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The Elusive Samurai

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The Elusive Samurai
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Hojo Tokiyuki
逃げ上手の若君
(Nige Jōzu no Wakagimi)
Genre
Manga
Written byYusei Matsui
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
DemographicShōnen
Original runJanuary 25, 2021 – present
Volumes16
Anime television series
Directed byYuta Yamazaki
Written byYoriko Tomita
Music by
  • Gembi
  • Akiyuki Tateyama
StudioCloverWorks
Licensed by
Original networkTokyo MX, BS11, GYT, GTV
Original run July 6, 2024 – present
Episodes8
icon Anime and manga portal

The Elusive Samurai (Japanese: 逃げ上手の若君, Hepburn: Nige Jōzu no Wakagimi, "The Young Lord Who Is Skilled at Escaping") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. It is based on the historical figure of Hōjō Tokiyuki, a young samurai determined to enact revenge on Ashikaga Takauji, a samurai who betrayed and caused the downfall of his family. It has been serialized in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump since January 2021, with its chapters collected in 16 tankōbon volumes as of July 2024. An anime television series adaptation produced by CloverWorks premiered in July 2024.

The series won the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2024.

Premise

[edit]

Set between the late Kamakura and early Muromachi periods, the story follows the tale of Hojo Tokiyuki, a boy on the run after his family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. With his only allies being a shady priest and his followers, the young lord must seek revenge and regain his glory, with his only weapon: a superhuman ability to flee and hide.

Characters

[edit]

Main characters

[edit]
Hōjō Tokiyuki (北条 時行)
Voiced by: Asaki Yuikawa [ja][3] (Japanese); Abby Trott[4] (English)
The heir to the Hōjō regency before its destruction by Ashikaga Takauji. After the fall of the shogunate, he took refuge under Yorishige, where he was taught martial arts and academics while plotting to overthrow the Ashikaga clan and restore the Hōjō clan. He has the superhuman ability to flee, hide, and dodge enemy attacks.
Suwa Yorishige (諏訪 頼重)
Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura[3] (Japanese); Ricco Fajardo[4] (English)
A shady priest from Suwa who claims can see the future. He is a loyal follower of the Hōjō clan and predicts that Tokiyuki would become a hero. It is revealed that he has the spirit of Suwa Myojin inside him which makes him a god.

The Elusive Warriors

[edit]
Shizuku (雫)
Voiced by: Hinaki Yano[5] (Japanese); Courtney Chu[4] (English)
Yorishige's adopted daughter and assistant who has the ability to see spirits as a shrine maiden and acts as the logistics expert.
Kojirō (弧次郎)
Voiced by: Mari Hino [ja][5] (Japanese); Jeannie Tirado[4] (English)
A young swordsman who is skilled for his age that Yorishige predicts will lead as Tokiyuki's military commander.
Ayako (亜也子)
Voiced by: Sayumi Suzushiro[5] (Japanese); Brittany Cox[4] (English)
A young swordswoman with superstrength ability and artistic talent.
Kazama Genba (風間 玄蕃)
Voiced by: Aoi Yūki[5] (Japanese); Kaitlyn Robrock[4] (English)
A thief who operates on money and fear and is able to turn into anyone as a disguise.
Fubuki (吹雪)
Voiced by: Kikunosuke Toya[5] (Japanese); Stuart Allan[4] (English)
A rōnin who dual wields swords and joins the group after seeing Tokiyuki as a master worth serving under.

Ashikaga Faction

[edit]
Ashikaga Takauji (足利 高氏)
Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi[6] (Japanese); Jonah Scott[4] (English)
A former ally to the Hōjō clan who defected to the Emperor's side and overthrew the shogunate.
Kō no Moronao (高 師直)
Voiced by: Atsushi Miyauchi[7]
The right-hand man of Takauji.
Ogasawara Sadamune (市河 助房)
Voiced by: Yutaka Aoyama[8]
A retainer of Takauji who is proficient in archery and is able to perceive every detail in his immediate surroundings.
Ichikawa Sukefusa [ja] (市河 助房)
Voiced by: Takahiro Yamamoto [ja][8]
A retainer and ally of Sadamune who can spot his enemies through his sharp hearing senses.
Shōkan (瘴奸)
Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi[9]
The current alias of Hirano Shōgen [ja] (平野 将監) who is the leader of a group of bandits and becomes Sadamune's retainer.

Imperial Family

[edit]
Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇, Go-Daigo-tennō)
Voiced by: Fuminori Komatsu[10]
The Emperor leading the restoration of Imperial rule after the overthrowing of the shogunate.
Prince Moriyoshi (護良親王, Moriyoshi Shinnō)
Voiced by: Ryōta Suzuki[11]
The son of the Emperor who attempted to assassinate Takauji out of fear of Takauji ousting the Emperor.

Other characters

[edit]
Hōjō Kunitoki [ja] (北条 邦時)
Voiced by: Yuka Terasaki[12]
Tokiyuki's older half-brother, who held no interest in inheriting the regency in order to prevent a dispute over the succession. He was executed after his own uncle betrayed him.
Godaiin Muneshige (五大院 宗繁)
Voiced by: Atsushi Imaruoka[13]
A relative to the Hōjō clan and the uncle of Tokiyuki and Kunitoki who sold out Kunitoki to a search party for personal glory. He was later killed by Tokiyuki after learning of his treachery.
Suwa Moritaka (諏訪 盛高)
Voiced by: Fumitake Ishiguro [ja][14]
An ally of Yorishige.

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui, The Elusive Samurai started in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump on January 25, 2021.[15][16][17] Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on July 2, 2021.[18] As of July 4, 2024, 16 volumes have been released.[19]

In North America, the manga is licensed for English release by Viz Media, who simultaneously publishes the chapters digitally as they are released in Japan on its Shonen Jump website.[20] In October 2021, Viz Media announced that they would publish its volumes in print, with the first one released on July 5, 2022.[21][22] Shueisha also simulpublishes the series in English and Spanish for free on the Manga Plus platform.[23]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 July 2, 2021[24]978-4-08-882710-0July 5, 2022[22]978-1-9747-3251-7
  1. "The Slaughter of 1333" (滅亡1333, Metsubō 1333)
  2. "Hide from the Demon 1333" (鬼ごっこ1333, Onigokko 1333)
  3. "Revenge 1333" (仇討ち1333, Adauchi 1333)
  4. "Suwa 1333" (諏訪1333, Suwa 1333)
  1. "Hunting 1333" (狩猟1333, Shuryō 1333)
  2. "Retainers 1333" (郎党1333, Rōtō 1333)
  3. "Archery 1333" (弓術1333, Kyūjutsu 1333)
2 August 4, 2021[25]978-4-08-882734-6September 6, 2022[26]978-1-9747-3397-2
  1. "Dog-Shooting 1333" (犬追物1333, Inuōmono 1333)
  2. "Ogasawara 1333" (小笠原1333)
  3. "On the Run 1333" (逃げながら1333, Nigenagara 1333)
  4. "Son of Wealth 1333" (坊っちゃん1333, Bocchan 1333)
  5. "Sneaking In 1333" (潜入1333, Sen'nyū 1333)
  1. "Infernal Ears 1333" (地獄耳1333, Jigokumimi 1333)
  2. "Command 1333" (コマンド1333, Komando 1333)
  3. "Takauji 1333" (尊氏1333)
  4. "Worried 1334" (心配1334, Shinpai 1334)
3 November 4, 2021[27]978-4-08-882793-3November 1, 2022[28]978-1-9747-3398-9
  1. "Education 1334" (教育1334, Kyōiku 1334)
  2. "Rogues 1334" (悪党1334, Akutō 1334)
  3. "Defensive Battle 1334" (防衛戦1334, Bōei-sen 1334)
  4. "Buddha 1334" (仏1334, Hotoke 1334)
  5. "Bleeding 1334" (出血1334, Shukketsu 1334)
  1. "Revered Buddha 1334" (御仏1334, Mihotoke 1334)
  2. "Homage 1334" (臣従1334, Shinjū 1334)
  3. "Mysteries 1334" (不可思議1334, Fukashigi 1334)
  4. "Divine Power 1334" (神力1334, Shinriki 1334)
4 January 4, 2022[29]978-4-08-883010-0January 3, 2023[30]978-1-9747-3438-2
  1. "Kokushi 1334" (国司1334)
  2. "Wanting to Die 1334" (死にたがり1334, Shinitagari 1334)
  3. "Nasty Drunk 1334" (悪酔い1334, Waruyoi 1334)
  4. "General 1334" (将1334, Shō 1334)
  5. "Mounted Battle 1334" (騎馬戦1334, Kibasen 1334)
  1. "Desire to Survive 1334" (生きたがり1334, Ikitagari 1334)
  2. "Sashimi 1334" (刺身1334)
  3. "Generation 1334" (ジェネレーション1334, Jenerēshon 1334)
  4. "Etiquette 1334" (礼儀1334, Reigi 1334)
5 April 4, 2022[31]978-4-08-883073-5March 7, 2023[32]978-1-9747-3629-4
  1. "Question and Answer 1334" (問答1334, Mondō 1334)
  2. "Warrior Woman 1334" (女傑1334, Joketsu 1334)
  3. "Reform 1334" (改革1334, Kaikaku 1334)
  4. "Tumult in Shinano 1335" (信濃動乱1335, Shinano Dōran 1335)
  5. "Hawks 1335" (鷹1335, Taka 1335)
  1. "Three Great Generals 1335" (三大将1335, San Taishō 1335)
  2. "Mask 1335" (覆面1335, Fukumen 1335)
  3. "Mikoshi 1335" (神輿1335)
  4. "Military Strategy 1335" (軍略1335, Gunryaku 1335)
6 June 3, 2022[33]978-4-08-883184-8May 2, 2023[34]978-1-9747-3696-6
  1. "Bonds 1335" (繋がり1335, Tsunagari 1335)
  2. "Funny Faces 1335" (顔芸1335, Kaogei 1335)
  3. "Hair 1335" (髪1335, Kami 1335)
  4. "Face 1335" (顔1335, Kao 1335)
  5. "Kyo 1335" (京1335, Kyō 1335)
  1. "Extraordinary 1335" (凄み1335, Sugomi 1335)
  2. "Big City 1335" (大都会1335, Daitokai 1335)
  3. "Sugoroku 1335" (双六1335)
  4. "Basara 1335" (婆娑羅1335)
7 August 4, 2022[35]978-4-08-883198-5July 4, 2023[36]978-1-9747-3871-7
  1. "Wicked 1335" (腹黒1335, Haraguro 1335)
  2. "Scanner 1335" (スキャナー1335, Sukyanā 1335)
  3. "Kusunoki 1335" (楠木1335)
  4. "Assassination 1335" (暗殺1335, Ansatsu 1335)
  5. "Takauji 1335" (尊氏1335)
  1. "Return 1335" (帰還1335, Kikan 1335)
  2. "Options 1335" (選択1335, Sentaku 1335)
  3. "Rogues 1335" (悪党1335, Akutō 1335)
  4. "The Nakasendai War 1335" (中先代1335, Nakasendai 1335)
8 November 4, 2022[37]978-4-08-883291-3September 5, 2023[38]978-1-9747-4092-5
  1. "Armor 1335" (鎧1335, Yoroi 1335)
  2. "Holy Pillar 1335" (御柱1335, Onbashira 1335)
  3. "Back 1335" (背中1335, Senaka 1335)
  4. "Main Fight 1335" (本戦1335, Honsen 1335)
  5. "God 1335" (神1335, Kami 1335)
  1. "Shadow 1335" (影1335, Kage 1335)
  2. "War Machine 1335" (戦車1335, Sensha 1335)
  3. "Exorcism 1335" (破魔1335, Hama 1335)
  4. "Naming 1335" (名乗り1335, Nanori 1335)
9 January 4, 2023[39]978-4-08-883423-8November 7, 2023[40]978-1-9747-4121-2
  1. "Sadamune 1335" (貞宗1335)
  2. "Leaving Shinano 1335" (出信濃1335, Shutsu Shinano 1335)
  3. "Hisashiban 1335" (庇番1335)
  4. "Shibukawa 1335" (渋川1335)
  5. "Onakagehara 1335" (女影原1335)
  1. "Mounted Single Combat 1335" (一騎討ち1335, Ikkiuchi 1335)
  2. "The Side of Justice 1335" (正義1335, Seigi 1335)
  3. "Weapons 1335" (武器1335, Buki 1335)
  4. "Slapdash 1335" (雑1335, Zatsu 1335)
10 April 4, 2023[41]978-4-08-883438-2February 6, 2024[42]978-1-9747-4380-3
  1. "Ideals 1335" (理想1335, Risō 1335)
  2. "Bushido 1335" (武士道1335, Bushidō 1335)
  3. "Kojiro 1335" (弧次郎1335, Kojirō 1335)
  4. "Recognition 1335" (認識1335, Ninshiki 1335)
  5. "Kotesashigahara 1335" (小手指ヶ原1335)
  1. "Kaisen 1335" (会戦1335)
  2. "Mad Gallop 1335" (爆走1335, Bakusō 1335)
  3. "Plan 1335" (策1335, Saku 1335)
  4. "Derby 1335" (ダービー1335, Dābī 1335)
11 June 2, 2023[43]978-4-08-883561-7May 7, 2024[44]978-1-9747-4598-2
  1. "Menou 1335" (瑪瑙1335, Menō 1335)
  2. "Trust 1335" (信頼1335, Shinrai 1335)
  3. "Tadayoshi 1335" (直義1335)
  4. "Scolding 1335" (おこられた1335, Okorareta 1335)
  5. "Debate 1335" (ディベート1335, Dibēto 1335)
  1. "Conversation 1335" (会話1335, Kaiwa 1335)
  2. "Enjoyment 1335" (楽しさ1335, Tanoshisa 1335)
  3. "Request 1335" (頼み1335, Tanomi 1335)
  4. "Kamakura 1335" (鎌倉1335, Kamakura 1335)
12 September 4, 2023[45]978-4-08-883635-5August 6, 2024[46]978-1-9747-4706-1
  1. "Hojo Peace 1335" (北条の平和 1335, Hōjō no Heiwa 1335)
  2. "Smithery 1335" (鍛冶1335, Kaji 1335)
  3. "Differing Needs 1335" (百人百色 1335, Hyaku Nin Hyaku Iro 1335)
  4. "Seii Taishogun 1335" (征夷大将軍 1335, Seiitaishōgun 1335)
  5. "Family 1335" (家族 1335, Kazoku 1335)
  1. "Typhoon 1335" (台風 1335, Taifū 1335)
  2. "Miura 1335" (三浦 1335, Miura 1335)
  3. "Ruler 1335" (天下人 1335, Tengabito 1335)
  4. "Father and Child 1335" (父子1335, Fushi 1335)
13 November 2, 2023[47]978-4-08-883693-5November 5, 2024[48]978-1-9747-4980-5
  1. "Follower 1335" (郎党1335, Rōtō 1335)
  2. "Elusive 1335" (逃げ上手1335, Nige Jōzu 1335)
  3. "Successor 1335" (受け継ぐ1335, Uketsugu 1335)
  4. "History 1335" (歴史 1335, Rekishi 1335)
  5. "Intermission 1336, Part 1" (インターミッション 1336 1, Intāmisshon 1336 1)
  1. "Intermission 1336, Part 2" (インターミッション 1336 2, Intāmisshon 1336 2)
  2. "Intermission 1336, Part 3" (インターミッション 1336 3, Intāmisshon 1336 3)
  3. "Intermission 1336, Final Part" (インターミッション1336（終）, Intāmisshon 1336 tsui)
  4. "The Elusive Warriors 1337" (逃者党1337, Chōjatō 1337)
14 February 2, 2024[49]978-4-08-883823-6——
  1. "U.N.K. 1337" (U.N.K. 1337)
  2. "Confirmation 1337" (見極め 1337, Mikiwame 1337)
  3. "Student Confrontation 1337" (学生対決 1337, Gakusei Taiketsu 1337)
  4. "Tone River 1337" (利根川 1337, Tonegawa 1337)
  5. "Introductions 1337" (顔合わせ 1337, Kaoawase 1337)
  1. "Youthful Days 1337" (少年時代 1337, Shōnen Jidai 1337)
  2. "New Techniques 1337" (新技 1337, Shinwaza 1337)
  3. "How a Noble Fights 1337" (公家の戦 1337, Kuge no Ikusa 1337)
  4. "Brute Force 1337" (力攻め 1337, Chikarazeme 1337)
15 April 4, 2024[50]978-4-08-883883-0——
  1. "Reunion 1337" (再開 1337, Saikai 1337)
  2. "Special Move 1337" (絶技 1337, Zetsugi 1337)
  3. "The Future 1337" (未来 1337, Mirai 1337)
  4. "Destiny 1337" (宿命 1337, Shukumei 1337)
  5. "Shiba Ienaga 1337" (斯波家長 1337, Shiba Ienaga 1337)
  1. "Kamakura 1337" (鎌倉 1337, Kamakura 1337)
  2. "Masamune 1337" (正宗 1337, Masamune 1337)
  3. "Sharing 1337" (山分け 1337, Yamawake 1337)
  4. "Romance 1337" (恋愛 1337, Ren'ai 1337)
16 July 4, 2024[19]978-4-08-884111-3——
  1. "Departure and Leavetaking 1338" (征く人去る人 1338, Sei ku Hito Saru Hito 1338)
  2. "Rations 1338" (兵糧 1338, Hyōrō 1338)
  3. "Akiie 1333-1338" (顕家 1333〜1338, Akiie 1333〜1338)
  4. "Drawing Lots 1338" (くじ 1338, Kuji 1338)
  5. "Commander Credentials 1338" (大将検定 1338, Taishō Kentei 1338)
  1. "Breakthrough 1338" (ブレイク 1338, Bureiku 1338)
  2. "Full-Fledged 1338" (一人前 1338, Ichininmae 1338)
  3. "Akiie's Army 1338" (顕家軍 1338, Akiie-gun 1338)
  4. "Malfunction 1338" (バグ 1338, Bagu 1338)
17 September 4, 2024[51]978-4-08-884168-7——

Chapters not yet in tankōbon format

[edit]

These chapters have yet to be published in a tankōbon volume.

  1. "Toki Yorito 1338" (土岐頼遠 1338, Toki Yoritō 1338)
  2. "Governance 1338" (まつりごと 1338, Matsuri-goto 1338)
  3. "Noble Warrior Combination: Aki-Ranger 1338" (公武合体アキレンジャー 1338, Kōbugatsutai Akirenjā 1338)
  4. "Reunion 1338" (再開 1338, Saikai 1338)
  5. "Kono Morofuyu 1338" (高師冬 1338, Kōno Morofuyu 1338)
  6. "Respect 1338" (敬意 1338, Keii 1338)
  7. "Brown Memory 1338" (茶色い記憶 1338, Chairoi Kioku 1338)
  8. "Full Metal 1338" (フルメタル 1338, Furumetaru 1338)
  9. "Hannyazaka 1338" (般若坂 1338, Hannyazaka 1338)
  10. "Shizuku 1338" (雫 1338, Shizuku 1338)
  11. "Stewards 1338" (執事 1338, Shitsuji 1338)
  12. "Distinguisded 1338" (頭角 1338, Tōkaku 1338)
  13. "Culture 1338" (文化 1338, Bunka 1338)
  14. "Performance 1338" (上奏 1338, Jōsō 1338)
  15. "Oshu 1338" (応酬 1338, Ōshū 1338)
  16. "Offense and Defense 1338" (攻防 1338, Kōbō 1338)
  17. "Pay No Mind 1338" (大丈夫 1338, Daijōbu 1338)
  18. "Ambition 1338" (野心 1338, Yashin 1338)
  19. "Obdurate 1338" (頑強 1338, Gankyō 1338)
  20. "False Report 1338" (虚報 1338, Kyohō 1338)
  21. "Multitasking 1338" (マルチタスク 1338, Maruchitasuku 1338)
  22. "Followers 1338" (従える者 1338, Shitagaeru Mono 1338)
  23. "The Blue Devil Who Wept 1338" (泣いた青鬼 1338, Naita Aooni 1338)
  24. "Strong Luck 1338" (強運 1338, Kyōun 1338)
  25. "Rout 1338" (潰走 1338, Kaisō 1338)
  26. "Nemesis 1338" (宿敵 1338, Shukuteki 1338)
  27. "An Abundance of Flowers 1338" (百花繚乱 1338, Hyakkaryōran 1338)
This incomplete list is frequently updated to include new information.

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced in March 2023. It is produced by CloverWorks and directed by Yuta Yamazaki, with scripts supervised by Yoriko Tomita, and character designs handled by Yasushi Nishiya.[52][53] Yūsuke Kawakami serves as assistant director, and Gembi and Akiyuki Tateyama composed the music.[54] The series premiered on July 6, 2024, on Tokyo MX and other networks.[55][56] The opening theme song is "Plan A" (プラン A, Puran A), performed by Dish, while the ending theme song is "Kamakura Style" (鎌倉 STYLE, Kamakura Sutairu), performed by Botchi Boromaru [ja].[6]

In North America, the series is licensed by Aniplex of America[57] and streaming it on Crunchyroll,[58] which premiered its English dub on August 3, 2024.[4] Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia.[59]

Episodes

[edit]
No.Title [60][61]Directed by [60]Written by [60]Storyboarded by [60]Original air date [62]
1"May 22nd"
Transliteration: "Gogatsu-ni Jū-ni Nichi" (Japanese: 5月22日)		Yuta YamazakiYoriko TomitaYuta YamazakiJuly 6, 2024 (2024-07-06)
In 1333, Hōjō Tokiyuki is the reluctant heir to the regency who partakes in mischief; he meets with Hōjō ally Ashikaga Takauji as the latter departs to quell a rebellion led by supporters of the Emperor. Tokiyuki is later startled at the presence of Suwa Yorishige and Shizuku, who have come to pray for Kamakura's protection against its enemies. Yorishige shares to Tokiyuki a vision of him being hailed as a hero of a great war in the future, making Tokiyuki uncomfortable enough to leave and hold suspicion with their claims. An envoy reports to the shogunate of Takauji defecting to the Emperor's side and launching a coup against them, leading to mass killings and suicides and the fall of the shogunate, traumatizing Tokiyuki. Yorishige and Shizuku appear again to help him escape under the orders of his deceased father. As they overlook the burning town from a cliff and Tokiyuki wishes on wanting to die, Yorishige abides by pushing him off the cliff where Tokiyuki demonstrates his skills in speed and evasion, using them to his advantage in killing several samurai before returning to Yorishige. Yorishige then speaks on how he can use his elusive nature for survival with Takauji hunting him and they leave to gather more allies.
2"The Gentle Uncle"
Transliteration: "Yasashī Ojisan" (Japanese: やさしいおじさん)		Yūsuke KawakamiYoriko TomitaYūsuke KawakamiJuly 13, 2024 (2024-07-13)
A search party loyal to Takauji is dispatched to locate Tokiyuki's brother Kunitoki [ja] as he is found by their uncle Godaīn Muneshige, who points the party to his direction. Meanwhile, Tokiyuki questions Yorishige's plans for him being in violation with the code of honor, and Yorishige assures him with patience. Tokiyuki learns of Muneshige's treachery and Kunitoki's capture and execution, further traumatizing him and he collapses to his knees, feeling betrayed by everyone he knew. After hearing from Yorishige on Muneshige's whereabouts and wanting to avenge his brother, Tokiyuki follows him as they analyze a desperate Muneshige wanting to claim glory by capturing him. He meets Yorishige's allies Kojirō and Ayako, who lend their assistance to his cause. Later that evening, Tokiyuki and Muneshige meet, where Tokiyuki springs a trap that is countered by Muneshige. Tokiyuki evades Muneshige's swings, which Kojirō and Ayako exploit to give Tokiyuki an opening, taking it and killing Muneshige. A flashback to before the coup is later shown of Kunitoki telling Tokiyuki to become a hero.
3"A Forest Inhabited by a God"
Transliteration: "Kami no Sumu Mori" (Japanese: 神の住む森)		Riharu FunakuboYoriko TomitaRiharu FunakuboJuly 20, 2024 (2024-07-20)
Yorishige briefs Tokiyuki after the fight on being righteous while not forgetting his roots if he comes to face Takauji in battle and defeat him as they head off and leave Kamakura. They arrive at the Suwa Grand Shrine, where Yorishige plans to train Tokiyuki in martial arts and academic studies, compelling Tokiyuki to skip training. Yorishige confronts him during a rainy day and reveals himself to be a god as he demonstrates his powers, surprising Tokiyuki and he places his trust in him in training to become a hero. Yorishige later elects Kojirō, Ayako, and Shizuku to be Tokiyuki's retinue and tasks him to become familiarized with them; he is shocked with their eccentricity and choice for the first task, but they settle for hunting. While hunting rabbits, they encounter an ox demon and they engage it in battle, managing to kill it through teamwork. Tokiyuki is grateful for their assistance as the group settles on naming themselves the Elusive Warriors. Elsewhere, a group of archers are seen finding Yorishige.
4"Sadamune Appears!"
Transliteration: "Sadamune Tōjō!" (Japanese: 貞宗登場!)		Yūichirō KomuroDai MasuyamaYūichirō KomuroJuly 27, 2024 (2024-07-27)
Takauji is commended by the Emperor for his efforts in overthrowing the shogunate and appoints his retainers in court positions. He tasks one of his appointed retainers, Ogasawara Sadamune, to find remnants of the Hōjō clan. Sadamune complies and later meets with Yorishige, threatening to use brute force as governor of Shinano to find any survivors as he shoots a shrine maiden and grazes her ear as a warning; Tokiyuki observes this and commends his archery skills while acknowledging him as a threat. Sadamune joins a dog shooting competition, leading Yorishige to elect Tokiyuki as his opponent while teaching him to use it as an opportunity to learn from Sadamune, much to the disapproval of the Elusive Warriors. During the competition, Tokiyuki, under instruction from Yorishige, directs Sadamune's full attention to him and annoys him enough for Tokiyuki to score a point. Sadamune, noticing he used up most of his arrows to try and hit Tokiyuki, uses his last remaining arrow to land a headshot on him, giving Sadamune a massive point advantage. Tokiyuki, wounded from the arrow, begins to have fun.
5"Settling the Score! A Dog-Shooting Competition and then..."
Transliteration: "Ketchaku! Inuōmono, Soshite⋯" (Japanese: 決着!犬追物、そして⋯)		Ayako KurataRino YamazakiAyako KurataAugust 3, 2024 (2024-08-03)
As Sadamune focuses his attention on Tokiyuki's blind spot to hinder his attempts on landing a shot at the dogs, Tokiyuki exploits it through directly shooting at his neck, staggering Sadamune long enough for Tokiyuki to secure a win by scoring a headshot; Yorishige commands Sadamune to leave Suwa, much to his anger. Sadamune retaliates by confiscating parts of Suwa under the Emperor's decree, causing panic among its citizens. Yorishige later tells Tokiyuki he will be meeting a thief named Kazama Genba and work with him to steal the decree. Following Yorishige's request, the Elusive Warriors head to a village Genba is rumored to be staying, where Genba introduces himself and is willing to work with Tokiyuki at a price; under the promises of earning more while working for Tokiyuki, Genba is convinced. Genba and Tokiyuki head to Sadamune's mansion to steal the decree as Genba takes issue with Tokiyuki's compassion for people. Tokiyuki later sees Genba turning into Sadamune to lure out the guards from the warehouse containing the decree and Genba later asks if he can be trusted with his skill, discomforting Tokiyuki.
6"Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara's Residence at Night"
Transliteration: "Nusume Rinji, Ogasawara-kan no Yoru" (Japanese: 盗め綸旨、小笠原館の夜)		Yōko KikuchiRino YamazakiYōko KikuchiAugust 10, 2024 (2024-08-10)
The mansion guards are alerted by the suspicious activity inside the warehouse, prompting Tokiyuki and Genba to escape with the decree. One of Sadamune's retainers, Ichikawa Sukefusa [ja], suspects the boys are hiding nearby and, using his hearing, proceeds on finding them. Genba prepares to abandon Tokiyuki, but his silent footsteps are heard by Sukefusa and he strikes him, only to be narrowly saved by Tokiyuki taking the blow. Sadamune comes to Sukefusa's aid and they track the boys, as Tokiyuki slowly loses his strength from Sukefusa's hit. Seeing this, Genba distracts Sadamune and Sukefusa long enough to escape with the Elusive Warriors, joining them afterwards. With the decree no longer in their ownership, Sadamune is unable to confiscate Suwa, angering him. As the Elusive Warriors celebrate, Yorishige reminds them they should not underestimate Takauji as he shares that Prince Moriyoshi led a group and attempted to assassinate him, only for Takauji to kill most of his group and be aided by the citizens of Kyoto due to his charisma. Tokiyuki thanks Yorishige on helping him rebuild his strength and promises to not give up against Takauji.
7"Children in Winter"
Transliteration: "Fuyu no Kodomotachi" (Japanese: 冬の子供たち)		Yasushi TomodaYoriko TomitaYūichirō KomuroAugust 17, 2024 (2024-08-17)
New year arrives and Yorishige is distraught because it's also the time of the year when he temporarily loses his clarivoyance powers. With news that Sadamune's forces are attacking the borders of the Suwa territory, the Elusive Warriors decide to investigate by themselves, despite Yorishige's protests. The group arrive at a village near the border where they are attacked by a teenage warrior fighting with two swords. Kojirō and Ayako fight the enemy until he recognizes Shizuku and introduces himself as Fubuki, a wandering warrior looking for a master to serve. Tokiyuki learns from Fubuki that Sadamune's forces attacked the village and killed all the adults, with Fubuki and the children having killed the invaders with traps and other diversions. Tokiyuki is advised to leave the village behind, taking the children with them, but he refuses, determined to protect the children's homes and invites Fubuki to join his group. Meanwhile, Sadamune's subordinate Shōkan, who leads a group of bandits and is behind the attacks, decides to attack the village by himself.
8"A War of Hide and Seek"
Transliteration: "Kakurenbo Sensō" (Japanese: かくれんぼ戦争)		Yūsuke KawakamiDai HazeyamaYūsuke KawakamiAugust 24, 2024 (2024-08-24)
After finishing their preparations for the impending invasion, Tokiyuki asks Fubuki to teach him some swordsmanship. In the occasion, Fubuki decides to teach Tokiyuki a special fighting style that is appropriate for his elusive abilites and kind nature, but only works in one on one fights so that Tokiyuki can defeat the enemy general himself. Shōkan invades the village and most of his men fall by the traps set by the villagers and the Elusive Warriors. Kojirō and Ayako lead Shōkan to a small house where he is locked inside with Tokiyuki, who challenges him to a duel. Tokiyuki questions his motives on attacking the village despite having already killed its adults, and Shōkan replies taking joy with making the village's children suffer. Enraged, Tokiyuki begins the duel as the Elusive Warriors handle Shōkan's lieutenants. Shōkan, certain that he has the advantage, attacks Tokiyuki who evades all his attacks and manages to seriously injure him which surprises Shōkan.

Reception

[edit]

By May 2022, the manga had over 1 million copies in circulation;[63] over 1.5 million copies in circulation by April 2023;[64] over 2 million copies in circulation by March 2024;[65] and over 3 million copies in circulation by July 2024.[66]

In June 2021, The Elusive Samurai was nominated for the seventh Next Manga Award in the Best Printed Manga category and placed sixth out of 50 nominees.[67][68] The series ranked eighth on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2022.[69] Along with Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Sūji de Asobo, and Trillion Game, The Elusive Samurai won the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2024.[70][71][a]

Anthony Gramuglia of Comic Book Resources wrote that the series has become one of the "highlights of [Weekly] Shōnen Jump's newer titles", adding that "[it] is not only surprisingly emotional but also surprisingly intense, starting with all cylinders at full-throttle and never letting up".[73]

Notes

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  1. ^ Unlike past years, since 2023 the nominees are not divided into categories.[72]

References

[edit]
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  6. ^ a b Cayanan, Joanna (June 23, 2024). "The Elusive Samurai Anime's New Video Reveals More Cast, Theme Songs Artists". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
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Further reading

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