Mitsurugi Heishiro

Facts

Game Appearances

Endings

Soul Edge

This young Samurai known as "The Guardian in this age of civil war." He is also called "The Great Swordsman." Although he is feared for his fierce fighting, he was born a farmer's son in Bizen. The strong young boy enjoyed farming, however after many years of seeing his beloved farm ravaged by war, he became angered and discouraged. "It's better to raid than to be raided," he said.

In the winter of his 14th year, He threw down the hoe and took up the sword. Studying swordsmanship under a powerful clan-lord, he was eventually hired as a "mercenary for the advent of war." It was then when he took the name "Mitsurugi." His original fighting style and tremendously powerful attacks during battle made him quite feared. "He has been known to mow through foes as if they were like a field of wheat," some say.

He has a spectacular battle-field record with several commendations to the rank of officer. Having rejected his military commissions, Mitsurugi's only desire is that of a worthy adversary. Mitsurugi eventually leaves the Urakami Clan, much to their regret, to pursue a career as a freelance mercenary. He fights in every war in the land, thus earning his nickname "The Guardian in an age of civil war." It is during this time that he hears of a new weapon "Tanegashima" - a matchlock rifle.

"What is this? A firearm? It cannot be so powerful. It looks like a pipe!" Mitsurugi stared in disbelief. However, even the mighty Takeda cavalry was wiped out by this weapon. For Mitsurugi, who has fought with a single sword, this is an urgent matter. "If this weapon is allowed in the world, wars will not be won by the strong and I will lose my job as a mercenary!"

"I must find a weapon stronger than that rifle!"

A rumor about the legendary sword "Soul Edge" reaches his ears.

"That's it. This weapon can overpower the fire arm."

Without a second thought, Mitsurugi starts his search to find the blade. "Somewhere in the world, this "Soul Edge" exists!"

Soul Calibur

The advent of firearms was a grave matter for a mercenary who made his living by the sword. Yet Mitsurugi was unable to find a trace of the legendary sword, Soul Edge, claimed to be superior to firearms.

In his frustration, he challenged a rifleman to a duel in front of nobility, but suffered an inglorious defeat before the eyes of his lord. This forced Mitsurugi to embark on a quest to perfect his swordsmanship so that he could defeat the rifle. It was during this quest that he learned of a knight named Nightmare, who terrorized Europe with an invincible sword.

"Prepare for my arrival, whoever you are! I'll soon relieve you of your sword!"

Soul Calibur 2

Although Mitsurugi was born into a peasant family, this did not stop him from becoming a renowned mercenary with nicknames such as "One Many Army" and "Demon."

One day, Mitsurugi, beaten by a rifle called Tanegashima, happened upon a story of a massive sword called Soul Edge.

Mitsurugi crossed the ocean in search of Soul Edge. During his journey, he heard rumors that Soul Edge's wielder, Nightmare, had disappeared, but Mitsurugi was unwilling to give up.

Four years after his quest had begun, Mitsurugi stumbled upon the trail of Soul Edge while visiting a castle near the Ming frontier. A mysterious man handed him a piece of Soul Edge. Mitsurugi had his doubts, but ultimately decided to believe the man.

Soon afterwards, an incident occurred where a servant of the Ming Emperor arrived at the castle, demanding for the "Sword of Heroes." The lord slew the servant when he refused to leave without the sword.

"War is coming," thought Mitsurugi.

He senses the same storm that he had felt before on countless battlefields.

Soul Calibur 3

Mitsurugi thirsted. Thirsted for an opponent stronger than himself. Even what he had once considered his greatest enemy, the Tanegashima rifles, no longer concerned him. Even Soul Edge, the ultimate weapon which he had sought, had become meaningless to him.

It was at this time that he was suddenly attacked by those seeking fragments of the evil sword. Looking at the outfits worn by his attackers, they reminded Mitsurugi of the female ninja that interfered every time he drew close to Soul Edge. Mitsurugi's thoughts drifted, wondering what was happening in Japan. Mitsurugi decided to return to his homeland.

It was the end of the warring states era. Upon returning, Mitsurugi stayed with the Noujima Murakami clan, who resisted the rule of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The Murakami Navy Chose to make a last stand to protect their existence as proud men of the sea. Mitsurugi agreed to join the Murakami's fight.

Centered around their large imposing warship, the "floating castle," the Murakami Navy commenced their nightmare raid. The battle began. Mitsurugi stormed onto the enemy ships like a hurricane and began swinging his sword like a savage beast freed from its chains.

It was not enough. After the battle was over, he was decorated for the service and invited to see the Murakami commander, but he still could not get rid of the emptiness is his heart. The white-haired commander took notice of Mitsurugi's urge for battle. "Have you heard this rumor? In land far to the west, a warrior clad in azure armor has appeared." At those words, Mitsurugi looked up in surprise. A warrior in azure armor? It could be none other than the knight who wields Soul Edge!

Mitsurugi quickly ran to the port.

"Take me west! Now!"

Giving his entire reward money to the boatman, Mitsurugi fixed his eyes on the horizon. He had but one desire -- a fierce duel! His heart beat rapidly in his chest. It was a reckless impulse similar to what he had felt in his youth.

Soul Calibur 4

Once, Mitsurugi travelled the world so that he might learn how to defeat the rifle. When at last he no longer feared that dreadful weapon, he continued his journey, seeking ever-stronger enemies to challenge. Yet no matter how powerful he became, he hungered for more. Though he desperately cut down foe after foe, they never lit a fire in his cold heart. Mitsurugi was a man turned ogre.

The old stories about Soul Edge and the Azure Knight began to fade from people's memories. Even Mitusurugi lost interest in the legendary sword that was rumoured to be the most powerful weapon of all, for he learned that no matter how powerful the weapon a man bears, it is meaningless if he does not have the strength to match it. Then, one day, after dispatching some assassins looking for information about Soul Edge, Mitsurugi recalled the fragment of Soul Edge in his possession. Convinced that he had no further use for it, he tried to throw it away, but before he could, the metal shard shone with an unholy brilliance and flew westward into the sky.

Mitsurugi followed it with aniticipation of a confrontation with the Azure Knight and Soul Edge. The rumours Mitsurugi heard were more terrible than he could have imagined. The lands ahead of him were fripped in terror, and hordes of grotesque monsters and mad warriors were gathering, but Mitsurugi was not afraid. On the contrary....

Light gleamed from the metal of his blade and Mitsurugi trembled with joy. No human adversary had been worthy of his skills, but this time would be different.