Sessai Taigen is Yoshimoto's uncle. He served as an adviser for his nephew in spite of his lack of formal training. After Yoshimoto's defeat at Azukizaka, he left Sessai largely in charge of military concerns. Sessai is famously recognized as Ieyasu's mentor during his hostage years with the Imagawa. The Nobunaga no Yabou 201X poll for 4-star officers puts him in ninety-seventh place.