Yusei Matsui, the renowned creator of Assassination Classroom and Neuro: Supernatural Detective, returns with a thrilling new story set in the turbulent times of feudal Japan. This tale takes place between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, an era of great conflict and shifting power. At the heart of the story is Hojo Takatoki, a boy whose name was nearly erased from history.
Takatoki was born into the powerful Hojo clan, a family that once ruled as regents of the Kamakura shogunate. For generations, his ancestors controlled Japan, guiding the nation through times of war and peace. However, power is never permanent. When Ashikaga Takauji, a ruthless and ambitious warlord, led a rebellion against the Kamakura government, everything changed.
The once-mighty Hojo clan was overthrown, their rule brought to a violent end. Takatoki’s family, once respected and feared, was torn apart. Their lands were seized, their loyal followers slaughtered, and their name erased from the records. Takatoki, still just a boy, had no choice but to flee. He ran as fast and as far as he could, escaping into the wild unknown, leaving behind the only life he had ever known.

The Elusive Samurai Plot
Now a fugitive, Takatoki must navigate a world where he is hunted and despised. He is no longer a noble but a wandering exile, struggling to survive. His journey is filled with danger—bandits, warriors, and spies lurk at every turn, ready to end his life. But despite the overwhelming odds, Takatoki refuses to give up. Deep in his heart, he carries the pain of his family’s downfall and a burning desire for justice.
As he travels through the far reaches of the land, Takatoki begins to gather allies. Some are fellow outcasts, others are warriors who see potential in the young fugitive. Through intense training and countless battles, he slowly transforms from a powerless boy into a skilled fighter. He knows that if he ever hopes to reclaim his family’s honor, he must become stronger. He must be ready to face Ashikaga Takauji himself.
This is not just a story of revenge; it is a tale of survival, resilience, and the fight against fate. Takatoki’s journey will lead him through the harshest landscapes, the darkest betrayals, and the most brutal battles. But no matter how impossible the road ahead may seem, he will keep moving forward. Because for Takatoki, this is not just about vengeance—it is about reclaiming his place in history.

What is the release date for The Elusive Samurai Chapter 196?
The Elusive Samurai Chapter 196 will come out on March 23, 2025, for the following regions.
- Pacific Daylight Time [West Coast]: 8:00 AM PDT (March 23, 2025)
- Central Daylight Time [Central America and Canada]: 10:00 AM CDT (March 23, 2025)
- Eastern Daylight Time [East Coast]: 11:00 AM EDT (March 23, 2025)
- Greenwich Mediterranean Time [Britain]: 3:00 PM BST (March 23, 2025)
- Philippines Standard Time [Philippines]: 11:00 PM PST (March 23, 2025)
It will be available to read on March 24, 2025, for these regions.
- Korean Standard Time [Korea]: Midnight KST (March 24, 2025)
- Japanese Standard Time [Korea]: Midnight JST (March 24, 2025)
- Australia Eastern Daylight Time [Australia]: 02:00 AM AEDT (March 24, 2025)
Where to read The Elusive Samurai Chapter 196?
The Elusive Samurai Chapter 196 will be available to read on Manga Plus.