TV-Series
Description
Benimaru, the Master Fencer, is the Yo-kai Hero identity assumed by the student Jinpei Jiba when he is inspirited by the yo-kai Wampus using the YSP Watch. This transformation takes place at Y-Academy, an elite school for students with extraordinary abilities. As a samurai-like entity, Benimaru combines feline traits reminiscent of the yo-kai Jibanyan with Jinpei Jiba's human features, including a distinctive hairstyle with forehead strands swept to the side. Glowing yellow eyes are visible behind black glasses, while a white mouth is partially hidden behind a high collar, and a black nose completes the visage. His attire consists of a white calf-length coat with red lining, gold zipper details, and diagonal stripes on the hem. This coat can double as a mask, zipping upward to conceal his mouth or downward to reveal his torso. Additional elements include a golden beaded necklace with tassels, a red shirt secured by black belts in an X formation with a gold buckle, red and white hakama trousers with black stripes, and red-white-black sneakers.
In terms of personality, Benimaru displays unwavering honor and seriousness, often erupting in anger when adversaries interrupt him. He fights with grim determination and occasionally makes remarks implying sadistic tendencies, frequently referencing the drawing of opponents' blood as punishment. His background reveals that his human identity, Jinpei Jiba, is actually named Raido Mera. Raido has a good heart but is clumsy in expressing his feelings, and he secretly helps people while pretending to be a bully. He has a sister whom he once rescued from a house fire. Raido's past involves a significant encounter with the vengeful spirit Kazuma Shishiguro, who saved him from bullies and taught him how to fight. After Shishiguro died in a car accident, he later reappeared to Raido as a yo-kai formed from Raido's own memories and image of him. Raido then asked Shishiguro to stay with him as his subordinate, forming a lasting partnership.
Benimaru's role in the story is central as one of the main transformed heroes at Y-Academy. He frequently finds himself in conflict with Kyubi Ryusuke, another student with a strong-willed personality. The two often argue, creating a tense atmosphere that sometimes leads to supernatural incidents. Despite this rivalry, they have been known to work together when necessary, such as when they combined their attacks to destroy falling building debris threatening Jinpei. Benimaru also partners with Kazuma Shishiguro, who transforms into the yo-kai hero Shishio, known as the Lion King. Shishiguro addresses Benimaru as "Benny's older brother".
Throughout the story, Benimaru undergoes notable development. He eventually gains the ability to transform into another yo-kai hero called King Namahage, or King of the Cowardly Demons, by pairing with the classic yo-kai Namahage. This transformation is earned after he overpowers Shishiguro in a fight, proving his worth. Later in the series, he receives a letter from the principal appointing him as a special scholarship student. During the final battles against aliens, he works alongside other members and attempts to manipulate the school Geiger Yeomra, though control is ultimately taken from him by Jinpei.
In terms of notable abilities, Benimaru is armed with a katana named Reiken Danzetsumaru, with which he demonstrates slashing techniques capable of cutting through steel. He possesses exceptional swordsmanship and agility, enabling high jumps and evasive maneuvers. His signature techniques include Crimson Slash (Akaki Issen), Furious Horizontal Slice (Dohatsuten Yoko Ichimonjigiri), and Cross Pulverizing Slash (Jumonji Fuunsaizan). However, his fighting style has limitations, as it often follows predictable patterns that observant foes can anticipate. He also shows physical limitations when overpowered or restrained, being unable to break free from the grasp of stronger opponents. Upon transformation, he vocalizes a distinct chant and declares: "My body is already red, but its shade will get even darker stained with your blood!".
In terms of personality, Benimaru displays unwavering honor and seriousness, often erupting in anger when adversaries interrupt him. He fights with grim determination and occasionally makes remarks implying sadistic tendencies, frequently referencing the drawing of opponents' blood as punishment. His background reveals that his human identity, Jinpei Jiba, is actually named Raido Mera. Raido has a good heart but is clumsy in expressing his feelings, and he secretly helps people while pretending to be a bully. He has a sister whom he once rescued from a house fire. Raido's past involves a significant encounter with the vengeful spirit Kazuma Shishiguro, who saved him from bullies and taught him how to fight. After Shishiguro died in a car accident, he later reappeared to Raido as a yo-kai formed from Raido's own memories and image of him. Raido then asked Shishiguro to stay with him as his subordinate, forming a lasting partnership.
Benimaru's role in the story is central as one of the main transformed heroes at Y-Academy. He frequently finds himself in conflict with Kyubi Ryusuke, another student with a strong-willed personality. The two often argue, creating a tense atmosphere that sometimes leads to supernatural incidents. Despite this rivalry, they have been known to work together when necessary, such as when they combined their attacks to destroy falling building debris threatening Jinpei. Benimaru also partners with Kazuma Shishiguro, who transforms into the yo-kai hero Shishio, known as the Lion King. Shishiguro addresses Benimaru as "Benny's older brother".
Throughout the story, Benimaru undergoes notable development. He eventually gains the ability to transform into another yo-kai hero called King Namahage, or King of the Cowardly Demons, by pairing with the classic yo-kai Namahage. This transformation is earned after he overpowers Shishiguro in a fight, proving his worth. Later in the series, he receives a letter from the principal appointing him as a special scholarship student. During the final battles against aliens, he works alongside other members and attempts to manipulate the school Geiger Yeomra, though control is ultimately taken from him by Jinpei.
In terms of notable abilities, Benimaru is armed with a katana named Reiken Danzetsumaru, with which he demonstrates slashing techniques capable of cutting through steel. He possesses exceptional swordsmanship and agility, enabling high jumps and evasive maneuvers. His signature techniques include Crimson Slash (Akaki Issen), Furious Horizontal Slice (Dohatsuten Yoko Ichimonjigiri), and Cross Pulverizing Slash (Jumonji Fuunsaizan). However, his fighting style has limitations, as it often follows predictable patterns that observant foes can anticipate. He also shows physical limitations when overpowered or restrained, being unable to break free from the grasp of stronger opponents. Upon transformation, he vocalizes a distinct chant and declares: "My body is already red, but its shade will get even darker stained with your blood!".
Cast