Chi no Suzaku (地の朱雀 Suzaku of Earth). Kurō's confidant and military tactician, well informed in many areas of knowledge. A seemingly calm-mannered young man. Originally a fighting monk from Mt. Hiei, he left the temple to be an herbalist. He helps the confused protagonist upon her arrival in the strange world. Benkei has sociable manners, but at his essence, cannot help but to tease girls like Nozomi. He is based on the historical Musashibō Benkei.

Source: Wikipedia