Matsu Kenji

Matsu Kenji is a tall, sea-faring samurai-ko, who bears the name of her Mantis father, Tsuruchi Kenji.

Ikoma Otemi
Kenji was Taisa of the Lion's Pride when alongside Ikoma Otemi, followed a map to the island that once served as the headquarters for the pirate Yasuki Fumoki. Together they vanquished the beast that lived there, King Orochi, and claimed the wealth there in the name of the Lion Clan. She was possessed by the ghost of the dead pirate captain Yasuki Fumoki during a short period. Fumoki fred her after his unfulfilled duty on life, to kill the King Orochi, was accomplished by Otemi.



Otemi and Kenji fell in love with one another, but always placed their duties before their feelings, and never realized their union.

War of the Rich Frog
When the Lion Clan noticed the Kaeru family was petitioning the Imperial Court for protection, Matsu Ketsui immediately promoted Kenji to Gunso and ordered her to march to Kaeru Toshi. This gave them a strong position from which the Ikoma could suggest to the Kaeru that they should become a vassal family.

Proposed as Imperial Bride
In 1165 the Emperor Toturi III tasked the Miya Daimyo, Miya Shoin, to find a suitable Lion bride for him. Shoin sent Miya Hatori to Shiro Matsu, where the courtier was impressed by Kenji not only with her honor, but with an unerring sense of what was right and must be done. The rest of courtiers were also impressed by their counterparts, Akodo Kurako, Matsu Aoiko and Kitsu Dejiko. Instead of weeding out the unworthy candidates, Shoin was merely able to find four more than acceptable choices.

Sukoshi Zutsu
Kenji was later charged with testing the Unicorn defenses at Sukoshi Zutsu. Ikoma Korin saved her from life during the attack.

Matsu Daimyo
She was named Matsu daimyo when Matsu Ketsui retired after she believed all her children to be dead.

Satomi
Kenji slew Matsu Satomi after Satomi murdered her own mother, Matsu Ketsui.

Audience with Matsu
In 1170, Kenji was called from an important visit to Kyuden Miya by a messenger from Kitsu Daimyo Kitsu Katsuko. Coming as bid to the Hall of Ancestors and finding Matsu Benika also present, she learned that her presence had been demanded by the spirit of Matsu herself. Channelled through Katsuko, Matsu offered mild praise to the Matsu Daimyo, though warned her against complacency. She then warned them of the coming upheaval in the heavens and the soon to be dooms of Lord Sun and Lady Moon.