Vagabond. Volume 3

Synopsis

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a theoretical guide to military strategy still used today. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means - by way of the sword - makes mere survival an even greater challenge.

Musashi suffers a humiliating defeat against Inshun, the second-generation master of Hôzôin Temple. To prepare for a rematch, Musashi undertakes an intense spiritual and physical training regimen with a most unlikely teacher - Inshun's predecessor, the founder of the Hôzôin Spear Technique. To attain the focus necessary to take on the most technically proficient and deadliest fighter he has ever faced, Musashi will first have to confront his own deep-seated personal demons.

Summary

Vagabond is the third installment in Takehiko Inoue’s magnum opus series. The story follows the life of Shinmen Takezo, a swordsman-in-training who embarks on a journey to become the most renowned samurai in Japan.

The third installment of Vagabond begins with a fight scene featuring a band of commoners against a powerful samurai. Takezo is reluctantly drawn into battle and with his intellect and lightning reflexes, manages to defeat the samurai despite being outnumbered. This act of bravery impresses the onlookers and earns him the name Miyamoto Musashi, by which he will be known from that moment on.

Musashi then goes on to travel across Japan to take on the “Five Rings” of battling philosophies which are said to be the keys to perfect mastery of kenjutsu. Along the way, he encounters allies and rivals. He meets his long-standing rival, Sasaki Kojiro, as well as the powerful swordsman Inshun. Musashi also meets Otsu, who eventually becomes his lover.

Musashi’s journey provides a glimpse into the changing political and social atmosphere of 17th century Japan, and we see Musashi gain a better understanding of kenjutsu and the samurai way of life.

In Volume 3, Musashi fights his way through several duels while reflecting on his inner struggles and lack of true understanding of kenjutsu. He is able to overcome all of these challenges and defeats the members of the Five Rings, although he realizes that he still needs to learn much more about the way of the sword.

In the final chapter of Vagabond, we witness Musashi’s epic battle with his long-term rival, Kojiro. Musashi manages to defeat Kojiro in an intensely fought battle, which also serves as a symbol for Musashi’s spiritual and physical transformation. After emerging victorious, he finally becomes a full-fledged samurai and is celebrated by the people.

The story of Vagabond is an inspiring and epic tale of a warrior’s journey from anonymity to greatness. In the third volume, readers can experience both the physical and mental transformation of Musashi as he strives to reach his ultimate goal of becoming the greatest swordsman in Japan. Through his gradual understanding of kenjutsu and the samurai way of life, Musashi is able to finally reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship.