The Elusive Samurai episode 3 review: Hojo Tokiyuki begins his training while mysterious samurai target Suwa Yorishige

Modified Jul 22, 2024 18:46 GMT

The Elusive Samurai episode 3 review: Hojo Tokiyuki begins his training while mysterious samurai target Suwa Yorishige (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

The third episode of The Elusive Samurai anime series was released on July 20, 2024. Like the previous episode, this week's episode continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and fluid-like animation.

The episode showcases a unique blend of talent, featuring a diverse staff that worked on the series visually, making it a standout in the current anime season. It was directed by Yuta Yamazaki and produced by the CloverWorks studio.

This week's episode continues the adventures of Hojo Tokiyuki and his retainers as they navigate across Kamakura and get stronger in order to defeat Ashikage Takauji, the one who betrayed the Hojo family. With episode 4 slated for release on July 27, 2024, fans eagerly anticipate the next episode.

The Elusive Samurai episode 3 recap

Hojo Tokiyuki and others escape from Kamakura (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

Episode 3 of The Elusive Samurai begins with Yorishige, Tokiyuki, and their companions traveling out of Kamakura. Tokiyuki shares his thoughts about his first battle and thanks everyone for helping him defeat Muneshige.

Yorishige advises Tokiyuki to maintain his pride as a Hojo orphan and strive to be an admirable warrior. He says if Tokiyuki can do this, he’ll be able to defeat anyone in this “game of tag.” Tokiyuki then vows to defeat Takauji.

The scene shifts to where Tokiyuki finds himself in a hole in the ground, where Suwa Yorishige greets him. Tokiyuki expresses his displeasure at how Yorishige and the others treated him and for putting him in the hole. Yorishige explains his actions and pulls Tokiyuki out, revealing they are at the Suwa Grand Shrine.

Suwa Yorishige begins Tokiyuki's training (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

Yorishige wants to start Tokiyuki’s martial and academic training, but Tokiyuki isn’t interested and attempts to flee, only to fall into another hole. Shizuku finds him there and encourages him to give Yorishige a chance.

Several days pass. Yorishige eavesdrops on Ayano, Kojiro, and Shizuku’s conversation about Tokiyuki, noting Tokiyuki’s honesty and earnestness but also his lack of motivation to study. Yorishige wants to prove to Tokiyuki that he can help him achieve his goals.

Suwa Yorishige displays his powers (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

In the forest, Yorishige performs a dance to clear the skies, demonstrating his godly abilities and rallying many Suwa Sect warriors to his side. Yorishige tells Tokiyuki that if he believes in him, more people will support him.

Watching this, Tokiyuki agrees to study under the mentorship of Yorishige. Later, Yorishige insists that Tokiyuki gather retainers, explaining their value and encouraging Tokiyuki to form strong bonds with his companions. As of now Tokiyuki's retainers are Shizuku, Mochizuki Ayako and Nezu Kojiro.

Tokiyuki, along with others, took down the Ox demon (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

Kojiro suggests hunting when they struggle to develop a plan for training. They hunt a rabbit but are interrupted by an ox demon, which they eventually defeat together with teamwork. The group then celebrates at a hot spring, naming themselves the Elusive Warriors. The episode comes to an end as a group of men plan to visit Suwa to see what Yorishige is up to.

The Elusive Samurai episode 3 review

The Elusive Samurai episode 3 boasts a unique and diverse staff list, highlighting the shift in creative animation from previous episodes. Unlike the tightly controlled animation direction by Nishiya in the first two episodes, this one features numerous second-key animators and a diverse staff. This effort is particularly intriguing given the high-quality output, suggesting top-tier industry talent.

A snapshot from the latest episode of The Elusive Samurai (Image via CloverWorks Studios)

The environment animation, subtly integrated throughout the episode, culminates in a spectacular fight scene directed by a storyboarder. This decision shifts the episode's creative vision, blending Yamazaki's distinct style with a fresh perspective in the second half.

Episode 3 revitalizes the series, keeping viewers engaged and anticipating future developments. The creative team’s potential is evident, but the story’s current constraints limit their full expression. If the series progresses to more substantial content, it could solidify its place in anime history.