Date, Masamune
Summary
Bontenmaru, whose true identity is Date Masamune, is known as the "Oda Nobunaga of the north" and serves as the second member of the Shiseiten to appear in the narrative. He is defined by his arrogance and obsession with his own legend, frequently declaring his intention to rule the world and destroy both the Mibu Clan and Tokugawa Ieyasu to seize the position of Shogun. While these boasts often irritate or bore his traveling comrades, he remains a loyal friend despite being a terrifying adversary. The most frightening aspect of his character is the beast he suppresses within himself. He wields a Bokken with such exceptional skill that he can instinctively deflect real swords, absorbing their blows without breaking the wooden weapon, and can kill enemies with ease using it. He can unleash his inner beast through the Satsujintai fighting technique, entering a berserker rage to tear foes apart with his bare hands. His physical strength is immense, allowing him to effortlessly defeat small groups of Mibu warriors unscathed, as his muscles are tough enough to prevent blades from piercing his skin. He shares a friendly rivalry with Kyo, with their interactions largely consisting of glaring contests to establish dominance. His Satsujintai is a hand-to-hand combat style, featuring his most powerful move, Kosoga. This technique involves swinging one fist upward in an uppercut motion while driving the other downward to create a vertical pincer capable of breaking bones or, at a later stage, forming a massive crater, though it can also be executed horizontally.
