Part 176

Explore the lore and character backgrounds of key figures in Nioh, including Hattori Hanzo's complex relationship with William, Okatsu's tragic past, and Kuroda Nagamasa's warrior spirit.

This section details the backgrounds and relationships of several characters relevant to Nioh's narrative, including Hattori Hanzo, Okatsu, and Kuroda Nagamasa.

Hattori Hanzo

Hattori Hanzo was ordered by Ieyasu to conceal the existence of Amrita, which necessitated the elimination of William. Despite this order, after defeating Kelley and rescuing Saoirse, Hanzo chose to let William leave as a friend rather than seize the opportunity to kill him. This act represented a departure from Hanzo's usual adherence to duty, signifying gratitude and farewell to the foreign samurai who had aided his country.

Okatsu

Okatsu is a female ninja, or 'kunoichi,' trained in Iga ninjutsu under Hattori Hanzo. She accompanies William on his travels. Kunoichi are as adept as male ninja in combat and espionage, with the added ability to disguise themselves as vulnerable women or maids to gather information or lower targets' guards. Okatsu's skill in all aspects of ninjutsu is said to rival Hanzo's, making her a highly trusted figure.

Okatsu's father is Tokugawa Ieyasu. She harbors a deep grudge against him since her elder brother Nobuyasu was killed at a young age, allegedly for Ieyasu's own safety. This resentment extends to all samurai and the violent world she inhabits. Okatsu has spent years under Hanzo, gathering intelligence on yokai and Amrita-related phenomena. She is a master of disguise and infiltration, skilled with the kodachi dagger and shuriken, though she prefers to avoid harming others.

Initially suspicious of William due to his ability to see spirits, Okatsu eventually warmed to him. She recognized his significant ninja potential but also felt a competitive urge. Their encounters were serious, and over time, she grew fond of William's unique perspective on life, so different from the Japanese samurai she knew. However, she never expressed this fondness, and William departed Japan without her attempting to stop him.

Kuroda Nagamasa

Kuroda Nagamasa, also known as 'Kichibei,' was a general under the Toyotomi clan and the son of Kuroda Kanbei. Entrusted to Hideyoshi as a child hostage, Nagamasa was nearly killed by Oda Nobunaga's order when Kanbei was suspected of treachery, but was saved by Takenaka Hanbei. After coming of age, Nagamasa distinguished himself fighting alongside his father for Hideyoshi. As a frontline leader, his views often conflicted with Ishida Mitsunari, who supported from the rear. Nagamasa resented Mitsunari, believing he was responsible for his father's removal from power.

Nagamasa is characterized as an honest and approachable person, though he possesses some of his father's political acumen, as seen in his involvement with the Mohri clan's plotting. However, he prefers direct combat. He is driven by a strong desire to meet his father's expectations and earn his approval through great achievements.

During the Battle of Sekigahara, Nagamasa wore a distinctive 'Ichinotani' helmet, inspired by Minamoto no Yoshitsune's surprise attack strategy, as a prayer for victory. This helmet, reportedly designed by Takenaka Hanbei, symbolized Nagamasa's vow to Hanbei to be victorious.