Magoichi Saika

Magoichi Saika (雑賀 孫市, Saika Magoichi) is believed to be a moniker for the leader of the Saika Renegades, rebels who opposed Nobunaga's rise to power with Kennyo Honganji. After Kennyo's surrender, Magoichi allegedly fought at Sekigahara, became a wanderer, and obtained a government post in the Mito Domain. The real Magoichi's name and history are unclear, but many people have postulated about his true identity.

Samurai Warriors fans voted him to twentieth place in Gamecity's Sengoku Musou 3: Empires character popularity poll. For the Samurai Warriors 4 poll, he placed twenty-first.

His Nobunaga's Ambition counterpart is twenty-fourth place in Gamecity's character popularity ranking for 2015. The Nobunaga no Yabou 201X poll for 4-star officers puts him in thirty-sixth place.

Role in Games

 * "Your weapon interests me..."
 * Guan Yu; Warriors Orochi.

Samurai Warriors
Magoichi is the leader of the Saika renegades who loves his freedom and women. Hired to fight for the Ikko Sect to defy Nobunaga, he helps Shoukei's resistance at Ise-Nagashima. When the Oda troops set fire to the area, he decides to ask forgiveness for their rebellion to cut their losses. Escorting Shoukei to Nobunaga, he is baffled when the surrendering rebels are slaughtered without mercy. Swearing to someday pay the man back for the mayhem, he attempts a self-righteous series of assassinations on Nobunaga during the following battles. Magoichi barely escapes to report the defeat to Kennyo. They march towards Yamazaki to block Nobunaga's march towards the capital. The rebels are successful yet the battle is just a distraction for the Oda troops to invade Echizen. In order to prevent another massacre, Magoichi tells the rebels to escape after he snipes Mitsuhide. Due to the battle, the rebels are weakened yet they eventually become the only ones capable of rebelling against Nobunaga years later.

With the desire to lessen the suffering from their battles, Kennyo contemplates to issue a surrender in Kyoto. Facing the threat of flames in the streets, however, he and the other Ikko followers then join the Oda. A frustrated Magoichi continues to fight back against the tide, demoralized by the rebels' acquiescence for defeat. Reinforced by two of his Saika followers, he routs Nobunaga but realizes that his role is over. Holding no ill will towards Kennyo, he chooses to wander rather than submit under Nobunaga.

In his complete story, Magoichi realizes that he fights for himself and those actually close to him rather than for the rebels. He becomes a vigilante after the Ikko surrender and aims to only end Nobunaga's life. He infiltrates Azuchi Castle and finally corners the Demon King for the final shot. Before he shoots, Nobunaga tries to pound doubts into him, quickly asking what he will achieve by killing him and reasons that nothing will change. Magoichi's gun goes off and he leaves the scene, saying that Nobunaga's burden is no greater than anyone else.

In Samurai Warriors 2, Magoichi is an old friend of Hideyoshi and is hired by various employers to make a living. Aiding his friend at Anegawa on the Oda side, Magoichi suspects Nobunaga's ambitions and cannot guarantee that he would fight on Hideyoshi's side next time. After he helps the Ikko rebels win at Osaka Bay, his home is destroyed by Nobunaga. He estranges himself from Hideyoshi and swears to avenge his lost comrades. He sneaks into Honnōji and assassinates Nobunaga during his duel with Mitsuhide. While fleeing from the scene, Magoichi realizes that his act actually caused more chaos as bandits are free to terrorize innocent people. This pleases Kotarō who thanks Magoichi for making his job easier. Lost and confused, he collapses.

He later awakens in dry shelter with Hideyoshi, who requests his help to take down Mitsuhide. Filled with self-pity and regret, Magoichi calls him a hypocrite for not wanting to kill him. Hideyoshi knocks some sense into him as he doesn't want to lose his other friend. Reconciled, Magoichi agrees to help his buddy out and participates in the Yamazaki battle to defeat Mitsuhide. In the aftermath, he is shot by an off-screen rifleman and dies in Hideyoshi's arms.

In his dream mode, the narrative says that he survives his gunshot wound at Yamazaki and befriends Masamune. He joins Masamune's charge against Ieyasu at Mikatagahara to keep Hideyoshi's dream alive.

In Samurai Warriors: Katana, Magoichi first appears during the Ascendancy scenario assisting the Oda army's riflemen at Nagashino. He gives the player one of his old rifles and later helps Hideyoshi confront Yukimura in order to defeat Katsuyori in time. The mercenary plays a central role in the Savior scenario where he takes the protagonist under his wing and teaches him the core values of the Saika Renegades. Both men answer distress calls across the land, aiding the female cast in their time of distress. Although the women are unaffected by Magoichi's flirtations, they decide to stay with the Saika when he appeals to their respective needs. Later on, he stages a contest to decide the most beautiful woman in the land using the player's own preferences to pick a winner. Once the competition ends, the two mercenaries resume their duty to help more innocents in need. The Unification scenario has Magoichi join the Toyotomi's invasion of Sakai. Aware of the protagonist's growing reputation as a ruler, he challenges him to a match and is forced to retreat afterwards.

Retaining his ties with Hideyoshi from the previous title, Magoichi chooses to wander after helping his friend's early unifications in Samurai Warriors 3. Arriving in Oshū, he quickly serves under Masamune and assists his young friend in claiming the region. During their efforts, Masamune is unable to save his father and blames himself for his parent's death. Hearing that the Sanada require mercenary aid from his old friend Keiji, Magoichi decides to bring his depressed friend with him at Ueda Castle. Revitalizing Masamune with their impressive victory beside the other three generals (Keiji, Yukimura, and Kanetsugu), they proudly return home. When Hideyoshi becomes the undisputed ruler of the land, Masamune retaliates to realize his own ambitions and boldly rebels in Oshū. Wanting to let his friend vent, he assists the rebellion and routs Yukimura and Kai. Magoichi learns his friend's dream to change the mindsets of the people as they gaze over the carnage they caused. Once Masamune realizes the pointlessness of forcing his views at this point, he and Magoichi visit Hideyoshi to formally beg pardon. During his testimony against Kanbei's evidence, Magoichi silently signals the truth to Hideyoshi. Finding mirth with Masamune's drive, Hideyoshi has high expectations for him and forgives the young Date lord.

The Toyotomi family experiences a massive internal rebellion after Hideyoshi's death as several vassals aim to take Mitsunari's life in the capital. As the other men he met at Ueda hurry to his aid, Magoichi merely accompanies Masamune to help repay their debt to Kanetsugu from Odawara Castle. As armies assemble under the banners for the West or the East, Magoichi realizes that Masamune's vision can't be made a reality until a new peace begins so he supports the Date march at Hasedō. Slaying Keiji and defeating a retaliating Kanetsugu, they continue to aid Ieyasu in the final battle against the remaining Toyotomi loyalists at Ōsaka Castle. With Ōsaka Castle in flames after their victory, Magoichi remarks that he can throw away his weapon and fully devote himself to the ladies once more. Noting the irony for causing the downfall of Hideyoshi's legacy, he instead chooses to continue believing in Hideyoshi's assessment of Masamune and they happily walk away together. He also plays a key part in Kizugawa, leading the Saika Renegades to assist the Mōri.

During one of the Gaidens for Chronicles, Magoichi and the protagonist are dragged around in Gracia's search for her true beloved.

Sengoku Musou 3: Empires shows Magoichi's first meeting with Masamune in the latter's own story. Having sneaked into the Date warlord's room uninvited, he strikes up a brief partnership with him due to Hideyoshi's disarmament edict giving mercenaries less jobs. Astonished by Masamune's decision to defy the Toyotomi, Magoichi advises him to ally with the Hōjō before parting ways.

Samurai Warriors 4 Magoichi keeps his friendship with Hideyoshi. At his friend's request, he helps create a path for Nobunaga towards the capital. Resuming his wandering life as a mercenary, he answers Koshōshō's call for arms at Kannonji Castle. Magoichi later joins Motochika's side at Asan and recognizes Goemon. The hired gunman learns from the thief that Koshōshō is on the enemy side and wishes to woo her. He is shot down yet again, a fact that Gracia eloquently rubs in during her boredom after the battle. He explains his lifestyle to the inquisitive girl and introduces the concept of friendship to her. Magoichi accepts her label as her friend in good jest.

Magoichi soon regrets leaving the main land when he learns that his comrades have been ruthlessly slaughtered by Nobunaga's forces. He enters the fray at Noda-Fukushima with the sole purpose of obtaining revenge. When the Oda forces threatens Kii Province, Magoichi summons his many acquaintances and calls for the Mōri's support. Despite his efforts, he is captured by Hideyoshi and steels himself for his execution. Hideyoshi, finding his new purpose in life, spares him in the name of friendship. Magoichi later joins the Akechi army at Honnōji to seek closure for his vengeance. Whether he personally gets it or not is up to the player, but Nobunaga is amused to see him still alive if he faces him.

Having faith in Hideyoshi's pacifistic vision, Magoichi decides to support his friend's conquests at Yamazaki. Hideyoshi asks him to be his informant in Oshū to keep an eye on the ambitious Masamune. Magoichi poses himself as a wandering mercenary to the Date forces by casually offering his assistance at Koriyama. Kojūrō realizes his real motives early within the battle and reveals his findings when the Toyotomi forces draws near Oshū. Magoichi keeps fighting for the Date even when his cover is blown to ensure that Kojūrō survives the conflict for Hideyoshi. If the player uses him for the third stage in the Tohoku chapter, Magoichi can briefly reunite with Motochika.

After Hideyoshi dies Magoichi decides to stay with the Date to watch over Masamune, the last man who he believes is donned with his friend's favor. He fights for them at Hasedō, soon realizing that Masamune is a promising pioneer for the new age of peace. Feeling that Hideyoshi's vision has ended, Magoichi thinks he has nothing left for himself. He either imagines or hears Hideyoshi's spirit yelling at him to introduce a cute girl to him; Magoichi disappears as he answers, never to be seen again.

The 4-II Love and Fear story has him co-star as Koshōshō's love interest. After one of his jobs leads him to assassinate her previous lover, he is amused that she has followed him and lets her do as she pleases. He promises to woo her and, through their antics, Magoichi hopes to restore Koshōshō's love for other people by making her fall in love with him. When he sacrifices himself at Honnōji, it's heavily implied that his heroic stunt costs him his life. Koshōshō is in heavy denial of his death for the second half of her story and continues to imagine him beside her. Her delusion of him disappears only when she restores her courage to face reality.

Magoichi is the leading man for the fifth downloadable scenario. Hideyoshi wants to stage a grand tea party with the land's ladies but invites the attractive men of the land to arrive first. Catching onto his ploy, Magoichi leads a trio of men avoided by women into battle. The gunner says to his crew that they will learn the secret to popularity with the opposite sex by beating their targets, but he is partially venting due to a recent string of rejections. Hideyoshi tries to be sneaky by sailing away to the tea party by himself, but Magoichi and his men force him to take them along. When they arrive, the place is barren because Nene had caught onto their game in advance. An upset Magoichi tells Hideyoshi to face his wife's wrath by himself.

Throughout Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3's what-if events, Magoichi role varies. If the Azai defeat the Oda at Anegawa, Magoichi's men will be hired by Hisahide to resist Nagamasa. His role as part of the anti-Nobunaga Coalition is retained in the hypothetical situation that both the Mōri and the Uesugi back the alliance as well. He is later tricked by Matsunaga to attack the Mōri after Nobunaga's demise.

In an altered Honnōji, where Nobunaga fakes his own death and lives a peasant's life, free from the conflict, Magoichi is able to track the Demon King down. While he wishes to kill Nobunaga, he puts his gun down, and explains that Hideyoshi's recent brutality against his nephew and vassals were not the things that were expected when Nobunaga was "killed off". Hoping to change his friend, he and Munenori join Nobunaga in attacking Hideyoshi at Ōsaka, where he is heartbroken to see his friend become a heartless tyrant, caring only for the security of his position. He sadly watches as his friend shows no remorse or empathy, even before he is executed.

In an alternate scenario where Kanbei fakes his death and joins Hideyoshi, the strategist is able to revert Hideyoshi back to his old personality, much to Magoichi's delight. He is then content to see the land molded by the return of his old friend.

Spirit of Sanada places Magoichi as one of the founding members of the Anti-Nobunaga Coalition, working alongside both the Azai and the Takeda in his quest to avenge his fallen comrades. He aids the Azai's attack on the Oda at Noda-Fukushima, but Shingen's untimely death leads to the eventual ruin of the Azai and Asakura as well.

Refusing to give up, Magoichi then moves to support the Mōri in defying Nobunaga's rule at Ishiyama as well as accompanying Hisahide's forces after their desertion. Although Hideyoshi arrives to try and convince Magoichi to surrender, Magoichi refuses the offer and chases Hideyoshi out for fear that their friendship would put him in danger. Despite pushing back Nobunaga's fleet, the conqueror's forces are too vast and powerful for them to ever truly defeat.

When Nobunaga is killed by Mitsuhide at Honnōji, Magoichi is sent to join the Akechi forces barring Ieyasu's path at the Iga mountains. After Mitsuhide's demise, Magoichi is last seen accompanying Masamune's forces at Hasedō, attempting to cut off Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu's route home.

In Samurai Warriors 5, Magoichi first appears at Kanegasaki, having been hired by the shogunate to assassinate Nobunaga. His attempt fails when the light reflects off of his barrel and allows Nō to rush ahead of her husband and shield him. Magoichi would then make subsequent attempts at Anegawa and Mt. Hiei but is forced to flee on both occasions. When Nobunaga finally learns of Magoichi's contractor and sieges Yoshiaki Ashikaga and Fujihide Mitsubuchi at Makishima, Magoichi arrives to try and assist. Unfortunately, Yoshiaki's cowardice throws away any chance at victory, and a disgruntled Magoichi captures the shogun as he is attempting to flee and deposits him to the Oda before making a getaway.

He is subsequently hired by Takakage Kobayakawa for assistance at Kizugawaguchi and is not seen in the story again.

A hypothetical scenario has Yoshiaki Ashikaga gain the support of the Imagawa, Takeda, Uesugi, and Mori clans for his march on Kyoto rather than the Oda. Looking to bolster respect for the Shogunate, Fujihide Mitsubuchi suggests a contest between the 4 clans who helped them, with the position of Vice-Shogun going to the winner. Magoichi's Renegades are hired to keep the clans in line during the contest but he also decides to join the clan leader he believes most likely to succeed (the player's choice), eager to have the future Vice-Shogun owe him a favor.

Warriors Orochi
Magoichi first appears to try to save Yue Ying in Warriors Orochi. After Shu's men escape, he offers to assist their search for Liu Bei with rumors and information. He continues to try to impress the ladies in the army, namely Yue Ying, Zhu Rong, and Xing Cai. In one of the side story stages, he catches Masamune in a pincer attack and convinces him to join Shu.

In Warriors Orochi 2, Magoichi and Toshiie are leading a failing defense at Ji Castle against Sun Wukong. They are saved by Xiahou Yuan's timely reinforcements and Magoichi will have a special event with Xiahou Yuan if they meet in the field. To turn the tide of battle, Magoichi decides to call for his Saika renegades and temporarily leaves the field. He returns with plenty of riflemen and joins Wei after the battle. In his dream stage, he and Kunoichi are employed by Dong Zhuo. His two helpers are hired to escort the gold that he stole from Yuan Shao. With his partner, Masamune, he also acts as a firearm rival in the archers' dream mode.

During the all-women dream stage in Musou OROCHI Z, he appears to help the ladies. Da Ji tells him to help them by defending their main camp. After the women trash all of their male opponents, he praises the ladies on a job well done. Nu Wa and Ginchiyo are more than willing to take him out of their all-ladies victory.

After Orochi's second defeat, Magoichi and his mercenaries resume their life of wandering in Warriors Orochi 3. Spotting a struggling Joan of Arc at Komaki-Nagakute, he and his men sacrifice themselves to save her. She relies on him as he bides time for her escape at Mt. Dingjun. Magoichi continues to fall in battle against Sun Wukong as the Coalition save Joan. To prevent his death, an invigorated Joan goes back in time twice to lead her men and fight for him. Touched that she would go through such lengths for him, Magoichi joins the coalition and later helps Xiahou Ba in rescuing Xiahou Yuan at Nanjun.

Magoichi joins forces with Guo Jia in the downloadable stage "Mystic Love", as they try to charm female mystics at Yangping Gate. He also helps Zhong Hui with his ambitions in "Zhong Hui's Pride".

He later reappears in Ultimate at the altered Mt. Dingjun, where he helps rescue the Coalition with Joan and company.

Magoichi ends up becoming a member of Nobunaga's army at Warriors Orochi 4, having been hired by them, as well as thanks to Gracia's involvement with the army as well. He was initially stationed at Luoyang with Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao, and Yoshimoto when they are attacked by Liu Bei's rebel army. After his defeat, Magoichi joins the Coalition.

He later helps the Coalition rescue Kaguya, who is stranded at Tedorigawa by Da Ji's army.

Pokémon Conquest
He continues to act as Masamune's friend and supporter in Pokémon Conquest. Although he may complain about the insistence of Masamune's demands, Magoichi follows him where ever and whenever he is needed. He flirts with Oichi before the two forces fight at Avia Castle. Instead of being wooed or upset by his words, she is simply confused by his sudden change of behavior.

Kessen
Magoichi appears as a powerful yet minor enemy in Kessen III. He leads a solid rifle unit and can easily pummel armies with his triple row volley. He is usually supported by one or two other armies. While he is an active member during Kennyo's rebellions, he also joins the shogunate army late in the game.

Nobunaga's Ambition
Throughout his appearances in the series, he is called Magoichi and is often the leader of the Saika-shu. An expert with firearms, he is known for serving under Kennyo or Hideyoshi throughout the series. Depicted as a wild and passionate man, he wants to get things done on the double. His hatred for Nobunaga permeates throughout his dialogue in the series. The times when he disappears vary on the settings the players set within each game, though he has a tendency to live at least fifty years before passing on.

In the online version of the game, players can choose to serve under him in Kishu. He has difficulty remembering people's names, but he is a level 70 daimyo who appreciates hard-workers. Confident in his skills, he doesn't feel at home resting within his castle dwellings and is always itching to return to the battlefield. Within this adaption, Magoichi attacks with the strongest rifle attacks for hitting groups and has several strengthening spells to bolster him and his nearby followers.

As opposed to offering hints or background information about Magoichi's true identity, Tendou outright names Magoichi as Shigehide Suzuki. Thus, the Saika-shu are sometimes called the Suzuki clan in this title. If the player chooses to play the Suzuki clan's story in the Hotogisu no Yukue scenario, Shigehide and his father, Shigeoki, begin their reign at Saika Castle. They are surrounded by three fearsome enemies: the Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa. Much calmer and polite than his previous counterparts, Shigehide asks his father his thoughts about their predicament. When Shigeoki stalls, the young man boldly offers to take on all three clans at once and demonstrate their family's power to the land. Impressed with his son's integrity, Shigeoki hands the title of clan head to Shigehide. To celebrate his title as leader, Shigehide grants himself the name "Magoichi". However, "Magoichi" is only a title in this case since he is still addressed by his given name throughout the game.

Although his ambition involves spreading warfare, Shigehide is a leader who constantly thinks for the common man. While spreading the name of his family, he helped a child shoot down a pheasant for his family's supper and constantly stresses to avoid needless bloodshed to his retainers. Their motto then becomes, "The people belong to the country, firearms belong to the country. As long as we have any type of firearm, the Saika-shu will prevail." It is for this reason that Shigehide agrees to help Kennyo. If they defeat Nobunaga, Shigehide utters his respect for the samurai spirit he felt from his adversary and compliments the rarity of his fallen opponent.

In the event that the Saika-shu unite the center of the main island, Shigehide disbands all pretense of dictatorship and desires to return home to Saika Village. When questioned, he replies that his forces of ordinary people were made for the sole purpose of protecting the common man. The land is now at peace and, with no reason for them to be together, Shigehide grants all of his followers the freedom to do as they please. However, his last order for them is to always carry a rifle at all times. He wants them to remember what they fought for and for them to have the power to protect themselves against future threats. Leaving the castle with a hearty laugh, Shigehide is never seen again.

Nobunaga no Yabou 201X establishes Shigehide as the daredevil leader of the Saika. He is annoyed that Hotaru dubs him her brother since they are only grew up together as neighbors. Kennyo gave him chains as a token of their friendship, yet Shigehide is not under any obligation to wage war with the Oda at present. Seeking to end the UMA outbreak in Kii without placing his family into danger, he hunts Waka-ikazuchi by himself. He saves the protagonist's party three times from the UMA.

When Hotaru is held hostage by Waka-ikazuchi, Shigehide returns to his base to have a last drink with his father. Resolved to face any danger, he charges back into the UMA horde to save Hotaru. The protagonist pays back their debt to Shigehide by tending to his injuries. Though Hatsuna is the one to save Hotaru, Shigehide decides to work with the protagonist's party to humor his father's concerns for him.

After the dimensional hole in Kii is sealed, he reunites with the protagonist's party in Settsu. Nobunaga informed him of the UMA attack and is on his way to check on Kennyo. He trusts the protagonist enough to join their trek towards the monk. During his stay at Honganji, he becomes a victim to Tsuchi-ikazuchi's magic. Shigehide pretends to be brainwashed to warn Nobunaga of the UMA's deception. He later visits Hanakuma Castle to throw off the UMA general and greet Nobunaga.

Development
Designers wanted Magoichi to take the place as the freedom loving wanderer who isn't afraid to take radical actions. Keywords for his design process were "rebellious and dandy", which originally inspired various mafia-like images for his character. His first outfit was made to reflect a possible historical interpretation while his alternate "Rambo-like" outfit was a modern version. His revamp for the second game expands on this concept by making him bolder and prouder of the Saika crest. They also wonder if he has a sexier image.

His design in the fourth title was conceptualized after Kunoichi. Designers became attached to the poncho and wanted to add it to another character. They believe it is "oddly fitting" for the tough mercenary image they wanted for Magoichi. Katsuki Onda drew his concepts in this title.

Personality
Magoichi is a confident and usually level-headed professional who revels in his freedom from laws or order. Firmly believing that the rifle will pave the new age of warfare, he is proud of his renegade's expertise and their mercenary life. Although he may seem smarmy and impartial, he is truly devoted to his friends and will help them if they need it. If they are in danger in anyway, he will forgo profit and join with which ever side he sees to be the most just. When his comrades are ruthlessly killed by Nobunaga, he develops an understandable grudge towards the conqueror. His degree of hatred for the daimyo varies in each title.

He is considered to be good friends with Hideyoshi ever since the latter's introduction as a playable character. They are both self-proclaimed bachelors who share similar a love for women and a wish to live in a carefree world. His recent incarnations also echo Hideyoshi's dreams of happiness, asking people to laugh and be merry for him. Although their relationship is put to the test in the second and fourth installment, they joyfully part ways with one another in the third title. The third title of the series emphasizes his friendship with Masamune. Both men share an admiration for guns and want to realize a unique future that is beyond the imagination of the common folk. He is also friends with Yukimura and Keiji during the third game, both expressing relief to have known one another before their deaths. Magoichi praises Zhao Yun and Xiahou Yuan within the Warriors Orochi series. The third installment of the series also has him offer his respect to both Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Dun. The fourth installment has him envy Guan Suo's popularity with women, although he is frustrated by the youth's denseness.

A self-proclaimed ladies man, Magoichi is sweet to the ladies and rough with the guys. He believes that he is every woman's ally and will rush to any lady's rescue to make himself look good. His flirts are always rejected by the maidens, but he ironically gains Gracia as an admirer —someone who is too young for his tastes. Slightly annoyed with her insistence to follow him and by the quips he gets from others, Magoichi nevertheless teaches her his work ethic and personal philosophies for survival. He genuinely becomes friends with her by the end of her Xtreme Legends story. Magoichi continues to try his luck with the ladies of China in the Warriors Orochi series, particularly gracing Diaochan, Sun Shangxiang, Yueying, and Nuwa with special quotes. Athena also ends up being added to his menu in the latest instalment.

Character Symbolism
He's symbolized by the kanji for "hit" (撃) and "charging forward" (衝) and red oval leaves for his Samurai Warriors counterpart.

Magoichi's titles in Samurai Warriors 2 are "Loner", "Musketeer", "Marksman", "Sharpshooter", "Master Sniper", "Perfect Shot", and "Deadly Assassin" (in the Xtreme Legends expansion).

Magoichi's first weapon -second weapon in the first title- is originally named after Kagoshima Prefecture. At the time, the area was famous for crafting well made firearms. So well known were their rifles that the guns themselves were named after the area (Kagoshima). His second weapon -third weapon in first title- is named after Kii Province, the alleged headquarters and home for the Saika-shu.

His third weapon is named after Amida-nyōrai, a merciful deity well known in Buddhism. In Japan, he's best known as a divine escort for newly departed souls. He guides them to a western paradise of purity to reward those whom stayed true to their forty-eight oaths of ascension. At times, he is also depicted as a savior to suffering souls and is always surrounded by a bright light. One of the temples dedicated to him, Renjo-uji (located in modern Wakayama, Wakayama), is said to have been part of the Honganji rebels' worship. It was part of the battleground between Nobunaga and Kennyo's rebels.

According to the temple's records, a figure known as "Saika Hirai Magoichirō" was a key figure in driving back the Oda troops. With only 3,000 troops, he bravely led them to resist the 10,000 who sought their destruction. He was injured and brought to the temple to treat his wounds. The enemy troops did not pursue their foe due to their respect to Amida-nyōrai, so the temple remained untouched. Within the temple grounds, there is a stone memorial -sometimes identified as grave- to "Hirai Magoichirō". People continuously argue over the particular date and manner of its creation. Shigehide has been fabled to have died there, but other stories postulate that he could have been the one who created the monument to respect another "Magoichi". Another theory is that the "Magoichirō" in question is another person entirely who has no relation to Shigehide. The Power variation of the weapon draws inspiration from purgatory and his Speed types are named after the six senses.

Kagutsuchi is a fire god in Japanese mythology who forms the namesake for Magoichi's fifth rifle in Samurai Warriors, his fourth weapon in the second title, and his Unique weapon in the third.

The original name to his sixth weapon -or his fifth weapon in the second title- is Yatagarasu. The three-legged bird is known as the prominent emblem for the Saika-shu. Although it appears to look like a bird, it is actually a spiritual embodiment of the sun. It once embodied the form of Kamotaketsumemi to become the ancestor for Kamo-no-agatameshi. Its three legs are argued to either represent the essential components for the universe or wisdom, benevolence, and courage.

Voice Actors

 * Lex Lang - Samurai Warriors (English-uncredited)
 * Gerhard Acktun - Samurai Warriors (German-uncredited)
 * Song Joon-seok - Samurai Warriors (Korean)
 * Steve Szczepowski - Samurai Warriors 2 (English)
 * Skip Stellrecht - Samurai Warriors 3, Warriors Orochi series; first and second games only, Samurai Warriors: Katana (English-uncredited)
 * Hiroshi Isobe - Samurai Warriors and Warriors Orochi series (Japanese)
 * Jūrōta Kosugi - Nobunaga's Ambition Online (Japanese)
 * Yasuyuki Kase - Nioh

Live Action Performer

 * Noboru Kaneko - Butai Sengoku Musou Sekigahara no Shou
 * Yuusuke Kashiwagi - Butai Nobunaga no Yabou Taishi Mugen ~Honnoji no Hen~

Quotes

 * See also: Magoichi Saika/Quotes


 * "Why can no one else see that the day of swords and spears is gone?"
 * "Thanks, beautiful. How 'bout I repay you with a kiss, huh?"
 * "Smile, Hideyoshi. You're gonna make a land where everyone can be happy, right? I already am."
 * "Laugh Magoichi, laugh! Laugh and be merry! How are we supposed to make others laugh if we can't."
 * "I can't. I can't laugh but I am happy. And it's because you are my friend."
 * Hideyoshi and Magoichi; Samurai Warriors 2


 * "Your father's countenance doesn't suit a pretty girl like you, Ina. C'mon, why don't you wipe that ugly scowl off your beautiful face?"
 * "There you go again, Magoichi... Can you not respect a woman by anything more than her flesh? You better clean up your act... or the closest you'll ever get to me is when your face collides with my fist."
 * Ina and Magoichi; Samurai Warriors 2: Empires


 * "Mago, let's go. I've been in a lot of battles but none as terrifying as this."
 * "Come on now, that's not like you. You can handle any of these beautiful, beautiful... Sorry, where was I? That's right, I was telling you to get in there and show me what you got!"
 * Gracia and Magoichi during the beauty competition; Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends


 * "The spirit of the Uesugi lives on. I have no regrets."
 * "Why must everyone be in such a hurry to die? That's the coward's way out."
 * Kanetsugu and Magoichi; Samurai Warriors 3


 * "What's this? The two most handsome men of the land are standing right here together. It's only a matter of time before the land's united. Half of the land's already on my side anyways."
 * "So you say. But, the other half you're talking about includes elderly women and girls as well. Are you saying that you've lowered your standards?"
 * "Was that supposed to be a taunt? That's small time. However, you're mistaken too. Only the young ladies want to clamor to me. The rest of the fairer sex can go to you, my good man."
 * "All right, fine. A real man looks past age and will accept anyone unconditionally."
 * Magoichi and Sakon‎; Sengoku Musou 3: Empires


 * "You're a handsome fella... D'you wanna be my wingman?"
 * "...I want to spend as little time with you as possible."
 * Magoichi and Xiahou Dun; Warriors Orochi


 * "You're cute, but... maybe in a another three... better make it five years..."
 * "But I'm tough enough to hurt you now!"
 * Magoichi and Himiko; Warriors Orochi 2


 * "Well, what red-blooded male could stand against you beauties?"
 * "One of them's still standing!"
 * "Don't worry - he'll soon be rust on my blade!"
 * "W-wait, ladies... I'm on your side... Remember?"
 * Magoichi, Nu Wa, and Ginchiyo; Warriors Orochi 2 PSP


 * "There's not many young ladies to be found around here. I think you've probably scared them off with that beard of yours."
 * "Your hair is a symbol of your manliness. Why not grow it longer to improve your looks?"
 * "I don't think so. To begin with, I don't see many girls lining up for a shot with you."
 * Magoichi and Xiahou Yuan; Warriors Orochi 3


 * "Lord Dong Zhuo. I have a bad feeling about all of this."
 * "You do? I have a great feeling about it! A feeling that a foreign beauty is going to fall for the most handsome man in Japan."
 * Diaochan and Magoichi; Warriors Orochi 4

Ground Moveset

 * undefined, (undefined), (undefined): Shoots out bullets in all four directions. The last shot always has three bullets.
 * , undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): Slashes with his bayonet upwards, then fires straight upward at the airborne foe.
 * ,, undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): Slashes upward then downward, then rapidly whacks his foe with his bayonet and finishes with a somersault kick.
 * ,, , undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): Fires a volley of bullets while turning from his left to right in a low profile stance.
 * ,, , , , , , : Keep slashing his enemies in a up-down motion with the bayonet and ends the attack with a somersault kick.
 * , undefined: Stabs his bayonet down to cause a quake.
 * , : Outward slash.
 * Stands still and shoot one bullet at a time in front of him. The angle at which he turns is slight, so most of the time an office is only hit once. In his true musou version, he does a single swipe with the bayonet, a flipkick forward, and then ends with his C3.

Mounted Moveset

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Samurai Warriors 2
Moveset remains relatively the same he loses the last ending charge for his attacks. After his C4 he shoots a turning volley of shots in a spread. For the ending of his chain, he fires four bullets from his bayonet, once per press, before firing three more bullets. Like the rest of the cast, his horse musou changes to a damaging stampede by his horse. He also gains a Level 3 Musou, R1 skills, and a new charge attack in the Xtreme Legends expansion.
 * ,, , , undefined: (Xtreme Legends only) Pivots back to fire a larger shot from rifle. The ball of energy travels forward a short time before it explodes.
 * Walks slowly, holding his gun with one hand, and shoots a barrage of bullets like a shotgun.
 * R1 + : Fire rapid bullets.
 * R1 + undefined: Fire multiple shots that hone in on enemies.
 * Personal Skill : (Pierce) Indirect attacks damage enemies.

Moveset remains the same except he has no C5 or Level 3 Musou. He has two new R1 abilities.
 * Warriors Orochi
 * R1: Fires a powered shot of a few bullets.
 * R1 (Counter): Butts his enemies away with a rushing bayonet swing to the left.
 * ,, , R1: Unlisted move, Magoichi in enchances his shots from his C4 with fire. Can penetrate enemies, but the projectiles will fade upon contacting allies.


 * Warriors Orochi 2
 * Triple Attack 1: Shoots a fireball that detonates within a short distance.
 * Triple Attack 2: Sends forth a mobile shockwave after swinging weapon at a diagonal angle.
 * Triple Attack 3: Fires a ground shockwave traveling at high speed.

Samurai Warriors 3

 * (Ultimate/Kaiden): Magoichi spins his gun to his right hand then spins the rifle around firing powerful shots in multiple directions shattering the screen in the process.
 * Spirit Cancel:


 * Warriors Orochi 3
 * R1: Shoots covering fire into the air.
 * , R1 (Ultimate only): Shoots at a downward angle from right to left, then fires several bullets straightforward.

Samurai Warriors 4
Mighty strike is the same as Deadlock attack. Moveset remains the same with the following changes.


 * ,, , , undefined, (undefined), (undefined):
 * Same animation as before but multiple shots damage foes. Finisher changes to a powerful version of his old C1.
 * (Ultimate):
 * Rage Attack/Musou Gokui effect: Activates Ultimate/Kaidan Musou if is used. Performs ending pose for previous  if the effect ends without activating Ultimate/Kaidan Musou.
 * Awakened Skill effect (4-II only):

Hyper Moveset

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Weapons

 * See also: Magoichi Saika/Weapons

Rare Weapon Acquisition

 * Stage: Battle of Nagashino - Ishiyama Honganji Conflict

Historical Information
Suzuki Magoichi, popularly known as Saiga Magoichi, is believed to be a moniker used by the leaders of the Saiga group (雑賀衆, Saiga-shu). A couple variations of his name include Saika Magoichi and Hirai Magoichi (平井孫一). The leaders of these warrior monks are famous for their expert gunsmiths and arquebuses.

"Magoichi" is currently considered to be a family rite of sorts in the Suzuki family and was passed down within their family's generations. It has also been argued that the name was made up by the sons of the "first Magoichi" to hide their identity while working with the Ikko rebels. Users of the name have been spotted during the Ishigami Honngan-ji riots and the Battle of Sekigahara, but the latter case is heavily disputed. Historians also believe that copycat users have been seen in scattered parts of Japan. Magoichi's dubious origins and accomplishments have escalated him to a legendary status in folktales and myths.

The Saiga group were rebels stationed near Saikazaki. Since they are named after this piece of land, they are sometimes known as the Saika Ikki. Their ranks varied from former samurai vassals, Buddhist monks, mercenaries, and former bandits. They built their own castle (Saika Castle) at the modern day Wakayama, Wakayama and were an independent power from the shogunate. Their economy depended on their fishing, mountain agriculture, and rifle-crafting. Their lands were either abandoned or integrated as a part of Hideyoshi's property. By 1585, their group dissolved and the people separated to other parts of the country.

The Magoichi in Samurai Warriors is actually a combined history of three men who are said to have used this name: Suzuki Shigeoki, Suzuki Shigehide, and Suzuki Shigetomo. Shigehide is the playable Magoichi, and he is the prominent Magoichi figure in most Koei titles.

Suzuki Shigeoki
Shigeoki (鈴木重意, 1511-1585), also known as Suzuki Sadayū (鈴木佐大夫), was Shigehide and Shigetomo's father (though the former is disputed). Since records regarding the first half of his life are scant, it is speculated that he traveled as a mercenary. He was employed by the Hatakeyama clan and was a major contributor for repelling the Miyoshi clan. His reputation as a fearsome warrior began to spread and he became a kokujin in the area. When the Miyoshi clan were being attacked by Oda Nobunaga in 1570, the Ishiyama Hongan-ji mob assisted the resistance against the conqueror. Shigeoki came to their aid and led 600 riflemen into battle. His efforts won him fame when he injured one of Nobunaga's valued generals, Sassa Narimasa. Kennyo continued to count on Shigeoki's reinforcements. During this time, Nobunaga was said to have called him "Kennyo's left and right-hand man".

During the Battle of Komaki-Nagakute, Shigeoki aided Tokugawa Ieyasu and surrendered to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's vast army after the battle's conclusion. Though he swore to serve Hideyoshi, Todo Takatora suspected that keeping a formidable enemy within their ranks was too risky to trust. Therefore, Shigeoki was sentenced to commit suicide. He died when he was 75. His four sons survived him. Their names were Shigekane, Shigehide, Yoshikane, and Shigetomo.

Suzuki Shigehide
Shigehide (鈴木重秀 or 鈴木重次, 1546(?)-1586(?)) was possibly one of Shigeoki's sons. He is said to be his second eldest son, but the truth behind the matter remains unknown. This is mainly because his name isn't listed in historical records available to the public, making the authenticity of the "Shigehide" name even more dubious. Though said to be a warrior of distinguished prowess, details regarding his services remain scant. Aside from his distinct hatred for Nobunaga, the rest of his history is filled with half-truths, rumors, or theories. According to the Sengoku Engi, he was said to have been a great warrior.

It is said that he participated during the Hongan-ji riots as well and led 3,000 gunmen into battle. He is accredited for causing Ban Naomasa's death on the field. Despite being allied with the Miyoshi clan, legends state that Shigehide empathized with the Honganji rebels and was only loyal to them. When the Saika group surrendered to Hideyoshi years later, Shigehide was said to have tried to save his family from destruction. However, he couldn't convince Hideyoshi to spare them and his family's property fell into ruin.

From here, the tales surrounding his fate differ from one another. One story says that he served Hideyoshi briefly before he also decided to commit suicide. Another states that he faithfully continued to serve Hideyoshi until Sekigahara and joined the Eastern army. There, he was employed by Date Masamune to be his secondary rifle troop. A few tales said that he became a wanderer and died as a hermit late in his life.

Suzuki Shigetomo
Shigetomo (鈴木重朝, 1561-1623) was one of Shigeoki's sons. Like Shigehide, he fought alongside his father during the Ikko sect's riots. After his family fell into ruin, Shigetomo became one of Hideyoshi's generals. He participated in the Korean campaign by sending men from his station, Nagoya Castle. He continued to serve the Toyotomi family and was in the Western army's ranks during the Sekigahara Campaign. He participated in the Siege of Fushimi. Following the Battle of Sekigahara, he was spotted by Date Masamune and joined his clan. Under his orders, he was sent to act as one of Tokugawa Yorifusa's high-ranked bodyguards. He died due to natural causes at age 63. He was said to have been survived by two sons.

It is unclear whether he or his descendants were known under the "Magoichi" name when he became a part of the samurai class.

Trivia

 * In the Sengoku Angelique skit performed at Neoromance Starlight ♥ Christmas 2010, Akihiko Kira from the Kiniro no Corda series stood in as the Magoichi for the cast. His name was "Saika Akihiko Magoichi".

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