“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” continues its blend of action and comedy with Episode 5, titled “Onsen Fun” or “Rundown Hot Spring Inn”. In this episode, Yaiba and his friends find themselves seeking respite at a hot spring inn, but trouble is never far behind.
A Journey Interrupted
Following an exhausting battle against Onimaru’s ogres, Yaiba and his companions set out for Ganryu Island to investigate the demon sword Monohoshizao, once wielded by Sasaki Kojiro, Musashi’s old rival. However, their journey is cut short when they are ambushed by Slug Man, one of Onimaru’s Eight Ogres, leaving them weary.
Relaxing at Gero Hot Springs?
Seeking refuge, the group stumbles upon Gero Hot Springs. A suspicious innkeeper greets them, celebrating them as the millionth visitor and offering them a stay at a luxurious hot spring inn. Despite the warm welcome, a sense of unease lingers as a hidden threat begins to emerge, drawn by the power of the Raijin Sword.
Comedy and Chaos
Episode 5 leans heavily into comedic elements. After Onimaru becomes impatient with his minions’ repeated failures to steal the Raijinken, Onimaru’s spider minion orchestrates a scheme to lure Yaiba and his friends to a free hot springs trip. The situation quickly devolves into a series of gags.
The episode also introduces a trio of villains: Mr. Starfish, Mr. Sea Cucumber, and Mr. Mantis. These comically inept villains attempt to ambush Yaiba and Sayaka during a test of courage, but their plans are continuously foiled by their own incompetence.
The Slug Man’s Retreat
The episode opens with a fight against Slug Man, one of Onimaru’s Eight Ogres. Yaiba and his friends quickly defeat Slug Man using bags of salt, shrinking him down until he is harmless.
Hot Spring Antics
The hot spring setting leads to some awkward and humorous situations. There are gags involving Sayaka getting peeped on by the guys. Yaiba gets sprayed down with a hose when he accidentally enters the women’s bath.
The Three Stooges of Evil
Mr. Starfish, Mr. Sea Cucumber, and Mr. Mantis try to steal Yaiba’s sword. Their schemes include Mr. Mantis disguising himself as an old granny in a “Little Red Riding Hood” parody, which Yaiba and Sayaka fail to recognize. Mr. Starfish accidentally crushes Mr. Sea Cucumber while trying to sneak up on Yaiba.
Kindness and Betrayal
Despite their ineptitude, Yaiba and his friends take pity on Mr. Starfish, Mr. Sea Cucumber, and Mr. Mantis after they are defeated. This act of kindness inspires the trio to switch sides. Onimaru, however, loses patience and decides to send out a stronger opponent: a vampire.
Onimaru’s Wrath and a New Threat
Losing patience with his underlings’ failures, Onimaru decides to unleash a more formidable opponent. He sends out a vampire to retrieve Yaiba’s sword. This sets the stage for the next episode.
A Shift in Tone?
While “Yaiba: Samurai Legend” maintains its comedic tone, some reviewers express a desire for more substance. While the humor and animation are appreciated, there’s a hope that the series will delve into deeper themes as it progresses.
Episode 5 Highlights:
- Gero Hot Springs: The group arrives at Gero Hot Springs seeking rest.
- The Millionth Visitor: A suspicious innkeeper celebrates Yaiba and his friends as the millionth visitors.
- Namekuji-Otoko (Slugman): Yaiba and friends are attacked by Slugman, one of Onimaru’s eight demons.
- Runrun Hot Springs Inn: The episode is also known as “Runrun Hot Springs Inn”.
- The Eight Ogres: Onimaru summons eight powerful ogres to target Yaiba and seize the Raijinken.
- Vampire with Shades: Onimaru sends out the strongest of his Eight Ogres: a vampire with shades.
Final Thoughts
Episode 5 of “Yaiba: Samurai Legend” delivers a lighthearted and entertaining adventure, filled with slapstick humor and quirky characters. While the episode may not offer significant plot development, it provides a fun and engaging experience for viewers. The introduction of a vampire hints at a potentially darker turn in the episodes to come.
