OVA
Description
Keiji Maeda is the adopted nephew of Maeda Toshiie and Matsu. Initially groomed to lead the Maeda clan, he lost his heir status when Oda Nobunaga appointed Toshiie as family head, creating lasting tension. He embodies the flamboyant, nonconformist kabukimono archetype, displaying a carefree and mischievous demeanor. This manifests in frequent pranks against his adoptive family, especially Toshiie, reflecting a mix of affection and resentment over their disapproval of his unconventional lifestyle. He is always accompanied by a small monkey named Yumekichi.
His primary weapon is an oversized nodachi, wielded single-handedly despite its size. His distinctive fighting style involves throwing the sheath into the air and retrieving it mid-battle as needed. Associated with the wind element, his combat skills include "Yumegokochi," where he naps to gradually recover health, and "Koibumi Okuri," which summons Yumekichi to deliver random beneficial or harmful items.
Keiji once shared a close friendship with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which fractured due to Hideyoshi's growing lust for power. After Hideyoshi's death, he joined the Uesugi clan under Kenshin Uesugi out of loyalty to his friend Naoe Kanetsugu. While serving the Uesugi, a mission to deliver a message to Magoichi Saika sparked an immediate infatuation. His subsequent actions revolve around pursuing and attempting to protect her, often against her wishes. This pursuit influences his alignment with either the Eastern or Western Army based on player choices. Potential resolutions include his return to the Uesugi, rejoining the Maeda, or joining Magoichi's Saika group.
Later, Keiji assumes leadership of the Kaga Maeda clan, replacing Toshiie. While retaining his free-spirited nature, he struggles with the newfound responsibilities and doubts about bearing the clan's burdens. He opposes the era's upheaval caused by Ashikaga Yoshiteru's restoration of power, though acknowledges the enthusiasm it generates. His personal drama involves confronting his unresolved history with Hideyoshi, culminating in a tearful admission of jealousy toward Hanbei Takenaka for replacing him as Hideyoshi's confidant. A final battle with Hideyoshi ends in mutual acknowledgment that their friendship cannot be restored.
Keiji later encounters Emperor Yoshiteru; they bond over shared grief for lost friends. A weaponless brawl between them transitions into laughter after Keiji endures Yoshiteru's punch, symbolizing his commitment to facing friendships without avoidance. This marks a shift toward greater emotional maturity.
Historically inspired elements include his famous horse Matsukaze and his legendary role in disrupting enemy formations with minimal forces during the Uesugi's retreat at the Siege of Hasedō, enriching his depiction as a peerless warrior.
His primary weapon is an oversized nodachi, wielded single-handedly despite its size. His distinctive fighting style involves throwing the sheath into the air and retrieving it mid-battle as needed. Associated with the wind element, his combat skills include "Yumegokochi," where he naps to gradually recover health, and "Koibumi Okuri," which summons Yumekichi to deliver random beneficial or harmful items.
Keiji once shared a close friendship with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which fractured due to Hideyoshi's growing lust for power. After Hideyoshi's death, he joined the Uesugi clan under Kenshin Uesugi out of loyalty to his friend Naoe Kanetsugu. While serving the Uesugi, a mission to deliver a message to Magoichi Saika sparked an immediate infatuation. His subsequent actions revolve around pursuing and attempting to protect her, often against her wishes. This pursuit influences his alignment with either the Eastern or Western Army based on player choices. Potential resolutions include his return to the Uesugi, rejoining the Maeda, or joining Magoichi's Saika group.
Later, Keiji assumes leadership of the Kaga Maeda clan, replacing Toshiie. While retaining his free-spirited nature, he struggles with the newfound responsibilities and doubts about bearing the clan's burdens. He opposes the era's upheaval caused by Ashikaga Yoshiteru's restoration of power, though acknowledges the enthusiasm it generates. His personal drama involves confronting his unresolved history with Hideyoshi, culminating in a tearful admission of jealousy toward Hanbei Takenaka for replacing him as Hideyoshi's confidant. A final battle with Hideyoshi ends in mutual acknowledgment that their friendship cannot be restored.
Keiji later encounters Emperor Yoshiteru; they bond over shared grief for lost friends. A weaponless brawl between them transitions into laughter after Keiji endures Yoshiteru's punch, symbolizing his commitment to facing friendships without avoidance. This marks a shift toward greater emotional maturity.
Historically inspired elements include his famous horse Matsukaze and his legendary role in disrupting enemy formations with minimal forces during the Uesugi's retreat at the Siege of Hasedō, enriching his depiction as a peerless warrior.