Chapter 13

Life
Chapter Info
Story Arc:	Takezo arc
Volume:	2
Chapter:	13
Japanese Title:	生
Romanized Title:	Sei
Total Pages:	20
Weekly Morning:	Issue #52 (1998)
Chapter Chronology
← Previous	Next →

Life (生, Sei) is the 13th chapter of the Vagabond manga series.

Summary

Chapter 13 plunges into an intense fight between Takezo and Kohei, with Kohei gaining the upper hand, pinning Takezo down. Despite being at a disadvantage, Takezo's skill allows him to swiftly disarm Kohei, preventing him from regaining control , Kohei relentlessly punches Takezo's face, as he grapples with the realization that takezo might be the one who killed his brother.

In a desperate move, Takezo uses a small knife on him to stab Kohei in the leg, causing a deep wound. Seizing the opportunity, Kohei retreats, but not before launching a shuriken at Takezo, which grazes his wrist, leaving a cut.Both combatants take a moment to catch their breath, and Kohei assures Takezo that the shuriken wasn't poisoned. Takezo, undeterred, challenges Kohei to continue the fight, ready to face whatever vengeance he seeks for his brother's death.Kohei swiftly cuts Takezo's wrist again, preventing him from reaching closer. He demands Takezo to surrender, adding that nobody will mourn his death. He insists Takezo will meet the same fate as his victims.

Clarifying his true intentions, Kohei reveals that he's not seeking revenge for his brother's death. Instead, he was supposed to be the one to kill Tenma, and now Takezo has become his target since he stole his prize. Takezo grapples with the realization that this conflict feels like a twisted form of sibling rivalry.Reflecting on his own mortality, Takezo acknowledges the harsh reality of his existence, realizing that he may only live to see twenty years before meeting his end. With grim determination, he declares that it's now Kohei's turn to die, launching himself forward to engage in the final confrontation.Takezo swiftly cuts Kohei's forehead, causing him to bleed and tearing his scarf apart in the process.

A hunter notices Takezo's injury and alerts the othes, suggesting it's their best chance to finish him off. Seizing the opportunity while Takezo is distracted, Kohei quickly climbs a tree and escapes. Soon, all the samurais surround Takezo, ordering his death if he resists.Reflecting on his existence, Takezo questions his purpose in life as he faces the encircling samurais. Undeterred, he takes on all of them at once, his fighting spirit despite his injuries shocking the samurais.As a samurai lunges at him from behind, thinking he has the advantage, Takezo reacts quickly, striking him down. Despite this victory, there are still many adversaries left to defeat.

Characters in Order of Appearance

• Tsujikaze Kohei
• Takezo Shinmen