In the continuities based on the OVA series, Tenchi is depicted as the grandson of a Juraian prince named Yosho and an Airaian priestess named Airi. He acquires a 'Master Key' known as 'Tenchi,' also referred to as the Tenchi Sword (Tenchi-ken), capable of forming a lightsaber-like blade. Later, he receives a special ring from Tsunami that can generate a Juraian battlesuit for him and functions as a 'Guardian System,' safeguarding him. Tenchi uniquely possesses the innate ability to create kou-ou-yoku ('Light Hawk Wings'), making him the only non-ship entity able to do so, alongside an ambiguous 'material conversion' power.
Initially residing in the city with his father to attend school, Tenchi visits his grandfather's shrine every summer, where he trains to become a Shinto priest and learns his family's distinctive swordsmanship style, exclusive to Jurai's Royal Family members. After a battle between Ryoko and Ayeka, the house is permanently relocated next to the shrine, and Tenchi lives there with the girls, refusing any intimate relations. Following the destruction of his school in OAV 1, Tenchi no longer attends classes.
Tenchi experiences significant stress as he strives to be a gentleman while most women in the household vie for his attention. In the third OVA series, it is revealed that Tenchi is engaged to Noike, aunt of Ayeka and Sasami, arranged by his great-great-grandmother, known as the "Devil Princess of Jurai." Around this time, Tenchi discovers he has an 80-year-old sister named Tennyo Masaki, who resembles his late mother, Kiyone. His grandfather, Katsuhito, informs him that due to Earth being a developing civilization, the Masaki clan must conceal their true nature, as they age differently from Earthlings. The truth behind recent events is linked to three Goddesses who decide to alter the timeline to repair the damage done, resulting in Tenchi not meeting Noike in the revised timeline. However, Noike and Fuku travel back in time to ensure she does meet Tenchi by altering Mihoshi's message.
Tenchi stands as the most powerful character in the series but lacks full control over his Light Hawk Wings and other abilities due to his youth and immaturity. A competent swordsman and martial artist with superhuman capabilities thanks to his Juraian heritage, he only exhibits his more unique talents during critical situations, such as his duel with Kagato and the confrontation with Z. The extent of Tenchi's powers remains undefined; at one point, they spiral out of control, necessitating intervention by the Goddesses to prevent catastrophe. Tenchi also harbors an unexplained connection to a high-level entity superior even to the three Goddesses. In GXP, Airi notes that several undiscovered powers exist within Tenchi, including instances of teleportation and exceptional physical prowess.
In "Ai Tenchi Muyo," Tenchi works as a student teacher at Junai Girls Academy, adopting a more professional attire and glasses. Only Sasami, Aeka, and Ryouko live with him.
