i still can't believe how much Musashi grew on me throughout the story. he started out as barely likeable brute but slowly became my favourite character maybe EVER to have existed. same with Matahachi, really. all of the character are such a joy to observe.... and the philosophical nature of manga really helps them shine. ironically enough for me, this story "about samurais" is at it's peak when there is no one to fight. i just love to see them reflecting on the main themes of the manga. which isn't to say that the fights are boring or whatever, actually the opposite. they are one of the most engaging fights i have had the pleasure to witness in the manga format. oh, how i wish the author came back from hiatus....
also inoue is a god when it comes to art, holy crap. he could draw twenty-something panels of just mud, rain, rocks and trees and i'd consume the shit out of it, begging for more. 10/10