Hashiba Hideyoshi

## Image Gallery

**Hashiba Hideyoshi** (羽柴 (はしば)  秀吉 (ひでよし) , *Hashiba Hideyoshi*) is one of the daimyo participating in the Tenkaichi tournament with his representative warrior being Hino Choko. He is also one of Oda Nobunaga's retainers.

## Appearance

Hideyoshi is a distinguishing individual with sharp mischievous facial features, including thin eyebrows, crafty eyes, a short Fu Manchu moustache, a kempt goatee that curls at the end and a styled chonmage featured a curled section of hair that fell over his forehead. Hideyoshi is seen wearing a simple haori over a dark-coloured kimono, with circular earrings in each ear and a short blade strapped to his right hip. He is often seen with either a large grin on his face or a mischievous fox-like expression.

## Personality

Hideyoshi comes across as a playfully amicable and upbeat individual, always with a grin on his face, belying his underlying cunning nature. He has a laidback persona, speaking casually with his fellow daimyo and being cheerful with a person who openly despises him.

## History

In 1590, after Japan had been united, Hideyoshi asked Choko if he would really go through with putting himself to sleep but Choko waved off the concerns. Hideyoshi asked for an explanation, but Choko nonchalantly said it wasn't something ordinary folk would understand (irking Hideyoshi somewhat). Giving Choko the special mask, Hideyoshi warned there was no guarantee the effects could be undone, but Choko assured it would be fine as he had a hunch Nobunaga would eventually pull something big.

## Plot

Present at the summoning of all daimyo by the Shogun, Hideyoshi murmured that it was scary as Oda Nobunaga was wheeled out. As he pulled up, Hideyoshi called out to the Nobunaga; he later showed a bemused reaction when Nobunaga revealed his intentions to create the Tenkaichi in order to determine the next ruler of Japan. After Shibata Katsuie spoke out against Nobunaga's plan and was brutally maimed for it in response by Hino Choko, Hideyoshi could only look on in shock in realisation that a metal fan had been thrown.

In Ozaka castle, 103 days later, on the second day of the Tenkaichi tournament, Hideyoshi jovially reminisced on how long it had been since he had spoke face-to-face with Shibata Katsuie. Chattering about how enjoyable the Tenkaichi was turning out to be, Hideyoshi then sardonically noted that Shibata didn't seem to be having fun. Flatly stating that he despised Hideyoshi most in the world, Shibata then said that he would repay the debt he received from Hino Choko in full. Chuckling with a mischievous smile, Hideyoshi commented that he was glad Shibata hadn't changed, addressing him by his epithet. Returning to joviality, Hideyoshi put his arm around Shibata and suggested they should get along as fellow retainers of the Oda clan, prompting Shibata to bluntly tell him to get away from him. Just then, a servant came in to inform them the stage for their match had been prepared, much to Hideyoshi's pleasure. Shibata then removed his hood, revealing his masked eye and alarming Hideyoshi and the servant in the process, whilst stating that he would see where he would have his victory marked.

Elsewhere in the Ozaka castle, at the Twin Dragon's Cage, Hideyoshi walked out alongside Hino Choko, when the latter was being introduced, waving fans in each hand. He then proclaimed that he and Choko would give their all to liven up the festivities! As Choko towered over Kamiizumi Isenokami, Hideyoshi told him not to hold back regardless of however weak the Sword Saint seemed. When the two fighters were getting in the Twin Dragon's Cage, Hideyoshi cheerfully shouted over to Shibata that he wouldn't be losing! He then observed the match in its entirety. After Choko's mask was removed and the rikishi awoke once again, Hideyoshi emphatically greeted the rikishi. With Choko poking fun at, to Hideyoshi's chagrin, the rikishi said Hideyoshi hadn't changed, with the daimyo agreeing and welcoming Choko back. With Choko ascertaining the situation, Hideyoshi noted everyone's astonishment and spoke to himself that he was the only one who knew Choko's sleep was due to the mask; at that he was certain that his victory was guaranteed!

## Notes & Trivia

* This character is based on the real life Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
* Shibata Katsuie, who openly holds a deep contempt for Hideyoshi, refers to him by his birth name "**Tokichiro**" (藤吉郎 (とうきちろう) , *Tōkichirō*) and also often derisively calling him "Monkey" (猿, *Saru*).
	+ In real life Hashiba Hideyoshi (羽柴 秀吉), born Kinoshita Tōkichirō (木下 藤吉郎), received his new name from Oda Nobunaga giving him part of the names of his four right-hand men at the time: Ni**wa** Nagahide (丹**羽** 長秀), **Shiba**ta Katsuie (**柴**田 勝家), Akechi Mitsu**hide** (明智 光**秀**), Mori **Yoshi**nari (森 **吉**成). He would later gain the clan name Toyotomi by the Imperial Court.
	+ Hideyoshi was also reputed to have been given the nickname "Monkey" (猿, *Saru*) because of his supposed unattractiveness and frequent infidelity towards his wife.

## References

1. ↑ *Tenkaichi* manga: Chapter 19 (pages 32-33).
2. ↑ *Tenkaichi* manga: Chapter 17 (page 10).
3. ↑ *Tenkaichi* manga: Chapter 17 (page 11).
4. ↑ *Tenkaichi* manga: Chapter 18 (page 4).