▪	RELEASED BY:		DARK HORSE
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		HIROAKI SAMURA
		▪	FORMAT:		WESTERN / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		232
		▪	RATING:		18+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		01/25/2011
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		04/15/2011
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Rin and Anotsu have a strange exchange when they again meet. Rin shows some of her childish side again and Anotsu has a strange request. He has only a few days left before he must go into exile along with the last remaining Itto-ryu, but the dishonored Habaki has only that time in which to find the Itto-ryu and slaughter them all before he must slit his own belly in an act of seppuku in order to restore his honor.

Harsh actions are taken when time is counting down and desperate measures risked in order to gain what each member wants. The kogi go to cruel lengths to gain information while Hanabusa has a meeting with Habaki that leads to tragedy and terror as well as a deadly resolve.

Habaki’s final days may be at hand but they will be the bloodiest of his life. In an effort to drive the Itto-ryu to ground and trap them, instead the tables are turned on Habaki and his daughter Ryo faces off against Magatsu in a one on one battle.  However many other players are beginning to move.  Manji and Rin begin their road trip, Giichi and Hyaku make a fateful choice, while the female shinobi of Hanabusa and Habaki clash.

One of the most memorable moments of many in this volume is Anotsu’s time alone with the woman he loves. Her heartfelt declaration to him is outmatched by his own emotional words. It truly humanizes Anotsu in unexpected ways as the series gears up for what might be the final days of the Itto-ryu. It makes it that much more touching when the two star-crossed lovers share what could be their final goodbye.

IN SUMMARY:
Suspenseful, riveting, the most gripping feudal manga series ever! Blade of the Immortal continues to compel and astonish.