When it comes to popular animes, there are multiple options to go with. People tend to fall in love with shows that provide something unique or uniquely present the same things.
And when it comes to life lessons, some animes do a great job than the rest. The Elusive Samurai is one of those series that constantly reminds viewers about the events of their lives. While watching this anime, one is highly exposed to the ideas of loyalty, betrayal, not giving up, or rising to the top and having trustworthy companions.
Here, I have selected some valuable quotes from this anime that not only fit the context of the series but can also be used as a source of inspiration.
The Elusive Samurai quotes:
When you’re in the depths of despair and thrown into the abyss of death… that is where the hero within you shines! – Suwa Yorishige
Yorishige has been the entire reason for Tokiyuki to live and curve a path towards a new future where he stands at the top as the sole survivor of the Hojo clan.
It was during the moment when Tokiyuki had given up on every reason to live, as he thought of himself to be a coward who couldn’t do a thing when his entire clan was being slain at the hands of the enemy.
Yorkshire saw the true potential of Tokiyuki and acted as his guide from that moment onwards.
Even if it’s just in name, he will be the successor to the shogunate one day.
The story revolves around Tokiyuki as he grows up and gathers allies who will assist him in battle against even the mightiest foes.
You said it would be a disgrace if you didn’t die, yet you jumped out of there to save your skin. That was the hero in you. Running and hiding are good skills for a hero. Your survival instinct is monstrous. You know better than anyone how to survive. – Suwa Yorishige
In the very first episode, it could be seen that Tokiyuki doesn’t like to train as the future that awaits him doesn’t require his martial arts or combat experience. Just like his father, Tokiyuki was supposed to become a puppet ruler who only inherited the throne and never got deeply involved with the political affairs of the country.
However, he was very good at running away or not being caught by others even nearby. That is a unique talent that Tokiyuki possess, and he would form his entire combat techniques around it.
I like this Kamakura. And I like to see its people smile as they live in peace. I don’t need status or honour. Just living in this city is enough for me.
And that could be referred to as the reason why he didn’t like to train wholeheartedly. Tokiyuki had never seen war or bloodshed before and was not expecting his clan to go down in history. He played around his village and enjoyed the peaceful environment.
You are not lazy, nor are you a coward. Those are merely aspects of the monster asleep within you. That is what Father says.
It implies to every human being who assumes themselves to be lazy or cowardly. In this case, we could comprehend that Tokiyuki simply didn’t try hard enough to acknowledge his true potential. It he was left all alone, chances are that he might have gotten himself defeated.
FOR THE BOY TO BECOME A HERO… HE HAD TO LOSE EVERYTHING.
Rather than simply realising his true potential, Tokiyuki had to face a major setback that involved the demise of his entire clan. He initially intended to continue going with the flow of life and enjoy the peaceful environment.
It was only when he lost everything that things began to change. There was no longer the peace that he admired, and to get back his former glory, Tokiyuki needed to get stronger.
What a pain for Takauji who just killed our lord and took a whole country. Because the one he should definitely kill next has more talent than anyone to escape death. – Suwa Yorishige
Suwa Yorishige wasn’t bluffing when he said these words. Since he can see a glimpse of the future where the Young lord rises with his current skills of escaping and running away.
Takauji becomes a hero by killing, and you become a hero by living. You two are heroes with opposed fates. – suwa Yorkshire
A pivotal reason for people to follow the story of ‘The Elusive Samurai’ is a samurai named Takauji who initially served under the Hojo clan until he chose to betray them and lay waste to their entire clan.
There were instances in the series where Takauji was explained to be the strongest man alive and had achieved mastery in more than one skill. Combat capabilities aren’t his only speciality as he can predict and interpret situations with utmost accuracy.
I will serve you unto the pits of hell. – Suwa Yorishige
When all hopes were lost, Suwa emerged as the backbone for Tokiyuki.
His survival instinct is monstrous, which means his very soul can find joy in such a crisis.
Life can be a bit complicated when it comes to being in difficult situations. As for Tokiyuki, the battlefield was one place where he could use his elusiveness to the full. There were multiple fights in the first season of this anime, and Tokiyuki managed to best his opponent without having to master any martial arts skills.
When he battles against the mightiest foes, his inner flame burns with joy as he confuses the opponents by evading and dodging their attacks quite effectively.
A warrior’s shame? I threw most of that away when I ran from Kamakura.
In the world of warriors where pride and honour was bigger than a samurai’s own life, Tokiyuki chose to play differently.
I am elusive and the heir to the Hojo clan. While I’m running away, I can do anything!
When he was faced against Sadamune, one of the best archers in the anime, Tokiyuki not only got to learn new effective moves but realised his true potential all the same.
A skilled hawk hides everything. If you show your strength within an organization, you’ll be taken advantage of like the small fry and the core members. Act like a clown and pander to the leader, and you can be sure to enjoy just the benefits.
It seems to suggest that sometimes, it’s wiser to conceal your true abilities and intentions to avoid being exploited. By playing a less threatening role, you can navigate the organization more effectively and reap the benefits without drawing unwanted attention.
This reminds me of the concept of “playing the fool” to achieve one’s goals, which is often seen in various stories and real-life scenarios.
Tokiyuki has been betrayed by countless people, but he has never betrayed anyone.
The representation of a kind warrior.
You gave me allies. You gave me a way to fight. And you gave me self-confidence. They may still be small but they’re all treasures you gave me that I’m proud of. No matter how much stronger Takauji is, I won’t give up.
Tokiyuki owes everything to Suwa. He was not only saved by him but also given a new resolve and direction to walk towards. Revenge was their primary goal but as the series continues, Tokiyuki experiences new things and gets more drawn towards life.
Our lord is Tokiyuki Hojo. Kamakura’s… rightful heir! – Kojiro
One of the most beautiful reasons to watch this anime is the theme of loyalty and betrayal. Tokiyuki gradually gained new retainers who were ready to sacrifice their lives for him. They proved to be the embodiment of loyalty.
Being complimented by someone overflowing with talent only comes across as sarcasm. – Kojiro to Fubuki
Below are some quotes by Suwa Yorishige:
Allies, military strength, intellect… Everything you need to win, I will give to you.
As long as you’re breathing, Takauji will eventually come to kill you himself. Till then, you’ll run and hide, become stronger, and defeat the demons that come for you.
A warrior is a creature that can’t turn down a challenge.
You must not forget your pride as a Hojo orphan. And you must be a boy of character who people will be drawn to. If you do those two things, one day, you can defeat any demon in the game of tag.
The gods hold power only if there are people who believe in it. And there are people who depend on and seek refuge in my power.
You’re not a god, but just a human. You should live your life to the fullest. The playground you stand on will melt away one day. Play to your heart’s content during this period of change – Suwa Yorishige
As people begin to only look at reality, the gods and holy power will all disappear. That’s how the times change.
‘The Elusive Samurai’ anime is getting the attention it deserves. Although there are many other animes to watch under the same genre, it would be a loss to ignore this story about a boy who loses everything and is then guided by a mysterious man to not up and try to achieve even the impossible.
