Vagabond, Vol. 12 — Takehiko Inoue

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.

Miyamoto Musashi versus Sasaki Kojiro was perhaps the greatest matchup in the history of the samurai warrior. They follow different paths, but their lives intertwine heading toward their epic duel. For now, Kojiro finds himself in a new position as sword instructor to the powerful Hosokawa Clan in Kokura. Meanwhile, Musashi continues his journey while he is still coming to terms with accomplishing the impossible -- singlehandedly destroying the mighty Yoshioka School.