English Dub Review: The Elusive Samurai “Samurais Who Are Eager To Die And An Elusive Samurai”

Overview

The imperial court assigns a new provincial official for Shinano: Shinanonokami Kiyohara. Kiyohara did not hesitate to wield his power over people. He was considered a corrupt provincial official who made the people living in his territory suffer.

Our Take

In this episode, Toki faces his most challenging mission yet, but it’s different from the ones he’s taken on before. Rather than leading an all-out fight, he’s tasked with convincing an experienced group of warriors to retreat and avoid needless bloodshed. His usual cleverness and diplomatic skills are put to the test as he tries to prevent an unnecessary and costly battle, all while facing opposition from those who cling to traditional samurai values.

The story continues to explore the internal conflicts between honor and survival, with Tokiyuki using unconventional methods to get through to the soldiers. This episode also shines a light on the bond between Tokiyuki and his closest ally, Kojirou, as they work together to lead their forces to safety. Amid the tension, there are moments of humor that keep the tone balanced, making for an entertaining watch.

Overall, the episode gave me a good chuckle at the troop’s desire for death, but it knew when to be serious in terms of character development, with Toki’s leadership growing in unexpected ways. The stakes are high as the group prepares for a difficult retreat, setting the stage for an exciting season finale next week!