TV-Series
Description
Brother 1 is the apparent leader of the Empty Seven, a clan of assassin warrior monks who seek to claim the Number Two Headband to achieve godhood and immortality. His position as the leader is never outright stated, but he functions as the head of the organization, often making bold proclamations to large groups of the Empty Seven's followers and to his fellow monks.
Like his counterparts Brothers 2 through 5, Brother 1 is a wizened old man with a long beard and no hair. He has a tattoo on the left side of his head that reads the number 1. One of his most distinctive features is his golden prosthetic left arm, which can be transformed or switched out for a machine gun, making him a dangerous opponent in close combat. He is almost always seen with a beautiful, nearly nude woman by his side, which contributes to his unique persona.
Brother 1's personality and mannerisms are an unusual mixture of an evangelical preacher and a street pimp. He delivers speeches that blend evangelistic, almost religious rhetoric with casual street vernacular, creating a distinctive and memorable presence. This combination of authoritative preaching and worldly showmanship reflects his role as the public face of the Empty Seven.
Regarding his role in the story, Brother 1 attempts to ambush Afro Samurai on the lift leading up to the top of Mount Shumi after the destruction of the Afro Droid. This ambush takes place as Afro ascends toward his confrontation with the android Kuma. However, Brother 1 is unsuccessful in his attack and is badly beaten by Afro in their direct confrontation. What makes Brother 1 particularly notable among Afro's enemies is his survival. Unlike most of Afro's opponents, who are killed in their encounters with the swordsman, Brother 1 survives the fight, making him the only monk to battle Afro directly and live.
In the sequel Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Brother 1 appears again, but his condition has deteriorated significantly as a result of his earlier defeat. He has been left paralyzed by his fight with Afro and is bound to a stretcher, requiring a catheter and mostly speaking nonsensically. His companion from the first series is seen working as a stripper in Brother 3's gambling house, suggesting that the Empty Seven have repurposed themselves in the aftermath of their defeat. Brother 1 was rescued by Brother 3 after his encounter with Afro, and the two of them are among the few survivors of the Empty Seven following the events of the first series.
Beyond his combat abilities, which include proficiency with his prosthetic arm weapon and his skills as an assassin monk, Brother 1 serves as an administrator and motivator for the Empty Seven organization. The Empty Seven are described as the kingpins leading all the assassins in the world, responsible for sending assassins after Afro through red paper notices in exchange for massive financial rewards. As their leader, Brother 1 would have been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, using the Empty Seven's considerable wealth to fund developments such as the Afro Droid and Kuma.
Like his counterparts Brothers 2 through 5, Brother 1 is a wizened old man with a long beard and no hair. He has a tattoo on the left side of his head that reads the number 1. One of his most distinctive features is his golden prosthetic left arm, which can be transformed or switched out for a machine gun, making him a dangerous opponent in close combat. He is almost always seen with a beautiful, nearly nude woman by his side, which contributes to his unique persona.
Brother 1's personality and mannerisms are an unusual mixture of an evangelical preacher and a street pimp. He delivers speeches that blend evangelistic, almost religious rhetoric with casual street vernacular, creating a distinctive and memorable presence. This combination of authoritative preaching and worldly showmanship reflects his role as the public face of the Empty Seven.
Regarding his role in the story, Brother 1 attempts to ambush Afro Samurai on the lift leading up to the top of Mount Shumi after the destruction of the Afro Droid. This ambush takes place as Afro ascends toward his confrontation with the android Kuma. However, Brother 1 is unsuccessful in his attack and is badly beaten by Afro in their direct confrontation. What makes Brother 1 particularly notable among Afro's enemies is his survival. Unlike most of Afro's opponents, who are killed in their encounters with the swordsman, Brother 1 survives the fight, making him the only monk to battle Afro directly and live.
In the sequel Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Brother 1 appears again, but his condition has deteriorated significantly as a result of his earlier defeat. He has been left paralyzed by his fight with Afro and is bound to a stretcher, requiring a catheter and mostly speaking nonsensically. His companion from the first series is seen working as a stripper in Brother 3's gambling house, suggesting that the Empty Seven have repurposed themselves in the aftermath of their defeat. Brother 1 was rescued by Brother 3 after his encounter with Afro, and the two of them are among the few survivors of the Empty Seven following the events of the first series.
Beyond his combat abilities, which include proficiency with his prosthetic arm weapon and his skills as an assassin monk, Brother 1 serves as an administrator and motivator for the Empty Seven organization. The Empty Seven are described as the kingpins leading all the assassins in the world, responsible for sending assassins after Afro through red paper notices in exchange for massive financial rewards. As their leader, Brother 1 would have been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, using the Empty Seven's considerable wealth to fund developments such as the Afro Droid and Kuma.