Haohmaru is a wandering swordsman from Jōkamachi in Musashi Province, Japan. Orphaned young, he was discovered and trained by master swordsman Nicotine Caffeine alongside fellow orphan Genjuro Kibagami. At fifteen, Haohmaru challenged the renowned swordsman Jubei Yagyu but lost due to inexperience; Jubei subsequently directed him to Nicotine for formal training. During their tutelage, Nicotine tested both students by pitting them against other fighters to compete for the prized sword Fugudoku. Unlike Genjuro, Haohmaru demonstrated restraint, halting combat once opponents yielded. This earned him Nicotine's trust and the sword Fugudoku. Inspired by the historical swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and visually modeled after Hyakkimaru from the manga *Dororo*, Haohmaru is a rōnin embodying a "samurai spirit" focused on personal honor and growth through combat. He travels continuously, seeking enlightenment by challenging formidable opponents. His personality balances battle confidence with a crude, easy-going demeanor outside combat; he enjoys sake, food, and naps, avoiding unnecessary conflict as he ages. He harbors a romantic interest in Oshizu, though his wanderings often separate them. Despite a fierce rivalry with Genjuro, he maintains underlying concern for his welfare. In *Samurai Spirits 2: Asura Zanmaden*, Haohmaru resides temporarily with Nakoruru and her sister Rimururu. After clashing with the enigmatic warrior Asura—who defeated Genjuro—Haohmaru becomes determined to confront him again. The OVA depicts him aiding Nakoruru, who protects Shiki (a former servant of the demon Yuga), though Haohmaru ultimately seeks to end the threat posed by Yuga and Shiki. His fighting style centers on powerful, wide-reaching sword techniques, including signature moves like the crescent uppercut *Kougetsu Zan* and the whirlwind projectile *Senpuu Retsu Zan*. He wields Fugudoku and a sake jug, the latter used for deflecting projectiles or striking foes. He can generate wind-based attacks, such as creating small hurricanes with his sword slashes. Across later media, including *Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage*, Haohmaru ages into a revered "Legendary Swordsman." At forty-seven, he mentors younger warriors like Shizumaru Hisame and Takechiyo, periodically testing their skills through duels. He pursues his adopted niece Mikoto to the cursed island Riten Kyo, combating evil entities like the Razor Trio while seeking worthy opponents. In this era, he temporarily transforms into "Sword Demon Haohmaru" under Yuga's influence, though he typically resists such corruption. His journey remains defined by a pursuit of strength tempered by a growing aversion to needless violence, cementing his legacy as a wanderer upholding justice through self-taught mastery.