Guts is a man in constant conflict with his own inner darkness, which manifests as the ever-tempting Beast of Darkness. Known for his air of austerity, Guts is a gruff, cynical man holding an overall bleak outlook on life. Guts seeks to understand before he proceeds. Guts, renowned as the "Black Swordsman", is a former mercenary and branded wanderer who travels the world in a constant internal struggle between pursuing his own ends and upholding his attachments to those dear to him.