Ukyo Tachibana

Ukyo Tachibana is a character introduced in the Samurai Shodown series, renowned as a highly skilled iaijutsu swordsman. He is known for his expert swordsmanship and his affliction with tuberculosis. Despite being pursued by several women, he cherishes only his confidante, Kei Odagiri. Due to his limited lifespan and her noble status, he avoids developing deeper feelings for her, yet continues to fight for her as a demonstration of his love. In Samurai Shodown, he hears of the ultimate flower in Makai and decides to present it to Kei. In Samurai Shodown 64-2, he falls in love with another woman, Saki, who suffers from the same illness. He finds a cure for their diseases but chooses to give it to Saki, passing away shortly after. His death is believed to be retconned in later sequels. He later learns that Kei's husband was part of a secret inspection of an American ship and goes missing. To ease Kei's worries, he ensures her husband's safety. Having accomplished his goals and seen Kei's thankful smile, he departs, lamenting his short lifespan. Ukyo's character is inspired by Sasaki Kojirō, Miyamoto Musashi's famous rival. He embodies a Japanese gentleman of the 1700s, often expressing himself through haiku, and his fighting style is based on quick draws of battōjutsu and iaijutsu.