Ryouma Kurogane

""Are you frustrated to the fact that you are the weakest one? If so, hold on to that feeling. That's proof that you haven't given up yet, on yourself. Listen, don't give up saying that you're living within your boundaries. Don't be a boring person like that. If you have the guts to not give up, you can become anything you want to be. We're living creatures that don't have wings, but still went to the moon.""

- - Ryouma Kurogane

Ryouma Kurogane was renown as Samurai Ryouma and the Great Hero is a Legendary Blazer who led Japan to victory in World War II. He is both the father of Genma Kurogane and the grandfather of Itsuki Kurogane, as well as the great-grandfather of Ouma, Ikki, and Shizuku Kurogane.

Appearance
In his youth, Ryouma was a young man with a strong build with black hair tied in a traditional ponytail. He was also dressed in a traditional kimono carrying around his device with him as shown in the manga.

As an old man, Ryouma was an old man with a strong built with long gray/white hair tied in the back similar to in his youth, and a mustache styled in an imperial fashion. In the anime and manga, he had a mustache and beard combo.

Personality
In his youth, Ryouma was courageous, brave, and charismatic as he became known as a legend after leading Japan to victory in World War II, earning the respect of those who knew his name in the current modern era. This caused even those who were his enemies such as Tendou and on the opposing sides of his ideas such as Kouzou had nothing but respect for him.

Ryouma's ideologies greatly differed from the strict guidelines of the Kurogane Household, disliking their clan's old traditions likely desiring to reform them causing a clash between him against his son and Kurogane Elders. Despite being half-exiled from the Ryouma, he still cares greatly about his family as he met his great-grandson who ran from home after suffering a great deal of emotional and at times physical abuse from some of the Kurogane members who looked down on him for being born an F-Rank even encouraging him to follow his dreams to aspire a Blazer.

History
Ryouma Kurogane is a legendary Blazer and Samurai whose name became well-known all across the world as he led Japan to victory in the Second World War where he fought alongside both his friend and longtime rival, Nangou Torajirou. At some point, in the war, he also encountered Tendou Harima and defeated him in battle. Ryouma was the Head of the Kurogane Family until being overthrown by his own son Genma Kurogane and the elders, who disapproved of his ideologies resulting in him being half-exiled.

Ryouma is also mentioned having spectated the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival final between Kurono Shinguuji and Nene Saikyo. It is also implied that Ryouma taught the young Edelweiss in swordsmanship, although this is not confirmed. When Ikki was a child, Ryouma appeared before him, encouraging his great-grandson who was never given an opportunity to believe in himself and never give up. A few months after his encounter with his great-grandson, Ryouma dies of old age.

Abilities
Desperado: Ryouma was a desperado, a being whose broken the chains of fate that bound him by achieving his awakening. As such, he has far greater magic compared to a normal Blazer since he can increase it by training.

Water Manipulation: His ability as a Blazer. Ryouma was able to generate and control water, he was also lauded as being the Strongest Water user in Japan's History.

Master Swordsmanship: He was mentioned as being an extremely skilled master swordsman, even among the highly recognized Kurogane Household and likely used the Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu. Ryouma was the longtime rival of Nangou throughout World War II.

Device
Unnamed Sword: Ryouma's Device, which was implied to be a sword.

Trivia

 * His first name (龍馬) means "Dragon Horse", which could be a reference to the "promoted bishop" in Shogi, the Japanese chess game where the promoted bishop moves as a bishop and as a king.
 * His surname (黒鉄) means "Black Iron" in Japanese.
 * Ryouma is hinted to be Tyrant, the leader of Rebellion. Both are strong characters who've been around for a long time since World War II. Kouzou Kazamatsuri, one of the Numbers also seems to be affiliated with him in some way. It was later revealed in Volume 18, both Ryouma and Arthur killed the Tyrant during World War II after all the key players of the League attacked the Rebellion's Headquarters.
 * It's implied that Ryouma had taught Edelweiss in swordsmanship since her master is mentioned being an old Japanese man and she had said the same thing that Ryouma said to Ikki to encourage him.