Naoe Kanetsugu is a samurai from the Uesugi clan who appears in the anime Samurai Warriors. Born as Higuchi Yoroku, he later took the Naoe family name after marrying into the household. He served Uesugi Kenshin with deep reverence and later became a senior retainer and strategist for Kenshin's successor, Kagekatsu Uesugi. His background as a loyal councilor and commander is shaped by his early rise to prominence at a young age, distinguishing himself in battles such as the Battle of Tedorigawa.

Kanetsugu is defined by a strong sense of honor, duty, and justice. He is upright, professional, and proud of his position as a samurai. He believes in a righteous and moral world where the samurai code takes precedence, and he is known to raise his voice zealously in battle, driven by his convictions. Despite his outspoken and faithful nature, he openly expresses a distaste for war, though he acknowledges it as an unavoidable means to change the times. His helmet bears an "Ai" (love) crest, reflecting his belief that a warrior must carry deep conviction alongside strength.

His motivations are rooted in unwavering loyalty to the Uesugi family and a desire to uphold honor and righteousness. He sees himself as one of the last hopes of the Uesugi, committed to preserving the clan's methods and integrity. He is determined to prove his worth through his own strength and abilities, and he acts with integrity even when facing powerful adversaries.

In the story of Samurai Warriors, Kanetsugu plays the role of a key strategist and field commander for the Uesugi forces. He is instrumental in convincing Kagekatsu to ally with the Toyotomi, and he is noted for writing a famously scathing letter to Tokugawa Ieyasu that became known as the Naoe-jo, which contributed to the events leading to the Battle of Sekigahara. During the Sekigahara campaign, he argued in favor of pursuing the Tokugawa forces but was overruled. After the Uesugi clan surrendered and its domain was greatly reduced, he shifted from military command to focused on domestic governance, overseeing land development, flood control, mining, and local industries to maintain the clan's stability and reduce the burden on its vassals.

Key relationships include his deep bond with his lords Kenshin and Kagekatsu Uesugi. He also befriends Sanada Yukimura and Ishida Mitsunari, forming alliances with them during the Toyotomi era. He is a rival of Masamune Date, and he later works to build diplomatic ties with the Tokugawa through marriage alliances, such as with the family of Honda Masanobu. He also interacts with other warriors like Keiji Maeda, whom he tries to recruit back to the Uesugi army.

Kanetsugu's development is marked by a transformation from a zealous, idealistic young samurai determined to uphold his beliefs at any cost into a pragmatic and wise administrator who accepts harsh realities for the survival of his clan. In his early appearances, he is more rigid and confrontational, but as the story progresses, he demonstrates mature judgment and a willingness to adapt, focusing on peace and governance after the wars end. He is remembered as a figure who balanced military prowess with administrative skill.

Notable abilities include exceptional swordsmanship and the use of paper charms, often referred to as charm cards, in combat. He is a brilliant strategist and tactician, capable of leading large campaigns and also adept at diplomacy and governance. His physical strength and combat style are complemented by his sharp intellect, and he is respected for his sound judgment even by his enemies.