Nobunaga drives the narrative as a central figure, his earliest depicted act rescuing a young girl named Chidori from drowning in a river. This event forges a lifelong bond of loyalty between them. As a feudal warlord during Japan's Sengoku period, he relentlessly pursues unifying the fractured nation to end prolonged civil strife. His leadership merges pragmatism with strategic innovation. He recruits skilled shinobi from the Iga clan, including Chidori and Sukezou, prioritizing their espionage and assassination capabilities over less effective local ninjas previously employed. He champions forward-thinking military tactics, advocating firearms over traditional bows and arrows to shift battlefield dynamics. Personal relationships unveil nuanced dimensions of his character. Deep affection for his younger sister Oichi becomes a vulnerability, triggering fierce reactions when her dignity faces challenge. He sustains a stable marriage with his airheaded wife Kichou, maintaining evident care for her. Interactions with retainers like the bumbling yet resilient Hideyoshi reflect tolerance for eccentricity, provided their loyalty remains steadfast. The third season centers on heightened conflict during the Battle of Anegawa. Nobunaga confronts profound personal and strategic turmoil when Oichi marries Azai Nagamasa, forcing opposition against her husband’s forces. This compels him to prioritize unification over familial bonds, igniting unavoidable military confrontation. Throughout this period, he relies on Chidori for critical missions, though her escalating emotional turmoil over required violence strains their master-servant dynamic. He contends with diverse adversaries, including the militant Ikkō sect under Honganji Kennyo and internal betrayals from figures like Matsunaga Hisahide. His alliance with Tokugawa Ieyasu proves vital during the Battle of Anegawa, demonstrating political acumen in navigating wartime alliances. His character design frequently omits a visible mouth, enhancing an inscrutable demeanor. Yet moments expose dry wit and perceptiveness, such as recalling details of his first meeting with Chidori years later while noting her unchanged inability to swim. Minor personal weaknesses include a fondness for alcohol and sweets.