“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” continues its thrilling remake with Episode 5, which premiered on May 3, 2025. This episode sees Yaiba and his friends seeking respite at Gero Hot Springs, but, naturally, trouble isn’t far behind.
A Hot Spring Getaway Gone Wrong
Following an exhausting battle with Slug Man, one of Onimaru’s Eight Ogres, Yaiba and his companions are weary. They stumble upon Gero Hot Springs, where a suspicious innkeeper welcomes them as the millionth visitors. Lured in with promises of relaxation, they accept a stay at a luxurious hot spring inn, unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Trouble at the Inn
While Yaiba and his friends attempt to unwind, a hidden threat emerges, seeking to steal the Raijin Sword. The episode dives into comedic antics as Onimaru’s minions devise schemes to steal Yaiba’s sword, including a free hot springs trip. These plans quickly devolve into gags, some of which rely on dated humor.
The Goofy Trio: Mr. Starfish, Mr. Sea Cucumber, and Mr. Mantis
The latter half of the episode introduces a trio of villains: Mr. Starfish, Mr. Sea Cucumber, and Mr. Mantis. These characters, as silly as their names suggest, plan to ambush Yaiba and Sayaka during a test of courage. Their attempts to steal Yaiba’s sword are riddled with mishaps and comedic failures.
One memorable gag involves Mr. Mantis disguising himself as an old granny, attempting to reenact Little Red Riding Hood. However, Yaiba and Sayaka fail to recognize his true identity, leading to a funny, albeit absurd, scene.
From Villains to Allies?
Despite their best efforts, the trio’s plans backfire spectacularly, resulting in them accidentally opening a geyser that defeats them. Yaiba and his friends show pity towards the hapless villains, and this act of kindness inspires them to switch sides.
Onimaru’s Impatience and a New Threat
Onimaru, frustrated by his minions’ repeated failures, loses patience and sends out his strongest Ogre: a vampire with sunglasses. This sets the stage for a potentially exciting, though likely goofy, matchup in the next episode.
Episode Highlights and Review
Humor and Production
“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” Episode 5 leans heavily into its comedic elements, with mixed results. While some gags land well, others feel dated. The show’s animation and character designs are praised for their cleanliness and appeal.
Pacing and Focus
Some reviewers note pacing issues, with the episode jumping straight into a fight with Sluggy, one of Onimaru’s ogres, at the beginning. However, the episode does find its focus as it progresses, centering on wacky cartoon antics.
Story and Themes
The episode continues to explore themes of friendship and kindness, as Yaiba’s compassion leads to enemies becoming allies. It also highlights Onimaru’s growing frustration and his determination to eliminate Yaiba.
A Fun, Lighthearted Anime
Despite its flaws, “Yaiba: Samurai Legend” Episode 5 remains a fun and lighthearted installment. It embraces its identity as a kids’ show, delivering plenty of laughs and entertaining moments.
Looking Ahead
The preview for the next episode suggests more goofy antics, but also hints at a potentially engaging battle with Onimaru’s vampire Ogre. It remains to be seen whether the series will delve deeper into more substantial storylines as it progresses.
Where to Watch
“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” is currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu.
Final Thoughts
“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” Episode 5 is a mixed bag of comedy and action. While the humor may not appeal to everyone, the episode offers enough lighthearted entertainment to keep viewers engaged. The introduction of new characters and the setup for the next battle create anticipation for what’s to come.
