One of the best mangas I've read on this subject. It takes itself very seriously and doesn't let down on the intensity at any moment, this is just as masterful as Vagabond so far.

A bunch of clueless farmers are being trained to use the sword. They don't become overpowered creeps and instead use guerilla tactics and other alternatives to do their jobs, as the weaklings they are. The theme of a samurai's honour regularly pops up but is there a place for it in their world? It's a really interesting manga with very memorable scenes.

A nice surprise read. A real underdog story about peasants being recruited as assassins to become samurai. Our heroes are weak and they know it; they are implicitly disposable. Art could be a real turn off but the plot definitely hooks you from the first few chapters.