He's the calm before the storm. He is also the storm. He is Benkei Musashibo, Birushana: Flower of Genpei's stoic monk sweetheart. Benkei towers over most characters in height and simple heart. Here is a man who will defend Shanao to his last breath, not for her heritage but for who she is as a person.
It's hard not to love the guy at least to some degree, so it's no surprise some players will want Birushana's heroine to spend the rest of her days with him by her side. Be kind, be fierce, and follow this guide; such a combination will have Benkei head-over-heels.
As stat growth is an integral part of Birushana's gameplay, we'll be sure to let you know whenever a choice boosts Shanao's Strength, Knowledge, or Kindness meters. To routinely captivate Benkei, Kindness should come at the forefront, followed by an impressive bevy of Knowledge.
Getting to Know Benkei
"Is that where we landed on that?"
No recurring joke in Birushana had us howling quite as much as Benkei's accidental catchphrase. The good monk will try his damnedest to be Shanao's bulwark, her sovereign protector, even her cook — and it seems like he just doesn't have it in him to accept a reality in which the Genji's heir lets herself do without, because if he reiterates his intentions further on, he'll be blindsided should Shanao remind him she's uninterested in his help.
That may sound overbearing. For some players, perhaps it will be. But there's a charm to Benkei's tenacity, an almost childlike sincerity, that makes him an easy companion to have around. Tack on his unflinching loyalty (seriously, this guy will stop at nothing for your safety) and there's a lot to love.
Love back. That's our biggest advice, as the following choices will emphasize. Benkei will selflessly give his all if Shanao does not temper him. Like Shungen, he must be reminded that he, too, exists.
How to Unlock Benkei's Happy Ending
|
Sequence |
Correct Response |
Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
|
Shared Route 1-1 |
"You really wish to restore the Genji?" |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 1-2 |
"There's got to be a way out of this." |
- |
|
Shared Route 2-1 |
"I can't live up to the Genji name. |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 2-2 |
"I don't want war with the Heike." |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 2-3 |
"Great, thanks." |
- |
|
Shared Route 2-4 |
"I'm sorry... but I have to go see her." |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 2-1-12 |
"Why must I bear the name of Genji?" |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 2-1-13 |
"That is none of your business." |
Strength Increases |
|
Shared Route 2-1-14 |
"If you know for sure, fight me." |
- |
|
Shared Route 3-1-1 |
"Having a vassal is too much for me." |
Kindness Increases |
|
Shared Route 3-1-5 |
"I cannot cause trouble for Kurama." |
Knowledge Increases |
|
Shared Route 3-1-7 |
"I'd like to believe it's fate, too." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 4-1 |
"You don't look like you've slept a wink." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 4-3 |
"You must have been very lonely." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 6-1 |
"Thanks for taking care of me today." |
Kindness Increases |
|
Benkei's Route 6-2 |
"It's all thanks to you." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 7-1 |
"I was just naive." |
Knowledge Increases |
|
Benkei's Route 7-1 |
"I had a feeling you'd say that." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 8-1 |
"Can you make it, Benkei?" |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises and Kindness Increases |
|
Benkei's Route 9-1 |
"I need Benkei to support me." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 10-1 |
"You didn't have to do it alone." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 11-1 |
"I'll be fine as long as you're with me." |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
|
Benkei's Route 12-1 |
"As my vassal, or...?" |
Benkei's Love Meter Rises |
How to Unlock Benkei's Tragic Ending
As with several other romance paths, there are two ways to reliably trigger Benkei's Tragic Ending. You can go back to right near the end and lower your stats to zilch, which conveniently eradicates Shanao's appeal (or something). But if you yearn for the complete psuedo-Shakespearean experience, our chart will show you precisely where things begin to diverge.
|
Sequence |
Tragic Ending Trigger Response |
|---|---|
|
Benkei's Route 8-1 |
"That's nice of you to say. |
|
Benkei's Route 9-1 |
"I want Benkei to scold me." |
|
Benkei's Route 10-1 |
"I want to know the truth." |
|
Benkei's Route 11-1 |
"If we're together, we can't lose." |
|
Benkei's Route 12-1 |
"Of course I want you there with me." |