The OVA series is based on chapters 165 to 179 of the Rurouni Kenshin manga written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It chronicles the story of Himura Kenshin as the Hitokiri Battōsai during the years of the Meiji Restoration while also revealing the origins of his famous cross-shaped scar as well as his role as a legendary assassin of the Imperialist cause, and explaining his relationship with a woman named Yukishiro Tomoe, who would become his first wife. Kenshin's fated first encounters with his master, Hiko Seijūrō, and his future rival, Saitō Hajime are also depicted.