Sakubei Hotta (堀田 作兵衛, Hotta Sakubei) is a commoner of unknown origins who served Nobuyuki Sanada after the second siege of Ueda Castle. Although his historical ties to the Sanada is questionable, his younger sister/daughter was Yukimura Sanada's first wife and original legal wife.
Role in Games
Samurai Warriors
In Samurai Warriors 4 Okishige appears in the Eastern Army's Ueda Castle, where he initially defects in order to lead the Tokugawa generals into a trap. Though Nobuyuki sees through the plot, he is unable to stop the others in time. In the Western Army's side, he and Toneri Ishii are in charge of rallying Ueda's village, and must be protected from Yasunari Makino.
Sakubei is portrayed in Spirit of Sanada as a hot-tempered warrior whose recklessness is kept in check by Masayuki. Despite his flaws, Yukimura cannot help but admire him for his bravery. As his very first battle was at the tail-end of the disastrous Nagashino campaign, which claimed the lives of many Takeda generals, including Masayuki's older brothers, he has become more easily frightened, despite his more rugged appearance. Due to his fear of entering the battlefield, he remains mostly with his stronger-willed sister in the Sanada's domain.Over time, he begins losing his fear of dying, being more confident thanks to inspiration from Yukimura and Masayuki. When given the option to return back to Ueda before the beginning of the summer siege of Osaka, Sakubei remained adamant in serving Yukimura until the end.
During the Tensho-Jingo conflicts, Sakubei assists Yoritsuna Yazawa in capturing Numata Castle and contributes to the defense of Ueda. Once the Sanada are split between supporting the West and the East, Sakubei opts to remain loyal to Masayuki and Yukimura and remains with them for the second siege of the castle. Although he doesn't join Masayuki and Yukimura in their exile, he immediately goes to Ōsaka to rejoin Yukimura, when he answers Chacha's call-to-arms.
He later fights under the Toyotomi banner during the Ōsaka Campaign throughout the winter siege. During the summer siege, however, he accompanies the Toyotomi forces at Mt. Chausu. In the battle, he intercepts Masamune's sneak attack on Teruzumi Akashi and Morichika Chōsokabe, while Yukimura is busy fighting at the battle's center. Ultimately, he is killed by Shigenaga Katakura, but he is able to wound Masamune, and the Toyotomi army are able to repel Masamune.
He is remembered by his sister, who still remained at Ueda, proud of his decision to serve Yukimura until their deaths.
Quotes
- "Even without the Sanada Maru, we will not lose! I will devote myself to my training!"
- "I'm afraid, but I'm the only one who can do this...!"
- "Urggh...! Lord Yukimura...! I hope I was of some help..."
- "Lord Masayuki... What happened to Lord Nobutsuna and Lord Masateru...?"
- "My brothers fought with courage to protect the Takeda. Thanks to them, Lord Katsuyori survived. Without their sacrifice at Nagashino, it would not have been possible."
- "...As far as we're concerned, my lord, we would have preferred it if Lord Nobutsuna and Lord Masateru survived."
- "...How dare you...?!"
- "Will the Takeda keep us safe? What strength does Lord Katsuyori really possess?"
- "Your words bring you shame. You must speak no more"
- "...Urgh... P-Please, forgive me..."
- ~~Sakubei and Masayuki, Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada
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