Fist of the North Star (Volume 2) - For a Sip of Water

Kenshiro’s life changed when he met Rin. Now, he has dedicated himself to helping the weak and riding the apocalyptic wasteland of those who would do harm. There is no place for these monsters if the world is to recover!

Fist of the North Star (Volume 2) – For a Sip of Water

What happened?

Kenshiro’s battle with the Red Berets has just begun. God’s land is about to be judged! He made quick work of the Sarge and forced him to tell him where the boss was. Unfortunately for Sarge, he assumed that Kenshiro failed to kill him and that would be his last mistake. He didn’t realise that he was already dead.

The Colonel had some moves of his own and attempted to show Kenshiro that he wouldn’t be an easy kill. He, however, had not counted on the strength of Hokuto Shinken or the fact that Kenshiro was born with these powers, passed on through countless generations. He killed the Colonel and put an end to God’s Land. Not long after returning to Bat and Rin, he found another job. Another group that needed his help. Bat’s old tribe were running out of water and needed help with a well.

Kenshiro took on the mission and easily punched through the bedrock to fill the well. Unfortunately, water is a precious commodity in these times and one group was already watching. Their leader, Jackyl made them hold back as a couple of scouts tried to take the well. Kenshiro took care of them with ease. Not long after moving on, he heard a gunshot and rushed back to find Jackyl taking the children hostage before running off again. They killed the woman that was looking after the abandoned children which only enraged Kenshiro.

Fist of the North Star Volume 2 Jackals gang

What did you think?

After two volumes (although it’s more like six as these are the hardback editions) it’s fair to say that the story is pretty repetitive. Kenshiro finds some people that need his help. He wonders in, catching the bandits unaware of who he is. Then, he obliterates them with his insane martial arts techniques. They put up a bit of a fight, but it’s all futile. Kenshiro is unbelievably powerful. He’s also not afraid to kill those who would kill him or others without any hesitation.

That said, there is something ultimately quite satisfying about his approach to things. Of course, we’re always left with no doubt that these are villains. They often kill women and children, and just about anyone that gets in their way. So, they had it coming. I am finding it a bit ridiculous that as soon as Kenshiro leaves the place he’s just helped, the bandits roll in and cause havoc. Kenshiro is always just too far away to stop them from murdering someone important to him which only fuels his rage.

The final part of the book opened up what could be an interesting arc as there is another person with the fighting style of King, the Fist of the South Star and he’s looking for the man with seven wounds on his chest. Is that Kenshiro or could there be another person with similar marks? Also, who is this woman that looks uncannily like Yulia, Kenshiro’s lost love? Hopefully, we’ll find out in the next volume.