Previously a monk at Mount Hiei, Benkei was expelled from that temple after an incident with the Heike. Since then, he has been stealing the swords of Heike officials in response. After being defeated by Shanao, he pledged to become Shanao's vassal.

Kind, gentle, and good-natured, Benkei and Shanao both share a history of growing up in temples and a dissatisfaction with the brutal rule of the Heike.