Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami MunenoriWP (柳生但馬守宗矩WP, Yagyū Tajima-no-Kami Munenori?), Class Name Saber (セイバー, Seibā?), is a Saber-class Servant summoned by Ritsuka Fujimaru in the Grand Orders of Fate/Grand Order.
Profile
Background
One of the strongest swordsmen of the Edo Yagyuu. A genius of the sword known as the child of Yagyuu SekishuusaiWP and the father of Yagyuu Juubei. It has been said that, during the Siege of OsakaWP (1615 AD), he protected the Shogun HidetadaWP by cutting down seven warriors in an instant. After his death, Shogun IemitsuWP extolled him as “Peerless in Swordsmanship.”[1]
It has been recorded that the Third Shogun Iemitsu would call Munenori by the nickname “Ryuutan”. A nickname formed by taking one kanji character each from “Yagyuu” and “Munenori”.[1]
A strategist and politician. Not only has he instructed many Daimyou and their younger relatives in the Shinkage-ryuuWP, but he also sent his disciples to serve influential Daimyou as swordsmanship intructors. In historical novels and historical plays, he is often regarded as an extraordinary plotter. This is probably out of the notion that, in the early Edo periodWP, it would be impossible to raise the Yagyuu Clan up to a social position of a Daimyou with 12,500 koku just by being honest and upright.[1]
With excellent foresight, it has been said that he quickly saw through the expansion of the Shimabara Rebellion. In the 14th year of the Kan'ei eraWP (1637 AD), right after news of a rebellion by Christian believers arrived, Munenori frantically tried to hold back Itakura “Naizen-no-Kami” ShigemasaWP, who was tasked with leading a punitive expedition. It has been said that, when asked why by Shogun Iemitsu, Munenori answered “religious wars are always a serious matter” and “Mr. Shigemasa will likely die in battle.”[1]
The situation progressed as Munenori predicted. Shigemasa - a Daimyou of 15,000 koku - was lacking in strength despite leading all the western Daimyou and found himself forced into a hard fight as a result. As he saw the situation turn grimmer, Shogun Iemitsu dispatched his chief vassal, Matsudaira Nobutsuna, to act as supreme commander, but Shigemasa became impatient upon learning that and attempted an assault on the enemy camp before Nobutsuna arrived, dying tragically in the process.[1]
Tajima-no-Kami is the title for the ruler of Tajima Province.[2]
Yagyuu Munenori died in the year 1646.[3]
Appearance
Saber Stage 1 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Saber Stage 2 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Saber Stage 3 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Saber Stage 4 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Saber Stage 1 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Saber Stage 2 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Heroic Spirit Traveling Outfit: Yagyuu Munenori (英霊旅装: 柳生但馬守宗矩, Eirei Ryosō: Yagyū Munenori?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Heroic Spirit Traveling Outfit: Yagyuu Munenori (英霊旅装: 柳生但馬守宗矩, Eirei Ryosō: Yagyū Munenori?) full body, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Heroic Spirit Travel Journal: Yagyuu Munenori (英霊紀行:柳生但馬守宗矩, Eirei Kikō: Yagyū Munenori?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Heroic Spirit Travel Journal: Yagyuu Munenori (英霊紀行:柳生但馬守宗矩, Eirei Kikō: Yagyū Munenori?) full portrait, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Withered with an Interesting Evening Discussion (宵に潤い話は枯れず?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Meisai. Illustration of Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori by Furumi Showichi. Illustration of Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori and Kiyohime by Furumi Showichi. Illustration of Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori by Furumi Showichi. Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori Winter theme, illustrated by Furumi Showichi. Illustration of Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori and Tomoe Gozen by Furumi Showichi. Illustration of Yagyuu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori and Space Ishtar by Furumi Showichi. |
Personality
A demon of rationality that gazes at everything with a reasoning of ice, unswayed by emotion. Methodology equals rationality; in other words, by mastering the sword, everything will naturally be fulfilled without any futility—[1]
Never speaking of his passions, he does not become impetuous or impatient. He thoroughly carries out the optimal, shortest measures in order to achieve an objective with the utmost coolness. A man of ice and steel who is reliable as an ally, but extremely terrifying once he becomes an enemy.[1]
Relationships
- Miyamoto Musashi
- "Ha. What a peculiar fate. If I were Mitsuyoshi, I would have smiled gleefully. But I am not able to engage in such behavior."[4]
- Amakusa Shirou Tokisada
- "Amakusa Shirou Tokisada. ...Everything about him brings back memories."[4]
- Ashiya Douman
- "Ashiya Douman. That beautiful yet frightening heretic barbarian."[4]
- Shimousa Servants
- "I do not know how it would have been in my past life, but this body of mine is now a mere shadow. I have no shogun to serve. So it shouldn't be a problem to cross swords with a warrior like that..."[4]
- Strong Warriors Servants
- "Hm, there seems to be a slew of strong warriors here. I would suppose such an all-out match between swordsmen is frowned upon, right?"[4]
- REALLY Evil Servants
- "Fiends...they're even in places like this."[4]
- Miyamoto Musashi / Sasaki Kojirou / Houzouin Inshun / Diarmuid Ua Duibhne / Artoria Pendragon / Arthur Pendragon
- "....Let me see.
- They are all magnificent people, I wonder if I shall have a chance to cross blades with them."[1]
- Tomoe Gozen
- Hmm, a photo.
- Of a creature that reminds me of Loco Moco? Oh, oh, I see, this is not bad. It’s as if it’s cutting the past!"[1]
- Mochizuki Chiyome / Katou Danzou
- This is not a world of war nor is it the Edo period. You don’t have to be stern towards a Daimyo, but...that’s beyond my control.[1]
- Minamoto-no-Raikou / Sakata Kintoki / Watanabe-no-Tsuna
- Warriors of the Heian Period, they are seen as people who stand at the top. That terrifying power is at a catastrophic level that defies the laws of science. The samurai・military commanders of turbulent times that we know of don’t even reach their level. With that said---------------
- It’s still amusing to confront each other with not much freedom from all worldly thoughts. Haha. I’m joking, I'm joking. Lord. Fufu.[1]
- Oni Servants
- (Gazes at them from afar)[1]
Role
Fate/Grand Order
Musashi Trial Quest
- Main article: Saber of Empireo
Yagyuu Munenori's first cameo in the story was as Saber of Empireo during Miyamoto Musashi's Trial Quest.[5]
Subspecies Singularity III: Shimosa
- Main article: Saber of Empireo
Saber of Empireo is one of the main antagonists in the Shimosa Subcategory Singularity.[6][7]
Interlude: Kenjutsu Musou, Kenzen Ichinyo
Event: Tokugawa's World-Changing Labyrinth
Servant Summer Festival 2023
Wandjina World Tour
BB Presents☆Celeb Summer Experience! ~Dubai's Counterattack~
Faerie Backgammon Bughouse Game
Abilities
When discussing who the greatest swordmasters under the sun are, the high-class people of the Edo period could only think of two names. The first was Miyamoto Musashi, the master of dual-wielding, and the second was Edo's own Yagyuu Munenori. Among the masses, Musashi was more popular.[6] The reason for this is that they weren't familiar with his true skill, regarding it as child's play.[5] On the other hand, the lords of Japan loved discussing who would win if the two of them ever crossed swords.[6] While Yagyuu eventually became regarded as the strongest swordsman in Edo,[2][7][9] that was only once the country entered a time of peace.[7] Nevertheless, he was considered not only the greatest swordsman under heaven,[5] but one of the best swordsmen who has ever lived.[14] One of Munenori's most famous deeds is when he cut down seven fully armored warriors in an instant, a feat that Lostbelt Musashi considered insane and made the Third Shogun once claim that he was invincible.[2]
Yagyuu Munenori is a Sword Saint.[3] Sword Saints are said to possess an absurd level of sword skill, which allows even one of non-Servant status to hold their ground against Servants. To no one's surprise, a regular swordmaster does not know or have the means to cut anything spiritual; even if they could withstand a Spiritual Being's attack, they still cannot fight without being able to attack. But when someone reaches the level of Sword Saint, they can cut at the Soul itself, allowing them to give even Servants a good run for their money.[15]
Yagyuu Munenori is also a strategic genius. He saw the threat posed by the Shimabara Rebellion long before anyone else. Some even believe that if the shogunate had sent him to Simabara right away, he would have brought the rebellion to an end much sooner.[2] However, while Matsudaira Nobutsuna has the highest respect for Munenori's skill and leadership, he states that Kama/Mara could control his mind with her Spells and force him to be her attendant the way she did with Mata Hari and Scheherazade.[8]
Combat
Munenori was able to neutralize Mata Hari when she was under Kama/Mara's spell by hitting her on the head with the back of his blade. Parvati notes that while she may not have great physical Strength, she was exceptionally skilled at striking the weak points of her opponent, making her a tricky opponent.[10]
Yagyuu Munenori is able to fight the Fairy King Ábartach on equal ground. However, Munenori was unable to settle their duel before the Fairy King left. Apparently, he was dissatisfied with Munenori's swordsmanship because he wasn't a dual wielder.[14]
During the Edo Singularity, Munenori got temporary access to Izu-no-Kami Muramasa, the the ultimate Anti-Tokugawa weapon. With it, Munenori cut down Kama/Mara's doubles faster than she could spawn them, forcing her to relinquish her connection to the Ooku in fear of receiving a critical wound herself.[13]
Skills
Class Skills
- Magic Resistance (C Rank): Cancels Spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against Magecraft on the level of greater magecraft and Greater Rituals.[1]
- Riding (B Rank): Most vehicles and animals can be handled with above average skill, even vehicles that did not exist in the time period one was alive in, for they are no exception. However, cannot ride the likes of Phantasmal Species such as Monstrous Beasts.[1]
Personal Skills
- Shinkage-ryuu (A++ Rank): Has completely studied the secrets of the Yagyuu Shinkageryuu. From infancy until he was 24 years old, Munenori was raised while learning about the sword directly from his father, Munetoshi (Sekishuusai). Being endowed with over A Rank in this skill, Munenori possesses not only sword techniques but also resistance to mental attacks. An expert of the Shinkage-ryuu - which views ZenWP meditation as indispensable - has no doubts nor hesitates.[1] According to Lady Kasuga, the Third Shogun regarded Munenori's Shingake-ryuu as the strongest in the world.[8]
- Suigetsu (B Rank): One of the deepest levels of the Shinkage-ryuu. To peer into those eyes right away without letting your guard down, that is the true form of Suigetsu.[1] Kiara Sessyoin notes that Munenori doesn't let his guard down, not even around her, and wonders if his instincts warned him about her.[9]
- Swordless Capture (A Rank): A secret elucidated by Yagyuu Sekishuusai, first devised by the master swordsman Kamiizumi Nobutsuna. It is said that, even without holding a blade, an expert of the Shinkage-ryuu wins over an armed opponent.[1] Kiara Sessyoin regards it as the quintessence of the Otomeryu and claims that outsiders weren't allowed to see it. Thanks to this skill, Munenori is capable of catching the blade of one of Kama/Mara's Ghost Familiars with his bare hands.[8]
Noble Phantasm
His Noble Phantasm is Peerless in Swordsmanship - Zen and the Sword As One.[1] After learning that Yagyuu had been summoned in Chaldea, Musashi speculated that if the two of them were to fight again, Yagyuu may just be able to beat her, despite her having already defeated Yagyuu's Heroic Spirit Swordmaster counterpart. She explains that the Heroic Spirit Yagyuu must have peered beyond the veil, achieved Enlightenment, and become a Sword Saint beyond compare. She doesn't mind it, as it just means she'll have to take her Zero sword to the next level.[3] Similarly, Yagyuu claims that he still has a long way to go before reaching true mastery of the sword.[12]
Development
Creation and Conception
Yagyuu Munenori was designed by Furumi Showichi in Fate/Grand Order.[1] His scenario writer is Hikaru Sakurai in Fate/Grand Order.[1]
Comment from Illustrator
"Since he gives a strong impression of “an icy, rational man,” his facial expressions are carefully selected to evoke a sense of “just the tiniest bit of emotion spilling over.” The hawk was something extra I added to him, kind of like a last minute resort to make the image look gorgeous. His third son, Yagyuu Jubei Mitsuyoshi, died from falconry, hence the link to phoenixes in his third ascension and his own bird of prey-esque image, etc." (Shouichi Furumi)[1]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39 Fate/Grand Order material VI - Profile of Yagyuu Munenori, translated by Smoof101.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Fate/Grand Order: Epic of Remnant - Shimosa: The Stage of Carnage, Section 6: Seconda Cantica: Inferno (Ending)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Fate/Grand Order - Yagyu Munenori Interlude: Kenjutsu Musou, Kenzen Ichinyo
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Fate/Grand Order Lines
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Fate/Grand Order - Miyamoto Musashi's Trial Quest
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Fate/Grand Order: Epic of Remnant - Shimosa: The Stage of Carnage, Section 8: Terza Cantica: Paraiso (Middle)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fate/Grand Order: Epic of Remnant - Shimosa: The Stage of Carnage, Section 15: Ultima Cantica: The Stage of Carnage, Onriedo (Ending)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Interlude: The Truth of Materials, Part Three
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Act Two: The Audience, Part Two
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Act Four: Remedy for Intoxication, Part Two
- ↑ Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Act Nine: The Final Tokugawa
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Act Ten: Ooku, Part One
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Ooku: Tokugawa Restoration Labyrinth, Act Ten: Ooku, Part Two
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Fate/Grand Order - Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Saber) Interlude: Arrival of Twin Swords
- ↑ Fate/Samurai Remnant launch interview (4Gamer.net) translated by Comun Coutinho.
















