OVA
Description
Jinbei Tsukishima is a young samurai serving as a constable in a magistrate organization dedicated to combating giant insects. His motivation is rooted in a childhood incident where his father, Genjuurou Tsukishima, severed the ligaments in his own foot to take responsibility for an accident involving a lord’s son—an act of atonement for something Jinbei did not do, which instilled in him a lingering guilt and a powerful drive to restore his family’s honor.

Long before his current life, Jinbei existed as a deity. He once visited a village suffering from drought and, while praying with a young girl who bore a resemblance to Kuroageha, caused rain to fall. The moment brought him joy until a feudal lord raided the village, slaughtering all its inhabitants, including the girl. Jinbei died holding a deep grudge and was later reborn as a human infant to the samurai Genjuurou and Kanae, who raised him and taught him their family’s sword style.

In appearance, Jinbei is a fair-skinned young man of short stature and lean build, standing approximately 165 cm tall. He has large blue eyes and long black hair, most of which is chin-length and frames his face, while the remainder is tied into a high ponytail reaching his ankles. A small horizontal scar marks the bridge of his nose. He typically wears traditional samurai attire: a hakama, a white under-shirt, a red robe that fades to white at the hem and sleeves, blue pants, and simple sandals without tabi. He is rarely seen without his standard katana.

Jinbei’s personality is carefree, hot-blooded, and marked by optimistic determination. His catchphrase, “Always be ready for a fight,” reflects his spirited nature. His innate courage, bravery, and kindness unintentionally attract the affection of women such as Oharu, Hibachi, and Kuroageha, though he often remains oblivious to their feelings. He exhibits profound trust in others, including potential adversaries, and is defined by his unwavering spirit and refusal to surrender, particularly when defending innocent people or his friends. He becomes noticeably flustered around large-breasted women, a trait shared with his father.

As a fighter, Jinbei possesses strength exceeding that of a normal human, though he begins as the weakest member of his team. He makes up for his inexperience with fierce determination and rigorous training. A latent power dwells within him—a Superpowered Evil Side or berserk mode. When activated, his hair and skin turn pale white, and his power surges dramatically. This state can be triggered by ingesting a piece of Insect Magistrate Kuroageha’s hair, though the process is not fully understood. In this form, he becomes immensely powerful but ruthless, singularly focused on battling strong opponents, even at the risk of endangering allies. He eventually gains control over this ability.

Jinbei’s journey involves intense training and mastering his family’s techniques. Under his father’s tutelage, he learns the “Fuji Hammer” technique on Mount Fuji to halt a lava flow threatening nearby villages. He also trains with skilled warriors like Shungiku Koikawa, from whom he acquires immense cutting power, showcasing his dedication to growth.

His relationships play a central role in his development. He bonds with fellow constables such as the explosive specialist Hibachi, the convicted murderer Shungiku, the onmyōji Tenma Ichinotani, and the commander Kotori Matsunohara. He admires Mugai, the strongest warrior, as an inspiration. His kindness leads him to befriend the mysterious and poisonous Insect Magistrate Kuroageha, as well as Oharu, a tea shop girl he rescued early in his career.

Jinbei eventually marries Oharu, Hibachi, and Kuroageha. With Oharu, he has three children: Futami, Itsuki, and Hachibee. With Hibachi, he also has three: Ichibee, Shiho, and Nanata. With Kuroageha, he has three more: Santa, Mutsumi, and Kuko. In all, he fathers nine children, achieving a future of both personal and professional fulfillment.