Seven Samurai/WMG

Kikuchiyo is a time-traveler.
When he rescues the baby from the mill and says that it's him, he's not speaking metaphorically.


 * I noticed that too and was VERY confused....I like your theory! It makes sense!

Shichiroji lived up to the Momataro myth
Minus the coming back alive bearing gold and the severed heads of the island's most ferocious monsters.