Superior to the very good first one.

Careful attention is paid to the continuity between stories. Lone Wolf and Cub fans will be happy to see Wakayma Tomisaburo in this installment, looking fifteen years younger and thirty pounds lighter

You can feel the character beginning to gel, as the careful balance between his superhero-like physical and mental prowess and the emotional tragedies he faces come more into focus

It's the mood, atmosphere, and attitude that make the Zatoichi movies so damn cool.