Amidamaru

Amidamaru (阿弥陀丸) is a 600-year-old samurai who serves Asakura Yoh as his Guardian Ghost. Amidamaru's numerous killings earned him a bad reputation which was carried all the way to the present time.

About
Amidamaru was training to be a samurai when he was young in order to drive away bandits to protect the orphans he was living with. He always used to break his katanas because they were too poor to afford quality steel and Amidamaru refused to steal katanas from the corpses that were found scattered across the land. His friend, Mosuke, being a very skilled swordsmith, was able to make a katana using his father's knife. After Amidamaru shed a tear in gratitude, he pretended that it was the rain and the katana was named Harusame (lit. "Spring Rain").

When both Amidamaru and Mosuke grew older, they were employed by a daimyo who was impressed with the pairs skills. They worked for him happily, but it did not last long. One night, Amidamaru found out about the daimyo's greed when he asked him to kill Mosuke so he would not be able to make another sword like Harusame. That night Amidamaru and Mosuke met at Monument Hill where Amidamaru told Mosuke about the daimyo's orders. Mosuke wanted Amidamaru to just kill him, in order to fulfill his duty, but Amidamaru told him to run away and that he would accept the crime. Mosuke asked him to give him Harusame so he could fix it up before leaving. Amidamaru gave Mosuke his oath that he would wait for him at that very same spot. Unfortunately, someone spied on their conversation and informed the daimyo, who ordered his men to kill them. Amidamaru managed to kill them all before dying from exhaustion.

After 600 years has passed, Amidamaru's tombstone is broken by Umemiya Ryunosuke. Afterwards, Asakura Yoh takes revenge for Amidamaru by using Hyōi-Gattai with him and beat up Ryu. The next morning Yoh asked him to be his guardian ghost, but Amidamaru refuses his offer as he is still waiting for Mosuke. After Yoh returns to the cemetery, he reveals to Amidamaru that Mosuke was waiting for him too, but passed over after Yoh repaired Harusame. Wanting to pass over himself, Amidamaru is unable to and changes his mind, taking up Yoh's earlier offer to become his guardian ghost.

Several years after the Shaman Fights, Amidamaru becomes the guardian ghost of Yoh's son, Asakura Hana. Ahead of the Flower of Maize, Asakura Luca and Kamogawa Yohsuke petrified and stole Amidamaru.

Soul Integration
Soul Integration is the most basic of Yoh's abilities and used many times in the early part of the series. By using various long objects such as iron poles and Ryu's wooden sword, he can fight alongside Amidamaru. When fighting with Tao Ren the first time, Yoh learned that either the shaman or the ghost must be in control, or else it would be impossible to fight with one's fullest potential, but Yoh found another way. Instead of using submission on Amidamaru, they gained 100% Integration because they both agreed on beating Ren.


 * Amida-Ryū: Gokōjin (阿弥陀流後光刃): Amidamaru's most revolutionary technique. It is a dual-sword battō-jutsu technique executed from his unique and legendary fighting stance, called "Nyorai" (如来). During execution, both swords are unsheathed at incredible speed at dead-range of the adversary, unleashing a strike with enough power to bust an adversary to shreds.


 * Amida-Ryū: Shinkū Budda-giri (阿弥陀流 真空切り): The signature technique developed by Amidamaru when he was still alive. Its principal use is to strike at adversaries beyond the range of his sword. Essentially, it breaks the air with a slash and forces out a powerful shockwave at the adversary in the form of a sword beam.

O.S. Amidamaru
O.S. "Amidamaru" (O.S. 阿弥陀丸) Description: Initially, Yoh learns how to create this first Over Soul indirectly during his battle with the Shaman Fight officiant, Silva. By integrating Amidamaru's spirit with that of his sword, Harusame, Yoh forges an Over Soul which augments the properties of his Harusame's blade, with an Over Soul that grows bigger the more Yoh injects furyoku into it.
 * Shaman: Asakura Yoh
 * O.S. Type: Weapon Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (human ghost)
 * Medium used: Harusame

The basic characteristics of this O.S. resembles Amidamaru's Spirit Flame form, with the samurai's shoulder guards present while an effigy of Amidamaru burns over Harusame at the O.S.'s nucleus. This primary form can be freely modified to best meet Yoh's needs. Due to its inherent flexibility, it can form two large shields for defense. Amidamaru's duty is simply just to remain there and he doesn't move freely, so it is usually Yoh who must make the movements and keep the situation under control.

As Yoh progressed and trained within the Yomi Cave, the Amidamaru O.S. was able to materialize on a higher plane of existence; in a sense, evolving into what could be called "Over Soul: Amidamaru V.2". This progression allowed Amidamaru's shoulder guard and arm shield to materialize over Yoh's right arm, providing more protection. Amidamaru can now act freely and this O.S. is more material than its predecessor. Thanks to that, he can move and act independently of Yoh in battles and help him protect his weak spots. At this phase, Amidamaru can also speak freely, even while in O.S. mode.

Attacks


 * Amida-Ryū: Shinkū Budda Giri (阿弥陀流: 真空仏陀切り Amida-Style: Vacuum Buddha Slash): Amidamaru's signature technique developed when he was still alive. Its principal use is to strike at adversaries outside of his sword's range. Essentially, it breaks the air with a slash and forces out a powerful shockwave at the adversary in the form of a sword beam. Through constant "Spirit Integration" Yoh learns this technique, albeit through muscle memory. With the introduction of the Over Soul, this technique has been somewhat modified, instead expanding the Over Soul over a distance, rather than a shockwave slash.


 * Amida-Ryū: Gokōjin (阿弥陀流: 後光刃 Amida-Style: Halo Blade): Amidamaru's most revolutionary technique. It is a dual-sword battō-jutsu technique executed from his unique and legendary fighting stance, called Tathagata. During execution, both swords are unsheathed at incredible speed at dead-range of the adversary, unleashing a strike with enough power to bust an adversary to shreds. Since then this technique has been modified for use in Over Soul mode; instead using the spiritual power of the Over Soul to cut the enemy to pieces in one swift sword-draw. However, it has been also used as a shield-bashing attack via using the arm guard from V.2.


 * Amidamaru Shield: Basically a form of Over Soul manipulation, Yoh forms a large shield out of Amidamaru's samurai armor. In V.2 of this Over Soul, Amidamaru has the capability of doing this attack on his own to protect Yoh's weak spots.

O.S. Amidamaru, Big Over Soul
Big O.S. "Amidamaru" (Big O.S. 阿弥陀丸)

Description: While fighting Ren, Yoh learned to inject more Furyoku into his Over Soul. The O.S. Amidamaru changed entirely; resulting in the near-complete materialization of Amidamaru himself (consisting of his upper body and a single sword), as witnessed during Yoh's final qualifying match with Tao Ren.
 * Shaman: Asakura Yoh
 * O.S. Type: Spirit Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (human ghost)
 * Medium used: Harusame

This form of his O.S. enabled Amidamaru to wield Harusame personally, allowing him to utilize his skills firsthand. By adding the "Futsu-no-Mitama no Tsurugi" (antiquity) Yoh can make Amidamaru wield two swords. However Yoh dislikes this form of his Over Soul as it goes against his relaxed attitude towards life.

Attacks


 * Amida-Ryū: Gokōjin (阿弥陀流: 後光刃 Amida-Style: Halo Blade): Amidamaru's most revolutionary technique. It is a single-sword battō-jutsu technique executed from his unique and legendary fighting stance, called Tathagata. During execution, the sword is unsheathed at incredible speed at dead-range of the adversary, unleashing a strike with enough power to bust an adversary to shreds.

O.S. Spirit of Sword
O.S. "Spirit of Sword" (O.S. スピリット・オブ・ソード) Description: After studying the Chō-Senjiryakketsu from Anna, Yoh forges his most revolutionary O.S.; integrating the seirei-class Amidamaru O.S. (Amidamaru inside Harusame) through the Futsu-no-Mitama no Tsurugi to create the gigantic double-medium Over Soul, "Spirit of Sword."
 * Shaman: Asakura Yoh
 * O.S. Type: Spirit/Weapon Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (seirei-class)
 * Medium used: Harusame & Futunomitama no Turugi

This is a sword-shaped O.S. which hardens Yoh's Furyoku into the shape of a growing blade and explosively increases its lethality, enabling it to cut through any form of Furyoku. Yoh can also shoot the blade of the O.S. in accelerated length by pumping more Furyoku into it. Yoh's movements improve not only thanks to Amidamaru, but also thanks to all the human feelings and fighting experience that the Futsu-no-Mitama no Tsurugi has accumulated over thousands of years.

Its only weakness is its terrible consumption of furyoku, due to its great size and power. This weakness seems to have been covered only in the 2001 anime through Mikihisa's training, which makes the Oversouls more contracted and consoliated.

Attacks


 * Amida-Ryū: Dai Gokōjin (阿弥陀流: 大後光刃 Amida-Style: Grand Halo Blade): The improved version of the normal Gokōjin. Using the normal, 'Over Soul'-ed Gokōjin as a primer, and powered by Amidamaru's newly-acquired seirei-class powers, this high-level technique focuses furyoku and destroys anything with a decisive strike of cutting furyoku waves.

O.S. Spirit of Sword: White Swan
O.S. "Spirit of Sword: Byakkō (O.S. スピリット・オブ・ソード: 白鵠) 

Description: Known simply as "Byakkō", this is a variation of Yoh's Spirit of Sword Over Soul, made in homage to Yoh's childhood affinity to the white swan, which he creates during his journey through the underworld. It is a double-medium O.S. that embodies Yoh's need for practicality, making the most of his two mediums; the Futsu-no-Mitama no Tsurugi, in the left hand, serving as the source of the O.S. while Harusame facilitating the medium in his right hand, materializing interchangeable pieces of armor that orbit around Yoh for protection; a gauntlet-styled arm guard plus two hexagonal breastplates on Yoh's left along with an apparatus armor panel with two spike panels on his back, and a giant three-fingered arm on his right holding Harusame in the form of a giant shirasaya. From the giant arm, Amidamaru can also communicate with Yoh as normal via a bulge with two "eyes" in between the knuckles. The Asakura family symbol can be seen on the upper-tower shield portion of the giant arm, as noted by Asakura Yohken.
 * Shaman: Asakura Yoh
 * O.S. Type: Armor Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (seirei-class)
 * Medium used: Harusame & Futunomitama no Turugi

The two portions respond in concert to every one of Yoh's movements, making it far more efficient than any other of his previous Over Souls. Its unique construction creates a tremendous concentration of furyoku, giving the O.S. undeniable power. The panels of armor can also rearrange themselves, using the bridging flow of furyoku enabling Yoh to adjust his attack, enabling ambidexterity with the giant arm due to the unique placement of its "thumb".

Attacks


 * Amida-Ryū: Gokōjin (阿弥陀流: 後光刃 Amida-Style: Halo Blade): Amidamaru's most revolutionary technique. It is a single-sword battō-jutsu technique executed from his unique and legendary fighting stance, called Tathagata. During execution, the sword is unsheathed at incredible speed at dead-range of the adversary, unleashing a strike with enough power to bust an adversary to shreds. Like with the original V.2. Over Soul, the technique was modified for single blade use, however as in Yoh's second fight with Silva in the plants where Yoh does not need to unsheathe the blade, but simply use it as an attack at close range.


 * Amida-Ryū: Mu-Mu-Myō-Yaku-Mu (阿弥陀流: 無無明亦無 Amida-Style: The Absence of Ignorance): The ultimate technique of Yoh's "Byakkō" Over Soul, conceived during his venture into the underworld. In essence, it is a powerful thrust of the Over Soul's sword which "purifies the very soul" and thus can negate nearly all forms of furyoku, and it is implied that it inflicts no physical damage. The configuration of the O.S. and furyoku released during this technique resembles that of swan taking flight. The ability to nullify furyoku can also be used passively to prevent Yoh himself from being affected by any offensive effects used against him, as seen in the fight against Rutherfor.

O.S. Oni Kabuto
O.S. "Oni Kabuto" (O.S. 鬼兜)

Description: Hana's Armor-type Over Soul, it is comprised of several pieces of armor, the largest of which resembles a Japanese Ogre's head, and a giant shirisaya. It appears to be influenced by Yoh's Byakkō. In his battle against Asakura Yohane he exhibited its great defensive power capable of deflecting a full attack from Yohane's Over Soul. This Over Soul works like an airbag and it also has the ability to change its shape depending on the attack to make an better defense. This Over Soul can also switch from defense to offense.
 * Shaman: Asakura Hana
 * O.S. Type: Armor Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (seirei-class)
 * Medium used: Futunomitama no Turugi

O.S. Oni Kabuto Tough
O.S. "Oni Kabuto Tough" (O.S. 鬼兜剛, Onikabuto Gou)

Description: This is the offensive from of Hana's O.S. Oni Kabuto. This O.S. materializes a huge red gauntlet and a giant shirasaya. The effectiveness of this O.S., however, has not been revealed because it was annulled before it could be used properly.
 * Shaman: Asakura Hana
 * O.S. Type: Armor Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (seirei-class)
 * Medium used: Futunomitama no Turugi

Attacks


 * Hana Style: Shinkuu Buddha Giri (オレ流 真空切り): One of Hana's attacks, but nothing is known at how the attack is preformed as Hana's O.S. was annulled.
 * Amida Style: Buddha Giri (阿弥陀流 切り): Hana enlarges his blade and then attacks his target. It is capable of slicing an entire armored tank.

Anime/Manga Difference
In the 2001 anime, the "Spirit of Sword" is referred to as a Giant Over Soul and in the 2001 anime only Yoh also learns to shrink the size of the Over Soul to enable better management for a counterbalance.

The 2001 English anime changes the name Amida-Ryū: Shinkū Budda Giri to "Celestial Slash", possibly to avoid religious implications.

Giant O.S. Amidamaru
Giant O.S. "Amidamaru" (Giant O.S. 阿弥陀丸)

Description: After experiencing the Chō-Senjiryakketsu brought to him by Anna, Yoh can create a tremendous body of Amidamaru, entirely made out of Furyoku. The Shamanic focus is no longer employed to directly fight the opponent, but more to guide the now huge and extremely powerful Amidamaru into attack. Like the Over Soul it drains Yoh of his Furyoku, however it requires a lot more potential to sustain that shape than a normal Over Soul.
 * Shaman: Asakura Yoh
 * O.S. Type: Giant Type
 * Spirit Ally: Amidamaru (seirei class)
 * Medium(s) used: Harusame & Futunomitama no Turugi

When first created there was no control of the power, so Yoh added the Futunomitama no Turugi to balance the power in two mediums and allow Amidamaru to wield two swords as he was once able to while living.

Later Yoh uses the power of all his friends and other shaman praying against Asakura Hao to transform Amidamaru into a "complete" Giant Over Soul form. This form is seen to be a fusion of the Spirit Unity and Giant Over Soul, for Yoh is seen inside the center of Amidamaru's soul rather than being held as the rest of the shaman.

Attacks


 * Amida-Ryū: Gokōjin (阿弥陀流: 後光刃 Amida-Style: Halo Blade): Amidamaru's most revolutionary technique. It is a dual-sword battō-jutsu technique executed from his unique and legendary fighting stance, called Tathagata. During execution, both swords are unsheathed at incredible speed at dead-range of the adversary, unleashing a strike with enough power to bust an adversary to shreds. In this form, it appears to be a double slash of two Shinkū Buddha Giri with great power, fired as twin sword beams crossed together.

Trivia

 * A majority of Amidamaru's abilities are rendered differently between sources of media: such as Shinkū Budda Giri which can be performed in the Byakkō Over Soul in the games Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars.
 * Amidamaru's favorite food is cooked white rice.
 * The appearance of Hana's O.S. "Oni Kabuto" resembles the design of Vice's Oni Mask from Takei's other series, Ultimo.