Ah, so this is how this series is setting up one of best know rivalries in history. I'm in! One of the things I've really come to like about this series is how it makes me care about the characters along with the really good action scenes. Family dynamics, personal philosophies, the past, all play a part into who the characters are and why they do what they do. The art is still fantastic and dynamic, giving real weight to the action scenes! Seriously, you like wandering warrior stories? Read this one!

Compared to the previous version of the Vagabond Definitive Edition, volume 3's action is more character-driven than sword-driven. Please note that this volume does contain depictions of sexual violence and the offscreen killing of a pet, on top of the usual violence amongst swordsmen. It's fascinating to see Musashi's growth as a warrior during his rematch with Inshun. Matahachi is featured in this volume under a different name, living a fairly good life based on identity theft, until his grandmother finds him. Otsu appears to be in a good place as the caretaker of an old headmaster who fancies himself a matchmaker, and it looks an awful lot like her past will be catching up to her very soon as well. I cannot wait to read the next volume.