Battle of Koromo River

The Battle of Koromo River (Koromogawa) took place during the opening years of the Kamakura period (12th century) of Japan.

After the destruction of the Heike, Minamoto no Yoshitsune conflicted with his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, and fled into Hiraizumi, Mutsu Province. He was sheltered by Northern Fujiwara's 3rd ruler Fujiwara no Hidehira. Hidehira died of illness on October 29, 1187.

Yoritomo strongly pressured Fujiwara no Yasuhira, the 2nd son and successor of Hidehira, through the Imperial Court to arrest Yoshitsune. Against the will of his father, Yasuhira succumbed to the repeated pressure of Yoritomo. On June 15, 1189, he led 500 soldiers to attack Yoshitsune and an entourage of servants in the Koromogawa no tachi residence.

As Yoshitsune retired to the inner keep of the castle to commit seppuku on his own, Benkei stood guard on the bridge in front of the main gate. Legend holds Benkei successfully killed in excess of 300 trained soldiers at the beginning of the battle. Frightened, his enemies opted to shoot him with arrows from a distance. Despite substantial injuries and numerous arrows in his body, Benkei continued to stand, until one brave soldier approached and realized Benkei had died standing up. Yoshitsune either committed during the battle or after Benkei was dead.

Battle of Koromo River in "Character"

After a series of adventures, self-aware fictional character Steve could feel his story as Benkei coming to an end. He and Minamoto Yoshitsune arrived at the Koromorgawa with Yoritomo's men following behind. Realizing they were trapped, Yoshitune asked Steve/Benkei to buy him some time to commit seppuku. As Benkei, Steve fought savagely, killing and maiming several attacking samurai, until finally he was feathered with arrows. One arrow hit Benkei right between the eyes.

Suddenly Steve became an omniscient observer. The samurai approached Benkei's body, which was still standing. Steve looked for Yoshitune's body, but didn't see it. Steve knew that no one took it. Now omniscient, Steve knew the story that Minamoto Yoshitsune escaped to the Asian mainland and became Genghis Khan. However, Steve didn't know for sure that was what happened, and the story ended before he could learn for sure.