Tzurui

Was born to the [Nanbu], vassals of the [Soshi]. The Nanbu lived in peace for generations in their valley which was in view of White Shore Plains. Occasional trade kept them aware of events and helped the village grow. In his earlier days Tzurui was betrothed to [Iuchi Ochiyo]. He fell deeply in love with her and dedicated his life to caring for her in her sickly state. During the birth of their first child, [Kochohime], she died and Tzurui pledged to protect Kochohime with his life. During the Scorpion Coup, Tzurui was cast out as a ronin. He did not step forward to defend his master thinking only of his daughter. He feels cursed until he can prove himself worthy. He does not want to see his daughter share his curse so he travels from battle to battle trying to prove himself leaving his girl in the care of monks.

When he finally collapsed from exhaustion and hunger he prayed to [Amaterasu] to spare his daughter from his fated curse. At this point he meets a ronin that shared a rice cake with [Tzurui]. The ronin was [Toku]. They headed north to the Great Climb together. (Way of the Wolf, 78 - 79)