Episode 11

What's in a Katana (にるもの) is the eleventh episode of the Orient anime series.

Synopsis
With the help of the obsidian goddess, the Kanemaki Bushi have managed to survive the attack by Shiro and Nanao. Before setting out for the next stop in their journey, there's one last thing Musashi needs to do.

Summary
The Obsidian Goddess tells Musashi that she will be going back to sleep inside of him and no matter what foes he faces, he must not die. Because he is her vessel and because Jisai died before they were able to finish what they started. Musashi wonders what that has to do with Jisai, but the Goddess doesn't have time to explain and decides to show Musashi how she fights in the material world.

The Goddess gathers energy from all Kitetsu Blades and launches an attack towards Shiro and Nanao, obliterating multiple hills behind them. Musashi regains control over his body, but feels the sensation of the fight. Kojiro and Tsugumi run to Musashi, happy that they won and impressed that Musashi managed to beat Shiro in a single hit. Tsugumi wonders if Musashi was possessed by a ghost or evil spirit, but Kojiro states the Goddess was nice. Tsugumi states she is worried about Kojiro's future as he instantly trust any girl who is a bit nice to him. Tsugumi then points out at Musashi's blade and he sees the sword breaking again. Mitsuru explains that the Kitetsu Blade shatters if it channels more energy than it can contain, and the sword breaking is a sign about Musashi's potential. The other Bushi then notice that there is a large square hole, where the Kishin's body used to be. Elsewhere, Shiro uses his technique to open a hole in the sky and they come out with Nanao, who has captured the Kishin.

The Bushi hold a funeral ceremony to honor the deceased ones from the battle with Shiro. As people stay around the Kitetsu Blades, mourning the death, Tsugumi explains that the Kitetsu Blades are special and the feelings of their wielders linger inside of them and some people threat them like the symbol of a Bushi's life. Kojiro recalls his father saying something similar. Tsugumi however, doesn't believe in this as her blades belonged to her sister and there is no replacement for her. That night, Mitsuru invites the group to spend the night in her band castle. Before leaving them for the night, Musashi has a request.

The next day, Mitsuru announces that Musashi will be redoing the sword trial. Musashi chooses the same sword as his first trial. Spectators gather, wondering if Musashi will be able to do it this time, but Kojiro and Tsugumi know that the Goddess is gone for now and no black stones should appear. Musashi tells Tsugumi that he too isn't sure if the sword is the symbol of a Bushi's life, but Jisai cared for the swords and the Bushi's way, so he wants to know more about them. While the dead may be gone forever, but if their things are still here and you cherish them, that is a symbol that they were once alive. Musashi then takes the sword and it instantly lights up red, passing the trial. Everyone gets excited and congratulate Musashi. Kojiro comments people were not excited that much for when he passed and Tsugumi reminds him that blue is average color, while Musashi is red and its rare and powerful. Musashi then goes to Kojiro and tells him he wish to talk with him.

The two go somewhere private and Musashi asks if during his trial, Kojiro saw something from his past, but Kojiro states it happened so fast, that he isn't sure. Musashi reveals he saw Jisai and thinks that the Goddess knew him. Musashi wonders if Jisai had mentioned the Goddess, but Kojiro has no such memory, stating he only left him the scrolls, a katana and Kitetsuki. As they only saw Kitetsuki from Bushi out of town, Kojiro wonders if Jisai had connection with out of town Bushi.

Elsehwere, Nanao describes Jisai and states they were looking for him, the great criminal who escaped with the Goddess inside of him. But if Musashi has the Goddess, then the description doesn't fit. Shiro states it's been 15 years and seems the Goddess had picked a new vessel for some reason, however, Musashi seems to not have any clue about the Goddess.

The Bushi camp is ending, and the Bushi are starting to leave. Kojiro always believed that his father lived only in their village, but now he regrets to not have talked more with him. As the Bushi world is in front of him, Kojiro wonders if he walks the same path as his father, if he would be able to learn more about him. All the Bushi had left, but Kojiro went somewhere and Musashi and Tsugumi are waiting for him. Tsugumi comments that Kojiro always looked unmotivated compared to Musashi, but Kojiro then returns stating that he is motivated and was gone taking provisions and a map. The group then looks at the map and gets excited how big Hinomoto is, but wonder where to go next. Kojiro explains where are they and suggests going east, and the group agrees.

Differences from the manga

 * The Anime adapts the Bonus Chapter from Vol. 05, In the Ryuzo Band's Castle.