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After successfully recruiting Tamaki, Kendo teacher Kojiro is confident that he can win the approaching kendo meet. However, he still has yet to recruit one more girl to the team, and with a practice meet approaching, Kojiro must work quickly if he is to have the club beat the opposing team.

The story to volume two is a bit of an improvement compared to last volume, as the upcoming meet adds some tension to the story. Those who have even a passing interest in kendo will find Bamboo Blade to be an interesting series; others will find it to be mildly entertaining. A flaw that seems to be continued in this volume is the inconsistent humor, as the jokes are usually hit and miss. It’s funny when the series represents some of the kendo club members as sadists, but with traditional humor, it ultimately falls flat. Overall, this volume is a small improvement story and writing wise, but the limited appeal and defective sense of humor stops it from reaching its full potential.

The characters in this volume are a major refinement compared to last volume. This is mostly due to the increased amount of characters, as the series finally introduces the opposing kendo team. The opponents consist of five girls, some being normal, others being reluctant to be in the team, and most being sadists, allowing them to be the most interesting characters in the manga. Kojiro also grows in likability, as he starts to actually care for his students, even if his primary motivations are still selfish. Sayako Kuwahara is interesting in that she seems to be indecisive about what she wants to do in life. She enjoys kendo, but her lack of self confidence and skill result in multiple temporary dismissals of the sport. Overall, the characters are a major enhancement from the initial volume.

Unfortunately, the art is a big step down. Presented are girls who look like boys, a horribly drawn how-to section, embarrassing character models and overly exaggerated fight scenes. Overall, Igurashi Aguri does an incredibly sloppy job as the artist.

To conclude, the second volume of Bamboo Blade is a step up from the first, but severe graphic design flaws and discordant humor makes it a very average product. Those who love kendo will love Bamboo Blade, while other will be moderately entertained, if a bit disappointed.