Haohmaru

Haohmaru is the main protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series.

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At the age of fifteen, he challenged Jubei Yagyu to a duel but lost due to lack of experience. Jubei, amused by the youth's bravado, brought Haohmaru to Nicotine Caffeine so that he may gain proper training. Whilst living there, he also met and befriended Genjuro Kibagami, fellow student and another orphan like himself.

Orphaned, Nicotine spotted him and took him under his tutelage along with Genjuro in his home. Both students were close friends, yet Genjuro's hunger for power worried Nicotine. To test his students, he tempted them to fight over the treasured sword, Fugudoku. They were tested by facing off with a group of other fighters. In contrast to his friend, Haohmaru fought only until his opponent lost the will to fight and didn't give chase. After Genjuro left Nicotine's home, Haohmaru was rewarded with the sword. Encouraged by his master to further improve himself, Haohmaru travels the lands perfecting his sword skills, and searches for worthy challengers in the name of Shura.

In Samurai Shodown V, Haohmaru challenges Yoshitora to a dual in order to test his own strength. In his ending Yoshitora accepts his challenge, asking the latter to join him and help him build a new country. Haohmaru replies that if he loses, he'll join Yoshitora. They fight but the result of their match is uncertain. 2 years later, Haohmaru embarks on a journey to stop Amakusa from bringing Ambrosia into the mortal realm. After killing Amakusa, Oshizu appears to him, having followed him to Shimabara. He dismisses her, telling her that he can't choose between his sword and his woman and leaves.

Not long after, he encounters Shizumaru Hisame and teaches him the philosophy of the sword at an early age. A woman named Shiori meets the wandering Haohmaru and asks him to kill the "demon". Thanks to Haohmaru's teachings, Shizumaru slays Zankuro and avenges his parents death in the process. Haohmaru continues his journey shortly after and runs into Genjuro in Samurai Shodown IV, the outcome of their duel is unknown.

One night, Haohmaru was suddenly attacked but easily defeated the sinister assailant. Haohmaru's attacker who was being manipulated by an evil force told him that his soul will be used for Ambrosia's resurrection. Haohmaru, sensing an evil force rivalling Amakusa, pays a visit on his old fencing master. While Haohmaru relates his story, his master's visage grows unusually grim. He tells Haohmaru to stay away, he acknowledges how much stronger Haohmaru has gotten but forbid him from confronting the threat head on. The two share a few drinks to celebrate their reunion after a long separation, at dawn Haohmaru slips out unannounced to embark on his next journey. At the end of Samurai Shodown II, Haohmaru defeats Mizuki and leaves the Makai gate that Nakoruru seals shortly after.