Kyuzo

A mysterious blond man who wears distinctive crimson-red clothing. He formerly worked as a bodyguard for Ayamaro, the merchant. Kyuzo wields double blades that fit into one sheath on his back, and has skills matching, or exceeding, Kambei's. He ultimately becomes part of the team and helps to defend the village, as well as to refine his swordsmanship. However, he has another reason for joining the seven - he wishes to challenge Kambei to a duel to the death after the bandits are defeated. (wikipedia) Spoiler During the final battle with Ukyo, Kyuzo is accidentally shot by Katsushiro, who was trying to save Kambei from one of Ukyo's soldiers. The bullets passed straight through the guard and hit Kyuzo on the other side. Seconds before he died, Kambei promised to duel him again in the afterlife.