Summary
In the mesmerizing word depicted inVagabond,the path of the swordintertwines with the quest for self-discovery, enlightenment, and the pursuit of might. From epic battles on the battlefield to the inner turmoil of the soul, this manga masterpiece delivers a gripping narrative that captivates readers with thought-provoking, profound themes, and complex characters.
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Among the diverse characters in the rich tapestry ofVagabond,there are a few who have made a name for themselves as some of the mightiest and most formidable characters that graced its pages. From skilled swordsmen of the present to old icons, they all exude a variety of strength and prowess that shapes the course of the story. Here are the strongest characters in Vagabond.
10Kanemaki Jisai
Jisai Kanemaki is a master of the Chujo-Ryu sword style and a formidable teacher. As the mentor to the prodigious Ittosai Ito and the adoptive father of the renowned Sasaki Kojiro, his influence in this story reaches far and wide.
After Jisai was tasked to confront and vanquish the feared swordsman, Fudo Yugetsusai, who was supposedly the saviorof the village with a reignmarked by the oppression of its people, demanding tributes of food and young girls. After their climactic showdown, Jisai emerges victorious, toppling the tyrant and reclaiming the village from his grasp, but not without the great sacrifice of losing his arm.
9Inshun Hozoin
From an early age, Shinnosuku Mitsuda, better known as Inshun Hozoin, has demonstrated unmatched skill and prowess in theHozoin Spear Technique, earning him the title of the strongest monk in his temple at a mere 15 years old. Such was his talent that he was soon declared the Second Generation Master of the revered technique.
His dedication to his training left him isolated from his peers due to his sole focus on honing his craft. Despite his solitude, he found an equal in Seijuro Yoshioka, another formidable warrior whose skills matched his own. Inshun was able to defeat Musashi despite the latter’s intensive training over four long years.
8Yoshioka Seijuro
In the heart of Kyoto, the Yoshioka School, founded by the great master, Yoshioka Kempo, stands tall as a legacy of martial arts. Following the passing of his illustrious father, the mantle of responsibility fell upon the shoulders of his eldest son, Yoshioka Seijuro. With a carefree demeanor, Seijuro’s preferences veertoward indulging in worldly pleasures, such as being a regular at the brothel, rather than shouldering the responsibilities of the prestigious school.
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Despite his laidback attitude, Seijuro’s talent is undeniable and he possesses speed and skills admired by his peers and even the legendary Musashi.
7Shinmen Munisai
A renowned samurai whose skill on the battlefield earned him the title of “Invincible under the heavens”. Feared and respected alike, he achieved the extraordinary fear of defeating Kempo Yoshioka, the master, and founder of the esteemed Yoshioka school. Yet, behind his reputation lies a complex man who is stern and strict.
His treatment of his son, Musashi Miyamoto, left a lasting impact on the young boy’s life. Branded as his father’s rival simply because he carried the same blood, Musashi endured harsh treatment and extreme training methods at the hands of Munisai, who saw in him the potential for greatness.
6Sasaki Kojiro
Sasaki Kojiro is thearch-nemesis of the renowned swordsmanMiyamoto Musashi. Portrayed as a deaf-mute, Kojiro’s character carries a unique depth and intrigue that sets him apart from the rest. Tragedy stuck Kojiro’s life at a young age when he lost both his parents at the Battle of Shizugatake.
Deprived of hearing, Kojiro’s senses adapt remarkably, as his eyes develop to compensate for his loss, bestowing upon him a keen perception of the world. His prowess on the battlefield is evidenced by the mastery of his Swallow Cut technique, based on the swift and graceful movement of a swallow in flight.
5Ittosai Ito
Ittosai is a revered swordsman and the master of the formidable Itto Ryu style. Formerly known as Ito Yagoro, his skills, and prowess are nothing short of extraordinary. With extraordinary strength and speed, Ittosai wields his sword with grace and mastery that leaves his opponents awe-struck.
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He can a firearm in half effortlessly, and his draw is so swift that his opponents barely have time to react. Ittosai’s journey saw him rise to the position of head disciple of the revered Kanemaki Jisai, and even defeat his own master in swordplay. Among the warriors in the series, Ittosai is the strongest man alive.
4Inei Hozoin
Before ascending to the position of Hozoin Temple master and founding the esteemed Hozoin-Ryu school of Sojutsu, Inei was known by the name Inei Kakuzenbo. A light-hearted and humorous individual, his personality beliedthe depth of wisdom and insighthe possessed.
In a fateful encounter with the young and bloodthirsty Musashi, Inei was able to sense his potential and became a guiding force in the young swordsman’s life, playing a pivotal role in shaping both his character and skills as a swordsman. Inei’s journey was guided by the teachings of the esteemed Kami’zumi, whose legacy left an indelible mark on the world.
3Shinmen Takezo/Musashi Miyamoto
From a tender age, Musashi was burdened with the dark moniker of a devil’s son, haunted by an incident that forever changed the course of his life. At the mere age of thirteen, he took the life of a challenger, forever marking him as an outsider and an object of fear.
Musashi is depicted as afiery and passionate youth, consumed by the desire to become the greatest swordsman in the world. Throughout the series, Musashi’s indomitable spirit and sheer strength are on full display as he defeats numerous adversaries and breaks through the most formidable defenses, such as the Yagyu temple’s security. He is easily regarded as one of the strongest characters in this epic tale.
2Yagyu Sekishusai
Revered as the strongest and greatest swordsman in Japan, Yagyu Tajima no Kami Muneyoshi has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and rivals alike. Despite his old age, his prowess with the sword remains unparalleled, a testament to the timeless artistry of his technique. Behind his playful demeanor is a formidable warrior capable of breathtaking displays of swordsmanship even in simple acts such as cutting a flower.
His reputation transcends just tales and stories, as evidenced when he effortlessly fended off Musashi’s attacks even while sleeping, leaving the young and ambitious Musashi awestruck and intimidated by his skills. He was also taught by the legendary Kami’zumi
1Kami’zumi Ise
Kami Izumi Ise no Kami Hidetsuna,the greatest Kengo of all timeis a true embodiment of the way of the sword. Famed for his unrivaled mastery and superior skills, he surpassed all others in the art of swordsmanship. He chose to remain dedicated solely to the path of the sword, rejecting the offer of a feudal position from the Daimyo.
When he was challenged by the young and ambitious Yagyu and Hozoin, he was able to intimidate and overwhelm them, despite being fifty years old and unarmed. Throughout their subsequent duels, the outcome remained the same.
