Sanada Yukimura is a renowned general who suffered defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, ultimately losing Japan to Tokugawa Ieyasu. After escaping from Kudoyama, he planned an assassination attempt on Ieyasu, though it was never executed. Yukimura joins forces with Kyo to defeat the Mibu Clan and Oda Nobunaga, aiming to liberate Japan from the Mibu Clan's shadowy rule and potentially seize control of the country.
Accompanying Yukimura is the elite ninja team known as the Sanada Juuyuushi. His sword techniques remain unnamed, but he wields the Sekireigan, a skill taught by Anri. This technique grants him extreme speed, though Anri warned him not to use it more than five times a day.
In his youth, Yukimura experienced the tragic loss of his childhood girlfriend during a massacre that could have been prevented for strategic reasons. He greatly admired Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which explains his other name, Toyotomi Nobushige.
In Volume 26, Yukimura defeats Shindara. In Volume 27, he battles Kyo to a draw, both using their most powerful techniques. However, Kyo is not in his true form and has yet to awaken his true red eyes. Throughout the story, Yukimura shows significant progress, often leaving the main party to train and returning stronger. Training with Anri, one of Muramasa's guards, Yukimura learns the Sekireigan, allowing him to move incredibly fast and attack from multiple angles simultaneously. He later faces Chinmei and the Former Crimson King, defeating Chinmei with the help of Sasuke and the Juuyuushi, although he loses to the King. By the end, Yukimura is nearly as strong as the Four Emperors, though still not on par with Kyo or Kyoshiro.
Yukimura is known for his cheerful and casual demeanor, often seen smiling and enjoying sake while trying to seduce beautiful women. At thirty-seven years old, he credits his youthful appearance to good skincare. Despite his easygoing nature, he can be terrifying when enraged. He treats his ninja followers with great care and respect, considering them family. As a result, the Juuyuushi are deeply loyal to him.
Yukimura harbors intense hatred towards Ieyasu. Historically, he had previously fought against Ieyasu's son, Hidetada (Benitora), at the Battle of Ueda Castle, which ended in Yukimura's defeat. This battle is briefly mentioned in the anime and possibly the manga.
