Hage no Ossan

He is proud, argumentative and unusually particular about his hair. Being casually called bald bothers him enough that he corrects the description and explains the distinction between naturally missing hair and the portion he intentionally shaves.

The resulting exchange establishes him as one of Hoshina's eccentric retainers. Like the other warriors in the group, however, the comedy surrounding his appearance does not prevent him from taking battle and loyalty seriously.

He shares the aggressive warrior culture of Hoshina's men and is prepared to fight under dangerous circumstances rather than abandon his companions.

Hage no Ossan is a trained adult samurai serving among Hoshina's warriors. He is capable of participating in organized battle and belongs to a group noted for its willingness to fight even against unfavorable odds.

No supernatural ability or distinctive named combat technique is established for him during his early appearances.

His value comes from functioning as part of Hoshina's experienced fighting force rather than possessing one of the exaggerated specialties associated with major commanders.

Hage no Ossan appears when Tokiyuki and his companions encounter the Hoshina faction in northern Shinano. The warriors are facing increasing pressure from the government of Kiyohara Shinano-no-kami.

His exchange with Kojiro about whether he is technically bald provides comic relief amid a storyline centered on taxation, rebellion and the possibility of Hoshina's warriors sacrificing themselves in battle.

Later material gives the previously descriptive character the personal name Tsukada Kihee. Because that name is not established when he is introduced as Hage no Ossan, it is treated as a later revelation rather than placed in the spoiler-safe Quick Facts.

Yasaburo Hoshina is the warrior leader whose faction Hage no Ossan serves.

Kojiro gives him the blunt "bald old man" description, leading to the warrior's insistence that his hairstyle is more complicated than that.

Tokiyuki Houjou becomes an ally of the Hoshina warriors during their conflict with the provincial government.

Kiyohara Shinano-no-kami's oppressive administration creates the crisis that pushes Hoshina's men toward rebellion.