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Guts, renowned as the "Black Swordsman", is a former mercenary and branded wanderer who travels the world in a constant internal struggle between pursuing ... BerserkWiki Explore MainPage Discuss AllPages Community InteractiveMaps RecentBlogPosts Universe Characters Guts Griffith Casca Puck Schierke Isidro Serpico Farnese Rickert SkullKnight Misc.Characters Locations Midland Tudor Vritannis Koka Falconia Elfhelm Concepts IdeaofEvil Causality ProphecyoftheFalcon BeastofDarkness BrandofSacrifice Objects DragonSlayer Beherit CannonArm BerserkerArmor SkullKnight'sSword WorldSpiralTree Timeline Hundred-YearWar Eclipse IncarnationCeremony GreatRoaroftheAstralWorld Groups OriginalBandoftheFalcon RebornBandoftheFalcon BlackSwordsmanParty GodHand HolySee FourKingsoftheWorld Manga KentarouMiura InterviewswithMiura AllMangaReleases StoryArcs GoldenAgeArc BlackSwordsmanArc ConvictionArc FalconoftheMillenniumEmpireArc FantasiaArc Episodes GoldenAgeArcEpisodes BlackSwordsmanArcEpisodes ConvictionArcEpisodes FalconoftheMillenniumEmpireArcEpisodes FantasiaArcEpisodes Media Merchandise Berserk(1997Anime) GoldenAgeArcFilmTrilogy Berserk(2016Anime) VideoGames SwordoftheBerserk:Guts'Rage Berserk:MillenniumFalconHenSeimaSenkinoShō BerserkMusou UsefulLinks FindanAdmin AboutBerserkWiki WikiStyleGuide RecentWikiChanges FANDOM Games Anime Movies TV Video Wikis ExploreWikis CommunityCentral StartaWiki Register Don'thaveanaccount? SignIn Advertisement in: BlackSwordsmanArcCharacters,GoldenAgeArcCharacters,ConvictionArcCharacters, and 2more MillenniumFalconArcCharacters FantasiaArcCharacters English Español Guts Viewsource History Talk(12) watch 00:54 WhoisGuts? Doyoulikethisvideo? PlaySound Guts ガッツBlackSwordsman[1](黒い剣士)Struggler[2](踠（もが）く者)Berserker[3](狂戦士)BrandedSwordsman[4](烙印の剣士)HundredManSlayer[5](百人斬り) VitalRecords Nationality Midland Residence Peripatetic(Interstice)Wyndham(formerly)Godot'scottage(formerly) Status Alive PhysicalAppearance Existentialform Human Gender Male Haircolor Black Eyecolor Brown Uniquetraits Whitepatchofhair(fromusingtheBerserkerArmor);missingrighteyeandleftforearm PersonalLife Loveinterests Casca Relatives UnnamedhangedmotherGambino(fatherfigure)Shisu(motherfigure)DemonChild(biologicalchild) Allies Gambino(formerly)Martino(formerly)ChitchOriginalBandoftheFalconmembersGodotBlackSwordsmanPartymembersSkullKnightFlora Enemies DonovanBazusoBlueWhaleKnights(Adon,Samson)PurpleRhinoKnights(Boscogn)BakirakaBlackDogKnights(Wyald)GodHand(Femto)ApostlesMozgusandhisdisciplesBonebeardPiratesSeaGod PowersandAbilities Weapon(s)ofchoice DragonSlayerCannonarmRepeatercrossbowThrowingknivesMiniaturebombs Fightingstyles Swordsmanship Strengths Peak-humanconditioningSuperhumanconditioning(BerserkerArmor)IndomitablewillHalf-stepoverothersincausality'scurrent(BrandofSacrifice) Weaknesses BrandofSacrificeBeastofDarknessBerserkerArmor Prestige Occupation Mercenary(formerly)Knight(formerly)Wanderer Position CaptainoftheBandoftheFalcon'sraiders(formerly)WhitePhoenixKnight(formerly) Affiliation BandoftheFalcon(formerly)MidlandRegularArmy(formerly)BlackSwordsmanParty Chronology Firstappearance "BlackSwordsman" Highlights PlaysacrucialroleinendingtheHundred-YearWarastheBandoftheFalcon'sraiderscaptainSingle-handedlyslays100Tudortroops[6]SurvivestheEclipse[4]Embarksonatwo-yearhuntforapostles,gainingreputeasthe"BlackSwordsman"KillstheSeaGod[7] ImageGallery Evenifyouforcebackwhatwaslost,itstillwon'tbethewayitwas.–Guts[8] Guts,renownedasthe"BlackSwordsman",isaformermercenaryandbrandedwandererwhotravelstheworldinaconstantinternalstrugglebetweenpursuinghisownendsandupholdinghisattachmentstothosedeartohim. Atonetimedrivensolelybyhiswilltosurvive,GutsfindspurposeinlifeuponjoiningtheBandoftheFalcon,greatlyhelpinginthefaction'sstoriedsuccessesduringtheHundred-YearWarascaptainoftheband'sraiders.HeeventuallybecomesdissatisfiedwithclingingtoGriffith'sdream[9]anddepartsfromthebandinpursuitofhisown.[10]FollowingthehorrorsoftheEclipsepromptedbyGriffith,[11]Gutsembarksonatwo-yearwaragainsttheGodHandandapostles,becomingincreasinglyembitteredonhisone-trackquestforretribution.Heintimerealizesprotectinghisregressedloverismoreimportanttohim,[12]aswellassomethinghecannotdoalone,[13]andthusputsasidehisquestforrevengewhilefosteringcamaraderiewithnewcompanions. Contents 1Personality 2Background 2.1SpringFlowerofDaysLongPassed 3Story 3.1GoldenAgeArc 3.1.1MeetingtheBandoftheFalcon 3.1.2EncounteringNosferatuZodd 3.1.3PreciousThing 3.1.4HundredManSlayer 3.1.5BattleforDoldrey 3.1.6MorningDeparture 3.1.7AYearAfter 3.1.8RescuingGriffith 3.1.9Eclipse 3.2BlackSwordsmanArc 3.3ConvictionArc 3.3.1LostChildrenChapter 3.3.2BindingChainChapter 3.3.3BirthCeremonyChapter 3.4MillenniumFalconArc 3.4.1Reunions 3.4.2MansionoftheSpiritTree 3.4.3Qliphoth 3.4.4DonningtheBerserkerArmor 3.4.5RoaroftheSea 3.4.6Vritannis 3.5FantasiaArc 3.5.1SailingtheWesternSea 3.5.2Elfhelm 4Abilities 4.1MasterSwordsman/Tactician 4.2Peak-HumanConditioning 4.3IndomitableWill 4.4DeathDefiance 4.5BrandofSacrifice 5Weaknesses 5.1BeastofDarkness 5.2BrandofSacrifice 5.3BerserkerArmor 6Equipment 6.1DragonSlayer 6.2BerserkerArmor 6.3CannonArm 6.4RepeaterCrossbow 6.5ThrowingKnives 6.6MiniatureBombs 7CreationandConception 8Portrayal 8.1Adult 8.2JapaneseVoiceActor(s) 8.3EnglishVoiceActor(s) 8.3.1Child 8.4JapaneseVoiceActor(s) 8.5EnglishVoiceActor(s) 9Notes 10References Personality I'musedtofightingtosurvive.Butwhatgrowsworsedailyisthepressurenottodie.HaveIeverbeforewieldedaswordsoheavy?–Guts[14] Gutsisamaninconstantconflictwithhisowninnerdarkness,whichmanifestsastheever-temptingBeastofDarkness. Knownforhisairofausterity,Gutsisagruff,cynicalmanholdinganoverallbleakoutlookonlife.Thisisaconsequenceofenduringwavesofsufferingandnumerousbetrayalssincehisyouth,asnearlyallhighlightsofhislifehave,intime,becomelows.Inspiteofhisguarded,broodingexterior,heshowsamoreeasygoing,compassionatesidearoundthepeoplehetrusts,appearingmarkedlylessunsociableanddistant,thoughstillretaininghisdrycandidness.Evenashisinnerdarknessfestersdeepwithinhimanditstemptationbecomesincreasinglyhardertoresist,heretainshisempathyandcompassion,refusingtodiscardhishumanity. Inhisformativeyears,Gutsisdevoidoftruepurposeinlife,killingasachildmercenarymerelyasameanstosurvive.Asablankslate,heoftenfindshimselfseekingvalidationfromthoseherespectsmost,contentsolongas"oneperson[lookshis]way".[9]HisprecariousnessslowlydevelopsintoindividualityuponmeetingGriffith–someonewhomheeventuallyseekstostandbesideasanequal,ratherthanbelookeddownonby.Theswordsmanthenembarksonajourneyofself-discovery,inwhichhecomestoacknowledgehislifelongbondwithandpassionforthesword.Uponrealizingthis,hebeginsdevotinghimselftohoninghiscraftandfightingeverstrongeradversaries,havinganewfoundpurposeinlifethroughthis.[15] Eventually,Gutsisabletoovercomehisapprehensiontowardcamaraderie,gratefulforthecompanionshipofhisnewgroupmembers. AftersurvivingtheEclipse,Gutsgrowsvindictive,wantingnothingotherthantohuntdownandslaughteranyapostleheencounters,and,moreimportantly,exactrevengeonGriffithandtheGodHand.HeleavesbehindaregressedCascafortwoyearstoembarkonhiswarpathagainstdemonkind.Onhistwo-yearhunt,Gutsbecomeslargelyself-centeredandanti-social,indifferenttothesufferingofothersanddetestingthosewhomhedeemsweak.[1]Hisreclusivenatureandhostilitytowardthoseattemptingtoconnectwithhimstemfromafearofcreatingnewemotionalattachments;fearofmakingpreciousnewcompanionsakintothecomradeshelosttotheEclipse.[16]Withtime,dueinlargeparttotheeffortsofPuck,[17]Gutsceaseshissolitarystruggleandsolicitsthehelpoffellowtravelers,slowlyfosteringnewcompanionshipwiththem.[18]Despitehisinitialapprehensiontowarddisplayingaffectionforhisnewcomrades,hecomestoappreciatethebondshemakeswiththemandfindshimselfgratefulforhavingtheirindividualstrengthstorelyon.[19][20] Aboveallelse,Gutsisthepersonificationofperseveranceandresilience.Throughallofhisnumeroustrialsandtribulations,hehasneveryieldedtotheflowofcausalityandcontinuestosubsistagainstseeminglyinsurmountableodds.Indeed,Gutsisanardentdetractoroftheideaofdestiny,believinghisactionstoultimatelybeofhisownvolitionandpayingnoheedtosuchasupposedcertainty.[21][22] Background AninfantGuts,lefttodieunderneaththecorpseofhislynchedmother. Gutswasbornfromthecorpseofhislynchedmotherunderneathahangingtree,wherehewaslefttodiealoneinamireofbloodandafterbirth.AmercenarygroupleadbyamannamedGambinoeventuallyhappeneduponthegrislysite,presumingtheinfanttobedead.Whenthebabybeganwailing,tothesurpriseofthemercenaries,anacquaintanceofGambino's,Shisu,immediatelytooktothechildandcametohisaid.GambinoallowedthewomantokeepGutsforherownpersonalconsolation,despitethecircumstancesofGuts'birthbeingconsideredominousbyhiscohorts.Threeyearslater,Guts'surrogatemothercontractedtheplague,dyingashewatchedon.[23] UnderGambino'stutelage,Gutsbeganhoninghisswordsmanshipatsixyearsofage,andjoinedthemercenary'sbandthreeyearslater,lookinguptohisleaderasafatherfigureofsorts.OnthenightfollowingGuts'firstskirmish,amercenarynamedDonovanambushedandrapedhiminhistent,revealingheboughttheboyforanightfromGambino.Inafollowingskirmish,theyoungmercenaryisolatedDonovanandeliminatedhim,refusingtobelievetheman'sclaimfromthepreviousnight.[24] GutsisforcedtokillGambino,theclosestthingtoafatherhehaseverknown. WhenGambinolosthisleginbattle,hisrelationshipwithGutsimmediatelydeteriorated.Fromverbaltophysicalabuse,GutswassubjectedtovariousformsofdegradationbeforeGambinoeventuallymadeanattemptonhislife.[24]PossessedofthenotionGutswasthereasonforhismisfortune,GambinorevealedhedidindeedsellGutsouttoDonovan,voicinghisdisgustfortheboy'sexistence.Heavilydisheartenedbythisrevelation,Gutsretaliatedandkilledhisassailant–theclosestthingtoafatherhehadeverknown.ConsequentlyattackedbyGambino'smenandbrandedafatherkiller,hefledtheencampmentwithaggressorsonhistail,eventuallyrunningintoadeadendandbeingshotoffacliffside.Fromhishighfallandaboutwithapackofwolvesbelow,hefellunconscious,eventuallybeingdiscoveredbyandenlistedasachildsoldierinanothermercenarybandthathappeneduponhim.[25] SpringFlowerofDaysLongPassed GutsisnursedtohealthbyaforlornflowerspiritnamedChitch,thoughatthecostofChitch'sbeing. Asaresultofbeingonthelosingsideofbattle,Gutsandhisfellowmercenarieswerecapturedandintendedtoworkaslaborersfortheircaptors.Ontheirwaytothecastletheyweretohelpconstruct,GutsmetamannamedMartino,whoaidedandbefriendedtheinjuredyoungmercenaryontheirtrek,evenseeminglyhelpinghimescape.MartinoinsteadusedGuts'escapeattemptasadecoytomakehisown,leavingastheguardsrecapturedtheboy,laterimprisoningGutsinafrigidcell.Inhiscell,theyoungmercenarymettheforlornspiritofaloneflowernamedChitch,whonursedhimbacktohealthashereadiedforaboutwithhiscaptor'sson.IntheprocessofhealingGuts,Chitchexpendedallofherremainingpetalsandceasedtobe;gratefulforheraid,GutsdecidedtotakeChitch'sremainstoavalleyofotherbloomslikeherafterhisescape.Followinghiseventualdefeatofhiscaptor'ssonandsubsequentstormingofthecastlebyhismercenaryband–whohadbeennotifiedbyMartinoofthecastle'slocationandpotentialspoils–GutsfulfilledhisresolvetolayChitch'sremainsinavalleyofradiantflowers.[26] Story GoldenAgeArc MeetingtheBandoftheFalcon Despitehiscombatprowess,GutsisdefeatedandclaimedbyGriffith,enlistedintheBandoftheFalconthereafter. DuringthesiegeofamilitarygarrisondefendedbytheBandoftheFalcon,GutsjoinsthefrayalongsideamercenarybandandnarrowlydefeatsanenemyleadernamedBazuso,loweringtheenemy'smoraleandallowingforthefort'scapture.[25]Inhistravels,heisattackedbyBandoftheFalconmercenariesseekingtoclaimhisrewardandexactrevengeforhisearlierinterference.HeeasilydispatchesmostofthemuntilheismetbyGriffith,whoquicklyincapacitatestheswordsmanandhashimbroughttotheband'sencampment.[27] Wakingseveraldayslater,GutsisgivenbyGriffiththeoptiontojointheband,thoughhepromptlyrefuses,insteadoptingtochallengeGriffithtoaduel.HestipulatesthattheWhiteFalconcanlayclaimtohimintheadventofdefeatinghimincombat.HarboringavestedinterestinGuts,Griffithagreesandthetwoengageinasensationalbattle,withtheWhiteFalconultimatelydefeatingtheswordsmanandenlistinghimasamemberoftheBandoftheFalcon.[28] EncounteringNosferatuZodd Gutsisthefirstmanin300yearstowoundthelegendaryNosferatuZodd. Inthreeyearstime,GutsispromotedtotheBandoftheFalcon'sraiderscaptainand,fortheireffortsagainsttheBlackRamIronLanceKnights,thebandisformallyrecruitedbyMidlandinitscentury-spanningcampaignagainstTudor.Atalaterpoint,amidseizingaTudorstronghold,theBandoftheFalconfindsitselfatastandstillwhilemakingitsfinalpushintothefortress,withroughlyfiftyofGuts'soldiersbeingslaughteredbyasingleenemyburrowedwithintheinnercitadel.Fedupwiththeseresults,Gutsventuresintothecitadelhimself,wherehemeetsthemonstrousapostleNosferatuZoddandengagesinbattlewiththedemon.Initiallytakenabackbyhisopponent'soverwhelmingauraanddauntedfromparryingZodd'sbone-rattlingstrikes,Gutsultimatelygambleshislifeononeswing,andwithit,landsagashingblowontheapostle.Zoddisonlyfurtherexcitedbytheinjury–havingafter300yearsfinallyfoundahumancapableofinjuringhim–andsubsequentlyassumeshisbehemothreleasedform.[29] PetrifiedbyZodd'stransformationandcompletelyoutclassed,Gutsisthrashedaroundandnearlycrushedbytheapostle,beforeGriffithandBandoftheFalconreinforcementsintervene.WhenGriffithcomestoGuts'aid,Zoddblocksthetwo'spathofescape,forcingthemtoexecuteapincermovementontheapostle,inwhichbothofthemdealsubstantialdamagetothedemon.Inretaliation,ZoddtailwhipsGriffithintoacolumn,thoughheimmediatelyceaseshisonslaughtuponsightingGriffith'sCrimsonBeherit.ThebeastleavesGutswithaprophecy,warningtheswordsmanofaninescapabledeaththatshallbefallhimshouldGriffith'sdreamevercollapse,beforeflyingoff.[30] PreciousThing DuringtheAutumnHuntinWyndhamaftertheirreturn,theBandoftheFalconactsasthekingofMidland'sguardinplaceofGeneralJulius'WhiteDragonKnights.Inmidstofthehunt,Griffithisshotbyastrayarrow,butavoidsinjuryduetohisbeherittakingthebruntoftheblow.Onanightsometimeafter,Griffith,havingdeducedJuliusastheculpritbehindthemurderattempt,asksGutstokillthegeneralinretaliation.TheswordsmaninvadesJulius'manorinthedarkofnightandswiftlyeliminateshistarget.Whenthedoortogeneral'sroomopens,Guts,assumingittobeaguard,piercesthroughinadvance,killingJulius'son,Adonis.[31]Withtheguardsalerted,adistraughtGutsbattleshiswayoffthepremisesandescapesthroughtheWyndhamsewers. GutsisshakenbyGriffith'sinterpretationofa"friend". MakinghiswaytoPrimroseHall,whereGriffithissettobeinattendance,GutsrendezvousesfirstwithCasca,andtogether,theyoverhearGriffithgivinghisinterpretationofatruefriendtoPrincessCharlotte: They[theBandoftheFalconmembers]are...excellenttroops.Together,wehavefaceddeathsomanytimes.Theyaremyvaluablecomrades,devotingthemselvestothedreamIenvision...but...tome,afriendis...someonewhowouldneverdependuponanother'sdream...Someonewhowouldn'tbecompelledbyanyone,butwoulddetermineandpursuehisownreasontolive...Andshouldanyonetramplethatdream,hewouldopposehimbodyandsoul...evenifthethreatwerememyself...WhatIthinkafriendis...isonewhoismy'equal'. WiththeconclusionofGriffith'smonologue,Gutsleavesthescene,vexedbytheimplicationthathetoo,ultimately,isnothingmorethananassettotherealizationofGriffith'sdream.[32] HundredManSlayer GutsrewarmingCascawhilewaitingouttherain. TheBandoftheFalconshortlyaftersetsouttocombattheBlueWhaleKnightsofTudor.Duringtheengagement,noticingthetroubleCascawashavingwithanenemycommander,GutsintervenesanddoesbattlewiththespearmanAdonCoborlwitz.Uponcandidlydefeatinghisopponent,theraiderscaptainnoticesafaintingCascastaggeringoffacliffedgeandbreaksherfall,beforeheisshotoffhishorse,andsubsequentlythecliff,byadesperateAdon.Thetwomercenariesfreefallintotherivercurrentbelow,withGutspullingthemashoreandfindingthemshelterfromthechillrain.BelievingCascatobefeverish(whichhesoonrealizesisactuallyhermenstruationcycle),heremovesherdrenchedclothesandrewarmsherwithhisbodyheatwhilewaitingouttherain.[33] Whentherainfinallyceases,CascawakesandimmediatelyattacksGuts,flusteredbyherwomanlyshortcomingsasasoldier.Subduingandtiringherout,Gutsaskswhyshebecameamercenarytobeginwith,towhichsheexplainsthereasonforheridolizationofanddevotiontotheWhiteFalconashisswornsword,[34]aswellasthejarringeffectGriffith'sdesireforGutshadonher.TheirconversationisinterruptedbythemovementsofTudortroopsneartheirlocation;realizingenemyforceswillsoonhomeinonthearea,theydecidetodepartaftersunset. GutsincombatagainstalegionofTudortroops. Inthemidstoftheirescape,thetwomercenariesaresurroundedbyaswarmofAdon'stroops.Together,theymountacounteroffensive,withGutseventuallykillingAdon'sbrother,Samson.AcknowledgingCasca'sweakenedcondition,Gutsdecidestostaybehindtobuytimeforherescape,tellinghiscomradetoreturntohermetaphoricalswordmasterGriffith.Theraiderscaptain,inanarduousbattle,isabletodefeatalloftheTudortroopsintheforest,single-handedlykillingapproximately100soldiers.[6] AfterGutsisfoundandcarriedtoaBandoftheFalconencampment,herevealstoCascahisadmirationforher,Griffith,andtherestoftheBandoftheFalcon'scommitmenttorealizingtheircollectivedreams.Furthermore,herevealshedoesn'tfeelhisplaceiswiththeir"campfireofdreams",stronglyalludingtohisforthcomingdeparturefromtheband.[35] BattleforDoldrey Withhisinjuriesnearlycompletelyhealed,GutsassemblesinfrontofthefortressofDoldreyalongsidetherestoftheband–theirgoal:recapturingthefortressforMidland.GriffithsplitstheBandoftheFalcon'sforcesintotwo,onegroupaccompanyinghimandGutstolureTudor'sforcestowardariver,[36]andtheotheraninfiltrationforceledbyCascatoretakeDoldreyitself. GutsbeheadingBoscogn. WhentheBandoftheFalconsuccessfullyluresthePurpleRhinoKnightstotheriver,GutsengagesinafierceduelwithGeneralBoscogn,inwhichhisswordbreaks,havingbeenwornfromhisprevious100manslaughter.Afterheisputinperilwithonlyaknifetowield,alargecleaverswordsuddenlylandsinfrontofhim,whichheusestobeheadbothBoscognandthegeneral'shorse.[37]NosoonerafterBoscogn'sdefeat,thevictorycriesofCasca'sunitroaronfrominsidearecapturedDoldrey,asBandoftheFalconflagswaveincelebration.Withthelossofboththeirgeneralandthefortress,theremainingTudorforcesscatterindefeat.[38] TheBandoftheFalconreceivesaprofusionofpraisefromMidlandcitizensandofficialsalikeupontheirtriumphantreturn,andavictoryballisheldincelebration.Gutsattendstheball,inspiteofhisaversiontothearistocracy,toseetheculminationoftheband'sachievements,[39]butalsoinordertohelpGriffithenactaschemetodoawaywithpoliticaladversariesoftheWhiteFalcon;heservesintyinglooseendsoftheploy,killingallofGriffith'saccomplicestoavoidpotentialcomplicationsinthefuture.[40] MorningDeparture Onemonthlater,havingaidedtremendouslyintheBandoftheFalcon'ssuccess,Gutsfinallysetsouttoleavetheband,unabletoclingtoGriffith'sdreamanylonger.Onthemorningofhisdeparture,Judeau,Corkus,andafranticCascaintercepthimasheleavesWyndham,withthelattertwotakinghimtoataverntoqueryhisreasoning.There,Gutsrevealshewantstoattainadreamofhisown,andstandbesideGriffithasamanofequalvision.[9]AfterafiercereprimandfromCorkusandsolemnfarewellfromJudeau,thelatterseeshimoff,beforethetwoareinterceptedattheouterwallofthecitybyGriffithandseveralotherbandmembers. GutsbattlesGriffithonceagainforhisfreedom. GriffithquestionsifGutstrulyintendstoleavetheband,towhichGutsconfirmshisintent.Rattledbythisaffirmation,GriffithdrawshisswordanddemandsthatGutsduelforhisfreedomashedidthreeyearsprior.Unmovedbythisantagonism,GutsdrawshisswordandclasheswithGriffith,breakingtheWhiteFalcon'sbladeinasingleswingandleavinghisformerleaderkneelingindefeat.[10] Onthenightofhisdeparture,athiscampfire,GutsismetbyaSkullKnight,whowarnsofan"Eclipse"settotakeplaceinayear'stime–"Atorrentofmadness,atempestofdeathforwhichthehumanbodycouldneveratone"–beforevanishingintothenight.[2] AYearAfter I'vemadeupmymind.I'llneverentrustmyswordtoanotheragain.I'llneverhangfromsomeoneelse'sdream.Fromnowon...everybattlewillbemyown.–Gutsresolvingtofindhisownpurposeinlife[41] Insearchofapurposeofhisown,GutsspendshistimetraininginthemountainsandfrequentingthehutofablacksmithnamedGodot.Eventually,hecomestotherealizationthathisswordisanextensionofhispassionforbattle–moreprecisely,anextensionofhimself–thereafterresolvingtoimprovehisskillswiththebladeandfaceincreasinglystrongeradversariestofurtherhonehiscraft.[41] Roughlyayearfollowinghisdeparture,GutsentersacombattournamenthostedbyaMidlandnobleandofferstofightaforeignernamedSilat,proposinghewouldprovidethetourneywinnerwithbettercompetition,towhichthemanaccepts.Evadingtherapidstrikesofhisopponent,GutsisabletooverpowerSilatwithrelativeeaseandwinthebout.TheamazedtournamenthostoffersGutsajobwhilealludingtotheBandoftheFalcon'scontinuedactivitywithCascaastheirnewleader,muchtotheswordsman'ssurprise.[42] GutsandCascacementtheirnewrelationship. Onanightsoonafter,Gutsisabletotrackdowntheband'slocation,interveninginanenemyraidonthebandleadbySilat,defeatingtheforeigneronceagainandforcingSilatandhisforcestowithdraw.[5]GutsismetwithopenarmsandnotifiedofGriffith'scaptureandyear-longimprisonment,theband'snewfoundstatusasenemiesofMidland,Casca'sterrificleadership,andtheband'splantobreakGriffithfree.HeislatertakenawaybyCascatoawaterfall,wheresheexpressesherangerforhisdecisiontoleaveayearprior;emotionallydrainedfromherstrugglesasaFalcon,sheletsherselffalloffacliffsideinasuicideattempt,thoughGutssavesandembracesher,leadingtothetwomakinglove.[43] RescuingGriffith Overcomewithemotion,GutsembracesGriffith. FollowingGuts'return,arescueteamisformedtofreeGriffith,andinthreedays,theyinfiltrateWyndhamthroughthesewers.WiththeaidofPrincessCharlotte,thegroupisabletomaketheirwaytotheancientTowerofRebirth,whereGriffithissaidtobeheld.[44]Afteradeepdescenttothelowestprisoncellbeneaththetower,thepartymembersareappalledatthesightofacrippled,flayedGriffith–ashellofhisformerself.Overcomewithemotion,Gutshugshisfallencomrade–unawareofGriffith'sfeebleattempttochokehim–beforemercilesslykillingthetowerjailerresponsiblefortheWhiteFalcon'sravagedstate.[45] Fightingtheirwaythroughawaveofalertedsoldiers,therescueteamisabletoreenterthesewers,thwartanambushbyBakirakaassassinssenttokillGriffith,andescapeWyndhamtoafarmoutsidethecity.[46]EnroutetotheMidlandborder,thegrouprealizestheyarebeingpursuedbythedreadedBlackDogKnights.ThoughtheirlaidtrapsfailtodetertheDogs,therescueteameventuallyrejoinsanotherBandoftheFalconunitandcombatstheirpursuers,atwhichpointGutsclasheswiththeBlackDogs'apostleleader,Wyald.Excitedbyhisbattlewiththeswordsman,Wyaldtransformsintohismonstrousreleasedform,thoughafterafierceengagement,Gutsisabletobestandtemporarilyincapacitatethebeast.Wyaldrisesagain,however,grabbingadefenselessGriffithinretaliationanddealingacriticalblowtotheband'smoralebyrevealingthefullextentoftheravagedman'sgrievousinjuries.Thedying,desperateapostledemandsthatGriffithsummonthe"GodHand",buttohisdismayobservesthatGriffithisnolongerinpossessionoftheCrimsonBeherit,andsoheresolvestokilltheWhiteFalcon.Inanabruptintervention,ZoddtearsWyaldintwoandthentellsGriffiththathisbeheritwillsoonreturntohimbeforeflyingoff.[47] Eclipse AttheMidlandborderregion,theremnantbandmemberscometotermswiththegravityofGriffith'sinjuriesanddiscusstheirfutures.InatendermomentwithCasca,GutsisurgedbyhislovertoleaveGriffith'ssideonceagainifheistotrulyfitGriffith'sinterpretationofa"friend"astheWhiteFalcondescribedatPrimroseHall.[48]Withoutwarning,Griffith,havingmusteredenoughstrengthtocommandeerhisrestingcarriage,fleesfromthearea,withGutsandtheotherbandmembersinpursuitofhim.WhenGriffithwrecksthecarriageandlandsinalake,Gutsandtheothersrushtohislocation.AssoonasGutsreacheshim,however,themercenariesareallwhiskedawaytoanalternatedimensionbyGriffith'sreturnedCrimsonBeherit.[49] Numerousanthropomorphicbeingswelcomethebandmemberstothenocturnalfeasttheyrefertoasthe"Eclipse",muchtoGuts'shock.Fourprofoundentitiesemergefromwithinthedimensionafterward,introducingthemselvesastheGodHandandrevealingthepurposeoftheEclipse:forGriffithtoofferhiscomradesassacrificesinordertojointheirdivineranks,ashasbeenpreordained.[50]Provingtoindeedbeaninevitability,Griffith,havingweighedhisoptionsasaninvalidandreaffirmedhisdreamandambition,offershisformercomradesassacrifices,thereforetriggeringthebrandingandunilateralslaughterofthebandmembers.[11] Gutsisforcedtowitnesstherapeofhisloverbythemanheoncecalledcomrade. Gutsfightsrelentlesslyagainsttheravenousdemons,bloodlustedbythemercilessfeastingonhisfriends.Eventually,heisrestrainedbyoneofthedemonsbitingdownonhisleftarm,asabaredCascaissummonedbyarebornGriffith–rechristenedFemto–whoproceedstorapeher.Evenafterseveringhisarmandmanagingtofreehimself,thestrugglerisimmediatelypinnedtothegroundandforcedtowitnesshislover'sviolation,allwhiletherestrainingdemonslowlygougeshisrighteye.[51]AfterFemtofinisheswithCasca,theSkullKnightfromayearagobreachestheEclipse,proceedingtoretrieveGutsandCasca,evadeFemto'sspace-distortingattacks,andescapethetemporaljunctionwiththetwounconscioussacrificesintow.[4] HavingbeenbroughttoGodot'scave,GutswakesfourdayslatertothesightofamentallyregressedCasca.Heimmediatelyrunsawaytoamoonlitvalley,onlytobemetbyspectersattractedbyhisbrand,andagainbytheSkullKnight,whoinformshimofhisnewlifeasabrandedinhabitantoftheInterstice.Thestrugglerformallydeclareswaronallofdemonkind,hellbentofexactingrevengeagainsthisenemies,astherestlessspiritsbegintofleesoonafter;theSkullKnightwarnsthatthespiritshavemerelyfoundanothertorchinthedarknesstofeaston,alludingtoCasca'sendangerment.[21]Thetwomovewithhastetowardherlocation,anduponarriving,witnessaspectre-surroundedCascagivingbirthtoherandGuts'demonchild–theinfanthavingbeentaintedbyFemto'sviolationofCasca–beforeitfadesawayintotheAstralWorldatsunrise.[52] TheBlackSwordsmanslayinghisfirstapostlewiththeDragonSlayer. AfterroughlyamonthoftrainingbackatGodot's,Gutssetshissightsoncombatingdemonkind,brandishinganewsetofarmoralongwithacannon-equippedartificialarminplaceofhisseveredleftarm.Tohisdelight,awanderingapostleattractedtothebrandhomesinonhislocation.Whenhisnewly-forgedswordbreaksonthetransformedbeing,GutswieldsGodot'slong-forsakenDragonSlayerandwithiteliminatesthefirstapostleinhishunt.RealizingtheDragonSlayersuitedhimbetterthananynormalswordeverwould,heretainstheenormousbroadswordandembarksonawaragainsttheinhumans.[53] BlackSwordsmanArc TheBlackSwordsmandefeatstheSnakeLord. Fortwoyears,Gutscontinuesonhiswarpathagainstdemonkind,becomingrenownedasthe"BlackSwordsman"inhishuntforapostles.HeeventuallymakeshiswaytothetownofKoka,killinganunidentifiedfemaleapostleonenightwhileenroute.Uponarrivinginthetown,heimmediatelymakeshispresenceknownbykillingseveralKokathugsinatavern,leavingbutonevictimalivetosendwordofhisapproach:"TheBlackSwordsmanhascome."HealsounintentionallymakesaninvaluableallybyfreeinganelfnamedPuck,whoinreturnfreesandhealstheswordsmanwhenheiscaughtandimprisonedinaKokajail.ReceivingwordoftheBlackSwordsman'spresence,thebloodthirstySnakeLordridesthroughKokainsearchofhisaggressor,burningdowneverythinginhispathandleavingatrailofcorpsesinhiswake.GutseventuallyinterceptsanddoesfiercebattlewiththeSnakeLord,eventuallyincapacitatingtheapostleandinterrogatinghimfortheGodHand'swhereaboutsbeforeleavinghimtoburntocinders.[1] Sometimelater,duringthetrialingofsupposedhereticsinanothermunicipality,GutsmakeshispresenceknowntoaSlugCountapostleservingasrulerofthearea.Thealertedtownguards,ledbyZondark,pursueGuts,thoughheeasilydispatchesthemanddisfigurestheircommander,beforeescapingtoalabwiththehelpofadiminutivemannamedVargas.Inside,VargasinformstheswordsmanofasecretpassageintotheCount'scastle,andrevealsthebeheritwhichhestolefromtheapostlesevenyearsprior.TheyaresoonambushedbyapossessedZondark,whoruinsthelabinafierceboutwithGutsandforcesthemtofleeagain.GutseventuallypartswayswithVargas,butnotbeforetakingthebeheritintheman'spossessionforhimself.[54] GutsinbattlewiththeCount. FollowingthelatercaptureandexecutionofVargasbytheCount,Gutsvowstosucceedwherehislateaccomplicecouldnot,beforeusingthesecretpassagetoinfiltratetheCount'scastle.Stormingthepremises,Gutsfinishesoffthepseudo-apostleZondarkandfightshiswaytowardtheCount'squarters,wheretheapostleassumeshismassiveslug-likereleasedform.HeisinitiallyoverpoweredbythetransformedSlugCount,butwithPuck'sinterventionandtheswordsman'shostage-takingoftheCount'sdaughter,Theresia,Gutsisabletodealacripplingblowtotheabstractedapostlewithhiscannonarm.Fearingforhislife,theCountmanagestoactivatehisreturnedbeherit(droppedbyGutsduringtheirbattle)andsummonstheGodHand.[55] ThesightofFemtoimmediatelyenragesGuts,spurringhimtoattackhisnemesis,thoughhisassaultendsinvainafterFemtocasuallyrepelshim.AftertheCountfailstoofferhisdaughterassacrifice,heisdraggedbylostsoulsintotheAbyss,andsotooisGutsasonebranded,althoughtheswordsmanmanagestofreehimselfwithablastfromhiscannonarmasthetemporaljunctionends.ReturnedtothePhysicalWorld,GutspreventsasuicidalTheresiafromfallingtoherdeath.Hesowswithinherhatreddirectedtowardhimself,forhisbeingtheprimaryreasonforthelossofherfather,andthusthelossofallshehaseverknown;Theresiadeclaresrevengeontheswordsman,herwilltodieextinguished.Gutsnonchalantlyacceptsherdeclarationandtakeshisleave;however,uponcloserinspection,Puckobservesthatthetypically-stoicswordsmanisnoticeablyupsetbythedeclaration.[56] ConvictionArc LostChildrenChapter Onenight,inhistravelswithPuck,GutsencountersagroupofbanditsinaforestholdingagirlnamedJillcaptive.Thehostileanimationofatreeinfusedwithevilspiritscausesthecaptorstoflee,leavingGutstobattletheentityuntilsunrise.GutsandPuckareleadbyJilltohervillage,wheretheylearnofthemysterious"MistyValley",aswellastheravenousattacksandchildabductionsbyelf-likecreaturessaidtooriginatefromthere.[57]Theswordsman'sbrandbeginstobleedsoonafterastheelvesofthevalleymountanattackonJill'svillage.DuringGuts'fightwiththeelvesandtheirapostleleader,Rosine,Puckinformshimthe"elves"areinfacttheaforementionedabductedchildren.[58]AftertheabruptretreatofRosineandherelves,theresidentsblameGutsforthestateoftheirvillageandcharredcorpsesofchildreninthebarn–inactualitytherevertedremainsofMistyValleyelvesheincineratedinbattle.GutsinturnusesJillasahostagetoescapeoutsidethevillage'swalls,releasingheraftergainingasafedistanceandsettingouttoeliminateRosine.[59] GutsfatallywoundsRosine. Thenextday,havingbeenfollowedbyJill,Gutsleavesthegirlbehind,thinkinghertobeanuisance.HefailstoanticipateRosine'sabductionofJill,however,andfollowstheapostletotheentranceofMistyValley.Uponarriving,heencountersthebanditsfromearlier,whohavebeenconvertedintoRosine'spseudo-apostlesandtaskedwithprotectingthevalleyfromintruders.Afterdefeatingthe"ProtectorsoftheChildren",heventuresintoRosine'semergencegrounds,incineratingthecocoonsofdevelopingelvesandcreatingawildfirewhichslowlyengulfstheentirevalley.AnenragedRosineassumeshertrueapostleformandinitiallyoverwhelmsGutswithherimmensespeed.UsingJillasbaitinthegrowingblaze,GutsisabletoambushtheapostleandlandafatalblowonthefalseelfasshecomestoJill'said.JustashepreparestoendRosine,heisshotbyJill'sfatherZepek–whoisaccompaniedbyHolyIronChainKnights–andforcedtoflee.[60] BindingChainChapter TheHolyIronChainKnightssurroundGuts,withtheintentionofdetaininghimastheFalconofDarkness. Intime,theHolyIronChainKnightscatchuptotheBlackSwordsman,revealingthehorrorstheybelievedtobehisdoingaswellthepropheticwarrantforhisdetainmentbytheHolySee.Heavilyinjuredfromhispreviousencounter,heisabletomusteronlyenoughstrengthtowardoffmostoftheattackingknights,beforebeingoverwhelmedbytheirvicecommander,Azan.Realizinghelacksthestrengthtocombattheentireregiment,heattemptstodemoralizeanddisrupttheknightsbyeliminatingtheirinexperiencedheadcommander,Farnese,butisincapacitatedbyherattendant,Serpico,andsubsequentlydetained.[61] GutsistakentoaHolyIronChainKnightsencampment,whereFarneseattemptstoforceaconfessionfromhimthroughinterrogation,thoughheremainsunmovedandonlymocksherhollowreligiousdevotion.Laterduringthenight,Puckfreeshimfromhiscageandconstraints,allowingtheswordsmantoreacquirehisgear,takeFarnesehostage,andescapetheencampment.Naturally,heispursuedbyspiritsdrawnbyhisbrand,the"miraculous"natureofwhichheusestofurtherderideandshakeFarnese'sbeliefs.WhenFarneserunsoffandfindsherselfatthemercyofapossessed,lustfulhorse,GutsisremindedofCasca'srapeduringtheEclipse,andisthenfilledwithenoughpureragetocombatthepossessedanimalsuntilmorning.Beforedawn,Gutsisharassedbyapossessed,baredFarnesebeforethespiritcompellinghereventuallyrelinquishesitsholdatsunrise.Serpicosoonarrivesattheirlocationand,afterabriefexhibitionwithGuts,leaveswithhischarge.[62] Atalaterpoint,whilerestingatopahill,Guts'demonchildappearsbeforehim,impartingtohimavisionofCascaburningatthestakeaswellasavaguedescriptionofherpotentiallocation.[63]Indeed,uponreturningtoGodot's,hefindsCascahasgonemissing,andfromRickertlearnsofthecityofAlbion–therefugeecampMidlanderswereflockingtoinlightofarecentplague–wherehegambleshislostlovermightbe.[17] BirthCeremonyChapter GutsandCascareunitedaftertwoyearsapart. JourneyingtoAlbion,GutsiscutoffbyagroupBakirakascoutsandinretaliationswiftlyeliminatesthem,unexpectedlyearningtheadmirationofawanderingyoungthiefnamedIsidro,whofollowshimthereafter.[64]HeisinterceptedbytheSkullKnight,whowarnshimofanimpendingmock-Eclipsesettoreturn"[he]whosignifiestheFalcon"tothePhysicalWorld.[22]Uponarrivinginthecity,GutsimmediatelybeginsinvestigatingCasca'swhereabouts,andwiththeaidofPuckandIsidro,pinpointsacultistdenwhereshehasbeentaken.AmidthechaosofbattlebetweenpossessedcultistsandHolyIronChainKnights,GutsleavesCascainIsidro'scarebeforeengagingagoat-likepseudo-apostle,slaughteringthetransformedhereticandescapingthedenthroughabackexit.[65] Ashemakeshisescapeacrossacliffside,hispathisblockedbySerpico,who,havinganticipatedGuts'approach,usestheprecarioussituationtohisadvantageandmakesanattemptontheinhibitedswordsman'slife.SerpicounderestimatestheBlackSwordsman'ssheerreflexesandbrawn,asGutsgrabsandshattershisassailant'sblade,forcingtheweaponlessheraldtoflee.AfterwardrendezvousingwithIsidro,helearnstheyoungthieffailedinescortingCasca,havingallowedtheHolyIronChainKnightstocaptureherduringtheirescape.[66] HavingreturnedtoAlbion,GutsisabletoinfiltratetheTowerofConvictionandintimidateFarneseintoleadinghimtothemonastery'sundergroundtorturechamber,whereCascahadbeentaken.Withnosignofhiscompanioninthechamber,heascendsthetowerandproceedstoambushsevenpseudo-apostles:HolySeeinquisitorMozgusandhissixdisciples,theformerofwhichiscarryinganunconsciousCasca.[67]Theswordsmanmanagestodefeatfourofthepseudo-apostlesafterahard-foughtbattle;MozgusandhistworemainingdisciplesareabletoescapewithCascastillintheirkeep.[68] GutsdefeatingMozgus. Afterthetower'spartialcollapse,Gutsisdismayedtowitnessacity-scaleBrandofSacrificeenkindledacrossAlbion,aswellastheimpendingburningofCascainanongoingwitchtrialafar.[69]Makingupforhisearlierfailure,IsidroisabletorescueCascafromthestakeasGuts,divingoffthecollapsingtower,piercesaflyingMozgus.Thepseudo-apostletransformsintoabestialarmoredformonlybearingtwoweakpoints:hismouthandanexposedareanearhisuppersternum.Exploitingtheaforementionedareas,GutsiseventuallyabletofellMozgus,butnotbeforesustainingsignificantdamagehimselfinhispunishingboutwiththeinquisitor.[70] AmassivetidalwaveofAlbion'smanifestedpainandanguishsuddenlysweepsoverdrovesofpresentrefugees,takingthelivesofmyriadsinitspassage.Whilemostretreattowhatisleftofthemonastery,Guts–alongwithPuck,Isidro,Farnese,SerpicoandaknightnamedJerome–mountsadefensive,lightingtorchesforhimselfandtheotherstodeterthewavesofmaliceuntildawn.Beforelong,themonasteryiscompletelyengulfedinaswarmoftormentedsouls.Thisresultsinthecompletecollapseofthetower,aswellastherealizationofboththelivinganddead'sultimatedesire:salvation,achievedthroughthesuddenbreakingofdayandconsequenteradicationofthedarktorrent.[71] Guts'ragetowardGriffithishaltedbythethoughtofCasca. ThesurvivorsareabruptlyattackedbyanonslaughtofKushan.Notlongafter,theyaremetwiththearrivalsofZoddandtheSkullKnight,thelatterwhodirectstheirattentiontoaconcentrationoflightinthedistance.Initiallyenthralledlikeallaroundhim,thesightofareconstitutedGriffithquicklyenragesGuts,momentarilydrivinghimtoattack,beforeherealizesheisonceagainonthevergeofleavingCascabehindinpursuitofrevenge.Instead,hemountsaKushanhorsewithCascaintowandsetsoutforGodot'sabode,asZoddwhisksGriffithaway.[72] MillenniumFalconArc Reunions GutsbattlingZoddontheHillofSwords. ReturningtoGodot'shome,Gutslearnsoftheblacksmith'sdeath,andisaskedbyEricatostayatthehuttogetherwithherandCasca.Though,heinitiallyconsiderstheoffer,whenthegirltellshimofasilver-hairedvisitorconversingwithRickertontheHillofSwords,herushestothehillindiscomposure.Atopthehill,hemeetsGriffith,whoconfesseshiscompleteapathytowardsacrificingtheBandoftheFalconwhilestandingongroundservingastributetothesacrificedbandmembers.[73]ThisrevelationincensesGuts,spurringtheBlackSwordsmantolungefortheWhiteFalcon.ThestrikeofhisDragonSlayerisblockedbyaninterveningZoddandafiercebattlebetweenhimandtheapostlebegins. AsGodot'smineisdestroyedbyZodd,Cascarunsintothefray,almostcrushedbytheensuingwreckageifnotforGriffithsavingher.Griffith'sseeminglyinvoluntaryprotectionofCascagiveshimpause,compellinghimtotakeoffwithZodd,butnotbeforeleavingGutswitharesoundingdeclaration:"Youshouldhaveknown.ThisisthemanIam.You,ofallpeople."[74]FollowingGriffith'sdeparture,GutsexplainstoRickertthereasonforhisrancortowardtheirformerleader,revealingthedetailsoftheEclipse.WhenRickertaskstoaccompanyhimonhisjourney,theswordsmanrefuses,statingRickertcouldnevertrulyhateGriffith.WiththedestructionofGodot'smine,andthereforealackofsecureshelterforCasca,Gutssetsoffinthewinterwithanewdestination:Puck'shomelandofElfhelm,wherePuckstatesCascawouldbesafetostay. GutsforcinghimselfuponCasca. InhisjourneytoElfhelmwithPuckandCasca,GutsalonewardsofftheinnumerableevilbeingsattractedtohisandCasca'sbrands.Onenight,aftermomentarilyfallingvictimtopossessionbysuchspiritsandstranglingCasca,theirrelationshipcompletelyfragments;thereafter,Cascabearsonlyanimositytowardandfearofhim.[14]Whenshebeginstolingeraway,hebindsherhandsandbeginspullingheralongbyrope,thoughsheonedaymanagestoescapeandwandersoffintoagroupoflustfulthieves.WhenGutsfindsher,hearrivestothesightoftheslaughteredthievesandanaked,blood-coveredCasca,whoattemptstostrikehimdowninanger.RestrainingCasca,heforceshimselfuponherinamomentofsubjugationtohisinnerdarkness,beforecomingtohissenses,damagingtheirrelationshipevenfurther.[75] Lateratacampfire,PuckreturnstoGuts,bringingwithhimIsidro,FarneseandSerpico.Farneseaskstoaccompanytheswordsmaninhistravels,revealingherrecentsecularizationandnewfoundsearchfortruth.Uncharacteristically,Gutswelcomestheirfellowship,shakenbyhisearlierdisplaysofmaliceandfearfulofwhathemightdotoCascaifleftunchecked.[13] MansionoftheSpiritTree ThegrouparrivesattheMansionoftheSpiritTree. Inthemidstoftheirjourney,whileventuringthroughaforestinthedirectionofVritannis,thegroupstumblesuponaninjuredEnochvillagernamedMorgan–who,inlightofrecenttrollattacksonhisvillage,waslookingtosolicittheaidofawitchsaidtoresideinamansiondeepwithintheforest.[76]TheyagreetoescortMorganbacktoEnoch,duringwhichtheythemselvesstumbleuponthemansionMorganspokeof,having,bywayofGuts'andCasca'sbrands,breachedahiddenIntersticebarrierinwhichitwaslocated.Afterabriefskirmishwithgolemsguardingthegrounds,theyarewelcomedbyayoungwitchnamedSchierke,whoescortsthemtotheMansionoftheSpiritTree'smistress,Flora.Havinganticipatedtheirarrival,FloraofferstocreatetalismanscapableofsuppressingtheeffectofGuts'andCasca'sbrandsinexchangeforthepartyassistingSchierkeinresolvingEnoch'strollthreat.[77] ThegroupisabletoprotectEnochfromatrollinvasion,duesignificantlyinparttoSchierkeconveningwiththe"LadyoftheDepths"riverspiritandwashingtheinvadersoutthevillage.Whentheyoungwitchtemporarilybecomesmesmerizedbyherastralmergencewiththespirit,FarneseandCascaarelosttothewavesuponfallingintothecurrent;Schierkecomestohersensestoolatetoendthefloodingintime.Withtheclearingofthevillageandendtotheexpungingflood,Guts,IsidroandSchierkesetouttolocateFarneseandCasca,leadingthemtothetrolls'den:theAstralWorld'sregionofdarkness,Qliphoth.[78] Qliphoth GutsrunstheDragonSlayerthroughSlan. DeepwithinthedepthsofQliphoth,GutsandcompanyareabletofindandlocateFarneseandCascaastheyareswarmedbytrolls,aswellfreenumerousEnochwomenandchildrenbeingheldagainsttheirwill.Optingtostaybehindtocombatthetrollhordetobuyhisretinuetimetoescape,Guts,forthefirsttimeinawhile,islefttohisowndevices,unmitigatedbytheneedtoprotectothers.Amidhisreleaseofferocityonthetrolls,fromtheintestinesofthosehehasslainmaterializesSlan,amemberoftheGodHand.Helungestoattackher,butisonlyblockedandrestrainedbytheangel,who,delightedtomeethimagain,envelopstheswordsmaninsideherselfbeforeopeningagapingslashonhischest–allinanattempttocoercehisuseofthebeheritinhispossession.[79]WiththetimelyarrivalandinterventionoftheSkullKnight,Gutsisableto,withhismalice-temperedDragonSlayer(fromthemaliceoftheinnumerableastralbeingsslayedwithit),runthroughanddissolveSlan'sassumedform.[80] Slan'sabruptdisappearancehasadverseeffectsonQliphoth,resultinginitsinstabilityandgradualcollapse.TheSkullKnightunveilshisSwordofBeheritsandwithitsendsthemultiplyingswarmofarisentrollsandogresintotheAbyss,thereafterreturningGutstoSchierkeandIsidro.WiththesubsequentshuttingofQliphothandhisreunionwiththeothers,Gutsrealizesafteralongintervaloftimedevoidofcamaraderie,heonceagainhaspeoplehecancallcomrades.[18] DonningtheBerserkerArmor WhilereturningtoFlora'smansiontoreporttheirsuccesses,Gutsmomentarilycollapsestotheground,havingacquiredanastralwoundonhischestfromthelacerationSlandealthimearlier.NosoonerafterSchierkerevealsasuddenbreachofthemansion'sbarrier,Guts'brandbeginstobleedprofusely;reachingthemansiongrounds,thegroupwitnessestheblazingspirittreeaswellasamultitudeofinvadingapostlesonthepremises.GutsisaidedyetagainbytheSkullKnight,whoassistshimagainsttheapostlesprimarilyinsupportofFlora.ThetwoareeventuallymetbyZoddandhisfellowapostleGrunbeld,thelatterwhoproclaimstobe,alongwiththeotherinvading"wardemons",awarrioroftheBandoftheFalcon–arevelationwhichshocksGuts.[81] SpurredbytheviolentodoftheBerserkerArmor,Gutssubmitstohisinnerdarkness. InitiallygleefulduetohavingfoundapresumablyworthyopponentintheBlackSwordsman,GrunbeldbecomesdissatisfiedbyGuts'weakenedshowingofstrengthanddecidestoeliminatehim.WithSchierke'said,Gutsisabletonarrowlywithdrawintothetreasurechamberbeneaththespirittree,wherehiscompanionscladhisinjuredbodyintheBerserkerArmor.[82]Withthesedationofhispainandoverwhelmingcapabilitybestowedbythearmor,theresurgentBerserkerisabletodecisivelyoutclassGrunbeldinbattle,evenagainsttheapostle'sreleasedform.Asthefightcontinues,hebeginslosinggraspofhisego,becomingenthralledbytheimmenseodoftheBerserkerArmorcoupledwithhisinnerdarkness.OnlyafterSchierkedivesintohissubconsciousmind–whereinsheremindstheturbulentswordsmanofwhoheis–doesGutsregainholdofhisego.Flora,inanewexistentialform,thenreturnstoobstructGrunbeld,pavingthewayforthegroup'sescape.[83] RoaroftheSea GutsandCascawiththemysteriousboy. Afternearlyamonth,havingslowlyrecoveredfrominjuriessustainedinhispreviousbattles,GutsandhiscompanionssetupresidenceinaseasidecabinontheirwaytoVritannis.Onenight,theSkullKnightappearsbeforetheswordsmanonthemoonlitshore,warningoftheinfluenceandtolltakenonusersoftheBerserkerArmor,aswellasinforminghimofElfhelm'sruler,theFlowerStormMonarch,whopotentiallypossessesthepowertorepairCasca'smind.[3]AftertheSkullKnightvanishes,thegroupismetbyamysteriousboy,whoappearsseeminglyfromnowhereanddisplaysaparticularinterestinGutsandCasca.[84] Whilesleeping,theycomeunderattackbycrocodilefamiliarsbeingmanipulatedremotelybysorcerersafar.SerpicoisabletofindandeliminatethehiddenKushanspellcasters,butfollowingthissuccess,thegroupisattackedbyagiantmakara.Gutsengagesthebeast,onlytobeoverpoweredtothepointofonceagainsurrenderingtotheBerserkerArmor.Withthepowerofthearmor,theBerserkerisabletoswiftlydefeatthebeast.Havingdispatchedallofhisinitialtargets,theturbulentswordsmanturnshisgazetowardhiscompanions.Beforehecanattack,achildlikeluminousbodyappearsinhissubconsciousmind,remindinghimtheyarenothisenemiesandmakingwayforSchierketoagainfreeGutsfromthearmor'sinfluence.[85] Vritannis FinallyarrivinginVritannis,thegroupbeginslookingforashiptosailtoSkellig,buttonoavail,asmostofthecity'sshipshavebeencommandeeredintheHolySee'swareffortagainsttheKushan.Wantingtobeofusetohercompanions,FarnesesetsouttoreunitewithherVandimionfamilyinthecity,whoinreturnoffertoprovideforalloftheparty'ssailingexpendituresasrewardforFarnese'ssafereturn.[86]SendingPuckandIvaleratoperformreconnaissanceontheVandimions'residence,andlearningofagentleman'scourtingofFarnese,Gutsconcludesthatsheisintendedtobeengaged,ascollateralforgettingthemaship.CuriousofFarnese'struedesire,andnotwantingtoloseCasca'sprimarycaretaker,Gutsendeavorstoattendawartimeballtomeetwithher. GutsonceagainduelsSerpico,inaVritanniancolonnadechamber. Intheirattempttogainentrytotheball,thegroupismetwithdifficultyduetotheheavysecurityonthepremises.SchierkeisintimecontactedbySerpicoviathoughttransference,whowaitsforthemattherearentranceoftheball.Whentheyarrivetoacolonnadechamberattherear,Serpico,ratherthanhelpingthemgainentry,brandisheshisswordandengagesGutsinaduel–leeryofGuts'inabilitytocontrolhimselfasaBerserkerandbelievingFarnesetobesaferawayfromtheswordsman.Usingthepillar-strewnchambertocapitalizeonGuts'impededmovement,SerpicoisinitiallyabletoholdhisownagainstGuts.TheswordsmaneventuallydestroysallbutoneofthepillarswithintheirimmediateradiusbeforesubduingSerpicowiththefallingdebrisoftheremainingpillarinrange,thusmostlyassuagingtheattendant'sfearbynotresortingtousingtheBerserkerArmor.[87] GutsandtheothersentertheballastigerfamiliarsbeginmaulingVritanniannoblesandHolySeeofficials.AtFarneseandSchierke'sbehest,theswordsmanreluctantlystaystohelpslaythebeastsandavertfurthercasualties.HethenasksFarneseifshetrulydesirestoreturntothearistocracy,towhichFarnesejokinglystatesshemerelymissedandwantedtobrieflyrevisitherformerlife.Soonafter,themistcloudofanapostleappearsbeforethepartygoers,introducingitselfasEmperorGanishkaofKushan,andmakingaformaldeclarationofwaragainsttheHolySeeAlliance.[88]RealizingstrifewillsoonbefallVritannis,andhavingmadeanewallyinashipcaptainnamedRoderick(and,inadvertently,inFarnese'sbrother,Magnifico),GutsandcompanyleavetheballfortheporttosetsailaboardRoderick'swarship. Inanuneasyalliance,GutsandZoddareabletodefeatEmperorGanishka. Totheirdismay,thegroupwitnessesahordeoftheKushan'spishachaarmyuponreachingtheport.ThroughSchierke'ssummoningofa"godofwoe"firespirit,[89]Guts'controlleduseoftheBerserkerArmor(withassistancefromSchierke'sluminousself),andSerpico'sslyphinassistance,theyareabletoeliminatethepishachahorde,aswellasdefeattheKushanleadercontrollingthebeasts,ParamarishaSen'an'iDaiba.[90]EnragedbyDaiba'sfailure,Ganishkamaterializesandstrikeshissubordinate,aswellasGuts,withlightning.AfterGutsisbeckonedtojointheapostle'scause–havingimpressedtheemperorwithhisexceptionalmightandresilience–anddefiantlyrejectstheinvitation,theapostlesofGriffith'srebornBandoftheFalconenterthefrayjustastheemperorreadiestodealafinalblowtotheswordsman.HeadedprimarilybyZodd,thebandmembersunleashanairborneattackonGanishka,buttolittleeffect,withtheemperorsubsequentlystrikingthemalldownfromthesky.AstruckZoddissentbeeliningintoaraftedGuts,withtheswordsmanthereuponresurfacingontheflyingapostle'sback.AtopZodd,heformsanuneasyalliancewiththeapostleandisabletopiercethroughGanishka'setherealbodywiththeDragonSlayer,forcingtheemperor'smistformtodissipate.[91] FollowingGanishka'sdefeat,theexhaustedswordsmannearlyprovokesZoddintofurtherconfrontationbyinquiringofGriffith'swhereabouts–thereforesuggestinghisanimositytowardtheapostle'snewleader–beforeclarifyinghisdisinterestintheiraffairs.Zodd,havingdecidedtosettletheirscoreatalatertime,leaveswiththeotherapostlebandmembers,asGutsandhispartyboardRoderick'sSeahorseandsetsailforElfhelm. FantasiaArc SailingtheWesternSea HavingagainlosthisegototheBerserkerArmor,Gutsispacifiedbyachildlikeluminousbody. AboardtheSeahorseontheWesternSea,GutsandhiscrewmembersbearwitnesstothesuddentransfigurationoftheworldandbirthofFantasia,whichbringsaboutthemergingofthephysicalandastralrealmsintooneglobalInterstice.[92]FollowingthebirthofFantasia,thecrewontwooccasionscomesunderattackfromBonebeardandhiscrew,theirsecondencounterinwhichtheSeahorseacquiresextensivedamagefromthenewlyundeadBonebeardPiratesandtheir"ghostship".Thecrewdocksataremoteislandforrepairs,thoughtheysooncometorealizeallbutoneoftheisland'sinhabitants,likeBonebeardandhiscrew,areinfacttransformedhumantentaclesoftheSeaGod.WhenGutsdoesbattlewithseaslugextensionsoftheSeaGod,Bonebeard'sghostshiparrivesandunleashesitsownseaharetentaclesontheswordsman.Pushedtohisbreakingpointduringthestruggle,GutsresortstousingtheBerserkerArmorandannihilatesthetentacleswarm,hisragethereafteronceagainabatedbythechildlikeluminousbodyfrombefore.[93] AfterfellingtheSeaGod,Gutsisbroughttosurfacebymerrows. GutsrealizessettingsailagainwithoutslayingtheSeaGodwillonlybringaboutfurthercomplicationsatsea,andsosetsouttodoasmuchhimself,withSchierke'sluminousselfsafeguardinghismindfromtheBerserkerArmor'sinfluence.ReachingtheSeaGod'sdenbeneaththeisland,GutsleapsovertheSeaGod'stentaclesandslidesdownintoitsstomach.Fromthere,heslicesanopeningintotheSeaGod'supperstomachliningandiscarriedupwardtowardthecreature'sheartbyitsescapingintestinalgas.ThegrowingintensityoftheSeaGod'sthunderousheartbeat,coupledwiththeadverseeffectsoftheBerserkerArmorandswarmofmonsterssafeguardingthecreature'sheart,weighheavilyonGuts,eventuallyrenderinghisfivesensesnear-null.AsGutslaysimmobilized,thesongofattackingmerrowsoutsidenegatestheintensityoftheSeaGod'sheartbeat.WithurgingandguidancefromSchierke'sluminousself,GutsmustersthestrengthtocleavehisDragonSlayerintotheSeaGod'sheart,fellingthedeity.[7]AgushoftheSeaGod'sbleedingheartengulfshimafterward,separatingtheswordsmanfromSchierke'sluminousself.InthedarknessofthedyingSeaGod'sbody,asGutsbeginsacceptinghisimpendingdemise,thechildlikeluminousbodycomestohisaidyetagainandguideshimtowardtheinnerliningoftheSeaGod'sheartchamber,allowingtheswordsmantopierceopenapunctureformerrowstoenterandcarryhimtothesurface.FortheireffortsindefeatingtheSeaGod,themerrowsoffertoescorttheSeahorsecrewtoSkellig.[94] Elfhelm GutsandcompanyfinallyreachElfhelm. FinallyreachingtheislandofSkellig,Gutsandhisgroupencounterseveraldefensemechanismsintendedtowardofftrespassers,fromod-distortingstonestoananimatedwickerman.Overcomingtheseobstacles,theyarepromptlymetbySkelligsorcerers,includingarchmageGedfring,whoescortsthemtohismanorinElfhelm.EagertorestoreCasca'smind,GutsimmediatelyrequeststomeettheFlowerStormMonarch,thoughGedfringadvisestheswordsmanandhiscompanionstofirstrestandunwindfromtheirlongjourney.Thenextday,theyareguidedthroughElfhelmbyGedfringandthearchmages'attendant,Danan,totheFlowerStormMonarch'sspirittreepalace,whereDanantransformsintoandrevealsherselftobethesovereignofElfhelm.[95] DananinformsGutsshecanlikelymendCasca'sregressedmindbyusingthe"CorridorofDreams";however,sherequestsonlySchierkeandFarnese'sassistanceindoingso,voicingthatCasca'sfearofGutswouldonlyimpedetheprocess.Tothatend,GutsleavesCascainthecareoftheyoungsorceresseswhileheandtherestofthepartywaitouttheceremony.[96]Aftertheceremonyiscomplete,andCascaissuccessfullyrestoredtoherformerself,Gutsreturnstoseehisreawakenedcompanion.ThemeresightoftheswordsmantriggersCasca'smemoriesoftheEclipse,causinghertoscreaminhorror.[97] Abilities MasterSwordsman/Tactician GutsisamasterswordsmancapableofcontendingwiththelegendaryswordsmanNosferatuZoddonequalfooting. Eversincehewassixyearsofage,[23]Gutshaswieldedoversizedswords,culminatinginhisincrediblestrengthandmasterswordsmanship.DespitehisHerculeanstature,Gutsisnotablydexterousandagileintheheatofbattle,capableofdodgingandcounteringeventhemostrapidstrikes.Heisacombatpragmatistandversatileimproviser,capitalizingonanyopportunityavailabletosurmountopposition;onseveraloccasions,hehasusedchildrentobaitanddistractenemieswhenoverwhelmed.[98][99][100]Evencombatantsknownfortheirkeencombatintellect,suchasSilat[5]andSerpico,[87]havefallenpreytoGuts'adaptivecapacityandcombativewit. Peak-HumanConditioning Gutshasbeenastrugglerofthebattlefieldsincetherawageofnine,[23]andassuch,hashadnearlytwodecadestorefinehimselfintotheformidablewarriorheis.DuringhisdaysasamercenaryintheHundred-YearWar,hebecamefamedforsingle-handedlyslaying100Tudorsoldiers,[6]andevengarneredtherespectofthelegendaryswordsmanNosferatuZoddforbeingthefirsthumaninthreecenturiestowoundtheapostle.[29]FollowingtheEclipse,hisstrengthandreflexesimprovedrasticallyevenstill,honedtotheirpeakinhisconstantstruggleagainstotherworldlycreaturesasonebranded.Guts'combatprowessbecomessogreatastorivalthenormalformsofthemostformidableapostles,allowinghimtocontendwiththemonequalfooting.[101]OntheHillofSwords,GutsdemonstratestheabilitytocontendwithZodd'sreleasedform,withthematchendinginadrawafterGriffithordersZodd'sretreat.[102] Superhumanconditioning:DonningtheBerserkerArmor,Gutsisabletoignorethephysiologicalsafetymechanismsofhisownbody,andisthencapableofsuperhumanfeatsofstrength,speed,andagilityenablinghimtodecisivelyoverwhelmpowerfulapostlesevenintheirreleasedforms.[103] IndomitableWill Guts'remarkablepaintoleranceisdueinparttohisforceofwill. Gutspossessesanindomitablewillwhichenableshimtopersevereinthefaceofseeminglyinsurmountableobstacles.Hisforceofwillissogreatthathehasunconcernedlymutilatedhisownbodyinpursuitofhisgoals,[51]andlethimselfbeinjuredinordertocreateopeningsandexecutecounterattacksonopponents.[104]Itisspecificallyhispersonaldeterminationthatpusheshimforwardinthefaceofoppositionasonebranded,andfactorsgreatlyintohisretentionofhishumanity. DeathDefiance Gutshaseludeddeathmanytimesinhislife,largelyduetohisrelentlessness,thoughmanyinstanceshavebeenmerecoincidence. Heisstillalive.Hecontestedwithfate...survivedit.–FloraregardingGuts[105] Thoughmuchofhissurvivalispredicatedonhissheerdeterminationandwillpower,Guts'lifehasbeenlitteredwithinstanceswherehissurvivalwaslargelycoincidental.Foranunspecifiedamountoftime,heislefttodiebeneaththecorpseofhishangingmother,yethestillreleasesahealthycryuponrandomlybeingdiscoveredbyGambinoandhismercenariesatalaterpoint.[23]TheSkullKnightnotesthatGuts"began[his]lifefromdeath",andassuchpossessesaflairforescapingit.[2]Suchinstancesinclude,butarenotlimitedto: DuringoneofGambino'smercenaryoperations,Gutsistheonlysurvivorofadecoycharge,wherehisfellowmercenariesareallkilledbyavolleyofarrows.[94] AfterbeingshotoffacliffbyGambino'smercenaries,hesurvivesthehighfall,fendsoffanattackfromapackofwolvesandisbychancetakeninbyanothermercenaryband.[25] Duringhishostagetakingofanoble'sson,hereachesoutforChitch'sunclaspedflower,resultinginthearcherbehindhimmissingashotaimedatthemercenary'sbackandinsteadhittingthenoble'sson.[26] InhisduelwithBazuso,hissurvivalisheavilydependentonBazuso'saxcrackingbeforeitcancleavehishead.[25] DuringanunspecifiedtimebetweenhisenlistmentintotheBandoftheFalconandreappearanceastheband'sraiderscaptainthreeyearslater,hewasinvolvedinabattlewherehewasthesolesurvivoramongstamyriadoffallensoldiers,leadingGriffithtomarvelathis"luckofthedevil".[56] DespiteZodd'spredictionofGuts'demiseduringtheEclipse,[30]thestrugglerstillcontendsagainstthehordesofapostles–evenafternearlyallofhiscomradesareslaughtered–andultimatelysurvivesthesacrificialceremony.[4] BrandofSacrifice Mainarticle:BrandofSacrifice ThebrandGutsreceivesduringthefifthEclipsesetshimapartfromthoseresidingsolelyinthePhysicalWorld;asaresidentoftheInterstice,Gutsexists"outsidethereasonofthe[PhysicalWorld]",givinghima"half-step"overmostothersinthecurrentofcausality.[22] Weaknesses BeastofDarkness Mainarticle:BeastofDarkness ThepersonificationofGuts'innerdarknessisconstantlyseekingtoovertaketheswordsman. BrandofSacrifice Mainarticle:BrandofSacrifice Guts'brandattractsallmannerofevilentitieswhomhemustfendoffincessantlyifnointerveningmethodisemployed.Additionally,whennearanimmenselypowerfuldemon,suchasamemberoftheGodHand,Guts'brandbleedsprofuselyandcaninduceanigh-cripplingamountofpaininhim.[106]Manyofthebrand'sprimaryeffectscanbesubduedviatheapplicationofamagicaltalismantothespotofthebrand;[107]however,thepresenceofamemberoftheGodHandissufficienttobreakdownsuchatalismanentirely.[79] BerserkerArmor Mainarticle:BerserkerArmor Thedrawbacksofthearmorareatleastasnumerousasitsadvantages.Theprimarydownsidetothearmorisamaliciousmagicalodthatgivesthearmoritspower.CombinedwithGuts'owninnerturmoil,ifusedinaseriousbattle,theodwilloverwhelmGuts'psyche,turninghimintoaferalmonsterwithnoabilitytodistinguishfriendfromfoe.TheonlycurrentlydemonstratedwaytobringhimoutofthisstateiswithapowerfulmagicalprojectionintohismindsuchasSchierke'sluminousbodyortheMoonlightBoy'sinterference,whichcansuppressthearmor'sodandallowGutstotakeconsciouscontrolofhimself.However,evenwhenundercontrol,Gutsisatconstantriskoflosingbodilyfunctionsandevenhislifeduetothearmor'ssuppressionofhisabilitytofeelpain.[83]Additionally,whenadebilitatinginjurysuchasabrokenboneissustained,thearmorextendsmetalspikesdeepintothewearer'sflesh,forciblyreconstructingtheimpairmentwhilecausingsignificantbloodlossindoingso.[103]FromusingtheBerserkerArmor,Gutshasdevelopedaprogressiveandnoticeablevisualimpairment.[8] Equipment DragonSlayer Mainarticle:DragonSlayer Havingbeenmadewiththe"ultimatesteel",[17]Gutsusesthisenormousswordtocleavethroughhumansanddemonkindwithease.InconjunctionwiththeBerserkerArmor,thecuttingpoweroftheDragonSlayerincreasessignificantly.DuringtheBerserker'sboutwithGrunbeld,Gutsisabletoshattertheknight'scannonfire-deflectingshield[103]andthecorundumskinoftheapostle'sreleasedform.[108]Italsohasdefensiveuses,broadenoughtoactasashieldfromarrowsandbolts,andcapableofdivertinglightningintothegroundasalightningrod.Gutsalsousesittomitigateblowsbyholdingtheswordlevelwithhisbodyandlettingitabsorbthebruntofimpact. Astralproperties:TheDragonSlayerhasbeentemperedbythemaliceoftheinnumerableinhumansslaininGuts'journey,[80]andiscapableofdealingextensivedamagetoastralandphysicalbeingsalike. BerserkerArmor Mainarticle:BerserkerArmor GiventohimbyFlora,[109]theBerserkerArmoractsastheBlackSwordsman'slastresortagainstoverwhelminglypowerfulenemies.Thearmor'sprimaryfunctionistoallowGutstooverridethephysiologicalmechanismsthatpreventthehumanbodyfromusingenoughforcetodamageitself.Functionally,thisenhanceshisalreadyprodigiousphysicalcapabilitiestoanunarguablysuperhumanlevel.Whileutilizingthearmor,Gutsbecomescapableofannihilatingswarmsofmammothmonstersandevendecisivelydefeatingapostlesintheirreleasedforms. CannonArm Guts'cannonarmhassavedhimanumberoftimesinhisjourney. Mainarticle:CannonArm ThecannoninGuts'mechanicalarmisoneofRickert'sinventions,giventohimforhishuntondemonkind.[110]Ithasbeenofinvaluableusetotheswordsman,havingsavedhimfromperilmanytimesinhisjourney.Thecannonhasahighlyeffectiveblastradius,capableoftearingintoeventhemostsizableofmonstersandapostles.Whenunabletousehisrightarm,Gutsinsteaduseshisteethtopullthecannon'signitioncord,oftenfoolingenemiesintobelievinghehasbeenoutdonebeforeblastingintothem.Hehasalsousedthevelocityproducedbythecannon'srecoiltoblastintoonetargetandperformareversingslashintoanotherwiththeDragonSlayer,effectivelyeliminatingtwoenemiesinasinglemotion.[111][68] RepeaterCrossbow ThisisanotherweaponGutsreceivesbeforesettingoutonhiswaragainstdemonkind.Heusesthecrossbowbyattachingittohismechanicalarmandfillingitsmagazinefullofbolts,releasingavolleyofboltsuponturningitscrank.TherepeatercrossbowiswieldedextensivelyupuntilGuts'acquisitionoftheBerserkerArmor,atwhichpointitsuseisseeminglydeferred.However,hedoesstillmakeuseofitagainsthumanorhumanoidfoesonoccasion.[112] ThrowingKnives Mainarticle:ThrowingKnife HavingbeentaughtthebasicsofknifethrowingbyJudeau,[110]Gutshasacquiredremarkableaccuracyandprecisionwiththemovertheyears.Theireffectivenessisdependentuponvitalpointsbeinghit,beingofminimaleffectagainstlargerfoes;againstsmallertargets,theyarequitelethal.Moreoftenthannottheknivesareusedtotargettheeyesofhislargertargets. MiniatureBombs Mainarticle:MiniatureBomb ThesearealateradditiontoGuts'arsenal.Thesesmall,mine-shapedbombsareremarkablypowerfulfortheirsize,butwithinaverycontainedradius,usuallyonlykillingtargetsifvitalareasarehit.Assuch,theyaretypicallyusedonlytoslowdownordistractlargerenemies.GutshasgivenanumberofthesebombstoIsidro.[113] CreationandConception Guts'prototypedesign. InBerserk:ThePrototype,Gutsoriginallyworeaneyepatchoverhisrighteyeandborenoticeablylongersideburns.Personality-wise,theprototypeGutswasmorebrash,cockyandwhimsicalinnature.Additionally,thecrossbowheutilizeddidn'tattachtohisprostheticarmandhisDragonSlayeralsopossessedaslightlydifferentdesign. GutspossessedlonghairandakatanainplaceofhisDragonSlayerinoneofhisearliestdesigns.AccordingtoMiura,ittookhimawhiletoconceiveGutsastheswordsmanappearstoday,butuponcomingupwiththecharacter'scurrentoverallaesthetic,heknewhehadhitthenailonthehead.[114] Portrayal Adult JapaneseVoiceActor(s) NobutoshiCanna:Berserk(1997Anime)/SwordoftheBerserk:Guts'Rage/Berserk:MillenniumFalconHenSeimaSenkinoShō HiroakiIwanaga:Berserk:TheGoldenAgeArc/Berserk(2016Anime)/BerserkMusou EnglishVoiceActor(s) MichaelBell:SwordoftheBerserk:Guts'Rage MarcDiraison:Berserk(1997Anime)/Berserk:TheGoldenAgeArc KaijiTang:Berserk(2016Anime) Child JapaneseVoiceActor(s) OrineFukushima:Berserk(1997Anime)(ep2) TomokoMiura:Berserk(1997Anime) JunInoue:Berserk:TheGoldenAgeArc EnglishVoiceActor(s) MariaDente:Berserk(1997Anime) ColinDePaula:Berserk:TheGoldenAgeArc Notes TheBerserkOfficialGuidebookstatesthatcircatheFantasiaArc,Gutsis24yearsold,204cm,and115kg.(NOTE:TheBerserkOfficialGuidebookishighlyquestionableinitsveracity.) ThefirstEnglishvoiceactorofGutsisn'tMarcDiraisonbutit'sactuallyMichaelBellfromthevideogame"SwordoftheBerserk:Guts'Rage",despitethefactthefirstBerserkanimeadaptationcameoutin1997,theEnglishdubcameoutin2002whileSwordoftheBerserk:Guts'RagecameoutinJapanin1999theninNorthAmericain2000. Gutsreactedbadlytotouchformuchofhisteenageyears.[23]Duringthistime,onlyCascaandGriffith'stouchescapedhisimmediateire.[28][41] Gutsbearsnoreverenceorrespectfora"God".Onthecontrary,hewouldlikenothingmorethanfortheentityto"leave[him]thehellalone".[70] GutsstillcarriestheCount'sbeherit.Ithasnotbeenconfirmedtobehis,however;bothFlora[105]andGedfring[95]havesuggestedthathemaymerelybeitsmeansofarrivingtoitspredestinedowner. GutshasprovensuccessfulingamblingandwonagainstseveralopponentstentimesinarowatChō-HanBakuchiduringhistimeintheBandoftheFalcon.[115] ThoughFemtoclaimsGuts'existenceisbeneaththeGodHand'snotice,Slanisparticularlyinterestedintheswordsman,[79]andhasexpressedwantinghimtobecomeamemberoftheirrank.[106] References ^abcBerserk,Volume1,"BlackSwordsman" ^abcBerserk,Volume9,"SkullKnight" ^abBerserk,Volume28,"ProclaimedOmen" ^abcdBerserk,Volume13,"Escape" ^abcBerserk,Volume9,"Fighter" ^abcBerserk,Volume7,"ReturningAlive" ^abBerserk,Volume37,"Siren" ^abBerserk,Volume33,"BubblesofFutility" ^abcBerserk,Volume8,"SnowyEvening..." ^abBerserk,Volume8,"MorningofDeparture(3)" ^abBerserk,Volume12,"Separation" ^Berserk,Volume17,"FeebleFlame" ^abBerserk,Volume23,"ReunionintheWilderness" ^abBerserk,Volume23,"WinterJourney(2)" ^Berserk,Volume9,"ComradesinArms" ^Berserk,Volume33,"HowlfromtheDarkness" ^abcBerserk,Volume17,"TotheHolyGround(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume26,"Companions" ^Berserk,Volume38,"Landing" ^Berserk,Volume39,"CorridorofDreams" ^abBerserk,Volume13,"VowofRetaliation" ^abcBerserk,Volume18,"SpiritRoad(2)" ^abcdeBerserk,Volume3,"GoldenAge(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume4,"GoldenAge(2)" ^abcdBerserk,Volume4,"GoldenAge(3)" ^abBerserk,Volume37,"SpringFlowerofDaysLongPassed(3)" ^Berserk,Volume4,"GoldenAge(4)" ^abBerserk,Volume4,"GoldenAge(6)" ^abBerserk,Volume5,"NosferatuZodd(2)" ^abBerserk,Volume5,"NosferatuZodd(4)" ^Berserk,Volume6,"Assassin(3)" ^Berserk,Volume6,"PreciousThing" ^Berserk,Volume6,"Casca(1)" ^Berserk,Volume7,"Casca(3)" ^Berserk,Volume7,"BonfireofDreams" ^Berserk,Volume7,"BattletoCaptureDoldrey(2)" ^Berserk,Volume8,"BattletoCaptureDoldrey(5)" ^Berserk,Volume8,"BattletoCaptureDoldrey(6)" ^Berserk,Volume8,"MomentofGlory" ^Berserk,Volume8,"TombstoneofFlames(2)" ^abcBerserk,Volume10,"SparksfromaSwordTip" ^Berserk,Volume9,"Tournament" ^Berserk,Volume9,"Confession" ^Berserk,Volume10,"InfiltrationofWyndham(2)" ^Berserk,Volume10,"ReunionintheAbyss" ^Berserk,Volume10,"FloweroftheRoyalPalaceofStone" ^Berserk,Volume11,"ImmortalOne,Again" ^Berserk,Volume12,"WarriorsofTwilight" ^Berserk,Volume12,"Eclipse" ^Berserk,Volume12,"AlltheInhumanMonsters" ^abBerserk,Volume13,"Birth" ^Berserk,Volume14,"DemonChild" ^Berserk,Volume14,"OneWhoHuntsDragons" ^Berserk,Volume2,"GuardianAngelsofDesire(2)" ^Berserk,Volume3,"GuardianAngelsofDesire(4)" ^abBerserk,Volume3,"GuardianAngelsofDesire(6)" ^Berserk,Volume14,"ByFlight" ^Berserk,Volume15,"Queen" ^Berserk,Volume15,"Will-o'-the-Wisp" ^Berserk,Volume16,"RoadHome" ^Berserk,Volume16,"HolyIronChainKnights(2)" ^Berserk,Volume17,"MorningofTruth" ^Berserk,Volume17,"Revelation(3)" ^Berserk,Volume18,"KushanScouts(2)" ^Berserk,Volume19,"Ambush" ^Berserk,Volume19,"Cliff" ^Berserk,Volume20,"ThoseDancingattheTop,ThoseCrawlingattheBottom" ^abBerserk,Volume20,"Martyrdom" ^Berserk,Volume20,"ShadowofIdea(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume21,"OneWhoClings,OneWhoStruggles" ^Berserk,Volume21,"Dawn" ^Berserk,Volume21,"DeterminationandDeparture" ^Berserk,Volume22,"ReunionontheHillofSwords" ^Berserk,Volume22,"ProloguetotheWarChronicle" ^Berserk,Volume23,"FangsofEgo" ^Berserk,Volume24,"MansionoftheSpiritTree(1)" ^Berserk,Volume24,"AstralWorld" ^Berserk,Volume25,"Qliphoth" ^abcBerserk,Volume26,"VicinityofHell" ^abBerserk,Volume26,"WhorePrincessoftheUterineSea" ^Berserk,Volume26,"Flames(1)" ^Berserk,Volume26,"BerserkerArmor(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume26,"BerserkerArmor(2)" ^Berserk,Volume28,"BoyintheMoonlight" ^Berserk,Volume28,"Superhuman(Jñānin)" ^Berserk,Volume29,"WhiteLilyintheField" ^abBerserk,Volume30,"SuzerainoftheReligiousDomain" ^Berserk,Volume30,"RustyBirdcage" ^Berserk,Volume31,"BlazeRod" ^Berserk,Volume31,"BurstingFlame" ^Berserk,Volume32,"HumanBullet" ^Berserk,Volume34,"Creation" ^Berserk,Volume36,"FullMoon(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume37,"SpringFlowerofDaysLongPassed(1)" ^abBerserk,Volume39,"GreatGurus" ^Berserk,Volume39,"FlowerStormMonarch" ^Berserk,Volume40,"BeneathSun-DappledTrees" ^Berserk,Volume5,"SwordMaster(1)" ^Berserk,Volume14,"EvilInsect" ^Berserk,Volume16,"BetweenManandDemon" ^Berserk,Volume22,"BeastSwordsmanvsBlackSwordsman" ^Berserk,Volume22,"Unchanged" ^abcBerserk,Volume27,"FireDragon" ^Berserk,Volume16,"Firefly" ^abBerserk,Volume24,"MagicStone" ^abBerserk,Volume3,"GuardianAngelsofDesire(5)" ^Berserk,Volume24,"Elementals" ^Berserk,Volume27,"DepthsofHellfire" ^Berserk,Volume26,"Flames(2)" ^abBerserk,Volume14,"Armament" ^Berserk,Volume15,"Pursuers" ^Berserk,Volume30,"CityoftheDemonBeasts(1)" ^Berserk,Volume26,"Retribution" ^awarenayorikku(translator). "BerserkArtistKentarouMiuraInterview".mangabrog.wordpress.com. ^Berserk,Volume7,"BattletoCaptureDoldrey(1)" SupernaturalBeings Elementals Sylphs Salamanders Undines Gnomes Barytes FourKingsoftheWorld GodHand Void Slan Ubik Conrad Femto IdeaofEvil Apostles Zodd Wyald UnidentifiedRoamingApostle TheCount Borkoff Rosine UnidentifiedFemaleApostle SnakeLord EggofthePerfectWorld Rakshas Locus Grunbeld Irvine Ganishka Pseudo-Apostles Zondark ElvesofMistyValley GreatGoat Mozgus Mozgus'Disciples Ganishka'sSpawn Sorcerers Schierke Flora Farnese Gedfring Ginnar Thraein Skirbil Morda Kukka Theuene Iony Elves FlowerStormMonarch Puck Ivalera Peekaf Poke Peck Pook Pick AstralRaces Brownie Centaur Cockatrice Daka Dragon Dwarf Faun Garuda Goblin Harpy Hydra Incubus Jötunn Kelpie Kundalini Makara Merrow Ogre Pishacha SeaGod Troll Unicorn Others Casca DemonChild Guts MoonlightBoy SkullKnight Categories: BlackSwordsmanArcCharacters GoldenAgeArcCharacters ConvictionArcCharacters MillenniumFalconArcCharacters FantasiaArcCharacters Español CommunitycontentisavailableunderCC-BY-SAunlessotherwisenoted. 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