| Hashimoto Kenshin | |
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Japanese Assassins (unknown - 1619, 1632 - death) |
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Hashimoto Kenshin (橋本謙信, 1589 - 1644) was a member of the Japanese Brotherhood of Assassins and served as its leader from 1632 to 1644.
Kenshin was an Assassin prodigy, one day set to take over the role of Mentor from his father Hashimoto Mashashi. However, this would not come to pass when the Japanese Brotherhood was purged by the Japanese Rite of the Templar Order through the aid of the Assassin turncoat Lonan Kavanagh, Kenshin's former best friend. Kenshin also fought during the Siege of Osaka.
Following the destruction of the Japanese Brotherhood in 1619, Kenshin was left alive - sworn to abandon the Assassin cause. Broken, Kenshin spent the next seven years alone at his estate before meeting the young Takao Hayato, Lonan's son, and informally adopted him. Eventually, he would begin to train the boy and take the steps to rebuilding the Brotherhood in Japan.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Son of the Japanese Brotherhood's Mentor Hashimoto Mashashi, Kenshin was born at his father's estate on the Assassin's land, Kakureta, in Honshu 1589. His training began at a very early age and he soon became a prodigy, set to be one of the Brotherhood's best. As well as this, Kenshin was also being groomed by his father to one day take over his role as Mentor.
Kenshin when not wearing his Assassin robes
Kenshin's skills soon made him overconfident and proud. However, with the arrival of the British Assassins Arthur Kavanagh and his son, Lonan, in 1613 - Kenshin soon quickly learned humility. A prodigy in his own right, Lonan challenged Kenshin's status as the Brotherhood's best members.
One day challenging him to a training match, he was defeated by the English-born Assassin. From that day forth a rivalry was birthed between the two and Kenshin constantly sought to best Kavanagh. Despite their rocky beginnings though, the two would soon let their rivalry go and find common ground, eventually becoming best friends.
Assassinating Murakoshi Naoyoshi[]
In 1614, Kenshin, Lonan and Ito Ichiro were assigned to assassinate Murakoshi Naoyoshi, a Templar representitive within the Tokugawa shogunate. Before assassinating him, they set up a camp on the outskirts of his estate while Kenshin and Lonan goof off in the meantime. They are reprimanded by Ichiro for their "childish" behaviour. Lonan makes a snide remark and Ichiro backhands him in response, telling him to respect his superiors. Lonan instead attacks Ichiro and the two men enter a brief scuffle which is quickly broken up by Kenshin, who tells Ichiro that fighting his subordinates isn't mature either.
Following this the three discuss their plan to assassinate the Templar. As nightfall descends, the three Assassins initiate their plan and infiltrate Murakoshi's estate. Stealthily, they dispach the guards and make their way into Murakoshi's sleeping quarters.
Kenshin enters first and is immediately attacked by a then hidden Murakoshi and placed in a chokehold, revealing that he'd been waiting for them. Kenshin then loses consciousness from lack of oxygen, leading to Lonan and Ichiro to attack Murakoshi. However, Murakoshi is eventually killed by Lonan. Returning to Kakureta, the trio inform Mashashi of their success and Kenshin and Lonan head into town that night to celebrate with the women.
Siege of Osaka[]
Despite the Assassins' attempts to prevent a war between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi, the Tokugawa clan ultimately begin a siege on Osaka in November 1614. Kenshin, alongside the Assassins support the Tokugawa in their siege to ensure peace during their reign. Kenshin took part during both the winter and summer campaign of the siege, and was present during the Battles of Imafuku, Wakae and Tennōji.
However, on 3 June 1615 during the final battle of the Siege of Osaka. Both his father and Arthur Kavanagh were killed by Ichiro, secretly a member of the Preservers of Humanity, and was led to believe that Lonan was the killer thanks to the manipulation of Ichiro. The Assassins subsequently turned on Lonan and attacked him, however Kenshin was hesitant to harm his best friend.
Sustaining serious injuries Lonan was still able to escape with the Shield of Eden that was found during the battle, however before Lonan could finish his escape Kenshin dealt a near fatal blow to Lonan, nearly killing him with his arrow. Kenshin watched as Lonan fell into the river with the shield, taken away by its currents. Kenshin was subsequently heartbroken at the death of his father and the false betrayal of Lonan. As Kenshin was still too young and inexperienced to take over the role of Mentor, Ichiro took over leadership instead.
For the next few months, Lonan was believed to be dead until he resurfaced and began killing high ranking members of the Brotherhood. Over the next few years, Kenshin's feelings toward Lonan turned into contempt due to his actions, learning he had joined the Templar Order, and still being led to believe that Lonan murdered Mashashi.
Brotherhood destroyed[]
In August 1619, following the recovery of Ares' sword by Ichiro. The Assassins had been severely weakened thanks to the efforts of Lonan, and because of this the Assassins suffered a full scale assault from the Templars. Kenshin fought to defend his home but the Templars' force was too great and the Assassins' too weak, it was a losing battle.
During the assault, Kenshin noticed Lonan make his way to his clan's estate - likely to confront and kill Ichiro. Kenshin killed many samurai before making his own way to the estate and confront Lonan, hoping to defend Ichiro. However, when he got there it was already too late and Lonan had already killed Ichiro and retrieved the Sword. Upon facing Lonan, he curses his former best friend for destroying the Assassins and prepares to honorably die facing the Templars, but not before killing Lonan. Kenshin attacks Lonan and the two engage in a serious duel, too emotionally tired to plead his innocence, Lonan says nothing and merely defends himself.
Eventually, Lonan proves he is the superior swordsman and severs Kenshin's forearm. Kenshin tells Lonan to kill him but, recalling the deaths of everyone that led him to this point, as well as being able to stomach the death of another person he deeply cared for, Lonan refuses. He tells him to remain at his estate and live a normal life, warning him to not try and rebuild the Brotherhood. Apologising for everything, he tells Kenshin that he never killed their fathers and it was all a lie spun by Ichiro, who was a member of the Preservers. Kenshin refuses to believe him, calling him a coward and a monster. With that, Lonan leaves.
Broken[]
Kenshin survived his injury at the hands of Lonan, but now had to live a life believing himself to be half the man he was both physically and in spirit. Utterly broken and defeated at both the destruction of his home and Brotherhood, Kenshin remained at his desolate estate in isolation only travelling to Edo every now and then for supplies. At some point, Kenshin would build a secret room which he would store all of his Assassin equipment and anything related to it inside, wanting to spare himself of any reminders of the pain.
Over the years, Kenshin continued to let his estate to decay and fall apart following the damage it sustained in 1619.
Meeting Hayato[]
In 1627, Kenshin had travelled to Edo once more to gather supplies. During his time there, he witnessed a child being beaten and abused by a small gang of older teens hoping to rob him. Unable to stand by and allow a child to be beaten, Kenshin stepped in and handily beat the teenagers up before preparing to leave again. However, he was stopped by the boy who begged him for his help, explaining that his mother was sick and no doctor would see her.
Initially reluctant, Kenshin eventually decides to accompany the boy to his home in order to aid his mother. Introducing himself, he then began tending to the boy's mother ultimately deciding it was best to treat her at his estate. Learning the boy's name was Hayato, he also brought the child with him to Kakureta. Over the next few days, Kenshin called upon the aid of other doctors but unfortunately, Hayato's mother was unable to be saved.
Feeling sorry for the boy and not wanting to abandon him to the streets, Kenshin offered Hayato residence at his estate to which the boy accepted.
Raising and training Hayato[]
Following Kenshin's unofficial adoption of Hayato, he began making the effort to repair the estate. During this time, Kenshin grew curious to know who Hayato's father was and subsequently inquired to know. Hayato shared what he knew and Kenshin would soon discover that Hayato was Lonan's son, but the boy had never seemingly met him. Upon learning this information, he went into a minor shock and merely responded with Lonan's name. Remaining silent for a few moments, he abruptly left the room. For the next few weeks, Kenshin was initially distant with Hayato from holding some resentment toward him due to Lonan's status as his father.
Kenshin would eventually realise that Lonan's actions were not Hayato's fault, nor did they have anything to do with him and that he should not resent him for being Lonan's son.
One day, Hayato would ask Kenshin how he lost his arm and he responded with silence and a scowl that frightened Hayato. Kenshin was still emotionally wounded over the loss of his arm and the Brotherhood's destruction. After some months, Hayato's presence and youthful innocence melted Kenshin's icy exterior and the man was able to find comfort in raising the boy. Their relationship gradually began to improve over the next few years and Kenshin would eventually come to see Hayato as a son and vice versa.
In 1631, Kenshin came upon Hayato who had somehow gained access to his hidden room with all of his Assassin equipment. Angered, he demands Hayato get out. Complying, Hayato exits the room as Kenshin slams the door shut telling him to never go back in there. Despite this, Hayato's curiosity gets the better of him and he repeatedly inquires to know what all of the equipment was, if it belonged to him, and why he didn't want Hayato to see. After several days of insistant questioning, Kenshin finally relents and tells him everything.
He tells Hayato of his former past as an Assassin, what they were and what they did, of the Templars and their destruction of the Assassin Brotherhood. Hayato then learns the truth about his father, finding out that he was once and Assassin. Kenshin, still believing Ito Ichiro's lies, told Hayato that Lonan betrayed the Brotherhood and killed both Kenshin's father and Hayato's grandfather, Arthur, before fleeing to the Templars. Hayato deduces that Kenshin lost his arm when the Templars attacked in 1619, which Kenshin confirms.
Following this, Hayato shares his belief that he and Kenshin should rebuild the Brotherhood and stop the Templars from gaining control of Japan. Kenshin refuses, stating that an "old man and a child" stand no chance against the entire Order. Hayato asks Kenshin to train him then which he refuses, Hayato insists but Kenshin angrily declines stating that he has lost too many people he cared about to the war and refuses to lose him too. Ending the discussion, Kenshin leaves.
Despite their disagreement, Hayato holds true to his convictions and truly believes that the Templars should not have so much power. Hayato pesters Kenshin for almost year before Kenshin finally agrees to train him, internally believing that the training would be too much for Hayato and that he would eventually give up. Firstly, Kenshin asks if this is what Hayato truly wants and he affirms this.
Kenshin would train Hayato for the next five years before formally inducting him into the Assassin Brotherhood.
The Shimabara Rebellion[]
That same year, Hayato learned of rumours of a revolt soon to take place on Shimabara Peninsula and Amakusa. The daimyō Matsukura Katsuie had caused unrest among the people with overtaxation and famine, Hayato believed this to be the work of the Templars and travelled to Shimabara to investigate. Some time later, Hayato would return and inform Kenshin of what he had discovered and what actions he took.
Kenshin subsequently learned that the Templars plan to instigate a rebellion and depose the Tokugawa shogunate, placing a Templar puppet in control of Japan. He adds that Templars on both the Shimabara government and looming rebellion are working to make this war a reality. Despite this, Hayato elected to not take the life of the Templar Hayashi Hyōzaemon and instead threatened him to convince the other Templars to call off the war. Although, Hayato spared Hayashi's life - he was nonetheless assassinated by a peasant, lighting the rebellion they had tried to prevent.
Angered at Hayato's carelessness, Kenshin reprimands him for his lack of will to kill, stating that he did not train all these years to hesitate to take a life. Hayato apologises, believing that their was a better way but Kenshin continues to curse out his student, reminding Hayato that it was he who pestered him for an entire year to be trained as an Assassin. Hayato remains silent knowing that Kenshin is right, still angered, Kenshin demands Hayato fix this. Despite his remorse for his failure, Hayato questions if the rebellion is truly a bad thing - Shimabara and the Amakusa islands belong to the people and he believes they should take it back.
Despite this, Kenshin informs Hayato that while it would be ideal but if the rebellion leads to the overthrowing of the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan will be ripe for the Templars to take. Hayato acknowledges this and swears to right his wrongs.
Hayato would leave to right his wrongs, returning a few months later with news of his success and ending the rebellion. During this time, Kenshin learned of the death of the Templar Grand Master Shimazu Tadatsune, and that Lonan had taken his place. Upon Hayato's return, Kenshin would inform him of this.
Supporting Hayato's hunt[]
An older Kenshin
Three years after the Shimabara Rebellion and the Tokugawa shogunate's implemation of the Sakoku policy, Hayato is actively searching for Ares' chestpiece. After learning that Lonan had made the search for the Chestpiece the highest priority from a Portugese Templar a year prior, Hayato put his eradication of the Templars on the backburner in order to retrieve the Chestpiece from the Preservers and keep it out of the Templars hands. Deciding to kill two birds with one stone, Hayato actively hunted Mukai Shōgen Tadakatsu - a high ranking Templar on his list, and someone likely to have information on the Templars' progress.
Hayato travelled to Edo to learn more about the Chestplate's location, however, he was eventually captured in Dejima for attacking Kinoshita Nobuyoshi - a Templar and damiyo. After some weeks, Kenshin would learn of his apprentice's capture through the connections he still held from his former life as an Assassin. Knowing that Hayato would need to be rescued, he contacted the daughter of his deceased ally - Hattori Himari, who was fairly trained herself. As a favour to him, as well as their shared connection with her father, he requested she break him out of the prison Hayato was held in.
Himari would successfully break Hayato from his imprisonment and the Assassin would eventually return to Kakureta alive and relatively unharmed. Kenshin expresses his happiness and relief that Hayato is alive and escaped relatively unharmed, Hayato proceeds to thank his mentor for sending help when he needed it. Hayato informs Kenshin that he located the Chestplate and that it had been sent to China with Lonan in pursuit. Noting this, Kenshin immediately makes arrangements to have Hayato travel to China through his connections with the Tokugawa shogunate.
A few days later, Hayato boards a merchant ship and travels to Shanxi, arriving some time later. Hayato would be gone for three years and Kenshin would never see his apprentice again before his return.
Death[]
In May 1644, shortly before Hayato's return from China. The Hashimoto estate was once again attacked by the Templars, led by an enraged Nobuyoshi, angered at Kenshin for "converting" and "twisting" Hayato's mind to the Assassin cause. Alone, Kenshin defends the estate valiantly but is ultimately overwhelmed. Kenshin then duels Hashimoto and is defeated and killed by the younger man.
A few days later, Hayato would discover Kenshin's body and bury him in front of the ruins of the Hashimoto estate. Kenshin's death would be the fuel that stoked the fire within Hayato to purge the Templars from Japan.
Personality and characteristics[]
Kenshin was a prideful and confident man, sometimes too overconfident as he believed himself to be the Brotherhood's best Assassin at the mere age of 23. As well as this, he was one to hold a grudge as shown when he was defeated in combat by Lonan Kavanagh which hurt his pride. Following this, he developed a tense rivalry with the English Assassin.
However, he was capable of forgiveness and overcoming his pride as he eventually found friendship in his former rival, after discovering the two had more in common than initially thought. Kenshin was also shared a sense of humor as he frequently goofed off with Lonan and repeatedly joked around with his friend, which earned them several reprimandings by their superiors.
As an older man, the destruction of the Brotherhood and Lonan Kavanagh's betrayal. Kenshin became embittered and grief-ridden, falling into a deep depression which resulted in him isolating himself at his estate for several years. He had also become disillusioned with the Assassins' cause, storing all of his equipment and other things that alluded to his former life within a hidden room in his home, not wanting to be reminded of what he lost. This led to his caution in training Hayato, as he had become content in allowing the Templars to take control of Japan and did not believe his ward would be unable to change anything.
However, becoming Hayato's unofficial guardian slowly and gradually restored his hope. Though their relationship was initially distant, the two became close as Kenshin grew to find the boy endearing. Eventually, he would grow to love the boy like a son and find a reason to live again. When Hayato discovered his old Assassin equipment and requested to be trained as one, he initially refused to train the boy for fear of losing him to the Assassins' cause. However, while he had little faith the Assassins would be restored, he placed all of his faith in Hayato.
Trivia[]
- Kenshin is a masculine name of Japanese origin meaning "Modest, Truth". Kenshin's surname, Hashimoto, means "base of bridge", from hashi (橋) meaning "bridge" and moto (本) meaning "base".