TV-Series
Description
Heshikiri Hasebe is an Uchigatana sword brought to life, forged by the swordsmith Hasebe Kunishige. His name, which translates to “forced cutter,” originates from a violent incident with his previous owner, the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga. According to historical accounts, Nobunaga became enraged by a tea servant's mistake and used Hasebe to slice through a cabinet behind which the servant was hiding, killing him in a single, forceful blow. This event is a source of deep resentment for Hasebe, who harbors a lasting bitterness toward Nobunaga for the callous act and for being given away shortly afterward to someone outside Nobunaga's trusted circle. In the citadel, Heshikiri Hasebe is defined by an unwavering sense of duty and a powerful, almost consuming loyalty to his current master, the Saniwa. His personality is serious, dutiful, and efficient. He is utterly devoted to serving the Saniwa, often stating that he will do anything if it is an order from the master, and he secretly wishes to be considered the Saniwa’s favorite. This devotion can manifest as a comically exaggerated earnestness, especially in the lighter moments of the series, where his obsession with pleasing the Saniwa and his tendency to take everything with the utmost gravity become a source of humor. Beneath this stern exterior, he is also practical and unflinching, being perfectly fine with performing unsavory or “dirty” work if it serves his master's needs.
Within the story of Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Heshikiri Hasebe holds the crucial position of the Saniwa’s attendant, essentially serving as the secretary sword of the citadel. He is the second sword to have been manifested at the Hanamaru citadel, and because of his seniority and reliable nature, he is entrusted with relaying tasks, announcements, and messages from the Saniwa to the other swords. He is often the first to learn about new assignments and is responsible for gathering the teams before they are sent on sorties. This role makes him a central administrative figure in the daily life of the citadel, as he efficiently organizes the other swords and ensures the Saniwa's orders are carried out. He is shown taking his responsibilities very seriously, even going as far as to personally make handmade udon from scratch when the Saniwa falls ill, believing it to be the best remedy.
Heshikiri Hasebe's key relationships are primarily defined by his devotion to the Saniwa, which supersedes all other bonds. This loyalty serves as a foil to other swords who have stronger attachments to their pasts, such as those formerly belonging to the Shinsengumi. He shares a connection with the swords of the Kuroda clan, collectively known as the Kurodagumi, which includes Nihongou and Hakata Toushirou, as all three were once owned by members of the Kuroda family. Despite this historical tie, Hasebe often speaks dismissively of his time with the Kuroda clan, an irony that is highlighted when he instinctively prepares udon in the flavor style of the Kuroda family's province. His serious and efficient personality also positions him as a contrast to other swords like the taciturn Ookurikara or the more easygoing Shokudaikiri Mitsutada. Over the course of the series, while his core personality remains steadfast, his development is shown through his absolute commitment to his role. He finds deep purpose and honor in being the Saniwa's right hand, and he treasures this position greatly. His growth is subtle, demonstrated through his consistent and reliable actions that support the entire citadel, solidifying his role as an indispensable asset to the Saniwa's operation.
In terms of notable abilities, as an Uchigatana, he is a skilled and powerful fighter. His most prominent combat trait is his exceptional speed and maneuverability, which is his greatest asset in battle, allowing him to strike quickly and efficiently. This speed, however, comes at the cost of lower defensive capabilities, making him less durable than some other sword types. He approaches combat with the same seriousness he applies to his duties, and he can be ruthless in battle, having no grudge against enemies but simply cutting them down because it is the master's order. His collaboration with other swords, such as the formidable Ootachi Ishikirimaru, can create a powerful combination of speed and strength. His appearance evolves with his growth, and in his Kiwame form, he gains attire reminiscent of a Christian priest, a reflection of his later historical owner Kuroda Yoshitaka, who converted to Christianity.
Within the story of Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Heshikiri Hasebe holds the crucial position of the Saniwa’s attendant, essentially serving as the secretary sword of the citadel. He is the second sword to have been manifested at the Hanamaru citadel, and because of his seniority and reliable nature, he is entrusted with relaying tasks, announcements, and messages from the Saniwa to the other swords. He is often the first to learn about new assignments and is responsible for gathering the teams before they are sent on sorties. This role makes him a central administrative figure in the daily life of the citadel, as he efficiently organizes the other swords and ensures the Saniwa's orders are carried out. He is shown taking his responsibilities very seriously, even going as far as to personally make handmade udon from scratch when the Saniwa falls ill, believing it to be the best remedy.
Heshikiri Hasebe's key relationships are primarily defined by his devotion to the Saniwa, which supersedes all other bonds. This loyalty serves as a foil to other swords who have stronger attachments to their pasts, such as those formerly belonging to the Shinsengumi. He shares a connection with the swords of the Kuroda clan, collectively known as the Kurodagumi, which includes Nihongou and Hakata Toushirou, as all three were once owned by members of the Kuroda family. Despite this historical tie, Hasebe often speaks dismissively of his time with the Kuroda clan, an irony that is highlighted when he instinctively prepares udon in the flavor style of the Kuroda family's province. His serious and efficient personality also positions him as a contrast to other swords like the taciturn Ookurikara or the more easygoing Shokudaikiri Mitsutada. Over the course of the series, while his core personality remains steadfast, his development is shown through his absolute commitment to his role. He finds deep purpose and honor in being the Saniwa's right hand, and he treasures this position greatly. His growth is subtle, demonstrated through his consistent and reliable actions that support the entire citadel, solidifying his role as an indispensable asset to the Saniwa's operation.
In terms of notable abilities, as an Uchigatana, he is a skilled and powerful fighter. His most prominent combat trait is his exceptional speed and maneuverability, which is his greatest asset in battle, allowing him to strike quickly and efficiently. This speed, however, comes at the cost of lower defensive capabilities, making him less durable than some other sword types. He approaches combat with the same seriousness he applies to his duties, and he can be ruthless in battle, having no grudge against enemies but simply cutting them down because it is the master's order. His collaboration with other swords, such as the formidable Ootachi Ishikirimaru, can create a powerful combination of speed and strength. His appearance evolves with his growth, and in his Kiwame form, he gains attire reminiscent of a Christian priest, a reflection of his later historical owner Kuroda Yoshitaka, who converted to Christianity.