Hajime Saito is a real person, and his background is basically close to historical fact. It is also true that he survived the war and later changed his job to a police officer, calling himself Goro Fujita.
Bro. still love the feel of the original anime... the little mouth movements of Saito when he charged at Kenshin. The artwork, the intensity, the subtle symbology used for certain scenes. Just a masterpiece.
13:46 Toshimichi Okubo was one of the Three Great Nobles of the Restoration regarded as the main founders of modern Japan. He also often appears in school text books of Japanese history. There is a bronze statue of Okubo in the Kagoshima Prefecture. The Three Great Nobles of the Restoration (維新の三傑、Ishin-no -sanketsu)＝Toshimichi Okubo, Takamori Saigo, Takayoshi Kido.
Jin'e was known as Kurogasa (That means black hat because he used one). So they were talking about him. Oukubo is a very important figure in Japan, he is consider one of the funding fathers of Moder Japan. So him appearing, for the japanese people, is like if Abram lincon appeared in some series. Akamatsu said their monologue because he thought kenshin was death and he promised, in the last episode, to tell him everything after killing him. Theres a little talk about the old Anime, the Ovas, or the Movies. I recomed to watch this one first and after, if you all want, watch the other things. There are some things the Old Anime did better, mostly the music and the artistic direction. Something they did in the old anime was changing more the Eyes of Kenshin, so you can see a difference when he was serious and when he was "battousai". But the passing was not great, they change a lot of arcs and im think the voice actors are better in this one. And they only adapted until the end of the next saga and never adapted the last one. They added alot of filler.
The coolest thing about Saito is that his code never changed. The times and people did, but he never wavered. Always been my favorite character in the series.
When Akamatsu (chain guy) said "he finally croaked'', he meant that ''he died''. When he spilled the beans he assumed Kenshin was dead. He must be used to killing average people with only 1 throw. That is why he then said that he lasted 6 throws, (survived up to 6). Also when he said he ''defended all 6 attacks'' when Kenshin stood up, what he meant was that he did 6 ''defensive falls'' as it's stated in the manga. This is applied in different martial arts. In short, he ''rolled'' his back and body with the impacts to mitigate most if not all of the damage, stopping the head from getting hit for the most part.
Amazing episode. I'd agree somehow with the feeling of some lads in here: the original version of this fight was perhaps better (like in OST, scenography and pretty much art direction), HOWEVER, and this is the important part, this doesn't mean this remake is bad as many people seem to think, I actually think the remake is doing an amazing job. It could be better? sure, what I wouldn't give for it to have better art direction and better ost, but is doing an amazing job. Despite what some minority might say about how the remake is bad, is actually doing pretty good in Japan (Rurouni Kenshin has been a big influence on a lot of mangakas in Japan, for example, One piece mangaka used to be an assistant for the one who must not be named aka RK mangaka). About the discussion and reaction: 1. Saito is amazing because, for once, he is Kenshin''s equal, once Kenshin returns to Battousai mode, so to speak, you can see how both of them are equal, and this was truth too in the past, where Saito fought the most dangerous version of Kenshin. Also, his moral code is gray, something you'll begin to understand the more you see of him, I'd compare him to something like The Punisher, an anti hero of some sorts. Also, you'll encounter characters stronger than Kenshin, somes that might seem stronger than him but the explanation is in the context of the story, but Saito is his equal. 2. Okubo is a big part of Japan history, he was a real person (so was Saito and the Shinsengumi), and a bit of his story with Kenshin will be explored in the next episode. Next episode they'll explain a bit better what the next arc is going to be about, why they needed Saito to measure Kenshin's strenght, and also a fan favorite will appear quickly (pun intended, once you see him you'll see what I mean). S2 can't come soon enough, because the next arc is perhaps RK pinacle (tho I personally prefer the 3rd arc, but too soon to talk about it)
Great discussion. Saitou is designed not just as a foil for Kenshin but as a wakeup call for the supporting cast that Kenshin is not invincible. For the first time, Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu was not enough, he actually got into a fistfight!
In the original manga, there was a line from Saito to Kenshin that goes unused in this translation: "Unused strength is the same as none." Given Saito's accusation that the man who actually rotted away is Kenshin, it would be interesting to hear your opinions on what you think the future could hold and why Saito may hate Kenshin.
@React City Also to note: in the original anime of the series, you could tell when Kenshin reverted to his manslayer persona by the change in his eyes and his manner. Kenshin's eyes had a somewhat golden colour as opposed to his pacifist nature. Saito, in his case always remained a manslayer, but he channeled his Shinsengumi energies into protecting Japan as a police officer and agent. The next manslayer of the trio, Makoto Shishio, was the manslayer of chaos and death who lived by the mantra, "The strongest and fittest survive. If you are strong you live, if you are weak, you die"
This episode was good but I will give it to the OG 90's version as the superior of the two. If all you care about is the fight it would be episode 30 of the OG series but I would not recommend watching it until the end of this season as you will be spoiled with the introduction of Okubo and what he's at the dojo for. Anyone who says that OG fight had filler compared to the manga is right, but this fight has filler scenes too and, even still the OG did that better and had a way better atmosphere, soundtrack, and the coloring, holy moly, when kenshin "reverts" to his battosai persona you actually see a complete change in his appearance and style, like seriously he's flipping off walls and actually uses battojutsu which was his signature killing stance more often (Its the stance he used against Jinei). The english dub is also fire.
Agreed I also missed the batojutsu stance and his loose hair, and the transition into Battosai in original was perfect ,I have all those wallpaers on my phone cause it's one of my favourite battles👍👍
Hi React fam I'm so glad you got to finally see Saitō Hajime in action and see how calculating he was, really hope one day you could watch original and experience the awesome music tones and transitions the music actually sets the tones perfectly with the tension and emotions etc, 14:09 yup he did stab him first time Kenshin was seen to take really serious damage and Saitō did push him back to being Battosai, he should really thank Kenshin for being a wanderer and having a reverse blade cause if not for that when he return and hit him from the back of his neck if it was a normal sword he would have literally have his head which he mentioned later in the battle and fight would be finished alot sooner lol. Anyhow guys keep it up and glad your enjoying, keep eye out for another younger guy in blue with a nice smile on final episode. you will definitely wish season 2 could come sooner , Kyoto Arc is literally going to be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Please watch the 2 OVAs when this season comes to an end. It will show you his entire early life and his time as an assassin. You will also see how he got his X mark on his face. Please watch them I would love to see your reactions to these. You won't regret it.
Next episodio is the final for this first season 😢. You will learn what was the purpose of testing Kenshin....epic episode, absolutely loved everything specially the voice actors, they delivered greatness 👏.
90s ep 30 had more impact. RIP original voice actor for Saito who passed away in 2005/6. He made Saito more menacing because Saito, while being an brutal character, had a very proper vocal etiquette. Just like how he was in real life as told in history.
@React City In the original series. Kenshin eye color changes when he enters the Hitokiri mindset. Also, the move Kenshin did to Saito whne he hit him in the back at his nape is called Ryu Kan Sen. Also, also in the original Saito threw his broken sword at Kenshin and Kenshin blocked it with the back of his hand cutting cut in the process. Also Also Also, The fight never went outside.
kenshin is in fact a LOT Weaker than it was in the bakumatsu. and saito proved the point in this episode with the power of the actual kenshin is a joke to saito. but with the power of the era of bakumatsu, with the power of the hitokiri are equals. Saito destroyed everything kenshin believed before the battle i made good points to kenshin.
There's absolutely nothing special about Kenshin's sheath. In the past, everyone had a katana & a wakizashi as a backup. With no backup, Kenshin opts to fighting with his sheath. Excellent discussion & speculation. Everything will be addressed later on in the story.
Please don't listen to anyone who's telling you to watch the original anime or saying how the original anime is way better. Majority of those people are basing their opinions solely on nostalgia and for me personally the remake has been better than the original and has been much more faithful to the manga without any filler. Once you finish this season (1 more episode to go) don't watch the original 1996 anime instead just wait for season 2 to drop.
I don't think anyone is asking for them to watch entire old anime. When Saito appear the original is definetely better and doesnt have to do anything about nostalgia
So you would deny these three the opportunity to see the masterpiece of the original Saito vs Kenshin fight ? Wow. Everyone’s deserves to see that 96 version fight. Also it has nothing to do with nostalgia that particular episode in the 96 version is far superior.
@@evrythingilike8836 No. If you're saying watch the original fight I 100% agree I would recommend anyone and everyone to watch that fight and compare the two. What I'm saying is I need people to seriously stop asking reactors to watch the original anime when there's literally a remake that's much better and much more faithful with better quality and animation.
@@almond2403 the original had its moments of great animation where needed, even still better than the remake. All you are seeing is the squeaky clean look. The remake is very static and compositions are horrible. I’ve watched and studied the original hundreds of times. Skip the fillers in the og and it’s still amazing to this day. The only episodes I would say the remake did better were KUROGASA AND RAJUTA.
After this season is over you should watch the original anime, is better ,the music is better, extra scenes, You feel that Saito give kenshin problem,in this one just feel he gave kenshin some struggles thats it . Saito was the only one that kenshin couldnt defeat. Full power kenshin=battousai couldnt defeat Saito. Un the original watch when kenshin enter the house, the conversation is good. Just rewatxh when kenshin enter the house, i am not talking about the entire season
wrong analysis. the original anime has A LOT of filler. and only 3 chapters in the tokyo arc are good, the jinnei one, the aoshi vs kenshin and the battle vs saito, the rest are regular episodes from that time with regular to bad animation and a lot of filler. people get blind with nostalgia when talk about something from the past. this anime and the original are equal in many things. the only thing is WAY better in the original is the OST that OST is one of the best in the anime medium.
@@MarcosSSRN You are wrong, and i am not talking about nostalgia, i didnt Say the entire season is better i say this episode we're Saito appear are better, and they are better.
in that we are in the same side my friend. that episode is godlike because legendary animators worked in that episode like norio matsumoto and i belive atsuki wakayabashi was also in that episode. but the rest in the tokyo arc are regular and with filler and that is a fact.@@mem5860
@@mem5860 I did watch the original but i don't remember (so long ago), i'm gonna rewatch eventually, but even if it is better that doesn't mean this one is bad, i didn't get the feeling Saito "just gave Kenshin some struggles" like you said. For me it was the best episode of the season so far.
@@VicenteRutkoskiDaSilva it's because You don't remember the original, You can feel ,like this another level that kenshin have not face in the entire season, kenshin Even kick, Saito forcé hin to do something that he never do
Hajime Saito is a real person, and his background is basically close to historical fact. It is also true that he survived the war and later changed his job to a police officer, calling himself Goro Fujita.
This is true you got to it before me lol, they don;t look exactly the same but his is a real person 👍
Very badass dude. He lived an exciting life.
Bro. still love the feel of the original anime... the little mouth movements of Saito when he charged at Kenshin. The artwork, the intensity, the subtle symbology used for certain scenes. Just a masterpiece.
13:46 Toshimichi Okubo was one of the Three Great Nobles of the Restoration regarded as the main founders of modern Japan. He also often appears in school text books of Japanese history.
There is a bronze statue of Okubo in the Kagoshima Prefecture.
The Three Great Nobles of the Restoration (維新の三傑、Ishin-no -sanketsu)＝Toshimichi Okubo, Takamori Saigo, Takayoshi Kido.
I love the analysis you guys do at the end. Very in depth
thank you!
Jin'e was known as Kurogasa (That means black hat because he used one). So they were talking about him.
Oukubo is a very important figure in Japan, he is consider one of the funding fathers of Moder Japan. So him appearing, for the japanese people, is like if Abram lincon appeared in some series.
Akamatsu said their monologue because he thought kenshin was death and he promised, in the last episode, to tell him everything after killing him.
Theres a little talk about the old Anime, the Ovas, or the Movies. I recomed to watch this one first and after, if you all want, watch the other things.
There are some things the Old Anime did better, mostly the music and the artistic direction. Something they did in the old anime was changing more the Eyes of Kenshin, so you can see a difference when he was serious and when he was "battousai". But the passing was not great, they change a lot of arcs and im think the voice actors are better in this one. And they only adapted until the end of the next saga and never adapted the last one. They added alot of filler.
The coolest thing about Saito is that his code never changed. The times and people did, but he never wavered. Always been my favorite character in the series.
When Akamatsu (chain guy) said "he finally croaked'', he meant that ''he died''. When he spilled the beans he assumed Kenshin was dead. He must be used to killing average people with only 1 throw. That is why he then said that he lasted 6 throws, (survived up to 6).
Also when he said he ''defended all 6 attacks'' when Kenshin stood up, what he meant was that he did 6 ''defensive falls'' as it's stated in the manga. This is applied in different martial arts. In short, he ''rolled'' his back and body with the impacts to mitigate most if not all of the damage, stopping the head from getting hit for the most part.
Amazing episode. I'd agree somehow with the feeling of some lads in here: the original version of this fight was perhaps better (like in OST, scenography and pretty much art direction), HOWEVER, and this is the important part, this doesn't mean this remake is bad as many people seem to think, I actually think the remake is doing an amazing job. It could be better? sure, what I wouldn't give for it to have better art direction and better ost, but is doing an amazing job. Despite what some minority might say about how the remake is bad, is actually doing pretty good in Japan (Rurouni Kenshin has been a big influence on a lot of mangakas in Japan, for example, One piece mangaka used to be an assistant for the one who must not be named aka RK mangaka).
About the discussion and reaction:
1. Saito is amazing because, for once, he is Kenshin''s equal, once Kenshin returns to Battousai mode, so to speak, you can see how both of them are equal, and this was truth too in the past, where Saito fought the most dangerous version of Kenshin. Also, his moral code is gray, something you'll begin to understand the more you see of him, I'd compare him to something like The Punisher, an anti hero of some sorts. Also, you'll encounter characters stronger than Kenshin, somes that might seem stronger than him but the explanation is in the context of the story, but Saito is his equal.
2. Okubo is a big part of Japan history, he was a real person (so was Saito and the Shinsengumi), and a bit of his story with Kenshin will be explored in the next episode.
Next episode they'll explain a bit better what the next arc is going to be about, why they needed Saito to measure Kenshin's strenght, and also a fan favorite will appear quickly (pun intended, once you see him you'll see what I mean). S2 can't come soon enough, because the next arc is perhaps RK pinacle (tho I personally prefer the 3rd arc, but too soon to talk about it)
Great discussion. Saitou is designed not just as a foil for Kenshin but as a wakeup call for the supporting cast that Kenshin is not invincible. For the first time, Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu was not enough, he actually got into a fistfight!
Are you guys going to watch the Live actions?
In the original manga, there was a line from Saito to Kenshin that goes unused in this translation: "Unused strength is the same as none."
Given Saito's accusation that the man who actually rotted away is Kenshin, it would be interesting to hear your opinions on what you think the future could hold and why Saito may hate Kenshin.
@React City Also to note: in the original anime of the series, you could tell when Kenshin reverted to his manslayer persona by the change in his eyes and his manner. Kenshin's eyes had a somewhat golden colour as opposed to his pacifist nature. Saito, in his case always remained a manslayer, but he channeled his Shinsengumi energies into protecting Japan as a police officer and agent. The next manslayer of the trio, Makoto Shishio, was the manslayer of chaos and death who lived by the mantra, "The strongest and fittest survive. If you are strong you live, if you are weak, you die"
This episode was good but I will give it to the OG 90's version as the superior of the two. If all you care about is the fight it would be episode 30 of the OG series but I would not recommend watching it until the end of this season as you will be spoiled with the introduction of Okubo and what he's at the dojo for.
Anyone who says that OG fight had filler compared to the manga is right, but this fight has filler scenes too and, even still the OG did that better and had a way better atmosphere, soundtrack, and the coloring, holy moly, when kenshin "reverts" to his battosai persona you actually see a complete change in his appearance and style, like seriously he's flipping off walls and actually uses battojutsu which was his signature killing stance more often (Its the stance he used against Jinei). The english dub is also fire.
Agreed I also missed the batojutsu stance and his loose hair, and the transition into Battosai in original was perfect ,I have all those wallpaers on my phone cause it's one of my favourite battles👍👍
Okubo looks like a pimp when he walks in 😂
Hi React fam I'm so glad you got to finally see Saitō Hajime in action and see how calculating he was, really hope one day you could watch original and experience the awesome music tones and transitions the music actually sets the tones perfectly with the tension and emotions etc, 14:09 yup he did stab him first time Kenshin was seen to take really serious damage and Saitō did push him back to being Battosai, he should really thank Kenshin for being a wanderer and having a reverse blade cause if not for that when he return and hit him from the back of his neck if it was a normal sword he would have literally have his head which he mentioned later in the battle and fight would be finished alot sooner lol.
Anyhow guys keep it up and glad your enjoying, keep eye out for another younger guy in blue with a nice smile on final episode. you will definitely wish season 2 could come sooner , Kyoto Arc is literally going to be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Please watch the 2 OVAs when this season comes to an end. It will show you his entire early life and his time as an assassin. You will also see how he got his X mark on his face. Please watch them I would love to see your reactions to these. You won't regret it.
Since we're talking about 86, you also need to watch the show that inspired that 86 anime called *Gundam - Iron-Blooded Orphans* coz it's dope 👍
Just wait for the fight between Kenshin and Cho
Next episodio is the final for this first season 😢. You will learn what was the purpose of testing Kenshin....epic episode, absolutely loved everything specially the voice actors, they delivered greatness 👏.
90s ep 30 had more impact. RIP original voice actor for Saito who passed away in 2005/6. He made Saito more menacing because Saito, while being an brutal character, had a very proper vocal etiquette. Just like how he was in real life as told in history.
@React City In the original series. Kenshin eye color changes when he enters the Hitokiri mindset. Also, the move Kenshin did to Saito whne he hit him in the back at his nape is called Ryu Kan Sen. Also, also in the original Saito threw his broken sword at Kenshin and Kenshin blocked it with the back of his hand cutting cut in the process. Also Also Also, The fight never went outside.
kenshin is in fact a LOT Weaker than it was in the bakumatsu.
and saito proved the point in this episode with the power of the actual kenshin is a joke to saito.
but with the power of the era of bakumatsu, with the power of the hitokiri are equals.
Saito destroyed everything kenshin believed before the battle i made good points to kenshin.
You must watch the 1996 version.
There's absolutely nothing special about Kenshin's sheath. In the past, everyone had a katana & a wakizashi as a backup. With no backup, Kenshin opts to fighting with his sheath.
Excellent discussion & speculation. Everything will be addressed later on in the story.
Please don't listen to anyone who's telling you to watch the original anime or saying how the original anime is way better. Majority of those people are basing their opinions solely on nostalgia and for me personally the remake has been better than the original and has been much more faithful to the manga without any filler. Once you finish this season (1 more episode to go) don't watch the original 1996 anime instead just wait for season 2 to drop.
When Saito appear the original is better, i don't think have said watch the entire original season because is better, whi have said that
I don't think anyone is asking for them to watch entire old anime. When Saito appear the original is definetely better and doesnt have to do anything about nostalgia
So you would deny these three the opportunity to see the masterpiece of the original Saito vs Kenshin fight ? Wow. Everyone’s deserves to see that 96 version fight. Also it has nothing to do with nostalgia that particular episode in the 96 version is far superior.
@@evrythingilike8836 No. If you're saying watch the original fight I 100% agree I would recommend anyone and everyone to watch that fight and compare the two. What I'm saying is I need people to seriously stop asking reactors to watch the original anime when there's literally a remake that's much better and much more faithful with better quality and animation.
@@almond2403 the original had its moments of great animation where needed, even still better than the remake. All you are seeing is the squeaky clean look. The remake is very static and compositions are horrible. I’ve watched and studied the original hundreds of times. Skip the fillers in the og and it’s still amazing to this day. The only episodes I would say the remake did better were KUROGASA AND RAJUTA.
After this season is over you should watch the original anime, is better ,the music is better, extra scenes, You feel that Saito give kenshin problem,in this one just feel he gave kenshin some struggles thats it . Saito was the only one that kenshin couldnt defeat. Full power kenshin=battousai couldnt defeat Saito. Un the original watch when kenshin enter the house, the conversation is good. Just rewatxh when kenshin enter the house, i am not talking about the entire season
wrong analysis.
the original anime has A LOT of filler. and only 3 chapters in the tokyo arc are good,
the jinnei one, the aoshi vs kenshin and the battle vs saito, the rest are regular episodes from that time with regular to bad animation and a lot of filler.
people get blind with nostalgia when talk about something from the past. this anime and the original are equal in many things.
the only thing is WAY better in the original is the OST that OST is one of the best in the anime medium.
@@MarcosSSRN You are wrong, and i am not talking about nostalgia, i didnt Say the entire season is better i say this episode we're Saito appear are better, and they are better.
in that we are in the same side my friend.
that episode is godlike because legendary animators worked in that episode like norio matsumoto and i belive atsuki wakayabashi was also in that episode.
but the rest in the tokyo arc are regular and with filler and that is a fact.@@mem5860
@@mem5860 I did watch the original but i don't remember (so long ago), i'm gonna rewatch eventually, but even if it is better that doesn't mean this one is bad, i didn't get the feeling Saito "just gave Kenshin some struggles" like you said. For me it was the best episode of the season so far.
@@VicenteRutkoskiDaSilva it's because You don't remember the original, You can feel ,like this another level that kenshin have not face in the entire season, kenshin Even kick, Saito forcé hin to do something that he never do