Matsu Tsuko

Matsu Tsuko was the cousin of Matsu Ketsui who succeded her as Matsu Daimyo.

Battle at Fate Gorge
At the age of ten, Tsuko watched her father killed by Phoenix assassins and saved her mother's life by killing one of them with her boken. The morning after, she stood next to her mother, urging the Lion Clan on to victory in the Battle at Fate Gorge.

Tsuko and Toturi
Tsuko was engaged to Akodo Arasou. After he died in 1120 trying to retake Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho from the Crane, his brother Akodo Toturi became Lion Clan Champion, but Tsuko did not believe he could live up to his brother. Tsuko's animosity towards Toturi was legendary and she leapt at the opportunity of becoming Lion champion in 1123 after Toturi's dishonor.

Seppuku
"''The winter is bleak

''Shadows are long with despair

''My eyes are the dawn"

- Death poem of Matsu Tsuko

Tsuko committed seppuku to release herself from her personal vow to protect the Emperor. Her death would also release those Lion who were sworn to server her in that task, and she hoped that they would follow the spirit of their family's ancient vow and protect the Empire, rather than the corrupted Emperor. To do so, she sought out the disgraced Toturi to serve as her second, returning the mantle of leadership for the Lion Clan to its former Champion.

After news of Tsuko's death spread, many Lion rallied to the banner of Toturi, but not all. Many could not abandon the letter of their ancient vow, and chose instead to defend the Emperor, whoever and whatever he may be.

Matsu Domotai
Tsuko personally met Matsu Domotai in Yomi when he ascended in 1160 following his death which had been in much the same fashion as her own.