Makoto Shishio

==Summary==
Makoto Shishio stands as the primary antagonist of the Kyoto Arc in the "Rurouni Kenshin" manga. Rising to prominence during the Bakumatsu, Shishio was considered the equal of the Battōsai in his role as the government's assassin. Renowned for his unyielding ruthlessness, Shishio's rapid ascent drew apprehension from the very government he served. In an attempt to neutralize the perceived threat, they betrayed him, setting him ablaze in a bid to end his life. Against all odds, Shishio survived, though he bore severe scars from the ordeal. Fueled by vengeance, he hatched a plan to overthrow the Meiji government, envisioning a Japan governed by the principle of survival of the fittest.
He is a master swordsman, wielding a serrated blade that can ignite due to the human fats absorbed from his victims. Shishio's combat prowess is heightened by his unwavering belief in his survivalist philosophy and his cunning strategies that have bested numerous formidable foes. His resilience, both mentally and physically, is evidenced by his ability to fight despite the severe burns covering his body, which also serve as a testament to his indomitable will and thirst for vengeance.
==Powers and Stats==
Tier: 
Name: Makoto Shishio
Origin: Rurouni Kenshin
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Classification: Swordsman, Leader of Rebellion, Assassin (formerly)
Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Minor ki sensing and usage abilities, Genius Intelligence, Fire Manipulation, Heat Manipulation, Sword Master, Immortality (Type 2, survived being shot in the face and set on fire)
Attack Potency: City Block level+ (Kenshin's second worst opponent. He also defeated Saito Hajime, Sanosuke Sagara, and Aoshi Shinomori without much problem)
Speed: Subsonic+ with Hypersonic reactions and combat speed (Kept up with Kenshin)
Lifting Strength: Superhuman
Striking Strength: City Block level+ (Capable of knocking down Sanosuke with a single punch)
Durability: City Block level+ (Shrugged off Kenshin's blows, tanked Sanosuke's Futae no Kiwami)
Stamina: Athletic. His abnormal body condition doesn't allow him to exert his best for more than 15 minutes.
Range: Extended Melee Range
Standard Equipment: Mugenjin sword, gun powders
Intelligence: Genius. Shishio's astute intelligence often positions him as an archetypal evil genius. Eluding the Meiji government's relentless search efforts, he masterminded schemes that nearly led to their downfall. His combat acumen is exceptional; upon witnessing a sword technique, Shishio promptly discerns its flaw, typically neutralizing it with ease. He's also adept at self-improvement; following a near-fatal bullet wound to the head, he adopted a hachigane (iron headband) to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities.
Weaknesses: Once Shishio engaged in fighting or extreme physical activity, his body heat rose far above normal levels and is strictly limited to 25 minutes, or he will spontaneously combust himself.
Notable Attacks/Techniques:
Shishio uses Mugenjin to execute techniques referred to by Hōji as "The Three Secret Swords":
*Ichi no Hiken: Homura Dama (壱の秘剣 焔霊, "First Secret Sword: Flaming Spirit") - A frequently employed technique by Shishio. By generating friction, he ignites the human fats absorbed by his sword over time, using the flames to divert his opponent's attention. This leads to foes enduring both burns and slashes, offsetting the reduced cutting depth of his serrated blade.
*Ni no Hiken: Guren Kaina (弐の秘剣 紅蓮腕, "Second Secret Sword: Crimson Arm") - Shishio loads his gauntlets with gunpowder, then ignites them using sparks from the Mugenjin, producing a potent explosion. The Guren Kaina delivers immense force, typically executed when adversaries like Kenshin or Saitō Hajime are within close proximity, ideally within his grasp.
*Tsui no Hiken: Kagutsuchi (終の秘剣 火産霊神, "Last Secret Sword: Fire God") - Shishio's supreme technique. By gliding his blade along its sheath, a fire cyclone forms around the sword. While its full might wasn't displayed against Kenshin, the "'Honoo wo Suberu'" chapter clarifies its potency: a slash that both incinerates and cuts the victim in a singular motion.
==Notable Matchups==
Victories:
Losses:
Inconclusive:
Category:Characters
Category:Rurouni Kenshin
Category:Male Characters
Category:Manga Characters
Category:Anime Characters
Category:Humans
Category:Fire Users
Category:Sword Users
Category:Samurai
Category:Murderers
Category:Serial Killers
Category:Assassins
Category:Sadists
Category:Villains
Category:Antagonists
Category:Primary Antagonists
Category:Gauntlet Users
Category:Evil Characters
Category:Oil Users
Category:Adults
Category:Weapon Masters
Category:Criminals
Category:Leaders
Category:Immortals