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 26
• Anime debut: Episode 12

The fight at Aoiya takes a bad turn when the other two members of the Ten Swords, Elder Saizuchi and Fuji, show up unexpectedly. It seems like all hope of winning is lost. But, right on time, Seijuro arrives and faces Fuji, convincing him to have a fair battle.

Hiko deserves some credit; he's the strongest swordsman in the entire series. Unfortunately, he wasn't used much in the anime or manga because he could easily solve all of Kenshin’s problems if given a more active role. Still, we get to see him in action against Fuji, even though the fight is shorter compared to other major fights in the series. It's evident that a lot of thought went into his entrance.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 126
• Anime debut: Episode 53

Although not a major villain, Henya posed a problem when sent to attack Aoiya in Kenshin's absence. The fight wasn't super intense, and not many hits were traded, but it showcased Yahiko's ability to learn by observing and his quick thinking in battle. It gives us a glimpse of Yahiko's training paying off as he combines the Kamiya Kasshin style with the Hiten Mitsurugi style.

It felt like it was Yahiko's turn to get into the action. Watching Kenshin's fights and adventures as a bystander must have been frustrating for him. Even though he appears in the show frequently, it's only in this episode that he truly stands out as a capable swordsman - well, at least the beginning of his journey toward becoming one.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 86
• Anime debut: Episode 52

The episode introduces a new member, Sanosuke, to Kenshin's group. The fight between them unfolds in two parts, with the first one happening at midnight but getting interrupted. The final showdown occurs at a different time to avoid interference. During the battle, we learn about Sanosuke's past until he is eventually defeated. This marks the last time he uses his zanbato in the anime.

The battle serves as a good introduction to Kenshin's new ally, showcasing Sanosuke's strength. His ability to wield a weapon much larger and heavier than himself demonstrates his power. Additionally, his resilience in taking hits from Kenshin highlights his endurance and determination in battle. Although Sanosuke is still not as strong as Kenshin, the fight sets a solid foundation for him to improve his fighting skills gradually.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 10
• Anime debut: Episode 4