Yasuke: 10 Mind-Blowing Historical Facts From The Netflix Anime
3. Ranmaru And Wakashudō (Homosexuality In Japan)
Mori Ranmaru was a historical figure known for his loyalty to Oda Nobunaga. His presence as Nobunaga's lover in the series is accurate to practices of the time called Wakashudō or Shudō, in which a younger adolescent male would be both student and sometimes lover to an older warrior - a common, widely accepted practice in that time.
In the series, Ranmaru has a fairly small role, often seen by Nobunaga's side, with Nobunaga doting on him and their romantic relationship made fairly explicit. In the first scene of the show, Nobunaga asks Yasuke if Ranmaru was able to escape. In the same scene, Yasuke is assigned Nobunaga's kaishakunin, beheading him when he commits seppuku.
According to records, Ranmaru was Nobunaga's kaishakunin, and died young protecting Nobunaga's remains from his enemies. Yasuke was apparently also present for this act, later captured. Supposedly, Nobunaga's last words were "Ran, don't let them come in...", referring to Ranmaru, and Ranmaru was said to have set the temple on fire so that invading forces could not get to them.
His escape in the series implies that, if Yasuke gets a second season, we may see more of the loyal Ranmaru in the future.