Orient Episode 1: Musashi & Kojiro

Kojiro and Tsugumi stand before the colossal, fallen Kishin. It has not turned into Kitetsu, meaning its core or horn remains intact. Kojiro, ever loyal, expresses absolute confidence that Musashi will return. He believes they must find the Kishin's weakness, not just for the mission, but for their friend's sake.

A chilling voice interrupts Kojiro's search, revealing Hideo Kosameda, a silver-haired stranger, atop the Kishin's armor. Hideo, with unnerving casualness, asks about the monster's head. When a rival Bushi band attempts to assert dominance, Hideo slaughters them with brutal efficiency, revealing his true purpose: collecting Kitetsu blades from fallen warriors. Kojiro recognizes him as a feared 'Katana Hunter', a rogue driven by perverse desires.

In a red-tinted void, Musashi awakens, his body partially transformed into black crystals. A vision of Michiru, a white-haired girl, appears before him. She urges him to stay, to escape the pain of the world and the futility of fighting. Her words reflect his deepest fears, suggesting he has no power and will only be a burden. A beam of green light shatters the void, pulling Musashi from this ethereal prison.

Musashi gasps awake in the real world, amidst villagers who recognize him as the boy who failed his trial. Nanao, observing with clinical detachment, confirms she pulled him out, albeit by mistake. Realizing he is back where the battle began, Musashi is gripped by panic. Hideo's mocking voice echoes in his mind, fueling an urgent need to find and protect Kojiro and Tsugumi.

As Musashi runs, Michiru's taunts about his powerlessness attempt to break his resolve. He rejects her words, recalling his mentor Jisai's true definition of a Bushi. Flashbacks reveal a young, ostracized Musashi finding solace with Jisai and Kojiro. Jisai praises Musashi for saving Kojiro's heart through friendship and implores him never to doubt his own value, instructing him to live and never betray those he cares for.

Back at the crater, Hideo continues his brutal hunt, declaring that those who run have ugly souls. He returns his attention to Kojiro and Tsugumi, intending to turn Kojiro into Kitetsu material for Musashi. Kojiro fights valiantly, but Hideo's speed and power overwhelm him. He is lifted by the throat, his life draining, until Hideo senses a new presence and pauses.

Musashi steps onto the battlefield, calm and resolute in his new white robe, his sword drawn. Hideo, surprised, questions his presence. Musashi goes directly to Kojiro, offering reassurance, his presence a beacon of hope for his injured friends. Though he admits he still cannot make his Kitetsu glow, the destructive black crystals no longer plague him, signifying a profound inner change.

Suddenly, Nanao descends, calling Hideo 'Master' and confirming their alliance. She admits pulling Musashi out was a mistake, yet Hideo finds value in the situation, noting Musashi's partial assimilation by the black mineral. They reveal their mission: to force a judgment from the 'goddess' within Musashi, even if it means his death. Nanao declares her intent to kill him herself.

Tsugumi is horrified by the death threat to Musashi, questioning why he returned without his Kitetsu power. Musashi states clearly that he returned because his friends were in danger, and a Bushi band fights together. Flashbacks reinforce his and Kojiro's childhood promise to always fight as a team. Kojiro, recalling Jisai's words and his sister Tsubame's teaching about protecting the weak, declares their resolve to be the best Bushi band, united against their overwhelming foes.

Nanao steps forward, asserting her intention to handle the trio with less 'messy' methods than Hideo. Her staff splits into seven glowing green Kitetsu blades, which she names 'Kyubi Shichisei' and unleashes upon Musashi and his friends. The blades move with incredible speed and precision, overwhelming the trio, who struggle to defend against the barrage. Nanao smiles, confident in her deadly swordsmanship.

Nanao activates 'Ressatsu-guruma,' spinning her seven blades in a lethal wheel. Tsugumi cries out that it's unfair, but Musashi remains focused. He recognizes that Nanao is human, meaning he can fight her without holding back. Employing his newly rediscovered Kanemaki-style, Musashi launches a precise counterattack, parrying the blades and moving to engage Nanao directly, ready to break her weapons and end the fight. The battle continues, now with a newfound unity and determination from the Bushi trio.