OVA
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII is the thirteenth-generation descendant of the legendary outlaw and folk hero Ishikawa Goemon. He carries this storied lineage with a profound sense of duty, embodying the spirit of a modern rōnin, a masterless samurai who has chosen the path of a thief. While he is a core member of Arsène Lupin III’s gang, his involvement is often on his own terms, joining their exploits when the purpose aligns with his personal code of honor.
In personality, Goemon is the archetypal stoic warrior. He is almost always quiet, serious, and seemingly humorless, presenting a stark contrast to the flamboyant and carefree Lupin. This demeanor stems from an intense pride in his abilities and a deep commitment to his training and moral principles. He follows a strict code, preferring to incapacitate rather than kill his opponents. In line with this philosophy, he frequently uses his legendary sword to disarm foes or cut their weapons and clothing, after which he utters his famous refrain, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object". He feels profound shame when he fails a task, such as breaking his sword, and may depart on a solitary journey of meditation to rid himself of such perceived weakness.
His motivations are rooted in personal honor, the mastery of his craft, and the pursuit of worthy challenges. Unlike Lupin, who is often driven by treasure or thrill, Goemon is more concerned with loyalty and justice. He is easily annoyed by Lupin's frivolous antics and his infatuation with women, and he has even sworn that his final act with Lupin would be to deliver the thief a deathblow. However, his loyalty is absolute in serious situations, and he readily assists when the cause is just or when his friends are in genuine peril.
Within the group dynamic, his key relationships are distinct. He shares a professional but loyal bond with Lupin, marked by mutual respect and occasional irritation. With Daisuke Jigen, he has a much more amicable relationship, viewing the sharpshooter as a fellow honorable warrior. They are often paired together on missions, acting as the reliable core of the group. In contrast, he generally distrusts Fujiko Mine due to her manipulative and self-serving nature, though he will cooperate with her if their goals align. Externally, he has a wary respect for Inspector Zenigata, even praying for his soul when he believes the inspector has been killed.
In "Return of Pycal", Goemon joins Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko in confronting the titular magician, who has returned with enhanced psychic abilities to seek revenge on Lupin. Goemon’s role in the story is to provide the group with unmatched close-quarters combat capability and a level-headed perspective. His Zantetsuken is one of the few tools capable of countering the supernatural threats posed by Pycal, making him an essential asset in the final confrontation against the magician.
Goemon’s most notable ability is his mastery of the Zantetsuken, a blade said to be capable of cutting through virtually any substance known to man, from flying bullets and steel girders to entire buildings. The only notable exception to this is a konnyaku jelly, which cannot be cut. Beyond his swordsmanship, he is a master of several martial arts, including Kenjutsu, Battōjutsu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate, allowing him to defeat groups of armed assailants even when unarmed. He practices ninjutsu, and he is frequently shown meditating, a practice he maintains even under threat or while imprisoned.
In personality, Goemon is the archetypal stoic warrior. He is almost always quiet, serious, and seemingly humorless, presenting a stark contrast to the flamboyant and carefree Lupin. This demeanor stems from an intense pride in his abilities and a deep commitment to his training and moral principles. He follows a strict code, preferring to incapacitate rather than kill his opponents. In line with this philosophy, he frequently uses his legendary sword to disarm foes or cut their weapons and clothing, after which he utters his famous refrain, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object". He feels profound shame when he fails a task, such as breaking his sword, and may depart on a solitary journey of meditation to rid himself of such perceived weakness.
His motivations are rooted in personal honor, the mastery of his craft, and the pursuit of worthy challenges. Unlike Lupin, who is often driven by treasure or thrill, Goemon is more concerned with loyalty and justice. He is easily annoyed by Lupin's frivolous antics and his infatuation with women, and he has even sworn that his final act with Lupin would be to deliver the thief a deathblow. However, his loyalty is absolute in serious situations, and he readily assists when the cause is just or when his friends are in genuine peril.
Within the group dynamic, his key relationships are distinct. He shares a professional but loyal bond with Lupin, marked by mutual respect and occasional irritation. With Daisuke Jigen, he has a much more amicable relationship, viewing the sharpshooter as a fellow honorable warrior. They are often paired together on missions, acting as the reliable core of the group. In contrast, he generally distrusts Fujiko Mine due to her manipulative and self-serving nature, though he will cooperate with her if their goals align. Externally, he has a wary respect for Inspector Zenigata, even praying for his soul when he believes the inspector has been killed.
In "Return of Pycal", Goemon joins Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko in confronting the titular magician, who has returned with enhanced psychic abilities to seek revenge on Lupin. Goemon’s role in the story is to provide the group with unmatched close-quarters combat capability and a level-headed perspective. His Zantetsuken is one of the few tools capable of countering the supernatural threats posed by Pycal, making him an essential asset in the final confrontation against the magician.
Goemon’s most notable ability is his mastery of the Zantetsuken, a blade said to be capable of cutting through virtually any substance known to man, from flying bullets and steel girders to entire buildings. The only notable exception to this is a konnyaku jelly, which cannot be cut. Beyond his swordsmanship, he is a master of several martial arts, including Kenjutsu, Battōjutsu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate, allowing him to defeat groups of armed assailants even when unarmed. He practices ninjutsu, and he is frequently shown meditating, a practice he maintains even under threat or while imprisoned.