Let’s talk about Kenshin Himura—also famously known as Hitokiri Battousai—one of the most iconic figures in anime and manga history. As the main protagonist of Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin carries a deep, layered story that resonates with fans even decades after the series first debuted. Originally a feared assassin during Japan’s turbulent Bakumatsu era, Kenshin earned the notorious title of Hitokiri Battousai, meaning “manslayer,” due to his unmatched skill with a blade. But over time, he transforms into something far more profound—a wanderer seeking peace, redemption, and a chance to atone for the blood on his hands.

Now, here’s the thing: Kenshin wasn’t just naturally gifted. His legendary swordsmanship stems from rigorous training under Hiko Seijuro, the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style. This technique, known for its blinding speed and precision, turned young Kenshin into a force to be reckoned with. As Hitokiri Battousai, he became both a symbol of fear and a key player in shaping Japan’s shift toward the Meiji era. But once the dust settled, Kenshin made a pivotal choice—he laid down his killing ways and took up a reverse-blade sword, vowing never to take another life.

Throughout the series, we see Kenshin navigating a path of self-discovery. It’s not always easy, of course. Despite wanting nothing more than peace, he’s constantly pulled into conflict, often forced to fight to protect those close to him. Yet what makes Hitokiri Battousai so compelling isn’t just his combat prowess—it’s his empathy, his quiet strength, and his unwavering moral compass. He shows compassion even to enemies, believing deeply in second chances because he himself is living one.

And speaking of character depth, let’s dive into personality types for a moment. Many fans and analysts believe that Hitokiri Battousai fits the ISTP profile—Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving. Think about it: Kenshin is observant, calm under pressure, and incredibly resourceful in battle. He doesn’t act on emotion; he assesses, adapts, and responds with precision. He’s also intensely private, rarely revealing his inner turmoil, which aligns perfectly with the ISTP’s reserved nature. His focus on tangible realities rather than abstract ideals points to strong sensing and thinking functions, making him a classic example of someone who thrives in the present moment, solving problems as they arise.

Then there’s the Enneagram angle. Hitokiri Battousai strongly reflects Type 8—the Challenger. This type is all about autonomy, strength, and protecting the vulnerable, which fits Kenshin like a glove. Even though he rejects violence now, his core drive remains control—over his destiny, his actions, and how he shields others from harm. He doesn’t wait for permission to do what’s right. That fiery sense of justice? That willingness to stand alone if needed? Classic Type 8 traits. Sure, he can be impulsive when pushed, especially when loved ones are threatened, but beneath that intensity lies fierce loyalty and deep care.

Of course, it’s worth remembering that personality frameworks like the Enneagram or MBTI aren’t set in stone. They’re tools—ways to better understand characters like Kenshin Himura, or in this case, Hitokiri Battousai, not to box them in. But looking at his journey—from ruthless assassin to protector, from isolation to connection—it’s clear that Hitokiri Battousai embodies growth, resilience, and the enduring hope that people can change.

So whether you call him Kenshin, the rurouni, or Hitokiri Battousai, one thing stays true: his legacy isn’t built on the lives he took, but on the lives he saved afterward. And honestly, that’s what makes Hitokiri Battousai such a timeless character in the world of anime.