Hasegawa Ashitarō (
Appearance[]
Ashitarō has a very unkempt appearance compared to the other residents of the Kamiya dōjō. His brown hair is wild and ear length, his clothes appear dirty and ragged. His eyes are a brilliant purple hue, and he appears to have red tattoos around the base of his eyes. His base clothes consist of a simple black gi and pants. He wears arm guards on both arms and sandals with foot wraps on his feet. Over this he wears a red and white robe in a similar fashion to his former master Shishio Makoto.
Personality[]
Ashitarō appears to have a fairly "no nonsense" personality. When prompted to lie about the prices listed on the brothel poster for Kubota Asahi, Ashitarō frustratingly proclaimed that it said whatever she claimed it did. This is due in part to Ashitarō being illiterate; claiming that reading "didn't put food in his belly".
Ashitarō is prone to getting into fights, and when doing so seems to lose himself in the moment. After starting a fight to defend Kubota Asahi at the Akabeko, Ashitarō ended up fighting with the police as well. It was commented that he forgot who he was fighting. This effect becomes even more apparent when Himura Kenshin intervenes to try and calm him down. This intervention has much the opposite effect causing Ashitarō to swing into a blind rage. In this mindset Ashitarō is able to effortlessly utilize techniques from the Three Secret Swords style created by Shishio Makoto, specifically First Secret Sword: Blazing Soul. After recovering from his outburst he appears remorseful, however this is short lived as he almost immediately gets into a minor argument with Alan.
Like other members of the dōjō, he is quick to complain when hungry.
Relationships[]
- Himura Kenshin - Ashitarō appears to revere Kenshin to some degree. It is unknown exactly how much Ashitarō knows about Kenshin's past. While he does not refer to Kenshin as his current master, when Kenshin set the ultimatum that Ashitarō will not draw Mugenjin from its sheath again until instructed, he appears to comply.
- Kubota Asahi - Ashitarō appears to have a history with Asahi, mentioning that she once gave him food. She is taken aback that he remembers this small gesture. Later, when Asahi is being gaslighted by the owner of the brothel she is indebted to, Ashitarō sides with Asahi during the argument. This causes a fight to break out at the Akabeko.
- Inoue Alan - Ashitarō appears to have a very argumentative relationship with fellow dōjō resident Alan. Alan seems to often respond to Ashitarō with quips that cause the latter to comically lash out at him.
- Shishio Makoto - It is known that Ashitarō was part of Shishio's plot to conquer Japan, running errands for the Juppongatana. It can be assumed that due to Ashitarō's possession of Mugenjin, as well with his ability to perform its signature fire technique, Ashitarō may have either received training from Shishio or at least have seen the man fight.
- Akabeko Staff - One of the servers at the Akabeko comments that she found Ashitarō collapsed at their back door at one point. She appears to continue taking pity on the boy even after he moves into the dōjō, offering to allow him to work as a greeter and order taker at the establishment in exchange for a meal. (The status of this good will is unknown after Ashitarō started a fight with the police on the Akabeko's roof)
Abilities[]
Ashitarō is shown to be a competent swordsman, being able to fight off several members of the police force without needing to resort to drawing his blade. When engaging with Kenshin, Ashitarō becomes enraged and releases Mugenjin from its sheath, igniting it and causing the boken that Kenshin is using in place of Sakabatō to catch fire and become useless.
He is noted several times to lack the ability to read and write, and when pressed claims that he doesn't need those skills. It is noted that his comprehension of written language is roughly the same as Kenji (who is about 4-5 years old)
History[]
Backstory[]
Ashitarō was born in the town of Hasegawa in the Niigata Prefecture circa 1867~1868. He was orphaned at an early age and soon became a wild child living in the mountains, where he survived by stealing food, either farm produce or wild game, and was given the name Ashitarō (惡太郎), meaning "Bad Boy", by the local people.
Around 1878, Ashitarō stumbled into the Shrine of the Six Torii at Mt. Hiei in Kyoto, which was a secret hideout for a syndicate intending to overthrow the Meiji Government and conquer Japan. He was caught devouring food served for its leader, Shishio Makoto, who was impressed by the boy's skills to infiltrate his hideout and steal his food, so he decided to recruit the 'thief' as an errand boy for his syndicate, promising him that if he trained hard enough, he might have the potential of joining Shishio's Juppongatana(10 Swords) as his '11th Sword'. During his short time there, Ashitarō became familiar with fellow errand person Kubota Asahi because she once gave him food.
After Shishio's defeat, Ashitarō came into possession of Mugenjin, Shishio's last sword, which the boy discovered while fleeing the collapsing fortress. The sword was found missing a Tsuba and its Ito has become ragged (mimicking Ashitarō's own appearance). Due to the fact that Mugenjin was burned while in Shishio's possession at the end of his fight with Himura Kenshin, and then was buried in the collapse of the mountain stronghold; it is likely that the blade has been reset into an entirely new Tsuka.
After wandering for a while, Ashitarō came to Tokyo, where he buried the sword at a hidden shrine. He then spent some time at a run-down village known as Rakuninmura, and at one point was found collapsed on the back step of the Akabeko. Not long afterwards, Ashitarō was arrested for seemingly walking out on the bill for a meal, but it is implied that the authorities were aware of his involvement with Shishio's syndicate. Aware that speaking Shishio's name was taboo for the Meiji government, Ashitarō was careful not to mention it, so instead of being imprisoned in Hokkaido for the rest of his life, he was sent to a Tokyo jail to stay for the next five years.
Hokkaido Arc[]
Ashitaro is out one day, when he comes across Sanosuke's wanted poster outside of Akabeko. Tae notices Ashitaro and talks with him about the poster, until she notices that Ashitaro is hungry and offers him a meal after he does some work since Ashitaro doesn't have any money. While greeting costumers, Ashitaro encounters Asahi and two others with her. Ashitaro and Asahi have a brief conversation, until Sako hits Ashitaro and order them food. Once Asahi, Sako, and the other sit down and talk, Ashitaro brings them their food. Sako asks Ashitaro to read something, but Ashitaro just agrees to what Asahi says that paper says since he can't read. Sako attacks Ashitaro and starts to yell, which Ashitaro gets back up and attacks Sako. The police are called, which Sako and his companion leave (without Asahi) while Ashitaro fight the police. When Kenshin arrives and tries to stop Ashitaro, Ashitaro attacks Kenshin and manages to his sword and use Shishio's Homura Dama technique. Yahiko then gives Kenshin the Sakabatou and uses it to knock Ashitaro out.
Later, Ashitaro wakes up and finds out that he is at the dojo. Aran explains the situation to Ashitaro, which Ashitaro apologizes for what he has done. Ashitaro then asks about his sword, which Kenshin gives it back (with it being wrapped up) and explains why he doesn't what Ashitaro to draw it. Suddenly Asahi, Kenshi, Yahiko, and Kaoru arrive and reveal that Asahi will be staying at the dojo. Everyone starts to have a conversation, until Ashitaro, Aran, Asahi, and Kenshi head to bed.
The next day, Ashitaro is with Aran, Kenshi, and Asahi studying. Aran brings up the topic about Kenshin and Kaoru heading to Hokkaido and wonder if they also want to go, which Ashitaro and Asahi say that they don't want to. Later Ashitaro accompanies Kenshin, Kaoru, and Kenshi on a trip to Hokkaido along with Asahi and Aran. As Ashitaro wonders why he is going with them, Kenshin give him a letter that reveals why Ashitaro has to travel with Kenshin and Kaoru.
Three Days later, the group arrives at Hokadate. The group heads to a hotel, which Ashitaro doesn't like it and he along with Aran and Asahi decide to head back to the dojo. Once they arrive at the port, They wonder how to stowaway on a ship when they notice Sako and his companions arrive. The Sako and his companions attacks, Ashitaro defends them while Aran and Asahi hide. Sako manages to land some blows on Ashitaro but Ashitaro stands his ground. Ashitaro prepares to draw his sword, but decides not to and comments about he can defeat Sako without it. Sako becomes angry and attacks, but Kenshin arrives and defends Ashitaro. As Sako has his companions attack Kenshin and Ashitaro, Ashitaro watches as Sanosuke arrives and defeats Sako's companions. Once Sako and his companions leave, Ashitaro talks with Aran while Kenshin and Sanosuke chat. The four then head back to the hotel, which out realizing that they are missing Asahi. As Sanosuke catches up with the Kaoru and talk about why they are in Hokkaido, Ashitaro realizes that Asahi might have a clue where Kaoru's dad might be but realizes that she is not here.
The next day, Ashitaro and Aran search for Asahi. The two wonder where they can find Asahi, and decide to climb the mountain to get a better look but are advised not to since their is a group on a mountain. After not being able to find her, the two head back to the hotel. While eating the group discuss about what they each are going to do. The following day, Ashitaro and Aran continue their search for Asahi. Aran figures out where Asahi might be, and the two find her at an orthodoz church. The two try to get Asahi to return with them, but Asahi resist them until all three of their stomach growl which the three head out to get some food. While eating, Asahi reveals why she fears Kenshin and explains the group that she once belong to. As Asahi tries to run away, Ashitaro and Aran stop her and manages to bring Asahi back to the hotel. Ashitaro then watches as Kenshin and Kaoru say that they don't need to hear Asahi's past and just accept her.
The next day, Kenshin talks about the enemy that he will be facing and how the allies that he has called for won't be arriving. Ashitaro along with Asahi and Aran say that they will be Kenshin strength. Kenshin accepts but tells Ashitaro to not draw Mugenjin, which Ashitaro agree with. When Saito arrive, Ashitaro along with Asahi, Aran, Kenshin, and Sanosuke accompany him to the monument Hekketsuhi. Once they arrive, Ashitaro is protected by Asahi when Cho and Kamatari attack as a test. Once the last of them arrive, Ashitaro watches as the other talk about with each other. Once they are done talking, Ashitaro heads back to the hotel with Asahi, Aran, and Sanosuke.
The next day, Ashitaro stays back at the hotel when Kenshin and Sanosuke go to interrogate Byakua. Later when Sanosuke and Kenshin arrive back, Ashitaro wakes over Kenshin while Kaoru and Sanosuke head out. Once Kenshin wakes up and Kaoru and Sanosuke arrive back, Sanosuke tells Ashitaro, Aran, and Asahi that they will be head to Otaru with Kenshin and Sanosuke.
The next day, the five head to Otaru on horse back. Once they reach the outskirts of Otaru, they stay at a post station were Ashitaro, Aran, and Asahi plan to make money while being in Otaru. The following day, The five walk around the city when everyone pulls out a sword when a fight breaks out. Ashitaro tries to break up the fight, but is doesn't work and Sanosuke steps in. After this Ashitaro, Aran, and Asahi decide to carry fish to earn some money, while Kenshin and Sanosuke search for the Kenkaku Heiki. After two hours they are tried (except Asahi for stopping half way), when they are approached by someone selling Gatou Swords. Ashitaro declines since he has a sword, but listens when Aran figures out the reason why the sword are so cheap. Aran manages to get a meeting with Gatou, which Ashitaro accompanies them to meet Gatou. Once they arrive, they are attack but Ashitaro takes care of the attackers. Ashitaro then watches as Aran talks with someone they believe is Gatou. When Aran points out how their next plan to sell sword will fail, Ashitaro is shocked when the real Gatou compliments Aran from a large vase. The three then look inside the vase much to the annoyance of Gatou. After setting up a plan that will work and arrange a meeting with Gatou, the three head back to inform Kenshin and Sanosuke.
The following night, The five are guide to the meeting place with Gatou. Once their they find out that Kenshin knows Getou (who is really Kanryu Takeda). Ashitaro then watches as Kenshin talks with Takeda and how he met with the Kenkaku Heiki. Once all the talking is done, the group decide to set a trap for the Kenkaku Heiki.
The next day, Ashitaro is shopping with Asahi when they witness a person killing someone with a Gatou Gun. The two quickly rush back and inform Kenshin about what is happening in town. Kenshin confronts Takeda, but suddenly a member of the Kenkaku Heiki arrives and informs them that they are taking the Gatou name. Sanosuke says that he will take care of the attacker, which Kenshin, Ashitaro, Takeda, and Aran head towards the town. Once they arrive at the home of the Shuei Syndicate, Ashitaro watches as Aran figures out where the Kenkaku Heiki's base is located. When Aran figures it out, Ashitarou and the others head out to the location. While heading to the base, the group notices more commotion. Kenshin tells them to continue to the base while he deals with the rioting.
Later, Ashitaro, Aran, and Takeda manages to arrive at the base of the Kenkaku Heiki stationed at Otaru. The three discuss on what to do next, which Ashitaro will cause a distraction while Alan and Takeda sneak into the base. As Ashitaro is surrounded by the Yaminobu, Ashitaro gets frustrated and prepares to draw Mujenjin but Kenshin shows up and stops him. After Kenshin defeats the Yaminobu, he asks Ashitaro where Alan and Kanryu are.
Ashitaro and Kenshin then enter the base and find Kanryu begging Honda to let them live. Once Alan figures out that Kanryu is pretending to surrender, Alan tells Ashitaro to draw his sword. Ashitaro agrees to it and pulls out his sword, which ignites the gunpowder that is scattered around. Ashitaro manages to survive the explosion and complains about what Alan had him do. Ashitaro then starts to find Alan and once he does, he starts to chasing after Alan. While chasing Alan, Ashitaro happens to ignite some gun powder and causes another explosion.
Days later, Ashitaro is with the others at the restaurant and discussing what happened in Otaru. When Kenshin brings up the fact that Kanryu assets would be used to help rebuild Otaru, Ashitaro and Alan are shocked by this and asks about their reward. Kenshin says that they will be payed a salary from the government, Ashtiaro is disappointed with this. When they decide to orders some food, Ashitaro and Alan are shocked that Asahi is able to read the menu. After Asahi explains how she figured it out, which Ashitaro says that Asahi is so smart. When the Nishin Soba arrives, Ashitaro decides to order one for himself.
After they arrive back to Hakodate, Ashitaro, Alan, and Asahi decide to go spent their money. After spending most of their money, they decide to head towards the Hiyori-zaka since that is were Kenshin and Sano were heading to. As Alan knows were it is located, Ashitaro comments about how Alan knows a lot about Hakodate. Later Ashitaro heads out with the others for dinner.
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