Maizou Rotten

Maizou Rotten is an older samurai who was once the direct retainer of the former shogun, Sadaharu. Now, he works as the caretaker and educator of Soyo Tokugawa, the shogun's little sister. He only has one arm and is known for being serious and strict, but he also has a bit of a masochistic side that shows in funny ways. Maizou has secret feelings for Suzuran, a courtesan, and their love story is full of hardship. He is extremely loyal to the shogunate and has experienced a lot of pain, even losing both arms due to his devotion. His story includes moments of sacrifice, reunion, and true loyalty.

Maizou Rotten is an older man with a strict look.

He has only his right arm at first but loses both arms during the story.

He usually wears traditional samurai clothing, fitting his role as a retainer.

Maizou is very loyal, careful, and smart.

He is always serious and responsible, taking good care of Soyo Tokugawa.

He is a little strict and often worries a lot.

He has a secret masochistic side, which sometimes makes him act funny.

Even after losing both arms, he keeps his pride and duty.

Maizou was once a close retainer to Sadaharu, the former shogun.

He became the caretaker of Soyo Tokugawa, treating her with respect and care.

Even after going through many hardships, he always kept his loyalty to the shogunate.

Maizou is a skilled samurai.

He was known for his swordsmanship before losing his arms.

Even after being injured, he continues to use his wisdom and courage to protect those close to him.

Soyo Tokugawa: He cares for Soyo like a grandfather. She calls him "jiiya" (grandpa).
Shigeshige Tokugawa: He is very loyal to Shigeshige, knowing many of his secrets.
Suzuran: He secretly loves Suzuran and supported her for many years. They planned to run away together once.
Sadaharu: He served as a retainer to the former shogun Sadaharu.
Zenzou Hattori: He acts together with Zenzou during the Shogun Assassination arc and trusts him at first.
Katakuriko Matsudaira: At the end, he is protected by Katakuriko Matsudaira.

Serving the Tokugawa Family

Maizou first served as a retainer to Sadaharu, the previous shogun.

Afterward, he became the caretaker for Soyo Tokugawa, Shigeshige’s little sister.

He is the only person who knows about Shigeshige’s chest wound and about the shogun’s connection with the Oniwaban.

The Love for Suzuran

When he was young, Maizou met Suzuran, a famous courtesan.

He comforted her while she was being used by Sadaharu.

Eventually, Maizou and Suzuran fell in love.

They secretly planned to run away together during a full moon.

However, Sadaharu found out and ordered Maizou to kill Suzuran or lose his life.

Maizou could not harm her and confessed everything, promising to come for her under the full moon.

Sadly, Sadaharu threatened to kill Suzuran if Maizou tried to see her, and cut off Maizou’s left arm.

Even after this, Maizou swore to live until he could see Suzuran again, even if she forgot him.

Betrayal and Sacrifice

When Sadaharu blamed Gintoki Sakata and his friends for crimes, he also ordered Maizou to commit seppuku.

Maizou refused, so his right arm was cut off instead, leaving him heavily injured.

After the crisis ended, Maizou finally reunited with Suzuran under the moon, which is one of the most touching scenes in Gintama.

Shogun Assassination Arc

Maizou acts as a bodyguard for Shigeshige Tokugawa alongside Zenzou Hattori.

He is surprised when Zenzou betrays them.

Seeing through the deception, Maizou discovers that the “dead” body is actually a decoy.

He later teams up with Sougo Okita to escape and is protected by Katakuriko Matsudaira.

Maizou is often called "jiiya" (grandpa) by Soyo Tokugawa and Shigeshige Tokugawa.
He shows his masochistic side in funny ways, such as offering his backside during games.
He is known for being both very loyal and a little bit weird.