While the manga never reached its ending, Inoue wrote pages in the form of an exhibition that depict the last days of an elder Musashi.

Based on the historical figure with the same name, Inoue became motivated to write Musashi following the ending of the basketball manga series Slam Dunk, as the artist wanted to challenge himself with a different style of main character.

Inoue's take on Musashi Miyamoto earned a well-received response from the media for his growth from a young man obsessed with strength to a wise warrior who does several activities and questions his original goals.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara, Takezō Shinmen and his childhood friend Matahachi Hon'iden swear to become "Invincible Under The Heavens" (天下無双, Tenka Musō).

However, Takezo is captured by the monk Takuan Sōhō and his Matahachi's fiance Otsu, who make him reconsider his purpose in life.

In the aftermath of Musashi's solo battle, he makes his return to wandering despite being offered the position of mentor under guidance from Takuan.

Having come off of drawing a sports manga, Slam Dunk, he wanted to create a series about more basic concepts, such as "life and death, the human condition, etc."

Inoue also expressed difficulties when drawing scenes where the characters are wounded, most notably when Musashi battles the 70 Yoshioka, which took a lot of energy to properly make.

The Los Angeles Times regarded Vagabond as a "samurai masterpiece" for the contrast it makes with the novel by deepening the characterization of Musashi.

[18] They find the early journey of Musashi impressive due to the emphasis on violence over his mental development and his connections with Matahachi.

[19] The eventual release of the sixth volume received more acclaim from Manga Life for further developing Musashi's bushido, his acceptance of his weak point, and his distant but strong bond with Matahachi.

[20] The Fandom Post was concerned about whether or not Musashi is still capable of being a true warrior when interacting with the monk Takuan as he initially comes across as brute.

The writer also noted Musashi does not appear to have a sense of honor early in the series, as he sometimes uses dirty tactics to deceive his enemies, like throwing sand at them, being more of a man whose goals justify the means rather than employing bushido.

[29] The 2000 Japan Media Arts Festival puts Vagabond in fourth place, congratulating Inoue's writing: "From Toyotomi to Tokugawa.

The artist brags about boldly challenging the national literary work of Eiji Yoshikawa, even so, the sense of speed that he creates is impressive.