Character Analysis
Gorobei Katayama is another high-ranking member of this little band, helping Kambei organize the resistance and fighting back as best he can. Like Kambei and Shichiroji, he's seen too much and he's had to do things as a ronin that he probably isn't proud of. "My name may sound strong, but…" he explains almost sheepishly, indicating that, like them, he ran away from a fight rather than face the music and die an honorable death.
But he's also the first samurai who agrees to join Kambei's little band, and seems absolutely dedicated to the cause. Considering that he knows his way around weaponry, it makes him a valuable addition to the party.