Seta Soujiro Abused by adoptive parents at a very young age, Seta Soujiro became a master at suppressing his emotions. When he met up with Shishio Makoto, a known criminal and Hitokiri, he

managed to survive the encounter only because Shishio saw the potential he had and spared his life. He is always smiling and never lets his emotions surface. Known as Soujiro the Prodigy, he served as a member of the Jupon Gatan and as Shishio's right hand. When Himura Kenshin defeated him, he realized that the truths Shishio had impressed on him, namely that 'the flesh of the weak is the food of the strong', were all lies. He learned that as a swordsman with exceptional skill, he had the power to help others. After this, he left the Jupon Gatana and decided to wander as a Rurouni until he found his answers and some peace.

Sagara Souzou has a relatively small role in the world of Rurouni Kenshin, but I decided to add him anyway because he played a major role in influencing one of the main characters, Sagara Sanosuke,

while he was growing up. As seen through the eyes of a young boy, Souzou is portrayed as a beautiful and proud leader, an ideal childhood idol for someone who would grow up to be a great man. What Souzou passed on to Sanosuke was his courage, his determination, and his kind heart. Those ideals were what made Souzou who he was, and what made his murder all the more tragic. Even in death, he was unable to find peace because his head was displayed at the town square to serve as a warning to the people. In times of need, he shows himself to Sanosuke to offer advice and to tell him what to do.

Shigure Takimi Seen only in the Rurouni Kenshin movie, "Ishinshishi No Requiem", Shigure Takimi was the leader of the Aizu rebels. Trying to disrupt peaceable negotiations between the Ishin and

the other factions, they were branded as enemies of both Ishinshishi and Shinsengumi. After a certain clash between the Ishin and Aizu, Shigure's friend, the Hitokiri Gentatsu, was killed by the Battousai. Their plot thwarted, the Aizu soon disbanded in disgrace. Shigure, however, remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to plot against the new Royalist government well into the Meiji era. He was killed by a traitorous policeman after surrendering to Himura Kenshin.

Tokotsuki Gentatsu Seen only in the Rurouni Kenshin movie, "Ishinshishi No Requiem", Tokotsuki Gentatsu was one of the most feared Hitokiris of the Bakumatsu. Said to have fought and killed three

hundred warriors all at once, he made for a formidable opponent against the Battousai. An integral part of the Aizu chain of command, their ranks soon dispersed when news of his death became known. A quiet, kindred soul, Gentatsu expressed great concern for the welfare of both his sister, Toki, and his friends. Among his closest of allies was Shigure Takimi, his fellow comrade and leader of the Aizu.