Itto

Matsu Itto of House Goseki was a [bushi]] of the Lion Clan who became the ronin Itto after the destruction of his family.

Goseki family destruction
Doji Retsu was a ruthless duelist and general who seized Toshi Ranbo from the Lion Clan in a daring and violent incursion that destroyed the Goseki family, vassal of the Lion.

Survivors
Mochiko, a goseki servant, was the only survivor. She escaped the battle with her own young son and a young girl as well. Later the son, Itto, became the only remmant of his family, and was known as the ronin Itto.

Ronin
He was appreciated by the locals of Chikuzen, in the Damasu territory, and he was described as brave, handsome, and bold warrior. Itto performed odd jobs, like protecting the local merchants' caravans, protecting stores and generally acting to solve problems, including capturing bandits.

Damasu family destruction
Itto was loyal to Damasu Kojima, who died in battle during the assault to the Kyotei Castle made by Retsu, the Tsume Daimyo who had killed the Goseki. When the victor requested the seppuku of all samurai loyal to the Damasu family Itto did not follow. Instead he became the guardian of the only Damasu member alive, Reika, who was an infant. When she grew Itto explained his ancestry, but kept the secrecy to the rest. During twenty years they lived in the actual Tsume lands at Chikuzen.

Reika's Bodyguard
Reika seemed to work as geisha and Itto became his bodyguard to avoid any suspect on their relation. The locals believed Reika was his lover and that she also was lover of Tsume Takashi, son and heir to Retsu.