Manjiro Sano/Relationships

Takemichi Hanagaki
Mikey never met Takemichi in the past. They only meet by chance when Takemichi time leaps to the past, during which Takemichi challenges Kiyomasa to a 1v1. Noting Takemichi's bravery, he takes an interest in him by saying that Takemichi will be his "bitch" from now on. Later on, they become very close friends. Mikey has remarked that Takemichi is reminiscent of his deceased brother, who, even though his fighting prowess was mediocre, was valiant in battle and was an excellent leader.

Over time, Mikey comes to rely on Takemichi emotionally. He is the light that ensures Mikey will not fall to the darkness. Indeed, in one of the altered present timelines, Takemichi, for reasons unknown, had left Touman, which devastates Mikey, resulting in his fall to the darkness. He kills all his friends and becomes one of the present's most wanted criminals. Even so, the sliver of good left in Mikey at that point still desires for Takemichi's support, shown by the note slipped onto Takemichi's table in the present timeline that reveals his location. Mikey understands his sins and wants Takemichi to be the one to grant him peace at last. Without Takemichi, Mikey's descent into evil is inevitable.