The battle to decide the fate of Meiji-era swordsmanship has begun! Action, romance, and historical intrigue help make Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin, the tale of a wandering swordsman set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, one of the most popular Shonen Jump titles among fans to date. Himura Kenshin, once an assassin (or hitokiri ) of ferocious power, now fights to protect the honor of those in need. His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it--Arai Shakkû--only to be turned away. Seikû, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work (the forging of katana, meant for killing), but has since given up that calling and spends his time making humble cooking knives. Respecting Seikû's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade...but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakkû has forged one last sword. Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his ten generals or "Ten Swords" to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Chô, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakkû's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabatô, Kenshin must face Chô in battle...

One hundred and forty years ago in Kyoto, with he coming of the American "Black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, manslayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji. Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend. -- VIZ Media

His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it--Arai Shakkû--only to be turned away. Seikû, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work (the forging of katana, meant for killing), but has since given up that calling and spends his time making humble cooking knives. Respecting Seikû's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade...but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakkû has forged one last sword. Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his ten generals or "Ten Swords" to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Chô, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakkû's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabatô, Kenshin must face Chô in battle... -- VIZ Media

Also a hit anime series, this book is a mix of historical detail, spectacular battles and romantic comedy.

The wandering swordsman, Himura Kenshin, once an assassin, now fights to protect those in need.

Everybody has a dream, and for Shô Kazamatsuri, that dream is simple: he wants to be the best soccer player he can possibly be. He's the spirited leader of the Josui Junior High team and everyone looks up to him. In turn, he tries to keep the team together at any cost! Josui makes it to the district finals! When Shô and the others go to scout out their future opponent, the virtually unknown Hiba, they meet team captain Tsubasa Shiina. An informal game breaks out and the key players get to test out each other's mettle. Hiba's defense is strong--stronger than anything Josui's faced before. Does Josui have what it takes to become district champs?