Sanzo was a loyal retainer to the Crane Clan Champion Doji Hotei in the 6th century. When his wife died before bearing him a child, Hotei abdicated as Champion, took a horse and his daisho and left his home. With him rode his two faithful retainers, Sanzo and Panjuo. In 582 the Crane went to war with the Lion Clan, but Akodo Shakato had victory within his grasp. The Crane troops were retreating, leaving a direct route to Kyuden Kakita, when the now old samurai and his two elderly retainers charged through the Crane and into the Lion. The Crane rallied and won the day, but Hotei died on that battlefield surrounded by his two retainers and the Lion.