Takezo Kensei

Adam Monroe / Takezo Kensei
Heroes character
David Anders as Adam Monroe
First appearance	"Four Months Later..."
Last appearance	"Dying of the Light" (real Adam) "Pass/Fail" (Hiro's hallucination)
Portrayed by	David Anders
Information
Aliases	Takezo Kensei
Ability	Rapid cellular regeneration Immortality

Adam Monroe, also known as Takezo Kensei (剣聖 武蔵, Kensei Takezō^?) in feudal Japan, is a fictional character portrayed by David Anders in the NBC science fiction drama Heroes. The character first appears in the second-season episode "Four Months Later...", although the legend of Kensei is referenced several times during the first season. His regenerative ability has halted his aging, making him centuries old in the present of the series. He is the primary antagonist during the second season.

The name "Kensei" means "master swordsman" and "Takezo" is the birthname of the historical swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi – Kensei is based upon various legends of Japanese swordsmen, including Musashi. According to the legend, Kensei was a Japanese hero, well known for saving Japan from "White Beard" (白髭, Shirohige^?) in the 17th century. However, he proves to be a Briton who came to Japan seeking his fortune.

Hiro mentions the legend of Takezo Kensei many times in season one, though little is actually related until he trains in kendo with his father in the episode "Landslide". Previously, in "Godsend" and "The Fix", Hiro mentioned that the sword – which he was working to steal from Mr. Linderman – helped Kensei focus his power. He also said that his father used to tell him stories of Kensei, presumably including the many that Hiro tells Kensei in season two. When training with his father for his part in "saving the world" before the showdown with Sylar in New York, Hiro relates the story of "Kensei and the Dragon" and realizes that, if he wants to win, he must be strong enough to sacrifice himself.