Title: 戦国の三日月
Date: 1992
Type: oneshot
Length: ?? pages
Availability: bonus in RK#6
Last updated:
2007 June 28
Author: Kaeli
Sengoku no Mikazuki
Originally intended to be a fantasy story, the setting was eventually changed to feudal Japan, which does not influence the story much.
The main character is Isshinta, a peasant boy who was drafted into the army and forced to fight in the war against his will. Afraid, he deserts the army and tries to make his way home, only to run into the great warrior Seijurou Hiko.
The exact opposite of Isshinta, Hiko is a brave and highly skilled fighter, who does not shy back from any battle. But while Isshinta has the strong will to survive and return home to his village and his beloved Natsu, Hiko is seeking death on the battlefield, having goven up all hope to ever be united with his loved one, who happens to also be named Natsu. Hiko's Natsu is a princess who was forced to marry the enemy warlord against her will.
Both Isshinta and Hiko must solve their personal problems in order to achieve their common goal: to find happiness with their girls.
Essentially, this means that each must learn something from the other: Isshinta has to gain some of the bravery that Hiko possesses, and learn to put his life on the line despite his fears, to achieve something that is important to him; Hiko must learn to cherish his own life, also for the sake of those that love him.
Thanks to this very strong and beautiful theme, Sengoku no Mikazuki is one of Watsuki's best short stories. Similarities to Rurouni Kenshin can easily be found, in the message as well as in the historical setting and last but not least in the character Seijurou Hiko. Of course, this will later become the name of Kenshin's master, and since the name is hereditary, there is the theory that the Seijurou Hiko of Sengoku no Mikazuki is the first master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu - Sengoku's Hiko does use this sword style.
Rather than a sequel, though, this short story is a very nice stand-alone. It is not misplaced as a bonus story in the sixth volume of Rurouni Kenshin, though.
Being one of Watsuki's oldest stories, the art style is definitely very different from what it is today. The voluminous hair and highly detailed drawings that are typical for Watsuki's early style.
The characters are easily distinguishable, and even though they are essentially simple in design, they seem alive enough.
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August 17th, 2002 - 2007 by Kaeli (kaeli@gmx.de)
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