Goemon Ishikawa XIII, thirteenth successor to the legendary bandit Ishikawa Goemon, carries the mantle of his ancestor’s rebellious spirit, blending samurai honor with modern heists. Crafted as a traditional counterpart to Western-influenced allies, he initially clashes with Lupin III over ancestral secrets tied to his sword or alchemy. Repeated defeats forge mutual respect, transforming rivalry into alliance as Goemon embraces Lupin’s cunning to hone his own craft. A virtuoso of kenjutsu and battōjutsu, he wields the peerless Zantetsuken, a blade slicing through steel yet shackled by his code: sparing lives forces him to lament severing “unworthy” targets. Mastery extends to jujutsu, aikido, and karate, dismantling foes without bloodshed. His rigid ethics forbid harming innocents, especially children, even as he navigates Lupin’s morally gray world. Stoic and tradition-bound, he shuns technology—save for rare grudging use of smartphones—embracing meditation, enka melodies, and strictly Japanese cuisine. Vulnerabilities surface in his naiveté: bribes of gourmet meals or beguiling women often entrap him, sparking peril or humor. Failures, like a shattered blade or tactical missteps, trigger self-exile for rigorous training, revealing shame beneath his calm. Evolving narratives trace his loyalty’s duality. Early partnerships with Lupin bloom into camaraderie, strained by ethical clashes—he refuses heists violating his principles. Later arcs probe whether allegiance stems from duty or genuine bond, climaxing in fleeting victories over Lupin that breed regret. Contrasting dynamics define his ties: wary distrust of Fujiko’s schemes versus silent camaraderie with Jigen, whose precision mirrors his own discipline. Legacy anchors his identity. Encounters with ancestors like Ishikawa Goemon I or collaborations with figures like Nezumi Kozō tether him to history, while time-bending missions deploy his blade to mend fractured timelines. Rooted in Buddhist and Shinto practices, he toasts rituals with sake, scorns Western norms, and upholds celibacy—yet rare emotional cracks expose the struggle between austere ideals and human longing.