Prof. Onihashi was the 'mystical' swordsmith that worked for the Arashikage Clan, and was an honorary member.
See reference: GI JOE A Real American Hero (Marvel Comics # 109)
Professor Onihashi is aware that Zartan has killed the Hard Master, he then repays the dishonor to the Arashikage Clan by killing himself, in front of Zartan.
Similar Symbol of Arashikage Clan
While reading the comic I noticed that Prof. Onihashi's I-Ching Hexagram is different than the Arashikage Hexagram.
It turns out that Prof. Onihashi's hexagram symbolizes 'nourishment'. This is quite fitting if you think about how Zartan starts out with bad intentions and then no longer wants anything to with the assassination of Snake-Eyes after he finds his higher purpose in life. Sword-smithing became his nourishment.
I thought this was pretty cool that Larry Hama had picked these hexagrams so fittingly to represent the Arashikage and Prof. Onihashi.
What does Prof. Onihashi's name mean?
Oni could mean ogre or demon.
Hashi could mean end, edge, tip, margin, or bridge.
Demon Edge sounds pretty cool for a swordsmith. That's something I'd ask Larry Hama someday.
Now... if Onihashi was not part of the arashikage clan... why was he their sword master?
I think there is a part in the DDP, short-lived, Storm Shadow comic where Zartan was referred to as the sword master of the arashikage clan, due to his being the student of Onihashi.
Onihashi also appeared in the clan photo that was shown in the Marvel comics series as well.. the one that shows that Firefly has no face...
Firefly had also been Prof. Onihasi's assistant at one time in addition to being the Faceless Master/Koga ninja.
It was around the time that the clan photo was first shown by the Blind Master to Billy and Jinx explained who everyone in the photo was.
if Firefly had anything.. it would be from the Koga clan right?
I'd like to know how Prof. Onihashi came to work for the Arashikage Clan. Did they seek him out, based on his reputation?