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Description
Makoto is a minor but significant character in Blade of the Immortal, serving as a spy for the shadowy Mugai-ryu. Before his recruitment, he was a former male prostitute who had been sold to a brothel in the male prostitution quarter of Yoshichō and forced to work there. He was later extracted from that life and enlisted into the Mugai-ryu, an organization composed largely of death-row convicts who operate as assassins for the shogunate.

In terms of personality, Makoto is described as kind and humble in his dealings with others. He presents a gentle, unassuming demeanor that contrasts sharply with the brutal violence surrounding him. This soft-spoken and courteous nature allows him to gain the trust of the Itto-ryu members, the very group he has been ordered to betray. His behavior is deliberately non-threatening, making him an effective infiltrator.

Makoto’s primary motivation is never explicitly stated, but his actions suggest a combination of obligation to the Mugai-ryu and a desire to survive within the harsh world of Edo-era power struggles. His role in the story is that of a mole. He infiltrates the Itto-ryu, posing as a page who handles weapons and correspondence. During the Itto-ryu’s unification feast with the Banshu (the shogunate’s official samurai), Makoto executes his mission by poisoning the Itto-ryu members. His betrayal is eventually discovered by Abayama Sousuke, a fellow Mugai-ryu agent who had also infiltrated the Itto-ryu. Abayama kills Makoto for his betrayal, ending his life.

Makoto does not undergo significant character development; his arc is brief and tragic. He is a tool of both the Mugai-ryu and the larger political machinations, and his death serves as a reminder of the ruthless pragmatism that governs the conflict between the sword schools. Regarding notable abilities, Makoto demonstrates skill in espionage and deception rather than combat. His ability to maintain a calm, humble facade while carrying out sabotage and poisoning is his primary asset. He is not depicted as a warrior, and his lack of fighting prowess contributes to his vulnerability and eventual demise.