Kagemitsu Daigo rose to power in Ishikawa through sheer ruthlessness and ambition. Believing that might and control were the keys to prosperity, he sacrificed his humanity by making a pact with the demons, offering his unborn son as collateral. This act not only cursed Hyakkimaru but also unleashed the demons into the countryside, causing widespread suffering.

Daigo’s rule brought temporary prosperity to his lands, but it was built on the suffering of the innocent. To maintain his power, he ordered raids on impoverished villages, slaughtering those who dared to resist and plundering their meager fortunes. His actions led to the deaths of many, including Hibukuro, Dororo’s father, and Mio, Hyakkimaru’s lover, further entrenching his reputation as a tyrant.

Kagemitsu Daigo is a middle-aged man with a stern and commanding presence. He has sharp facial features, a neatly trimmed beard, and a cold, calculating gaze that reflects his ruthless nature. He is often depicted wearing regal armor and traditional lordly attire, symbolizing his high status and authority.

His demeanor exudes an air of control and intimidation, underscoring his role as a powerful and feared lord. Despite his outward appearance of strength, Daigo’s internal corruption and fear of losing his power reveal his vulnerability.

Kagemitsu Daigo is cold, ambitious, and utterly ruthless. He prioritizes power and prosperity above all else, even at the cost of his family, humanity, and morality. His willingness to sacrifice his unborn son and commit atrocities against innocent villagers demonstrates his complete lack of empathy and his belief that the ends justify the means.

Daigo’s fear of losing power drives many of his actions, making him a deeply insecure and paranoid individual. While he portrays himself as a strong and unyielding leader, his reliance on underhanded tactics, such as taking Dororo hostage and ordering the murder of Mio and her orphaned charges, exposes his cowardice.

• The Pact with the Demons
  Daigo’s pact with the demons sets the stage for the series. By offering body parts from his unborn son, Hyakkimaru, Daigo secures prosperity for his lands, but at the cost of unleashing chaos upon the countryside. This act establishes him as the central antagonist and the source of Hyakkimaru’s suffering.

• Atrocities and Oppression
  Throughout the series, Daigo continues to commit atrocities to maintain his rule. He orders the massacre of villages, including Dororo’s home, and orchestrates the murder of Mio and the children she cared for, solidifying his reputation as a tyrant. His willingness to sacrifice others for his own gain reveals his moral corruption and cowardice.

• Confrontation with Hyakkimaru
  Upon learning that Hyakkimaru survived and is reclaiming his body parts, Daigo views his son as a threat to his pact with the demons and his power. He orders his samurai to hunt down and kill Hyakkimaru, leading to several confrontations. These battles symbolize the conflict between Hyakkimaru’s quest for humanity and Daigo’s unrelenting greed.

• Demise
  After Hyakkimaru defeats the Twelfth Demon, Daigo succumbs to the side effects of his pact, suffering severe blood loss and dying as a result. His demise marks the end of his tyrannical reign and the fulfillment of Hyakkimaru’s journey for justice and redemption.