Part 187

Delve into the lore of Nioh 3's Part 187, uncovering the histories of key characters like Shisenin Kosen, Hozoin Inei, and Sakata Kintoki.

This section details the lore and background of several significant historical and mythical figures featured in Nioh 3, particularly those connected to the Oda Nobunaga's invasion of Yamato province and the development of martial arts.

Yagyu Sekishusai: A figure who retired from the Matsunaga clan due to injury during Oda Nobunaga's invasion of Yamato province. He became a hermit and demonstrated his swordless technique to Tokugawa Ieyasu, suggesting his son Munenori as a successor, which led to the Yagyu clan's prominence.

Shisenin Kosen: A master of military arts from Aki province, originally named Ietoshi. He was a Shugendo monk who developed the Shisen school of fighting, claiming ancestry from Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Kosen learned esoteric 'Teachings of the Tengu,' remained in excellent health despite his age, and was proficient with various weapons, especially the kusarigama. Despite a mild personality, he was known for his ferocity in battle. He later served Hosokawa Masamoto in Kyoto, became his trusted advisor, and after Masamoto's assassination, took Buddhist vows and achieved the rank of Sojo. The Shisen school he founded became dominant in Aki province.

Hozoin Inei: A monk from Hozoin, associated with Kofukuji temple in Yamato province. He was skilled in the Katori Shinto battle arts and studied Shinkage swordsmanship under Kamiizuna Nobutsuna. Inspired by a crescent moon reflection, he founded the Hozoin school of spearfighting, introducing a spear with a crossbar. In later years, he questioned the morality of monks fighting but resumed using his spear to teach William, the yokai slayer.

Sakata Kintoki: Also known as Kintaro or Kaidomaru, he was a warrior of immense strength during the Heian period. He served Minamoto no Yorimitsu as his right-hand minister and one of his 'Four Celestial Kings.' Kintoki famously defeated Shuten Doji and his oni. Despite dying of illness, his strength and gentle nature led to him being worshipped as a god. He was known for his red complexion when exerting himself, and red 'Kintoki' beans are named after him. Kintoki could commune with animals and trained with them on Mount Ashigara, which contributed to his terrifying strength. A shrine, Kurikara Shrine, was erected in his memory, becoming a place for prayers for sons' health and strength.