Matsu

Matsu was the most hot-headed and arrogant woman in Rokugan. This reputation is only surpassed by her legend and her fury on the battle field. Her wrath was visited with such intensity that few survived her anger. She was a loyal servant of the Kami Akodo and the founder of the Matsu family who do their best to live up to her name.

"Her strength, her will, can never be equaled."

- Matsu Kenji

Matsu and Akodo
Matsu and Akodo loved each other, but Matsu always refused to marry him. Akodo defied her in a duel : if he won, she would be his wife. During the fight, Akodo decided to accept her decision, even if it was a difficult one, and lose on purpose.

Matsu and Kakita
At the dawn of the Empire the first Hantei held a tournament to decide who would become his bodyguard. Matsu entered, and many believed that she would win. However, a man from the northern provinces named Kakita also attended, and no man to could match his skill, and he bowed to each opponent after their defeat. Eventually even Matsu fell before him, but he did not bow this time. Matsu roared at the insult, but Kakita merely told her he did not show her respect because she had not shown any of her other opponents any. This insult is what caused the enmity and blood feud between the Matsu family and Kakita family for centuries.

Day of Thunder
Matsu was the Lion Clan Thunder on the Day of Thunder. Originally, the eldest son of Ikoma, Ikoma Jujinin, offered to go but, after a swift punch from Matsu, she took his place to fight. Matsu never asked permission from Akodo to leave, although it is disputed why. Some historians say to save Akodo the pain of ordering her to go, others say to avoid having to disobey him if Akodo ordered her to stay, but some say that she simply didn't care. She left with only her armor and katana, leaving her wakizashi behind to be passed down her family line.

Return
1100 years later, Matsu's ashes were returned by Matsu Benika from the Tomb of the Seven Thunders.