Korenobu Yufu

Korenobu Yufu is a retainer of the Tachibana and leader of the clan's Four Guardian Kings. Having stepped down as family head to serve under Dōsetsu, he fought in over 65 battles and sided with Muneshige even after the Tachibana had been stripped of their rank.

Role in Games
Korenobu Yufu is often seen fighting alongside the Tachibana at Kyūshū and Ishigakibaru. In the third game, his defeat is necessary to break down the Tachibana's vanguard. Motonari's requires the player to lure him out of the southern garrison instead. The expansion has him serve as an obstacle for Kotarō to face at Odawara.

His earliest appearance in the fourth game is at Shimanto River. He and Shigeyuki Ono serve as sentinels for Tachibana Castle, forcing players to take them out for control.

Historical Information
Once a servant of the Ōtomo clan, Yufu Korenobu yielded his domain in Bungo province to his brother, Yufu Saikai, in order to follow Tachibana Dōsetsu. Known for his bravery, Korenobu took pride in the number of battles he'd fought in and the wounds he'd received while serving under Dōsetsu. Together with Ono Shigeyuki, they were called the Twin Walls of the Tachibana. Korenobu showed exceptional valor in 1562, where he led a decisive charge against Mōri forces, an in 1565, where he invigorated their forces at Tachibana mountain. Continuing to prove his courage, Korenobu spearheaded the decisive charge against the Higo army in 1587.

His loyalty throughout the years bore fruit, as Tachibana Muneshige awarded him with a 3,500-koku stipend and lordship over Sakemi Castle. After the Battle of Sekigahara, his loyalty proved true, as he left for Edo to seek his master’s reinstatement as a Daimyō. One source claimed he survived off the trade of chopsticks to continue serving his now ronin master. Korenobu lived to see Muneshige restored to power and remained loyal to him until dying at the age of 85 years old.