Galford

Galford D. Weller, better known as Galford, is one of the heroes in the Samurai Shodown series.

Story
His father was a kind and just sheriff. An iron hand against evil and injustice, many outlaws sought to end his life. He was shot and killed by a criminal while covering a young Galford with his body. His father's dying words were to "become strong", and he swore to fulfill his father's last wish. Galford took the bullet that killed his father and carried it with him.

After the murder of his father, Galford left his home to become a sailor, where he learned about the ninja of Japan. Fascinated by their stories of heroics and mysticism, he decided to learn from them. He completes his training in the Koga style under Ayame, the wife of Hanzo's master (Earthquake trained with him too, but quit early). In the process of making his ninjato, Justice Blade, he fused the aforementioned bullet into the metal, and later carved names of rest of his family on the blade. Throughout the series, Galford seeks to uphold justice throughout the land eventually as a superhero of justice.

In Sen, he learns the location of his father's murderer and goes to seek revenge. In his ending, Galford feels homesick and spies on his home. He sees his mother talking to a man he doesn't recognize and smiling, a sight Galford hasn't seen in years. Assured of her happiness, Galford leaves to continue his life as a ninja.

Personality
Contrary to the seriousness of his fighting style, Galford is an optimistic and cheerful person, and is the most lighthearted of franchise's ninja characters. Like Terry, he fits many Japanese stereotypes for an American character in appearance, personality and speech. He exhibits good sportsmanship, though there are times when he won't hesitate to take someone's life for the greater good. He also regrets leaving his mother and sisters, aware that he was supposed to help the family's income, but knows that he cannot rest until justice has been served.

He has unrequited feelings for Nakoruru. This is somewhat debatable after his ending in Samurai Shodown VI, where he states that he gives up on her, by stopping midway her confession and focusing on his battles against evil. His other half does end up being with her though.