Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (OAV)

The characters of the revolution, except for Kenshin, are real, and portrayed correctly.

Among the events in this OAV is included a fictionalized version of what became known as the Ikeda-ya affair, when in June 1864 the Shinsengumi in Kyoto raided an inn, the Ikeda-ya, being used as a hideout by pro-Imperial fighters. The alleged plot was to destroy Kyoto through fire, hopefully destabilizing the Shogunate's grip on the people. In the end, the Shinsengumi broke up the ring, killing 8, wounding another 4, and arresting 20. This made them national heroes in the eyes of the Tokugawa bakufu.

This OAV is based on chapters 165 to 179 of the Rurouni Kenshin manga written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

The ninja Kenshin faces in the snow attack Kenshin and dull one of his senses by bomb. This in reference to four of the six senses that are dulled (the forest of barriers) in the manga. The cold snow is meant as a touch barrier, the forest's natural magnetic field bars Kenshin's intuition, the bombs dull his sight and hearing.

Tomoe's character design is based largely on Rei Ayaname from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Her bangs mimic Rei's and the white kimono mimic's Rei's white catsuit. Tomoe's quiet and restrained personality is also similar.

When Kenshin encounters the Shinsengumi, he is shown extensively fighting Okita. The two never exchanged blows in other media. Saito takes over for Okita in the anime and manga.