: The introduction of the "Four Blights" (powerful Kishin) raised the stakes for the upcoming battle. Weaknesses :
: Some fans found the episode's "gatekeeping" elements—where Musashi is constantly prevented from meeting Uesugi to ask about Kojiro's father—to be tedious. Orient Episode 13
: Musashi attempts to assert himself among his new peers, leading to a three-way battle in the barracks to determine the unit's leader. Reviews & Consensus : The introduction of the "Four Blights" (powerful
: The episode introduces Tatsuomi Uesugi , the leader of the Uesugi Band, and explores the clan's "unity of blood" philosophy, which treats outsiders like Musashi with suspicion or outright hostility. Reviews & Consensus : The episode introduces Tatsuomi
: The trio joins the massive Uesugi Alliance , which has gathered to defeat the powerful Kishin of Awaji Island, Yamata no Orochi .
: Despite improvements, the animation remains a point of criticism, often described as "functional" rather than spectacular for a modern shonen.
Episode 13 of , titled " The Uesugi Band ," serves as the premiere for the second part (or "cour") of the series. It marks a shift from the introductory adventures of Musashi, Kojiro, and Tsugumi to a larger-scale conflict involving high-ranking Bushi clans. Plot Recap & Themes