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Rikimaru
Rikimaru
Gender Male
Occupation Master Shinobi
Affiliation Azuma Ninja Clan
House of Gohda
Weapon Izayoi
Status Alive
First Appearance Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

Rikimaru (力丸) is a distinguished master of the ninja arts and assumes the mantle of leadership within the venerable Azuma Ninja Clan. His unwavering loyalty is pledged to Lord Gohda, a steadfast commitment to his liege and homeland. The indelible imprint of his ninja upbringing is attributed to the tutelage of Azuma Shiunsai, an accomplished mentor.

Rikimaru's journey to leadership unfolds as an extraordinary tale. His ascension to the position of the Azuma Ninja Clan's leader is notable not only for his exceptional skill but also for the uncommon circumstances of his rise. His inauguration as the youngest leader in the annals of the Azuma Ninja Clan transpired following a series of formidable trials. This auspicious initiation coincided with the early years of Lord Gohda's rule.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

Rikimaru's origins trace back to his birth as the son of a samurai, a lineage marked by a heritage steeped in the warrior's code. Tragically, when he was still an infant, his father became the target of an assassination mission commissioned by Azuma Shiunsai. In compliance with the mission's objectives, Azuma Shiunsai carried out the grim task of extinguishing Rikimaru's paternal legacy. Yet, as he departed the family home, the path of the Azuma Ninja intersected with Rikimaru's mother and a loyal servant. While both adults met their fates at the hands of the ninja, Azuma Shiunsai found himself unable to bring harm to the child. Recognizing the young boy's untapped potential, he embraced him as a pupil.

In the nascent stages of his training, the youth exhibited qualities akin to a fledgling, lacking in physical prowess. Azuma Shiunsai, however, remained undaunted and infused his protege with unwavering motivation. The relentless regimen of training, combined with daily sparring sessions alongside his fellow clan member Tatsumaru and the addition of a new apprentice, Ayame, precipitated a remarkable transformation. The scrawny child metamorphosed into a skilled and lethal young man under the mentorship of Azuma Shiunsai.

By 18, Rikimaru had completed his arduous apprenticeship and attained the esteemed status of an Azuma Ninja, a testament to his unwavering commitment and mastery of the ninja arts.

Burning Dawn Crisis[]

In the wake of Lord Gohda's father's demise, Gohda Castle was divided between two claimants: Gohda Matsunoshin, the rightful heir, and Gohda Motohide, his uncle. This schism within the ruling clan triggered a rebellion, marked by a formidable assault on Gohda Castle orchestrated by the forces aligned with Gohda Motohide. Faced with this dire predicament, Lord Gohda's trusted advisor, Sekiya Naotada, issued an urgent plea for assistance, invoking the aid of the Azuma Ninja.

Azuma Shiunsai, the venerable leader of the Azuma Ninja Clan, responded to the call by dispatching a trio of his most skilled disciples: Tatsumaru, Rikimaru, and Ayame. Notably, before their departure, Azuma Shiunsai passed the leadership mantle to Tatsumaru, entrusting him with the ancestral sword of the Azuma Ninja, Izayoi.

Amidst the tumultuous clash within the castle, Tatsumaru directed Rikimaru to secure Lord Gohda's safety. Rikimaru stumbled upon a duel between Lord Gohda Matsunoshin and Gohda Motohide in a harrowing journey through the castle keep. As he intervened in the fierce combat, Rikimaru's actions inadvertently led to a grievous accident: he struck down Lord Gohda while attempting to thwart Gohda Motohide. Subsequently, they managed to escape the besieged castle, only to be confronted with a new threat on the horizon—Toda Yoshisada, an adversary from across the border.

Rikimaru embarked on a mission to confront Lord Toda, intending to dispatch him personally. However, upon his arrival at Lord Toda's camp, Rikimaru encountered Suzaku, one of Lord Toda's ninja agents. Their swift but intense duel culminated in Rikimaru's entry into Lord Toda's sanctum, only to discover the lifeless forms of both Lord Toda and Gohda Motohide. An unexpected revelation followed as Rikimaru encountered Ayame and Princess Kiku, only to witness Tatsumaru engaged in combat with a mysterious female ninja. Before the younger Azuma Ninja could intervene, Tatsumaru and his enigmatic adversary plummeted into the sea.

In the aftermath of the rebellion, Rikimaru was assigned a new mission: to investigate the mysterious disappearances of villagers in the foreboding terrain known as "Demon Mountain." As he arrived at the location, he confronted the resident ninjas and their leader, Kamadoma. Guided by information from a surviving villager, Rikimaru unveiled a clandestine harbor where Chinese pirates enslaved Lord Gohda's villagers. His relentless pursuit led to a decisive showdown with the pirates and their leader, Wang Xiaohai. However, the encounter took an unexpected turn when Rikimaru faced a masked opponent bearing a weapon resembling Izayoi. The unmasking of this enigmatic figure revealed none other than Tatsumaru, now known as Seiryu, the Blue Dragon and Lord of the Burning Dawn. Tatsumaru departed before Rikimaru could glean further insights.

Continuing his mission, Rikimaru investigated an attack on a temple orchestrated by the ninja of the Burning Dawn. In the course of his pursuit, he encountered Suzaku once more. However, the situation escalated when a woman named Yukihotaru interceded, allowing Suzaku to escape. Rikimaru soon received word of an attack on the Azuma Village, but upon his return, he encountered a grim tableau: most of the villagers had been slain. At the village entrance, he faced the same ninja who had confronted Tatsumaru at Lord Toda's camp. She identified herself as Lady Kagami, the leader of the Burning Dawn.

Rikimaru valiantly fought against the forces of the Burning Dawn in his village, ultimately emerging victorious. Yet, amid the final throes of battle, an anguished cry reverberated through the air. Returning to Azuma Shiunsai's abode, Rikimaru stumbled upon a heartbreaking sight: Tatsumaru, wielding Izayoi, stood over the critically wounded form of their master. A bitter duel ensued between the Azuma Shinobi, marked by Rikimaru's initial ascendancy. However, at a critical juncture, Rikimaru's inner turmoil, torn between grief over his master's death and love for Tatsumaru, led to a momentary hesitation. Exploiting this vulnerability, Tatsumaru struck Rikimaru with Izayoi, leaving a grievous scar on his right eye. As Tatsumaru fled with Lady Kagami, Azuma Shiunsai's final directive to Rikimaru was clear: to recover the ancestral sword and embrace a dispassionate combat path.

Rikimaru embarked on a relentless pursuit of Tatsumaru, assisted by Semimaru. Their journey culminated in an encounter with Ayame, who had also vowed to confront Tatsumaru. The mutual agreement led Rikimaru to pledge restraint, with Ayame shouldering the responsibility of ending Tatsumaru's life. During this pursuit, they discovered the Kansen Cavern, where they faced formidable adversaries, including Byakko, the White Tiger. Eventually, they infiltrated Lady Kagami's warship, the Fire Demon, where revelations unfolded.

On the brink of confrontation with the Burning Dawn, Rikimaru received a pivotal message to return to Lord Gohda and warn of impending peril. As he journeyed back, he embarked on a covert mission to eliminate the remnants of the Burning Dawn, dispatching their ninja operatives as he progressed through the harbor. The culmination of this mission brought Rikimaru into a climactic showdown with Suzaku, which ended in Rikimaru's favor.

Upon boarding the Fire Demon, Rikimaru confronted a startling sight: Ayame, wielding Izayoi, and Tatsumaru, lying lifeless at her feet. Ayame entrusted the ancestral sword to Rikimaru, who embarked on the final battle, facing Lady Kagami on a Noh stage at the aft of the central ship. A fierce duel ensued, culminating in Rikimaru's victorious strike that signified his ascension as the Azuma Ninja Master.

"You think you have destroyed my dream...by killing me...but my dream lives! You can not stop it from coming true, because...we will pay any price...for freedom! Freedom! But you...only a fool, follows the rules without questioning them...and fools can...never...stop...us... Ahh!"
Lady Kagami in Tenchu 2
"Hmph. I'll happily suffer the title of 'fool' if it means I can save even one life from your blood-drenched dream! Farewell, Kagami."
Rikimaru in Tenchu 2

After his triumph aboard the Fire Demon, Rikimaru diligently searched for Ayame. Regrettably, his efforts to locate her proved fruitless, leaving him with no recourse but to take decisive action. Acknowledging the necessity of his next steps, he plunged into the sea and subsequently conveyed the news of his victory to Lord Gohda.

Lord Gohda, recognizing the moment's significance, ordered his archers to unleash flaming arrows upon the ship, sealing the fate of the Fire Demon and the remnants of the Burning Dawn.

The day following this fiery confrontation, Rikimaru's relentless pursuit of closure led him to a poignant scene. Ayame was constructing a makeshift resting place for Tatsumaru, a solemn act that underscored the gravity of their recent trials. In this solemn moment, Rikimaru reaffirmed his unyielding commitment to Lord Gohda's service. At the same time, Ayame, in turn, solemnly pledged her unwavering dedication to safeguarding Princess Kiku, a vow she intended to uphold at all costs.

Lord Mei-Oh[]

RikimaruConcept

Rikimaru in the original Tenchu

In the wake of the Burning Dawn Crisis, Rikimaru orchestrated a significant relocation, ushering the Azuma Ninja clan to the protective confines of Gohda Castle. This strategic move was undertaken for multifaceted reasons, including the enhanced ability to safeguard Lord Gohda nearby. Moreover, the haunting memories etched into the remnants of the Azuma Village rendered it a place of poignant reflection, making it equally painful for both Rikimaru and Ayame to continue residing there.

Over the ensuing seven years, the diligent duo of Rikimaru and Ayame immersed themselves in ceaseless training, honing their already formidable skills to even greater heights of mastery.

A fateful encounter unfolded seven years following the obliteration of the Burning Dawn. While embarking on a mission commissioned by Lord Gohda, Rikimaru crossed paths with a mysterious and formidable warrior known as Onikage. Despite Onikage's initial flight, subsequent days and weeks would witness their repeated confrontations. Ultimately, Onikage unveiled his allegiance to Lord Mei-Oh, the enigmatic Lord of the Underworld. He revealed the dire fate that had befallen Princess Kiku, who had been kidnapped and ensnared within the nether realms.

With unwavering determination, Rikimaru and Ayame resolved to embark on a perilous mission to rescue Princess Kiku. In a brutal and climactic duel, Rikimaru vanquished Onikage, unknowingly sealing the fate of Suzaku, an adversary from his earlier days. The Azuma Ninja plunged into the very depths of Hell itself, where Rikimaru engaged in a fierce confrontation with Lord Mei-Oh, ultimately emerging victorious. Concurrently, Ayame executed a daring rescue of Princess Kiku.

As they escaped, a cataclysmic cave-in threatened to seal their fate. With the ceiling poised to descend, Rikimaru made a selfless sacrifice. He set aside Izayoi, the ancestral sword, and mustered the strength to dislodge the obstructing boulder, directing Ayame to flee with Princess Kiku and Izayoi. The two narrowly evaded the impending disaster, with the tunnel's closure imminent. In a solemn tribute act, Ayame implanted Izayoi into the ground, serving as a poignant marker to honor Rikimaru's sacrifice. Subsequently, Ayame, Lord Gohda, and Princess Kiku gazed towards the horizon as the rising sun cast its rays upon their path.

Rikimaru's Return[]

In an astonishing turn of events, Rikimaru's resilience shone through as he leaped headlong into the enigmatic portal through which Mei-Oh had fled. What ensued was nothing short of remarkable. Rikimaru was catapulted into a distant future, where a nefarious cyberized CEO reigned supreme, capitalizing on a perilous virus for exorbitant profits.

Despite his unforeseen temporal displacement, Rikimaru's unwavering commitment to duty remained resolute. Even from afar, his shadow cast a vigilant presence, relentlessly pursuing the rogue statesman Nasu, who had aligned himself with the unscrupulous Echigoya, thus perpetuating threats to Lord Gohda's domain.

Onikage's Wrath[]

Skills and Abilities[]

Rikimaru is an exceptionally proficient master swordsman skilled in the Azuma-Ryu Ninjutsu style, demonstrating expertise in Ninjutsu and taijutsu from a tender age throughout adulthood. During his youth, Rikimaru employed an unconventional technique within the Azuma style, holding his sword behind his back during combat. As he matured, he also honed a more conventional Azuma sword-fighting style, where he held his sword in front of his body. He maintained a remarkable equilibrium between both styles, exhibiting a swift and direct approach, often characterized by an aggressive stance.

Sword combat

Rikimaru preparing for combat against Suzaku the Red Sparrow ninja

In combat, Rikimaru showcased versatility, seamlessly transitioning between offense and defense. His combat prowess was evident in his victories against formidable opponents such as Suzaku, Lady Kagami, Rinshi, and Senjuro Akechi, a Master of Myojinsoga style swordsmanship. He even triumphed over Tatsumaru and emerged victorious in a one-on-one duel against Lord Mei-Oh and Tenrai.

Tenchu

Azuma Ryu combat skills

As an Azuma Ninja, Rikimaru possessed the uncanny ability to execute perfect stealth maneuvers, operating from the shadows with the utmost discretion, rendering himself invisible and inaudible to adversaries while vanishing without a trace. This unparalleled skill and experience translated into his effectiveness when dealing with enemy ninjas, ronin, and samurai.

In his younger years, Rikimaru exhibited nearly flawless physical combat techniques but struggled with the restraint of fighting without passion. However, as the Burning Dawn War drew close, he mastered his emotions, enabling him to confront and defeat Lady Kagami with a clear and composed mindset. His capability to focus dispassionately on accomplishing his mission elevated his lethality on the battlefield.

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Azuma Master Rikimaru using stealth killing techniques

Throughout his adulthood, Rikimaru demonstrated profound expertise in the advanced arts of Azuma-Ryu Ninjutsu. These included Hensojutsu (Chameleon Art), Taijutsu (Body Art), Kenjutsu (Sword Art), and even elements of Sojutsu (Spear Art) and Kyujutsu (Archery Art). More notably, he showcased exceptional proficiency in Suijutsu (Swimming Art) and Suirenjutsu (Water Survival Art), often subduing unaware enemies underwater or using it as a stealthy refuge. His mastery extended to Intonjutsu (Escaping and Concealment Art), evidenced by his use of smoke bombs for a seamless escape or silent entry. Rikimaru's ability to stealthily approach and neutralize adversaries with Azuma-style unarmed combat techniques was second to none, often resorting to lethal methods.

While detailed insights into his Azuma-taijutsu skills are limited, Rikimaru's unarmed combat proficiency remains indisputable, vividly embodying Ninjutsu.

In the game "Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven," he attained the pinnacle of his abilities with the "Wrath of Heaven" technique, a devastating one-hit kill move, albeit at the cost of critical damage to himself.

Personality and Appearance[]

In his earlier years, Rikimaru exhibited many enduring characteristics that would define his persona throughout his lifetime. He remained unwaveringly loyal to the nation of Lord Gohda, personifying stoicism, seriousness, discipline, and an utter absence of humor. Concurrently, he displayed brashness, overconfidence, and occasional outbursts of anger. However, these qualities transformed following his unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Tatsumaru, ultimately evolving into a more spiritually self-controlled individual. When he confronted and defeated Lady Kagami, Rikimaru had ascended to a heightened inner mastery. His journey through numerous wars undoubtedly subjected him to rigorous spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional fortitude tests, reinforcing his unwavering commitment to the Azuma clan and the nation of Gohda.

Although he did not initially intend to assume the role of Azuma Ninja Master at 18, Rikimaru embraced leadership responsibilities with remarkable competence. His unwavering allegiance to the nation of Gohda rendered him an exceptionally dependable choice for espionage missions against neighboring countries. He displayed an innate knack for decisiveness and leadership when left with no superior to command him. Later in his adulthood, he passed on the Azuma techniques to his two apprentices, thereby shaping the next generation of the Azuma clan.

Rikimaru typically conceals the lower part of his face with a mask (in his late twenties, perhaps very early thirties, he opted for an oni-mask), seldom revealing it. His visage is distinguished by a prominent scar over his right eye, resulting from a duel with Tatsumaru and the Izayoi blade. His attire predominantly consists of dark hues, primarily black or dark green with subtle gray undertones, complemented by his snow-white hair. His physique reflects athleticism, underscoring his exceptional combat prowess.

Tenchu-screens

Azuma Master Rikimaru issuing orders to his students

As the leader of the Azuma Ninja clan, Rikimaru adheres steadfastly to tradition, wielding the ancestral sword Izayoi. During his youth, he practiced an unorthodox form of kenjutsu, holding his blade behind his back and leading with his non-dominant hand. Following the Burning Dawn conflict and seven years of arduous Azuma-Ryu training, he adopted a more conventional approach, positioning his blade before his body. He has mastered both swords styles in either stance, solidifying his reputation as a formidable swordsman.

Relationships[]

Azuma Shiunsai[]

Rikimaru served as a profoundly respectful disciple under the tutelage of Azuma Shiunsai, and his existence became intricately woven with the ways of the ninja. Consequently, the profound impact of his master's demise left him shaken. However, as time elapsed and he contemplated avenging his master's murder, Rikimaru underwent a transformative journey. He gradually relinquished the grip of anger, allowing it to yield to a newfound sense of inner tranquility and equilibrium.

Ayame[]

"I'm going with you to Gohda Castle."
Ayame
"I'm glad."
Rikimaru

Ayame's sentiments remain shrouded in ambiguity. Her affections lean towards Tatsumaru, while her interaction with Rikimaru reflects a more companionable dynamic. Although both individuals exhibit unwavering loyalty and mutual respect, their connection lacks a profound sense of compassion. This observation could be emblematic of the demanding and austere life they jointly embrace. Regrettably, there is limited information regarding the intricacies of their relationship, aside from their partnership and shared upbringing under the guidance of Master Shiunsai.

Tatsumaru[]

Rikimaru and Tatsumaru shared a bond akin to that of brothers, marked by profound mutual respect and admiration from Rikimaru towards his senior counterpart. Consequently, Rikimaru experienced a deep sense of personal betrayal when Tatsumaru chose to forsake the Azuma clan, which gave way to an overwhelming fury when Tatsumaru perpetrated the heinous act of killing Shiunsai, their revered mentor. The prominent scar on Rikimaru's right eye serves as a lasting testament to the fateful encounter between the two, transpiring at the moment when Tatsumaru tragically ended Shiunsai's life.

Lord Gohda[]

"I wish only to serve Lord Gohda."
Rikimaru, after the Burning Dawn Crisis.

Rikimaru has consistently exemplified unwavering dedication as a loyal operative in service of the Gohda family. Throughout his tenure, his allegiance has remained steadfast, never wavering in the face of adversity. As demonstrated in his actions alongside Ayame and Princess Kiku, Rikimaru exhibited an unwavering readiness to make the ultimate sacrifice at a moment's notice, underscoring the depth of his commitment to their cause.

Trivia[]

  • Rikimaru's name holds a profound significance in its composition. The first component, 力 (riki), signifies "power" and "strength," while the second element, 丸 (maru), encompasses meanings such as "circular." In Japanese culture, the circle symbolizes equanimity and perfection, making 丸 a significant suffix in Japanese names. This association aligns with concepts like Ensō and Shunyata, further enriching the cultural and philosophical dimensions of his name.
  • It is worth noting that there exists a notable physical resemblance between the character Kakashi Hatake from the Naruto anime series and Rikimaru.
  • In the game "Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven," Rikimaru's game-over scene features his sword being ceremoniously placed atop his burial site.

Gallery[]

Main Characters

Playable Characters

RikimaruAyameTatsumaruTesshuRin

Allies

Lord GohdaPrincess KikuNaotada SekiyaSemimaru

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