Hida O-Ushi

The Daughter of Kisada
When O-Ushi was born her father, Crab Clan Champion Hida Kisada, did not know what to do with her. He did not wish for her to be married away to some nobleman so he did the only thing he could think of, he raised her as he would a son.

Coming of Age
Came of age when she was ten years old, 4 years before her gempukku when she blackmailed Kaiu Rioto to give her supplies so she could follow Yakamo into the Shadowlands. After her gempukku her first charge was guarding the northern border of the Crab. Som would have seen this as an insult, but O-Ushi took it in her stride.

O-Ushi in Battle
In combat she would wait for her opponent to strike first, then overwhelm him with a devastating force, assaulting him form as many directions as she could. She was widely recognized as a leader of soldiers. O-Ushi would wear her daisho but preferred her beloved hammer, which no one ever saw her without it.

O-Ushi's Personality
She was pretty, small but stocky and could not be easily knowcked off her feet. She shared Kisada and Yakamo's quick temper, but unlike Yakamo she would not let it get the better of her. She would goad and taunt, bringing others to anger before they could prepare for her. She relied on fear and uncertainty to gain an advantage over her enemies. She refused to take a vow of celibacy as other samurai-ko did.

O-Ushi and her Brothers
She was very protective of Sukune. Succeded Yakamo as champion after he ascended to be Lord Sun.

Death
She was killed in a duel with Doji Kurohito in a battle over the Yasuki provinces.

Major References

 * Way of the Crab Page 4-9, 64-65.