March Comes In Like a Lion
Masamune Gotou
Masamune Date, the "One-Eyed Dragon," was a powerful and cunning leader of the Date clan. Known for his ambition and strategic brilliance, he rose to prominence in Ōshū and left a lasting impact on Japanese history. His personality is often depicted as impulsive yet shrewd, a blend of arrogance and cunning.
Quick Facts
What is Masamune Date's nickname?
The One-Eyed Dragon
What clan did Masamune Date lead?
The Date clan
What is Masamune Date known for?
Being a powerful and wise ruler of Ōshū
What is Masamune Date's personality like?
Impulsive, arrogant, clever, and ambitious
What weapons does Masamune Date use in video games?
Bokken (wooden sword), sabers, and pistols
What is Masamune Date's dream?
To unite all of Japan under his rule
What is Masamune Date's historical significance?
One of the most dominant ruling powers in Ōshū during his time
Description
Personality
Masamune Date is portrayed as a bold, arrogant, and impulsive leader who believes himself superior to others. He often dismisses those around him as incompetent, showcasing a blunt and sometimes cruel demeanor. While initially driven by a thirst for power and recognition, his personality evolves across various game appearances, revealing a more complex individual. He demonstrates cunning and strategic thinking, capable of manipulating situations to his advantage, and a genuine, albeit unconventional, care for the future of Japan. His later appearances show a growing maturity and willingness to compromise his ambitions for the greater good, though his inherent arrogance and self-reliance remain. Despite his outwardly harsh personality, Masamune values loyalty and forms strong bonds with certain characters, such as Magoichi and Kojūrō. He shows a capacity for growth and self-reflection, particularly regarding his handling of grief and the consequences of his actions. His relationship with others is often marked by a mixture of respect, antagonism, and begrudging admiration, reflecting his complex and evolving personality. His interactions with characters like Kanetsugu highlight his conflicting desires for power and a more just society.
Abilities
Masamune's abilities vary across different game appearances, but generally center around his skill with various weapons and his strategic prowess. Early games depict him primarily using a bokken (wooden sword), later iterations introduce sabers and dual pistols. His fighting style is often described as fast and agile, emphasizing quick strikes and ranged attacks. In some games, he possesses special abilities or techniques tied to his weapons, such as powerful slashes, rapid-fire gunshots, and explosive attacks. His Haki-like abilities are not explicitly stated in the provided text. His strategic abilities are highlighted in his role as a leader, capable of planning ambushes and manipulating situations to his advantage. The power scaling of his abilities varies across games, with some portraying him as a relatively young and developing warrior, while others depict him as a seasoned and powerful leader. Specific techniques are not consistently defined across all games, but generally involve combinations of melee and ranged attacks.