Vagabond, Vol. 9

Onslaught

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 classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. 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.

It's been one year since Yoshioka Denshichirō granted Musashi a reprieve for a rematch. Denshichirō may have been a better swordsman back then, but with Musashi before him now, he realizes the truly incredible strides his opponent has made in such a short period of time. By sheer force of will, a reluctant Denshichirō moves forward into the fight. And what will the deadly repercussions be for Musashi after this duel that's all but already won?