| Tazu Akechi | |
| |
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Onna-bugeisha |
| Affiliation | |
| Weapon | Halberd |
| Status | Deceased |
| First Appearance | Tenchu: Stealth Assassins |
Tazu Akechi (明智 田鶴 Akechi Tazu) was the sister of swordmaster Senjuro Akechi. Similar to her brother, Tazu served the lord of a rival domain adjacent to Gohda. This familial connection and shared allegiance to the same lord suggested a close relationship and shared dedication to the service of their master. The Akechi siblings, each with their unique skills and roles, contribute to the intricate web of alliances and conflicts within the Tenchu narrative.
Biography[]
Tazu, characterized as a noble and dedicated warrior, wielded a halberd as her weapon of choice. Despite her commitment, her abilities were considered inferior to those of Senjuro. Tragically, she met her demise while fulfilling her duty of guarding a checkpoint gateway when confronted by an Azuma ninja. This depiction highlights the challenges and sacrifices faced by characters in the Tenchu narrative, underscoring the perilous nature of their roles in the tumultuous world of feudal Japan.
Rikimaru[]
In the scenario where the player navigates the level with Rikimaru, Tazu intervenes at the checkpoint and questions his destination. Rikimaru, adopting a respectful tone, requests her to allow him to pass without resorting to violence. However, Tazu refuses and opts to engage him in combat. The confrontation concludes with Rikimaru inflicting fatal wounds on Tazu.
In her final moments, Tazu is acknowledged by the ninja as a brave and honorable opponent. Rikimaru laments that fate denied her the opportunity to lead a happy and ordinary life as an ordinary woman. This exchange adds a layer of complexity and tragedy to Tazu's character, showcasing the impact of the choices made within the narrative and the consequences faced by the characters in the Tenchu world.
Ayame[]
In a confrontational encounter, Tazu intercepts Ayame as the kunoichi approaches the gate. Ayame, rather than offering a respectful response, insults Tazu by suggesting she find a boyfriend and cease playing with her "dad's weapon." This provocation enrages Tazu, prompting her to launch an attack against Ayame. Despite her anger, Tazu is ultimately defeated by the skilled Azuma, highlighting the tense and adversarial nature of their interaction within the narrative.
Abilities[]
Despite lacking supernatural abilities, she demonstrated a high level of skill in wielding the halberd. However, her combat prowess was ultimately inferior to that of the Azuma ninja Ayame.
Concept art[]
