Masashige Kusunoki is a brilliant and unconventional general who serves Emperor Go-Daigo. Although he acts humble and makes funny faces, he is actually a master at gathering information and planning escapes. He is called a "God of War" because he wins battles with clever strategies despite having fewer troops. Masashige meets Tokiyuki Hojo by chance, teaches him how the weak can beat the strong, and later faces Takauji Ashikaga in a fateful battle. He is known for his strong loyalty and saying that to run away is to live.
Masashige Kusunoki usually appears very humble, always bowing and making strange faces. He acts like a lowly and awkward official. But when he fights, he suddenly shows surprising strength and skill.
Humble and Cautious
He acts extremely polite, always bowing, constantly moving his eyes and head to look all around. This makes him look a bit sneaky or nervous. But this is his way of being ready to escape danger at any moment, and to hide his true abilities.
Master at Escaping
He believes "to run away is to live." He is unmatched at escaping from dangerous situations, always planning ahead and staying safe.
Brave at Heart
Though he avoids danger, he is not a coward. When he must stand and fight, he does so with great bravery, using all his wits and skills.
Masashige Kusunoki is a real historical figure from the Nanboku-cho (Northern and Southern Courts) period and appears in "The Elusive Samurai" manga. He was a key supporter of Emperor Go-Daigo and famous for holding out against huge armies, cleverly defending castles like Chihaya Castle.
In the story, Masashige Kusunoki has held many positions given by the court, like the lord of several provinces and high official ranks. He is known for receiving among the most rewards from the emperor.
- Battle Skills: 88
- Savage Nature: 90
- Intelligence: 98
- Loyalty: 100
- Politics: 61
- Chaos: 100
- Leadership: 99
- Innovation: 94
- Charm: 95
- Elusiveness: 100
Skills:
- Kusunoki-Style Tactics: Raises all allies’ strength and leadership by 20%; lowers enemies’ by 20%.
- Outlaw’s Way: Allow guaranteed escape and ambush if he takes 1 turn off.
- Swordsmanship Mastery: Sword skill up by 40%.
- Talent of Wild Grass: His troops never gather as planned.
Marking Pattern: Kikusui (Chrysanthemum Water).
Masashige Kusunoki meets Tokiyuki Hojo by chance in Kyoto. They both share a talent for escaping, and Tokiyuki learns strategies from him.
He is both admired and mistrusted by other powerful figures, such as Moronao Kono, who sees him as an enemy after helping Tokiyuki escape.
His old ally, Shogen Hirano, admires him deeply, but Masashige Kusunoki jokingly calls him a "bald rotten villain."
He cares deeply for his sons, Masatsura and Masatoki, and names them with a special link to Tokiyuki Hojo, hoping they continue the fight for justice.
- "My name is Masashige Kusunoki."
- "Just a lowly official risen from being a country warrior."
- "I stopped running away."
- "Even if I am reborn seven times, I will come back to fight Takauji the traitor."
The Cunning General
Masashige Kusunoki, though always polite and unassuming, is a military genius. With only a small force, he outsmarts the huge armies of the Kamakura Shogunate, confusing them with clever tricks and defense.
Meeting Tokiyuki Hojo
He meets Tokiyuki Hojo by chance while Tokiyuki is hiding in Kyoto. They both like escaping and avoiding danger. Tokiyuki asks for his advice, and Masashige Kusunoki teaches him how the weak can win against the strong.
He suspects Tokiyuki’s identity but does not push for answers. He welcomes Tokiyuki and his group into his home and shares his wisdom. When Tokiyuki’s team fails to assassinate Takauji Ashikaga and must flee, Masashige Kusunoki helps them escape.
Because of this, powerful warrior Moronao Kono suspects Masashige Kusunoki of attacking Takauji and starts to see him as a serious threat.
The Battle Against Takauji Ashikaga
In 1336, the emperor rejects Masashige Kusunoki’s plan for defeating Takauji Ashikaga. Even so, Masashige Kusunoki goes to battle to support the emperor.
At the Battle of Minatogawa, he uses many tactics to create a one-on-one battle with Takauji. He finally reveals his true strength, almost defeating Takauji, but is seriously wounded by Takauji’s powerful sword strike.
The Final Moments
As he is dying, Masashige Kusunoki realizes the true nature of Takauji Ashikaga as a ruler. Takauji genuinely mourns Masashige Kusunoki’s death. The two share a peaceful moment of mutual respect.
Takauji asks Masashige Kusunoki why he was defeated. Masashige Kusunoki answers, “Because I stopped running away.” Takauji says, “Please, be reborn soon, even as my enemy.” Masashige Kusunoki smiles and replies, “Even if I am reborn seven times, I will fight you, Takauji!” Then he passes away calmly.
Hints and Legacy
At the time, many believed Tokiyuki Hojo had died in the previous rebellion, but it was actually a trick by Suwa Yorishige that saved him. Masashige Kusunoki half guesses the truth.
Before his last battle, Masashige Kusunoki worries about his two sons, so he gives them names related to Tokiyuki Hojo. He names his eldest son “Masatsura” and his second son “Masatoki,” taking part of Tokiyuki’s name for their grown-up names. When asked about the unusual reading, he jokes, “Calling him ‘Yuki’ would be too obvious.”
Right before dying, he thinks about Tokiyuki Hojo and the battle against Takauji that is yet to come. Later, his sons Masatsura and Masatoki die fighting Ashikaga’s army, and his youngest, Masanori, continues the Kusunoki family.
- Masashige Kusunoki is called a “God of War” for his smart tactics.
- He is famous for his super polite act and funny faces.
- He always plans an escape route in every situation, making him the best at running away and surviving.
- Though he is seen as weak or cowardly on the outside, he is actually very strong and clever inside.
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