TV-Series
Description
Benkei Hanawa, also known by his alias the Masked Bull, is a prominent character in the Beyblade: Metal Masters series. He is a young man with a large, physically imposing build, short purple hair, and red eyes. His most recognizable feature is his white beanie hat, which is emblazoned with a red bull's skull. His typical attire consists of a black and red jacket, gray shorts, and black shoes, often accessorized with wristbands and a brown belt holding his Beyblade equipment.
Benkei's personality is defined by a striking contrast between his rough exterior and his genuinely kind heart. He initially appears as a typical bully, which stemmed from his time as the second-in-command of the Face Hunters, a gang that stole Beypoints from weaker bladers. During this period, he acted ruthlessly, having learned to project a tough and intimidating demeanor. However, beneath this aggressive front lies a person who is compassionate, determined, and deeply loyal. He often tries to hide his softer feelings to avoid appearing weak, but his good nature consistently breaks through, particularly in his interactions with his friends.
Benkei's background is rooted in his admiration for Kyoya Tategami. After losing to Kyoya in a Beyblade battle, Benkei declared him his hero and followed him, leading to the formation of the Face Hunters gang with Benkei as Kyoya's most loyal subordinate. His primary motivation stems from this loyalty, as he wishes to support Kyoya and stand by his side. This drive is complicated by his own emerging sense of right and wrong, which ultimately leads to his expulsion from the Face Hunters after he chooses to help and mentor the young blader Kenta Yumiya, refusing to rely on underhanded tactics. His journey sees him evolve from a minor antagonist to a devoted ally and friend to Gingka Hagane’s group.
In Beyblade: Metal Masters, Benkei's role becomes more defined as he joins Kyoya's team for the Big Bang Bladers tournament, Team Wild Fang. To conceal his identity and perhaps add an air of mystery, he adopts the persona of the Masked Bull, though his large stature and enthusiastic demeanor make him easily recognizable to his friends. As a member of Team Wild Fang, he serves as a substitute blader, supporting his captain, Kyoya, and teammates Nile and Demure. His role in the story is that of a supportive and fiercely loyal friend, providing a strong presence both in battle and in group dynamics.
Key relationships are central to Benkei's character. His relationship with Kyoya is one of profound admiration and unwavering loyalty. He constantly cheers for Kyoya, often to the point of tears, and is his most ardent supporter, even though Kyoya sometimes finds his enthusiasm overwhelming. His friendship with Kenta Yumiya is another cornerstone of his development. Benkei views Kenta as a little brother, becoming his mentor and protector. This relationship was the catalyst for his initial turn to the side of good, as he trained Kenta to be a stronger and fairer blader. Through Kenta, he also becomes a trusted ally to Gingka and the wider group of protagonists.
Benkei's development is one of the most pronounced in the series. He begins as a minor antagonist, stealing points and bullying bladers. A significant turning point occurs when he rejects the Face Hunters' cruel methods, freeing a captured Madoka and training Kenta to win a battle on his own merit, which leads to his expulsion from the gang. After this, he fully reforms, becoming a core member of the protagonists' circle. By the time of the Shogun Steel series, Benkei has retired from active competitive blading and has channeled his passion and size into a new venture: he owns and operates a fast-food restaurant called Bull Burger, though he remains connected to the sport by occasionally coaching for the WBBA.
Benkei is a highly determined blader who does not give up easily, even when facing opponents far more powerful than himself, such as the legendary Ryuga. His Beyblade is Dark Bull H145SD, a Balance-type that combines strong defensive capabilities with powerful attacks. He utilizes his Beyblade’s weight and the Horn145 spin track to deliver brute-force strikes. His notable special moves include Upper, Red Horn Upper, and Tornado Bull Upper. While his competitive record has many losses, including against top-tier bladers like Kyoya and Ryuga, his fighting spirit and unwavering determination are his true strengths.
Benkei's personality is defined by a striking contrast between his rough exterior and his genuinely kind heart. He initially appears as a typical bully, which stemmed from his time as the second-in-command of the Face Hunters, a gang that stole Beypoints from weaker bladers. During this period, he acted ruthlessly, having learned to project a tough and intimidating demeanor. However, beneath this aggressive front lies a person who is compassionate, determined, and deeply loyal. He often tries to hide his softer feelings to avoid appearing weak, but his good nature consistently breaks through, particularly in his interactions with his friends.
Benkei's background is rooted in his admiration for Kyoya Tategami. After losing to Kyoya in a Beyblade battle, Benkei declared him his hero and followed him, leading to the formation of the Face Hunters gang with Benkei as Kyoya's most loyal subordinate. His primary motivation stems from this loyalty, as he wishes to support Kyoya and stand by his side. This drive is complicated by his own emerging sense of right and wrong, which ultimately leads to his expulsion from the Face Hunters after he chooses to help and mentor the young blader Kenta Yumiya, refusing to rely on underhanded tactics. His journey sees him evolve from a minor antagonist to a devoted ally and friend to Gingka Hagane’s group.
In Beyblade: Metal Masters, Benkei's role becomes more defined as he joins Kyoya's team for the Big Bang Bladers tournament, Team Wild Fang. To conceal his identity and perhaps add an air of mystery, he adopts the persona of the Masked Bull, though his large stature and enthusiastic demeanor make him easily recognizable to his friends. As a member of Team Wild Fang, he serves as a substitute blader, supporting his captain, Kyoya, and teammates Nile and Demure. His role in the story is that of a supportive and fiercely loyal friend, providing a strong presence both in battle and in group dynamics.
Key relationships are central to Benkei's character. His relationship with Kyoya is one of profound admiration and unwavering loyalty. He constantly cheers for Kyoya, often to the point of tears, and is his most ardent supporter, even though Kyoya sometimes finds his enthusiasm overwhelming. His friendship with Kenta Yumiya is another cornerstone of his development. Benkei views Kenta as a little brother, becoming his mentor and protector. This relationship was the catalyst for his initial turn to the side of good, as he trained Kenta to be a stronger and fairer blader. Through Kenta, he also becomes a trusted ally to Gingka and the wider group of protagonists.
Benkei's development is one of the most pronounced in the series. He begins as a minor antagonist, stealing points and bullying bladers. A significant turning point occurs when he rejects the Face Hunters' cruel methods, freeing a captured Madoka and training Kenta to win a battle on his own merit, which leads to his expulsion from the gang. After this, he fully reforms, becoming a core member of the protagonists' circle. By the time of the Shogun Steel series, Benkei has retired from active competitive blading and has channeled his passion and size into a new venture: he owns and operates a fast-food restaurant called Bull Burger, though he remains connected to the sport by occasionally coaching for the WBBA.
Benkei is a highly determined blader who does not give up easily, even when facing opponents far more powerful than himself, such as the legendary Ryuga. His Beyblade is Dark Bull H145SD, a Balance-type that combines strong defensive capabilities with powerful attacks. He utilizes his Beyblade’s weight and the Horn145 spin track to deliver brute-force strikes. His notable special moves include Upper, Red Horn Upper, and Tornado Bull Upper. While his competitive record has many losses, including against top-tier bladers like Kyoya and Ryuga, his fighting spirit and unwavering determination are his true strengths.