Blade of the Immortal by Samura Hiroaki

[IamJacky]

What a freaking chapter. 2 (or is it 3?) more chaps to go and it is the end. As far as prediction goes, I have to say that I somehow knew what was going to happen ever since the fall of Abayama & the new bloods, it became clearer that most key characters would die when Makie exited a few chapters ago, but the way Samura depicted these scenes were simply way more powerful and emotional than I anticipated, it was emotionally immense and still full of surprises even when I kinda knew what would go down; even the title of this chapter is powerful/beautiful, which borrows a phrase from Confucius Analects "未知生, 焉知死? While you do not know life, how can you know death?" BTW it was actually the passcode to get on board for the security question "Dare I ask of death?". I have always imagined the ending of Anotsu losing one of his arms and he'd move on alone... but this chapter proved me wrong, it was done beautifully though, I can totally accept that (I mean look at those 4 panel shots as he smiled, even he accepted it alright).

The only remaining conclusion yet to be seen is the fate of Manji and Rin. Manji had warned Rin before never to risk her life for him ever again because to Manji's perspective she should not have done so for a bodyguard, I think he is very likely to leave Rin after this whole ordeal - or - through whatever reasons, Rin will convince Manji that they are not just bodyguard-the guarded relationship and there is a reason to stay together, I doubt they'd become lovers/couple though. Blah, I wouldn't mind either way.

Most of the key characters who passed away by now have done so in order to fulfill their purpose/duty/goals in life, though tragic for they had to die, most of them did so for causes and ideals they believed in, and so their deaths/endings were duly justified. I'm most concerned with Manji's fate though. Through out the whole series his purpose was to protect and help Rin, and now that all is done, I wonder what'll happen next... Does he still want to die as he initially wished for (like 19 years ago)? What happens to the "Slay 1000 evil men and immortality is dispelled" pact? At this point I don't think there is any reason for Manji to choose to go back to that route, but then I don't know what he will do next neither. I think it's safe to say that his new purpose is Rin, but to live forever with her and never age? that wouldn't make much sense either... so maybe he'll do something to lose his immortality and just stay with Rin.

Rin has now finally avenged her parents. I think she will head back to Edo and look after Renzo? Or in the perfect world she'll end up with Manji forever after (which to be honest, would be kinda lame). Magatsu will probably hang around with Master Sori, or maybe become a vagabond. He did kill a lot of samurais in the Edo castle though, not sure if he'd meet his demise because of that. Giichi and Hyakurin, they okay.

Wait, maybe somehow Manji will have his immortality dispelled, and then killed by Renzo? Maybe that'd teach Rin the lesson that revenge is not the right path. I don't know, can't think of any satisfying ending, but I'm sure Samura-san will conclude the series with a spectacular ending. Looking forward to the next few chaps!

---------- Post added November 01, 2012 at 02:56 AM ---------- Previous post was October 31, 2012 at 01:15 AM ----------

So after a few more reads and Google Translate. I think I kind of get what Manji and Anotsu exchanged. I studied a little bit of Japanese in the past and here's my take, any correction is welcomed, I too really want to know what are the final words of exchanges from Anotsu and Manji.

At the beginning of the chapter, Anotsu was shown having his arm cut off.

Anotsu: "It feels nice..." "To be fighting to the last bit of strength.... wouldn't it be nice if I could just rest here..." *look at Manji* "are you not going to finish me off?"

Manji drops his sword and asks what the reason is that Anotsu made Rin bring him here to join this final showdown.

Before Anotsu could start talking in details, the ships came, and cut to the boarding scene.

At boarding, the Chinese shipmen asked the same secret question they asked Douma, which was a phrase from Confucius Analects: "Dare I ask what death is?"

Anotsu answered accordingly. The shipmen asked if Anotsu enjoyed the Analect, Anotsu says no, and said something about the government (bakufu) which I could not understand. The shipmen told Anotsu that Makie is dead, does he still want her on board, and Anotsu says yes please. Then the ship men asked if there were any more people, Anotsu said yes there should be one more (I think he meant Magatsu or Ozuhan), but moments later he said that it'd be just him and Makie.

Then came Manji.

Anotsu: "If you don't kill me now, I wonder when would be the next time we meet."
Manji (mockingly): "You really think you're going to be fine traveling through the sea with a body like that huh."
Anotsu: "Doesn't matter how many years or decades, my children and their children.... we will come back to this country. Then, we will once again threaten the strength of this country" (not really sure if that's exactly what he said)
Manji: "I don't really give a shit what this country will become in whatever years and what you want to do with it. Me and Rin, we just want to forget about you and Itto-ryu, and live on with our lives."

Then Manji raises his right arm and I could not fully understand what he said, but I think he meant that he could have killed Anotsu now, and that he'd tell Rin that he did so and threw him into the sea. I am sure though, Manji is basically letting Anotsu go.

Anotsu was silent. Then Manji says: "Do not ever show up again in front of Rin, understand? you chink-eye!"

Anotsu: "Hehe... no worries. My ordeal with the Asanos was merely a beginning of many things, it is now all in the past.... so, farewell, 100-men killer, man of immortality." Then Anotsu walks away to board.

Manji ponders a bit and realized he forgot something: "WAIT! 'farewell' my ass! you hadn't told me about the reason why you brought us here...!!"

Then Rin came and did the deed.

FLASH BACK

Rin: "What a pitiful man... you did all you could for the bakufu (government), look what you got in return."
"Remember this, when you arrive at the end of Itto-ryu, no matter how many more people you kill and how many will be killed, just remember that when you come to the conclusion of Itto-ryu, I will be there to kill you, FOR SURE."

FLASH BACK ENDS

Anotsu: "Kuku... I've forgotten what I've said... what a fool I am to think to leave my goals and ambitions to my children.... "

(quick note: one of Anotsu's best quote IMO was when Hyakurin being drunk and sat with a disguised Anotsu and they had a conversation. Anotsu said "those who left the ambition to their children are ignorant, they do not know what their capacity are to achieve things and so they leave it to their children. What can the children do? They can't walk away and they are forced to go on the path they were already given. The worst thing is, if the children too cannot finish what they're give in a life time, they will pass it down to their children. And what if they finish what was given to them? They have no dreams and ideals of their own. It's truly pitiful.")

Then he tells Manji the reason why he asked Rin and Manji to come. He basically wanted Manji to be the witness. He feels mournful that Itto-ryu did not finish what they set out to do, and he questioned whether all they have done in the last 3 years, all that's happened, "Our swords..., did we not change even just a few little things?" He pleaded to Manji to be the witness, to see whether Itto-ryu had any effect to a peaceful time such as theirs.

Manji: "I won't forget it."

Anotsu falls. Chapter ends.

This is my closest interpretation to this chapter and I think I am about 80% right. If anybody who reads Japanese is willing share, it'd be greatly appreciated!

[InvincibleImmortal]

*sign* Even if the story hasn't found his end yet I'm satisfied with most storylines in the manga. - Like the development of Shira, Giichi's pretended future with Hyakurin, the farewell of Doa and Isaku (Oh Jesus!) or the Itto-Ryu-chase during the last volumes. The very ending has already a remarkable advance.

Is it some sort of respect for the manga that no one has any predictions? (; Quite a difference to the more popular and weekly manga.

Shira's development and his conclusion was perfection. Because of this he became my favorite character. His death really suited someone of his nature, he was a mad dog and a scum who lived only for the amusement of torturing and killing, and his death really justified his sadistic nature. Giichi and Hyakurin were another pair I enjoyed reading, Giichi changed as a person when his son died and tried to become a "better" person by wanting to raise Rin's son, despite her wanting the opposite. So in the end it was good they managed to come to an agreement (SPOILER: I was thinking Giichi was going to die when he was going to fight Makie, in other words not keep his promise to rin, but it seems he managed to kill her)

The battle between Itto-ryu and Bakufu was also well done IMO. Habaki was one tough son of a bitch physically, mentally, idealistically and seeing Anotosu (another sick c*nt )and Itto ryu trying to beat him was interesting. (SPOILER: Anotsu killed him and I'm satisfied, he deserved a beat down as appose to committing suicide. But on the other hand Anotsu deserved to die too and none other than to the hands of Rin)

The author did a good job so far wrapping up their story lines. Anotsu, Giichi and Hyakurin, SHIRAA, rin.. I don't know what he intends to do with Manji but chances are he'll end up with Rin as more than a body guard *lovers*. It's not bad at all if ended like that, it's sort of expected

Anyway..again this has to be one of the best manga's I've read. Really enjoyed it and it sucks that its come to end, but everything eventually comes to an end at some point. unfortunately I can't seem to find another manga like this. I tried Vagabond, Hellsing, and I forgot what else but they pale in comparison to this masterpiece, in my opinion anyway.

What a freaking chapter. 2 (or is it 3?) more chaps to go and it is the end. As far as prediction goes, I have to say that I somehow knew what was going to happen ever since the fall of Abayama & the new bloods, it became clearer that most key characters would die when Makie exited a few chapters ago, but the way Samura depicted these scenes were simply way more powerful and emotional than I anticipated, it was emotionally immense and still full of surprises even when I kinda knew what would go down; even the title of this chapter is powerful/beautiful, which borrows a phrase from Confucius Analects "未知生, 焉知死? While you do not know life, how can you know death?" BTW it was actually the passcode to get on board for the security question "Dare I ask of death?". I have always imagined the ending of Anotsu losing one of his arms and he'd move on alone... but this chapter proved me wrong, it was done beautifully though, I can totally accept that (I mean look at those 4 panel shots as he smiled, even he accepted it alright).

The only remaining conclusion yet to be seen is the fate of Manji and Rin. Manji had warned Rin before never to risk her life for him ever again because to Manji's perspective she should not have done so for a bodyguard, I think he is very likely to leave Rin after this whole ordeal - or - through whatever reasons, Rin will convince Manji that they are not just bodyguard-the guarded relationship and there is a reason to stay together, I doubt they'd become lovers/couple though. Blah, I wouldn't mind either way.

Most of the key characters who passed away by now have done so in order to fulfill their purpose/duty/goals in life, though tragic for they had to die, most of them did so for causes and ideals they believed in, and so their deaths/endings were duly justified. I'm most concerned with Manji's fate though. Through out the whole series his purpose was to protect and help Rin, and now that all is done, I wonder what'll happen next... Does he still want to die as he initially wished for (like 19 years ago)? What happens to the "Slay 1000 evil men and immortality is dispelled" pact? At this point I don't think there is any reason for Manji to choose to go back to that route, but then I don't know what he will do next neither. I think it's safe to say that his new purpose is Rin, but to live forever with her and never age? that wouldn't make much sense either... so maybe he'll do something to lose his immortality and just stay with Rin.

Rin has now finally avenged her parents. I think she will head back to Edo and look after Renzo? Or in the perfect world she'll end up with Manji forever after (which to be honest, would be kinda lame). Magatsu will probably hang around with Master Sori, or maybe become a vagabond. He did kill a lot of samurais in the Edo castle though, not sure if he'd meet his demise because of that. Giichi and Hyakurin, they okay.

Wait, maybe somehow Manji will have his immortality dispelled, and then killed by Renzo? Maybe that'd teach Rin the lesson that revenge is not the right path. I don't know, can't think of any satisfying ending, but I'm sure Samura-san will conclude the series with a spectacular ending. Looking forward to the next few chaps!

---------- Post added November 01, 2012 at 02:56 AM ---------- Previous post was October 31, 2012 at 01:15 AM ----------

So after a few more reads and Google Translate. I think I kind of get what Manji and Anotsu exchanged. I studied a little bit of Japanese in the past and here's my take, any correction is welcomed, I too really want to know what are the final words of exchanges from Anotsu and Manji.

At the beginning of the chapter, Anotsu was shown having his arm cut off.

Anotsu: "It feels nice..." "To be fighting to the last bit of strength.... wouldn't it be nice if I could just rest here..." *look at Manji* "are you not going to finish me off?"

Manji drops his sword and asks what the reason is that Anotsu made Rin bring him here to join this final showdown.

Before Anotsu could start talking in details, the ships came, and cut to the boarding scene.

At boarding, the Chinese shipmen asked the same secret question they asked Douma, which was a phrase from Confucius Analects: "Dare I ask what death is?"

Anotsu answered accordingly. The shipmen asked if Anotsu enjoyed the Analect, Anotsu says no, and said something about the government (bakufu) which I could not understand. The shipmen told Anotsu that Makie is dead, does he still want her on board, and Anotsu says yes please. Then the ship men asked if there were any more people, Anotsu said yes there should be one more (I think he meant Magatsu or Ozuhan), but moments later he said that it'd be just him and Makie.

Then came Manji.

Anotsu: "If you don't kill me now, I wonder when would be the next time we meet."
Manji (mockingly): "You really think you're going to be fine traveling through the sea with a body like that huh."
Anotsu: "Doesn't matter how many years or decades, my children and their children.... we will come back to this country. Then, we will once again threaten the strength of this country" (not really sure if that's exactly what he said)
Manji: "I don't really give a shit what this country will become in whatever years and what you want to do with it. Me and Rin, we just want to forget about you and Itto-ryu, and live on with our lives."

Then Manji raises his right arm and I could not fully understand what he said, but I think he meant that he could have killed Anotsu now, and that he'd tell Rin that he did so and threw him into the sea. I am sure though, Manji is basically letting Anotsu go.

Anotsu was silent. Then Manji says: "Do not ever show up again in front of Rin, understand? you chink-eye!"

Anotsu: "Hehe... no worries. My ordeal with the Asanos was merely a beginning of many things, it is now all in the past.... so, farewell, 100-men killer, man of immortality." Then Anotsu walks away to board.

Manji ponders a bit and realized he forgot something: "WAIT! 'farewell' my ass! you hadn't told me about the reason why you brought us here...!!"

Then Rin came and did the deed.

FLASH BACK

Rin: "What a pitiful man... you did all you could for the bakufu (government), look what you got in return."
"Remember this, when you arrive at the end of Itto-ryu, no matter how many more people you kill and how many will be killed, just remember that when you come to the conclusion of Itto-ryu, I will be there to kill you, FOR SURE."

FLASH BACK ENDS

Anotsu: "Kuku... I've forgotten what I've said... what a fool I am to think to leave my goals and ambitions to my children.... "

(quick note: one of Anotsu's best quote IMO was when Hyakurin being drunk and sat with a disguised Anotsu and they had a conversation. Anotsu said "those who left the ambition to their children are ignorant, they do not know what their capacity are to achieve things and so they leave it to their children. What can the children do? They can't walk away and they are forced to go on the path they were already given. The worst thing is, if the children too cannot finish what they're give in a life time, they will pass it down to their children. And what if they finish what was given to them? They have no dreams and ideals of their own. It's truly pitiful.")

Then he tells Manji the reason why he asked Rin and Manji to come. He basically wanted Manji to be the witness. He feels mournful that Itto-ryu did not finish what they set out to do, and he questioned whether all they have done in the last 3 years, all that's happened, "Our swords..., did we not change even just a few little things?" He pleaded to Manji to be the witness, to see whether Itto-ryu had any effect to a peaceful time such as theirs.

Manji: "I won't forget it."

Anotsu falls. Chapter ends.

This is my closest interpretation to this chapter and I think I am about 80% right. If anybody who reads Japanese is willing share, it'd be greatly appreciated!

Thank you bro.

[DeBaron8]

So Chapter 218 is out!
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet:

http://www.mediafire.com/?9mjjskwk7mwpjmv

It looks pretty great, a lot of dialogue, wish I knew what they were all saying...
I can't wait to see the last one! xD

[IamJacky]

Things are getting wrapped up here pretty much. This chapter has so many dialogues and really wish someone can come up and translate. Again, out of my sheer passion for the series I've done some translation on my own, which can be erroneous, but I'd say they're about 75% correct. Some of the stuff I admit adding my own interpretation, but only to a certain degree.

Chapter Title: The Forgotten Snow

Hyakurin is shown cutting off a bundle of her hair and places it over Shinriji’s grave. She smiles and says: “Looks like my hair won’t go back to being black for the rest of my life.”

Scene cuts to Magatsu, Itoi, and Haya over a field of eggplants.
(note: Itoi is a former Ittoryu member whose lover is Haya, a good friend of Ren. In book 5, Giichi held Haya hostage and interrogates Itoi for Anotsu’s whereabouts, to which Itoi surrendered and gave up the information.)

Magatsu: “Hey Itoi, come here real quick.”
Itoi: “Yes.”
Magatsu: “The leaves, is it okay if they extend and overlap each other like this?’
Ioti: “Oh, that would be fine” and stated something about how the plants would grow.
Magatsu: “Thanks, senpai. “
“Even though I came from the peasant class, it’s my first time planting eggplants.”
“It’s rather fun even comparing to swinging the swords.”
Haya: “Shall we rest a bit?”

The three chit chats over lunch.

Haya: “But Magatsu, so you ended up back here in Edo, aren’t you afraid of being caught by bakufu (the government)?”
Magatsu: “Don’t worry… Hanafusa and Habaki are both dead, they won’t go after me and I won’t be caught.”

Magatsu then recites the last words of Hitake before his head was chopped off, where he exclaimed in admiration – “If the way of the sword (or bushido) were to rise again, wouldn’t it be such spectacular world/scene?”

Magatsu: “To revive the way of swords, to promote the art of strength… these were goals and dreams of Boss Anotsu.”
“But to be honest, at the end I was not very interested in those ideals. I’m merely a guy who hates the Samurais. The only thing I cared about was crushing the Samurais with Ittoryu, I never really cared or thought about the way of swords.”

“I really liked Boss, but for some reason, I couldn’t decide whether to go with him or not.”

“At the very end, with all of the thoughts swirling in my head, I did not board onto the ship and sail off, this I feel apologetic/sorry for Boss.”

Haya: “I see…”
Magatsu: “But then…first thing, what the other side of the ocean does not have is Ren’s grave.”

Scene cuts to Rin at the door of Master Sori.

Master Sori: “Sorry, he still doesn’t want to see you…” (referring to Renzo)
Rin: “I see... That’s fine.”

Then the two exchanged words about Rin returning the money she owed Master Sori, Rin is returning more money than usual because she hasn’t been back for a while. The two said goodbye and Master Sori goes back in his room.

Master Sori: “Still don’t feel like forgiving that girl?”
Renzo: “I now know of the deeds of Ittoryu, and I’ve learned of the type of man my father was. It’s not about whether to forgive or not, it’s just that there’re still bits of anger left in me towards her.”
“I do not have hatred for the death of my pops, I know that vengeance will amount to nothing in the end… I have walked a long path to come to this point, yet I can’t get myself out of this dilemma, how stupid.”
“Vengeance is not done for those past away, but rather for myself. For me, I just feel that I cannot move on if I didn’t do it.”
“But, is that really the solution? Will I truly move on with a peace of mind if I killed that girl? And when that girl pierced through Anotsu Kagehisa, what went through her mind and made her do it? Whatever her answer was, I will not be able to understand it.”

Then it gets a bit sophisticated so my take of Renzo’s attitude is that, he does not wish to commit to vengeance because he could not find a solution to justify vengeance or forgiveness to the death of his dad. He feels that without the right “answer”, his actions will become meaningless, and that he wishes to find the right answer while studying under Master Sori. When he finds his answer, then he will talk to Rin.

Then came the comic dual Meguro and Tanbobo. Meguro is pissed that Renzo is supposedly taking her place as Master Sori’s favorite apprentice (which obviously is her own fantasy). Tanbobo was praised by Master Soir for her excellence in painting and that some big shot wanted to promote her drawings at some kind of exhibition, which Meguro was jealous at.

Then Master Sori asked Meguro to join his daughter to the kitchen to prepare lunch (which kind of implies that her paintings aren’t very good and she’s only capable of house chores.) But Master Sori then praised Meguro for her improvement in cooking, that he “finished whatever she prepared”, and that he “didn’t know she has talents outside of painting.” – to which Meguro misunderstood as Master Sori’s “approval” of Meguro’s quality to being his wife.

Scene cuts to Giichi – selling the Geta’s to a merchant, to which the merchant praised the quality of the products despite Giichi’s limb condition.

On the way home Giichi spotted a young girl and an old man. He went in their house to make inquiries. Giichi recognized the clothing from the old man to be that of Abayama’s. The girl explained that she had not heard from her grandfather for a very long time, and some 3 months ago an almost completely different Abayama came back home – withered and very different to his former self. She explained that Abayama had abandoned their family since she was young, and even her father ended in tragedy because of him. But as her granddaughter she was willing to take care of him.

Abayama’s daughter: “Are you his friend?”
Giichi: “No… please take good care of him.”

Then scene cuts to Douwa and Isaku, where they found a seemingly dead Ozuhan alone in a boat.

The boat reeks of smell, then Ozuhan wakes and surprised Douwa and Isaku.

Douwa: “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?”

It seemed that Ozuhan got lost after the Edo Castle massacre and sailed alone in the boat and accidentally wandered all the way to where Douwa and Isaku was, eating only fishes he caught along the way. (Talk about wild card…)

Scenes cuts to Rin at the tomb of her parents.

Rin meets up with Hyakurin, they talked briefly about how Rin is working to pay back Master Sori. It seems that Master Sori helped Rin to shelter Renzo and changed his household register to avoid potential problems due to his identity as a direct family member to Itto-ryu.

Then they reminisced the winter, and scene cuts to where chapter 217 ended.

The Chinese shipmen told Manji that Anotsu was actually of Chinese origin, though 4 generations ago. Anotsu’s grandfather was a good friend of the grandfather of the Chinese guy. They used to trade weapons and exotic goods. The Chinese man said they heard that Anotsu was a “Fearsome but likable man, but perhaps his way have lead him to this inevitable end.”

Then he said something about bringing Anotsu back to his home.

As the big Chinese guy carried Anotsu’s body aboard, the Chinese man glanced at Anotsu and said in Chinese “Not dead.”
Manji: “Huh??”
Chinese man: “Do you like the Analects?”
Manji: “I can’t understand what the hell you’re talking about!”

Then scene goes back to Hyakurin and Rin.

Rin talked about her stabbing Anotsu.

When Anotsu first arrived at the port and went face to face with Habaki, Anotsu mentioned something in the context of bringing his children into his path if that is what it takes to finish what they all have started. That’s when Rin was absolutely determined to kill Anotsu.

Rin: “Both Anotsu and I have walked extraordinarily difficult and terrible path… whether it’s the path of vengeance or the path to revive the way of the sword, whatever we do, we must not pass the path we’ve chosen down to the next generation.”

Then Rin talks about Hyakurin’s unborn child which I could not understand

Rin: “If I could, I wish that before this whole journey ended I could talk to Renzo properly, straighten things out.”
(?) “If during this process, someone tells me that he can never forgive me for what I’ve done, It’d be nice if I could just give my life to that person, and everything just ends.” (not very sure if that’s what she said)

Hyakurin recalls an incident where a man who had a drink with her said the exact same thing (she didn’t know it was actually Anotsu).

Then Hyakurin went on and talked about the relationship between parents and children, which again is too sophisticated for me to understand. But in bulk Hyakurin concludes that whatever Rin and Anotsu may feel about parents and children, “While for certain it is intertwined, the thought/sentiment/love/hope between the families is not a curse.”

Rin: “…I see… I didn’t know that…”
Hyakurin: “Mhm.”

Then both noticed Manji walking off alone.

CHAPTER ENDS.

[JonAntilles]

Thanks for the translation and the download link :-)
Abayama survived, great no one could forsee this! And it seems the story ends very peaceful after all this conflict.
I'd say a worthy end to this epic story as far as I can see for now

[redon]

MUGEN NO JUUNIN 219 RAW (END)

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/N2Q6Z7OJ/

[MiyamotoMusashi]

Thx redon. So, it finally ends and what a journey it was, definitely one of the best mangas i have read to this point

[Nagashiwa]

and then the journey start again for Manji XD
But I wonder who that KID is. because she has that dagger o.o from RIN? maybe little kid from RIN?


I hope someone can write down a summary.

[Gorgias]

Thx redon. So, it finally ends and what a journey it was, definitely one of the best mangas i have read to this point

Absolutely. And I can't wait for a translation for this story-based chapter. My phantasy about what's going on in the end: Manji becomes some kind of eternal guardian: fulfilling the endless dream of protecting some one (in place of his murdered sister). But does anyone know a meaning of the hat Manji is wearing? Any hints in other works of Samura? - Cause it looks very unique for the series and, hope I'm not wrong, occidental/american.

And if you didn't get it yet: Samura is obviously planning to release a new series in mid-2013. A little consolation at the end of this beast of a manga.

--- edit ---

and then the journey start again for Manji XD
But I wonder who that KID is. because she has that dagger o.o from RIN? maybe little kid from RIN?

Maybe that's it. Regarding the environment the civilisation seems to have increased - so the story could take place one or two decades after the death of Anotsu. But for what purpose Rin should send her daughter to Manji?

[IamJacky]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE FINAL CHAPTER *tears* Man this is definitely a bittersweet moment... been following Mugen for like... 15 years? This is no doubt my favorite manga of all time, happy it ends this way... not super happy, not super sad, just... LIFE, in a Manji way.

Here's my take on the translations:

Chapter Title: Manji and Rin

Hykurin and Rin exchanged a few words about Manji's departure. It seems that Manji will not be fit to stay near the Edo area, due to his wanted status. Rin said that according to master Sori, the reason why Manji was allowed to travel across boarders freely up until now is because of Manji's opposition to Itto ryu and of course the immortality experiment. Now that Habaki is dead and Itto-ryu is gone, there is no reason to let Manji roam around and they might bring him down. So there he is, leaving.

Rin also took note and thanked Hykurin for removing the "wanted" ads for Rin & Manji (from book 6 - when Shira tracked down the fake Anotsu and killed 2 men), allowing her to also roam around boarders. (remember in book 7 & 8 where they must get some kind of passport to travel outside of Edo boarder).

Hyakurin: "Is it ok though?"
Rin: "?"
Hyakurin: "Now that he's departing from Edo... it means that he won't be your bodyguard anymore isn't it?"
Rin pauses, then says a series of philosophical things that are too difficult for me to understand. The bulk of it goes:

"My journey..., this journey is not about Habaki, not about Anotsu Kagehisa; not about who to kill."
"Whether this man takes a life or protects a life... he does so for his redemption... an old nun once told me that."
"Those who cried because they lack the power or those who have sleepless nights because their love was taken from them...., only such men..." (?)

"I... (too) want to be by his side..." but before Rin could finish, she said to Hyakurin "Shall we go?"

Then on the road, Rin remarks:

"A husband and little kids... is nice, isn't it?"

Hyakurin then snaps and scolds Rin, saying "A kid? are you joking? You ARE a little kid! Look at yourself. Acting all "I can do it all" all the time... you're 10 years early, kiddo." Then she went on and on scolding Rin. Then Rin breaks down and cried.

Scenes cuts to 90 years later.

The Sword Abolishment Act (started 1876) is in effect for 6 years now. Manji is shown taking a box full of swords to the river side, planning to bury them. The immortal nun (yaopikuni?) visits Manji. She asks Manji if he still wields the swords. Manji says no, the era of the swords is now gone and he plans to bury them, and that he'll take them back out if they are ever needed in the future.

The nun and Manji talks about the aftermaths of Manji (supposedly after he went away from Edo). Manji was at a remote area with a fishing crew, somehow they were caught in a storm and rescued by the Americans. He stayed abroad for 12 years before returning to Japan. Then he was captured (supposedly for his past crimes) and incarcirated in jail; there he studied ancient Chinese philosophy Mencius. Then he goes on and on about life after that at Kyoto, somehow he mentioned Ittoryu.

Then he reminisces and goes "... fufu....Ittoryu.... how do I know this name after 90 years... oh yeah...! I remember the name Itto-ryu..."
"I remember some guy from Ittoryu asked me to do something... what was it...?"
"That sure was a different era... those were the days where samurais are different from civilians, where swords mattered."
"I can't remember the guy's face nor his name..."
"I wonder how he'd feel about the time (generation) like this now?"

Then Manji asks the nun what she's looking for him for, to which the nun brought out a little girl. It appears that the little girl's father and uncle owned a dojo, and the Sword Abolishment Act triggered a dispute between the brothers, and some kind of feud ensued. I'm not sure what exactly happened but basically this little girl now needs looking after, and the nun is asking Manji to help.

The little girl recognized Manji from the old drawing she keeps. She gives Manji a dagger. The sheath has carvings of Manji's signature swastika and Rin's flame pattern.

Manji: "Did you carve this?
Little girl (I think her name is pronounced "fuyu"): "No, my mother gave it to me..."
Manji: "Did your mother know me?"
Little girl: "No, my grandma gave it to my mom... and my grandma got it from her grandma."
"I was told to give this (dagger) to the man in this drawing if I ever come across him."

Manji looks deep into the swastika/flame pattern, and without Manji's consent, the nun asks the little girl if she wants to go with Manji, little girl nods her head.

However, Manji eventually agreed. They are heading to Edo (now Tokyo). The nun says farewell: "With a time where you can't swing your swords, I imagine protecting a little girl would be much difficult than slaying a thousand evil men." (not entirely sure if this is accurate translation).

Manji: "Ka!"

Scene cuts to Manji and little girl walking on a bridge, she trips.

Manji: "Oh! You alright? don't cry ok." Lends his right hand to pick her up. The girl notices something. "What?" Manji says. "Your little finger...." the girl said. "Oh, this is..." At this moment, Manji realized something.

"Kuwahahahahahahahaa!!!!!"

"Great job! Thanks to you, I finally remember that guy's name!" (Even though it's obvious, I still wanna add... Manji's right arm is actually that of Anotsu Kagehisa's)

Then the final scenes, Manji asked the little girl if she wants to take the horse-sedan, stating that there's a long road ahead of them. END.

----

*NOTE* For those who don't know, the painting of Manji which the little girl has belonged to Rin; the dagger belonged to Douwa, in book 21 she gave it to Rin when they said their goodbyes after the Prison Arc. Douwa gave it to Rin as a goodbye gift and a token of appreciation for letting her and Isaku stayed at Rin's dojo. From where Douwa come from, girls are to carve patterns at the sheath and give it to the men they like/love. Douwa named the pattern "Even if apart now, eventually there'll be reunion."

So yes, the little girl is Rin's great-great grand daughter

The Afternoon Cover for the final chapter:

[Nagashiwa]

Thank you!!!

I hope they will add something extra in the volume!~

[RichanMagic]

I know the very ending takes place 90 years later so we're in the 1870's. The girl is talking about her mother and something about how she was told to give that dagger to Manji if she ever saw him. This is the dagger that Doua gave to Rin to finish carving and was supposed to give it to the man she loves. I think the girl looks a little like Rin, so I figured, along with the dagger, it must be her great-great-granddaughter. It seems Manji recognized the weapon after all those years, though, although his knowledge of it was a bit ambiguous in the story. Regardless, the swastika and flames should ring a bell.

[InvincibleImmortal]

This is what I call good writing. Epic story, the ending is well wrapped up,
major credit to the author.

I wish I could view the chapter images though, I tried downloading them from the links posted but my computer froze. Dont feel like trying again

[IamJacky]

This is what I call good writing. Epic story, the ending is well wrapped up,
major credit to the author.

I wish I could view the chapter images though, I tried downloading them from the links posted but my computer froze. Dont feel like trying again

The file is only 6 MB, I think you should try again.

Here is the second to last page, there is just this emotional satisfaction from this picture that I can't put into words. I love the expression of the two, especially Manji's.

[hob]

yes that page is awesome, with the liittle details like the hat going from manji's head to that of the kid, and the hand being a simbol of the trust of the kid in her bodyguard. I guess that's the genetics.....^^; and of course Manji's expression. That's the icing on the cake.
still a bit sad Rin's final scene is one of sadness, but i guess that's unavoidable (Afternoon magazine's cover was such a red herring :P). I like that everything that transpired after is left to imagination, besides that single carving on the blade. That's a very powerful and moving way to put an end to Rin's story.