Kingdom is one of the best mangas that not many people in the West talk about. I'm really just going to discuss key points I think people should know if they want to get into it:

Get past the first arc! There is quite a loud minority that skip out on it, reasonably so (the art, some cliches, etc) but I love it and encourage people to read it. As many first arcs, it is an introductory to the future of this well thought out manga. You will seriously indulge in all the physical conflicts of the manga and those moments of just theorizing and drama. If anything, the first few volumes is a basis to understanding why some things are the way they are. So yes, please read the first arc, you don't have to read it again if you don't want to!

Many people seem confuse this to a shounen, though it is seinen. I consider it seinen because of the approach it takes to certain issues, considering the manga is based on real historical events recorded in the Shiji. Overall, even though the sex isn't super graphic or expletives aren't common for instance, we are still looking into the eyes of coming-of-age warriors and how they are consuming the changes of their country; as well as the eyes of old wartorn men and women who have seen it all. I can't discuss much on this issue because I don't read shounen as often, but I think it is a manga an adult would appreciate a lot.

Another factor are the women in the manga. Now, I won't go into details, but there are quite a variety a reader will approach as they read through all the arcs. They are all badass in their own ways, even if some are more susceptible or powerful than others. Most moments, though scarce, of sexual activity is quite needed for progress or understanding. Along with this, there is very little romance for our main characters, although hints here and there that emerge (it's sort of to be expected after all). It's well executed. The pacing is awesome when it comes to dynamic.

The issues I would say a person will encounter are the characters at times or the length of an arc. You will definitely see character development, so I wouldn't worry about the pacing as much as getting through some annoyances as much as possible. You will have to be considerate of how lengthy this manga will have to be to capture the entire essence of the Warring States period and our characters. However it is quite manageable, at least for me. Also, you might find yourself asking questions often of "why this" or "how that," but Hara does cover up most holes or gives good or decent excuses for plot devices (some perhaps more questionable than others, heh). Given how this manga is and the state of many good manga today, people usually do have high expectations though. I recommend reading this with average expectations at first, but they may excel at some point.

Lastly, you may cry. The manga doesn't hold back on deaths. You may find yourself asking, "Who will die next?" The speeches too, goddammit!

Anyway. It's either that you wait until chapter 1000 to read this manga because you will oftentimes want to binge right through it; or, start reading it now and join the waiting club.

Overall, I give the story a 10, the art a 10-- it gets much better over time honestly, characters a 9, and enjoyment 11;. Overall, 10.