The Elusive Samurai – Season 1 Episode 3 Recap & Review

 A Forest Inhabited by a God

Episode 3 of The Elusive Samurai begins with Yorishige, Tokiyuki, and the others traveling somewhere. Tokiyuki shares his thoughts about his first battle with his peers and thanks them for helping him defeat Muneshige. Yorishige tells Tokiyuki it’s important for him not to abandon his pride as a Hojo orphan.

Also, Yorishige says Tokiyuki should strive to be an admirable warrior. He says if Tokiyuki can accomplish those things, he’ll be able to defeat anyone in this “game of tag.” Tokiyuki vows to defeat Takauji.

The next day, Tokiyuki finds himself in a hole. Yorishige greets him there. Tokiyuki tells Yorishige that he didn’t like how Yorishige and the others treated him at an undisclosed location. He’s also upset that Yorishige put him in this hole. 

Yorishige explains why he made those decisions. Then, Yorishige pulls Tokiyuki out of the hole and we learn our characters are at the Suwa Grand Shrine. Yorishige tells Tokiyuki he wants to start Tokiyuki’s martial and academic arts training. Tokiyuki isn’t interested and attempts to flee. However, he falls into another hole. Shizuku spots Tokiyuki in this new hole. She tells Tokiyuki to give Yorishige a chance.

Several days pass. Yorishige eavesdrops on Ayano, Kojiro, and Shizuku’s conversation about Tokiyuki. He argues that Tokiyuki is an honest and earnest individual. Yorishige says Tokiyuki lacks the urge to study diligently due to his upbringing. Also, Yorishige says he wants to prove to Tokiyuki that he can help Tokiyuki achieve his goals. 

Yorishige confronts Tokiyuki in the forest. The former dances to clear the skies. Yorishige wants to prove to Tokiyuki that he’s a godly being. The former clears the skies and leads many people into a chant, much to Tokiyuki’s surprise. Yorishige says this large group is composed of many warriors from the Suwa Sect who believe in Suwa Myojin. 

Also, Yorishige says these folks strongly believe in him. Yorishige tells Tokiyuki that he has a god and a 10,000-man army on his side. He argues that if Tokiyuki starts believing in Yorishige, more people will support him. Tokiyuki says he’ll go to his desk and study, much to Yorishige’s joy. Then, Yorishige tells the men to leave, making Tokiyuki realize Yorishige tricked him. 

Nonetheless, the two regroup with Ayako, Kojiro, and Shizuku somewhere. Yorishige insists Tokiyuki gather retainers. He explains what retainers are to Tokiyuki and why they’re valuable. Yorishige reinforms Tokiyuki about Shizuku, Kojiro, and Ayako’s skills and hopes he’ll grow a deep connection with them. Yorishige is certain that Tokiyuki will attain more allies in the future. 

Kojiro asks Tokiyuki what they should do. Tokiyuki wants to play “tag” but Ayako and Kojiro aren’t interested. The four struggle to develop a plan so Kojiro suggests they go hunting. Shizuku tells Tokiyuki they’re allowed to hunt beasts. The four hunt a rabbit in the forest. During their hunt, an ox demon arrives and murders the rabbit. 

Tokiyuki and his allies try fighting the ox demon but it’s too much for them so they retreat. Once they flee, Shizuku tells the others she has a plan. Tokiyuki’s not thrilled about it since he has to lead the ox demon somewhere alone. Nonetheless, they commence with the plan and defeat the ox demon minutes later. The four visit a hot springs location to celebrate.

While bathing in the hot springs, Ayako, Shizuku, and Kojiro ponder what name to call their group. After several suggestions, everyone settles on Ayako’s “Elusive Warriors” name. Tokiyuki hopes he and the others can grow strong together. Then, the Elusive Warriors return to the ox demon and notice Yorishige ate it. After they butt heads with Yorishige, we see a group of men murder a bird.

The episode closes with these men planning to visit Suwa to see what Yorishige’s up to. 

The Episode Review

At long last, The Elusive Samurai is starting to delve into Tokiyuki’s training regime. While the episode doesn’t focus too much on Tokiyuki’s training, fans will appreciate seeing Tokiyuki, Ayako, Kojiro, and Shizuku combining their strengths to defeat this ox demon. From Ayako’s impressive strength to Shizuku’s wisdom, it’ll be interesting to see how these characters develop their skills in future chapters. 

Additionally, the ox demon’s inclusion will make viewers wonder what other monsters lurk in this world. Yorishige mentions that Tokiyuki’s future foes have beasts of this variety under their control. This line of dialogue opens the door for more juicy world lore. Fans will be excited to see what other bizarre demonic entities the Elusive Warriors will fight on their journey. 

Moreover, it was nice to see Tokiyuki reflect on his past and current life. It shows he hasn’t forgotten Kunitoki, Takatoki, and the others. At the same time, this story segment shows audiences why it’s good not to dwell on past mistakes or saddening outcomes. All in all, fans should find this chapter of The Elusive Samurai satisfying. 

The comedy still offers mixed baggage as some jokes and gags won’t appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, we’re optimistic the upcoming chapters will deliver exceptional results.