defeat made him an exile from his tribe. Katsuichi once fought and defeated him, thereby learning the secret of Tengu swordsmanship. In his impulsive youth, Usagi challenged him and nearly lost his hand to him when Katsuichi intervened. When Usagi interrupted their duel, Sojobo let them both leave out of respect for Usagi's courage. After Usagi entered Lord Mifune's service, he returned one more time to ask Sojobo to teach him about the ways of the sword; he lost, but was allowed to keep his hand in return for a future service. When his wife Nozomi, who has led their clan in his absence, is slain in battle against the guhin intruding into her people's mountain domain, she asks Sojobo to return and reassume his place as leader of their tribe. Sojobo is patterned after the tengu king Sōjōbō from Japanese folklore. Takenoko – A physician and genius inventor with a mind far ahead of its time, although it goes unappreciated by most of his peers, Usagi being the most notable exception. Takenoko was first introduced (by way of a descendant) in a short story meant as a teaser for Space Usagi in the Mirage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, before he was formally integrated into the main comic line. He also plays a keyrole in the plot of Senso, where he manages to analyze and re-create a war machine to combat the alien invaders. Toady – Toady, also known as The Snitch, is a cowardly sycophant who concerns himself only with personal monetary benefits. Like the husband and wife woodcutters, he appears mainly as a generic commoner that interacts with several of the characters, both major or minor. It is unclear of what species he is, as he wears a hood that shadows the top half of his face (he is portrayed as a toad in the series of Space Usagi). He has bumped into Usagi on several occasions, but he once tried to assassinate Usagi for a reward, which turned out unsuccessful thanks to Inazuma and sent him fleeing for his life (although Usagi never actually saw him). To get money, he would even turn against anyone who have just paid him for information themselves. Toda Buichi – A trusted general in the army of Lord Mifune, Usagi's master. During the battle of Adachigahara he betrayed Mifune in favor of Lord Hikiji, which enabled Hikiji to win the