Fugen was the master of Nanto Koshū Ken, instructing Shin and Jugai in this martial art. Shin became Fugen's official successor. Following this succession, Shin betrayed Fugen, severing the tendons in his legs and leaving him permanently crippled and unable to walk.

After being crippled, Fugen fell into captivity under the slaver Guruma. He was enslaved in Gesso City, forced into labor alongside other captives. During his enslavement, Fugen encountered the captured Kenshiro, defeated by Shin. Despite his own suffering and physical limitations, Fugen aided Kenshiro's recovery and awakening to his destiny as a savior. Their interactions strengthened Kenshiro's resolve to protect the innocent in the wasteland.

Fugen's story ended during the destruction of Gesso City; he met his end in the explosion that engulfed the city.