Sanada Yukimura

Sanada Nobushige, later known as Yukimura, was born as the second son of Sanada Masayuki, a brilliant strategist who had served Takeda Shingen. His birth came during one of Japan's most turbulent periods of civil war.

Witnessed the destruction of the Takeda clan, his family's former masters, by the combined forces of Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu. This early experience of war and loss shaped his martial education.

Sent to the Uesugi clan as a political hostage to secure an alliance. Though technically a captive, he received military training and gained experience in the ways of the powerful Uesugi warriors.

After his father submitted to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Yukimura was transferred to serve under the Toyotomi. He impressed Hideyoshi with his martial skills and developed deep loyalty to the Toyotomi cause.

Married Chikurin-in, the adopted daughter of the powerful Otani Yoshitsugu, strengthening political ties. Their marriage was a genuine love match that produced several children.

Fought alongside his father in the legendary defense of Ueda Castle against Tokugawa Hidetada's army of 38,000 with only 2,000 defenders. Their brilliant tactics delayed the Tokugawa force from reaching Sekigahara.

After the Western Army's defeat at Sekigahara, the Sanada family's lands were confiscated. Yukimura was exiled to Kudoyama with his father, living in poverty but maintaining his warrior spirit.

His father Sanada Masayuki died in exile. Yukimura inherited his father's strategic brilliance and burning desire to restore honor to the Sanada name against the Tokugawa.

When Toyotomi Hideyori called for warriors to defend Osaka Castle against the Tokugawa, Yukimura escaped exile with his followers. He arrived at Osaka ready to stake everything on one final battle.

Constructed the legendary Sanada Maru, an innovative fortification extending from Osaka Castle. This barbican would become the site of his greatest tactical triumph against the Tokugawa forces.

During the Winter Campaign, Yukimura's defense of the Sanada Maru inflicted devastating casualties on the attacking Tokugawa forces. His crimson-armored troops became legendary for their fierce resistance.

The Winter Campaign ended in a negotiated peace, but the Tokugawa had Osaka Castle's outer defenses filled in. Yukimura knew the final battle would come with the castle now vulnerable.

During the Summer Campaign, led a fierce rearguard action at Domyoji, covering the retreat of Osaka forces despite being heavily outnumbered. His crimson-armored warriors became known as the Crimson Demons of War.

In the decisive Battle of Tennoji, Yukimura led a legendary charge directly at Tokugawa Ieyasu's headquarters. His fierce assault nearly reached Ieyasu himself, causing the shogun's bodyguards to flee in terror.

Exhausted and wounded after his epic charge, Yukimura rested beneath a pine tree where he was found by enemy soldiers. He invited them to take his head, dying with dignity. He was acclaimed as 'Nihon-ichi no Tsuwamono' - Japan's Greatest Warrior.