TV-Series
Description
Saito Yoshitatsu functions as a key antagonist, initially portrayed as the son of Mino Province's ruler, Saitō Dōsan. His defining conviction is that Dōsan stole Mino from Yoshitatsu's true father, fueling profound resentment and a drive to reclaim his birthright. This motivates his rebellion upon discovering Dōsan's plan to name Nobuna Oda as heir instead.
Physically imposing, Yoshitatsu possesses a large frame, standing taller than Dōsan, and is frequently depicted with a rugged beard while consistently wearing armor. His appearance later transforms drastically after contracting the same fatal illness that afflicted Dōsan. This illness causes severe decline: slimming, shrinking, and shriveling his body, ironically confirming their biological link as he comes to resemble Dōsan's younger self.
Yoshitatsu's personality blends deep resentment, paranoia, and tactical acumen. He actively reverses Dōsan's policies to court Mino's nobility and solidify his rule. He harbors intense distrust towards those possessing superior intellect, particularly strategist Takenaka Hanbei, fearing her capabilities despite her loyalty. This distrust and his birthright fixation drive his conflict with Nobuna Oda. Portrayals differ: the anime depicts him as consistently brave and cold-hearted, while the light novels initially show cowardice, fleeing supernatural threats like Hanbei's shikigami, though he later demonstrates bravery rallying troops during Sunomata Castle's defense. His strategic intelligence manifests in manipulating factions, deceiving adversaries like the Takeda strategist, and recognizing exploitation attempts by figures such as Azai Nagamasa.
In warfare, Yoshitatsu deploys explosives and ambushes, notably attempting to trap Nobuna's forces in a rigged valley. He engages directly in combat, clashing with figures like Shibata Katsuie and Nobuna, and wields unconventional weapons, including a cannon. Following decisive defeat and loss of Mino to Nobuna, Yoshitatsu undergoes significant development. He acknowledges flawed judgment, apologizes to Hanbei for his mistrust, and accepts Nobuna's superiority. His survival is solely driven by the need to warn Nobuna of Nagamasa's treachery. Contracting his fatal illness leads to reconciliation with Dōsan, and he aids Dōsan in repelling Takeda Shingen's forces to protect the Oda clan. In his final moments, guided by the repentant sniper Sugitani Zenjūrō, he expresses a wish to be buried with Dōsan, a wish that is honored. His legacy is commemorated in Gifu City through an annual festival.
Physically imposing, Yoshitatsu possesses a large frame, standing taller than Dōsan, and is frequently depicted with a rugged beard while consistently wearing armor. His appearance later transforms drastically after contracting the same fatal illness that afflicted Dōsan. This illness causes severe decline: slimming, shrinking, and shriveling his body, ironically confirming their biological link as he comes to resemble Dōsan's younger self.
Yoshitatsu's personality blends deep resentment, paranoia, and tactical acumen. He actively reverses Dōsan's policies to court Mino's nobility and solidify his rule. He harbors intense distrust towards those possessing superior intellect, particularly strategist Takenaka Hanbei, fearing her capabilities despite her loyalty. This distrust and his birthright fixation drive his conflict with Nobuna Oda. Portrayals differ: the anime depicts him as consistently brave and cold-hearted, while the light novels initially show cowardice, fleeing supernatural threats like Hanbei's shikigami, though he later demonstrates bravery rallying troops during Sunomata Castle's defense. His strategic intelligence manifests in manipulating factions, deceiving adversaries like the Takeda strategist, and recognizing exploitation attempts by figures such as Azai Nagamasa.
In warfare, Yoshitatsu deploys explosives and ambushes, notably attempting to trap Nobuna's forces in a rigged valley. He engages directly in combat, clashing with figures like Shibata Katsuie and Nobuna, and wields unconventional weapons, including a cannon. Following decisive defeat and loss of Mino to Nobuna, Yoshitatsu undergoes significant development. He acknowledges flawed judgment, apologizes to Hanbei for his mistrust, and accepts Nobuna's superiority. His survival is solely driven by the need to warn Nobuna of Nagamasa's treachery. Contracting his fatal illness leads to reconciliation with Dōsan, and he aids Dōsan in repelling Takeda Shingen's forces to protect the Oda clan. In his final moments, guided by the repentant sniper Sugitani Zenjūrō, he expresses a wish to be buried with Dōsan, a wish that is honored. His legacy is commemorated in Gifu City through an annual festival.