Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes/Keiji Maeda

"I wish to protect you."

- Keiji Maeda pre-battle

Keiji Maeda is the adopted nephew of Matsu and Toshiie Maeda and an old friend of Hideyoshi Toyotomi before he became lustful for power. Keiji leaves his home in Tetorigawa to join Kenshin Uesugi in Kawanakajima, becoming a loyal vassal and fighting in the name of the Uesugi. At the start of the game, after Keiji has learned of the death of his former friend at the hands of Ieyasu Tokugawa, Keiji is sent on an errand to the Saica Stronghold to deliver a message to Magoichi Saica for Kenshin. However, upon seeing her, Keiji falls in love with Magoichi and pledges to protect her, following her for the duration of the war.