Orient # 1 Japanese Title: The Land of the Samurai 2020 NM

Orient # 1 (Japanese title: The Land of the Samurai), written and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka, is the debut volume of her post-Magi adventure manga series. Originally published in English by Kodansha Comics in January 2020, it introduces a world where Japan has been conquered by demons and society has been indoctrinated to worship their monstrous oppressors. 

Story Synopsis: "Musashi and Kojiro" 

The story is set 150 years in the future, where a group of "Busho" (warrior bands) once fought the demons but are now branded as villains. 

• The Pact: The protagonists are two childhood friends, Musashi and Kojiro Kanemaki. As kids, they made a pact to form the strongest Busho band and exterminate the demons, but as teenagers, the world’s propaganda has turned most against this dream.
• The Lie: Kojiro accepts the demon-worshipping status quo and works as a miner. Musashi, however, witnesses the brutal reality of demon rule firsthand and is determined to keep his promise.
• The Conflict: When Musashi protects a village from a demon attack, Kojiro helps him. They discover Musashi possesses a "Kitetsu" (Oni-Killing Blade)—a weapon that amplifies a Busho's fighting spirit.
• The Journey: After defeating their first demon together, the two friends officially set out on a journey to recruit a band of 300 warriors and reclaim their world from the oppressors. 

Key Characters Introduced 

• Musashi: The hot-headed, determined protagonist who wields the power of the Kitetsu blade.
• Kojiro Kanemaki: Musashi's cool-headed friend who initially accepts demon rule but eventually joins the fight.
• The Obsidian Goddess: The primary divine figure of the world, a large, silent demon worshipped by many humans.