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{{Era|Individuals|Assassins}}{{WP-REAL}} | {{Era|Individuals|Assassins}}{{WP-REAL}} | ||
{{Quote| | {{Spoilerhd|16 October 2026|[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]}} | ||
{{Quote|They've told you stories about Oni Hanzo. But have they told you the story of my childhood? The best shinobi warrior, long before I reached your age. The pride of my family. A prodigy one day, and a demon the next. Both paths taught me the same lesson. Nothing lasts forever. Some things die slowly, like trees. And some die quickly, like samurai.|Hattori Hanzō to Fujibayashi Naoe, 1581.|Assassin's Creed: Shadows|Traditions}} | |||
{{Character Infobox | {{Character Infobox | ||
|name = Hattori Hanzō | |name = Hattori Hanzō | ||
|native = | |native = | ||
|image = ACM Hattori Hanzo render.png | |image = ACM Hattori Hanzo render.png | ||
|birth = 1542<ref name="ACM Cards">''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – [[Cards (Memories)|Cards]]: Hattori Hanzo</ref><br> | |birth = 1542<ref name="ACM Cards">''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – [[Cards (Memories)|Cards]]: Hattori Hanzo</ref><br>[[Mikawa]], [[Japan]] | ||
|death = 1596<ref name="ACM Cards"/> {{c|aged c. 54}}<br>[[Tokyo|Edo]], Japan | |death = 1596<ref name="ACM Cards"/> {{c|aged c. 54}}<br>[[Tokyo|Edo]], Japan | ||
|species = [[Human]] | |species = [[Human]] | ||
|database = | |database = [[Database: Hattori Hanzo|Hattori Hanzō]] | ||
|affiliates = *{{Wiki|Tokugawa clan}} | |affiliates = *{{Wiki|Tokugawa clan}} | ||
*[[Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki'']]<br> | *[[Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki'']]<br> | ||
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==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early life=== | ===Early life=== | ||
Born in 1542 in the | Born in 1542 in the [[Mikawa|Mikawa Province]] of [[Japan]], Hattori Hanzō was the son of the samurai [[Hattori Yasunaga]].<ref>{{WP|Hattori Hanzō}}</ref> He later became a vassal of the ''[[daimyō]]'' [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]], and a ninja trained in [[Iga]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Shinobi Warfare]]</ref><ref>''[[Echoes of History]] – Shadows'' – Episode 6: The Tensho Iga War</ref> | ||
===Meeting Fujibayashi Masayasu=== | ===Meeting Fujibayashi Masayasu=== | ||
In 1560, a teenage Hanzō was apprenticed to the legendary ''[[Ninja|shinobi]]'' [[Momochi Sandayu]], who saw great potential in the young man but also feared his arrogance and callousness. While passing by a village in Iga, Hanzō and his mentor witnessed two corrupt [[samurai]] threatening the villagers and demanding tribute. Immediately jumping into action, Hanzō assassinated one of the samurai, saving [[Fujibayashi Nagato|Fujibayashi Masayasu]], a farmer who had attempted to fight off the attackers but found himself overwhelmed.<ref name="InM Ch1">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Iga | In 1560, a teenage Hanzō was apprenticed to the legendary ''[[Ninja|shinobi]]'' [[Momochi Sandayu]], who saw great potential in the young man but also feared his arrogance and callousness. While passing by a village in Iga, Hanzō and his mentor witnessed two corrupt [[samurai]] threatening the villagers and demanding tribute. Immediately jumping into action, Hanzō assassinated one of the samurai, saving [[Fujibayashi Nagato|Fujibayashi Masayasu]], a farmer who had attempted to fight off the attackers but found himself overwhelmed.<ref name="InM Ch1">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]</ref> | ||
[[File:ACSH InM - Masayasu vs Hanzo.png|thumb|240px|left|Masayasu and Hanzō preparing to fight]] | [[File:ACSH InM - Masayasu vs Hanzo.png|thumb|240px|left|Masayasu and Hanzō preparing to fight]] | ||
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During their fight, Hanzō quickly gained the upper hand and managed to throw Masayasu down a small cliff. He then began to boast about his skills while insulting Masayasu, only to be interrupted by a young girl, [[Chiyo]], who insisted that Masayasu was a hero who had protected their village from harm.<ref name="InM Ch1"/> | During their fight, Hanzō quickly gained the upper hand and managed to throw Masayasu down a small cliff. He then began to boast about his skills while insulting Masayasu, only to be interrupted by a young girl, [[Chiyo]], who insisted that Masayasu was a hero who had protected their village from harm.<ref name="InM Ch1"/> | ||
An annoyed Hanzō grabbed Chiyo and threatened her by saying that, if they were on the battlefield, he would not hesitate to kill her, as it was not uncommon for innocents to perish during wartime. Terrified, Chiyo began to cry, which motivated Masayasu to come to her aid. Using underhanded tactics, he managed to defeat Hanzō, impressing Sandayu, who decided to train Masayasu as a ''shinobi''.<ref name="InM Ch1"/> | An annoyed Hanzō grabbed Chiyo and threatened her by saying that, if they were on the battlefield, he would not hesitate to kill her, as it was not uncommon for innocents to perish during wartime. Terrified, Chiyo began to cry, which motivated Masayasu to come to her aid. Using underhanded tactics, he managed to defeat Hanzō, impressing Sandayu, who decided to train Masayasu as a ''shinobi''.<ref name="InM Ch1"/> | ||
===The Kakushiba ''ikki''=== | ===The Kakushiba ''ikki''=== | ||
{{Quote|I did not care for her idealist foreign creed. All I wanted was her. The things I did to impress her. But she chose Nagato. A lower-ranked jizamurai. The pain and the shame were unbearable.|Hanzō to Fujibayashi Naoe, regarding Tsuyu, 1582.|Assassin's Creed: Shadows|The Meaning of the Blade}} | {{Quote|I did not care for her idealist foreign creed. All I wanted was her. The things I did to impress her. But she chose Nagato. A lower-ranked jizamurai. The pain and the shame were unbearable.|Hanzō to Fujibayashi Naoe, regarding Tsuyu, 1582.|Assassin's Creed: Shadows|The Meaning of the Blade}} | ||
During their training together, Hanzō and Masayasu were able to put their differences aside and develop a more amicable relationship. Sandayu also introduced both of them to the Assassin [[Alvaro Catarribera]] and his apprentice, [[Tsuyu]],<ref name="InM Ch2">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Iga | During their training together, Hanzō and Masayasu were able to put their differences aside and develop a more amicable relationship. Sandayu also introduced both of them to the Assassin [[Alvaro Catarribera]] and his apprentice, [[Fujibayashi Tsuyu|Tsuyu]],<ref name="InM Ch2">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]</ref> who informed them about their [[Assassin-Templar War|conflict]] with the [[Templars|Templar Order]] and enlisted their help to stop the spread of Templar influence in Japan.<ref name="InM Ch3">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]</ref> Hanzō and his fellow ninja thus became allies of the Brotherhood and shared their knowledge with them, teaching the Assassins new skills and techniques.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – History of the Assassins in Japan</ref> | ||
During their training under Tsuyu, Hanzō also became enamored with Tsuyu, due to her skill and beauty. During one of the spars, Hanzō and Masayasu tried to overpower the Assassin but she proved better. The night after their training, Hanzō later found her alone, sleeping atop a watchtower.<ref name="InM Ch4">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]</ref> Yet, when he approached, she held her blade to his neck and demanded to know why he was there. Surprised, he revealed that he wanted to start over, which brought Tsuyu's guard down. While talking, she divulged that family will impede her path and was not in her cards, much to Hanzō's surprise.<ref name="InM Ch5">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]</ref> | |||
Weeks into their training, Tsuyu led Hanzō and Masayasu towards the cliff and ordered them to [[Leap of Faith|leap]]. When Tsuyu performed it for them, she ordered Hanzō to go next but he rejected it. However, Masayasu, against Tsuyu's wishes, performed it and miraculously survived.<ref name="InM Ch5"/> After the leap, Hanzō and Masayasu reconvened and began to develop more of a kinship. While discussing their training, they were interrupted by a ''[[katana]]'' nearly cutting Masayasu down. When the enemy ''shinobi'' entered, Hanzō told Masayasu to run for help while he faced off against their attacker, whom he recognized as a former fallen student of Sandayu.<ref name="InM Ch6">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]</ref> Swiftly, he bested the ''shinobi'' [[Toza]] before ultimately killing him.<ref name="InM Ch8">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]</ref> | |||
After the attack was over, Hanzō was informed that Tsuyu left to meet her master in [[Sakai]]. With this, he followed Tsuyu and later found her and Alvaro at a ''[[kofun]]'' discussing their plans. Hanzō then intervened after he heard about their plans in [[Mikawa]] and offered to go, due to it being his homeland. When Alvaro attacked Hanzō, the Assassin soon offered a choice: to join their league or die at his hands. Hanzō agreed thus Alvaro gave him his own [[hidden blade]] and the task to ascertain the Templars' location in Mikawa. Before leaving, Tsuyu told him to remember their principles and methods before she left back for Iga.<ref name="InM Ch8"/> | |||
====Investigating Mikawa==== | |||
In 1561, Hanzō arrived in the region and glimpsed around the locals, looking for any indication of the Templars. Yet, he was met by Matsudaira Takechiyo's retainer [[Watanabe Moritsuna]], who recognized him.<ref name="InM Ch9">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]</ref> With a short discussion, they sparred across the rooftops before Hanzō managed to best him. Yet, Moritsuna revealed himself, leading Hanzō to beg for forgiveness. Fortunately, Moritsuna actually asked him for his help for his lord Takechiyo.<ref name="InM Ch10">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]</ref> | |||
Walking to Takechiyo's residence, Moritsuna told Hanzō to act appropriately and only talked when a question is asked in front of his lord.<ref name="InM Ch11">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 11|Chapter 11]]</ref> Meeting with Takechiyo, Hanzō revealed his mission to investigate the region for any strange European presence. Coincidentally, Takechiyo tasked him and Moritsuna to rescue his family from the [[Imagawa clan]] while divulging that the ''daimyō'' [[Imagawa Ujizane]] had been receiving a [[Jesuits|Jesuit]] [[priest]] and saw him wearing a unique cross around his neck. With this, he agreed to aid Takechiyo. Working with Moritsuna, Hanzō planned how to infiltrate the Imagawa stronghold in secret to save Takechiyo's family.<ref name="InM Ch12">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]</ref> | |||
In 1562, after a year of planning, Hanzō sent a message to Sandayu about his further findings of Templar activity in Ise.<ref name="InM Ch18">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]</ref> Later, he and Moritsuna planned their secret rescue, with Hanzō infiltrating alone while Moritsuna waited outside [[Imagawa Mansion]]. Dispatching two entrance guards, he sought for the location of Takechiyo's wife [[Lady Tsukiyama|Sena]] and their kids [[Matsudaira Nobuyasu|Nobuyasu]] and [[Kamehime]]. Inside one of the houses, he unfortunately witness [[Imagawa clan|Imagawa]] retainer [[Udono Nagateru]] kill one of the [[concubine]]s [[Okiku]], due to her failure of not producing a male heir. Despite his anger, he kept searching for Takechiyo's family.<ref name="InM Ch13">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 13|Chapter 13]]</ref> | |||
While looking for Takechiyo's wife and kids,<ref name="InM Ch21">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]</ref> Hanzō was spotted by Imagawa [[soldier]] [[Amano Kageyasu]], whom he nearly killed. Fortunately, Kageyasu aided in his efforts, believing the Imagawa clan will fall. While showing him around, Hanzŏ came across a dead woman and stopped, believing it was Sena.<ref name="InM Ch22">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]</ref> While shocked, he was caught by Ujizane, who started to insult him on his efforts. Fortunately, Kageyasu knocked Ujizane down before escaping the compound and later meeting up with Moritsuna. While running away from Imagawa soldiers, they soon saw Nagateru riding away from them with Sena held hostage.<ref name="InM Ch23">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]</ref> | |||
Hanzō soon followed Nagateru's trail to [[Kaminogō Castle]] while Moritsuna and Kageyasu left to inform Takechiyo. Climbing towards the castle's ''tenshu'', he soon saw Nagateru holding Sena and the kids hostage. Instantly, he tried to kill Nagateru with a [[shuriken]] but Massa came and countered it with a [[throwing knife]]. While Nagateru was ungrateful for his aid, Massa responded by shooting him dead and aimed his [[pistol]] toward Sena. He later told Hanzō of a choice: rescue Sena and her kids in exchange for the location of the Imperial Regalia. Stuck, he soon saw Takechiyo launch an [[Siege of Kaminogō Castle|attack]] and saw his father below while the castle became inflamed.<ref name="InM Ch24">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]</ref> | |||
When Sena threatened her own life and pleaded for the lives for her children, Massa changed the deal for the Imperial Regalia and Sena or save her kids solely. Doubtful, Hanzō took her kids and ran out of the castle while Massa took Sena to a nearby watchtower. However, Nobuyasu pleaded and then demanded him to save his mother. Quickly, he led the children out safely before tracking Sena and Massa down.<ref name="InM Ch25">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]</ref> Checking on the welfare of Sena, Massa nearly shot Hanzō, but he managed to assassinate the priest instantly. In his last breath, Massa commended Hanzō on his ability to maintain his composure against his methods. Fortunately, Hanzō rushed Sena away from the siege and returned her and her kids back to Takechiyo.<ref name="InM Ch26">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]</ref> | |||
====Forming the new league==== | |||
With his mission completed, Hanzō was offered a place from Takechiyo alongside Moritsuna. Grateful, he admitted that he still had business in Iga before taking his leave.<ref name="InM Ch26"/> After some time, he returned to find Masayasu and Tsuyu there, welcoming him back. After some weeks, they continued their training with each other, with Masayasu contesting Hanzō fairly. However, still feeling enamored with Tsuyu, Hanzō planned to make his feelings known to her.<ref name="InM Ch274">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]</ref> | |||
[[File:ACSH Tsuyu with Sandayu, Nagato and Hanzo.png|thumb|250px|Hanzō, Sandayu, and Nagato swearing to Tsuyu's creed]] | [[File:ACSH Tsuyu with Sandayu, Nagato and Hanzo.png|thumb|250px|Hanzō, Sandayu, and Nagato swearing to Tsuyu's creed]] | ||
In time, Hanzō, Masayasu – who became known as Fujibayashi Nagato – and Sandayu all joined the Kakushiba ''ikki'', the brotherhood founded by Catarribera and Tsuyu,<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[The Meaning of the Blade]]</ref> which the latter assumed control of following her mentor's departure.<ref name="Secrets of the Blade">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Secrets of the Blade]]</ref> Hanzō and the others swore an oath to [[the Creed]] to protect the [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]], which Tsuyu had been entrusted with, and hid the artifacts within a ''[[ | In time, Hanzō, Masayasu – who became known as Fujibayashi Nagato – and Sandayu all joined the Kakushiba ''ikki'', the brotherhood founded by Catarribera and Tsuyu,<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[The Meaning of the Blade]]</ref> which the latter assumed control of following her mentor's departure.<ref name="Secrets of the Blade">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Secrets of the Blade]]</ref> Hanzō and the others swore an oath to [[the Creed]] to protect the [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]], which Tsuyu had been entrusted with, and hid the artifacts within a ''kofun'' in [[Izumi Settsu]].<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> | ||
In 1565, Hanzō had a son, [[Hattori Masanari]], who was also trained as an Assassin.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – [[Cards (Memories)|Cards]]: Hattori Masanari</ref> However, Hanzō was never able to accept the fact that Tsuyu had fallen in love with Nagato and started a family with him. Out of jealousy, he left the Kakushiba ''ikki'' and became a [[mercenary]], gaining notoriety as "''[[Oni]] Hanzō''".<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> | |||
===Fight for the Sword=== | |||
In parallel with their correspondence with Oda Nobunaga, the Japanese Assassins established an alliance with Tokugawa Ieyasu, and together they formed a plan to retrieve a [[Swords of Eden|Sword of Eden]] and aid Ieyasu in conquering the land.<ref name="ACM Cards"/> Hanzō, loyal to his lord, worked closely with [[Chaya Shirōjirō Kiyonobu]], who often acted as a contact on Ieyasu's behalf.<ref name="Mori Motonari">''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – [[Mōri Motonari (memory)|Mōri Motonari]]</ref> | |||
In 1571, on Ieyasu's orders, Hanzō [[Assassination|assassinated]] the ''[[daimyō]]'' [[Mōri Motonari]], a strong opponent of Ieyasu's ally [[Oda Nobunaga]], in order to allow Nobunaga to conquer the Mōri clan's lands.<ref name="Mori Motonari"/> Two years later, after the Tokugawa and Oda forces fought the Takeda clan at the {{Wiki|Battle of Mikatagahara}}, Hanzō and Ieyasu's vassal [[Honda Tadakatsu]] entered [[Takeda Shingen]]'s camp.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' – [[Cards (Memories)|Cards]]: Mochizuki Chiyome</ref> Shingen was killed during the ordeal, and Hanzō retrieved the Sword of Eden from him.<ref name="ACM Cards"/> | |||
[[File:ACSH Decline of the Kakushiba ikki.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Hanzō's actions led to the decline of the Kakushiba ''ikki'']] | |||
Sometime after, he returned to Iga, hoping his exploits would impress Tsuyu, only to find that she and Nagato had a daughter, [[Fujibayashi Naoe|Naoe]]. Filled with rage and believing that her new family had weakened Tsuyu, Hanzō betrayed his old allies by selling information on the location of the Imperial Regalia,<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> unknowingly to the [[Shinbakufu]], a group founded by the deposed [[Ashikaga shogunate|Ashikaga]] ''[[shōgun]]'', [[Ashikaga Yoshiaki|Yoshiaki]], as a means of regaining his power.<ref name="The Man Behind the Mask">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[The Man Behind the Mask]]</ref> | |||
Immediately regretting his actions, Hanzō contacted Tsuyu to inform her that the regalia's location had been compromised, and joined her and other Assassins as they fought the Shinbakufu to protect the artifacts; however, most of the Assassins were killed, with only Hanzō, Tsuyu, and Sandayu surviving.<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> | |||
After Tsuyu entrusted the jewel ''{{Wiki|Yasakani no Magatama}}'', which she had managed to protect from the Shinbakufu, to Nagato, she left to search for the other two regalia, but never returned. Hanzō looked for her in vain, and secretly kept watch on Nagato and Naoe, out of the shame he felt for dooming the Kakushiba ''ikki''. Occasionally, he would sing Tsuyu's favorite song on the ''{{Wiki|Xun (instrument)|tsuchibue}}'', to maintain the illusion that Tsuyu was alive and the one watching over her family.<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> | After Tsuyu entrusted the jewel ''{{Wiki|Yasakani no Magatama}}'', which she had managed to protect from the Shinbakufu, to Nagato, she left to search for the other two regalia, but never returned. Hanzō looked for her in vain, and secretly kept watch on Nagato and Naoe, out of the shame he felt for dooming the Kakushiba ''ikki''. Occasionally, he would sing Tsuyu's favorite song on the ''{{Wiki|Xun (instrument)|tsuchibue}}'', to maintain the illusion that Tsuyu was alive and the one watching over her family.<ref name="The Meaning of the Blade"/> | ||
Five years later, on 19 April 1578,<ref>{{WP|Uesugi Kenshin}}</ref> Hanzō assassinated another rival ''daimyō'', the Templar [[Uesugi Kenshin]].<ref name="ACM Cards"/> | |||
===Conflict with the Shinbakufu=== | |||
{{Quote|Lord Nobunaga will be here by nightfall with more soldiers than Iga has ever known. He brings his full might. Koga's as well. If you doubt me, go to Hijiyama Castle. You will find Kogan spies there awaiting Lord Nobunaga's signal. I offer Iga the protection of my Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. The odds are too great for Iga to survive. Surely, you realize this.|Hanzō to his former Iga ''ikki'' members, 1581.|Assassin's Creed: Shadows|Traditions}} | |||
[[File:ACSH Traditions 6.jpg|thumb|250px|Hanzō returning to Iga after many years]] | |||
In September 1581, Hanzō returned to Iga to warn Fujibayashi Nagatao, Momochi Sandayu, and the other members of the [[Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki'']] that Oda Nobunaga's forces were planning an [[Tenshō Iga War|invasion]] of the region. He promised them Ieyasu's protection if they swore loyalty to his lord, but they refused. While the ''shinobi'' prepared for the defense of their land, Hanzō followed Nagato to a nearby outpost occupied by Nobunaga's army, where he encountered Naoe. He saved the girl from an ambush by an enemy swordsman and formally introduced himself before trying to convince the young ''shinobi'' to abandon Iga, claiming that if she failed to do so she would die. However, Naoe refused as she was distrustful of him.<ref name="Traditions">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Traditions]]</ref> | In September 1581, Hanzō returned to Iga to warn Fujibayashi Nagatao, Momochi Sandayu, and the other members of the [[Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki'']] that Oda Nobunaga's forces were planning an [[Tenshō Iga War|invasion]] of the region. He promised them Ieyasu's protection if they swore loyalty to his lord, but they refused. While the ''shinobi'' prepared for the defense of their land, Hanzō followed Nagato to a nearby outpost occupied by Nobunaga's army, where he encountered Naoe. He saved the girl from an ambush by an enemy swordsman and formally introduced himself before trying to convince the young ''shinobi'' to abandon Iga, claiming that if she failed to do so she would die. However, Naoe refused as she was distrustful of him.<ref name="Traditions">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Traditions]]</ref> | ||
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==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
Hanzō, 半蔵, is a Japanese name combining the characters 半 (''han'', meaning "half, middle, odd number, part-, semi-") with 蔵 (''zou'', meaning "own, possess, storehouse"). Hattori, 服部, is a common Japanese surname meaning "clothing guild". | Hanzō, (半蔵), is a Japanese name combining the characters 半 (''han'', meaning "half, middle, odd number, part-, semi-") with 蔵 (''zou'', meaning "own, possess, storehouse"). Hattori, 服部, is a common Japanese surname meaning "clothing guild". | ||
Although the cards in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' say Hanzō died in 1596, historically, he succumbed to an unspecified illness on 2 January 1597. The discrepancy may arise from the fact that the 22-volume ''{{Wiki|:ja:寛政重修諸家譜|Kansei Chōshū Shokafu}}'' (寛政重修諸家譜), a genealogical record of important samurai commissioned by the Tokugawa clan in 1812, records his death date as 4 November 1596, which differs from what is written on his gravestone at the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[temple]] {{Wiki|Sainen-ji (Shinjuku)|Sainen-ji}} and accepted by the Hattori clan, as the contemporary lunar calendar used then notes his death was on the 14th day of the 11th month of the {{Wiki|Keichō}} era, or, 2 January 1597 CE using the Gregorian calendar.<ref name="Wiki"/> | Although the cards in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' say Hanzō died in 1596, historically, he succumbed to an unspecified illness on 2 January 1597. The discrepancy may arise from the fact that the 22-volume ''{{Wiki|:ja:寛政重修諸家譜|Kansei Chōshū Shokafu}}'' (寛政重修諸家譜), a genealogical record of important samurai commissioned by the Tokugawa clan in 1812, records his death date as 4 November 1596, which differs from what is written on his gravestone at the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[temple]] {{Wiki|Sainen-ji (Shinjuku)|Sainen-ji}} and accepted by the Hattori clan, as the contemporary lunar calendar used then notes his death was on the 14th day of the 11th month of the {{Wiki|Keichō}} era, or, 2 January 1597 CE using the Gregorian calendar.<ref name="Wiki"/> | ||
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ACMemories icon 1.png|Hanzō close-up | ACMemories icon 1.png|Hanzō close-up | ||
HanzoShadows.png|Hanzō as he appears in ''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' | HanzoShadows.png|Hanzō as he appears in ''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' | ||
ACSH InM - Hattori Hanzo.png|A young Hanzō in ''Iga | ACSH Hattori Hanzo Portrait.png|Portrait of Hanzo in the Animus' objective menu | ||
ACSH InM - Hattori Hanzo.png|A young Hanzō in ''Tales of Iga'' | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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*''[[Echoes of History]] – Shadows'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Echoes of History]] – Shadows'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Iga | **''[[Claws of Awaji]]'' | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' | |||
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Latest revision as of 05:50, 3 August 2026
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He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. |
- "They've told you stories about Oni Hanzo. But have they told you the story of my childhood? The best shinobi warrior, long before I reached your age. The pride of my family. A prodigy one day, and a demon the next. Both paths taught me the same lesson. Nothing lasts forever. Some things die slowly, like trees. And some die quickly, like samurai."
- ―Hattori Hanzō to Fujibayashi Naoe, 1581.[src]-[m]
Hattori Hanzō (服部 半蔵, 1542 – 1596) was a vassal for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last of feudal Japan's three great unifiers (三英傑). A famous samurai and ninja, Hanzō was also a Master Assassin of the Kakushiba ikki, the Japanese branch of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Early life[edit | edit source]
Born in 1542 in the Mikawa Province of Japan, Hattori Hanzō was the son of the samurai Hattori Yasunaga.[2] He later became a vassal of the daimyō Tokugawa Ieyasu, and a ninja trained in Iga.[3][4]
Meeting Fujibayashi Masayasu[edit | edit source]
In 1560, a teenage Hanzō was apprenticed to the legendary shinobi Momochi Sandayu, who saw great potential in the young man but also feared his arrogance and callousness. While passing by a village in Iga, Hanzō and his mentor witnessed two corrupt samurai threatening the villagers and demanding tribute. Immediately jumping into action, Hanzō assassinated one of the samurai, saving Fujibayashi Masayasu, a farmer who had attempted to fight off the attackers but found himself overwhelmed.[5]
Masayasu, awed by Hanzō's reputation and skills, pleaded to be trained as a shinobi, but Hanzō harshly refused, dismissing him as an unfit farmer and suggesting he would be better off serving a local daimyō. However, Sandayu, not caring about Masayasu's status, was willing to give the young farmer a chance to prove himself and suggested a sparring contest between Masayasu and Hanzō.[5]
During their fight, Hanzō quickly gained the upper hand and managed to throw Masayasu down a small cliff. He then began to boast about his skills while insulting Masayasu, only to be interrupted by a young girl, Chiyo, who insisted that Masayasu was a hero who had protected their village from harm.[5]
An annoyed Hanzō grabbed Chiyo and threatened her by saying that, if they were on the battlefield, he would not hesitate to kill her, as it was not uncommon for innocents to perish during wartime. Terrified, Chiyo began to cry, which motivated Masayasu to come to her aid. Using underhanded tactics, he managed to defeat Hanzō, impressing Sandayu, who decided to train Masayasu as a shinobi.[5]
The Kakushiba ikki[edit | edit source]
During their training together, Hanzō and Masayasu were able to put their differences aside and develop a more amicable relationship. Sandayu also introduced both of them to the Assassin Alvaro Catarribera and his apprentice, Tsuyu,[6] who informed them about their conflict with the Templar Order and enlisted their help to stop the spread of Templar influence in Japan.[7] Hanzō and his fellow ninja thus became allies of the Brotherhood and shared their knowledge with them, teaching the Assassins new skills and techniques.[8]
During their training under Tsuyu, Hanzō also became enamored with Tsuyu, due to her skill and beauty. During one of the spars, Hanzō and Masayasu tried to overpower the Assassin but she proved better. The night after their training, Hanzō later found her alone, sleeping atop a watchtower.[9] Yet, when he approached, she held her blade to his neck and demanded to know why he was there. Surprised, he revealed that he wanted to start over, which brought Tsuyu's guard down. While talking, she divulged that family will impede her path and was not in her cards, much to Hanzō's surprise.[10]
Weeks into their training, Tsuyu led Hanzō and Masayasu towards the cliff and ordered them to leap. When Tsuyu performed it for them, she ordered Hanzō to go next but he rejected it. However, Masayasu, against Tsuyu's wishes, performed it and miraculously survived.[10] After the leap, Hanzō and Masayasu reconvened and began to develop more of a kinship. While discussing their training, they were interrupted by a katana nearly cutting Masayasu down. When the enemy shinobi entered, Hanzō told Masayasu to run for help while he faced off against their attacker, whom he recognized as a former fallen student of Sandayu.[11] Swiftly, he bested the shinobi Toza before ultimately killing him.[12]
After the attack was over, Hanzō was informed that Tsuyu left to meet her master in Sakai. With this, he followed Tsuyu and later found her and Alvaro at a kofun discussing their plans. Hanzō then intervened after he heard about their plans in Mikawa and offered to go, due to it being his homeland. When Alvaro attacked Hanzō, the Assassin soon offered a choice: to join their league or die at his hands. Hanzō agreed thus Alvaro gave him his own hidden blade and the task to ascertain the Templars' location in Mikawa. Before leaving, Tsuyu told him to remember their principles and methods before she left back for Iga.[12]
Investigating Mikawa[edit | edit source]
In 1561, Hanzō arrived in the region and glimpsed around the locals, looking for any indication of the Templars. Yet, he was met by Matsudaira Takechiyo's retainer Watanabe Moritsuna, who recognized him.[13] With a short discussion, they sparred across the rooftops before Hanzō managed to best him. Yet, Moritsuna revealed himself, leading Hanzō to beg for forgiveness. Fortunately, Moritsuna actually asked him for his help for his lord Takechiyo.[14]
Walking to Takechiyo's residence, Moritsuna told Hanzō to act appropriately and only talked when a question is asked in front of his lord.[15] Meeting with Takechiyo, Hanzō revealed his mission to investigate the region for any strange European presence. Coincidentally, Takechiyo tasked him and Moritsuna to rescue his family from the Imagawa clan while divulging that the daimyō Imagawa Ujizane had been receiving a Jesuit priest and saw him wearing a unique cross around his neck. With this, he agreed to aid Takechiyo. Working with Moritsuna, Hanzō planned how to infiltrate the Imagawa stronghold in secret to save Takechiyo's family.[16]
In 1562, after a year of planning, Hanzō sent a message to Sandayu about his further findings of Templar activity in Ise.[17] Later, he and Moritsuna planned their secret rescue, with Hanzō infiltrating alone while Moritsuna waited outside Imagawa Mansion. Dispatching two entrance guards, he sought for the location of Takechiyo's wife Sena and their kids Nobuyasu and Kamehime. Inside one of the houses, he unfortunately witness Imagawa retainer Udono Nagateru kill one of the concubines Okiku, due to her failure of not producing a male heir. Despite his anger, he kept searching for Takechiyo's family.[18]
While looking for Takechiyo's wife and kids,[19] Hanzō was spotted by Imagawa soldier Amano Kageyasu, whom he nearly killed. Fortunately, Kageyasu aided in his efforts, believing the Imagawa clan will fall. While showing him around, Hanzŏ came across a dead woman and stopped, believing it was Sena.[20] While shocked, he was caught by Ujizane, who started to insult him on his efforts. Fortunately, Kageyasu knocked Ujizane down before escaping the compound and later meeting up with Moritsuna. While running away from Imagawa soldiers, they soon saw Nagateru riding away from them with Sena held hostage.[21]
Hanzō soon followed Nagateru's trail to Kaminogō Castle while Moritsuna and Kageyasu left to inform Takechiyo. Climbing towards the castle's tenshu, he soon saw Nagateru holding Sena and the kids hostage. Instantly, he tried to kill Nagateru with a shuriken but Massa came and countered it with a throwing knife. While Nagateru was ungrateful for his aid, Massa responded by shooting him dead and aimed his pistol toward Sena. He later told Hanzō of a choice: rescue Sena and her kids in exchange for the location of the Imperial Regalia. Stuck, he soon saw Takechiyo launch an attack and saw his father below while the castle became inflamed.[22]
When Sena threatened her own life and pleaded for the lives for her children, Massa changed the deal for the Imperial Regalia and Sena or save her kids solely. Doubtful, Hanzō took her kids and ran out of the castle while Massa took Sena to a nearby watchtower. However, Nobuyasu pleaded and then demanded him to save his mother. Quickly, he led the children out safely before tracking Sena and Massa down.[23] Checking on the welfare of Sena, Massa nearly shot Hanzō, but he managed to assassinate the priest instantly. In his last breath, Massa commended Hanzō on his ability to maintain his composure against his methods. Fortunately, Hanzō rushed Sena away from the siege and returned her and her kids back to Takechiyo.[24]
Forming the new league[edit | edit source]
With his mission completed, Hanzō was offered a place from Takechiyo alongside Moritsuna. Grateful, he admitted that he still had business in Iga before taking his leave.[24] After some time, he returned to find Masayasu and Tsuyu there, welcoming him back. After some weeks, they continued their training with each other, with Masayasu contesting Hanzō fairly. However, still feeling enamored with Tsuyu, Hanzō planned to make his feelings known to her.[25]
In time, Hanzō, Masayasu – who became known as Fujibayashi Nagato – and Sandayu all joined the Kakushiba ikki, the brotherhood founded by Catarribera and Tsuyu,[26] which the latter assumed control of following her mentor's departure.[27] Hanzō and the others swore an oath to the Creed to protect the Imperial Regalia of Japan, which Tsuyu had been entrusted with, and hid the artifacts within a kofun in Izumi Settsu.[26]
In 1565, Hanzō had a son, Hattori Masanari, who was also trained as an Assassin.[28] However, Hanzō was never able to accept the fact that Tsuyu had fallen in love with Nagato and started a family with him. Out of jealousy, he left the Kakushiba ikki and became a mercenary, gaining notoriety as "Oni Hanzō".[26]
Fight for the Sword[edit | edit source]
In parallel with their correspondence with Oda Nobunaga, the Japanese Assassins established an alliance with Tokugawa Ieyasu, and together they formed a plan to retrieve a Sword of Eden and aid Ieyasu in conquering the land.[1] Hanzō, loyal to his lord, worked closely with Chaya Shirōjirō Kiyonobu, who often acted as a contact on Ieyasu's behalf.[29]
In 1571, on Ieyasu's orders, Hanzō assassinated the daimyō Mōri Motonari, a strong opponent of Ieyasu's ally Oda Nobunaga, in order to allow Nobunaga to conquer the Mōri clan's lands.[29] Two years later, after the Tokugawa and Oda forces fought the Takeda clan at the Battle of Mikatagahara, Hanzō and Ieyasu's vassal Honda Tadakatsu entered Takeda Shingen's camp.[30] Shingen was killed during the ordeal, and Hanzō retrieved the Sword of Eden from him.[1]
Sometime after, he returned to Iga, hoping his exploits would impress Tsuyu, only to find that she and Nagato had a daughter, Naoe. Filled with rage and believing that her new family had weakened Tsuyu, Hanzō betrayed his old allies by selling information on the location of the Imperial Regalia,[26] unknowingly to the Shinbakufu, a group founded by the deposed Ashikaga shōgun, Yoshiaki, as a means of regaining his power.[31]
Immediately regretting his actions, Hanzō contacted Tsuyu to inform her that the regalia's location had been compromised, and joined her and other Assassins as they fought the Shinbakufu to protect the artifacts; however, most of the Assassins were killed, with only Hanzō, Tsuyu, and Sandayu surviving.[26]
After Tsuyu entrusted the jewel Yasakani no Magatama, which she had managed to protect from the Shinbakufu, to Nagato, she left to search for the other two regalia, but never returned. Hanzō looked for her in vain, and secretly kept watch on Nagato and Naoe, out of the shame he felt for dooming the Kakushiba ikki. Occasionally, he would sing Tsuyu's favorite song on the tsuchibue, to maintain the illusion that Tsuyu was alive and the one watching over her family.[26]
Five years later, on 19 April 1578,[32] Hanzō assassinated another rival daimyō, the Templar Uesugi Kenshin.[1]
Conflict with the Shinbakufu[edit | edit source]
- "Lord Nobunaga will be here by nightfall with more soldiers than Iga has ever known. He brings his full might. Koga's as well. If you doubt me, go to Hijiyama Castle. You will find Kogan spies there awaiting Lord Nobunaga's signal. I offer Iga the protection of my Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. The odds are too great for Iga to survive. Surely, you realize this."
- ―Hanzō to his former Iga ikki members, 1581.[src]-[m]
In September 1581, Hanzō returned to Iga to warn Fujibayashi Nagatao, Momochi Sandayu, and the other members of the Iga ikki that Oda Nobunaga's forces were planning an invasion of the region. He promised them Ieyasu's protection if they swore loyalty to his lord, but they refused. While the shinobi prepared for the defense of their land, Hanzō followed Nagato to a nearby outpost occupied by Nobunaga's army, where he encountered Naoe. He saved the girl from an ambush by an enemy swordsman and formally introduced himself before trying to convince the young shinobi to abandon Iga, claiming that if she failed to do so she would die. However, Naoe refused as she was distrustful of him.[33]
When Nagato arrived shortly after, Hanzō handed him a letter revealing that the Shinbakufu were after the Jewel that Nagato was safeguarding on Tsuyu's behalf. Nagato and Naoe subsequently went to recover the artifact so they could protect it, and Hanzō tried to warn them that they were walking to their doom, but his pleas were ignored.[33] That would be the last time Hanzō and Nagato ever saw each other, as later that night, the Shinbakufu killed Nagato and stole the artifact, while Nobunaga's forces conquered Iga.[34]
In June 1582, word reached the Tokugawa that Akechi Mitsuhide planned to betray his lord Nobunaga, who possessed the Sword of Eden. Hanzō stayed with Ieyasu to ensure his lord's safety, and tasked another Assassin, the monk Yamauchi Taka, to travel to Honnō-ji and retrieve the Sword from Nobunaga. Taka succeeded in his mission and brought the Sword to the Chinese Assassin Liu Yan, who took it with her to China.[35]
Later life[edit | edit source]
After Nobunaga's death, his vassal Toyotomi Hideyoshi became his master's successor. Hideyoshi later defeated Ieyasu, who then pledged loyalty to the Toyotomi. Chaya Shirōjirō Kiyonobu tried to secretly set up a trade route to bring supplies to Ieyasu, a task which Hanzō aided by eliminating one of the patrolling Toyotomi kashira.[36]
It was during this time that Hanzō again encountered Fujibayashi Naoe after she had successfully recovered the stolen Jewel upon eliminating the Shinbakufu. Hanzō presented her the second Imperial Regalia – the mirror Yata no Kagami – recovered by Ieyasu from the Templars, and confessed his role in the Shinbakufu's attack on the Kakushiba ikki, prompting a furious Naoe to attack him. After defeating him, Naoe decided to show Hanzō mercy and invited him to help her search for Tsuyu and achieve redemption for his past actions. Hanzō accepted and swore loyalty to Naoe and the Assassins.[26]
In the 1590s, Hanzō was tasked with assassinating the Japanese Templar Mochizuki Chiyome, a female ninja who had formerly worked for Takeda Shingen. Based on intel retrieved from Kiyonobu, Hanzō tracked her down to her residence in Shinano, where he assassinated her.[37]
Hanzō was ultimately killed in a fire[38] by his rival Fūma Kotarō [citation needed] in 1596,[1] in the Tokugawa capital of Edo.[39]
Personality and traits[edit | edit source]
An arrogant youth, Hanzō had a low opinion of low-born individuals, believing the opportunity of becoming a shinobi should be reserved for those of reputable status or background. He also showed disrespect for those older than him, and could be easily irritable.[5]
Skills and equipment[edit | edit source]
Hanzō was an expert in hand-to-hand combat and was proficient in the use of the kunai.[5] Aside from the ninja arts, Hanzō was also trained as a samurai, and his knowledge of sōjutsu (槍術, lit. "art of the spear") made his yari skills legendary even during his lifetime.[1]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
Hanzō, (半蔵), is a Japanese name combining the characters 半 (han, meaning "half, middle, odd number, part-, semi-") with 蔵 (zou, meaning "own, possess, storehouse"). Hattori, 服部, is a common Japanese surname meaning "clothing guild".
Although the cards in Assassin's Creed: Memories say Hanzō died in 1596, historically, he succumbed to an unspecified illness on 2 January 1597. The discrepancy may arise from the fact that the 22-volume Kansei Chōshū Shokafu (寛政重修諸家譜), a genealogical record of important samurai commissioned by the Tokugawa clan in 1812, records his death date as 4 November 1596, which differs from what is written on his gravestone at the Buddhist temple Sainen-ji and accepted by the Hattori clan, as the contemporary lunar calendar used then notes his death was on the 14th day of the 11th month of the Keichō era, or, 2 January 1597 CE using the Gregorian calendar.[39]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Full body art of Hanzō -
Hanzō in his ninja attire -
Hanzō without his hood -
Portrait of Hanzō -
Hanzō using a spear -
Hanzō close-up -
Hanzō as he appears in Assassin's Creed: Shadows
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Portrait of Hanzo in the Animus' objective menu -
A young Hanzō in Tales of Iga
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed: Memories (first appearance)
- Echoes of History – Shadows (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga
References[edit | edit source]
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