OVA
Description
Genjo Sanzo, originally named Kouryuu, was abandoned as an infant and discovered floating in a river by the priest Koumyou Sanzo. Raised at Kinzan Temple, Koumyou bestowed the Buddhist name "Genjo Sanzo" and ordained him as successor shortly before being murdered by youkai during an attack that also stole the sacred Seiten Sutra. This event traumatized Sanzo, burdening him with guilt amplified by false accusations from temple monks blaming him for Koumyou's death. A red shakra mark appearing on his forehead—divine endorsement of his innocence—led to his formal appointment as the 31st Sanzo Priest, charged with protecting the Maten Sutra and wielding a demon-banishing gun.
After Koumyou's death, Sanzo wandered alone for approximately four years, enduring violent confrontations while searching for the stolen Seiten Sutra. This solitary journey eroded his physical and mental health, leaving him emotionally detached. He sought guidance from the Three Aspects at the Temple of the Setting Sun in Chang'an but was ordered to remain due to his "dead eyes," deemed incapable of recognizing the sutra. There, he encountered Archbishop Jikaku, whose mentorship introduced him to smoking and subtly challenged his rigid views. Jikaku sacrificed himself by impersonating Sanzo during an assassination attempt, an act that profoundly impacted Sanzo and solidified his resolve to protect others despite his aversion to emotional attachment.
Sanzo's personality manifests as cynicism, irritability, and rejection of conventional monastic piety. He routinely violates Buddhist tenets through smoking, drinking alcohol, gambling, and employing violence. His abrasive exterior is reflected in catchphrases like "Die" and "I'll kill you." He enforces discipline within his group using a paper fan or gun, especially toward Son Goku and Sha Gojyo. Despite this, he shows covert loyalty and protectiveness, particularly toward Goku, whom he freed from a 500-year imprisonment on Five Elements Mountain and took under his guardianship. Sanzo consistently denies emotional connections, adhering to Koumyou's teaching of "muichimotsu" (non-attachment), yet relies on his companions as a grounding presence.
Physically, Sanzo possesses striking golden blond hair, violet eyes, and a fair complexion. He wears loose priestly robes over modern clothing like jeans and boots, with the Maten Sutra scroll draped over his shoulders. Slightly farsighted, he requires reading glasses for scriptures or newspapers. Practical and resilient from years of survivalism, he sleeps lightly and can rest anywhere but grows irritable when sleep-deprived. He favors Japanese sweets and tea, dislikes cilantro and summer heat, and indulges in karaoke and the sound of wind chimes.
In combat, Sanzo primarily relies on his Smith & Wesson Model 36 revolver, complemented by hand-to-hand proficiency. The Maten Sutra serves as his secondary weapon; chanting a specific mantra unleashes its purifying energy, reserved for extreme threats like broken limiters on Goku's diadem or coordinated attacks with other sutra bearers. His resilience ranks second among his travel companions, surpassed only by Goku.
The events in "Saiyuki Reload: Burial" chronicle Sanzo's formative years, including his initial meeting with Goku on Gogyozan Mountain. Defying divine orders, he rescued the boy from persecution and harbored him at Keiun Temple. Concurrently, he met the half-youkai Gojyo and transformed human Hakkai, both societal outcasts. Sanzo integrated them into his group while undertaking missions for the Three Aspects, establishing their journey west. These experiences subtly softened his isolationist tendencies, though he continued masking his investment in others with detachment.
After Koumyou's death, Sanzo wandered alone for approximately four years, enduring violent confrontations while searching for the stolen Seiten Sutra. This solitary journey eroded his physical and mental health, leaving him emotionally detached. He sought guidance from the Three Aspects at the Temple of the Setting Sun in Chang'an but was ordered to remain due to his "dead eyes," deemed incapable of recognizing the sutra. There, he encountered Archbishop Jikaku, whose mentorship introduced him to smoking and subtly challenged his rigid views. Jikaku sacrificed himself by impersonating Sanzo during an assassination attempt, an act that profoundly impacted Sanzo and solidified his resolve to protect others despite his aversion to emotional attachment.
Sanzo's personality manifests as cynicism, irritability, and rejection of conventional monastic piety. He routinely violates Buddhist tenets through smoking, drinking alcohol, gambling, and employing violence. His abrasive exterior is reflected in catchphrases like "Die" and "I'll kill you." He enforces discipline within his group using a paper fan or gun, especially toward Son Goku and Sha Gojyo. Despite this, he shows covert loyalty and protectiveness, particularly toward Goku, whom he freed from a 500-year imprisonment on Five Elements Mountain and took under his guardianship. Sanzo consistently denies emotional connections, adhering to Koumyou's teaching of "muichimotsu" (non-attachment), yet relies on his companions as a grounding presence.
Physically, Sanzo possesses striking golden blond hair, violet eyes, and a fair complexion. He wears loose priestly robes over modern clothing like jeans and boots, with the Maten Sutra scroll draped over his shoulders. Slightly farsighted, he requires reading glasses for scriptures or newspapers. Practical and resilient from years of survivalism, he sleeps lightly and can rest anywhere but grows irritable when sleep-deprived. He favors Japanese sweets and tea, dislikes cilantro and summer heat, and indulges in karaoke and the sound of wind chimes.
In combat, Sanzo primarily relies on his Smith & Wesson Model 36 revolver, complemented by hand-to-hand proficiency. The Maten Sutra serves as his secondary weapon; chanting a specific mantra unleashes its purifying energy, reserved for extreme threats like broken limiters on Goku's diadem or coordinated attacks with other sutra bearers. His resilience ranks second among his travel companions, surpassed only by Goku.
The events in "Saiyuki Reload: Burial" chronicle Sanzo's formative years, including his initial meeting with Goku on Gogyozan Mountain. Defying divine orders, he rescued the boy from persecution and harbored him at Keiun Temple. Concurrently, he met the half-youkai Gojyo and transformed human Hakkai, both societal outcasts. Sanzo integrated them into his group while undertaking missions for the Three Aspects, establishing their journey west. These experiences subtly softened his isolationist tendencies, though he continued masking his investment in others with detachment.