Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the thirteenth-generation descendant of the historical bandit Ishikawa Goemon, operates as a samurai within Lupin III's crew. A master swordsman, he wields Zantetsuken—a blade capable of slicing through virtually any material. He typically employs non-lethal techniques, destroying weapons or objects instead of opponents, often lamenting afterward, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object." In "Missed by a Dollar," he aids Lupin's plot to steal a ring from Cynthia Craymov, head of the Bank of the World, after she outbids Lupin at an auction. The ring leads to a legendary brooch tied to historical rulers. Goemon infiltrates Craymov's fortified headquarters to reclaim it, demonstrating his combat prowess against mercenary forces led by Alex Nabikov. His personality merges fierce pride in his skills with distinct vulnerabilities. He adheres strictly to Japanese traditions, wearing kimono and hakama, meditating under duress, and exclusively eating Japanese cuisine—preferences adversaries exploit to trap him. Financially naive, he falls victim to scams, exemplified when he donates money to a female cult leader who immediately flees with it. This highlights his recurring weakness for trusting superficially virtuous women, a trait manipulated across media. Later narratives delve into his moral code and loyalty conflicts. In "The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa," honor compels him to avenge a yakuza employer's death, resulting in a brutal defeat that shatters his confidence. Humiliated, he undergoes grueling training to awaken a "sixth sense," predicting opponents' movements to ultimately triumph. Such arcs emphasize his resilience after failure. His dynamic with Lupin evolves in installments like Part V, where he questions whether he is Lupin's friend or merely a tool, culminating in a regret-filled duel that resolves his internal conflict. Additional traits include discomfort with technology—struggling with cars or smartphones despite occasional proficiency—and a protective instinct toward children, which foes exploit. His complex relationship with women persists; he avoids seductive figures but remains easily deceived by those projecting innocence, yielding comedic or dire outcomes.