Kojirō Nezu is a central member of the Elusive Warriors and one of the first retainers to pledge himself to Tokiyuki Hojo’s cause. His origins are marked by hardship: he was born from an affair between a member of the Hojo clan and a woman of the Nezu clan but was abandoned by his father and orphaned shortly after birth when his mother died. Raised by a relative named Yorinao, he was eventually used as a substitute body double for the Nezu clan heir due to their strong resemblance. Despite this complicated past, Kojirō possesses a cheerful, lively, and energetic personality. He is fearless in combat and maintains a sharp awareness of his surroundings, constantly analyzing the battlefield and the movements of his enemies. Among the eccentric members of the Elusive Warriors, he serves as the calm and sensible straight man. Suwa Yorishige recognized his exceptional potential and assigned him as one of Tokiyuki’s three chief retainers, describing him as one of the finest swordsmen of his generation who is destined to one day lead an army. His role in the story is that of Tokiyuki’s most skilled frontline swordsman and trusted lieutenant, always fighting to protect his lord and encourage his allies. Kojirō shares a close bond with Tokiyuki, treating him with the full respect due to a lord while also standing by him as a loyal friend. He has a friendly daily rivalry with Ayako, though their combat coordination is perfectly synchronized, demonstrating deep trust between them. His notable abilities include prodigious swordsmanship that matches or exceeds that of seasoned adult warriors and an astute tactical eye that allows him to read the flow of battle and support his comrades effectively.