Kaimaru

The orphaned boy, Kaimaru, is the son of the former leader of the bandit gang where Tauemon once found refuge. After witnessing the murder of his father, the shock caused Kaimaru to regress mentally into a childlike state. He lost the ability to speak and becomes tearful over minor things. However, he possesses a unique bond with animals, being able to communicate and connect with them on a deep level. This special ability allows him to play an important role in the story by guiding animals that are helpful for rice cultivation to Sakuna-hime. Despite his inability to speak, Kaimaru can quickly befriend birds and beasts, and to an observer, it even appears as if he is having full conversations with them.