 Created by: Rodney Lockett Other pictures:   Art by Joe de Santos | Real Name: Saito Musashibo Benkei Hair: Brown Eyes: Red Height: 5'11" Age: 870 Born in: Japan Ethical alliance: Evil History Saito Musashibo Benkei was born in 1155, although the story of his birth varies. One version states that he was conceived through an act of rape, perpetuated by his father, who was head of a temple shire, while the other claims he is the offspring of the temple god, reported to have the attributes of a demon with wild hair and long teeth. As a result, Saito was often called Oniwaka (demon/ogre child) and was sent to join the monastic establishment. As he traveled to the various Buddhist monasteries of Japan, he was trained as a warrior monk. Unfortunately, his unruly behavior got him thrown out of the Buddhist monks of Japan. He became a wandered, and eventually came across samurai warriors. He was pleased to meet them, having heard stories of their great deeds, but soon learned that many were just common criminals, thieving and pillaging. That's when he made it a personal quest to take 1000 swords from samurai warriors whom he thought were arrogant and unworthy. After collecting 999 swords, he met Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan. The two clashed, but Saito lost. He then demanded a rematch and lost a second time. Seeing promise in his opponent, the commander asked him to join his clan, and Saito became his retainer. He fought with him in the Genpei War against the Taira Clan. Saito accompanied Yoshitsune as an outlaw and fought many battles, but in the end, both men were defeated. Yoshitsune was captured and had to commit seppuku, but Saito fought to his last breath. He stood alone, on Gojo Bridge. No less than 1000 warriors fell trying to get by him. His unbridled fury brought fear to the soldiers, none wanted to approach. Among the soldiers, Saito became known as Akuna No Bushi (the Devil's Samurai), and everyone started to believe that he could not be killed. Finally, they decided to fire arrows at him, knowing that close combat would mean certain death. Volleys of arrows rained down upon Saito, but yet he still stood. Finally, the soldiers were ordered to move up the bridge. When they reached Saito, the soldiers saw the arrow-riddled body. It was still standing, but not for long. Saito fell over, succumbing to his injuries. His destination after death was not in doubt. He had slain too many men, and not all with honor. He could not go anywhere but Hell. After serving endless years in the pits of Hell, he was chosen by Gorgo, the Devil's son. He was made stronger and given special skills. He would need these as he was to join Gorgo's group of Heretics, where a different kind of war would be fought. His name henceforth would be Katsuo, meaning victorious and manly. Powers Super strength: Katsuo has the strength to lift around three tons. Healing factor: His body can recover from wounds at an accelerated speed. Teleportation: Since he is a being from Hell, he has the power to teleport anywhere on Earth. Extended lifespan: Katsuo is technically 870 years old, but most of it was spent in Hell. His continued existence is at Gorgo's discretion. Weaknesses: It is likely that holy relics have a detrimental effect on him. Paraphernalia: Katsuo has been seen to use seven weapons; a broad sword, a broad axe, a sickle, a wooden mallet, a rake, an iron staff and a Japanese glaive. |
