Episode list

Despite Japan's isolationist stance, Whitebeard ravaged the country from within. Culminating in an attack on Otsu, the overconfident Whitebeard marched into the town with only a handful of men. He was met by Kensei, who singlehandedly defeated the entire company. The battle was to become known as The Battle of 12 Swords.

After defeating Whitebeard, Kensei set out to find Whitebeard's Fire Scroll, which was said to contain many secrets, including the location of the Hidden Fortress.

After completing the last two challenges, Kensei defeats the Black Bear, from whom he gains a map to Whitebeard's fortress. Before arriving, however, he is ambushed by the Snake Women.

Before his trials, Kensei fell in love with a beautiful princess who made him swear to defend Japan from Whitebeard. To prepare, Kensei sought the Dragon of Kiso Mountain, who taught exceptional sword skills to those who truly needed to be taught. The Dragon taught Kensei and made him a "sword saint", but demanded that Kensei give what he loved most.

Though Kensei died in the arms of his love, exactly what happened next to him remains a mystery. Legend says that the Dragon, moved by Kensei's love and honor, replaced Kensei's heart and brought him back to life. Likewise, the identity of the princess is uncertain. One unpopular theory is that she is Yaeko, daughter of the sword maker, resident of Otsu, and the creator of the Kensei scrolls.

Some believe that before his trials, Kensei was a savage and undisciplined figure, feared for his rage and temper. It is believed that it was Kensei's sword which focused his great talent. Little is known of the weapon's origin, though popular belief dictates that Kensei drew the sword from a field of solid ice, similar to the story of King Arthur. However, the actual existence of the sword and of Kensei himself were doubted for centuries, until 1977 when Daniel Linderman, of the Linderman Corporation, claimed to own the actual sword. Mystery once again shrouded the tale of Kensei when the sword was stolen from Linderman's archives, and Linderman was found dead in his office shortly thereafter. The sword was believed to be cursed, never meant to be owned or kept in one place.