An antique cat statuette with emerald green eyes. Shizuku features it as the male protagonist in her fantasy story, and its real-life history involving a separated couple is revealed by Mr. Nishi.
Hiraoko is a burglar who needs money for heart medication and rapes Sadako while Koichi is away. He repeatedly attacks her, becomes obsessively attached, and tries to persuade her to live with him in Tokyo. Sadako considers poisoning him but abandons the plan; he later dies from heart disease during their journey through the snow.
Yagyu clan swordsman tasked with hunting down the rogue executioner.
Masao is Kiriko's elder brother, her only relative according to the plot summary. He is accused of robbing and murdering an old woman, prompting Kiriko to travel to Tokyo in search of a lawyer who will defend him. The summary does not say whether he is guilty or what ultimately happens to his case.
Kinzo is involved in the later plans concerning surplus weapons and American merchants. He wants to buy weapons directly from an American trader, linking the continuing unrest to the possibility of armed action. His scheme belongs to the broader movement that draws Genji and impoverished performers toward revolt and social transformation.
Shigeru Tsuyuguchi has 38 screen credits in a career dating back to 1959. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Lone Wolf and Cub with 1 titles. Signature works include Whisper of the Heart, Cold Current, Mysterious Thirteen Nights: Chapter 5 - The Mystery of the Skull Wife. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 4 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q11660938), public domain (CC0).
