Bontenmaru

Bontenmaru (or 梵天丸) is shogun Hidetada's illegitimate child. He was brought up as a complete outcast, to make sure he was kept concealed from his father's wife, Oeyo. "'There's rumors saying he's shogun Hidetada's, but others say it could be the Tosho Daigongen's (Ieyasu's). It seems to be a secret so even we don't know the full details. In any case, we mind our manners around him.' -- A monk at Seigan (Chapter 203)."Hidetada wants to help him, since he find him adorable and pitiable, leaving him in Munenori's care. Hikoshiro's threat reveals he's treated quite preciously: "I don't intend to kill the shogun's illegitimate child, but I'll stab his arms and legs to keep him alive! Yagyu Munenori-sama, are you in a position to let this happen before your eyes, I wonder?!" (230).

He first met Azumi when he accompanied his father on a falconry trip. During which they dropped by the temple where Tenkai resides for a short visit. Hidetada had gone there to thank Azumi in person for the great mission she had carried out, and Bontenmaru fell in love at first sight.