The most feared swordsman in 19th century Japan, the Hitokiri Battousai helped spearhead a revolution, killing many in the process. The pungent stench of death soon became intolerable to Himura Kenshin; he decides to atone for his sins by living a life of peace and virtual anonymity. Adopting the sakabatou (a non-lethal sword with a reversed blade) rather than a katana, Kenshin sets forth on a journey to maintain peace rather than promote death. Ghosts from his past come back to haunt him, however, and he must fight to save his friends and his soul.<br />