Nobunaga Oda emerges as a visionary feudal lord driven to unify Japan through progressive ideals, defying entrenched traditions by integrating foreign influences and marginalized individuals into his ranks. His leadership champions innovation and merit, upending conventional hierarchies to empower women, outsiders, and those overlooked by society—a strategy that fuels both fierce loyalty and simmering opposition, particularly among traditionalist factions. Captivated by foreign cultures, he embraces imported goods, attire, and customs, mirroring his ambition to modernize the nation. This curiosity extends to personal bonds, most notably with Mori Ranmaru, a young page whose relationship with Nobunaga intertwines mentorship and subtle romantic undertones, rooted in Edo-period interpretations. Their connection drives pivotal narrative choices, such as prioritizing Ranmaru’s safety during crises. A tactician in warfare, Nobunaga neutralizes threats like the Iga clan’s betrayal through calculated ambushes and strategic alliances, demonstrating ruthless adaptability. His rejection of prejudice shines in appointing Yasuke—an African retainer—as a samurai, valuing skill over origin and granting him a trusted role despite societal resistance. Betrayed by Akechi Mitsuhide at Honnō-ji, Nobunaga faces his demise with unyielding resolve. Accepting defeat, he performs seppuku, charging Yasuke with securing his honorable death and safeguarding his legacy—an act that etches Nobunaga’s influence onto Yasuke’s future path. Beyond death, his legacy lingers, haunting allies and reshaping Japan’s political fabric. His dream of a unified, forward-looking nation clashes with the Tokugawa era’s isolationism, while his blend of battlefield ruthlessness and personal loyalty underscores the duality of his rule. Interwoven with historical accounts are fictionalized layers—encounters with supernatural forces or advanced technologies—that heighten his impact as a transformative figure within an alternate reality. These elements amplify his role in shaping Yasuke’s evolution from warrior to guardian. Consistently portrayed across media, Nobunaga balances strategic brilliance, cultural openness, and the tensions bred by his reforms. Relationships with Yasuke and Ranmaru anchor narratives exploring loyalty, identity, and progress’s price. His death ignites pivotal shifts, propelling character arcs and conflicts that ripple through the story’s core.