Shura no Toki: Episode 02

The latest installment of Shura no Toki continues with Yakumo surprising Kishomaru with his skill by protecting her from the hired assassins. However, danger still awaits. A samurai from the Ura-Yagyuu organization who was hired to kill Musashi was bent on challenging Yakumo in a duel even when warned of the Mutsu clan’s legendary skill. Yakumo won without breaking a sweat. He then took off stating the five mon he owed Kishomaru was paid for. Kishomaru called after him and asked if she could be his traveling companion. Her request was turned down. She then revealed her real name, Shiori, to which Yakumo replied that he would not forget.

Besides the shinobi, Musashi was also watching Yakumo. He pressed the old man for information about the Mutsu clan. The answer was basically the same as the ones given in the first episode. He also added that the legendary clan’s technique has never been defeated which intrigued Musashi even more. Before focusing his attention to Yakumo, he wished to defeat a famous swordsman, Yagyuu Munemori, the head of the Edo Shinkageryuu style. He went to Yagyuu’s dojo and asked for a meeting but he was met with resistance. Fortunately, an old priest, Takuan, intervened. As it turns out, Takuan was old acquaintance of Munemori and could not turn down his request for a Musashi-Munemori meeting. The encounter did not end with a bloodbath. Instead, Munemori admitted his strength relies on strategy. So Musashi left. However, Munemori dispatches a couple of his subordinates to find and kill Musashi. They quickly found him but were easily defeated. Musashi continued his journey and he was met by a young boy who was waiting for him.

Meanwhile, in Shiori’s place, the old man she calls grandfather (I just found out he is a caretaker not related to the family.) became suddenly ill.

The episode is watchable but not particularly exciting. These first few episodes will most likely be used for more introductions. I am still ambivalent on the characters, Yakumo and Musashi. So far, there is no sense of uniqueness nor quirkiness to these characters that gives them an edge. Since the pacing is barely mediocre, the animation is starting to bug me a little. Honestly, I do not want to lose interest on this show so I’ll keep watching the next few episodes to see where this all goes.