: Some fans found the episode's "gatekeeping" elements—where Musashi is constantly prevented from meeting Uesugi to ask about Kojiro's father—to be tedious.
: While not a massive leap, some viewers noted that the animation and character designs felt slightly more "crispy" and polished compared to the first 12 episodes. Orient Episode 13
: The trio joins the massive Uesugi Alliance , which has gathered to defeat the powerful Kishin of Awaji Island, Yamata no Orochi . Orient Episode 13
: The introduction of the Five Grand Generals and new rivals like Akihiro Shimazu added much-needed complexity to the cast. Orient Episode 13
