It’s easy to feel uneasy amid the constant wave of cancellations and endings at Shonen Jump, but one manga is set to finish exactly as planned. After four years of stunning artwork, humorous fourth-wall-breaking jokes, and truly captivating panels, Yusei Matsui’s The Elusive Samurai is heading toward its conclusion, confirmed for chapter 224.
The official announcement appeared in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine released in Japan on October 27, 2025, confirming the series is approaching a complete ending. This stands in stark contrast to the rushed cancellations of other promising new series. The Elusive Samurai was never meant to run as long as One Piece, instead having a clear, predetermined conclusion.
New-Wave Shonen Jump Manga Confirms Its Ending
While the ending of The Elusive Samurai is inevitable, it remains a sad moment as the series only recently gained major popularity in the West thanks to its outstanding anime adaptation’s first part.
The story follows Tokiyuki Hojo, a descendant of the Kamakura shogunate who escaped a family massacre at age eight in 1333. The manga gradually chronicles Tokiyuki’s growth under the guidance of Suwa Yorishige as he builds an army to oppose the ruthless usurper Takauji Ashikaga.
With the timeline now reaching 1352, history-savvy fans know Tokiyuki Hojo has only about a year left before the story closes. However, author Yusei Matsui reassured fans with a promise of a longer-than-expected finale.
“It seems the plot will be resolved in the next chapter, but I think it will last longer than you expect,” Matsui commented after Weekly Shonen Jump #48, 2025.
The series skillfully blends Japanese historical settings with magical realism while sharply critiquing readers’ biases toward the past. This social commentary shines in chapter 223, where Takauji condemns the audience’s frightening indifference to history, warning of repeating past mistakes.
The Elusive Samurai Is Matsui’s Most Ambitious Work Yet
Having worked as an assistant on Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo and created hits like Neuro: Supernatural Detective and Assassination Classroom, Yusei Matsui is a veteran Shonen Jump talent. His works have never dominated sales charts but have built a loyal fanbase thanks to a unique blend of humor and excellent storytelling.
The upcoming ending of The Elusive Samurai marks the conclusion of Matsui’s longest-running series, a notable achievement considering fans have long known the tragic historical fate of the protagonist.
This manga also represents Matsui’s artistic peak, combining striking character designs, impressively brutal villain portrayals, and the remarkable growth of the main character. This well-rounded legacy stands as a successful milestone for both Yusei Matsui and Shonen Jump.