The 2014 film Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno is the high-stakes second chapter of the live-action trilogy, adapting the iconic "Kyoto Arc." It shifts from the personal redemption of the first film into a massive political thriller where the fate of the Meiji government hangs in the balance. The Rising Shadow

On his journey, Kenshin meets , a spunky young member of the Oniwabanshū (a clan of ninja/spies). Through her, Kenshin is reunited with the remnants of the clan, led by the elderly Okina.

Kenshin is torn. To stop Shishio, he must travel to Kyoto and likely face a level of violence that threatens his "No-Kill" vow. After Ōkubo is assassinated by Shishio’s cold-blooded right hand, , Kenshin realizes he has no choice. He says a heartbreaking goodbye to Kaoru and sets off alone on the road to Kyoto. The Road to Kyoto