Iori Arai

Iori is an infant and therefore has no developed personality comparable to the older cast. He behaves as a young child dependent on his parents and is largely unaware of the historical and ideological issues surrounding his grandfather's swords.

His importance to his parents is nevertheless central to their actions. Protecting Iori represents the peaceful future Seikuu has chosen over perpetuating the cycle of weapon-making and violence associated with the previous generation.

Iori has no combat abilities. He is an infant and depends entirely on the adults around him for protection.

His role in the confrontation involving Shakku's final sword derives precisely from this vulnerability. Threatening Iori gives an armed opponent leverage over Seikuu that ordinary intimidation cannot provide.

Iori appears during Kenshin's search for a new reverse-blade sword. Kenshin Himura meets the Arai family while attempting to persuade Seikuu to forge a replacement for the sakabatou destroyed by Soujirou.

Chou Sawagejou also seeks Seikuu, believing Shakku left behind one final masterpiece. When Seikuu refuses to cooperate, Chou turns his attention to the family's most vulnerable member.

Chou takes Iori hostage and uses him to force Seikuu's hand. During the resulting confrontation, Kenshin protects Iori while fighting without a proper sword until Seikuu reveals where Shakku's final blade has been placed.

The confrontation ultimately leads Kenshin to inherit Shakku's Sakabatou Shinuchi, while Iori is returned safely to his parents.

Seikuu Arai is Iori's father, whose decision to stop forging weapons is closely tied to the peaceful future he wants for his family.

Azusa Arai is Iori's mother and primary caregiver.

Shakku Arai is Iori's paternal grandfather and the celebrated swordsmith whose legacy indirectly draws danger toward the family.

Kenshin Himura protects Iori during the confrontation over Shakku's final sword.

Chou Sawagejou takes Iori hostage in an attempt to force Seikuu to reveal the location of Shakku's last masterpiece.