This week brought bittersweet news for fans of Yūsei Matsui’s historical samurai drama The Elusive Samurai (Nigejōzu no Wakagimi): the manga has reached its final chapter in Weekly Shonen Jump’s current run, and Shueisha’s upcoming tankōbon schedule confirms the series will wrap with volume 27. For readers who discovered the story through the print volumes, digital releases, or the anime adaptation, the conclusion of Tokiyuki’s journey is an occasion to reflect on what made the series resonate — from its unexpected humor and character beats to its dramatic reimagining of medieval Japan.
Table of Contents
Quick overview: ending confirmed and final volume schedule
According to the Weekly Shonen Jump update, The Elusive Samurai concluded its serialized run in the magazine’s recent issue. The manga’s final volumes will be released across several months, giving collectors and latecomers a clear timeline to finish the series in print. The announced shipping schedule for the final tankōbon runs through multiple shipments, culminating in the last compiled volume.
What the story is about
The Elusive Samurai follows Tokiyuki, a young survivor whose family is slaughtered in a political purge led by Ashikaga Takauji. Fleeing for his life with the help of a few loyal retainers, Tokiyuki battles not only enemies but also the heavy burden of fate and prophecy. Among his companions is Suwa Yorishige, an eccentric but loyal lord who claims clairvoyance and predicts Tokiyuki’s rise to power. At its core the series blends tense survival drama with unexpected character comedy and emotional stakes, a hallmark of Matsui’s storytelling style.
Main themes and tone
The manga balances several themes: revenge and survival, destiny versus agency, and the weight of leadership. Matsui often injects offbeat humor and humanizing character touches into tense historical sequences, which helps the narrative avoid becoming overly solemn while still delivering strong dramatic moments. The story explores how individuals shaped by trauma choose their paths — whether to be consumed by vengeance or to forge a different future.
Characters worth noting
While Tokiyuki stands at the center, the supporting cast elevates the story. Characters like Suwa Yorishige provide both comic relief and surprising wisdom, and the loyal retainers who accompany the protagonist create a sense of found family. Antagonists are drawn with moral clarity and political depth, ensuring conflicts feel grounded in the era’s turbulent power struggles.
Yūsei Matsui — author background and recognition
Yūsei Matsui is known for strong hooks and memorable premises that blend humor and pathos — traits that defined his earlier works. The Elusive Samurai continued that trend, earning critical recognition and industry awards for its storytelling and character work. Notably, the series was honored at the 69th Shogakukan Manga Awards, underscoring its impact among contemporary manga.
The anime adaptation and season two
The manga’s popularity led to a television anime adaptation that premiered in July. The anime brought Matsui’s characters and battle choreography to life, expanding the series’ audience and creating fresh entry points for viewers who later sought the manga. Streaming partners simulcast the show and produced an English dub to reach global fans.
Significantly, a second season has been announced to air within a major programming block, giving fans reassurance that the animated retelling will continue to cover more of Tokiyuki’s journey. With the manga wrapping up, the anime’s second season will likely adapt pivotal arcs leading into the conclusion, which makes it an unmissable watch for viewers who prefer to experience the story in animated form.
Release timeline — what to expect
The publisher’s volume schedule lays out a measured rollout for the final installments, allowing readers to collect definitive editions of the concluding arcs. For collectors who prefer the Viz Media English print releases, volume one and subsequent volumes have been distributed, and official regional releases make it straightforward to follow the series legally in both print and digital formats. For more information on English-language prints and availability, see the publisher’s official series page. Viz Media
Collector tips
- Pre-order final volumes early to lock in first prints and potential variant covers.
- Follow official publisher channels and authorized retailers for shipping updates and special editions.
- If you prefer binge-reading, wait for the compilation of the final volumes to avoid spoilers from serialized chapters.
Art, pacing, and the manga’s strengths
Matsui’s art balances expressive character work with energetic action layouts. The pacing shifts effectively between frenetic fight sequences and quieter, revealing character moments. These contrasts make emotional payoffs hit harder and keep the narrative moving without overstaying any single beat. The series’ unique blend of historical drama, strategic confrontations, and character-driven humor is a major factor in its critical and popular appeal.
Why the ending matters
When a serialized manga concludes, it invites both celebration and scrutiny: will the finale honor the themes established across the run? For The Elusive Samurai, the ending is the author’s final statement on Tokiyuki’s arc — a chance to resolve the prophecy, the revenge plot, and the relationships that sustained the protagonist. The release schedule for the final volumes gives fans a roadmap to experience that resolution in a collected, cohesive format.
Where to read and watch
The manga is available through official print and digital channels. The anime aired during a major programming block and remains accessible via licensed streaming platforms that carried the simulcast and produced the English dub. Choosing official sources helps support the creator and ensures you receive high-quality translations and releases.
Final thoughts
The Elusive Samurai has established itself as one of the standout modern historical dramas in recent years — a series that combines Yūsei Matsui’s signature humor with high-stakes storytelling and memorable characters. As the manga closes its final chapter and the anime continues with another season, now is a great time to catch up or revisit Tokiyuki’s journey from exile to whatever destiny awaits him. Whether you follow the print volumes, stream the anime, or both, the series’ conclusion promises to be a meaningful capstone to a unique and often surprising story.
