Yazen is a high-ranking priest and a talented scientist who creates special spirit-empowered tools and techniques. He is the old friend of Kokugetsusai and mentors people like Jinka Yamato. Yazen has a mysterious past, including a romance with the powerful fox spirit Kuzunoha. While he once had noble goals in spirit research, rumors say he also sought power for his own group. Over time, Yazen faces many trials, including betrayal, capture by the Mountain God, and losing the ability to continue his work after a fierce battle. His story ends with him passing away from illness, watched over by Kuzunoha.
Yazen appears as an older man who clearly has the presence of a seasoned priest. After many hardships, he loses use of his right arm and right eye near the end of his life.
Yazen is wise, intelligent, and determined. Though he is a man of science and spirit, he also has a kind heart, especially for those dear to him. He is not afraid to make hard choices for the sake of love or his research.
Yazen started as an ordinary warrior priest. Decades ago, during a mission to deal with dark spirits, he met Kuzunoha and fell in love. He protected her, even going so far as to deceive his superiors, claiming he had defeated her so they could be together in secret. Since then, he kept her by his side, and they formed a close bond.
Yazen is actually much older than he looks and is a peer of other legendary figures like Jinun and Dōren.
Yazen is brilliant at creating spiritual tools and devising powerful spirit techniques. He can use the secret transformation art called "Spirit Conversion," just like Jinka Yamato, but becomes an even stronger nine-tailed fox spirit.
His original research was to develop the technology to turn darkness into human form.
- Kuzunoha: Yazen’s beloved, a mighty fox spirit, and mother of Tama. Their relationship shapes Yazen’s life choices and future.
- Jinka Yamato: He knows Jinka through Kokugetsusai and passes on secret techniques to him.
- Kokugetsusai: An old friend and colleague, they share mutual respect and knowledge.
- Jinun and Dōren: His peers and longtime companions. They share a long history.
Success in Spiritual Research
Yazen gains fame for his spirit arts, tool making, and groundbreaking research. He is rumored to aim for controlling the country with his group's power, but his true goal is more noble.
First Meeting Kuzunoha
Yazen once joined a task force to fight a powerful spirit. There, he met Kuzunoha, a legendary fox spirit, and they fell in love at first sight. He betrayed his team to save her, lied about her fate, and kept her hidden with him for years.
Disappearance and Capture
After the first main story arc, Yazen goes missing. In the second arc, it is revealed that the Mountain God has captured him and uses him to research a way to restore Jinka Yamato’s humanity.
The Final Research and Sacrifices
Yazen gives his research results to Tsukiko and Kokugetsusai. When Ouhou brings him back to his group’s headquarters, he suffers severe injuries. Following the last wishes of Jinun and Dōren, he transplants their spiritual cores into Senya.
During a brief moment when the Mountain God’s seal is broken, Yazen escapes. After the battle to free the Thousand Foxes, Shinsuke Hyoudou finds Yazen. Yazen barely survives, but loses his dominant arm and eye, making him unable to do further research.
The End of Yazen
Eventually, Yazen dies from illness, with Kuzunoha by his side until his last moments. What happens to Kuzunoha after Yazen's death remains unknown.
- Yazen and Kuzunoha’s story shows that even those in high places can choose love over duty.
- He is both a mentor and a key figure in the world of Sengoku Youko, shaping history through his actions and inventions.
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