Characters
Takechi Mitsuhide
Modeled after Akechi Mitsuhide. A retainer of Oda Harunaga (historical Oda Nobunaga). He rebels against his master after a humiliation, driving him to suicide. This action leads to a tragedy enveloping his entire family.
Takechi Jujiro
Mitsuhide’s son. A young warrior joining a battle for the first time. Knowing his force is outnumbered, he joins the battle ready to die. After a fierce fight, he is fatally wounded. To facilitate his father’s escape, he returns to his grandmother’s hiding place, but dies before her, his parents and fiancé.
Satsuki
Mitsuhide’s mother. She does not accept that son killed his master. She has moved away from him and is living by herself in Amagasaki. She is visited by a mendicant monk and recognizes him as her son’s master Hisayoshi, and spies someone lurking in the shadows, who she realizes must be her son stalking him. She invites the master in, though this will cost her her life.
Misao
Mitsuhide’s wife. She tearfully accosts Mitsuhide after he mistakenly kills his mother.
Hatsugiku
Fiancée of Mitsuhide’s son Jujiro. Holds a wedding ceremony with Jujiro before he goes off to battle. She prepares for his departure to battle, despite her misery at being separated from him.
Sato Masakiyo
Modeled after the historical Kato Kiyomasa. A loyal retainer of Hisayoshi. A brave warrior who kills one of Mitsuhide’s key servants and severely wounds Mitsuhide’s son.
