Tanosuke

Tanosuke is a unique character from "Dororo," most known for his tragic connection with the cursed sword Nihiru. He starts as a gentle, caring person, especially toward his sister, but becomes trapped by the sword's evil power. Tanosuke’s story is unforgettable because of his transformation into a feared killer and his final, peaceful release at the end of his life.

Tanosuke looks like a regular samurai, but as the story goes on, he appears more haunted. After he gets the sword Nihiru, his face and expressions become colder and more frightening.

At first, Tanosuke is a calm and caring person, especially toward his little sister. His good heart is changed by the sword’s curse, making him violent and lost. However, deep inside, old parts of himself remain, and they show at the end.

Tanosuke’s full name is Nikita Tanosuke, though it’s not mentioned in the manga. He used to be just a simple foot soldier. When ordered to handle military secrets, he was given the cursed sword Nihiru. This moment changed his life, turning him from a kind brother into a ruthless killer. Different adaptations tell his exact story with some changes, but the core remains.

Tanosuke grows skilled in sword fighting after he gets Nihiru. The cursed sword makes him much more powerful but also controls him, pushing him to kill again and again.

Military Mission and the Cursed Sword

Tanosuke starts as a gentle man who cares for his sister. When he is ordered to keep secrets on the battlefield, he executes the castle carpenters and is given the cursed sword, Nihiru. This marks the beginning of his transformation into a killer.

The Killing Rampage

Under Nihiru's control, Tanosuke continues to kill, becoming a ruthless swordsman. In some versions, he kills not only the castle workers but also his superiors and their followers. He starts attacking people on the roads for no reason.

Conflict with Dororo and Hyakkimaru

At one point, he targets Dororo, but cannot harm him because Dororo carries a protective charm. Tanosuke tells others that Dororo is a dangerous murderer, rallying peasants to attack and take back Nihiru. Once he gets the sword again, he resumes his killing.

Final Battles and Redemption

Tanosuke fights Hyakkimaru twice. In the last fight, he realizes he cannot beat Hyakkimaru. He turns the sword on himself, dying by his own hand. At this moment, the curse is lifted. Hyakkimaru then breaks Nihiru, destroying the source of evil. Tanosuke’s face becomes peaceful in death.

Different Versions

In the game version, his sister goes wild afterward. In the new anime, Tanosuke’s face is gentle after he is defeated. In the original anime, his grave is marked with the name Nikita Tanosuke.

Tanosuke loves his sister deeply. Even when he is cursed, his feelings for her are clear and important in his story.