Second step

Tsukikage Ran is a very nice simple Anime series with funny little episodic plots and not "MASSIVE LONG SILLY NAMED ATTACK POWER" sequences.

or Samurai Champloo for more advanced swordiness (with a bit of the above mentioned silliness, not much though, and a bit of modern day creeping in)

lastly Afro samuari finishing up the selection (this ones full of ballsacking the historical time frame)

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