Comm by me and Akamikazetiger.

Jubei and Kagetora, practicing the ancient Japanese Samurai Tradition of Shudo. Is it just a traditional custom? Or perhaps there is something more that these two hereos share...?

Shudo[/b] -
"Shudô was a samurai custom in which adult samurai engaged in pederastic relationships with younger samurai.
The older more experienced male in the relationship (Jubei) and the younger male (Kagetora) form a close, tight personal relationship with one another.Shudô relationships went beyond just sex, and were strong personal and sentimental or emotional relationships, which involved strong elements of mentorship. Mentorship and training in the "warrior" lifestyle and values of the samurai was a major element of the relationship. The specific mode of shûdô male-male relationships, particular to the samurai class, by the Edo period was seen as a firmly entrenched traditional custom. Many of whom, outside of sex for procreation as part of their duty, would stay together for the rest of their lives well beyond their mentorship years."“Hear the four best things a man can ask of life:
Health unmarred lifelong, beauty of form and act,
Honest gain of wealth, and while one is still a boy,
To come to brightest bloom among heroic lovers."
- Simonides of Ceos