There seem to be very mixed feelings on this chapter and manga in general.
I am personally loving it if I am being honest. So far Vagabond is really a series where you have to read in-between the lines and within each picture to illustrate upon the meaning of each chapter.
Totally understandable why some would dislike this. As for me, however... I AM DIGGING THIS manga.
Really like the monk and Otsu so far!