Goemon Ishikawa XIII carries the legacy of his bandit folk hero ancestor as the thirteenth-generation heir, operating in the modern era as a renegade samurai, thief, and occasional spy. He frequently partners with Arsène Lupin III and associates, though his involvement often proves less consistent than core members like Daisuke Jigen. Originally adversarial towards Lupin, early manga portrayals show Goemon targeting him to steal secrets related to sword-making or alchemic gold, later escalating to assassination attempts under orders. After repeated defeats, he recognized Lupin's value as a mentor and switched allegiance. Anime origins vary: one depicts Goemon manipulated by Old Man Momochi against Lupin, their alliance forming after mutual survival and shared laughter following Goemon slicing Lupin's car. The TV special *Episode 0: First Contact* shows their first encounter during Goemon's quest for the Zantetsuken, where Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko acted as adversaries before circumstances forced cooperation. Standing approximately 180 cm (5'11") and weighing 63 kg (138 lbs), Goemon appears in his mid-20s to early 30s. He strictly wears traditional Japanese attire: a kimono, *hakama* pants, *zori* sandals, *tabi* socks, and a *sugegasa* hat, with colors varying across series. His long hair remains unevenly cut due to his refusal of conventional maintenance. His personality centers on intense pride in martial skill and deep shame when failing tasks or succumbing to weaknesses. Such failures—breaking his sword, being disarmed by a woman, or losing battles—often drive him to solitary meditation or rigorous training retreats. He embodies stoicism and aloofness, frequently meditating immovably during crises, yet displays occasional outbursts of frustration, fear, or comedic vulnerability. He blushes or flees immodest situations, readily trusts superficially innocent women, and falls prey to female cons. Other weaknesses include susceptibility to bribes involving Japanese cuisine, scams promising enlightenment, pleas from children, and reverence for his ancestors. He struggles with modern technology, his proficiency ranging from inability to drive or use smartphones to implied video game skill across media. Professionally, he is a master of Japanese martial arts, specializing in *Kenjutsu* and *Battōjutsu*. His signature weapon, the *Zantetsuken* (Iron-Cutting Sword), slices through virtually any material—bullets, steel, vehicles, or buildings—though it cannot cut *konnyaku* jelly. He typically employs it non-lethally, destroying weapons or clothing while uttering his catchphrase: "Once again, I have cut a worthless object" (*Mata tsumaranu mono o kitte shimatta*). His training extends to *Jujutsu*, *Aikido*, *Karate*, and implied *ninjutsu* (evidenced by a *Part 2* episode visiting his Iga-ninja sensei), enabling him to incapacitate multiple opponents unarmed. He demonstrates piloting and driving skills when required by the narrative. Culturally, he remains deeply traditional: he exclusively consumes Japanese food, fasting rather than eat Western options, practices Buddhism and Shinto, drinks *sake*, and enjoys *enka* music, fishing, and *noh* theater. His moral code permits thievery yet compels him to protect the vulnerable, avenge harmed children, and honor agreements, even accepting punishment for perceived failures. Character development emphasizes loyalty forged through conflict. While early dynamics were transactional or grudging, later narratives show unwavering commitment to Lupin's group, especially during dire threats. In *The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa*, failing to protect yakuza employer Makio Inaniwa from mercenary Hawk drives Goemon to endure brutal training, unlocking a "sixth sense" for combat prediction. He ultimately defeats Hawk to defend Lupin and Jigen, highlighting growth beyond swordsmanship into heightened perceptual mastery, motivated by honor and allegiance. In ensemble stories like *Lupin Ikka Seizoroi*, he reacts cautiously to unusual situations, such as encountering a chained Iron Mask figure during Lupin's gathering, aligning with his typically suspicious yet disciplined demeanor. His relationships vary: Lupin is a respected but exasperating leader; Jigen is a trusted "foxhole buddy" and fellow warrior; Fujiko is an unreliable ally he distrusts yet occasionally assists; Zenigata is treated as a persistent obstacle. Financial dealings remain enigmatic—he charges Lupin for services yet squanders money on scams or cults, with no clear use for acquired funds.