Itsu, a Japanese woman residing in the tranquil town of Jasmine Falls, played a crucial role in Logan’s life, also known as Wolverine, in Marvel Comics. During Logan’s training under Bando Saburo, who aimed to tame his warrior instincts, he and Itsu developed a deep connection. Love blossomed between them, and Itsu revealed the joyous news of her pregnancy, carrying Logan’s child. However, their happiness was short-lived.
In a fateful turn of events, while Logan was demonstrating his worthiness as a father through combat, the immortal swordsmith Muramasa triggered an explosion. Caught off guard, Logan inadvertently struck a villager with his deadly claws. This tragic accident led to Logan’s banishment from the village. Determined to bid Itsu farewell, he returned to their home, only to discover Itsu lifeless—murdered.
Unbeknownst to Logan, the true culprit behind Itsu’s murder was Bucky Barnes, now brainwashed as the Winter Soldier. However, at the time, Logan remained oblivious to this revelation. The Winter Soldier acted under the orders of Romulus, a powerful figure seeking to manipulate Logan’s life. Itsu’s death served as bait, enticing Logan to return to Madripoor under Romulus’ control. Consumed by grief, Logan vanished for a month, seeking solace and answers.
During his absence, Logan sought out Muramasa, a master swordsmith who possessed mystical abilities. Muramasa utilized a fragment of Logan’s soul to forge a mighty blade, which would become a pivotal artifact in Logan’s future. Little did he know that this blade held a connection to Itsu and the truth he would later uncover.
Meanwhile, Romulus clandestinely took the child from Itsu’s womb, ensuring the infant’s safety. The child, named Akihiro by his adoptive parents, would later adopt the moniker “Daken,” meaning “Mongrel.” As Daken grew, Romulus manipulated and poisoned his mind with lies about Logan. Daken believed that his father had murdered Itsu, despised him, and abandoned them both. Filled with a burning hatred, Daken fell under Romulus’ influence, forging a path of vengeance against his own father.
Itsu’s presence in Logan’s life represented a poignant tale of love, loss, and betrayal. Her tragic death and the manipulations surrounding her child’s upbringing laid the foundation for profound conflict between Logan and Daken. The web of deceit spun by Romulus shaped the destiny of these characters, creating a complex and tumultuous relationship that reverberated throughout the Marvel universe.
First Appearance: Wolverine (Vol. 3) #40 (March, 2006)
