Mirumoto Kaijuko

Mirumoto Kaijuko was the daughter of Mirumoto Daimyo Mirumoto Watanobu and Doji Kaijuko. Watanobu had no male heir, and when he died in 805 his brother Mirumoto Ujino attempted to claim the right to lead the Mirumoto family. Kaijuko, who was only sixteen at the time and just one year out of her gempukku, challenged his claim saying; "Only if you can take my life can you take my father's place." Ujino had no wish to kill his niece, but if he backed out he would loose face. They went through with the duel, and Kaijuko soundly beat her uncle. With that, Kaijuko became the first female daimyo of the Mirumoto family and her rule was never questioned again.

Life as Daimyo
Kaijuko was a lovely woman and had many suitors, but never married any of them. She never cut her hair and always wore a kimono that greatly flattered her features. She was called the Scaled Scorpion by the famous Crane poet Kakita Sojatsu. She was one of the most opportunistic Mirumoto daimyo throughtout history, and never travelled anywhere without her personal advisor Kitsuki Runuso who was rumored to have been her lover.

Scorpion Rivalry
Kaijuko would seem to purposely oppose the Scorpion Clan whenever she was at court. She did this to such an extent that a personal rivalry developed with Bayushi Shinoko, the wife of the Scorpion Clan Champion at the time. The tale of their rivalry can be found in the novel Footsteps in the Snow by the author Akodo Wujen

Heir
Kaijuko ruled for a long time and retired in the end in favor of her Uncle's son. She begged her cousin to forgive her for killing his father, and died shortly afterwards. Her death is celebrated on the seventeenth day of the Month of the Rooster.