OVA
Description
Oboro, sometimes romanized as Oburo, is a recurring figure across the Utawarerumono franchise, appearing in the original story with its anime adaptation and returning as a supporting presence in the later Mask of Deception and Mask of Truth installments. He is the older brother of Yuzuha, eventually becomes the emperor of Tuskur after Hakuowlo is sealed away, and is the father of Kuon in the later portion of the story.
In his early life, Oboro is the impulsive and somewhat egotistical young chief of a bandit fort near the village of Yamayura. He comes from a physically gifted hunting people, and a Japanese source describes him as a young tribal leader with a fierce temperament and a straight, passionate nature. He turns to banditry in order to keep his people alive and to support his sickly younger sister Yuzuha, whom he brings to Tuskur so that she can receive medical care. His family background carries notable weight, as his grandfather was a previous ruler of Kenashikourupe who fought alongside the White God during an earlier great war. When Hakuowlo rises to lead a rebellion against the oppressive rule of the region, Oboro joins his cause and swears eternal allegiance to him, calling Hakuowlo his brother. A desire for revenge against the forces that had victimized his people is among the reasons he commits to the fight.
Oboro's personality is defined by his hot-blooded and direct manner. He is brave, fiercely loyal, and protective of those close to him, most visibly his sister and later his daughter. His impulsiveness and pride sometimes put him at odds with others, and his running disagreements with the warrior Kurou over military matters are a recurring source of comedy. He also has an exaggerated distaste for vegetables, gagging even at small amounts during meals. Beneath his rough edges, he demonstrates genuine care for his comrades and a willingness to shoulder responsibility when the situation demands it.
His motivations shift as the story progresses. During the rebellion and the founding of Tuskur, he is driven by loyalty to Hakuowlo, devotion to Yuzuha, and the desire to protect the people who depend on him. After the war, he serves as a general of the new country and leads a special forces unit made up of vagabond swordsmen drawn from his old bandit fort. Later, when Hakuowlo is about to be sealed into a deep sleep, he names Oboro as his successor to the throne. Yuzuha passes away not long afterward, and Oboro responds by undertaking a journey of self-discovery across the land so that he can learn how to be a worthy emperor, with his faithful attendants Dorii and Guraa at his side.
The two archers Dorii and Guraa are his constant companions throughout the original story, acting as his subordinates and routinely appearing alongside him, though the origin of their lord and vassal relationship is never fully explained. His bond with Hakuowlo is one of the most significant of his life, rooted in shared struggle and mutual respect, and he regards Hakuowlo as a brother. His relationship with Kurou is more combative but largely good-natured, defined by their clashing views on military strategy. In his later years, Oboro becomes a doting father to Kuon, showing an affectionate and overprotective side that contrasts with his warrior image. During a private visit to Yamato, he even reveals his indulgent fatherly behavior to Haku while under the influence of alcohol. His trusted retainer Benawi helps look after Kuon and provides the discipline that the openly affectionate Oboro cannot always supply.
Oboro undergoes clear development across the story, growing from a rash bandit chief into a commander, then a ruler, and finally a devoted parent. The loss of his sister and the weight of the throne force him to mature, and his later appearances show a man who has accepted his duties while retaining the warmth and energy of his younger self.
In battle, Oboro favors two katanas and fights using his natural agility and speed, making him a dangerous opponent despite being less experienced than many of the veteran warriors around him. His fast, aggressive fighting style is emphasized in the game adaptations, where he is known as a quick attacker who strikes multiple times, balancing respectable offensive power with evasion. As a leader, he commands his own unit of swordsmen and relies on the archery skills of Dorii and Guraa, and in time he governs Tuskur as its emperor.
In his early life, Oboro is the impulsive and somewhat egotistical young chief of a bandit fort near the village of Yamayura. He comes from a physically gifted hunting people, and a Japanese source describes him as a young tribal leader with a fierce temperament and a straight, passionate nature. He turns to banditry in order to keep his people alive and to support his sickly younger sister Yuzuha, whom he brings to Tuskur so that she can receive medical care. His family background carries notable weight, as his grandfather was a previous ruler of Kenashikourupe who fought alongside the White God during an earlier great war. When Hakuowlo rises to lead a rebellion against the oppressive rule of the region, Oboro joins his cause and swears eternal allegiance to him, calling Hakuowlo his brother. A desire for revenge against the forces that had victimized his people is among the reasons he commits to the fight.
Oboro's personality is defined by his hot-blooded and direct manner. He is brave, fiercely loyal, and protective of those close to him, most visibly his sister and later his daughter. His impulsiveness and pride sometimes put him at odds with others, and his running disagreements with the warrior Kurou over military matters are a recurring source of comedy. He also has an exaggerated distaste for vegetables, gagging even at small amounts during meals. Beneath his rough edges, he demonstrates genuine care for his comrades and a willingness to shoulder responsibility when the situation demands it.
His motivations shift as the story progresses. During the rebellion and the founding of Tuskur, he is driven by loyalty to Hakuowlo, devotion to Yuzuha, and the desire to protect the people who depend on him. After the war, he serves as a general of the new country and leads a special forces unit made up of vagabond swordsmen drawn from his old bandit fort. Later, when Hakuowlo is about to be sealed into a deep sleep, he names Oboro as his successor to the throne. Yuzuha passes away not long afterward, and Oboro responds by undertaking a journey of self-discovery across the land so that he can learn how to be a worthy emperor, with his faithful attendants Dorii and Guraa at his side.
The two archers Dorii and Guraa are his constant companions throughout the original story, acting as his subordinates and routinely appearing alongside him, though the origin of their lord and vassal relationship is never fully explained. His bond with Hakuowlo is one of the most significant of his life, rooted in shared struggle and mutual respect, and he regards Hakuowlo as a brother. His relationship with Kurou is more combative but largely good-natured, defined by their clashing views on military strategy. In his later years, Oboro becomes a doting father to Kuon, showing an affectionate and overprotective side that contrasts with his warrior image. During a private visit to Yamato, he even reveals his indulgent fatherly behavior to Haku while under the influence of alcohol. His trusted retainer Benawi helps look after Kuon and provides the discipline that the openly affectionate Oboro cannot always supply.
Oboro undergoes clear development across the story, growing from a rash bandit chief into a commander, then a ruler, and finally a devoted parent. The loss of his sister and the weight of the throne force him to mature, and his later appearances show a man who has accepted his duties while retaining the warmth and energy of his younger self.
In battle, Oboro favors two katanas and fights using his natural agility and speed, making him a dangerous opponent despite being less experienced than many of the veteran warriors around him. His fast, aggressive fighting style is emphasized in the game adaptations, where he is known as a quick attacker who strikes multiple times, balancing respectable offensive power with evasion. As a leader, he commands his own unit of swordsmen and relies on the archery skills of Dorii and Guraa, and in time he governs Tuskur as its emperor.