Mori Yoshinari, a historical samurai and retainer to Oda Nobunaga, was a gallant spear fighter distinguished by his black hair, brown eyes, facial hair, and characteristic ponytail. Originally a retainer of the Saitō clan, lords of Mino Province, he fought against the Oda clan at the Battle of Kanōguchi in 1547. In 1555, he and his family defected for unknown reasons to serve Oda Nobunaga. As a loyal and trusted vassal, Yoshinari participated in pivotal campaigns. He fought at the Battle of Ino in 1556 against Oda Nobuyuki. In 1567, he aided in the overthrow of his former masters, the Saitō clan, at the Siege of Inabayama Castle against Saitō Tatsuoki. In late 1568, he joined Oda generals like Shibata Katsuie to attack Iwanari Tomomichi at Shōryūji Castle. He fought against the combined forces of the Asakura and Azai clans at the Battle of Anegawa in 1570. Later that same year, he met his end in combat at the Siege of Usayama Castle, also known as the Battle of Shimosakamoto, against the Azai and Asakura clans near Ōtsu. He was married to a woman named Ei, later known as Myōkōni, and was the father of several sons, including the notable Oda samurai Mori Nagayoshi and Mori Ranmaru. Leadership of the Mori clan passed to his son, Mori Nagayoshi, after his death.