Sekiro: Shadows Die Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa

Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa is the first true boss encounter in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and serves as a grand introduction to the game’s scale and intensity. A loyal retainer of Ashina, Gyoubu is famed for his thunderous presence on the battlefield, charging into combat atop his massive warhorse. Wielding a colossal spear, he exemplifies Ashina's desperation and resolve to resist the encroaching forces threatening their land. His booming voice, larger-than-life demeanor, and ferocious cavalry tactics make him an unforgettable figure, both feared and respected by friend and foe alike. His very entrance, accompanied by his declaration of loyalty to Ashina, sets the stage for his role as a warrior who embodies the pride of his clan.

In combat, Gyoubu is both spectacle and challenge - his sweeping lance strikes and horse-mounted charges test the player’s timing, spacing, and adaptability. He is not portrayed as dishonorable or malicious, but as a true samurai general whose loyalty to his master compels him to fight to the death. Despite his intimidating power, his humanity shines through; he is a soldier bound by duty rather than cruelty. His death at the hands of Sekiro feels both triumphant and bittersweet, as it represents not only a victory but also the downfall of yet another devoted warrior of Ashina. Gyoubu Oniwa's legacy lies in his fiery spirit, the thunder of his war cries, and the sheer scale of the duel that immortalizes him in the hearts of players.