| “ | He was known as “Demon Shinobi Hanzo” because of his strategic thinking. At the same time, he was very soft-hearted.
— Miho Okamoto
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Hattori Hanzo was the son of a minor samurai in the service of the Matsudaira (later Tokugawa clan), first entering combat at age 16. He quickly became renowned his tactical brilliance and combat prowess, being known to practice ninjutsu, and, in particular sojutsu, the art of spear fighting, Hanzo is known to have favored a 14-foot yari as his spear of choice. He was also so skilled in combat and at the art of stealth supernatural abilities were attributed to him, such as appearing and disappearing at will, telekinesis, and precognition. Hanzo became known for his actions at several major battles under Oda Nobunaga, including actions at the battles of Anegawa and Mitagahara. His most famous action, however would occur after Oda's death, when he saved the life of Oda's successor, Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Mikawa province and leading him to safety, and possibly playing a role in rescuing Ieyasu's family as well.