Brave 10

Brave 10

Cover of the first volume
ブレイブ・テン
(Bureibu Ten)
Genre Historical, Action
Manga
Written by Kairi Shimotsuki
Published by Media Factory
Demographic Seinen
Magazine Comic Flapper
Original run 2007 – December 2010
Volumes 8
Manga
Brave 10 S
Written by Kairi Shimotsuki
Published by Media Factory
Magazine Monthly Comic Gene
Original run June 15, 2011 – ongoing
Volumes 4
Anime television series
Directed by Kiyoko Sayama
Written by Mamiko Ikeda
Music by Seikou Nagaoka
Studio Studio Sakimakura (animation), TMS Entertainment (production)
Licensed by
Network Tokyo MX
Original run January 8, 2012 – March 27, 2012
Episodes 12

Brave 10 (Japanese: ブレイブ・テン Hepburn: Bureibu Ten) is a manga series by Kairi Shimotsuki, serialized in Media Factory's Comic Flapper from 2007 to 2010. The series was resumed on June 15, 2011 and retitled Brave 10 Spiral (ブレイブ・テン・スパイラル Bureibu Ten Supairaru), better known as Brave 10 S, serialized in Monthly Comic Gene. An anime adaptation by Studio Sakimakura and TMS Entertainment began airing on January 8, 2012.[1] The original manga series is licensed by Tokyopop, though no volumes have been released as of 2012. The series is based on the legendary Sanada Ten Braves, a group of ninja that assisted warlord Sanada Yukimura during the Sengoku period of Japan. The series had been licensed for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Plot

The story takes place during the Warring States period, approximately a year before the Battle of Sekigahara. Kirigakure Saizou, an Iga Ninja in search of his life's path, comes across Isanami, an Izumo shrine maiden, being attacked by assassins. Isanami, who survived the burning of Izumo Temple by Tokugawa Ieyasu's forces, is traveling to Shinshuu to seek sanctuary with Sanada Yukimura. At the same time, Sanada Yukimura is in the midst of gathering 10 subjects of extraordinary valor, the Sanada Ten Braves, whose combined strength will allow them to alter the course of history. During the course of the continuing battles, the mysterious power hidden within Isanami will awaken soon...

This story explores ideas of good, bad and balance in the world. It has a cast of unusual characters that make an unlikely family (even though many are reluctant to see it that way at first). One theme is the idea of fighting for someone and allowing yourself to be attached to others, as this makes you stronger, gives you something to fight for. It has a good balance between serious themes, action and comedy.

Characters

Saizō Kirigakure (霧隠才蔵 Kirigakure Saizō)
Voiced by: Daisuke Ono

A Ninja who originally came from Iga. He was rumored to be the "genius" ninja who has never let even a single strand of hair to be touched. It was indicated Saizo has been a cold, efficient ninja who has killed large number of people, but later changed after he met Isanami who insisted to believe in him and was saved from the darkness in his heart. While spending his days with Isanami, he begin to cares Isanami more or maybe even harbors some feelings for her. His weapon allowed him to use "senkou" (flash) that enables him to accelerate. According to Yukimura, Saizo carries the element of light, which he denies because he has taken so many lives.

Isanami (伊佐那海)
Voiced by: Rina Satō

A priestess Saizo saved in the woods, first seen running from an organization that seem to after her. After her home in Izumo is burnt down, Isanami as the only survivor went to seek refuge by Yukimura. Though it seems she always play a damsel in distress because of her kushi mitama, she regrets of making people hurt because of her and decided to run away. But later Ana encourage her to face the reality and that the strength come in different shape, boosting her confidence to become one of Yukimura's brave. Among the braves, when Saizo is the light, Isanami is actually the darkness. Later it was revealed that she was the goddess of darkness that took 1000 people lives named Isanami, and the only one that could stop her is only Saizo. She harbors feelings for Saizo too.

Sasuke Sarutobi (猿飛佐助 Sarutobi Sasuke)
Voiced by: Tetsuya Kakihara

A ninja that could communicate with the animals and always having a composed feature. He often blush whenever talk with Isanami. His element is grass.

Yukimura Sanada (真田幸村 Sanada Yukimura)
Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa

The Lord that gathers the 10 braves with his non-chalant attitude. But his subordinates are all loyal to him, especially Rokuro. He seems to possess the power to battle either by demonstrating the small duel between him and Date Masamune.

Anastasia (アナスタシア)
Voiced by: Yū Asakawa

The stranded princess from Europe to Japan and also Saizo's childhood friend. In order to return the honor back to her family, Hanzo tricked her and made her his pawn. Making her betraying the Yukimura and the braves. Her element is ice.

Benmaru (望月六郎 (弁丸))
Voiced by: Izumi Kitta

A kid Yukimura met on the way to Kyoto. He excels in traps and bombs. His element was fire while he was one of the Ten Braves before Yukimura officially adopts him as his son. After his adoption, he is now known as Yukimura Daisuke.

Masamune Date (伊達政宗 Date Masamune)
Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu

The commander in control of Oushu. With an eye patch over his right eye and white hair. Once kidnapped Isanami because wants to destoy kushi mitama that said to be able to quell the chaos in the world. He pays careful attention on Yukimura.

Hattori Hanzō (服部半蔵 Hanzō Hattori)
Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai

The head of the 5 Iga ninja. Seems to be even stronger than Saizo in terms of speed. He seeks and chased Isanami because she was the goddess of darkness. But later due to his greed and thinking that he could tame the pure darkness, Isanami who has changed into the goddess of darkness devoured his right hand. His element is fire, taking Benmaru's place after the kid's adoption.

Kakei Juzo (筧十蔵 Juzo Kakei)
Voiced by: Ryōtarō Okiayu

An up-tight and sticking to the tradition samurai that excels in sniping and loyal to Sanada Yukimura. Seems to love his gun to the point of naming them one by one. His element is metal.

Jinpachi Nezu (根津 甚八 Nezu Jinpachi)
Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai

The head of a band pirates controlling Lake Biwa. The one who soaks brotherhood to Kakei during his travels. He loves drinking sake, womens, and his ship. He once rejected the fact Isanami is a woman because of her small chest. His partner is a black panther named Veronica. His element is manipulating lightning.

Miyoshi Seikai Nyuudou (三好清海入道 Nyuudou Miyoshi Seikai)
Voiced by: Kazunari Tanaka

The one who picked Isanami in Izumo when she was a baby. When he learned about Isanami he became confused with the path of God and went to search of his own God. He thought isanami as his own sister and went to lengthy measure to protect her, including when she is being picked. He has a monstrous power and muscles that could block shuriken and crush the ground. His element is earth

Rokuro Unno (海野 六郎 Unno Rokuro)
Voiced by: Hiroshi Kamiya

Yukimura's most loyal servant and is able to record and see through anything in his right eye. He also has the power of soundwaves. His element is water.

Kamanosuke Yuri (由利 鎌之介 Yuri Kamanosuke)
Voiced by: Motoki Takagi

An unclear fact whether kamanosuke is a girl or a man. He wields a large sickle and able to control wind. He was saved by Isanami from Saizo and after letting him live, he went to follow Saizo to battle him more, and later picked by Yukimura to be one of the braves.

Ishida Mitsunari (石田 三成 Mitsunari Ishida)
Voiced by: Hikaru Midorikawa

A feudal lord of Aizu. He tried to be Yukimura's ally to fight the Tokugawa clan.

Naoe Kanetsugu (直江 兼続 Kanetsugu Naoe)
Voiced by: Shinichiro Miki

A feudal lord of Saweyama. He supports Mitsunari to form an alliance with Yukimura.

Media

Anime

Episode list

No. Title Original air date
01 "The Fateful Two"
"Unmei no Futatsu" (運命のふたり) 		January 8, 2012

Kirigakure Saizo, the wandering ninja, saved the life of Isanami, the priestess of Izumo. He agreed to take her to Ueda after she treated him with soba noodles. After escorting her to Ueda, he gets into a fight with Sarutobi Sasuke, the leader of the Sanada ninja, which was broken up by Isanami stating that she was a shrine maiden, wanting to meet Yukimura Sanada. After meeting him and his subordinate Rokurou, she told him about how the Izumo shrine was attacked and burned down. She was the only person who survived with the aid of the High Priest who asked her to go to Yukimura Sanada for help. He refuses to help saying that it was too dangerous for him to go against the 'fox', but he let her stay the night. However, she left following Saizou who she finally convinced to let her tag along. But soon after this they fell into trap made by Isanami's pursures. Saizo and Isanami were actually bait for the pursuers, so that Yukimura could catch them. But, Saizo managed to fight them off. At one point, Isanami snapped and a dome of darkness- which came from a green bead from her headband, which she used to tie her hair up - surrounded her instantly devouring the pursuers left, and withering the trees in the surrounding. Isanami had no recollection of this though. After which Yukimura told her that he would take care of her, whilst wiping away the blood from her face. Isanami then asks Yukimura to employ Saizou as he did not serve any lord. Saizo instantly protests, after which Isanami reminds him that she treated him with soba. Yukimura comments that owing a debt to a woman was shameful, causing Saizo to give in. Later while Yukimura discusses this with Rokurou, Rokurou comments It was a power that sends all life into darkness. Yukimura replies saying the one whol holds it will rule the world. He also says that his hands are not enough and that he requires 10 more to be his fingers. Rokurou attacks Saizou who was eavesdropping from the floor above. The attack causes him to go dizzy and faint as soon as he reached his room. The next morning he finds Isanami in his futon who stated that it was warmer to sleep together. Which freaked out Saizou causing him to flip the futon sideways with Isanami inside.

And I am too lazy to summarize other episodes. 
02 "Dark and Light"
"Dāku to Raito" (闇と光) 		January 15, 2012
A rumor of an uwabami has been circling around the land, while the people prepare for the harvest festival. Saizo decides to kill the beast, but according to what he discovers the kingdom is in far more danger… 
03 "Valley of Whirlwinds"
"Wāru no Tani" (旋風の谷) 		January 22, 2012
Saizo, Isanami, and Kakei are ambushed by the thief, Kamanosuke. Enjoying the battle, Kamanosuke kidnaps and tortures Isanami, to draw out the cold killer within Saizo. 
04 "The Souls of the Gods"
"Kamigami no Tamashī" (神々の魂) 		January 29, 2012
With Isanami's help, they discover a staircase to an underground cavern. Once there they are ambushed by Hanzo and Okatsu looking for the Kushimi Jewel. With Saizo injured and Kakei under Okatsu spell, an unexpected wind comes to help. 
05 "The Heart of the Dragon"
"Doragon no Seishin" (竜の懐) 		February 5, 2012
Saizo has lost his will to battle after Isanami was kidnapped by Date Masamune. Yukimura sends Sasuke and Anastasia to assist in the rescue. Isanami herself, has lost her resolve, she fears that everybody around her will be hurt. Can they overcome their insecurities or is their time over? 
06 "Taizen Meido"
"Meido Taizen" (大山鳴動) 		February 12, 2012
Yukimura invites all of his braves to the hot spring. When there Saizo, Sasuke, and Kamanosuke get in a fight with a monk named Seikai. 
07 "Sword and Fan"
"Ken to Fan" (剣と扇) 		February 18, 2012
A tea ceremony summoned all lords to the palace. Yukimura decides to travel with Rokuro, Saizo, and Isanami. On the road there they face many traps making Yukimura wish he brought more braves... 
08 "The Birth of a Warrior"
"Senshi no Tanjō" (勇士誕生) 		February 25, 2012
Ieyasu has announced that Yukimura is to be executed on the spot if he does not surrender. Blocked by the sea and an army chasing him, help will come from a new warrior; One powerful enough to stop Seikai’s blows with one hand. 
09 "The True Face of Ice"
"Kōri no Shin no Kao" (氷の素顔) 		March 4, 2012
Saizou learned the true purpose of the gathering of the 10 braves by Yukimura. Ana attacked Rokuro to stole the information hidden in his right eyes and later Isanami learned about her true nature with the kushi mitama. 
10 "The Start of Tragedy"
"Higeki no Hajimari" (惨劇の幕開け) 		March 13, 2012
The 5 Iga clan started an ambush to the 10 braves. On the verge of Saizo losing against Hanzo, Izanami's power as the goddess of darkness is awakening along her sadness. 
11 "The Wail of Darkness"
"Yami no Nageki" (闇の慟哭) 		March 20, 2012
With each of the braves losing, Isanami wished for a greater power and decided to throw the kushi mitama away in exchange to receive the power of darkness 
12 "The Warrior of Light"
"Hikari no Senshi" (光の勇士) 		March 27, 2012
Izanami awaken as the goddess of darkness and befall the power of darkness throughout the grounds. Due to the disturbance, the brave picked up their strength and retaliate to the ambush. Rokuro tried to weaken izanami who has turned into a pure darkness by sacrificing himself, but Saizo stopped and took his place and enter the darkness to rescue Isanami. 

Radio

There is a Web Radio program called " 柿原徹也・ 森川智之の BRAVE10 on the radio " [2] starring Japanese voice actor as host: Tetsuya Kakihara as Sarutobi Sasuke (猿飛佐助 Sarutobi Sasuke) and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Yukimura Sanada (真田幸村 Sanada Yukimura) It was first broadcast online in December 2011.

They usually talk about what is happening currently in the anime and manga related to Brave 10 series. Sometimes random guests from the Japanese anime cast will also come join in the radio chat. You can listen to it free of charge at the HiBiKi radio station website. However, they do update and replace the old episodes as newer episodes comes, so don't miss the chance to listen to it.

The " 柿原徹也・ 森川智之の BRAVE10 on the radio " program is also released on DVD and Mobacon format in Japan.[3] There are five volumes being released. The first volume was released on January 27, 2012 in Japan. People who pre-ordered the first volume received special photos from the Japanese voice acting radio cast.

References

  1. ↑ "Kairi Shimotsuki's Brave10 S Manga Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. July 13, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Brave 10 on the radio @ HiBiKi". hibiki-radio.jp/. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  3. ↑ "Brave 10 on the radio DVD release". mobacon.net/. Retrieved 2012-01-24.

External links