SENGOKU BASARA 2 HEROES

CHARACTERS' TRIVIA TRANSLATION

by OboroTennosuke (OboroTennosuke at hotmail dot it)

and tengumaru (thekazekage at gmail dot com)

Revision History

v2.05 (04/18/08)

Added Mouri Motonari's bio (which I had forgot)

Corrected a few typos and grammar mistakes.

v2.00 (02/13/08)

Added all 31 character bio translations.

v1.00 (01/29/08)

Added all 28 characters' trivia translations. Translations of the

characters'
Basara bio in progress.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Characters' Trivia Translations
3. Characters' Bios Translations
4. Credits

1. INTRODUCTION

The first part of this FAQ is a compilation of the historical

characters'
trivia, found by selecting the third option in the Gallery submenu.
Even though they are called "trivia", and tend to address relatively
minor
aspects of the characters' life, they sometimes tackle broader and more
central topics.

The second part contains a compilation of the translated profile of the

characters, as Capcom as reinvented them in the Basara series.
You'll find general info there.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The trivia DO NOT regard the characters as

portrayed in the Basara series, rather their
This is the reason why there aren't sections
Zabii:
the former two are fictional characters, and
inspired from the missionary Francis Xavier.
historical counterparts.
for Kasuga, Itsuki, and
the latter was very loosely

The bios, on the other hand, are there for all characters, since they
regard
their persona as portrayed in the Basara series.

2. CHARACTERS' TRIVIA TRANSLATION

AKECHI MITSUHIDE

The fortune-deciding lottery

In the tenth year of the Tensho period (1582), after the annihilation
of the
Takeda clan of Kai, Oda Nobunaga ordered Akechi Mitsuhide to move his
troops
in Saigoku (Western Honshuu, today Kinki) in aid of Hashiba Hideyoshi
(Toyotomi Hideyoshi), who was camped near Takamatsu castle in order to
subjugate the Mouri clan.

After that, Akechi, returning to Sakamoto castle in Oumi, passed close

to
Kameyama Castle and prayed at Atagoyama, and drew 2 or 3 fortunes. All
of them
resulted in “bad luck”, it is said. The Honnouji Incident’s occurrence*
was
mere days after this event.

Notes:
* Called "Honnouji no Hen" in japanese, this is the event where
Mitsuhide
betrayed and attacked Oda Nobunaga, defenseless, in Honnouji.

AZAI NAGAMASA

Even if Nagamasa died

Azai Nagamasa suffered a crushing defeat in the battle at Anegawa by

the hands
of his brother-in-law, Oda Nobunaga, against whom he revolted. His
sworn friend
Asakura Yoshikage, to whom he was the last ray of hope, committed
suicide
after receiving the Oda army’s fierce attack.

Nagamasa sent his wife, Nobunaga’s sister, and their 3 daughters to

Nobunaga;
He committed suicide with a sword in Otani castle. His daughters,
named Chacha, Hatsu and Gou, each followed fates of elegant pursuits.
Nagamasa’s Chacha would become Hideyoshi’s concubine –Yodogimi- and
give birth
to his eldest son, Hideyori.
After Hideyoshi’s death, having the authority derived from being
Hideyori’s
real mother, soon confrontation with Tokugawa Ieyasu broke out; after
being
defeated at Osaka’s summer siege she committed suicide along with
Hideyori.
Hatsu, the second daughter, tried extensively to mend, as a mediator,
the
progressively worsening relations between the Toyotomi family, which
her elder
sister had married into, and the Tokugawa family, which her younger
sister
married into.

The third daughter, Gou, became the legal wife of the second Tokugawa
Shogun
Hidetada, and Third Shogun Iemitsu’s mother. Even if Nagamasa died, his
blood
lineage ruled the country.

CHOUSOKABE MOTOCHIKA

Ichiryou Gusoku (literally, “Fief Armor(s)”)

Chousokabe Motochika’s strength in war was the group of fighters called

“Ichiryou Gusoku”. The Ichiryou Gusoku is a group of people that
usually tended
to the fields, but would scamper over to the battlefield as soon as a
battle
started. Chousokabe would put them in order, rally their strength, and
defeat
powerful clans in every area, successfully becoming the ruler of
Shikoku.

However, after losing to Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his conquest of

Shikoku,
Chousokabe spent the rest of his life as Hideyoshi’s subordinate. After
that,
the Chousokabe clan served the Toyotomi clan until its demise in the
summer
siege of Osaka.

Also, when Hideyoshi summoned the daimyou for the opening of a boat
meeting,
Chousokabe only tasted a little bit the Manju he received from
Hideyoshi, and
brought them back to his subordinates. This episode is known as an
example of
Chousokabe’s considerate attitude towards his subordinates.

DATE MASAMUNE
Are you Gourmet?

Date Masamune, the One-Eyed Dragon, who set his aim on Japan’s
domination.
Despite the cruel image that precedes him, it is said that cooking was
his
hobby.
Originally he went to cooking for the sake of developing army
provisions.

Iwadeyama’s frozen tofu and natto as army provisions were finally

developed by
Masamune’s research on cooking. It is also said that those excellent
meals
themselves are the secret to the Date army’s strength.

Moreover, he had built a large-scale miso storehouse under Aoba castle.

Masamune was also the one who set up the first miso mass production
structure in Japan.

Opposing sentiment against Masamune’s cooking was high: word remains

that
“during banquets, master would cook and entertain (guests) personally,
nonchalantly serving seasonal fruit”.

FUUMA KOTARO

The Received Name

The Fuuma Clan were a group of ninja that served the Houjou Family
since the
days of Houjou Sou'un.

Since their base was located in a place called Fuuma*, they started
calling themselves Fuuma**. It is said their speciality was night
combat,
and they had exceptional skills in mounted combat.

The name "Kotaro" was not used to refer to a single person - it was the
title
that passed through the generations and indicated the head of the Fuuma
Clan.

Between the several Fuuma Kotaro that existed, the one that showed the
most
brilliant results in battle was the fifth, the one that served Houjou
Ujimasa.

Some of the battles that Fuuma participated were the Night Battle of
Kawagoe
and the Battle of Kisegawa. Specially the latter had the details of the
Fuuma
action described in the "Houjougodaiki" (chronicles of the Fifth Houjou
generation).

After the Houjou Clan was destroyed, the members of the Fuuma Clan
became a
band of thieves, and it is said that they dominated the nights of Edo.

Notes:

* The kanji mean "wind" and "space"

**The kanji mean "wind" and "demon"

HOUJOU UJIMASA

The Odawara conference

The Odawara castle, famous for being impregnable, was laid under siege
in the
eighteenth year of Tenshou (1590) by an army gathered by Toyotomi
Hideyoshi
from the whole country, for the sake of subjugating the Houjou. In this
instance, the Houjou clan and its chief vassals engaged in a conference
debating whether to surrender to the Toyotomi army, or going to war
against
them.

After many days a conclusion could still not be reached, and the castle,
sadly, fell. The saying “Odawara conference”, passed down to this day,
reflects the situation of the Houjou clan’s and its chief vassals’
conference;
in other words, “as much as it may last, it’s a conversation that cannot
reach a conclusion” is what it means.

Incidentally, Date Masamune too participated in the Odawara assault.

Firstly,
he had no intention to obey Hideyoshi’s request, but, following Katakura
Kojuuro’s advice, he decided to attack Odawara.

HONDA TADAKATSU

The One who Only Wins

Since his childhood days, Honda Tadakatsu served Ieyasu Tokugawa and
assisted him until the end of his life.

The name "Tadakatsu" means "The One Who Only Wins", and was given to
Honda by
Ieyasu himself, who at the time was still called Matsudaira Motoyasu.

Just like the name suggests, it is said that even though Tadakatsu
participated in more than 50 battles, he didn't suffer injuries in any
of them.

The battle that made Tadakatsu's name famous in all Japan was the
Battle of
Hitokotozaka, that happened in the the third year of the Genki Era
(1572).
He showed so much prowess in battle that someone in the Takeda Army left
written: "The only two things that surpass Ieyasu are his Chinese helmet
and Honda Heihachi (Tadakatsu).

Besides from that, Tadakatsu was present in the Anegawa Battle, the
Mikatagahara Battle, the Nagashino Battle, at Komaki Nagakute, on the
siege
of Odawara Castle, and almost every other battle that had Ieyasu
involved.

It is said also that he put himself in great risk by pursuing Shimazu

Yoshihiro in his retreat from Sekigahara.

HONGANJI KENNYO

Honganji Kennyo and Oda Nobunaga

Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu* (Ikkoshu**). Founded

by Shinran
it was later developed in Ishiyama, in the Osaka region. Kennyo was the
eleventh abbot. The growing Honganji controlled the Ikko-Ikki, thus
wielding
an influence so great it could be compared to a Sengoku Daimyo’s; at
the same
time, it suffered Oda Nobunaga’s persecution, while he was heading to
Kyoto.

Firstly, Kennyo resigned himself to accepting Nobunaga’s request for

money and
goods. But this request would get more and more exorbitant, eventually
demanding the surrender of the Ishiyama Honganji. Kennyo opposed this,
and
fought throughout the following 11 years. The Ikko-Ikki were formed by
Ikkoshu
believers, for the most part, and were peasants that suffered under the
current harsh rule. They continued their opposition believing in the
words
“Advancing means Heaven, Retreating means Hell” and became a serious
obstacle
for Nobunaga.

Kennyo, thanks to the support of these peasants, bore the brunt of the
Oda
siege, and confronted Nobunaga for months and years. They say that if
Kennyo
hadn’t existed, Nobunaga’s unification would have been as many as 10
years
before.

Notes:

* The Jodo Shinshu is a Buddhist school, today the most practiced one
in Japan
** Peasants, and middle classes' people rebelling under the tyrannical
governments of the time. Mainly affiliated under certain temples.

IMAGAWA YOSHIMOTO

The best archer of Kaidou*

A lover of the capital’s and the Imperial court’s customs, famous for
his
teeth-blackened** figure, Imagawa Yoshimoto was called the best archer
of
Kaidou, and was a first-rate administrator too.

When he was eighteen years old, after inheriting the command of his
family, he
formed an alliance with the Takeda of Kai with his marriage, thus
building a
secure relationship, and kept working to spread his influence.

In the eighteenth year of Tenbun (1549) he took back the Matsudaira

hostage***
(Tokugawa Ieyasu) from the Oda who had snatched him, and successfully
took
Mikawa under his influence. On another note, it is said that Yoshimoto,
who
had a long torso but short legs, was incapable of mounting a horse.

Notes:

*Old name of Hamadoori, city in the Fukushima prefecture (Eastern

Honshuu).
**A sign of beauty and refinement among nobles.
*** Taking hostages was a common practice for feudal lords to ensure the
loyalty of the hostage’s family.

KATAKURA KOJUURO

The great commander combining both wisdom and courage

Katakura Kojuuro, who served the Date for two generations as chief
vassal,
under Date Masamune and his father Terumune, is a great commander
combining
wisdom and courage, the likes of which the Date household cannot stand
to lose.
His abilities showed most satisfyingly in administration; he always
continued
to support Masamune in both warfare and politics. Especially famous is
an
anecdote according to which when Masamune lost his sight in his right
eye,
Kojuuro removed it with a small knife.

Kojuuro headed off to the battlefield with Masamune in many wars, such
as
Hitotoribashi, Suriagehara, Sekigahara and the Odawara assault, gaining
military victories and achievements. It is also said that during
Masamune’s
first battle, he was deeply wounded by the enemy and in dire danger; as
soon
as Kojuuro knew this, he introduced himself as Date Masamune and,
acting as
a decoy, lured away the surrounding foes.

MAEDA KEIJI

Kabukimono, Maeda Keiji

Maeda Keiji,generally famous because of his wildly extravagant antics,

was also
a man whose fighting prowess with the spear excelled even when he
started
training, had a deep understanding of classical texts like the Genji
Monogatari, and whose taste for Waka was exquisite.

Finding himself in disagreement with his uncle Maeda Toshiie,he fled

from the
Maeda residence. It is said that in this occasion Keiji, flattering
Toshiie,
made him soak in a cold water bath, then snatched a horse and ran away.
Afterwards Keiji took shelter and began working in the service of the
Uesugi
clan; he showed his valor during the clash against Mogami Yoshiaki and
Date
Masamune, called the "Hasedou Castle battle".

The Maeda Keiji Dochuu Nikki (Maeda Keiji's travel journal) is a symbol
of
Keiji's great culture: it collects his writings, from Kyouto until the
trying
arrival in Yonezawa, and many Haiku and Waka composed by him. It is
highly
noteworthy also because it contains important data on that time's
customs.

MAEDA TOSHIIE
The man who once fell into ruin

Maeda Toshiie, in his younger days, was a popular youth in the Oda army
for his
vigor and energy, and an excellent commander who was favorably
consolidating
his social standing. However, he quarreled with one page Nobunaga was
taking
care of, named Juuami, and ended up slaying him.

After that, the enraged Nobunaga discharged Toshiie, who was degraded to
master-less Ronin*. Despite that, Toshiie still had faith in Nobunaga
as his
master and in the 2 years since he became a Ronin, he participated by
his own
will in many battles, such as Okehazama, as part of the Oda army; yet
even
though he committed many glorious deeds, he was not forgiven.

It was because of his exploits in the Moribe battle that he was at last
allowed to return to his master’s service. This easy-going firmness of
belief
into his master shows Toshiie’s direct and upright personality. Quite
plausibly, it is said that this episode was Nobunaga’s way of testing
Toshiie’s dependability. After that, Toshiie distinguished himself in
the
Oda army, on the road to becoming the great Daimyo who will obtain
1 million koku** in Kaga.

Notes:

* A Ronin is a master-less Samurai, the lowest position for a samurai on

the hierarchy.
** A koku is an ancient unit of measurement, and equals roughly 278
litres.
(3, 6 koku = 1 cubic metre). In this context, it refers to the income
samurai
received, calculated in koku of rice.

MATSU

The merits of marital support

Married to Maeda Toshiie, said to be a wise and good wife, Matsu

continually
supported Toshiie from the shadows; even when he fell into bad spirits
after
being exiled from the Oda household, she cheered him on and sent him
off to
battle.

Another of Matsu’s roles was mediating between Toshiie and his vassals.
To mothers who lost their child in battle, she wrote letters like this:
“(regarding condolences about your son’s death), there is nothing I can
say,
but he worked well.” Taking appropriate care of the vassals, never
tired of
looking after them, she spent much effort in deepening the bonds between
masters and servants of the Maeda household.

When there was suspicion that the Maeda were planning to rebel against
the
Tokugawa, she personally went to Edo, where she remained for 14 years in
light confinement, to show proof of their innocence. After this, Matsu
would
set foot on her land of Kanazawa no more.

The Maeda household is one of the few who gained prestige throughout the
passage through history of the Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa, though it
is said
that if it wasn’t for the merits of Matsu’s marital support it would
have been
impossible.

MATSUNAGA HISAHIDE

Sengoku’s ringleader

Oda Nobunaga judged Matsunaga Hisahide as such: “He succeeded in three

things,
each one impossible by a common person’s standard.” The first one is the
betrayal of his former lord, Miyoshi Choukei; the second is the murder
of
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru; the third is burning down the Todaiji’s
Daibutsuden*.

The greatly crafty Matsunaga, though infamous as Sengoku’s ringleader,

is
known as an architecture expert and a deeply cultured man. Also, he was
famous
as master of the tea ceremony; two of his possessions, the
“Tsukumonasu”** and
the “Hiragumo*** teakettle” were the object of many tea ceremony
masters'
desires. The “Tsukumonasu” was presented to Nobunaga during his voyage
to the
capital (Kyoto) as proof of subservience.

He’s also a rare man, since he rebelled twice against Nobunaga, and yet
he was
forgiven both times. The second time he rebelled, Nobunaga proposed to
Matsunaga, barricaded in Shigisan castle, that if the latter would cede
the
Hiragumo teakettle, his life would have been spared.
However, Matsunaga refused and smashed the Hiragumo teakettle to bits;
then
he set fire to some explosive and blew himself up. Matsunaga’s cherished
Tsukumonasu was named after a section of the Ise Monogatari: “momotoseni
ichitose tarinu tsukumogami ware wo koifurashi omokage ni miyu”****

Notes:

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todaiji
** White Aubergine/Eggplant.
*** Flat-shaped spider of the family Urocteidae.
**** One year short of a hundred, the white haired lady must be longing
for
me, since I seem to see her face.

MIYAMOTO MUSASHI

Miyamoto Musashi’s strategy book

Miyamoto Musashi, who made his name famous because of his mastery of
the sword,
also left behind impressive writings and calligraphic art; he is also
known
for authoring many strategy books.

Among them, the most famous one is the strategy book called the “Book of
Five Rings”. The Book of Five Rings was written by Musashi in his later
years,
and is composed of 5 volumes: Volume of Earth – Volume of Water –
Volume of Fire – Volume of Wind – Volume of Void.

(The “Book of Five Rings” imitates as rings the Five Elements of

Esoteric
Buddhism; they are named after the Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Void
Ring.)
In the Book of Five Rings there is the origin of his adherence to
“thorough
victory”, which stems from his battle experience. For that purpose
rational
tactics, and lastly the rightful way for humans to live their life,
among other
topics, are therein recorded.

Arriving later then the designated time and irritating Sasaki Kojiro
were
also used as ways to gain victory in the Ganryuujima duel; from this it
is
possible to see his way of thinking.

The now existing Book of Five Rings is an arbitrarily copied text;

Musashi’s
original work has been lost.
MORI RANMARU

A rare faithful heart

Mori Ranmaru showed a rare faithful heart towards Oda Nobunaga. There
are
many anecdotes exemplifying his wit as a page. A monk had presented as
gifts
many tangerines, and Ranmaru was carrying them on a board, when Nobunaga
cautioned him: “It’s dangerous with so many put that way, you’re going
to fall"
As the warning said, Ranmaru fell down.

The day after, to a colleague who felt sorry for him, Ranmaru said “I
fell
down on purpose, as to show that master’s judgment was correct”.
Another time,
when Nobunaga said he would have given his prized sword to whoever could
guess how many engravings it had on the sheath, only Ranmaru kept quiet
and did not answer.

To Nobunaga, who wanted to know the reason for that, he said “When
Master
was doing his business, I was waiting holding the sword, so I counted
the
engravings, and I already know.” Nobunaga, moved, gave the sword to
Ranmaru.
Thanks to his faithful heart, while he was a page he managed being
promoted to
the position of castle lord.

MOURI MOTONARI

The Mouri household’s family crests

One of the family crests of the Mouri household depicts

“three stars below a line”; there are two theories regarding the origin
of this shape.

The first theory says that it is modeled on the three stars of the
constellation Orion. These three stars are also called Karasukiboshi*
(also written Hikoboshi**), and, being known as “Generals’ Stars” in
China,
according to warriors they are good omens. As for the second theory,
the symbol is made to represent the official rank of the Mouri clan’s
founder, Abon Shinnou.

The historically dated Mouri clan has had many family crests, like the
“Sixteen-petaled Chrysanthemum”, the “Five-Seven Paulownia”***,
the “Eight Arrow Notches Wheel”, the “Sagittaria Trifolia”,
the “Tsurumaru****” , the “Arrow Notch in a Circle” and others;
putting them all together, more than 10 kinds can be counted.
Notes:
*Plow stars
**Altair
***It’s called like this because when it blooms, the flowers’ number
pattern is 5-7-5
****Tsuru means crane; Maru (circle) might refer to the emblem’s
circular shape, but it is also a suffix for male names.

Links:

Three stars below a line

http://www.harimaya.com/o_kamon1/tisiki/mouri.jpg

Sixteen-petaled Chrysanthemum
http://www.mmjp.or.jp/tajimamori/14-04jurokuyoukiku.jpg

Five-Seven Paulownia
http://www.iond-univ.org/old-log/gositi-toukamon.jpg

Eight Arrow Notches Wheel

http://www.joaf.co.jp/tyochin/bon-tyochin/kamon-hyou/
kamon-hyou-00-.jpg (nr. 66)

(I’m not 100% sure it’s the right one, but it DOES look like the name
says)

Sagittaria Trifolia
http://www.himeji.jp/himeji_jyo/img_kamon/omodaka.jpg

Tsurumaru
http://www.onigawara.com/03_ornament/02/kamon/30_2.gif

Arrow Notch in a Circle

http://www.harimaya.com/o_kamon1/tisiki/yahazu.jpg

NOUHIME

The Serpent's Daughter

Nouhime's father, Saito Dosan was called "Serpent Dosan".

When he was 19 years old, he came to Mino as an oil merchant. Even being
trusted and favored by Toki Yorinari*, he ended up banishing the Toki
Clan and
became the ruler of the Mino Province. He was a true model for the
Gekokujo
movement**.
When Nouhime married Oda Nobunaga, Dosan gave her a knife and ordered
her to
kill him, if he was proved to be the fool all thought him to be. But
then,
Nouhime turned to her father and answered: "This may become the blade
that
slays you, my father".

After that, Nouhime was said to be a very intelligent woman.

Notes:

* Toki Yorinari was the lord of Mino before Dosan

** The "Gekokujo" was the name of a social movement that happened the
Sengoku
Era, where lowly lords started to overthrow their old masters.

ODA NOBUNAGA

The words “It must be a foolish rumor”

The alliance with Azai Nagamasa thrown away, Oda Nobunaga started the
attack
against the Asakura clan. However, the reason why Nobunaga, who had
started his
invasion in favorable conditions, had to do a complete turn and
withdraw was
the determined Nagamasa, disaffected by Nobunaga’s breach of trust.

That time, Nobunaga didn’t think for a second that Nagamasa, whom he
had given
his sister Oichi as wife, could have betrayed him. Nobunaga could not
believe
so suddenly that he had broken away from him; his words were “It must
be a
foolish rumor”.

After that, in the first year of the Genki era (1570), in the hard-
fought
Anegawa battle, the attack of the Azai army was especially fierce, so
much
that 11 steps of the “Oda army 13 steps formation” were destroyed.

OICHI

The azuki bag

The following anecdote has been preserved to this day:

When the alliance with Azai Nagamasa was broken, Oda Nobunaga started
the
attack on the Asakura clan of Echizen, causing disaffection on
Nagamasa’s part.
Nobunaga, who was in a dangerous situation, having the Asakura in front
and
the Azai behind, had already started his attack on Echizen and did not
know
about this.

Oichi, who knew about Nagamasa’s betrayal, sent an azuki bag with both
ends
tied to her brother Nobunaga, under the pretense of providing comfort
to the
soldiers at the frontlines. That was a bag with no openings.

In other words, since it carried the meaning of “mouse in a bag”,

implicitly
it was made to disclose the existence of the Azai army, planning to do a
pincer attack. Because of this, Nobunaga passed through Kyoto and
retreated
to Gifu, narrowly escaping a difficult time.

SANADA YUKIMURA

Sanada’s Rokumonsen

The Sanada clan’s insignia is the famed Rokumonsen (Emblem of Six

Sen*), which
is depicted as six un-inscribed sen, aligned three by three in two rows.
These six un-inscribed sen are symbolic of the Six Realms of Existence,
namely Hell Realm – Hungry Ghost Realm – Animal Realm – Asura Realm –
Human Realm – Heaven Realm, and the fare that the dead pay to be able
to pass
the Sanzunokawa**, on the seventh day after dying.

This emblem’s meaning shows the Sanada clan’s strong determination in

battle,
since it represents constant preparedness to facing death.

Notes:

* one Sen today corresponds to 1/100 yen

** The river the dead must cross, similar to the Styx

SARUTOBI SASUKE

The people’s Hero

Sarutobi Sasuke was part of the Sanada Ten Braves. They are 10
underlings
of Sanada Yukimura, a commander active in the late Sengoku era.
Composed by Sarutobi Sasuke, Kirigakure Saizo, Miyoshi Seikai Nyuudou,
Miyoshi
Isa Nyuudou, Unno Rokurou, Nezu Jinpachi, Mochizuki Rokurou, Anayama
Kosuke,
Kakei Juuzou, and Yuri Kamanosuke, it was a group whose members could
use
freely powerful and outlandish techniques.

While their existence is not completely proven, Because of Sanada

Yukimura’s
heroic actions in the Osaka summer siege, against powerful foes, from
the
people’s oral tradition and stories these legendary heroes spontaneously
appeared.

SHIMAZU YOSHIHIRO

The General Who Was Called an "Oni"

Among the generals of the Sengoku Era, many were called Oni, but it is
said
that none deserved that title more than Shimazu Yoshihiro .

There were many displays of his valor in battle, and even during his
advance
on the Kyushuu region, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was precautious of the
military
power of the Shimazu Clan.

In the incredible war history left by Yoshihiro, the most famous one
was
the evacuation of Sekigahara. Having joined the western army and
tasting defeat, Yoshihiro led nearly three hundred men right trough the
middle of the enemy formation. That is what today is called
"The Shimazu Escape Route".

Having succeeded in his withdrawal and back to Kagoshima, Yoshihiro

prepared for a final battle with Ieyasu and held peace negotiations at
the same time. Fearing Yoshihiro because of the evacuation of
Sekigahara,
Tokugawa Ieyasu had no choice but to recognize the sovereignty of the
Shimazu clan. This shows that Yoshihiro was also an experienced leader,
not just a warrior that depended only in brute force.

Besides that, when participating in a battle with lots of casualities,

Yoshihiro always built graves and performed sending rituals to both
enemies and allies.

It is said that the great heart of the Shimazu Clan of forgetting

grudges
after the end of the battles started with Yoshihiro.
TAKEDA SHINGEN

Fuurinkazan*

The famous 'Fuurinkazan' that starts with "Swift like the wind..." was
in the
war flag of the Takeda Clan, and came from 'Military Manouvers", the
seventh
chapter of Sun Tzu's military strategy book, "The Art of War".

But not many people know that there's a continuation to this

Fuurinkazan,
which was not written in the war flags.

"Swift like the wind"

"Silent like a forest"
"Aggressive like fire"
"Unmovable like a mountain"
"Mysterious like a shadow"
"Move like a trembling of a thunder"

From this strategy, one can know that Shingen was not a wild warlord,
that used only brute force. On the contrary: he was a very resourceful
one,
always thinking of strategies in order to win.

Notes:

* 'Fuurinkazan' translates directly into "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain".

TAKENAKA HANBEI

Hanbei of the unknowing face

The attitude of feigning ignorance, pretending not to notice things is

called
“Hanbei of the unknowing face”; its origin lies in the conversation
between
Oda Nobunaga and Saito Yoshitatsu, in which their discord dramatically
heightened (as portrayed in the Joruri* play “Konoshita Kagehazama
Battle”,
in the Takenaka fortress scene).

Nobunaga, wary of the famous tactician Takenaka Hanbei’s abilities,

ordered
Maeda Toshiie to befriend Hanbei’s daughter, in order to make him into
an ally.
However, Hanbei saw through this ploy, and while maintaining an
unknowing
expression spied on the Oda army’s intelligence.

From this, it has been used as an example of someone who saw through
everything
yet takes an unknowing attitude. Historically, after serving Toyotomi
Hideyoshi
Hanbei contracted a lung disease, and on Hideyoshi’s advice he took
some time
to nurture his health.

However, since for warriors the place to die could only be the
battlefield,
Hanbei returned to it and there he passed away. It is said that, when
Hideyoshi knew of his death he cried over his dead body, not caring
about
the presence of people around him.

Notes:

*Joruri is a type of musical accompaniment, present, for instance,

in Bunraku plays.

TOKUGAWA IEYASU

Ieyasu and Tempura.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was always a very healthy person, he had great

knowledge of
medicine and compounded them personally.
Also, he always encourage simplicity in meals and even set up a
schedule for
that purpose.

Even so, there is a rumor that says that the cause of his that was no
other
than a kind of food, despite Ieyasu's precautions.

When he was 75 years old, he got in the mood for some red snapper
Tempura and
started eating so violently that ended up dying by food poisoning.

But officially, the cause of his that is considered to be other.

TOYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI

Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his later years

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who took the chance after killing Akechi Mitsuhide
in the
Yamazaki battle, and succeeded Oda Nobunaga successfully, became a
vicious
person in his later years.

Aware of his old age, he wanted his son Hideyori to succeed him; for
this he
exiled his son-in-law Hidetsugu, whom he had assigned the title of
Kanpaku,
and forced him to commit suicide, thus casting a dark shadow on the
future of
the Toyotomi administration.

After this, Hideyoshi, in the Fushimi castle, died leaving this

ephemeral
sentence: “Falling dew, disappearing dew, my body, Naniwa* too, a dream
after
a dream”.

Notes:

*Naniwa is the old name for the Osaka region.

UESUGI KENSHIN

Uesugi’s Nokizaru*

The daimyou of the Sengoku era employed first-rate Ninja teams for the
purpose
of information gathering. Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo is also known for
the Ninja
team he had, called “Nokizaru”.

Nokizaru’s actions have been reported in the 4th battle at

Kawanakajima. When
both sides stared at each other for several days, the Takeda army split
into
two parties; one approached the Uesugi army’s rear, thus starting the
woodpecker strategy**.

However, after struggling to arrive at Saijoyama, there was no one

where the
Uesugi army should have been. This because the Nokizaru noticed quickly
the
Takeda army’s actions, and informed Uesugi Kenshin of them, it is said.

Uesugi Kenshin was not the only one who utilized first-rate Ninja teams;
their existence has been reported also in the Takeda, Date, Tokugawa,
Houjou
and Maeda clans.

Notes:

* Literally, Monkeys of the Eaves

** This strategy consists in sending a small battallion to approach the
rear
of the enemy army; when the attacked army retreats to regroup, the main
army
ambushes it attacking the opposite flank. It is named after the method
used by
woodpeckers to hunt their prey (hitting the tree’s bark to make them
come out
scared, and then catching them with the beak).

3. CHARACTERS' BIOS TRANSLATION

Note: As you can see, I added the characters' titles next to their
names,
because I felt it would make the bios more complete, and someone
requested them on the board some time ago.
Please take the translations with a grain of salt, since they're just
one
possibility among many, and some might be quite wrong
(Imagawa Yoshimoto's in particular).

Maeda Keiji - Dazzling Magnificence

Maeda house's own vagabond, nephew to Maeda Toshiie and Matsu.

Having been raised with the loving relationship between husband and wife
in front of him, he's unusually prone to falling in love.

This is the reason why, rather than fighting in war or unificating the
country,
he thinks making even one person happy is something wonderful above
everything else.

Date Masamune - Oushuu*'s First and Foremost

The originator of the "Dateotoko**" expression,he's a cool guy who uses

foreign speech as well. During the Sengoku tumults too, he enforces his
"stylish" will, trusting in his way of life.

He aims at the country's unification in order to put an end to the chaos

brought about by the Sengoku era.

After meeting Sanada Yukimura he gained a fateful rival.

Notes:

*Northern Japan
**Dateotoko means "man like Date", and is used even today to designate
men with exquisite taste in clothing.
Katakura Kojuuro - Chivalry and Howling Virtue

Date Masamune's most trusted retainer, but also a brotherly figure to

him.
He's the only one Masamune has ever trusted to cover his back.

He has a strong sense of honor, never twists his beliefs, and overflows
with
chivalrous spirit; he is ready to give his life for Masamune at any
time.

As a warrior, he's exceptionally skilled; he wishes for the moment of

his
passing away to be during an earnest fight, thus showing a battle-loving
side.

Sanada Yukimura - Matchless Spear, Ruler of the Heavens

A hot-blooded young man serving the Takeda family of Kai, sometimes

he loses track of his surroundings because of his overflowing
emotions...

He feels deep affection and respect for Takeda Shingen, whom he

regards as his life's mentor, and thinks that Shingen is the only one
fit for
ruling the country.

After meeting Date Masamune, he gained a fateful rival.

Takeda Shingen - Supreme Ruler, God of War

The supreme commander of the Takeda household, who aims at

advancing to the capital to gain control of the country.
He's a brave warrior who fights actively in the front lines, but also a
cunning leader who brings his army to victory.

He likes being adressed as "House Lord"; Sanada Yukimura, especially,

has vivid respect and affection for him, whom he regards as his life's
mentor.

He has reciprocated respect for his rival and comrade Uesugi Kenshin.

Sarutobi Sasuke - Whirlwind Running in the Azure Sky

This ninja in the service of the Takeda household is also the leader of
the
Sanada unit.

He has an aloof personality, quite unlike ninjas, and usually views

things
from a detached position; yet he also has a cooler side which leads him
to
completing his task, unconcerned whether he will live or die in the
process.

He comes from the same village of the kunoichi Kasuga, who serves under
Uesugi Kenshin.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi - World Splitting Fighting Emperor

The ruler who stood up to put in order the ruined country and shape it
into
a strong one known all over the world.

Without looking back to the past, he is determined to march onwards

no matter what; he has many adoring subordinates because of his
charisma and outstanding generosity.

He regards the Devil King Oda Nobunaga as the cause of the country's
downfall.

Takenaka Hanbei - Pale Blue Fury, Lightning-Fast Subjugator

Sengoku's best genius tactician; for the sake of his close friend
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he builds the most powerful army, whittling away
his own life.

On the other side of his gentle and elegant manners lies the most
cunning
strategist of the Sengoku; He uses a flexible sword capable of turning
into a sword or a whip, confusing his enemies even in the air with
playfully
magnificent techniques.

Mouri Motonari - Astute general of many crafts

For victory, only for victory, this ruthless strategist uses selfish
plans and
acts the same way. He has complete trust into his schemes; he sees the
lives of his own subordinates as nothing more than pawns.

His handsome facial expressions as well are a tool to control others,

a performance acted to deceive.

Chousokabe Motochika - The Flawless One

The lucky adventurer of Sengoku, hailing from Shikoku and coveting

country domination.

He wanders the sea, collecting hidden treasure from many places.

His personality is extremely helpful and generous, and many
subordinates affectionatedly call him "elder brother*".

Furthermore, he is broad-minded, which allows him to accept gladly

new kinds of strategies and weapons.

Notes:
*Used as a sign of respect for elders in gangs.

Oda Nobunaga - Demon King, Dominator of the Heavens

The Demon King, matchless in his cruelty, attempts to dominate the

country with terror.

Calling himself by the name of Demon King of the Sixth Heaven*, he

confronts all of his enemies by giving them death and terror, invading
the whole country carrying the Tenka Fubu** flag.

The conflict with the up-and-coming Toyotomi has become an all-out

clash.

Notes:
*The Sixth Heaven represents our world, the sixth and last world of
Desire. The Demon King of this Heaven is called Mara in Sanskrit; it
is known for disrupting those who attempt to reach Enlightenment.
**It is interpreted as "Militarism spread throughout the land" or
"Taking
control of the country thanks to military power"

Nou Hime - Unparalleled Flourish

Wife of Oda Nobunaga the Demon King, she's the foremost aide in
Nobunaga's plans for ruling the country. During battle, although her
physical strength is severely lacking, she overwhelms the opposition
handling her two pistols with grace.

She's determined to dirty her own hands with blood, as a butterfly

dancing in the battlefield, all for the sake of her beloved Nobunaga.
Mori Ranmaru - Pure Truth, Slayer of Evil

A boy in the service of Oda Nobunaga, he adores and reveres

Nobunaga like no one else, as if he was a superior being.

Because of his childish and innocent heart, his never tired of "beating
up"
enemies type of personality, he has been nicknamed
"Child of the Demon King" by the foes terrified by his figure,
slaughtering
enemy after enemy.

Tokugawa Ieyasu - Incarnation* of the Eastern Shine

The powerful optimist who stood up at the last moment, carrying the
hollyhock emblem on his shoulders. He is blessed from birth with an
exceptional good luck.

Commanding Honda Tadakatsu, he has set his aim on the domination

of the country. His amiable personality is liked by everyone, he's a
warm-hearted person who wishes not to lose even one subordinate in
war.

Notes:
*Gongen in Japanese. It's the Title given to Ieyasu after his death.

Honganji Kennyo - Rich in Faith, Newborn Star

The monk who put in order the head temple Honganji, he's a great man
madly in love with money and muscular strength.

With the words "Our money is pure gold, our bodies' fat percentage is
zero"
as his creed, he never misses the morning runs and sit-ups with his monk
disciples.

Unsatisfied with the savings' amount, he invades many countries, with

the
roaring strength of money and muscles*.

Notes:
*This is a wordplay, since money and muscles are pronounced the same
way in Japanese (kin)

Kasuga - Bathed in Moonlight, for the Lord's Sake

A Kunoichi that adores Uesugi Kenshin. For his sake she decided to
fight alongside him, becoming his most trusted retainer.

Despite this, she is a caring and gentle person. She doesn't realize
that
continuing to fight means driving herself against a wall. She comes from
the same village of the Ninja Sarutobi Sasuke, who serves under
Takeda Shingen.

Uesugi Kenshin - Holy Commander of Divine Speed

A natural born fighting genius.Hoping to know the limits of his

strength,
he participates in the tumults. He's a follower of Bishamonten*,
the God of War.

Due to his mobility, allowing him to kill in the blink of an eye

enemies all
over the battlefield, he made his the name of Army God.

He has reciprocated respect for his rival and comrade Takeda Shingen.

Miyamoto Musashi - He who roams the Lands and surprises the Heavens

Carrying his personal style, called Ni Ten Ichi Ryuu*, he's an outlaw
rampaging furiously across the battlefields. In order to claim the crown
of "strongest" for himself, ha challenges famed warriors.

Incidentally, the island where he lies in wait, Ganryuujima, is a

lawless
land riddled with traps and other foul contraptions.

Notes:
*Literally, "Two skies into one" school

Shimazu Yoshihiro - One Slash, Certain Death

The warrior bold like no other, user of the Jigenryuu* style.

He goes by the alias of "Shimazu the demon". His "one slash certain
kill"
technique, drawing his long sword, along with the nickname demon put
fear in many warriors.

Skilled in ambush strikes, his strategies are coolly calculated; he's

also
famous for being the only man capable of holding his own against
Honda Tadakatsu.

Notes:
*Jigen means "manifestation of a celestial being" (it's a real school of
sword techniques)

Azai Nagamasa - Undefeatable Loyalty

Head of the Azai family of Oumi. His wife is Oda Nobunaga's younger
sister, Oichi. He believes strongly in his justice.

Bent on erasing the evil surrounding him, without a single thought, he

also
has an inflexible side.

Because of that excessive pride, unable to forgive all of Sengoku's

evil,
he himself and his soldiers of justice inflict Heaven's punishment, to
the
best of their abilities.

Oichi - Enchanting Vision, Bewitching Words

Wife of Azai Nagamasa and younger sister of Oda Nobunaga, from the
moment she was born the fate of being the Demon King's sister stuck to
her.

Terrified of having the same demon blood of her brother, thus being
equally sinful, she became masochistic and rather fond of cornering
herself.

Whoever is ensnared by her bewitching beauty is never able to free

himself from it.

Fuuma Kotarou - The Grim Ascending Hurricane

A Ninja mercenary hired by Houjou Ujimasa who wields dreadful skills.

Extremely taciturn,no one has never heard him speak. His birth, age and
real name are some of the mysteries he hides.

At times, in clear days, he can be seen watching afar from a high

location.

Houjou Ujimasa - Mature Firmness

The head of the Houjou house, protector of the solid Odawara castle.

When he became in charge, to bring back the waning authority of the

Houjou house, he brandishes the exploits and glory amassed by his
ancestors throughout the generations.

Moreover, to preserve the honor of the Hojou he hires all sorts of

mercenaries, Fuuma Kotarou being one of them.

Imagawa Yoshimoto - Spreading Unprepared Vocal Authority

The head of the Imagawa household, believer in an refined lifestyle.

Heading to the conquest of the country being society's latest trend, as

someone boasting of being always on the cutting edge he cannot overlook
this, and thus sets his aim on the advance to the capital, not wanting
to lose
no matter what.

Other than being fond of gaudiness, moody, and a show-off, he has little
faith in himself as a fighter.

Never overlooking on his own protection, one thing he never forgets is

to
use his brains.

Honda Tadakatsu - Sengoku's Strongest

A commander serving under Tokugawa Ieyasu. Carries the second name of

"Sengoku's Strongest". As the name says, it is said that whatever the
weapon,
it is impossible to wound him.

Matsu - Genius and Glimmering Beauty

Wife of Maeda Toshiie; as the wife in a military family, she's a proud

and
level-headed person. She supports Toshiie, who works for the prosperity
of the Maeda household, thanks to her great skills with the Naginata
and cooking.

Moreover, she's Maeda Keiji's aunt, and a valuable person, since she's
able to rebuke him. She's the only one Keiji and Toshiie can't stand up
against.
Itsuki - Naivete in Full Glory

A young peasant girl leader of the Ikko Shu*. Wishing for a world
without
war, to stop the conflicts she confronts the samurai, cruel in any
imaginable
fashion.

She received a giant hammer, quite unfitting her small body, from the
goddess Ukanome, protector of rice plants. She believes in her growing
hope
for the future, and dreams about seeing the earth giving birth to a sea
of rice
plants.

Notes:
*Peasants, and middle classes' people rebelling under the tyrannical
governments of the time. Mainly affiliated under certain temples.

Akechi Mitsuhide - Haughty Cold Stare

He's a twisted man, who enjoys tormenting and killing people, both
physically and mentally, more than anything else.

Desiring to gaze at Oda Nobunaga's bloody, pained expression was the

reason behind his rebellion against him, and the Honnouji Incident.

Now, following his desires, he seeks blood wandering from battlefield to

battlefield.

Maeda Toshiie - Frank and Open Hearted

The head of the Maeda household, working strenuously for the sake of
its'
prosperity. He likes the meals his wife Matsu prepares more than
anything
else.

Loved because of his open personality, he's called "Our Lord" from his
subordinates. Uncle of Maeda Keiji, he's the perfect partner for his
jokes.

Every day he's subjected by all sorts of pranks because of him.

Zabii - Southern Barbarian, Personal Cult

With "Brimming with Love" as its catchphrase, he's the founder of the
Zabii cult.

In order to execute the plan of uniting all Japan under love, he marches
with his fanatical followers around the country.

He has a tendency of not choosing particular means to gain his

objective,
and forgetting the objective because of the means.

Lately, it seems he has initiated new strong and wise followers.

Matsunaga Hisahide - Respecting Himself and None Other

A man who lives loyal to his appetites. Nothing else exists in this
world
apart from him and what he wants.

Even if he will trample and destroy anything to satiate his desires,

he is not a frivolous person, but an extraordinary intellectual, that
after
looking intently at man's true nature has concluded that living
following one's
desires is the world's correct form.

4. CREDITS

Thanks go to Capcom for the best hack'n'slash game I have ever played.

draewon, Little_Kei and, on the whole, the regulars at the SB2H board
for not letting it die.

This FAQ Copyright 2008 to Dario Zampieri and Fernando Mucioli.

Redistribution in any form, including reprinting in electronic or print

media, without express permission of the authors is strictly forbidden.