Episode 13

The Uesugi Band (上杉武士団) is the thirteen episode of the Orient anime series.

Summary
Musashi and his band arrive at the Harima port. As Musashi and Tsugumi had never seen the ocean before, they start playing in the water. Tsugumi then notices the Uesugi emblem and they head towards the Uesugi Band Mobile Citadel, Shiryu Castle, to see if they can learn more about Kojiro's father.

Musashi and the rest are stopped by Kanetatsu Naoe, who tells them they can't see Uesugi as he is preparing for battle and can't meet and greet every low-rank Bushi. Kanetatsu wonders from what band they are and Musashi proudly states Kanemaki Bushi, but Kanetatsu haven't heard of them. Kojiro states they are part of the Uesugi Alliance. In that moment the atmosphere changes, with Musashi and the rest feeling they are in trouble. Kanetatsu calls for a VIP route and wants to apprehend them. Musashi doesn't want to give up easily and attacks Akihiro Shimazu, however, Akihiro takes him down with a single kick.

A helicopter comes and all bow down. Kijinosuke Noguchi explains that this is the Uesugi family head's kitetsuki. Musashi expects that Uesugi to come out, but instead he is shocked to see Naotora Takeda. Musashi greets Naotora, but Naotora wonders who he is. Musashi realizes he doesn't remember him and feels embarrassed, however, Naotora states he jokes and remembers him. As every Bushi is bowing, except Musashi and Kojiro, Tsugumi wonders why are they acting so familiar with Naotora. Musashi and Kojiro are surprised she switched to talking formal and she explains that Naotora is the leader of the largest Bushi band and one of the Five Grand Generals, like Uesugi. Kojiro and Musashi then realize that Naotora is a way bigger deal than they were thinking. Kanetatsu tells Naotora that they need to apprehend Musashi, Kojiro and Tsugumi as they are not part of their ranks, but Naotora explains that they work for him. Kanetatsu takes Naotora to see Uesugi, Musashi wants to come as well, but Noatora doesn't allow him.

Naotora meets with Tatsuomi Uesugi. Kanetatsu mentions that there were three outsiders and Tatsuomi orders to kill them, as unity of blood is everything for them. Naotora explains they are his subordinates, his older brother's second cousins. Tatsuomi then agrees to spare them. Naotora wonders why he called for him as he doesn't work for him. Tatsuomi believes that Naotora will want to help him slaying the Kishin of Awaji. At Awaji island, Yataro Inuda faces the Green Kishi, Yamata no Orochi. Yataro pledges his service and states he will destroy the Uesugi Band from within.

Musashi, Kojiro and Tsugumi are with Shunrai Yamamoto and Aoshi Sanada. Shunrai tells Musashi that they won't let him meet Tatsuomi Uesugi, since they don't like outsiders. Musashi just wants to ask about Kojiro's father, but Shunrai wonders what will that benefit the Uesugi. In the old days, people trusted family above all and that is especially true for Uesugi Bushi. Musashi believes they will be able to run around when they fight the Kishin, but Aoshi advise them not. He explains that they will be facing Yamata no Orochi, which is much bigger than the Kishin they faced before and its one of the Four Blights, the four Kishin that were born from the Black Kishin. Shunrai explains that to slay the Black Kishin, they need to slay its offsprings as he gets bigger the more they eat.

As they reach Shiryu Castle, Musashi asks Tsugumi to lift him over the castle wall as he wants to learn more about Kojiro's father. As he gets on the wall, Musashi is impressed of how big the castle is. He sees Tatsuomi sitting next to him, but as he haven't seen him, he doesn't recognize him. Tatsuomi states its a fine castle and Musashi confirms, stating that Bushi are impressive too. Tatsuomi says that all Bushi got family waiting for them and he comes here before a battle to remind himself that. Musashi wonders if Tatsuomi is a Bushi and he confirms. Musashi explains he is also a Bushi and is 15 years old. Tatsuomi wishes to keep the young Bushi from dying pointlessly. Kanetatsu shows up and reveals that this is Tatsuomi Uesugi. Excited, Musashi wants to ask him something, but Kanetatsu reveals that he isn't a "family", but an outsider. Musashi explains that he is with Naotora, but Kanetatsu asks him to state his unit's name, blade color and rank. However, Musashi doesn't know what rank means. Tatsuomi mood changes. Kanetatsu states trespassing in the castle is grounds for execution, but as he is with Naotora, Tatsuomi orders they take Musashi to the barracks.

Kojiro and Tsugumi are also caught and they are being taken with Musashi to the barracks. Musashi is optimistic as they managed to get inside the castle and may look for clues for his father. They are given new clothes and Musashi is separated from the rest. Musashi ends in a room with other Bushi. He realizes his talent for determining the hierarchy among the people will help him assert himself. He notices that they are seemingly factions already and as they keep distance, its likely they interact for the first time and are still figuring out where they stand with each other. Katsumi Amako wishes to see who is the strongest among them, so that he takes command. Katsumi introduces himself as son of Hisami Amako, the head of the Amako Bushi. On the other side, Akihiro Shimazu steps up, introducing himself as being part of the Shimazu Bushi. The other Bushi are surprised that the son of a major clan is there.

As the the Shimazu and Amako Bushi start arguing, a veiled Bushi approaches Musashi. It ends up being Michiru Saruwatari, which surprises Musashi. Michiru is worried about Musashi as its going to be a dangerous battle. Two female Bushi note that the commander of this squad will be able to meet the bigwits of the Uesugi Bushi and that they wish someone else to be a commander than those two that are fighting. Musashi decides to join too. Katsumi is fine and turns his sword, stating this way they will determine the winner. Musashi doesn't understand and they tell him it means they will use the blunt side of the sword.

A three-way fight then starts. Katsumi decides to take out the weak one first, but Musashi blocks his attacks. Akihiro also attacks Musashi, but again Musashi blocks the attack.

Trivia

 * The chibi extra at the end of the episode adapts page 6 of Chapter 47.