A samurai of Satsuma Domain, born Nakamura Hanjiro. In the Bakumatsu era he was renowned in Kyoto as "Hanjiro the Slayer," a fearsome swordsman. After the Meiji Restoration he joined the new government's army and rose to the rank of army major general. However, harboring growing dissatisfaction with the Meiji government's policies, he unhesitatingly followed his beloved Saigo Takamori when the latter raised his banner in revolt. In the Satsuma Rebellion (1877) he served as a key commander of the Satsuma forces in battles across Kyushu, and died fighting alongside Saigo in the final Battle of Shiroyama, aged 39. From Bakumatsu assassin to Meiji general, and finally as a rebel commander, he lived and died a dramatic life.

The archetype of the brave and loyal Satsuma warrior, with deep bonds of duty and humanity. His absolute loyalty to Saigo Takamori led him to prioritize personal honor over the tide of history. His willingness to join the rebels even as a general reveals his true character.

A symbol of the Satsuma warrior who rode the waves from the Bakumatsu to the Satsuma Rebellion. His end at Shiroyama alongside Saigo Takamori is remembered as a scene symbolizing the twilight of the old samurai code.