Hiko, Seijuurou
Seiyuu / Dub
Summary
As the thirteenth successor to the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryuu sword style, Hiko Seijuurou rescued a young Shinta from bandits who had slaughtered his friends. He raised the boy and renamed him Kenshin, arguing that the original name was unsuitable for a swordsman. When Kenshin abandoned his training to join the rebellion against the Tokugawa regime, Hiko became deeply disappointed and retreated from society. He now lives as a potter in a forest near Kyoto, reflecting on the irrelevance of his ancient art in a changing world. He tells Yahiko that while everything shifts, only the moon remains constant. Widely regarded as the most powerful swordsman, Hiko surpasses Kenshin despite their similar speeds. He possesses superior combat judgment and superhuman strength, which he suppresses beneath his heavy cloak to wield the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu at its peak. After fifteen years apart, the pair reunites so Kenshin can complete his training, provided he can survive Hiko’s immense ego. The distinctive cloak worn by all Hiten Mitsurugi masters serves to maintain strength during peacetime. Composed of heavy materials with counter-springs exerting roughly 37.5 kilograms of pressure, the garment forces Hiko to constantly train just by wearing it. Author Nobuhiro Watsuki based the cape’s appearance on Spawn from Image Comics, although the collar size was reduced in the anime adaptation.
