Vagabond
(Serial Book, Book)

"Based on Eiji Yoshikawa's 'Musashi.'"

"Parental advisory explicit content"--Cover.

"Three in one"--Cover.

Originally published in Japan in 1999 by Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo.

Printed to be read right to left in its original Japanese format.

"Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior philosopher, Musashi authored 'A book of five rings, ' a theoretical guide to military strategy still used today. But the path to enlightement in feudal era Japan was fraught with peril. At seventeen years of age, Musashi-- still known by his childhood name, Shinmen Takezō-- was a wild young brute just setting out along the way of the sword. In the aftermath of the epic Battle of Sekigahara, Takezō finds himself a fugitive survivor on the losing side of the war. Takezō's vicious nature has made him an outcast even in his own village, and he is hunted down like an animal. At this crucial crossroads in Takezō's life, an eccentric monk and a childhood friend are the only ones who can help him find his way"--Cover flap.

"Rated M for mature."