Vagabond Volume 5 VizBig Edition Review

Vagabond Volume 5 (VIZ Big Edition) continues Miyamoto Musashi’s journey as he seeks to refine his swordsmanship and understand the deeper meaning of martial arts. In this volume, the story introduces new challenges, both physical and mental, as Musashi moves forward in his quest to become the greatest swordsman. Themes of pride, growth, and spiritual awakening continue to shape his path, while other characters in his life also face their own struggles and development. The volume places particular emphasis on introspection and the sacrifices required to pursue mastery.

 

Musashi’s Recovery and Reflection

Following his intense battle with Inshun, Musashi is physically and mentally exhausted. He spends time recovering at the Hozoin Temple, where he continues to reflect on the lessons he learned from his duel with the spear master. Inshun’s calm, balanced approach to combat has left a deep impression on Musashi, pushing him to confront his own shortcomings. For the first time, Musashi begins to understand that strength and victory are not solely determined by physical power but also by clarity of mind and mastery of the self.

During this period of recovery, Musashi’s mind is still filled with turmoil. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy, questioning whether he truly has what it takes to become the greatest. These moments of introspection are key in shaping Musashi’s growth. The quiet time spent at the temple allows him to realize that his path is not just about defeating others but about constant self-improvement.

In this volume, Musashi’s inner dialogue becomes more prominent, as he begins to question his approach to life and combat. His thirst for power and invincibility is tempered by the realization that true strength may lie in something deeper than physical prowess.

Musashi’s Departure from Hozoin and Encounter with the Yagyu Clan

Having learned what he can from his time at Hozoin Temple, Musashi decides to leave and continue his journey. He knows that there are still many powerful warriors in Japan who could challenge him, and he is determined to test himself further. Before he leaves, however, the head monk **In’ei** imparts more wisdom to Musashi, encouraging him to look inward and seek balance in his life. In’ei’s teachings highlight the importance of patience, discipline, and inner peace—qualities that Musashi is still struggling to fully grasp.

As Musashi resumes his journey, he hears rumors about the legendary Yagyu Clan, known for their exceptional swordsmanship and philosophical approach to combat. The Yagyu Clan, particularly Yagyu Munenori, is famous for their emphasis on mental discipline and the spiritual aspects of martial arts. Intrigued by the idea of facing a new challenge, Musashi sets his sights on encountering the Yagyu swordsmen.

This leads Musashi to meet Yagy Sekishusai, the patriarch of the Yagyu family and one of the most revered swordsmen in Japan. However, Sekishusai is now an old man, no longer active in battle. Despite his age, his presence exudes wisdom and mastery, and Musashi is struck by the man’s profound aura. Sekishusai’s quiet, almost passive demeanor suggests a level of understanding that Musashi has not yet reached. Musashi begins to see that true mastery might involve more than just physical fighting—it may also involve transcending the need to fight altogether.

This meeting plants a seed in Musashi’s mind: the idea that perhaps the ultimate goal of swordsmanship is not to win or defeat opponents, but to achieve a level of inner peace and understanding.

Otsu’s Continued Journey

While Musashi is focused on his path to mastery, Otsu, his childhood friend and former fiancée of Matahachi, continues her own journey. Otsu is still searching for meaning in her life after being abandoned by Matahachi and facing constant heartbreak. Her love for Musashi remains, but she also knows that his path is one of violence and isolation, making it difficult for them to be together.

Otsu’s story provides a softer, more human contrast to Musashi’s intense, often violent journey. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, wondering if she can ever find peace or happiness. Her interactions with Musashi are bittersweet, as she still harbors feelings for him but knows that his single-minded pursuit of mastery leaves little room for personal relationships.

Otsu’s emotional journey adds depth to the story, showing the toll that Musashi’s quest takes not only on himself but also on those who care about him.

Matahachi’s Downward Spiral

Parallel to Musashi’s rise, we continue to follow the downward spiral of Matahachi, Musashi’s childhood friend. While Musashi is growing stronger and more self-aware, Matahachi is sinking deeper into self-pity, cowardice, and dishonor. He continues to avoid responsibility for his actions, and his life is characterized by a series of bad decisions and failures.

Matahachi’s story serves as a counterpoint to Musashi’s journey. Where Musashi is determined and focused, Matahachi is lost, wandering aimlessly without a clear purpose. His character represents the consequences of living without discipline or self-awareness, and his descent into disgrace mirrors the heights Musashi is striving to reach.

Matahachi’s mother, Osugi, continues to blame Musashi for her son’s failures, fueling her desire for revenge. Her hatred for Musashi becomes a driving force for Matahachi’s eventual attempt to confront his old friend, though he is ill-prepared to face the man Musashi has become.

Musashi vs. Baiken: The Chain-and-Sickle Duel

One of the most notable battles in this volume is Musashi’s encounter with Baiken Shishido, a master of the kusarigama (a chain-and-sickle weapon). Baiken is a ruthless, calculating fighter, and his unusual weapon presents a new kind of challenge for Musashi. The kusarigama allows Baiken to strike from a distance, using the chain to ensnare and trap his opponents before delivering a deadly strike with the sickle.

This fight showcases Musashi’s adaptability and growth. Despite the unfamiliar weapon, Musashi remains calm and strategic, analyzing Baiken’s movements and finding ways to counter his attacks. The duel is intense and filled with suspense, as Musashi narrowly avoids being captured by Baiken’s chain. Musashi’s determination and ability to stay composed under pressure ultimately lead to his victory, as he finds a way to break through Baiken’s defenses and defeat him.

This battle highlights Musashi’s growing maturity as a swordsman. He no longer relies solely on brute strength and aggression but has learned to adapt to different situations and opponents.

Themes and Art

Volume 5 deepens the exploration of themes like self-awareness, spiritual growth, and the cost of ambition. Musashi’s journey is becoming less about defeating opponents and more about understanding himself and his place in the world. His encounter with Yagyu Sekishusai and his introspective recovery after his fight with Inshun emphasize that the path to mastery involves not just physical skill, but also mental and spiritual development.

The artwork in this volume continues to be breathtaking. Takehiko Inoue’s detailed, expressive style brings the fight scenes to life, with each movement and strike captured in stunning detail. The quieter moments of reflection are also beautifully rendered, with Inoue’s use of light and shadow adding emotional depth to the characters’ internal struggles. The intense battle with Baiken is particularly well-drawn, with dynamic compositions that highlight the complexity of the fight.

Conclusion

Volume 5 of Vagabond (VIZ Big Edition) marks an important phase in Musashi’s journey as he begins to balance physical prowess with mental and spiritual growth. His encounters with Inshun, Yagyu Sekishusai, and Baiken challenge him to think beyond raw strength, pushing him toward a deeper understanding of what it means to be a true master of the sword.

As Musashi continues to evolve, the people around him—Otsu, Matahachi, and even his opponents—serve as reflections of his own struggles and growth. The volume sets the stage for even greater challenges and revelations, as Musashi’s path to invincibility becomes increasingly intertwined with his quest for inner peace and understanding.