Finished Chapter 2 of Muramasa last night.
Still a gripping tale I could not put down, but fuck me if it wasn't a harrowing read. I still don't know what to make of Muramasa's "Law of Balance" thing. Does Kageaki had to kill anyone who comes in contact or is in close proximity to his tsurugi regardless whether they are "good" or "evil" to keep this "balance"? If so, why did he spare Ichijo? Or Otori? Since both has shown him kindness. Sparing Sorimachi was definitely the wrong move, although Kageki has no way of knowing how deep Sorimachi's ties to the GHQ is. Still, poor Yagenta and the Emishi family didn't deserve it.
The musha combat between Yagenta and Ukyo is an interesting one. Very good use of foreshadowing too, since Yagenta defended Ichijo from Ukyo's strike once before in the cemetary. Also, the armouring rites is similar to Muramasa's, and it seems Ichijou is now in possession of it?
Anyway, lots of questions, but I imagine it will be answered in time. I kind of wish we had a book club for this.