Author's Games: Samurai

Meet The Enemy: Ishida Mitsunari

Name: Ishida Mitsunari  (Ish-ee-dahMit-soo-nar-ee) Even though Mitsunari is his first name, and Ishida is his family name, I'm flipping them simply because we have so many M-names and I don't want to confuse anyone. So Ishida Mitsunari.

Age: 20

Gender: Male 

Appearance: Ishida was the bastard son of the Mitsunari clan diaymo. He never knew his mother, but his only feature from her is his fiery red hair, that reaches just past his shoulder blades. His piercing obsidian-colored eyes are narrow, which matches his beautiful, angular features. He's 6'2 and slender, with powerful biceps due to wielding and training with tessen.

Weapon of choice: Tessen (war-fans)

Personality: Ishida is deceitful. He hides his true personality underneath so many layers, that a part of him doesn't remember who he really is anymore. He throws himself into battle simply because he is forced, and his only escape in death. This makes him impulsive and reckless, but also one of the most ruthless warriors simply because whatever it is, he will do it, even against bushido or orders. This makes him invaluable to Nobunaga. He plays whatever part he has to, whether pleasant politician, honorable samurai, or a ruthless warrior who will stop at nothing to win. 

Background: Ishida's clan was raided by the Oda clan when he was four years old. He was kept with the Oda as a war prisoner. Nobunaga's father, and his royal guard often beat him for their own amusement. He became a slave, tortured and abused by his captors, unable to return home. When Nobunaga's father died, Ishida thought Nobunaga would barter for Ishida's release, since it was his father that wanted the Mitsunari's alliance, not Nobunaga. Instead, his clan responded with a letter, telling Nobunaga that they could never take back a son who had dishonored them by allying with the enemy. Ishida expected Nobunaga to kill him, but instead Nobunaga saw potential with Ishida and convinced him to fight for and with the Oda in battle. Ishida hates his family and especially the Oda for the torments they inflicted on him, and more than anything wants to see them all dead. All except for Sayuri, who often helped to mend his wounds after he was beaten, even when he was rude to her. Ishida would be happy, staying with a clan he hates, just for her, except that she's pregnant, and she's Nobunaga's younger sister. He knows if the diaymo discovers what they've done, they'll both be executed.  

Important side characters with them: The only person he truly loves or cares for is Sayuri, other than a small dog he found abandoned on the streets one day that he calls Yuki because of its snow-white fur. 

What influences their decisions in battle: Because Nobunaga will kill Ishida if he tries to escape, and even if he did, he has nowhere to go, Ishida wants to die in battle like a true samurai. He's always been seen as either a bastard son, or a slave, so he wants to prove himself to everyone, in the same moment that he wants to die to be free. 

Belief: Over the years, Ishida has lost his way. He once believed in the samurai and bushido, trusting that loyalty, honor and fearlessness made a true warrior, but after everything he's experienced, and being hurt by both the Oda clan and his own family, Ishida isn't sure what to believe in anymore. The Way of the Warrior failed him, so now he will fail it. Despite that he wants to die in battle and prove himself a true samurai, deep inside, he's doing everything in his power to stray from bushido, especially inwardly.

Fun fact: Mitsunari Ishida actually ended up being Hideyoshi Hishiba's financial advisor whenever he took over Japan :)