Musashi

Known as "Takezo" in the village where he grew up, he begins using the name Musashi, yet his formal name is Masana. It is Musashi who entices Matahachi to join Ishida Mitsunari's army, leading to the battle in which they are both injured. Musashi is a trouble maker in his village and wants to fight in order to gain respect. He is tall for the people of the time and is called a "child of the fat year" because of his size, though it is only a nickname and not an insult.

Musashi is a strong warrior but constantly berates himself for not being strong enough in spirit. He worries that he is never going to reach the "peak" in his quest to follow the "Way of the Sword," and seems to have a low opinion of his own abilities, though it is not shared by others who...