Hachiemon

Hachi (八衛門, Hachiemon) Hachi from Awa is a Tanuki (狸, literally translated as Raccoon-Dog) attending Miroku's journey. His basic abilities are low and he has no weapons or skills for battle. He is an unremarkable being, but he understands Miroku well. Although Hachi is Miroku's slave, he often does not travel with him.

Since he is a tanuki, he has the ability to transform. If he puts a leaf on his head and transforms, he can assume the form of a giant yellow gourd. He can fly in this state. When he runs away, he can lay down a smoke screen to deceive enemies.

He is sometimes asked to perform impossible tasks, but if he complains, he gets beaten on the head. Even though he is treated brutally, he makes every effort for Miroku. He is nobly sworn a bond between master and servant.

Name

 * Hachi means 'eight' in Japanese, though it is also a name.