OVA
Description
Born to government official Rin Tokou and peddler's daughter Kouran, Genjo Sanzo was abandoned as an infant, set adrift in a basket on a river. Rescued by the priest Koumyou Sanzo, he was named Kouryuu ("River Orphan") and raised at Kinzan temple. At thirteen, Kouryuu witnessed Koumyou's murder during a youkai attack targeting the Seiten Sutra; the Maten Sutra was saved. With his dying breath, Koumyou bestowed upon Kouryuu the priestly title "Genjo Sanzo," making him the 31st Sanzo priest and guardian of the Maten Sutra. A red shakra mark appearing on his forehead later proved his innocence against false temple accusations of the murder. Sanzo departed the temple to avenge Koumyou and reclaim the Seiten Sutra, taking a "banishing gun" from the temple armory. For four subsequent years, he wandered alone, killing frequently and hardening emotionally, an experience including killing a man who attempted to rape him.
Sanzo possesses strikingly attractive features: bright golden blonde hair, violet eyes, and fair complexion. He typically wears loose beige or white priest robes with the divine Maten Sutra scroll draped over his shoulders, its protection preventing wear. Underneath, he sports modern attire like blue jeans, fingerless gloves, and black boots. He stands approximately 177 cm (5'10") tall and weighs 64 kg.
Defined by detachment, cynicism, and a volatile temper, Sanzo openly defies Buddhist tenets through smoking, drinking, gambling, and wielding firearms. He rejects emotional attachments, citing the teaching of "muichimotsu" (non-attachment) as a defense mechanism forged by Koumyou's death. He is easily provoked, especially by companions Sha Gojyo and Son Goku's quarrels, responding with physical threats using his paper fan or gun. Despite his aloofness, he demonstrates implicit care, allowing Goku to accompany him after freeing him from 500 years' imprisonment and tolerating gestures from others like the young demon Lirin. His recurring phrases include "Die" and "I'll kill you," reflecting his abrasive demeanor.
Sanzo's primary weapon is the Smith & Wesson M36 revolver ("banishing gun"), used with lethal precision. He also carries the Maten Sutra, activated by chanting "Makai Tenjo" to banish demons, though he reserves it for extreme situations like Goku's diadem breaking or facing resonant sutra powers alongside other Sanzo priests. Adept in hand-to-hand combat, he defeats larger opponents. He possesses unique abilities, like reconstructing Goku's power-limiting diadem—a feat otherwise exclusive to gods—possibly due to residual power from his past incarnation as the heavenly official Konzen Douji.
His development centers on reluctantly forming bonds. During the journey west, mandated by the Three Aspects to stop Gyumaoh's resurrection, he initially labels Goku, Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai as "servants" and denies friendship. Pivotal moments reveal his loyalty: he nearly sacrifices himself to save Goku, accepts Gojyo's support during a vulnerable confrontation with his past, and acknowledges the group as his "place to return to." His relationship with Goku is particularly profound, rooted in their past lives—Sanzo's incarnation Konzen Douji was Goku's guardian in heaven before a rebellion led to their separation and reincarnation. This history explains Sanzo freeing Goku and their enduring, unspoken bond.
Sanzo possesses strikingly attractive features: bright golden blonde hair, violet eyes, and fair complexion. He typically wears loose beige or white priest robes with the divine Maten Sutra scroll draped over his shoulders, its protection preventing wear. Underneath, he sports modern attire like blue jeans, fingerless gloves, and black boots. He stands approximately 177 cm (5'10") tall and weighs 64 kg.
Defined by detachment, cynicism, and a volatile temper, Sanzo openly defies Buddhist tenets through smoking, drinking, gambling, and wielding firearms. He rejects emotional attachments, citing the teaching of "muichimotsu" (non-attachment) as a defense mechanism forged by Koumyou's death. He is easily provoked, especially by companions Sha Gojyo and Son Goku's quarrels, responding with physical threats using his paper fan or gun. Despite his aloofness, he demonstrates implicit care, allowing Goku to accompany him after freeing him from 500 years' imprisonment and tolerating gestures from others like the young demon Lirin. His recurring phrases include "Die" and "I'll kill you," reflecting his abrasive demeanor.
Sanzo's primary weapon is the Smith & Wesson M36 revolver ("banishing gun"), used with lethal precision. He also carries the Maten Sutra, activated by chanting "Makai Tenjo" to banish demons, though he reserves it for extreme situations like Goku's diadem breaking or facing resonant sutra powers alongside other Sanzo priests. Adept in hand-to-hand combat, he defeats larger opponents. He possesses unique abilities, like reconstructing Goku's power-limiting diadem—a feat otherwise exclusive to gods—possibly due to residual power from his past incarnation as the heavenly official Konzen Douji.
His development centers on reluctantly forming bonds. During the journey west, mandated by the Three Aspects to stop Gyumaoh's resurrection, he initially labels Goku, Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai as "servants" and denies friendship. Pivotal moments reveal his loyalty: he nearly sacrifices himself to save Goku, accepts Gojyo's support during a vulnerable confrontation with his past, and acknowledges the group as his "place to return to." His relationship with Goku is particularly profound, rooted in their past lives—Sanzo's incarnation Konzen Douji was Goku's guardian in heaven before a rebellion led to their separation and reincarnation. This history explains Sanzo freeing Goku and their enduring, unspoken bond.