Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance - Episode 3 Review

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Let me catch my breath real quick because this episode just blew me away. After watching it twice (okay, maybe three times), I need to share why Episode 3 of the Kyoto arc might be one of the best episodes I've seen this season.

The Good Stuff That Had Me Glued to The Screen

First off, whoever directed this episode deserves a raise. Remember how we were all worried about how they'd handle that execution scene? They nailed it. The tension, the weight of the moment, everything just worked. I found myself holding my breath during several scenes, and that doesn't happen often.

The animation took a serious leap forward too. Those fight sequences? Pure artistry. I had to rewind a few times just to catch all the details they packed in there.

Sano: The Lovable Doofus We All Need

Can we talk about Sanosuke for a minute? Our boy spent half the episode getting lost and punching trees out of frustration, and I was living for it. It's exactly the kind of comic relief we needed between the heavier scenes. Seriously, someone needs to get this man a GPS (though knowing him, he'd probably punch that too).

Saito: Still The Coolest Cat Around

You know who's absolutely crushing it this season? Saito. The way he's been quietly stalking Kenshin like some wolf waiting for the right moment - it's just chef's kiss. Every time he shows up on screen, you know something good is about to go down.

The Misao & Kenshin Dynamic We Didn't Know We Needed

Not gonna lie, Misao has totally stolen the show. Her energy is infectious, and watching her bounce around Kenshin with all that enthusiasm while he's trying to figure out how to handle the truth about the Oniwabanshu... my heart wasn't ready. It's like watching a puppy follow around someone who knows they'll eventually have to break its heart. The feels are real, folks.

When Things Get Dark (Like, Really Dark)

This episode didn't pull any punches with showing just how nasty Shishio's regime is. That village scene? The stuff with Eiji and his family? Heavy doesn't begin to cover it. You could feel Kenshin's anger radiating through the screen, and for our usually chill wanderer, that's saying something.

Listen, I've Seen A Lot of Anime But...

The way this episode balanced the light and dark moments was something special. One minute you're chuckling at Sano getting lost (again), and the next you're watching some seriously intense scenes that remind you why this series is considered a classic.

That ending though? Saito finally catching up to Kenshin? I may have squealed a little. No shame.

Final Thoughts (Because My Feelings Are All Over The Place)

Rating: 9.5/10 - 

Would watch Sano punch trees again

Look, I know we're only three episodes into the Kyoto arc, but if they keep this quality up, we're in for something special. The pacing is spot-on, the character moments land perfectly, and the stakes feel real. Plus, that preview for next week? I'm already counting down the days.

Question for other fans: What did you think about how they handled the execution scene? Also, is anyone else worried about how Misao's going to handle the truth about Aoshi?

P.S. - Seriously considering starting a fundraiser to buy Sano a compass. Who's with me?

#RurouniKenshin #KyotoArc #AnimeReview #BattousaiIsBack

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