Mushibugyo / Mushibugyō

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 14 –

spoiler

While Jinbei is off training with his father, a mysterious stranger enters the city and asks for directions to the Insect Magistrate’s office. The person he asks isn’t sure and takes a better look at the stranger. You can only disguise so much as the man sees the clawed feet of the stranger and the drool dripping from his mouth, and he cowers in fear. Saying that he has no use for the man anymore, the stranger then bites his head off!

Kotori is taken to task by Yumehiki for allowing the entire City Patrol to go on vacation. But they really didn’t give Kotori much choice in the matter. He vows to cut their salary, but Kotori still has to deal with Yumehiki’s anger. But Yumehiki calms down enough to show Kotori his five new canons, purchased with his own personal fortune. Yumehiki redesigned these huge canons to protect Edo and says that he doesn’t need Kotori and the City Patrol anymore. I’m sure Yumehiki is going to be proved wrong at some point!

Jinbei and his father are on their way back and hear of attacks by men that look like insects. Once they hear that they were on their way to Edo to look for the Insect Magistrate, Genjuurou sends Jinbei off to the city in his own special way. Kotori and Yumehiki have received the same report and are now facing this mysterious stranger, standing amidst a pile of bodies, and sucking up the remaining blood. They are surprised to hear it speak, but Yumehiki still declares it to be an insect that needs to be killed.

Yumehiki shoots it with his special gun, but it has no effect. The thing buzzes and asks about Jinbei, before it attacks them. Oogami shows up with the Samurai House Patrol and beats it back with his sword. Yumehiki sends Kotori off to help the injured, saying that he doesn’t need his useless help. If he only knew! Kotori leaves with an injured child and the Samurai House Patrol attacks the monster. Unfortunately, it takes out the entire patrol with one strike.

Oogami and Yumehiki are the only ones left and they attack together. No effect. So, Yumehiki pulls out his ace – the new canons! But they have no effect either! Yumehiki orders his men to keep firing and when the smoke finally clears, the monster is still standing. Oogami and Yumehiki attack it again – they should know better by now that it won’t work, but they are sworn to protect Edo. Once again the monster wins. He has Yumehiki pierced by one of his claws and asks again about Jinbei. To his credit, Yumehiki doesn’t tell him and the monster deals the killing blow. It’s blocked at the last second by Jinbei! He got there just in time!

Even in his weakened state, Yumehiki tells Jinbei not to interfere in another’s fight. The monster flies up into the air, pleased to see Jinbei. And once Jinbei sees the bodies and the damage, he ignores Yumehiki and attacks the monster. Yumehiki warns Jinbei against doing that and tells him to pull back, but is ignored again. Jinbei is amazed at the speed of his opponent, but manages to keep up with it. Jinbei defeats the monster! Both Yumehiki and Oogami are stunned that Jinbei could do something that they could not.

Unfortunately, the thing regenerates, and uses a Ninjutsu technique, so now Jinbei is facing two monsters, one of which is a supposed illusion – but which one? Both monsters attack Jinbei and they both feel real to him. He manages to cut both of them down, but once again they regenerate and now Jinbei has to deal with four monsters! The Ninjutsu is not a cloning technique, but a splitting one. Great!

All four monsters attack Jinbei at the same time and he keeps killing them, but the things keep multiplying. How can Jinbei hope to win? He is injured now and the monster comes in for the kill. Jinbei stands his ground and tries to defend himself, but the blow doesn’t come. Hibachi, Koikawa and Tenma have shown up just in time. The three attack the monsters and think they defeat them, but sure enough, they regenerate and now there is a whole army of the things!

The humans are surrounded and Jinbei quickly explains their plight. If they can’t use blades, Hibachi tries bombs, hoping to burn the monsters, but that doesn’t work either. No matter what they do, the monsters keep increasing in numbers. Koikawa suggests retreat, but Jinbei refuses, not wanting to let the monsters kill any more humans. Hibachi notices that some of the monsters haven’t regenerated and Tenma notes that those monsters were beheaded. So, now they know what to do, but it has to be done to all of the monsters at the same time or else they will have a bigger problem on their hands.

Jinbei comes up with an idea, but the monsters attack them again. He does manage to tell the others his plan and they leave him to it. The monsters pile around him and Jinbei uses his new Fuji Hammer technique, but will it work? Yes! He obliterates the monsters all at one! Jinbei thanks his friends for their help, as Mugai watches from a nearby rooftop. Why didn’t he help? Kotori returns to the scene and Jinbei runs over to greet him. Kotori says that the “Insect-men have made it to Edo” and that puzzles Jinbei.

It’s a beautiful day in Kishuu Province as the villagers go about their daily lives. Suddenly, the entire village shakes with a huge stampede of monster insects. And the episode ends with a large explosion!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 15 –

spoiler

The Kishuu village is decimated by the Ten Crucifix Insects of Sanada and the villagers are killed. The corpses are piled up and a bloody beacon is sent into the sky. Back in Edo, Yoshimune receives a report on the Insect-man that attacked the city and how Jinbei destroyed it, but the officials are still critical of the City Patrol. When they learn that the Insect-man, Sarutobi Sasuke, was a retainer of Sanada, who supposed died a century ago, the superstitious men think they are fighting spirits!

Yoshimune has heard enough from these foolish men and reminds them that they have the Insect Magistrate. Kuroageha is also present at this meeting, and makes the silly ministers happy by telling them that she will take care of things. Yoshimune apologizes to her later for involving her in his lie to the ministers, since he knows that she is now powerless, but Kuroageha is still willing to sacrifice herself to protect Edo. Yoshimune is impressed by this small girl, who has given up everything.

There is a commotion outside with the officials and Nagatomimaru. He is demanding to be told what was said at the meeting, saying that he needs to tell Jinbei. The Insect Magistrate asks who that is and Yoshimune tells her that it’s his son, Ieshige, and he asks if she knows this Jinbei that he’s yelling about. The Shogun is surprised by the pleasant look on Kuroageha’s face when he says Jinbei’s name. She asks permission to speak with Ieshige.

Kuroageha is taken to Ieshige’s room, which is a typical boy’s cluttered room – “no girls allowed”. LOL I liked that little doll of Jinbei too and there are also many other depictions of Jinbei as well. Ieshige is flattered that the Insect Magistrate has come to visit him and is pleased to share his knowledge with her. But he’s also secretly disturbed that this girl has come to “steal” his knowledge and decides to collect her knowledge instead – all for Jinbei, of course! However, Ieshige soon finds out that Kuroageha is only there to question his relationship with Jinbei. She mentions rank and position and wonders how they can meet. Kuroageha discovers that Ieshige must have lied about who he is in order to associate with Jinbei. She also concludes that if one lies about their status, they can still have a relationship with someone of lower rank.

Hearing that, Ieshige realizes that they are in the same boat and takes her to a telescope that is trained on the Magistrate’s Office. Now that they are comrades of a sort, he confides that he watches Jinbei every day and Kuroageha just can’t believe that this guy is going to be the next Shogun! Ieshige gets upset when he watches Oharu fall on top of Jinbei and he gets a face full of her chest! Koikawa is jealous. Jinbei is there with his team to tell them about his vacation and wants to hear what the others did as well. Hibachi went to train in the ninja village and worked on new explosives. Koikawa hunted bandits in the area, and Tenma says that his is a secret. Hearing their stories, Jinbei decides to work harder as well. And of course Genjuurou has been there the whole time, listening.

Genjuurou also knows things about the team and would love to fight them all someday. He also discovers why Jinbei comes to this tea shop and asks Oharu if she’d like to marry his son! LOL He actually ends up begging her to marry Jinbei. As Oharu falters for a way to answer Genjuurou, Hibachi isn’t taking it all that well. And Kuroageha is watching all this through the telescope and isn’t too happy either! Genjuurou tells everyone that he had met his wife, Kanae, in Edo too. Oharu is eager to hear the story, but Jinbei seems surprised, and realizes how little he knows of his own mother.

Genjuurou tells Jinbei that Kanae was also a sword fighter and had a huge chest. The others think that Oharu’s chest may have made Genjuurou suddenly think of his wife. But Genjuurou continues with his story, telling how he met his wife in Edo, while they were both sword training. They had heard the rumors about one another and finally meet. They spar and next, they get married. Looks like Genjuurou skipped a lot of that story! LOL But Genjuurou still has his memories and it seems that first battle between them destroyed much of Edo as they tried to determine which of them was the stronger fighter. But both were impressed with the other’s skills too. Their battle lasted a long time, and neither one of them had so much fun fighting before. As they fight, Kanae decides that their son’s name will be Jinbei and that they will both train him to be a strong fighter.

Everyone is impressed by the story, but Koikawa wants to know who won the battle. Genjuurou tells him that the fight continued for another year, but never ended. Not only did Genjuurou propose during their fight, but apparently Jinbei was also born during that same fight. Perhaps that is partly why Jinbei is such a good swordsman! LOL But the story fires up Jinbei again, who now wants to be as strong as his mother and father. Still watching through the telescope, Kuroageha now asks Ieshige for a favor. She asks him where his father would hide a treasure and Ieshige thinks she’s “after the Tokugawa’s buried treasure, said to be hidden in the Akagi Mountains”. Way to keep a secret, Ieshige!

However, Kuroageha isn’t really interested in treasure; she’s seeking a legend about the insects. Ieshige thinks he knows what she’s talking about and shows her a scroll that he memorized from the Insect Magistrate’s library. It’s that map! Western Japan is crossed off with a big black X and the sign of the insect is written all over it. But east of Kishuu, the map is clear. Ieshige tells Kuroageha that Kishuu is their line of defense against the insects. He still doesn’t know that Kishuu has been destroyed, and continues to tell her that his father would put any treasure he had furthest from the advancing insects. He points to the land of Ezo on the map and tells her that the treasure would be there.

More good news – Sarutobi Saskue’s body has disappeared. That night, it’s reported to the Shogun that someone has stolen the body and the Shogun wonders if this may have been done by other Insect-men. I have a feeling that this bug really isn’t dead either. And he isn’t! A man walks along a moonlit path, carrying the pieces of the body on his back and Sarutobi’s head in his hand. The head says that it underestimated the enemy, but is safe now. The man turns out to be another Insect-man, Kirigakure Saizou, but he didn’t save Sarutobi for the sake of saving him. He saved him to prevent Sarutobi from being examined, which would give their enemy too much information about the Insect-men. Saizou now crushes Sarutobi’s head and disposes of that and what is left of the body, so he can hurry to Kishuu and Sanada.

Kuroageha confronts Yoshimune. She thinks she has a way to get her powers back, and mentioning Kishuu, wants Yoshimune to tell her everything he knows. He seems really worried too. Their talk concludes with Kuroageha confirming that she must visit a well to regain her power. Why didn’t he tell her sooner? She decides to leave at once, but is told that it’s a dangerous trip and Oooka Echizen no Kamitadasuke offers to accompany her as a bodyguard on her secret journey. He may be trusted by Yoshimune, but I’m not sure yet that I would trust him. Thankfully, she also chooses Jinbei to go with her.

Kotori tells Jinbei to wait at a roadside tea shop for someone, but Jinbei isn’t sure who he’s waiting for and worries that he’s in the wrong place. But he hears a voice telling him that she’s already there, and when he turns, he’s surprised to see the Insect Magistrate’s servant at the shop. She tells him that they are going to Kishuu!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 16 -

spoiler

With an army of insects at his back, Sanada addresses the people of Kishuu city and tells them that he isn’t there to fight but to meet with their lord, Tokugawa Munenao. And Munenao has just received a message from Yoshimune that Kuroageha is on her way to the well in Kishuu. When Munenao hears Sanada’s name, he’s surprised that “a ghost from a century past” has now reappeared as an Insect-man.

Meanwhile, Jinbei is traveling with who he still believes to be the Insect Magistrate’s servant and Oooka. It was funny when he asked Kuroageha if Oooka was the Insect Magistrate and says that he looks nothing like he thought the Magistrate would look like. But Kuroageha tells Jinbei who Oooka is and says that Oooka is the smartest man in Edo. Jinbei apologizes to Oooka and formally introduces himself, but is confused when Oooka demands to see “it”. However, Oooka moves on without explaining.

Back in Kishuu, Munenao meets privately with Sanada and asks for his demands. Sanada tells Munenao that he wants a ship large enough to carry a thousand humans. He even shows Munenao the plans for this invincible battleship that he wants Munenao to build for him. If he does this, Sanada will leave Kishuu in peace. Munenao agrees as long as Sanada keeps his word.

As they travel, Oooka instructs Jinbei in samurai etiquette and Jinbei seems an eager student, but he also helps a couple with their wagon, against Oooka’s rules. And he just continues to break those rules, much to Oooka’s chagrin. In the end, Oooka just declares Jinbei the wrong person for this critical mission. He’d like to send Jinbei back to Edo in shame, but they are very close to Kishuu and Jinbei promises to behave. When they finally reach the gates of Kishuu, they are forbidden entry. Jinbei produces all the necessary papers, but they are still turned away.

Oooka then speaks privately to one of the guards and telling the guard who he is, asks for the master to be called, saying that they should already be expected. Oooka also threatens the guard, but is still told that none are allowed to pass by Munenao’s order. Meanwhile, Munenao is burning the Shogun’s letter, knowing that Kuroageha would be in danger from Sanada if he allowed her into the city. He should have just left a message for Kuroageha at the gate, explaining this. At least that would have been the smart thing to do.

So, now Oooka, Jinbei and Kuroageha are determined to find another way into the city. It turns out that there is another way, but it’s a dangerous one and Kuroageha almost loses her life in the process. But it was still funny to see Jinbei being such a gentleman and carry her along the cliff path. I think Kuroageha secretly enjoyed it too, for all her protests. They finally end up at another closed and guarded gate and Oooka says that they will head for Wakayama Castle. An incident causes them to be discovered and more guards pursue them. Jinbei turns to fight them against the Oooka’s wishes.

Instead of fighting them, Jinbei cuts down several trees so they can escape. Hiding up in a nearby tree, they watch as the guards search for them. The guards don’t give up and Oooka decides that they should wait for night. Under the cover of darkness, they will enter the city. But night brings another intruder. The guards think this Insect-man is with the party that they are still searching for, but the trio watch as the Insect-man makes short work of the guards, quickly killing all of them. He gives his name as Nedzu Jinpachi of the Ten Crucifix Insects and already knows that the others are hiding up in the tree.

Jinbei wants to attack the Insect-man, but Oooka won’t let him, reminding Jinbei of their mission. Oooka wants them to run, but Jinbei argues his point that Nedzu is evil and must be destroyed. Oooka tells Jinbei that their priority is to protect the Magistrate’s servant, but they no longer have a choice as Nedzu attacks them, splitting their hiding place in half. Jinbei tells Oooka to get Kuroageha away as he stays to fight Nedzu, but Oooka just accuses him of abandoning his mission. However, Kuroageha gives Jinbei the order to defeat Nedzu against Oooka’s protests. Oooka and Kuroageha run as Jinbei stays to fight.

Jinbei soon realizes that he’s up against a master fighter. Nedzu is fast and Jinbei can hardly keep up with his strikes, but Nedzu feels that he has an entertaining opponent for a change. Oooka and Kuroageha make it to the gate and as Kuroageha tries to open it, Oooka just stands there, complaining about Jinbei and his shortcomings. Oooka really needs to be taken down a notch or two! Kuroageha gives Oooka a very simple reason for wanting Jinbei with her on this journey and Oooka still doesn’t understand. But he tells her to step aside and he cuts open the gate for her.

Nedzu has released the eggs from his back and aimed them at Jinbei. At least they didn’t hatch! Gross! But the fight has brought Jinbei close to the gate and Kuroageha calls for him to go with her. However, Nedzu has no intention of letting Jinbei escape him and continues playing with him. When Nedzu finally decides to deliver his death blow, Jinbei avoids it and even catches one strike in his teeth! Jinbei also finally gets a change to use his Fuji Hammer as well as his Fuji Strike and defeats Nedzu. Thinking he’s killed the Insect-man, Jinbei and his party run into the city, but Nedzu isn’t quite dead yet and berates himself for letting the “rats” escape.

Inside the city, Sanada observes the building of his battleship as Nedzu makes his report, telling Sanada of the three “rats” that has entered Kishuu. Nedzu also tells Sanada that they know of them, calling them “Insect-men” and Sanada is amused by the name. Munenao overhears this conversation and knows that the Insect Magistrate is now in his city. Sanada confronts Munenao and asks how he will pay for breaking his promise of keeping their presence a secret and for allowing people to enter the city against his orders. Now that the promise is broken, Sanada says that they must kill everyone in Kishuu. Munenao protests and Sanada relents, telling Munenao to bring him the heads of the intruders!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 17 -

spoiler

Under Sanada’s direction, Munenao gives the citizens of Kishuu ten days to bring in the intruders – dead or alive. If they aren’t found within those ten days, Sanada will destroy the city and kill everyone in it. Sanada throws in a nice incentive as well that terrifies the people and really gets them moving.

The trio come across their wanted poster. At least they are forewarned. Jinbei didn’t like his picture and just had to fix it to make himself look friendlier. Even with everyone in Kishuu looking for them, Oooka hopes they can proceed as planned. When they near a village, Oooka plans to pass it by as quietly as possible, but Jinbei insists on helping an old woman that fell down, and sends the others ahead. However, it’s a trap and Jinbei runs for his life, hoping to lead his hunters away from his companions. Even the children are his enemies!

A group of bandits take over the hunt, and when Kuroageha saves a child from them, she is recognized from the poster as well. Oooka comes out to save her life and Kuroageha orders him not to kill anyone. With one strike, Oooka cuts off all the bandit group’s hands, and it was so fast that Jinbei couldn’t even see it being done. But the trio is still caught by the villagers afterwards.

Back in Edo, Kotori sends Mugai to Kishuu to investigate after the higher up realize that they cannot contact anyone there. The rest of the team wants to go as well, but Kotori needs them in Edo. However, a newly received message from a flying squirrel may change that. In Iwamatsu Village, the tied up trio watch as the villagers celebrate the fact that they are rid of the bandits. Although Oooka saved them from the bandits, the villagers still have to kill the trio or be killed themselves. But before they can do that, Insect-men arrive.

All of the villagers hide as Mochidzuki enters the village and introduces himself and Unno. They know that the wanted people are in the area and have come to “help”. They request information, but when no one comes forth, Unno unrolls to show them a little girl they had caught earlier. She wakes up and screams and suddenly, it’s Jinbei to the rescue! He saves the girl, but it looks like he may lose this fight as Unno rolls over him.

The Rokurou pair prepares to kill the rest of the villagers, but Oooka appears and reprimands Jinbei again. He knocks his sword against Unno and asks Jinbei if he’s going to stop them. Jinbei slowly stands up, holding Unno over his head and announces to the villagers that he will defeat the Insect-men, as he tosses Unno away. Oooka is a good match for Mochidzuki as Jinbei takes on Unno again. Oooka destroys Mochidzuki as Jinbei uses his Fuji Hammer against Unno and kills him.

The grateful villagers thank Jinbei and Oooka, and Irori, the little girl, especially thanks Jinbei for saving her. But it’s also love at first sight for her. Jinbei tries to usher Oooka and Kuroageha from the village, but they are stopped again by Bizen, the headman of the village. He can’t just let them go and wants to know why they are in Kishuu in the first place and why they are being hunted. Late at night, Munenao visits the special well and vows not to let the Insect-men learn of its existence.

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 18 –

spoiler

Sanada is pleased with the progression of his battleship. Saizou reports that the Rokurou pair has not yet returned from their mission to find the intruders, but the other Insect-men don’t seem too concerned.

Jinbei and Kuroageha are on the road again, but I wonder where Oooka is. Jinbei sees their destination, a temple, but he also sees what may be another enemy. It turns out to be Hibachi, but Jinbei doesn’t recognize her at first and attacks her. Even after she identifies herself, Jinbei continues his attack, believing Hibachi to be in Edo. But after his attack strips her of her clothes and she gives him her usual explosive retaliation, Jinbei finally realizes that she really is his teammate.

Hearing the commotion, little Irori runs out and is reunited with her sister, Hibachi. She pushes her aside to continue her beating of Jinbei when he asks why she there. Hibachi tells him that she was looking for him and couldn’t find him, so he followed the area’s Lord Yamagatake here to see if he knew something of Jinbei’s whereabouts. Kuroageha walks up to explain why they are there and Hibachi recognizes her as the Insect Magistrate, but Kuroageha corrects her, saying that she is the Magistrate’s servant.

Jinbei is surprised that Hibachi also knows Kuroageha and Hibachi tells him that she is the real Insect Magistrate, causing Kuroageha to correct her again and say she’s the Magistrate’s servant. Kuroageha has to correct Hibachi twice more before Hibachi finally gets the message. Oooka is presently meeting with Yamagatake at the temple, requesting his help to secretly get them to Wakayama Castle. In exchange, Yamagatake wants Oooka to promise that the people of Kishuu will no longer have to suffer at the hands of the Insect-men and Oooka agrees. Only two days remain of the ten that Sanada gave for the capture of the intruders and Oooka has a plan he intends to share with Yamagatake.

Meanwhile, the citizens are getting more “incentive” from the Insect-men to capture the intruders, killing people even before the ten days are up. The shipbuilders are also trying to complete Sanada’s battleship in those last two days, hoping to rid Kishuu of the Insect-men. Jinbei and the others are reunited with the rest of the City Patrol. Funny that Mugai calls Jinbei “potato-boy”, and says he must speak with him privately.

As they prepare for bed, Kuroageha asks Hibachi what she thinks of Jinbei. When Hibachi almost drops her bomb, Kuroageha assumes that Hibachi thinks well of Jinbei. Blushing, Hibachi says that he isn’t as good as Mugai, but perhaps he’s a little better than he was. Kuroageha then says that she will leave Jinbei to her and leaves the room. Mugai asks “potato-boy” if he knows the reason for the Magistrate’s mission. Jinbei starts talking and makes no sense to Mugai, but he tells “potato-boy” not to screw it up, before walking away.

Kuroageha comes upon Jinbei as he’s promising the absent Mugai that he will do his best. She tells him that she couldn’t sleep and asks him to go find a better view with her. As they by a lake, Jinbei entertains her by describing his comrades, but as he talks, he drops the bell that Kuroageha had given him. Kuroageha remembers the night she gave him that bell and Jinbei tells her that he always has it with him. She tells him that it’s an unimportant thing, but I think she’s secretly pleased that Jinbei kept it, especially when he says that it connects their karma. Jinbei goes on to say how pleased he was to see her again at Hachijo Island, but Kuroageha grabs his hand, stopping him. She tells Jinbei that he’s warm, but Jinbei thinks that she’s cold from the night air and says they should return. But Kuroageha asks him to stay like that for a while, holding his hand with both of hers and Jinbei tells her to hold on tight.

Tenma is watching them and doesn’t think that Jinbei should be holding a girl’s hand so late at night. He’s soon joined by Hibachi and Koikawa and Jinbei notices them. He jumps up, removing his hand from the disappointed Kuroageha’s grasp to introduce her to his comrades. As they return to their rooms, Hibachi apologizes to Kuroageha for interrupting them, but Kuroageha tells Hibachi that she’s having fun. Hibachi wonders what she meant by her earlier words of leaving Jinbei to her. Mugai watches them from a nearby rooftop.

Munenao receives word that the battleship has been completed. Jinbei, Kuroageha, and Oooka stay in hiding as the others do smaller tasks for them. Hibachi and Irori are finding a way into the castle. Koikawa and Tenma are gathering information in the town. Mugai is with Yamagatake and Bizen, as they try to get more help for the big operation the following day. Jinbei is frustrated and wants to help, causing Oooka to reprimand him again, before explaining the operation for the following day. But this is the fifth time that Oooka has gone over everything and Jinbei still doesn’t get it!

Sanada is very happy with his new battleship, and names it the “Black Butterfly”. He then orders Munenao to prepare a banquet to celebrate. Munenao reminds Sanada that he was to leave as soon as the ship was finished and asks him if he intends to break his promise again. But Sanada tells Munenao that he has broken his promise, for this is the tenth day and the intruders have not been brought to him. Sanada says that as he promised, he will leave after he kills everyone in Kishuu. He wants Munenao to gather all the citizens for the Insect-men’s feast. Juuzou asks Sanada if he can eat some “snacks” beforehand and looks at the shipbuilders. Sanada gives his permission and as he pulls Munenao away with him, the men’s screams can be heard as they are eaten.

Munenao thinks his situation is hopeless, but won’t go down without a final fight. However, Sanada already prepared for that and the army that had been locked up is also killed by his Insect-men. Munenao later finds their bodies and loses all hope. The citizens of Kishuu are gathered before the castle and Sanada announces that they will be punished for not catching the intruders within the ten days they had been given. Every last piece of the humans shall be eaten! Sanada raises his hand and gives the order for his insects to feed.

Pandemonium breaks out as one man yells for someone to save them. Jinbei answers his call as the City Patrol attacks the insects. Many of the lesser monsters are killed right away, saving the people as the stunned Insect-men watch. Sanada asks who they are and Jinbei calls out that they are the Insect Magistrate’s Office!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 19 –

spoiler

The citizens are truly happy to see that the Insect Magistrate’s Office is there. Oooka arrives and challenges Sanada to a fight, saying that they intend to kill him. However, Oooka is letting Sanada set the terms of the battle. But Sanada just says that they are interrupting his punishment of the people and that they will be eaten along with everyone else. The people begin to panic again as Sanada turns his back on them.

Jinbei yells out that Sanada is running away and that makes Sanada turn back. Jinbei adds in that he thinks Sanada is scared too, and that they can easily beat him. This makes Sanada laugh, saying that he will tear Jinbei to shreds. However, he must let his retainers battle first, so they will have to defeat the Ten Crucifix Insects before fighting Sanada. Sanada signals the start of the battle and goes back inside the castle.

Oooka reviews the plan with everyone, and tells them that their deaths and those of the people of Kishuu are irrelevant as long as the Snow Group can complete its mission. The group is immediately hit with illusion magic and Oooka tells everyone to stay together as they proceed, but of course, Jinbei soon finds himself alone. While he searches for his lost friends, he instead finds Nedzu, the Insect-man from the fight at the gate. Nedzu insists on fighting underwater and I’m not sure how Jinbei will handle that.

Jinbei needs to hold his breath as well as find some kind of footing for his sword swing. He allows Nedzu to back him against a wall and he’s able to get in a good strike. However, Nedzu releases his eggs again and this time they hatch! Double gross! The baby bugs attack Jinbei and the water grows murky. I can’t see what happened! Meanwhile, the others come upon Saizou, the leader of the Ten Crucifix Insects. Hibachi chooses him as her opponent, since they are both of the Iga. The others move on.

Jinbei is still underwater and covered in those baby bugs. He uses his Fuji Hammer which kills the baby bugs, removes all the water from the artificial lake, and throws Nedzu into a wall. Jinbei catches his breath as Nedzu seemingly breathes his last. However, Nedzu’s shell hardens and cracks open, revealing Nedzu in his true form. He vows to kill himself for showing his true form, but intends to take Jinbei with him, and their fight continues. Nedzu still has a few tricks up his claw, as he shows Jinbei that he can control water and attacking Jinbei with it. Jinbei runs up from the lakebed, and up a tree onto a nearby roof. But Nedzu claims that Jinbei will never escape his secret technique – Water God’s Army. Jinbei is hit and thrown back towards the lakebed to be sliced with Nedzu’s claw.

Kuroageha and her group are still heading to the secret well, but she feels something is wrong with Jinbei. And that’s because Jinbei’s face is currently under Nedzu’s foot. Nedzu complains about the vain samurai that exist today and is glad Jinbei isn’t like that. Jinbei gave him a good fight and Nedzu will give him a good death. Jinbei is soon underwater again and remembers a conversation with his father.

Nedzu summons up the Water God’s Army again and hits Jinbei with it. However, Nedzu is surprised to see that Jinbei is still alive within the water. Apparently, Jinbei just learned Mt. Fuji Storm! This controls flow and Jinbei uses it against the Water God’s Army to attack Nedzu with his own technique. Jinbei delivers the finishing strike – Rising Dragon – and Nedzu is defeated. He warns Jinbei that there are others stronger than he was, since he is only sixth among the Ten Crucifix Insects. Jinbei compliments Nedzu’s fighting skills, saying that he still has much to learn, and excuses himself to go find his friends. Nedzu apologizes to his master and dies. In his search to find his friends, Jinbei comes upon Hibachi and Saizou and it looks like Hibachi is about to be defeated!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 20 –

spoiler

Saizou has Hibachi trapped and Jinbei attacks the Insect-man to save her, but he turns into Hibachi. So, which is the real Hibachi? It turns out that Saizou is a master of illusion and was hoping that Jinbei would kill Hibachi so he would he wouldn’t have to get his hands dirty. Hibachi decides to show off to Jinbei and take care of Saizou herself. She is getting new strength just from Jinbei watching her fight.

Saizou seems to recognize Hibachi now, however, he can’t quite place her. But Hibachi knows exactly who Saizou is – the Iga ninja that stole a secret scroll of forbidden techniques and killed his master over 100 years ago. Remembering his past, Saizou’s shell cracks open to reveal his true form. He tells Hibachi that he will use those forbidden techniques to kill her now. More illusions and Hibachi almost succumbs, but she sees through them. However, she’s finding it impossible to hit Saizou with anything she has.

But now Jinbei gets caught up in an illusion as well, and attacks Hibachi again. Not only does Hibachi need to find a way to defeat Saizou, but she also needs to find a way to wake Jinbei up. Luckily, Jinbei runs into a tree and wakes himself up. But he immediately gets caught up in another of Saizou’s illusions. Once he’s out of the way, Hibachi gets thrown in to another illusion.

Meanwhile, Koikawa, Tenma, and Oooka arrive at the castle and break in, but no Insect-men attack them. The Snow Group is still heading to the secret well. Sanada observes the fighting and I know he’s just itching to get in on the action. Hibachi is caught by Saizou and realizes that he’s using the sound from his wings to cast his illusions, but that knowledge can’t help her right now. With Hibachi facing death and Jinbei still caught in an illusion, there doesn’t seem to be any hope.

Jinbei finally breaks out of his illusion and that gives Hibachi the strength to break her bonds. Jinbei joins her and uses his Fuji Hammer against Saizou. Hibachi helps Jinbei with one of her own techniques and Saizou is defeated! So much for the leader of the Ten Crucifix Insects. But is he dead? It doesn’t look like it as something oozes away.

The ooze falls into the tunnel and takes over a member of the Snow Group – not good. Plus he overhears why Kuroageha is there and realizes who she is. Again, not good.

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 21 –

spoiler

Sanada receives a report that “Princess Naa” is beneath the castle. Jinbei and Hibachi have reached the castle and see that the others have gotten there before them. But when they follow they find themselves in a field – illusion magic again! Oharu appears and Jinbei goes running to meet her, but never seems to get to her. Hibachi has no choice but to follow the stupid boy. Oooka, Tenma, and Koikawa have also run into some illusion magic. As Oharu fades away, Jinbei finds himself before the Insect-men that seem to be devout Buddhists. Hibachi joins Oooka, Tenma, and Koikawa, and soon after, so does Jinbei, as he’s thrown through a wall. At least the group is reunited, but they still have to face those big Insect-men. And Jinbei is unconscious.

Koikawa decides to fight them on his own and the three disappear. Koikawa soon finds out just how strong these guys are once they are outside. Jinbei is up and ready to go after Sanada again. Koikawa sees Oooka at a window and tells him to go ahead. Jinbei has faith that Koikawa can defeat the two Insect-men on his own, so the group moves on. The Insect-men appear before Koikawa, praising Buddha before introducing themselves. Koikawa is as good as his word and cuts up the Insect-men on the first strike. But I doubt that’s the end of it. Sure enough, they quickly regenerate and are back to fight. And that makes Koikawa very happy! But he’s going to have to tire out eventually.

The Insect-men finally shed their skins and they are just as big and ugly as their skins suggest. Now in their true forms, they can regenerate even faster. Oooka tells his companions that Koikawa isn’t as strong as he used to be and it looks to be true as Koikawa takes quite the beating. But he still gets up to face the Insect-men as well as his own painful past. Koikawa finds his true strength and attacks again, this time slashing the Insect-men up so much that they can’t regenerate. He takes a nice long drink and promises to live for a long time. The others find him and they all realize that they still have a long way to go before getting to Sanada.

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 22 –

spoiler

The team splits up into two groups. There are three Insect-men left to find. But unknown to them, one is still with Kuroageha, so there are really four left.

Tenma is a real scaredy-cat! But when he faces Anayama and his sense of justice, Tenma is ready to fight. Jinbei cheers him on and Anayama doesn’t seem all that strong at first. However, I think Anayama is just playing with Tenma.

Tenma is getting beaten badly enough that Jinbei feels the need to step in, but Anayama won’t let him and continues to teach Tenma about justice. I’m getting a little tired of Anayama adding “justice” to everything he says, but I find it interesting that he’s been watching Tenma for such a long time and I wonder who he really is. However, this Insect-man needs to be taken out!

It looks like Tenma is about to be defeated, but I know he won’t give up. It’s sad that this boy has never met his parents, but thinking of them now gives him the strength he needs to keep fighting. Tenma combines his shikigami into one “Great Yokodzuna Version” and Tenma attacks Anayama just as he is shedding his skin. The attack sends Anayama into outer space! LOL And perhaps it’s a good thing he didn’t fully shed his skin. I don’t think I could have taken a more humanoid version of Anayama sprouting his justice all over the place! LOL

But – wow – Tenma has gotten so much stronger! I think even Jinbei was amazed at his talents. Tenma collapses after the fight and in that state, he finally gets to meet shadows of his parents. Tenma awakens to Jinbei carrying him, and I think he was a bit sad to lose his parents after just getting to see them. But he looks comforted by Jinbei’s praise and almost seems to settle in to being carried on Jinbei’s back. However, it was funny to see him punch Jinbei in the head, and telling him that he could walk. They walk on and Tenma is more determined than ever to get stronger and see his parents someday.

Meanwhile, Saizou has figured out what Kuroageha is doing. I hope Saizou is discovered soon. Hibachi, Koikawa, and Oooka have just met Kakei Juuzou and Yuri Kamanosuke. I think this will be a very interesting fight! They are so close to Sanada now too. That will be another very interesting fight.

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 23 –

spoiler

Kuroageha’s Snow Team has finally arrived at the well. It’s also time for Saizou to reveal himself, but Mugai already knew the entire time that he was with them. The battle commences while Hibachi, Koikawa, and Oooka face Kakei Juuzou and Yuri Kamanosuke. Jinbei and Tenma show up as well.

Munenao has met the Snow Team by the well, having come from the castle above, and Kuroageha now asks him to break the seal on the well. After cautioning her, Munenao orders rock removed from the top of the well. Sanada can also feel the well being opened.

Oooka wants to join Kuroageha and Jinbei seizes the opportunity to face Sanada. But he’s alone and I don’t think he should be going up against Sanada just yet. In order to enter the well and heal, Kuroageha will have to face her past, or she may just disappear. Seeing that the well has indeed been opened, Oooka urges Jinbei to go and protect Kuroageha, while he faces Sanada. Oooka reminds Jinbei of his promise to protect the Magistrate’s servant, and tells Jinbei that her life is in serious danger at the moment. Thus reminded of his duty, Jinbei runs off to find Kuroageha.

Kuroageha warns the men with her to stay back from the poison emanating from the well as she moves forward alone. Sanada deigns to allow Oooka to fight him although his Insect-men have not yet been defeated. He will even allow Oooka the first move. Within seconds of drawing his sword, Oooka is knocked back down the stairs he had just climbed. The others are faring any better in their fights either.

Kuroageha finds that she cannot make herself move forward to enter the well, just as Jinbei arrives. Oooka knows that his is a losing battle and he’s just trying to buy time to allow Kuroageha to complete her task. After Sanada blasts off Oooka’s arm, I think Oooka is ready to sacrifice himself as he probably intended to all along. With the next strike, the battle is over. As Oooka accepts death, he can hear Jinbei yelling out to him that Kuroageha is safe. Sanada notes that Oooka died with a smile on his face. Although he was a little annoying at times, I am truly sorry to see this character die.

While the other fights continue, Kuroageha tries to explain to Jinbei that she’s an insect. Jinbei is more than confused until Kuroageha comes right out with it and admits that she’s the Insect Magistrate. But before she can get all of the words out, Sanada appears and calls her “Princess”. Concerned only for Kuroageha’s safety, Jinbei draws his sword. And why is it the poison from the well is not affecting Jinbei?

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 24 –

spoiler

The fight between Mugai and Saizou continues and it looks like Mugai is about to be defeated. Juuzou and Yuri have revealed their true forms to the others and that fight is ready to continue as well. Sanada joins Kuroageha and Jinbei at the well. He informs Jinbei that Oooka is dead, but Jinbei doesn’t believe him. Once Sanada gives Jinbei the details, Jinbei gets angry and attacks Sanada. That didn’t go too well.

With Jinbei out of the way for now, Sanada formally greets his Princess Naa. He wants to take her to the king, but Kuroageha refuses. She better hurry up and get in that well! Sanada insists that she go with him, but as he approaches her, Jinbei is back in the game with his Mt. Fiji Hammer. It gives Kuroageha enough time to get to the well, but it doesn’t do much to Sanada. Jinbei finally gets him with Mt. Fuji Storm and he throws in another Mt. Fuji Hammer as well. However, I don’t think Sanada is so easily defeated.

Kuroageha finally gets into the well. About time! But now Kuroageha must face her past, as she begins to regain her power. While that happens, it’s back to Mugai and Saizou, who is turning Mugai into an insect! But Mugai’s blade absorbs Saizou instead. Nicely done! Sure enough, Sanada is still alive and ready to fight. Jinbei isn’t doing so good, again, but he has plenty of resolve not to lose against Sanada either. However, Sanada tosses Jinbei into the well to die from the poison. But I think he’s immune.

And now Jinbei gets to witness Kuroageha’s past as well. It’s a sad one too, of how she got her power and unknowingly killed her parents with her poison. How awful for her! Jinbei has caught up to Kuroageha now and it hurts her that he’s seen her painful past. But Jinbei takes her hands and reassures her. Her poison doesn’t affect him at all and I wonder if he became immune to her poison back on the island when he turned into that monster from her hair. Kuroageha sweetly tells Jinbei that he has given her back her heart and thanks him. It sounds like Kuroageha is trying to tell Jinbei that she loves him, but it looks like Jinbei isn’t seeing it that way. Kuroageha pushes Jinbei back to the top of the well as she continues on alone, telling him that his task is finished. That seemed to startle him a bit.

Jinbei tries his best to get back to Kuroageha, but he keeps getting pulled back up. The men at the well inform Sanada that the Insect Magistrate has regained her power, but Sanada tells them that this is what was intended all along. He tells them that his king and Princess Naa will wipe out humanity. Jinbei reaches the top of the well just in time to hear Sanada tell the men that the Eternal Well takes memories as it grants power. Once Princess Naa regains her full power, she will lose all of her memories. No one, especially Jinbei, likes the sound of that!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 25 –

spoiler

Sanada states again that Princess Naa will lose all of the memories as she becomes stronger. Jinbei doesn’t care about himself, but for his friend to lose all of her happy memories upsets him. He grabs a huge rock, intending to jump back into the well, but Sanada tells Jinbei that he’s too late. Jinbei jumps in anyway, determined to save Kuroageha and her memories. Sanada is sure that Jinbei has just committed suicide. He can possibly survive the poison well a second time. Mugai arrives to battle Sanada and this should be a good fight!

Jinbei catches up to Kuroageha, and tells her that if she continues, she will lose her memories. She is surprised to hear that, and doesn’t want to lose her memories of Jinbei and all the fun they had together. The thought that she would have those memories forever is what kept her going. Jinbei suggests that they get out of the well, but the poison seems to be affecting him now.

Kuroageha protests that without her power, they won’t be able to defeat Sanada, but Jinbei won’t allow Kuroageha to give up her memories for duty. He promises to take care of Sanada himself and asks Kuroageha to believe in him. She nods and has Jinbei take her out of the well. Meanwhile, the others are still fighting and have come up with an insect repellent. However, Juuzou has a unique way of repelling the repellent! LOL Sanada has defeated Mugai for now, and with him out of the way, confronts Jinbei and Kuroageha.

Sanada’s attack is stopped by Mugai, who tells Jinbei to keep going with Kuroageha. It’s shown how Sanada became an insect just before Mugai runs him through with his sword. But this won’t kill him, and he strikes back at Mugai, telling him that he will make an excellent insect. Munenao causes an explosion that brings part of the wall down on Sanada, but even that can’t defeat him. Sanada responds in kind, and buries Munenao under a pile of rocks.

Jinbei and Kuroageha are almost at the city gate, and Jinbei vows to carry her all the way back to Edo. Suddenly, Sanada is blocking the gate. Jinbei tries to protect Kuroageha, but is quickly defeated. Sanada will take Jinbei’s life unless Princess Naa returns to the well. She agrees. The fight with Juuzou and Yuri continues and now Kotori has appeared on the scene to help defeat them. He sends the others to the Insect Magistrate while he deals with the Insect-men.

Kuroageha and Jinbei are returned to the well by Sanada. Getting Sanada’s promise not to kill Jinbei, Kuroageha bids Jinbei farewell and tells him not to forget her. Of course Sanada won’t be keeping that promise, but Jinbei swears that he will remember Kuroageha even in death. Kuroageha throws herself back into the well. A bright beam of light suddenly blasts out of the well and reaches high into the sky. Kotori finishes off the two Insect-men with one strike. Wow!

Sanada is puzzled as to why Kuroageha didn’t fully transform. But the others burst into the cavern, giving him no time to think about it further. Jinbei stands to fight as well, but Kuroageha wounds him. She appears to have lost her memories after all, as she smiles with evil intent. Oh no!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 26 –

spoiler

Although wounded, Jinbei begs Kuroageha to remember, but her memories are gone. He reaches for her and Sanada blasts him. Sanada is all ready to take Princess Naa to his lord, but the others won’t let them leave without a fight. Sanada destroys the well and takes the poison into himself. Calling forth a horde of insects, he sets them upon the others. Jinbei drags himself upright and steps forward, prepared to fight.

Jinbei attacks the horde and is prepared to die if he can beat Sanada. However, his sword breaks and the bugs wound him continuously. Another blast from Sanada sends Jinbei flying and Jinbei finally seems defeated. The others look on in horror, thinking Jinbei is dead. They attack Sanada together, but are no match for him. Sanada sends out more insects to attack and selects Mugai as his next prey.

The insects restrain Mugai and Sanada is ready to finish him, but it’s Jinbei to the rescue! However, this is the monster Jinbei from the island that frees Mugai and faces Sanada now. Sanada realizes that Jinbei also has the power of the Eternal Insect in his blood, but he still seems no match for Sanada. Jinbei transforms further, but as he gets ready to attack, he hears a voice telling him to defeat the enemies. Jinbei knows what he’s hearing and tries to control it. Mugai pulls Jinbei back and goes after Sanada himself.

Jinbei sees what Mugai is doing and joins the fight, as do the others. Kuroageha joins the fight as well, intending to defeat Jinbei. But he will fight her alone, since he had vowed to protect her. The rest go after Sanada again. Even fighting together doesn’t seem to work as Sanada defeats each of them. Jinbei tolerates Princess Naa’s poison attack long enough to get close to her and tell her not to lose her memories. If it helps her to regain her memories, Jinbei swears he will take all of her poison into his body.

Grabbing her hand in both of his, Jinbei continues to absorb the poison as he reminds her of his promise to protect her. He does seem to be getting through to her on some level. She tells him to stop absorbing her poison, but he refuses. He releases her hand to hug Kuroageha close to him. All of her memories of Jinbei return and she begins to cry. Jinbei fall unconscious at her feet. The last memory to return is the one of her carving his name into the palm of her hand with a broken sword tip. She kneels beside him and continues to cry.

Sanada suddenly realizes that his Princess Naa has regained her memories. However, her destiny still lies with his lord in Oosaka. But now Sanada has to face the princess in battle first. Sanada begins by destroying Kishuu. Once again, the others attack him, trying to prevent the destruction of the city. They need Jinbei, but he remains unconscious. Sanada targets him, thinking that with Jinbei out of the way, the others will lose their will to fight. But that attack was apparently just what Jinbei needed to wake up!

Jinbei attacks Sanada with a vengeance. The others are behind him as they return to attacking the surrounding insects. Jinbei keeps attacking Sanada and Sanada can’t figure out why he can’t kill Jinbei. The determination to protect everyone is behind Jinbei’s resolve and Sanada just doesn’t get that. A Mt. Fuji Storm is directed at Sanada, followed by Mt. Fuji Rising Dragon. Jinbei tops it off with Mt. Fuji Meteor Drop and Sanada is finished as he crumbles away! Yay!

What is left of Kishuu is saved as Jinbei proclaims victory. Cheers follow them as the heroes take Sanada’s battleship back to Edo. In the evening, Jinbei join Kuroageha on the deck. He smiles as she confesses that she’s actually looking forward to returning to Edo. Kuroageha tries to say more, but Jinbei interrupts her, saying that he still hope to show the Insect Magistrate the blue skies over Edo someday. Kuroageha says that she’s looking at them now, but I still don’t think Jinbei understands who she really is.

Everyone has returned to Edo and Oharu greets Jinbei, tripping and falling into him again, with her chest in his face. Each member of the team has a comment for that! LOL But there are still plenty of insects around that need to be defeated and it’s time to get back to work! This was a really fun ride! It turned out to be a great show, even if I don’t like bugs!

[Slowhand]

Mushibugyō Action Manga Gets Original Video Anime Volumes

posted on 2014-05-09 04:25 EDT
Hiroshi Fukuda’s manga to bundle 1st OVA, about Jinbee’s return to Edo, in July

Mushibugyō’s 1st Original Video Anime’s Promo Video Outlines Story

posted on 2014-05-21 10:10 EDT
Minami Takayama guest stars in OVA bundled with Hiroshi Fukuda’s 15th manga volume

2nd Mushibugyō Video Anime Slated for October 17

posted on 2014-07-07 23:57 EDT

Mushibugyō Manga Gets 3rd Video Anime Set in High School

posted on 2014-10-16 02:15 EDT
The team enjoys school life in January 16 bundle with Hiroshi Fukuda’s 17th manga volume

[Slowhand]

Sentai License Announcement for OVAs

2021-06-16T05:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

HIDIVE Streaming Announcement for OVAs

2021-06-18T05:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Mushibugyo OVAs 1-3 (Sub) are live at HIDIVE

Stream Mushibugyo OVA on HIDIVE

[MaouSadao]

There’s a red eyed blonde in this too!!!

[Psychopuppet]

@MaouSadao

There’s a red eyed blonde in this too!!!.

Indeed !
Also a accident prone peach girl with some charms .

[Slowhand]

Corrected thread title, there is no “u” at the end of the English word.