Masamune Date is the young and fearless ruler of the Date clan, known throughout the land as the One-Eyed Dragon. He is an ambitious warlord driven by the desire to unify Japan under his own banner, and his bold, cocky demeanor in battle is matched by a surprising thoughtfulness and calm when he is away from the front lines. On the battlefield, Masamune is a whirlwind of energy, wielding an extraordinary combat style that allows him to fight with six swords at once, holding three in each hand between his fingers, which he refers to as his dragon claws. He often peppers his speech with English phrases, giving him a distinct flair.

In the story of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings, Masamune is presented as one of the main protagonists. He begins as a headstrong warrior who clashes repeatedly with Sanada Yukimura of the Takeda clan. Their fierce rivalry gradually deepens into mutual respect and a strong bond, eventually leading them to fight side by side against common threats. When the tyrannical Oda Nobunaga emerges as the greatest menace, Masamune initially struggles with fear at the sight of the Demon King’s overwhelming power. To overcome this fear and to aid a despondent Yukimura, he disbands his own forces and prepares for a decisive confrontation, ultimately joining Yukimura to slay Nobunaga.

In the second season, Masamune defeats Yukimura in combat but is himself gravely wounded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Despite the setback, he recovers and eventually manages to kill Hideyoshi, an act that later incurs the wrath of Mitsunari Ishida. In the film The Last Party, Masamune nearly dies fighting the vengeful Mitsunari, prompting his loyal retainers to forge a powerful armor capable of deflecting any attack. He is saved from a final blow by Tokugawa Ieyasu’s intervention, and later joins the unified front against a resurrected Nobunaga. After peace is restored, Masamune and Yukimura once again face each other in battle, eager to settle who is the stronger warrior.

Masamune’s key relationships are central to his character. His rivalry and eventual friendship with Yukimura is the emotional core of the series, while his unwavering loyalty to his trusted strategist Kojuro Katakura and his other men grounds his more flamboyant public image. He is a leader who values open discussion with his subordinates and weighs their counsel carefully before making major decisions. His motivations evolve from simple ambition to a deeper sense of responsibility and honor, especially as he learns to confront his own fears and protect those he cares about. Off the battlefield, he is surprisingly mild and reflective, a contrast that adds depth to his identity as a warrior. His notable ability to wield six blades at once, combined with his indomitable spirit and tactical acumen, makes him one of the most formidable and recognizable figures in the warring states of the anime.