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← Back to the character index Oda Clan
First Mori Yoshinari
Mori Ranmaru
Nobunaga’s Page

Mori Ranmaru

Oda Clan
Mori Ranmaru
Life 1565–1582 (aged 18)
Title Nobunaga’s Page
Faction Oda Clan
Places associated with this character Azuchi (1577–1582), Kyoto (1582)
Voice and speech He addresses Nobunaga with impeccable respect, speaking little in a clear voice.
Family The third son of Mori Yoshinari, lord of Kanayama Castle in Mino, he entered Nobunaga’s service as a young page at Azuchi.
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At Nobunaga’s side, he is a meticulous shadow who remembers every order, letter, and visitor. Protect his lord’s safety, and he will lead you to the heart of power.

Life

Nobunaga’s Page and Attendant

Ambition

Understand Nobunaga’s intent without error and support his campaign from the shadows as his foremost attendant.

His father and elder brother both died in Oda battles. The Mori family’s pride now rests on returning Nobunaga’s extraordinary favor and trust by serving as his hands and feet and carrying out every command.

A mistaken message or introduction could damage his lord’s authority and disrupt the governance of the realm.

Obstacles of the era
  • Jealousy from other retainers and fierce competition among attendants
  • The need to respond instantly to Nobunaga’s sharp and severe commands
  • The extreme tension of guarding his lord’s person

Character and convictions

Source of ambition

Nobunaga’s exceptional trust and the honor of always serving nearest to him.

Turning point

The burden of the Mori house placed on him after his father Yoshinari and brother Yoshitaka died in battle.

How he treats others

His deep affection for his younger brothers Bōmaru and Rikimaru, who also serve Nobunaga.

Principle he will not yield

Distorting his lord’s wishes or inserting his own interests.

Historical path

1577–1579
A young page learning the manners and attentiveness required at Nobunaga’s side.
He is impeccably respectful toward Nobunaga, with a clear voice and few, carefully chosen words.
1580–1581
A trusted attendant entrusted with sensitive documents and messages.
His messages leave no word ambiguous; when introducing visitors, he shows a maturity beyond his years.
1582
After the Takeda fall, he receives Iwamura Castle and accompanies his lord to Kyoto.
The weight of owning a castle enters his voice, though he remains deferential to Nobunaga.
1582
He protects Nobunaga at Honnōji, taking up a spear to guard the rear.
His commands are cold and decisive; the words he uses to protect his lord are brief and fierce.

Final chapter

the 2nd day of the 6th month, Tenshō 10 (1582), aged 18

At the Honnōji Incident, he stayed beside Nobunaga and fought with a spear against Akechi’s surprise attack. He set fire to the residence and watched his lord take his own life before Akechi soldier Yasuda Sakubei killed him in battle, aged eighteen.

He watched Nobunaga take his own life, set the hall ablaze to keep the enemy away, and died fighting with his spear.
Nobunaga’s beloved young attendant was known for rare intelligence and loyalty. His youth made him share his lord’s final hour, and he vanished at eighteen.