Hiko Seijuro

Hiko Seijuro is the 13th inheritor of the Hiten Mitsurugi School. The literal translation of the name of the school is "Sword of the Soaring Heavens." Hiko Seijuro, however, is not his real name, as it is simply the title that is bestowed to each successor of the school. The names used previously are used only rarely or simply forgotten as time moves along. Hiko the 13th used an alias, Kakunoshin Niitsu, to disguise his identity as the inheritor of the school.

His style of fighting is the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Waza (special techniques): RyuShoSen, RyuTsuiSen, SouRyuSen, SouRyuSen-Ikazuchi, RyuSouSen, RyuKanSen, KuzuRyuSen (known as his favorite), AmaKakeruRyuNoHirameki (Secret Stance) Weapon of Choice: Shirasaya Nihontou (sword with wooden hilt and scabbard) Being master of one of the most lethal fighting styles ever conceived has some perks. Hiko has an arrogance streak, which some may find very annoying(as Kenshin does), or the coolest thing since rice(the Oniwabanshuu ninjas ^_^). However, despite all of his talk, he can without question back up his words, as he did in his battle with Fuji, one of Shishio's greatest warriors. He feels that no one is possibly equal to him in skill, intelligence, and suave looks, which is partly true. Hiko, a master among masters, shows great wisdom and compassion for other warriors, as he did, again, with Fuji.

The mantle isn't simply for a cool look, as it actually serves a purpose. Symbolically, it symbolizes each of the inheritors of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. But, because Seijuros of the past are known for their devastating fighting skills, this mantle is a weight, with several hundred pounds of material on it to slow down and control the power of his fighting in times of peace. Once the mantle is thrown off, the true Hiko Seijuro is fighting, something no one really wants to mess with.When Kenshin(known formerly as Himura Shinta) was approximately 7 years old, his parents, peasants of the land, died from cholera. Later, Hiko discovered him in a clearing(2 years later) about to be killed by bandits. Hiko steps in, and saves the little red-headed boy. The boy says nothing, as he is in shock from all of the death that is around him. Hiko returns the next day only to find him there again, but he had buried all of the dead in that clearing, including three young women he befriended, Sakura, Akane, and Kasumi. With this, Hiko realizes that he is alone and takes him in. Upon discovering his name to be Shinta, Hiko scoffs, declaring that name not to be one of a future swordsmaster, and chose the more appropriate name of Kenshin. And the rest, as they say, is history...