TV-Series
Description
Ibukimaru is an ancient oni and the son of the legendary demon Shuten Douji. Centuries ago, he forsook his violent heritage to live peacefully with a human woman in a secluded village. This peace shattered when local authorities discovered an oni among them and ordered his family destroyed. Returning home, Ibukimaru found his wife decapitated, her head hidden mockingly. Consumed by vengeance, he unleashed his full power, burning the entire country in retaliation, an act that resulted in his eternal sealing in Jigoku (Hell).

After centuries imprisoned, Ibukimaru returned to the human world driven by a singular goal: to locate his wife’s remains and grant her a proper burial, reflecting a lingering connection to his human past. His return coincided with the resurgence of the Four Treasonous Generals of Jigoku, powerful yokai seeking dominion over humans and yokai alike. Ibukimaru was identified as the Fourth General, "The Kidō."

Physically, he is a tall oni with pale white skin, pointed ears, and navy blue hair featuring light blue strands, often partially tied back. A single dull green horn, transitioning to red at the tip, protrudes from his forehead's left side. His eyes possess bright yellow irises with dull yellow pupils, accentuated by red eyeliner beneath them. He typically wears a black samurai kimono secured with a dull blue cord, a cyan haneri underlayer, and a dull blue hakama paired with navy blue socks and geta sandals.

His combat prowess is formidable, centered on masterful dual-wielding of a katana and scabbard. The katana exhibits exceptional durability, capable of clashing with Nue’s teeth. Ibukimaru channels "Oni Magic" through these weapons, reciting incantations like "On" to unleash energy slashes, black-and-red lightning pulses, and violet tornadoes. His "Sowaka" technique specifically dispels the soul-manipulating spells of the Kidōshū clan. He demonstrates enhanced speed, reflexes, and strength—effortlessly evading attacks and striking with force sufficient to create craters. Additional powers include levitation, wind generation, explosion manipulation, and fire manipulation. He is immune to electricity, even absorbing it to augment his abilities.

Ibukimaru possesses regenerative capabilities; after losing an arm in battle, he regrew it, initially manifesting as a muscular, black-and-red-violet limb that later reverted to normal. His regeneration operates at Low-Mid levels ordinarily but escalates to Low-Godly over extended periods. As an oni, he holds intrinsic powers including soul manipulation, non-physical interaction, flight, and resistance to blood manipulation. He also nullifies techniques derived from oni magic, exemplified by negating Nue’s destructive roar.

During the Four Treasonous Generals Arc, Ibukimaru confronted Kitarō and the vengeful human Rei Isurugi—a descendant of the Kidōshū clan. Rei initially blamed Ibukimaru for his family’s massacre, unaware other Generals orchestrated the attack. Ibukimaru revealed that Rei’s clan derived their techniques from oni magic, rendering Rei’s abilities ineffective against him. After a fierce three-way battle, Ibukimaru clarified his innocence regarding Rei’s suffering and imparted a critical lesson: revenge consumes one’s humanity, urging both Kitarō and Rei to seek paths beyond vengeance.

Following his defeat, Ibukimaru shifted from antagonist to reluctant mentor. He chose to train Rei, transferring his swordsmanship knowledge and powers to aid Rei’s growth. This alliance proved pivotal in the final battle against the Generals’ leader, Tamamo-no-Mae, where Ibukimaru’s influence helped Rei and Kitarō unite against their common enemy. His journey concluded with a commitment to atone for his past destruction while guiding Rei toward a less destructive future.

Ibukimaru’s legend draws from Japanese folklore, particularly Kidōmaru, the son of Shuten Douji. His name references Mount Ibuki, a location tied to his father’s legends. Like his mythical counterpart, he is considered a hanyō (half-human) due to his human grandmother and mother, bridging both worlds in his narrative.