Kenjuro Kurogane

Kenjuro is carefree, adventurous, eccentric, and intensely devoted to martial training. His idea of preparing Yaiba for adulthood involves survival and sword practice in dangerous environments rather than conventional schooling.

He has considerable confidence in his son's ability to handle himself. That confidence can make him appear irresponsible, particularly when he leaves Yaiba in situations most parents would consider exceptionally dangerous.

Kenjuro nevertheless takes swordsmanship seriously and has enough skill and experience to justify his reputation among other martial artists.

Kenjuro is an accomplished swordsman and martial artist who has spent years traveling and training. He teaches Yaiba from childhood, creating the physical and technical foundation on which his son's later supernatural swordsmanship develops.

His skills are conventional rather than dependent on magical weapons. Even so, his experience makes him a formidable human fighter.

He also possesses extensive survival experience gained through his travels, which allows him and Yaiba to live in remote and dangerous environments.

Kenjuro raises Yaiba while traveling abroad and brings him back to Japan when circumstances unexpectedly redirect their journey. His reunion with Raizo leads to Yaiba staying with the Mine family.

Kenjuro then resumes his travels rather than remaining permanently with his son. He occasionally returns, reconnecting with Yaiba and observing the extraordinary path the boy's sword training has taken.

His earlier training remains fundamental throughout the story because Yaiba's instincts, endurance, and determination were developed under his father's guidance.

Yaiba Kurogane is Kenjuro's son and pupil. Kenjuro personally trains Yaiba Kurogane in swordsmanship and survival from childhood.

Raizo Mine is Kenjuro's longtime kendo rival and acquaintance.

Sayaka Mine is Raizo's daughter and becomes one of Yaiba's closest companions after Kenjuro leaves his son with the Mine family.