Y十M: Yagyuu Ninpouchou

I'm a fan of Basilisk, and since this manga is from the same creator, I decided to give it a try. Be warned, though; it includes plenty of abuse and nudity, making it unsuitable for those who can't tolerate such themes.

My expectations for the art style were low initially, given my past experience with Basilisk's manga version, which featured over-Photoshopped images that didn't appeal to me. However, this manga was a delightful surprise. The artist’s technique seemed to have evolved during the creation of Basilisk, resulting in a more subtle use of photographs and an overall improved drawing style. Nonetheless, it's unfortunate that almost all female characters suffer from the same face syndrome. Since the plot revolves heavily around women, the similar designs made distinguishing them difficult. But it wasn’t crucial for the plot, which is somewhat disappointing.

The similarity extended to the personalities of the female cast. Only Ofue (the tomboy), Tenjuuin (the nunnery leader), and Oyura stood out to me. I could tell the first two apart by their styles, while Oyura was recognizable by her manners. Other women appeared as mere copies of each other, except perhaps Otone, but only due to her unique role. With too many characters introduced, none received enough screen time to be memorable, and the similar faces didn't help. This might explain why the creator often labeled characters with names beside them to remind readers who they were.

For those familiar with Basilisk, it’s no surprise that the male characters don't share the same face syndrome. While unsure whether to admire or detest the vile character design used on males, I noticed that despite being distinguishable, their characters felt bland, lacking motives and goals. It seemed most effort went into Juubei, Takuan, and the main antagonists, leaving others memorable only by their techniques.

Despite the shortcomings in character design, I enjoyed those with more polished personalities. The plot was engaging, particularly with Juubei's tricks against the villains, though there were dull moments too. The story was compelling enough to make me read it in one sitting, indicating something was done right. A tighter focus, achieved by reducing or merging characters, might have improved the plot further. Although I appreciated Basilisk for its darkness, the lighter touch of Yagyu Ninja Scrolls didn’t disappoint me either.

tl;dr: A manga set in an intriguing historical period, featuring a plot centered around tactical combat. However, it falls short in character depth.

This manga offers an engaging premise: a skilled teacher aids his students in seeking revenge without directly interfering, though this boundary becomes somewhat blurred as the story progresses. This approach allows for an overpowered protagonist whose abilities are strategically utilized when necessary, while still keeping the majority of the plot grounded and captivating. The seven Hori women, despite their training, remain significantly weaker than the Seven Spears, making most conflicts in the manga heavily reliant on clever tricks rather than sheer combat prowess—a narrative choice I particularly appreciate. The manga does well in both short-term tactics and long-term strategy, incorporating twists effectively. Additionally, the setting is well-utilized, with ample political intrigue and period-specific elements enriching the storyline.

However, one notable drawback is the lack of character depth. While a few characters, such as Jubei, Otone, and Oyura, exhibit some complexity, most come across as rather flat. The heroines, although cool and likable, lack distinctiveness. Similarly, the villains are easy to despise but offer little beyond that. Consequently, there is minimal character or relationship development throughout the story. Motivations are clear yet straightforward, making the narrative entirely plot-driven rather than character-driven, though it manages this aspect competently. The ending aligns well with this approach. The art style is commendable, with many excellent panels enhancing the visual experience.