: The introduction of the "Four Blights" (powerful Kishin) raised the stakes for the upcoming battle. Weaknesses :
: While not a massive leap, some viewers noted that the animation and character designs felt slightly more "crispy" and polished compared to the first 12 episodes.
Overall, Episode 13 is considered a necessary transition that sacrifices immediate action for long-term world-building, setting the stage for what many fans consider the series' strongest arc. Orient Part 2 Episode 1 (Review) New Friends And Foes! Orient Episode 13
: The episode introduces Tatsuomi Uesugi , the leader of the Uesugi Band, and explores the clan's "unity of blood" philosophy, which treats outsiders like Musashi with suspicion or outright hostility.
: The trio joins the massive Uesugi Alliance , which has gathered to defeat the powerful Kishin of Awaji Island, Yamata no Orochi . : The introduction of the "Four Blights" (powerful
Reviewers from platforms like Anime News Network and Reddit generally viewed this episode as a solid "setup" that successfully expanded the show's scope. :
: The introduction of the Five Grand Generals and new rivals like Akihiro Shimazu added much-needed complexity to the cast. Orient Part 2 Episode 1 (Review) New Friends And Foes
: Despite improvements, the animation remains a point of criticism, often described as "functional" rather than spectacular for a modern shonen.