**********MAJOR KENSHIN SPOILERS IN THIS POST**********
however I'm as to the strongest in the entire series I wanna say hiko is the strongest
Of course. My personal ranking would be:
1) Hiko Seijiro - no debate, he took out a freaking Eva...I mean Fuji. He can also take Kenshin down EASILY.
2) Shishio Makoto - Well, this is a stupid thing to say, but he *was* technically stronger before he burned up. It's apparent that Kenshin is just barely fending off his attack (when Shishio surpasses his maximum limit).
3) Seta Soujirou - I could debateably say that he's stronger than Shishio since Shishio probably couldn't even see where he is attacking from (just like Kenshin), but he also respects Shishio and probably thinks he is weaker...and therefore will be weaker. This is obviously Soujirou before he goes crazy. Soujioru emotionless is the perfect killer.
4) Enishi - If you've read the Manga, you can see how easily Enishi defeats Kenshin (even the ultimate technique). I would put him higher, but the only reason he is so good is because of the revenge plot. I don't think he would have the same sort of motivation against any other opponent (and thus not as strong).
5) Himura Kenshin - Does anyone else find it strange the main character is the 5th strongest character in the show? It of course makes it more interesting since he needs hardships, but I hate it when people just blatantly spout out that Kenshin is a badass and can kick anyone's ass. I think the fight with Saitoh proves this false.
You have to see everything that boy goes through and then you can feel the emotion at the end of that episode when he says "back then..you didn't protect me (save me)" Not exact, but best I can take off the top of my head. what's your favorite part of that fight? if I may ask.
Funny you ask. This is another thread that I posted (about favorite moments). The saying you mentioned (below) is my favorite moment in the entire show (Episode 55):
"Ano toki anata wa...boku o mamode kurunakatanjanai desukara. Anata ga tadashitoyunara...nande mamode kurunankotodesu?"
"That night....you didn't protect me at all. If you really speak the truth, why didn't you protect me?!?!"
I love this moment! Although Soujirou isn't really say Kenshin had to physicall be there, he is blaming Kenshin's philosophy of protecting the weak and how that philosophy didn't protect him. Only Shishio's philosophy of the strongest survive, the weak die.
And I don't care what anyone says, had he not been emotional confused, kenshin would have been a dead dog.
(nod nod) Kenshin and his stupid mind-emotional mumbo jumbo. No question, Soujirou is a more talented swordsman. He even slashed Kenshin three or four times (had plenty of times to kill him). He "slightly" missed because he was distracted mentally. Hell, his name, Tenken means of the heavens (or "natural" style). They don't go into this that much, but Soujirou has natural swordsmanship. If you recall, he murdered his family (which was armed) without any formal training. Shishio also mentions that Soujirou knew "Shuku-chi" (Folding Ground) without knowing what it was. One word: BADASS!
I didn't care for Anji though
The reason I like him is that he's developed fairly well. The first time we see him (training Sano), we come to like him. At the end of the episode, Soujirou comes to pick him up for Shishio's conquest. The viewer is left in shock and the feeling that Sano and Anji will meet again (on less friendly terms). Now Anji's not a badass like Saitoh (few people are), but he's a lot more interesting. Don't get me wrong, Saitoh is one of my favorite characters (purely b/c he is one of the coolest characters ever), but he is very one-dimensional: He's a badass...that's it. Anji has a backstory and motivations. The viewer sympathizes with him (like Soujirou) and I tend to remember those characters.
And also can't forget Saitoh and Kenshin, I just thought it was awesome that they kept proving big mouthed Sano wrong.
Yes, these episodes (which begin the Kyoto Arc), bring into perspective that Kenshin isn't "all that." Saitoh names countless times Kenshin has failed his loved ones and that he could've killed them all. The moment when he stabs Kenshin (all the way through) is the big shocker (and an excellent cliffhanger. The only one bigger IMHO is in Escaflowne...won't say since ppl may not have seen it).