Ben Kei

Ben-Kei was born to a monk and trained in martial arts from a young age. Towering at 6'6" in the 12th century, he was a formidable figure. Viewing the samurai of Kyoto as arrogant, Ben-Kei vowed to defeat 1,000 of them in duels, collecting their swords as a mark of victory and disgrace. After defeating 999, his final duel was against a small, flute-playing youth—Minamoto no Yoshitsune—who bested him. Recognizing his superior, Ben-Kei became his loyal retainer for life. During a siege at Koromogawa Castle, Ben-Kei defended the bridge single-handedly, reportedly slaying 300 attackers. Despite being riddled with arrows, he died standing. This became known as the 'Standing Death of Ben-Kei,' a symbol of unyielding loyalty and warrior spirit.