Murakami

"あなたが私を知っていたら、私はオオカミを狩ることを知っているだろう."

- Murakami to Alexandra Reid

Murakami is one of the leaders of the Hand. As the most secretive leader of the organization, Murakami lived within the shadows and pulled the strings behind Nobu Yoshioka, the "face" of his group. Eventually Murakami was brought into the fight as Iron Fist had returned to New York City, promoting Alexandra Reid to reunite all the leaders of the Hand. However Murakami soon lost faith with Reid's leadership due to Sowande's death until Elektra betrayed and killed her and took over the Hand. Following Elektra as his new leader, Murakami stood against the Defenders in a final fight, which ended with him being buried underneath a building.

Forming the Hand
"私はもともとあなたと一緒にクンルンを離れることはしませんでした. 覚えていますか? " "I do. You wanted to stay with the elders. You wanted to use our discoveries only for good." "真実を知るべき時です. 私は当時のクンルンに泊まりたくなかった. 私は単にあなたと一緒におきたいとは思わなかった"

- Murakami and Alexandra Reid

Murakami settled within K'un-Lun and learned how to use Chi for healing. However, he perverted the teachings of his masters with four others, including Alexandra Reid, Sowande, Madame Gao and Bakuto, to gain immortality and was banished as a result. At first Murakami did not want to leave since he did not want to be with Reid, but she convinced him to do so and together they soon formed the Hand, using all the bones of Dragons they could find to maintain their long lives. Murakami established his faction of the Hand in Japan, and his own second-in-command Nobu Yoshioka to operate within New York City under Murakami's orders.

Alexandra Reid's Visit
"あなたのリーダーシップの問題は、いつもあなたの手を汚すことができなかったことです" " "In all our time together, I have never asked for your advice." "そしてなぜあなたは？今あなたは黒い空を持っている ""

- Murakami and Alexandra Reid

Having gone on another hunt in, almost being killed by the bear that he managed to slaughter, Murakami returned to New York City where he prepared to dissect his kill, taking time to chose the perfect blade for the job. While Murakami was working, Alexandra Reid appeared in the room, with Murakami noting that it was foolish to sneak up on a man while he was holding a knife. As Murakami described the killing, Reid noted that he no longer had the Resurrection Elixir to bring him back if he was killed during a hunt. Murakami noted that all the members of the Hand should be worried, although Reid insisted that they were finally close to completing their plans, explaining that the Iron Fist had finally returned to New York City from K'un-Lun. Murakami however pointed out that Reid had been unsuccessful during her attempt to capture Iron Fist, blaming it on Reid's unwillingness to get her own hands dirty. Reid noted that she never asked for or wanted Murakami's advice, leading to him then noting that Reid now finally had the Black Sky under her own control, which Reid had desired for thousands of years. Reid informed Murakami that the Iron Fist was not alone in his fight, so Murakami questioned if the Chaste had truly been destroyed. Reid however explained that it was not the Chaste, but that Iron Fist had built a team of remarkable people around him. When Reid noted that there were only three, Murakami was amused by the thought of them struggling against only three, despite Reid insisting that they were all exceptional. Reid explained that Madame Gao and Sowande were ready to fight while Bakuto was on his way, leading to Murakami then agreeing to fight and reunite all the fingers of the Hand.

Ambush at the Royal Dragon
"Where did they go? And where's the Black Sky?" ""それは私たちのリーダーにとっての質問です"

- Madame Gao and Murakami

Having learned the Defenders had been successfully tracked down to the Royal Dragon having escaped from Alexandra Reid's clutches, Murakami was called upon to assist her in capturing them. Choosing to go alone, without any soldiers to back him up, Murakami made his way through New York City to join the fight. Making his way silently onto the roof, Murakami then armed himself with his s and waited for the right moment to attack, watching closely as Reid spoke with the team.

Murakami then leaped through the glass roof and landed on a table, much to the surprise of the Defenders who were engaged in a fight against Elektra. Murakami then fought against both Danny Rand and Matt Murdock, proving himself to be a challenge for both the skilled warriors. Before long however Murakami was knocked off his feet and took cover when he saw the incoming arrival of Sowande and Madame Gao's soldiers, who opened fire on the Defenders, only stopping when Gao killed one man and claimed they could not risk killing Rand in the crossfire while Murakami joined his allies.

Leaving Sowande to fight Luke Cage outside the restaurant, Murakami chose to attack Jessica Jones, kicking her to the floor before he went to investigate what had happened to the Black Sky, who had last been seen fighting against Murdock. Stepping outside, Murakami discovered to his horror that the Black Sky was not fighting Murdock, but was instead sharing an intimate moment with him. When Murakami demanded to know what she was doing, she Black Sky turned and struck him, sending Murakami flying backwards with great force into a wall and knocking him unconcious.

When Murakami awoke, he found that the Black Sky had vanished and the Defenders had gotten away with the help of Stick. As Murakami got to his feet and popped his dislocated shoulder back into place, he was joined by Gao who demanded to know what had happened to the Defenders and the Black Sky, to which Murakami claimed that she should ask Alexandra Reid, who had been watching the fight unfold from her car across the street. Considering what he had witnessed, Murakami suspected that either Elektra was protecting her kill for herself, or did not wish for Murdock to be harmed. Returning to their headquarters, Murakami found Reid speaking with the Black Sky, warning her that if she was to continue failing the orders of the Hand, then Reid would be forced to kill her. Stepping into the room, Murakami informed Reid that he had learned Sowande had been taken hostage following his fight with Cage. Reid however remained unconcerned, noting that over the years the leaders of the Hand had survived simpler situations, noting Bakuto would arrive soon. When Murakami attempted to discuss Elektra's recent actions, Reid simply dismissed him and then walked away.

Ambush on Trish Walker
"That hurt... So much."

- Jessica Jones to Murakami

Seeking to regain Sowande by targeting the friends and allies of all the Defenders so they would be forced to hand Sowande back on in exchange, Murakami was sent to kidnap Trish Walker during her meeting about Trish Talk, however once he arrived, he discovered that Jessica Jones was already attempting to take Walker to safety. Managing to get the drop on the pair, Murakami knocked Jones aside with a strong kick, with Jones getting back to her feet and complaining that the attack had hurt her.

With Murakami ready and Jones now angry, the two duelled each other, with Murakami gaining the advantage by using his speed and well training fighting ability to avoid all of Jones' powerful but slow strikes before locking her leg between his arms and throwing her to the floor. With Jones seemingly helpless to avoid his attacks, Murakami then pulled a dagger out from his jacket, ready to plunge the blade into Jones while Walker watched on in horror. Moments before Murakami could execute the Defender however, a Billy Club flew through the air and knocked the dagger out of his hand.

Spinning around, Murakami discovered Daredevil had been the one who knocked the dagger out from his hands, back wearing his Daredevil's Suit. Taking a chance at killing two of the Defenders, Murakami attempted to fend both; however he was quickly overpowered by the combination of Daredevil's speed and agility combined with Jones' remarkable strength. Before long Murakami was beaten down and was then knocked over the railing by Jones. Swiftly, he vanished from the area undetected while Jones took Walker to the 29th Precinct Police Station for her own protection.

Questioning Alexandra
"あなたは一方的な決定を下し、物質の最後を使って彼女を復活させました. そして今、私たちはすべて脆弱です. " "Actually, I have never felt better than with her at my side." "それ以外はあなたのことではありません. それは私たちのことです"

- Murakami and Alexandra Reid

Murakami eventually regrouped with all of the other key members of the Hand, who attempted to discuss the next steps with their plans, however Murakami interrupted them to note that the Iron Fist had gained his newest ally in his fight, Daredevil. Surprised with this new development, Madame Gao questioned if Murakami was sure due to Daredevil's long absence from New York City, but Murakami insisted it was true, noting seeing him with his own eyes.

Less concerned over the threat, Bakuto noted that while Daredevil was a formidable fighter, so were the four of them, but Murakami explained that he was not concerned by his fighting but his relationship with Elektra, with Gao noting that they had fought side by side against Nobu Yoshioka before he death. Murakami noted that Elektra had loved Daredevil, claiming this was the reason she had attacked him. Alexandra Reid questioned if he believed Elektra had failed them, to which Murakami claimed this was not the case, and explained that he believed that Reid herself had failed them.

Murakami explained Reid's decision of using the last of their supply of Resurrection Elixir, she had endangered all of their lives to bring back a warrior who was not what they were promised, claiming Reid was making decisions for her and not the others. Bakuto noted that they were stronger together as Gao noted that with Sowande missing they were already weakened as a unit. While Reid insisted that they would survive, Murakami pointed out that the Black Sky had already tried to kill him during the Ambush at the Royal Dragon, which would bring the number of leaders of the Hand down to just three. Reid claimed this was a good reminder that they were expendable, including her as Bakuto noted. Frustrated, Murakami claimed that Reid appeared to have forgotten the very reason why the Hand had been formed in the first place, to which Reid claimed it was so they could continue living. Gao however noted that while Reid feared her death, they just wanted to return home to K'un-Lun. Murakami then suggested to the leaders that they hunt Danny Rand without the aid of the Black Sky, or Reid's leadership, unnerving Reid as Murakami appeared to get the support of both Gao and Bakuto.

One Lost Finger
"Now, more than ever, it's time to show unity." "私たちは統一されました. あなたが黒い空を折り目に持ってくるまで"

- Alexandra Reid and Murakami

Murakami joined the others when Sowande's severed head had been delivered to their headquarters, seemingly by Stick. Murakami then listened as Alexandra Reid expressed her regret at his death, while Murakami claimed this is what mortality looked like, while the others claimed that this was a preventable loss by searching for Sowande. Reid noted that all their time together had rarely been peaceful, and their mourning Sowande's death was also false, which Bakuto objected to.

As Sowande's head was removed from the room Reid pointed out they had all survived assassination attempts from one another, claiming that it was time for them to show unity. Murakami took offence to this statement, telling Reid that they were already unified until she had used the last of the Resurrection Elixir to bring them the Black Sky. When asked where she was, Reid refused to confess where the Black Sky was, noting that she was less afraid that the three of them would try and kill her, but that she would kill them if she sensed their disloyalty to either the Hand or Reid herself.

Seeking to calm the situation, Madame Gao insisted that not of them meant Reid any disloyalty, claiming that all their their goals were the same. However, Murakami told Gao that he was no longer sure of this, so Gao insisted that they must honour Sowande by continuing to fight for life itself. As Murakami listened, Gao insisted that Reid had gotten them this far and they should continue to follow her until they had the Iron Fist and they had returned to K'un-Lun. With this, Reid left the room. However Murakami later encountered Gao coming out of Reid's room, telling Murakami that he was right all along.

Threatening Leadership
"私はあなたの最後の食事が良いものになりたかった. " "You came alone to face me? 愚かな But then you always were a lone wolf." "面白い比喩."

- Murakami and Alexandra Reid

Tracking Alexandra Reid down to a restaurant where she was still enjoying her dinner in peace, Murakami greeted her with a bottle of extremely rare champagne which he claimed to have gained from a search at the bottom of the. Telling Reid he had come to make amends for their disagreements in the wake of Sowande's death and other issues, Murakami asked if he could join her, which she accepted.

Murakami asked Reid if she recalled the day they had all decided to leave K'un-Lun, reminding her that he had not originally wanted to leave, as Reid claimed he had wanted to use their own powers with Chi only for good. Murakami revealed to her that in fact he had simply not wished to leave with her, which did not surprise Reid who claimed that Murakami's greatest strength was his singular focus. As he opened the bottle, Reid asked Murakami to apologise, asking if he had spoken with Madame Gao, which Murakami confirmed before Reid claimed they were meant to fight this War together.

As he offered her the champagne, Murakami told Reid that he had come to ensure that Reid's last meal was an enjoyable one, revealing his intention to kill her. Reid told Murakami that he was foolish to have come alone to face her. They briefly discussed if Murakami was a lone wolf, to which Murakami claimed he was the one who hunted the wolf. Before their fight could begin, they were interrupted by the arrival of the Black Sky, dragging Danny Rand behind her having defeated the Defenders and killed Stick. Reid then told Murakami that if he knew her at all, he would now she always won.

Assassination of Alexandra Reid
"ブラックスカイかどうか、私たちのうちの3人とあなたの1人がいる. " "Is that a challenge?"

- Murakami and Elektra

In the wake of Danny Rand's capture, Murakami had gathered together all of the other leaders of the Hand and together they watched watched as Rand was spoken to by Alexandra Reid. As Murakami listened, Reid then explained the Hand's ultimate goal was simply to finally return to K'un-Lun, even claiming that they were not so different compared with Rand himself, which he furiously denied before being taken away.

While Reid addressed the others, Murakami still expressed his own great disappointment at Reid's leadership, claiming that little had gone to plan under her leadership. Although Madame Gao defended Reid by noting that they finally had the Iron Fist, Murakami claimed that it was not worth the risk to their own lives in the wake of Sowande's death, while Gao noted that they must look to the future from this point onwards. Bakuto noted their sole focus must be reclaiming the Resurrection Elixir as soon as possible while Gao noted that the Defenders would likely come and must not be underestimated.

Murakami then witnessed Reid demanded they do not underestimate her before ordering Elektra to to hunt down and kill Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, along with Daredevil. Murakami listened as Reid reminded them of all they had achieved under her leadership, noting she had been the one to wipe out the Chaste and captured the Iron Fist. However just as Reid was continuing her speech, Elektra returned into the room and plunged her Twin Sai through Reid's back. Murakami watched in utter horror as Elektra claimed to be the new leader of the Hand before slicing off Reid's head, killing her.

Having watched Reid's corpse being taken away, Murakami listened as Bakuto told Elektra that this was not how they did business, to which Elektra informed him that this had now changed. When Murakami and Bakuto vowed to do what needed to be done to protect the Hand, threatening to destroy Elektra, she noted that this was the first challenge they had face without the Elixir to bring them back from death. Gao then argued that Reid's death must be explained to their partners, explaining that her relationships with Wilson Fisk and other partners provided them with their invisibility and power.

Elektra showed little interest in this, calling them all living underground in hiding the complete opposite of having power. Murakami then watched as Bakuto noted that Elektra knew nothing of power, claiming that since her death of Nobu Yoshioka's hands she did not even exist until Reid had given her back her self. Elektra however told the others that she did not care anything for the Hand, and instead claimed she only cared about gaining the bones of the Dragons hidden under New York City so that she and the others could live forever, promising that nothing, not even death, would stand in her way.

Murakami and the others later watched on monitors as Elektra took the captured Rand underneath Midland Circle in the pit the Hand had been digging. As they watched, Murakami expressed his deep distrust for Elektra, claiming they should all destroy her before she laid waste to everything they had been building. Gao however noted that they were now closer than they had ever been before, with the Iron Fist now being led towards the mysterious doorway from K'un-Lun, claiming Elektra not being one of them no longer mattered, as she had the power to finally bring them all a brand new beginning.

Destruction of Midland Circle
"Gao... 何が起こっている？ " "The end."

- Murakami and Madame Gao

to be added

Personality
"The guy who pulled the strings behind Nobu. Maybe the most secretive, but when he comes out... an evil piece of shit."

- Stick

To be added

Powers

 * Enhanced Strength: Murakami has displayed a degree of enhanced strength, shown in his ability to hold his own against and even overwhelm Jessica Jones in a fight. He was also able to briefly hold his own against Luke Cage, although he was eventually overwhelmed.
 * Longevity: Through the use of The Substance, a regenerative elixir created from Dragon bones, Murakami, along with the other leaders of the Hand, has had his lifespan extended by centuries. He could even have been alive for millennia, as the Hand was believed to be responsible for the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD.

Abilities

 * Master Martial Artist: As one of the leaders of the Hand, Murakami is a master martial artist. During the conflict against the Defenders, he proved to be a persistent foe. He was capable of fighting both Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, with him nearly defeating and killing the former. Murakami was capable of fighting both Daredevil and Iron Fist simultaneously, both who are master martial artists in their own right.
 * Multilingualism: Murakami understands both Japanese and English; however, he chooses to speak Japanese even around those speaking English, resulting in bilingual conversations. Though there are a few instances where he chooses to use English, such as when he threatens to kill Alexandra and the destruction of Midland Circle.

Weapons

 * Tonfa: During the Ambush at the Royal Dragon, Murakami wielded a tonfa alongside his arm and utilizes it in combat against Daredevil and Iron Fist.

Allies

 * Hand
 * Nobu Yoshioka † - Subordinate
 * Alexandra Reid †
 * Madame Gao
 * Bakuto †
 * Sowande †

Enemies

 * Defenders
 * Matt Murdock/Daredevil
 * Jessica Jones
 * Luke Cage
 * Danny Rand/Iron Fist
 * Chaste
 * Stick †
 * Trish Walker
 * Colleen Wing

Behind the Scenes

 * Akihiro Haga was a stunt double for Yutaka Takeuchi in the role of Murakami.