Hanzaki

Hanzaki serves as the boss and main villain in the first Bushido Blade video game.

Background
In the southern mountains of Japan, the secret society of Meikyokan has existed for at least 500 years. Among them is a group of assassins known as Kage. They were led by an honorable man named Utsusemi. He eventually lost leadership to Hanzaki in a duel. Hanzaki gained respect as the leader of the Kage but he began to change. He discovered a sword known as Yugiri. With it, he became corrupt and abandoned all sense of honor.

Plot
One day, a member of Kage escapes the confines of Meikyokan with its secrets. The other members are sent to kill the escapee under penalty of death. They catch up to him or her within the ruins of the surrounding castle. The escapee manages to survive before leaving the compound. He or she then confronts and kills Hanzaki.

Relationships
Red Shadow: A skilled female assassin who joined Kage under Utsusemi's guidance. Fearing the worst for her master, she sets out to confront Hanzaki

Tatsumi: Although not born as a member of Kage, he lived among them for most of his life. His swordsmanship is put to the test when he attempts to escape the compound.

Mikado: A former shrine maiden who eventually found her way to Kage. She leaves the group in hopes of returning to her former life.

Black Lotus: A loyal member of Kage who strictly follows the code of Bushido. After slaughtering all the villagers in Kannuki's hometown, Black Lotus begins to question his loyalty to Hanzaki and seeks answers.

Utsusemi: The former master of Meikyokan. He handed his duties to Hanzaki after a fateful duel. He turns his interest to training Tatsumi until he notices Hanzaki abusing his power.

Kannuki: An assassin whose entire village in the Ryukyu Islands was slaughtered by Black Lotus, a fellow member of Kage. Upon discovering it was Hanzaki's order, Kannuki sets out to destroy him and Black Lotus.

Schuvaltz Katze: A hitman hired by Hanzaki to kill any escapee. He uses a gun to kill his enemies and has a long range.