List of Samurai Deeper Kyo characters
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This article lists major characters from the anime and manga Samurai Deeper Kyo
[edit] Main characters
[edit] Demon Eyes Kyo
Onime no Kyo is said to have slaughtered a thousand men. Although his reputation actually belongs to Kyoshiro, he has certainly killed more than a thousand people himself. He is imprisoned in Kyoshiro's body and takes over whenever Kyoshiro's life is threatened. Kyo fears no one and is quite arrogant and self-centered early in the manga. Throughout the story, he is looking for his real body, which was sealed somewhere by Kyoshiro. His ultimate goal is to become the strongest man in the world. His most distinguishing feature is his red eyes.
[edit] Mibu Kyoshiro
Mibu Kyoshiro(壬生京四郎 Mibu Kyōshirō; Seiyu: Konishi Katsuyuki) is a fictional character in the manga Samurai Deeper Kyo by Akimine Kamijyo. His personality is almost a direct opposite of the series' main character, Demon Eyes Kyo. Mibu Kyoshiro has been ranked top 10 in every Samurai Deeper Kyo popularity contest. His personality and character can also be compared to Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin, since they both dislike violence, but will fight in order to protect their friends.
Awkward and funny at the beginning of the adventure, Mibu Kyoshiro is in fact a frightening combatant called "the Demon-God", who is the only one to have beaten Kyo, in addition to being the true thousand man killer. He hid Kyo's body, and now the two share his body. He killed many people in the past, including the brother of Shiina Yuya, Shiina Nozomu. He is actually a high ranked Mibu and is gifted in the handling of a sword and is thought to be the best swordsman of the clan to date. He knows the techniques of the Mumyou Jinpu Ryuu and is also the former owner of the Shibien. As far as areas of comparison go, his skill and potential rank him equal to Kyo and just below the former Crimson King. His only wish is to protect Sakuya, whom he was in love with along with Kyo before the battle of Sekigahara.
Mibu Kyoshiro is one of the Red Cross Knights, created from the flesh and blood of the former Aka no Ou. He was a killing machine, but he had a very friendly heart. He was also a master of Mumyo Jinpu Ryuu Satsujin Ken. He once wielded the Shibien, one of Muramasa's Devil Swords, and killed many people with it until the sword turned black in color because it absorbed too much blood.
[edit] Shiina Yuya
Shiina Yuya (椎名ゆや Shiina Yuya; Seiyu: Yui Horie) is a bounty hunter interested in the largest bounty she can find, that of 1,000,000 ryo that is on the head of Demon Eyes Kyo. She decides to follow Kyoshiro, bonding with him until he is "put to sleep" by the reappearance of Kyo. When Kyo wakes up completely, she follows him. In spite of his attitude, she comes to trust and believe in Kyo. In the forest of Aokigahara, she learns that Kyoshiro killed her older brother and decides to wait until he returns to the surface in order to get an explanation from him. Yuya is thus interested in Kyo and Kyoshiro. She apparently knows the secrets of the Mibu Clan, things that her brother Nozomu would have shared with her before dying. The Aka no Oh also comes to believe that she is a seer, but this is neither confirmed nor disproven. Around the end of the manga, while telling her brother that she wouldn't forgive him if he killed Kyo, she admitted out loud in front of everybody that she was in love with Kyo.
[edit] Izumo no Okuni
Izumo no Okuni is the best informer in Japan. She likes Kyo obsessively, to the point that to be hated by him would make her happy. This said, she joined the Jūnishinshō as the fake Indara, but she does not hesitate to be sacrificed for Kyo. She then joins Kyo's team and assists Kyo in finding his real body. She knows many things about Kyo, Kyoshiro, and Sakuya, but she does not speak about it. She merely hints at it. She finds Akira in Kyoto and offers him, her own life in exchange for Kyo's real body .
[edit] Benitora
Benitora's (紅虎, lit. red tiger; Seiyu: Seki Toshihiko) true name is Tokugawa Hidetada (徳川秀忠). His father, Tokugawa Ieyasu, ordered him to spy on Kyo, but Benitora does this for fun and serves as the comic relief of the group. His weapon is the Hokuraku Shimon (Demon Spear) created by Muramasa. He falls in love with Yuya the first time he meets her and tends to be over-protective of her. He speaks with a noticeable Kansai accent.
He first meets Kyoshiro in volume 2, mistaking him for Kyo. After sparring with Kyoshiro, he decides to join the group. When Kyo awakens in volume 3, he makes Benitora his #2 servant after a short fight.
During the Forest Arc, he fights his former ally, the Fake Mekira. Mekira has the upper hand for most of the fight thanks to a hypnotic technique, but Benitora eventually sees through it and kills Mekira with a special technique of his own, although doing so exacerbates his injuries.
When Nobunaga reappears and overwhelms Kyo, Benitora intervenes, blocking the killing blow and briefly fighting Nobunaga one-on-one. He is completely outmatched, but eventually manages to unhorse Nobunaga with another secret technique, the reverse Hassun, almost killing himself in the process; he is saved from death at Nobunaga's hands by the revitalized Kyo.
Despite not being on Kyoshiro or Kyo's level of skill, Benitora is extremely powerful and is probably one of the strongest humans.
[edit] Sanada Yukimura
Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村; Seiyu: Ogata Megumi) is a famous general who lost the battle of Sekigahara and ultimately Japan. He escaped Kudoyama and planned the assassination of Tokugawa Ieyasu, though it was never carried out. Yukimura travels with Kyo in order to defeat the Mibu Clan and Oda Nobunaga. In doing so, this would free Japan from the Mibu Clan's shadow governing and give Yukimura a chance at taking over Japan.
Yukimura is shadowed by three members of the Sanada Jūyūshi: Sarutobi Sasuke, Saizo, and his Kagemusha (or decoy) Anayama Kosuke. His sword techniques are unnamed, but he uses the Sekireigan, which was taught to him by Anri. Yukimura can utilize the Sekireigan to access extreme speed, but Anri instructed him to never use it more than five times a day.
Yukimura hates Ieyasu more than anything. It is interesting to note that historically, Yukimura had already fought Ieyasu's son, Hidetada (Benitora), at the battle of Ueda Castle. This is briefly mentioned in the Anime and possibly the manga. It is a battle which is believed to have ended in Yukimura's loss.
[edit] Sarutobi Sasuke
Sarutobi Sasuke (猿飛佐助; Seiyu: Akira Ishida) is a young ninja who is one of three members of the Sanada Jūyūshi who appears prominently throughout Samurai Deeper Kyo. Originally, he lived in Aokigahara (a forest filled with the failed constructs of the Mibu) with his friend Kotarou (now Makora of the Jūnishinshō). Being of the Forest, he has heightened strength and abilities as well as characteristic golden eyes. Sasuke was involved in most of Yukimura's plots, but was ultimately left out of Yukimura's deception of the Mibu clan as Yukimura needed even Sasuke to believe he'd betrayed his friends in order for the Mibu to believe it as well.
Sasuke originally wielded a Muramasa blade which was physically identical to Kyo's Tenrou (one of the four masterpieces that Muramasa forged), but when that Muramasa was cracked in a duel with Demon Eyes Kyo (a fight to determine who had the real Tenrou) he was given the Shibien - the oldest of Muramasa's Four Masterpieces. The Shibien blade, however, is exceptionally bloodthirsty and its creator, Muramasa, had to have it bound in chains to prevent it from turning on anyone. Strangely enough, it serves Sasuke obediently. Sasuke seems to have control over Lightning techniques. Sasuke possesses a technique called Raikoken that electrifies his sword. Thunder Fire calls a bolt of lightning down to strike an enemy. Thunder Flower Storm brings many ligtning bolts down around Sasuke and his enemy. Thunder Net or Lightning's web traps Sasuke's enemies in a web of lightning which never lets go. Thunder Tail connects Sasuke's lightning to his sword allowing him to kill an enemy with a physical strike. Sasuke's ultimate technique is Kirin which creates a lightning winged pegagus that burns all it touchs when it returns to heaven.
[edit] Shiseiten (The Four Emperors)
The Shiseiten (lit. The Four Saintly Heavens)is a group of the four most powerful samurai: Akira, Bontenmaru, Hotaru, and Akari. These four "emperors" were united and led by Kyo. They fought in the most remarkable civil war of Japan, called "The Battle of Sekigahara". To the Shiseiten, the world was their playground; they wiped out every nation on the planet. This ended abruptly when Kyo suddenly decided to abandon the Shiseiten to become the strongest samurai. The Shiseiten split up with everyone following their own path. Four years later, in the story of Samurai Deeper Kyo, the Shiseiten have reunited in order to challenge the Mibu Clan.
[edit] Akira
Akira (アキラ,明; Seiyu: Hoshi Soichiro) is the first member of the Shiseiten to appear in the story. He was a peasant boy whom Kyo found in a village that he'd completely destroyed. Though Akira was very young and the only survivor, he refused to cry and instead faced Kyo with the intention of fighting him. Kyo was impressed with Akira's fighting spirit and adopted him, promising to make him the strongest man in the world - after Kyo, of course. He was nicknamed the Twin Headed Dragon for two reasons: one, because his techniques require two swords, called Chisakatana (小さ刀, lit. Small sword, one shorter than the second as noted by Saishi), and two, because of his two personalities. One moment he is docile, kind, and gentle, and in a flash, he is a blood-thirsty killer akin to Kyo himself. Akira was incapable of unlocking his full potential because he didn't have samurai/noble blood, but he overcame this limitation by intentionally blinding himself. He gained the "eye of the heart"(心眼 Shingan), making him even more perceptive than those who can see. In a ruse to gain Kyo's body, Akira temporarily joined Nobunaga's warriors by killing Ajira, the servant of Nobunaga. Because of this, Akira was allowed to adopt Ajira's name. After Akira betrayed Nobunaga, he joined Kyo again after Okuni gave him her hair. His signature move is the Muhyo Gehetten, which traps his enemies in a pillar of ice and shatters them. Another attack he uses is the Hyoken Seiso. This technique traps his enemies in a large hollow mountain of ice. While issuing this attack, Akira is invulnerable to attacks and can torture his enemies until they die, or he can kill them in an instant. His ultimate attack involves the Inferno's Chill and Hyoma Juji Soumai. The Inferno's Chill drops the tempurature to below Absolute Zero. Akira can then focus the Inferno's Chill into his swords and direct an attack, the Hyoma Juji Soumai, at his enemies, killing them instantly. During his fight against Tokito, he was able to surpass his limited power by using his Inferno's Chill on himself, making him more powerful, and use a new technique called "Shadow Ice of Maria". (This power was limited and caused Akira's body damage.)
[edit] Bontenmaru
Bontenmaru (梵天丸; Seiyu in drama CD: Wakamoto Norio) is the second member of the Shiseiten to appear in the story. Arrogant and in love with his own legend, he constantly reminds everyone that he will become the ruler of the world and that both Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Mibu Clan are going to be destroyed so that he can become Shogun, much to the ire and boredom of his traveling comrades. Nonetheless, he is a great friend as well as a fearsome foe.
Bontenmaru suppresses a beast inside of him, and that's what most terrifying about him. His real name is Date Masamune, the "Oda Nobunaga of the north". His weapon of choice is a Bokken. He is so skilled with it that he is able to use it against a real sword, instinctively turning it at the last second so that it absorbs the blow of a sword but doesn't break. He is also capable of killing an enemy rather easily with a wooden sword. He can unleash the beast within himself using his Satsujintai fighting technique, in which he can enter a berserker rage and tear foes apart with his bare hands.He uses his great strength as a weapon in battle. He can effortlessly defeat small groups of Mibu warriors without getting hurt. His muscles are strong enough to stop blades from piercing his skin.
He has a friendly rivalry with Kyo, and much of their time is spent glaring at each other and trying to establish dominance. His Satsujintai is a hand to hand fighting technique, and his most powerful technique is the Kosoga. He swings one fist upwards in an uppercut motion and another downwards to form a vertical pincer, which can be used to break bones or, at a later stage, create a massive crater. (This technique can also be used horizontally.)
[edit] Hotaru
Hotaru (ほたる; Seiyu: Koyasu Takehito), Hotaru was a member of the five stars of the Mibu and was sent to spy on Kyo. He has great admiration for the blood-thirsty and icy Kyo and resents Kyo's softer side that has developed by coming into contact with Yuya. He also resents his older half-brother Shinrei (another one of the five) due to the fact that Shinrei is the valued "wanted son" while he, Hotaru, is the illegitimate son of a concubine.
Despite Shinrei's ignorance of the truth, Hotaru's entire life seems centered around his animosity towards his brother. All he does is counter Shinrei. Where Shinrei uses water (their father being a Master of the Muryou Saikyou Ryuu School, the water school of the Mibu), Hotaru devotes himself to fire. Where Shinrei swore to uphold the honor and wishes of the Mibu Clan, Hotaru rebelled. Where Shinrei sought strength through friendship and camaraderie, Hotaru sought strength through solitude. This prompts him to battle his former allies, the Shiseiten and Kyo, because he believes that they stand between himself and the solitude needed for true strength.
He later rejoins the Shiseiten to battle his teacher, Yuan and the rest of his former clan.
Hotaru's command of fire allows him to summon black flame, which is hotter than any normal flame, and to generate a solid shield of flame to protect himself. He reveals many techniques, among which include: Shakuran Entai (a blast of fire that covers a large area), Kaho Enbu (traps a foe in a shell with flames burning inside; when the foe attempts to break out, it causes a massive backdraft), Ma'oh-en (summons a bigger and hotter flame than Shakuran Entai), Demon's Breath (summons black fire and shoots it at his enemies), and the Hell Crusher (surrounds himself with a massive field of black flame leaving a huge crater). In the battle against his master, Yuan, he reveals his ultimate technique, Keikokuken. He fights with a double-sided sword: one side shaped like a katana, the other shaped similar to a long dagger. It is believed this sword is just one long blade with wraps and a hand guard so he can hold it.
Hotaru is the comic relief of the group. He act extremely stupid and dense, and always states the obvious. Some examples of this are Hotaru's fight with Kyo (he makes a long speech, then forgets what it was suppose to be about), When he leads Kyo's group through the Mibu palace (When asked directions, he says they should go straight, when the path ahead of them is a straight one), His battle with Yuan (When Yuan said he can beat Hotaru with only his foot, Hotaru said he will beat Yuan with only his hands), and various others.
[edit] Akari
Akari (灯; Seiyu in drama CD: Mitsuishi Kotono) is a transgender individual. "Her" real name is Mitarai Toukichirou. Although s/he has no battle abilities, his/her magical abilities are on par with the other Shiseiten. S/he can manipulate ki, enabling quick healing and unlimited fighting energy. S/he also wields the Devil Eye, an ancient weapon (eye) embedded in his/her gloved left hand, that turns everyone who makes eye contact with into dust, though Akari hates using it because s/he feels it is only a tool for murder and has no place in honorable battles. Lesser versions are called Medusa Eyes and are cheap imitations of the Devil Eye. Instead of turning the target to dust, it turns its target to stone, which can only be undone by the target's death or the wielder's death. The Devil Eye also serves as a ward to protect its bearer from harmful spells. In the fight against the true Mekira, the berserker used his Medusa Eyes on Akari, only to fail. Akari used the Devil Eye on Mekira and turned him to dust. S/he is the comic relief of the group. S/he uses a Shakujou (Staff with bells and rings at the top). Once s/he made Kyo promise to marry him/her if s/he ever landed a hit on him, although he backed out of it.
S/he first appeared in volume 22 of the manga. In that volume, s/he also revealed her past, where s/he was treated as a demon due to her powers. S/he is the last to join the Shiseiten.
It is revealed later that Hishigi implanted the Devil Eye in to his/her hand, as a way of spying on him/her and to awaken his/her true powers. When activated, the Devil Eye takes over Akari and transforms him/her into Ashura.
[edit] Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga (灯; Seiyu Show Hayami), known as Dai Rokuten Maou (The sixth Heavenly Demon king, "His Majesty" in the dub), wants to take over the world. With the help of his Jūnishinshō, he was working to achieve that goal, but he was killed by Kyo in Honnoji Temple. Since he was important to the Mibu's plans, the Mibu Clan resurrected him in Lord Torii's body. Lord Torii's body was given to the Mibu by Kyoshiro to seek his revenge against Kyo. He later encountered Kyo in Aokigahara. Kyo and Oda Nobunaga fought after Benitora knocked him of his horse. The fight resulted in the death of Oda Nobunaga. Shindara took Nobunaga's head to the Mibu, who resurrected him, this time in Shiina Nozumu's body. He & Kyo fight for the third time, during which Oda revives the members of the Jynishinshou defeated so far.
[edit] Jūnishinshō (The Twelve Holy Generals)
The Jyūnishinshō are the twelve warriors that swore to protect Oda Nobunaga, at all costs. These twelve warriors are also connected to the twelve constellations of the zodiac.
[edit] Ajira
The unknown member of the Jūnishinshō. He was killed by Akira, who took his name in order to get closer to Demon eyes Kyo.
[edit] Antera
Antera is one of the Jyuunishinshou. Despite her youth, she has superhuman strength and wields a pair of large hammers. She is apparently a member of the Mibu Clan, and as such, has the Death Disease, though her aging process has been stopped in order to stop the disease, which otherwise has no cure. She is the daughter of the real Kubira.
[edit] Basara
One of the Jūnishinshō who specializes in archery. He can fire more arrows than usual (5 or so), all with accurate aiming. While doing this, his front is exposed. To overcome this, he prepares arrow traps that surround him, so an opponent cannot get close to him. In his ultimate attack, he fires his entire quiver with one shot (about 50 arrows). He was defeated by Sanada Yukimura, who sliced him in half.
His real name was Maro and he spoke in third person, causing confusion as to his name.
[edit] Bikara
Another member of the Jūnishinshō. He specializes in power and speed. Four years before the start of Samurai Deeper Kyo, Bikara fought Kyo in Sekigahara. The battle ended in a draw. In Aokigahara, Kyo fought Bikara again, nearly killing him. When he, Akira, Antera, and Shindara reached the ice fortress where Kyo's true body was hidden, Akira killed Bikara and took Kyo's body.
Bikara is a hand-to-hand specialist and surprises his enemies with his speed. He uses numerous metal disks as weapons.
[edit] Haira
This is not the true Haira. Similar to both the fake Mekira and the real Indara, he was cruel, which was evident when he killed one of his soldiers for running away from Yukimura after being given the option to flee. This angered Yukimura, which led to the fake's death. Yukimura cut him in half vertically. Haira wielded five swords like boomerangs, aside from his superhuman strength, he had no special ability.
[edit] Indara
The fake Indara was Izumo no Okuni herself. Nobunaga, through Basara, commanded her to gain information on his enemy. She wielded Taigen (spider strings) and had no special ability.
[edit] Kubira
Fake Kubira: A member of the Jūnishinshō. He can create marionettes, which copy the abilities of the person who has been replicated, or replicas of himself. He wields a "cat-o-nine-tails", a nine tailed whip, complete with needles in the rope side. He was defeated by Kyo and Kyoshiro and killed by Akira.
[edit] Makora
His real name was Fūma Kotarō.The childhood friend of Sasuke. Makora (Seiyu: Akio Suyama) sought revenge against Sasuke because he was almost killed by him. In fact, Kotarou and Sasuke were controlled by the real Indara to fight each other. Makora has the ability to control shadow forces and hide under them. His attack, Kageochi, makes an opponent drown in his own shadow. Nevertheless, he was finally defeated by Sasuke after realizing that Sasuke did not want to kill him. They made a pact of becoming good friends when they were still living in Aokigahara. He protected Sasuke from Indara's attack which killed him.
[edit] Mekira
Fake Mekira: Taught the ways of Shikage Ryuu with Benitora. Mekira killed his master because he would not teach Mekira the school secrets. Once he became Jūnishinshō, he faced Benitora in Aokigahara and was killed after Benitora realized the power of the Shinkage. He wielded a large scythe.
[edit] Santera
Even though she is just a child, she has a powerful ability. Whoever touches her powder burns. Her true form was released by a Mibu serum in the battle with Akari, A beautiful Butterfly-woman who was able to burn anything in her path. Because of her powders, she could not have a relationship with anyone in her life, so Nobunaga adopted her as one of his Jūnishinshō. After she had a fight with Akari, she and Akari became firm friends. She left the Mibu Clan because she had someone she could call "friend" in her heart.
[edit] Shatora
The leader of the Jūnishinshō and the foster-brother of Shiina Yuya, Nozumu. He was killed by Mibu Kyoshiro. He was able to see into the past and was a valuable member of the Mibu Clan because of this ability. He was resurrected by the Mibu Clan, but his body was infused with the soul of Oda Nobunaga. In addition to his ability to see the past, he could resurrect any Jūnishinshō that had been beaten and killed, making him a valuable asset.
[edit] Shindara
In the past, when he belonged to the "Sanada Jūyūshi", he was called Sarutobi Sasuke. After being informed of Yukimura's premature death and his failure to seize hold of the country through the Taishirou Tokito's predictions, he left the Sanada and joined the Mibu to spy them and save Yukimura's life when the time comes. He is called the immortal one because Hishigi modified his body so he can regenerate instantaneously. He faces Yukimura and loses, but not after with the motivation behind his betrayal revealed. Later, he saves Sasuke from death and dies from mortal wounds beyond the healing capacity of his regeneration.
After Bikara died Shindara looked after Antera and acted as her parent keeping her at his side at all times.
[edit] The four demons of the Jūnishinshō
The Mibu hide the true Indara, Haira, Mekira and Kubira as they are merciless blood thirsty monsters. Members of the Jūnishinshō their places were taken by others when they were forced into hiding, deep within the lands of the Mibu.
[edit] Mekira
Mekira is a man who has feminine characteristics. On his left arm are many false Medusa Eyes, cheap imitations of the Devil Eye, which enable him to petrify his adversaries. He fights Akari, half way petrifies Yuya, and completely petrifies Santera. Irritated by his treatment of Santera, Akari ungloves his/her left hand containing the "Devil Eye" and finally defeats Mekira, turning him to dust. He wielded a chain.
[edit] Indara
Similar to Mekira, she was cruel and evil. She caused a confrontation between Makora (Kotarou) and Sasuke when they were still young. She has the ability to control living things (humans, for example, like Fake Indara and Makora) and inanimate things (such as nature) with her song. She was defeated by Sasuke's Rage and Red-Eyes. She also wielded a big fan.
[edit] Kubira
He could change his body into the form of the one who is most feared/respected by his opponent. This ability also made it possible for him to copy the abilities of the person who has been replicated. He was defeated by Akira even though Kubira replicated Kyo's true body. Kubira was the father of Antera. He made a deal with the Taishirou to cure Antera's illness. As a result, her illness could not be cured but it could be "slowed",returning her body to the stage before infected, and stopping her aging. Under this deal, the Taishirou made Kubira go "berserk" which made him feel "hungry" when he saw someone even his own daughter. Kubira died because he violated the deal.
[edit] Haira
Haira has two shapes he can assume; a grotesque, obese form (which he favors, believing it to be good-looking) and a much more powerful, slim, handsome one that he assumes when he gets serious. Like the other berserkers, Haira is a cannibal, and all he can think about is food. He forces his victims to play word games with him, with the loser of each round getting assaulted by the winner. He initially got the better of the confused Bontenmaru, but eventually was forced to change into his handsome form. He was killed after a fierce battle when Bontenmaru unleashed his full power. Haira's attack is called "union core."
[edit] Aka no Ou (The Crimson King) and Red Cross Knight
[edit] Aka no Ou (Toudai - CURRENT)
The current Aka no Ou is Kyōsaburō, the third of the Red Cross Knights. He is Kyōshirō's older brother and Chinmei's younger brother. Kyousaburou had red eyes just like Kyo. He was killed by Kyoshiro, and his body was reabsorbed by the former Aka no Ou.
[edit] Aka no Ou, (Shodai - FIRST)
The first Aka no Ou is Kyo's direct ancestor and the originator of the Mibu Clan. He is a very powerful spirit who lives in Kyo's sword, Tenrō (Sky Wolf). He witnessed the clan being destroyed by violence and now sees Kyo as the clan's last hope. He showed Kyo how to use the Shin Red Eyes by teaching Kyo the history of the clan, and revealing to Kyo that the Mibu now are mere battle dolls.
[edit] Aka no Ou, (Sendai - PREVIOUS)
The former Aka no Ou (Seiyu in drama CD: Fukuyama Jun) was the Aka no Ou of the previous generation of the Mibu. He was once kind and benevolent but became evil for some unknown reason. He foresaw this change in himself and told both Kyo and Shihōdō to kill him should he ever hurt the Mibu Clan. Aka no Ou was the first of the Battle Dolls created by the true Mibu and the first of the Red Cross Knights. His real name is Kyochiro. Kyochiro is the older brother of Kyōshirō, Chinmei, and Kyousaburou. It should be noted that he is the greatest master of the Mumyou Jinpu Ryuu. He can execute three Suzaku compared to the normal one. He knows all four of the divine gods. His skills are so high that he can summon many god beasts at once. He finally fights against Kyo and gets hurt. He then tries to become a demon god, the destructive form of true Mibu, but Sasuke and Benitora appear, holding the Aka no Ou's heart, with a cross on it. This cross means that the Aka no Ou is not a true Mibu; therefore, he cannot become a demon god. The Aka no Ou calls back his heart to destroy the Red Tower and dies.
He is extremely powerful and knows every technique that the Mibu have developed. He cannot be killed unless his heart is destroyed.
[edit] Red Cross Knights
The Red Cross Knights are the personal guards of the Aka no Ou. Created from his flesh and blood, they are much stronger and more faithful than the Taishirou. It should be noted that their true identities are so secretive anyone who wants to know their true identities is immediately ordered, by the Aka no Ou, to be executed. Only select members of the Mibu Clan actually know their true identities.
[edit] Kyōchirō
Mibu Kyōchirō is the former Aka no Ou of the previous generation of the Mibu. He was once kind and benevolent, but became evil for some unknown reason. He was the first of the Battle Dolls created by the true Mibu and the first of the Red Cross Knights. Kyōchirō is the older brother of Kyōshirō, Chinmei, and Kyōsaburō. It should be noted he is the greatest master of the Mumyou Jinpu Ryuu.
[edit] Kyōjirō
Chinmei is in fact Mibu Kyōjirō. Faithful to the Aka no Ou, he worked for him and only him since the beginning. Like Kyōshirō, he massacred thousands of people considered traitors under the command of the Aka no Ou, but his story is sad. His wife had the same fate as Sakuya. She required him to kill her, and Kyōjirō accepted. His wife died, but Aka no Ou did not, and since that day, Kyōjirō kills just to forget.
[edit] Kyōsaburō
Mibu Kyōsaburō, the third of the Red Cross Knights, is the older brother of Kyōshirō and younger brother of Chinmei. Kyōsaburō had red eyes just like Kyo. He was killed by Kyōshirō, and his body was reabsorbed by the former Aka no Ou, Mibu Kyōchirō.
[edit] Kyōshirō
[edit] Taishirō (The Four Elders) and The Imperial Guards
The Taishirō are the bodyguards of the Aka no Ou. They swore allegiance and fidelity to him. The Imperial Guards are the personal guards of the Taishirou. Their powers are much more powerful than some of the Goyosei.
[edit] Fubuki
Fubuki (Seiyu: Tobita Nobuo) was once Muramasa's best friend. He was a kinder man before Muramasa left the Mibu. Fubuki is not interested in maintaining the mutual relationship between the Mibu and humans. He doesn't care about the many lives that will be lost once he starts a war between the two forces. Fubuki is also the teacher of Shinrei. He wielded the powers of water and wood. He also is a master of Mumyo Saigyoryuu just like his student Shinrei only Fubuki is far more powerful. Fubuki is also Muramasa's brother-in-law from his married with Hitoki, Muramasa's sister. Despite of her ill health, she bore him a daughter, Tokito, though Tokito plays off as Muramasa's son.
[edit] Hishigi
One of the Taishirou. He has another title, 'doctor', because he is the smartest among the Taishirou and in charge of the experiment to find the cure for the Mibu death disease. He, Fubuki, and Muramasa were once good friends. Hishigi chose to stay with Fubuki and the Mibu when Muramasa left. While still trying to find the cure, unfortunately, Hishigi is also infected with the disease. In order to continue his lifespan, he had to place part of a Medusa eye in his body. To conserve the energy of his Medusa Eyes, he has to wear a half-faced mask. This is because if the eyes' energy is depleted he will die. He wields a huge sword named “Hakuya” means “White Night” which has the ability to perform a slash at the speed of light, which he used against Yuan, another one of the Taishirou. Before Hishigi died, he transferred his memories to Akari (Ashura) so that she might continue his research of finding the Disease's cure.
Also Hishigi was one the head of the Four Elders at one point in time
[edit] Hishigi's Imperial Guards
[edit] Ashura
Ashura is actually Akari. "He" came to the Mibu Clan and met Hishigi after the rejection of the outside world. Hishigi took him in and taught him sword techniques. But, because he knew too much, Hishigi puts the Devil Eye into Akari's left hand. Hishigi made Akari the leader of his Imperial Guard, but Akari ran away and met Kyo. Akari is #13, captain of Hishigi's personal guard.
When the Devil Eye is activated, it takes over Akari's body and transforms him/her into Ashura. As Ashura, he loses all reasoning and obeys only Hishigi. His left arm is transformed into a sword. The sword is capable of turning a person to stone when it touches them.
[edit] Tokito
Tokito (時人) is known as the son of Muramasa, but he hates his father, whom he regards as a traitor. He is able to determine the destiny of people using tarot cards and the candles of fate. Immature and cruel, he enjoys the misfortune of others. In spite of his youth, he seems very strong, as he can stop Bontenmaru's Kosoga with only three fingers. He also has the last Muramasa, Hokuto Shichisei, which is a twin sword. In truth, Tokito is a girl who grew up playing off as a boy. She is the daughter of Fubuki and Hitoki, and is Muramasa's niece.
[edit] Tokito's Imperial Guards
Spade
Spade is the head of the Cards and the Imperial Guards of Tokito. He makes a short appearance and we don't know much about him, aside from that he seems to know his Master well, such as his weaknesses. Spade is certain that he is stronger than the other Cards. Later, we learn than he died, probably killed by Chinmei, who took his place.
Club, Diamond and Heart
The Cards and the Imperial Guards of Tokito. They are able to speak with their swords. During their first battle with Shinrei, they won easily, but during their second battle with him, Shinrei killed them all in one blow.
[edit] Yuan
Yuan (Seiyu in Drama CD: Okiayu Ryoutarou) is one of the Taishirou of the Mibu Clan. He was the teacher of Keikoku, who called Yuan "Yun-Yun". In the manga, Yuan was blindfolded to conceal the powers of the Red Eyes from other Clan members. He is expert in Taijutsu (hand to hand combat). In the battle with Keikoku, his Taijutsu proved to be one of his deadliest techniques. Later, in the battle with Hishigi, he was revealed that his ultimate technique is a combination of a sword technique, Taijutsu and a flame oriented technique, the same technique he taught to Hotaru/Keikoku. Yuan seems to care for Hotaru like a son although he has a harsh way of showing it.
[edit] Yuan's Imperial Guards
Anthony
Anthony is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan. He handles needles very well and can look after wounds and reveal the potential force of people with them. He is obviously able to speak with his sword and is Yuan's little brother. He reveals the potential force of Hotaru, Shinrei, and Benitora, following his defeat against Hotaru.
Anna
Anna is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's first younger sister. She is the chef in her family. She often yells after cooking. That's why her siblings are frightened of her, including Yuan.
Anjelica
Anjelica is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's second younger sister. She is the pretty one in her family. She helps Anna do chores such as doing the laundry.
Kirian
Kirian is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's younger brother. He's one of the quintuplets (Kirian, Yurian, Lilian, Erian, and Marian). He always fights with his brother, Yurian.
Yurian
Yurian is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's younger brother. He's one of the quintuplets (Kirian, Yurian, Lilian, Erian, and Marian). He always fights with his brother, Kirian.
Erian
Erian is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's younger brother. He's one of the quintuplets (Kirian, Yurian, Lilian, Erian, and Marian). He has a beard.
Marian
Marian is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's younger sister. She's one of the quintuplets (Kirian, Yurian, Lilian, Erian, and Marian). She and Lilian start to take care of their weight after Hotaru leaves them.
Lilian
Lilian is one of the Imperial Guards of Yuan and is Yuan's younger sister. She's one of the quintuplets (Kirian, Yurian, Lilian, Erian, and Marian). She and Marian start to take care of their weight after Hotaru leaves them.
[edit] Former Taishirou
[edit] Ian
Ian is the mother of Yuan and Julian's wife. A former Taishirō, she was very powerful and was killed for knowing something she should not have. Ian was very proud of her son Yuan, and put a stringcourse over his eyes so that nobody would discover that he had the red eyes.
[edit] Muramasa
Muramasa (Seiyu: Kazuhiko Inoue) is a blacksmith and the maker of the famous Muramasa swords. He was a former Taishirou. Muramasa crafted Kyo's, Sasuke's and Benitora's legendary weapons. However, he carries a heavy burden of guilt for what the Mibu have done and, in Kyo, he saw the fall of the Mibu. He left the Mibu to teach Kyo, whom he loves as a son. (Kyo was then called the Demon Child due to the unknown manner of his birth and the fact that as soon as he was born, the Mibu stopped being able to have children.)
Muramasa married a woman named Mayumi and stayed with her and her younger sister, Mahiro, in the mountains. He finally finds happiness with Mayumi but it is short-lived, as she is assassinated. Mahiro at first believes it was Kyo and thus swears to kill him, but it is later revealed to be Chinmei.
Muramasa is several hundred years old, but appears young due to a technique called "Sei", used by Mibu elders to stay alive indefinitely. Unfortunately for Muramasa, even his Sei is being wasted away by a deadly illness. He has attained Satori, which allows him to read the thoughts of others. He is also a powerful swordsman, as strong as Kyo. The illness is later reveal to be called the Death Disease, a design flaw in all Mibu constructs. The disease disintegrates their bodies.
Before catching the Death Disease, Muramasa was probably the most powerful Mibu. Even Kyo admits that Muramasa was above him.
[edit] Muramasa's Imperial Guards
Anri
Anri appears during the flashback of chapter 201. Muramasa charged him with involving Yukimura. Anri teaches the Sekireigan (which the reason for his nickname, the Terrible One) to Yukimura. Anri is the Imperial Guard of Muramasa, and when Muramasa dies, Anri's only objective is to get his family to a safe place. He is the first son of Julian and Ian.
[edit] Shihoudou
Shihoudou is the eldest Taishirou that appears in the manga. The Aka no Ou completely relies on her and made her promise to kill him if he ever became corrupted. Unable to do that, she decides to keep underground, where the failures of the clan are thrown. In spite of her appearance, she is frightening and one should not underestimate her and her hat is believe to weight 1,000 tons. She has mastered her Kusanagi sword, in which the Eight Headed Snake lives.
[edit] Goyōsei (The Five Shining Stars)
Goyōsei (lit. Five Shining Stars) are the group of five who below the Taishirō. Their duty is to carry out the orders from their superiors in the hierarchy. All members have their element tattooed on their necks.
[edit] Chinmei
(Seiyu: Madono Mitsuaki) Supposedly an advocate for love and peace, the violent Chinmei is actually a Red Cross Knight, and was most recognizable for dressing like a hippie. Chinmei is one of the Red Cross Knights, created from the true flesh and blood of the former Aka no Ou. He cannot be killed with a normal sword, only with a true Muramasa. In the Mibu Clan, he became the joker of the former Aka no Ou that gave very useful information about Kyo, Kyoshiro, the Goyōsei, and the Taishirō. He also become one of the five members of the Goyōsei and his speciality is in controlling the earth (Mumyo Dai'onryu). He never uses a weapon in battle but uses two small fans to defend and shoot his techniques. His job was to steal all four of Muramasa's swords, Tenro, Shibien, Hokurakushimon, and Hokuto Shichisei, and bring them to the former Aka no Ou. The former Aka no Ou wants them destroyed since they alone can kill or hurt the Red Cross Knights and himself.
Chinmei met Kyo for the first time in Muramasa's house, when he killed Mayumi in order to get Tenro. He was then attacked by Kyo who took the Tenro but he left instantly. The second time he fought Kyo, he lost and was supposedly killed.
During Chinmei's last battle with Yukimura and Sasuke, he showed his Shin Red Eyes form, but Sasuke still defeated him with Yukimura. Chinmei is a powerful enemy even for Kyo. Yukimura cut him in half using the Hokuto Shichisei. However, Chinmei survived. He was finally killed when the former Aka no Ou re-absorbed him for more power.
[edit] Keikoku
Before Hotaru joined the Shiseiten, he was known as Keikoku of the Five. He joined the Shiseiten as a spy for the Aka no Ou. He holds the element of Fire. He later quits the Goyōsei after Kyo defeats him. Keikoku resigns from his position when Mibu's soldiers ordered him to committed suicide. He asked for something to write and use a brush pen to cross out the 'Fire' sign on his neck; then killed all the soldiers in his sight.
[edit] Saisei and Saishi
The Goyōsei's resurrection specialists. Saishi is the one of the two that is truly of the Goyōsei. She resurrected Saisei (actually Tomoe Gozen), who is a zombie that will fight for her. Saisei (Seiyu: Ueda Kana) uses a naginata to fight; Saishi (Seiyu: Nogawa Sakura), her bare fists and brute strength. Combat seems to be a last resort for the two of them, as they usually use zombies to fight their battles. They hold the element of wood. Saisei was killed by Akira but he respected her. Saishi, on the other hand, was viewed as a monster by Akira and he used his best technique to destroy every cell in her body.
[edit] Shinrei
Shinrei (辰伶; Seiyu: Tomokazu Seki) is an ex-member of the Goyōsei who has great loyalty to his clan. He hates Kyo for abandoning the clan and ruining the clan's plan for domination. He dislikes Hotaru (Keikoku), as the latter always provokes him and has no loyalty to the Mibu.
The eldest son of a noble man of Mibu and his official wife made Shinrei a rightful heir of his branch. He has been taught to be totallty loyal and devote his life to Mibu. His has a cold and serious personality; though sometimes lose his cool easily, especially if he is provoked by Hotaru (Keikoku), his rival and half-brother.
Shinrei was told about his relation to Hotaru since his early day. After learnt that fact he has kept his eyes on his half-brother from shadow. It was Shinrei who stopped his father from sending assassins to kill Hotaru and secretly help Hotaru to participate the competition for a position in Goyōsei - which only open for competitor from noble families of Mibu. However, he never show himself as brother until his last fight with Hotaru and Kyo when he shows a surprise that Hotaru also know this fact.
Despite of their contradiction and contrast, Shinrei and Hotaru held a strong bond between brothers and consider each other as only siblings, and also rivals. After their final bout, their bond became stronger and the two even start to fight together.
He fights with a so-called "dancing sword technique" as his fight looks much like a dance. The technique is dangerous and nearly overwhelmed Kyo. Being of incredible skill, Shinrei's abilities increases as the skill of his opponents increases. Indeed, his technique is more effective against a better swordsman. The technique is based on a seemingly simple, but rather impossible, practice. He first slashes, and his opponents moves to counter accordingly, then while they are moving to counter his attack, he redirects with near impossible speed so that though it looks like his opponent is blocking, he will actually get hit instead. This is soon countered by Kyo who simply closes his eyes and "senses" Shinrei's blade. Shinrei was trained personally by Fubuki.
Shinrei's father is the founder of the Mumyou Saikyou Ryuu School of water, and this gives him control over all liquids. Indeed, after Kyo defeats his Dancing Sword Technique and wounds him, Shinrei forms a sword out of his own blood. His ultimate technique is the Mumyou Saikyou Ryuu, the Seven Water Split Dragon. He holds the element of Water.
[edit] Taihaku
A true genius of combat, Taihaku is the head of the Goyōsei. He knows many things about the Mibu Clan and knows Shiina Nozomu very well. He is a very kind person who saves and secretly raises many of the Mibu "rejects". He entered the Mibu when Aka no Ou saved him in the Jiyukai of Aokigahara in the past. He is actually a human who's lifespan was lengthened by the Aka no Oh. He has incredible speed despite his appearance. He managed to severely wound Benitora before he was defeated. He was killed by Fubuki because he "betrayed" the Mibu and wanted to join Kyo in defeating them. Unlike the other four Stars, he does not hold powers over an element. Though his tattoo is of the character for gold, he doesn't not wield a "golden power". Rather, Taihaku is the perfect samurai. His skills, determination, and power is unmatched by all but Benitora.
[edit] Mibu Clan related
[edit] Hitoki
Hitoki is Muramasa's sister. She is the first of Mibu Clan get infected by the Death Disease and the specimen for the reincarnation of Mibu plan. She was hidden in the Aka no Ou's palace so nobody will know about the disease. She was married to Fubuki and the mother of Tokito.
[edit] Julian
Julian is the blacksmith of the Mibu Clan and also the father of Yuan. Gifted at making weapons, he taught Muramasa how to smith, but his fighting ability is only above average overall. Like his son, Yuan, Julian seeks to avenge his wife, Ian.
[edit] Ruru/Lulu
Ruru is the little girl who stays with the current Aka no Ou. She chides him constantly about his mistakes, even pushing his head into a pillar. She likes playing with her toys in her left hand, making her one of the few left-handed people in the series. She also brings information to Fubuki and Hishigi. Hishigi mentioned that her brother will destroy his laboratory, although whether he actually did this is still unknown. At the end of the manga, the reason why the current Aka no Ou keeps her around is because she has the antibody to the death diseases (the cure and hope of the Mibu people).
[edit] Sakuya
(Seiyu: Yukana Nogami) Sakuya is a very powerful woman within the clan who has won the loyalties of many people, including Sanada Yukimura. She also can predict the future, as she is a seer. She had something to do with the outcome of the Battle of Sekigahara and the appearance of Demon Eyes Kyo. Kyo and Kyoshiro were apparently both in love with her at some point, and in the early part of the series they are actively searching for her.
[edit] Shiina Nozomu
Shiina Nozomu was killed by Kyoshirou four years ago, in front of his adopted sister, Yuya. Nozomu was in truth one of the greatest shaman of the Mibu Clan. He took the young Yuya in when she was a child after he found her on the streets. This man knew the valuable secret of the Mibu Clan and it is for that he was killed. Before dying he transmitted this secret to his biological sister, the shaman Sakuya.
[edit] Sanada Clan and Jyuuyuushi
[edit] Sanada Yukimura
See Sanada Yukimura and Jyuuyuushi (Sanada Ten Braves).
[edit] Sanada Nobuyuki
Sanada Nobuyuki is Yukimura's older brother and he appears in books 2 and 4. He joined the Tokugawa Clan at Battle of Sekigahara, seeming to betray his brother, which generated much animosity between the siblings. He and Yukimura fight at the Shogun Tournament, and it is later revealed that during the fight he was actually trying to teach Yukimura a lesson. Nobuyuki never betrayed the family as Yukimura thought; he joined the other side so that no matter who becomes the Shogun, the Sanada Clan would be on the winning side and survive.
[edit] Mizuki
Mizuki is a friend of Yukimura who is first introduced in a flashback in volume 11. Her main desire is for her father to not be as protective of herself and her mother. Yukimura promises to protect her, but that same evening Tokugawa attacks the city and Yukimura is unable to save Mizuki, who gives him her father's sword before dying in his arms.
[edit] Sanada Jyuuyuushi
The Sanada Jyuuyuushi (真田十勇士) are the ones who have sworn to protect Sanada Yukimura with their lives. The word Jyuuyuushi translates to be "The Ten Braves".
[edit] Sarutobi Sasuke
See Sarutobi Sasuke
[edit] Kirigakure Saizo
Kirigakure Saizo (霧隠才蔵) (Seiyu: Takashi Matsuyama) is one of the Sanada Jyuuyuushi and also a very good ninja. He has been devoted to Yukimura since his childhood.
[edit] Anayama Kosuke
Kosuke (穴山小助); Seiyu: Ogata Megumi) belongs to the Sanada Jyuuyuushi. She is also the female double of Yukimura. Her main responsibility at the beginning is to remain in Kudoyama and take care of Sakuya.
[edit] The others of the Ten
Kakei Jūzō
Servant to Sanada Yukimura. He fights Chinmei with the other Sanada Jyuuyuushi.
Miyoshi Isa
Miyoshi Isa is one of the Nyūdos Brothers in the Sanada Jyuuyuushi. He can attack by himself or combine with his brother, Miyoshi Sekai. Together they form a terrible duet able to combine their attacks. They also can form into a single body. Yukimura tells them to wear glasses because their eyes are pretty and their movements always alike. They protected Sakuya in the Red Tower.
Miyoshi Seikai
Miyoshi Seikai is one of the Nyūdos Brothers in the Sanada Jyuuyuushi. He can attack by himself or combine with his brother, Miyoshi Isa. Together they form a terrible duet able to combine their attacks. They also can form into a single body. Yukimura tells them to wear glasses because their eyes are pretty and their movements always alike. They protected Sakuya in the Red Tower.
Mochizuki Rokurō
Servant to Sanada Yukimura. He fights Chinmei with the other Sanada Jyuuyuushi.
Nezu Jinpachi
Jinpachi is quite similar to Kamanosuke. He was a disciple of Shindara when he was still Sasuke of the Sanada Jyuuyuushi. Jinpachi's weapon is attached on his left arm, which looks like a blade of some sort, like two long claws.
Unno Rokurō
Servant to Sanada Yukimura. He is in Mount Kudoyama and acted as lining with Yukimura.
Yuri Kamanosuke
Yuri Kamanosuke appears when Yukimura fights Shindara. She is the cook of the group and her specialty is bear stew. She speaks with an Akita accent. She uses two large scythes as her weapons. Like the other Sanada Jyuuyuushi, Kamanosuke believes in Yukimura and will follow him until death.
[edit] Other characters
[edit] Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu is the father of Benitora (Hidetada) and the daimyo of the Tokugawa clan. In the manga, he is portrayed as a middle-aged man and a ruthless daimyo; he is pretended to be Hattori Hanzo and used a double to play his role. Following the Shogun Tournament, he reveals himself to Kyo and the others. Later on the story, he entrusts the Hokuraku Shimon to Bactenitora and helps Kyo to defeat the Crimson King.
In the anime however, Ieyasu's appearance is actually his double's in the manga, and Hattori Hanzo is Ieyasu himself in the manga. He later turns into a Kenyou and killed by his son.
[edit] Mahiro
(Seiyu: Takahashi Mikako) Mahiro is Muramasa's sister-in-law. Although they are not blood-related, Mahiro, her sister Mayumi, and Muramasa are like a real family. Four years ago, Mahiro arrived home and saw Kyo beside her sister's dead body, holding a bloody sword in hand. She swore to avenge her sister and became a ninja under Tokugawa Ieyasu. She seems to be pregnant 11 years after the battle against Nobunaga (Benitora says you are responsible for two now)
[edit] Mayumi
Mayumi is Mahiro's sister and was married to Muramasa for a period of time after he escaped from the Mibu clan. She was killed four years ago by Chinmei, not Kyo (as Mahiro believes), before which she gave Kyo his sword, Tenrou (forged by Muramasa). However, Mahiro doesn't find out the truth until much later in the story.
[edit] Migeira
Migeira appears only in the anime. He wields another of the five true Muramasa, a large Gattling gun attached to his arm. He has two different coloured eyes(one red and the other blue), which make his enemies uneasy. He is very strong, and was found at the Tokugawa Castle. When Benitora found the Muramasa hidden there, Migeira follows the group, to keep the Muramasa together. He was an anime only character since there were only FOUR true Muramasa in the manga.
[edit] Jimon
Jimon is a minor character, and is one of the first to reveal Demon Eyes Kyo. Kyo shamed him at the Battle of Sekigahara by not killing him, and just looking down on him like he was worthless trash. He took a job as a yojimbo to a local Daikan and killed 107 people to perfect his technique and be ready to face Kyo again to regain his honour. He is a master of Hien Ken, a move that allows him to draw his sword and strike three times in the blink of an eye. Kyo challenged him to a drawing match, although Kyo's sword was almost twice as long and had no sheath. Kyo allowed Jimon to draw first, then easily kills Jimon by cutting Jimon almost in half.
[edit] Kenyou
During the battle of Sekigahara, a shooting star fell, turning the tide of victory to the Eastern Army. Also, the explosion turned humans into monsters called Kenyou. Many characters in the manga including the Jūnishinshō are taking the form of Kenyous.
[edit] References
- Anime and Manga Information at Anime News Network
- Anime and Manga Information at AnimeNfo.com.
