Takamaru

Takamaru  (鷹丸) is the main character of the Nintendo title Nazo no Murasamejō, which takes place during Ietsuna Tokugawa's reign as shogun. He makes a guest appearance in Samurai Warriors 3 in the game's optional mode, Murasamejō Mode. Players can unlock him for other Modes once players have collected 33 tanuki scattered throughout the Murasamejō Mode.

He is symbolized by the characters "samurai" (侍) and "hawk" (鷹); he is voiced by Hiroshi Okamoto in the Japanese dub.

Role in Game
While chasing Murasame, he is sucked with the beast one hundred years into the past. Though he is stuck in an unfamiliar time era, his hunt for Murasame continues and he desires to deliver justice. He is guided at times by a woman named Ayame, who follows him on his travels. Players may choose to clear his adventures with Takamaru or with any of the playable characters in the game. He faces four other castle lords in his way before he battles his greatest adversary. Once he accomplishes his goal, Takamaru returns to his own time and thanks the people who have helped him. If the player slays Murasame with another character, Takamaru will personally thank their character for their help.

Development
Takamaru was supposedly designed by Minoru Maeda, the director of the original Murasame Castle Game. His design is simple, yet it fits his personality. He wears a simple white hakama, with a light lavender shirt, and a bright red jacket rimmed with gold. The reasons for these colors are possibly due to that in the japanese culture, Red is the color of heroism; representing bravery and good will. In china red represents good luck, and fortune. Both of wich are good quality's to have in a Samurai.

Personality
Takamaru is a serious, yet caring individual. He takes his duty as a samurai highly, and is always willing to help those in need of assistance. He is also one to think of others safety over his own. When first meeting the Player in Murasame Castle Mode, he is grateful for their assistance, but then asks them to leave so they can stay safe from Murasames Demons. When the player meets him again, he is inspired by their bravery and allows them to company him on his journey.

As Takamaru and The Player travel together, he is constantly inspired by the brave acts performed by the player, as well as others he meets during his travels. And when coming across the likes of Aya trying to save villagers from demons, he stats that is amazing that such "a Petite Woman" like her self is willing to fight off demons for the sake of strangers. He admires her for her bravery and skill, stating he could learn a lot from her if given the chance.

Another example of his personality is his interactions with Ayame. despite being strangers he is always willing to help care for her, even to go so far as to protect her from monsters as she travels with him.

Fighting Style
Takamaru's moveset is the same as edit characters sharing his weapon type. He has higher stats to distinguish himself from the player's original characters, as well as his own Musou Kaiden attack, and his own unique Sword design and 4th weapon.