L5r: Legend of the Five Rings Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Advertisement
Register
in: Characters with Pictures, Lion Stubs, Lion Clan Leaders,
and 4 more

Akodo Ginawa

Edit
Akodo Ginawa 
Akodo Ginawa 
Born: Unknown 
Died: 1176 
Titles: Akodo Daimyo
People

Akodo Ginawa was already a taisa to a unit of samurai at the age of seventeen, and showed a huge amount of martial talent. However, his promising future was destroyed when he was manipulated into killing his master. He became a ronin for approximately two decades until his service to Toturi the Black earned him the daimyoship of the Akodo family following its rebirth after the Battle of Oblivion's Gate.

Ancestor[]

The famed Matsu Hitomi was Ginawa's ancestor. Ginawa's grandmother married an Ikoma whose child married into the Akodo. [1]

Station[]

Ginawa was the youngest taisa of the Akodo House Guard, under the command of the general and Lord of the Shinboru province Akodo Uragiri. [2] He earned his station through sheer courage alone, in a skirmish against fourteen Battle Maidens, [3] while his father died in the battle. [4]

Death of his Master[]

Ginawa 2

Ginawa

Ginawa's downfall began when he was seventeen years old. After four years of service his master Uragiri considered him his doshi, so Ginawa was entrusted to deal with a band of ronin bandits that were plaguing the locals of Hitoekawa. Although the leader of the bandits was easy to dispatch to Jigoku, one of the bandit's followers battled with unnatural speed and power and proved a challenge to destroy. When the bandit leader died, the strange follower turned to Ginawa and swore that he would get revenge, after which he dissipated into black smoke. Ginawa reported the incident to his master and was commended for his actions. [5] [6]

Unknown to Ginawa, the strange follower was a shapeshifter, and posed as Ginawa's master to present him with a new sword, a sword that he stated was the true sword of Ginawa's father. The sword was in reality the cursed bloodsword called Revenge. [7] After taking up his new sword, began to act out of character, insulting the sensei of Ginawa's dojo and disrespecting his ancestors. Soon after this he ordered Ginawa to attack the dragon outpost of Kuchikeru. [8] [9]

Ginawa 1

Ginawa

Before Ginawa followed the orders, his chui Akodo Futetsu convinced him that the bandit's follower must have been a changeling that replaced his master. Ginawa challenged Uragiri and slew him with Revenge. His master did not melt into shadow, but lay bleeding at Ginawa's feet. The shapeshifter had been impersonating Ginawa's second in command, goading him into action against his master, and revealed his actions upon Uragiri's death before vanishing into smoke. Ginawa swore he would find the true killer of his Master, and declared that he would know that man by his eyes. [10] [9]

Ronin[]

Ginawa

The ronin Ginawa

Ginawa became a ronin, and was a haunted man who sought refuge in drink and dice games. He used to visit sake houses such as Ugaido's inn, located in a Lion village within the Hamana province. Inside he had a brawl with a local magistrate, Ujikeme, who was defeated by Ginawa with his bare hands. The incident led him to the presence of the Lion governor Ashiryo Ataka, who knew of his actions by a local yoriki, Ashiryo Hijiko. The samurai-ko was promoted, and Ataka offered Ginawa to fill the empty post as yoriki. Ginawa first told his name, and he was recognized as the wielder of Revenge, but Ataka did not hesitate, confirming the post. [11]

Yoriki[]

Ginawa was assigned to Hijiko, and they moved to report the outcome of a skirmish between the Lion and the Crane. They met a group of four Scorpion magistrates led by the shugenja Umabeko. Both groups rode together to see the fight. [12] The Lion general was lured by the Crane to a duel, falling to the superior duelist's skill. Shortly after an arrow pierced the Crane general, fired from so close that it had obviously not come from the Lion side. Ginawa rushed over and killed Umabeko, the man responsible for the arrow which took the Crane's life. [13] The bloodsword drove Ginawa into a frenzied state. Isawa Tadaka, a shugenja magistrate of the Phoenix Clan, met the couple and used his prayers to purify the ronin's madness, allowing Ginawa to recover his focus. [14]

Ataka's Death[]

Hijiko, Tadaka, and Ginawa returned to Ataka's estate and reported to the governor the outcome and events of the battle. Before Ataka could give any command he was killed by a shuriken thrown by a hidden ninja. Tadaka and Hijiko did not react quickly, being under a spell cast by the Ninja which slowed their will. More shuriken followed, with Hijiko being wounded in her arm. Ginawa took Revenge, found the hidden assassin above them, and threw the bloodsword, killing the assailant. [15]

After the Scorpion Coup[]

Ginawa 4

Ginawa

The banishment of the Scorpion Clan further complicated Ginawa's search for his Master's killer. He suspected the assassin was a Scorpion, and they had been scattered across the Empire. Nevertheless he continued his search, moving among the ronin. In the Shiba lands he heard of Toturi's Army, and moved to the Dragon lands where he met Toturi the Black. After several conversations Ginawa's mind was cleared, his focus recovered. Although he declined to ride with Toturi for the time being, he swore to return when and if Toturi needed him. [16]

Toturi's Army[]

In 1125 Ginawa read a message posted in the City of the Rich Frog, Toturi's Call to Arms, and moved to the Great Climb where he became one of the first followers of the ronin general Toturi the Black and an original member of the Twelve Ronin. [17] He fought during the Clan War and during the assault on Otosan Uchi on the Second Day of Thunder. [18]

The Search Begins[]

The Search Begins

The Search Begins

After the disappearance of Toturi in 1130, Bayushi Kachiko charged Matsu Hiroru to search for Toturi with the aid of Ginawa. [19] [20]

Hiroru came to Ginawa's chamber, where he was drunk and wallowing in self-pity. Ginawa was reluctant to began any task, and Hiroru swore to the ronin to help find the killer of Ginawa's master after they had found Toturi. This persuaded Ginawa to help Hiroru in his quest. [21]

Meeting with Lions[]

During the unexplained Lion march into Crab lands, Ginawa tried without result to convince the Matsu Daimyo, Matsu Ketsui, to stop the march. [22]

Kaede Returns[]

Isawa Kaede returned to Rokugan as the Oracle of Void to help in the search for Toturi. She instructed Ginawa and Hiroru to find a Dragon whose face had yet not vanished. [23] [24]

Complications[]

Hiroru holds Ginawa

Hiroru holds Ginawa

Hiroru and Ginawa followed Moshi Hito to the Isawa Woodlands. [25] Beside the ruins of Kyuden Isawa a messenger was shouting to the people that the Emperor had been rescued and was safe at Otosan Uchi. Hito had fooled them, and disappeared inside the castle, while Hiroru held Ginawa back, preventing him from following Hito into the Shadows. [26]

Kitsuki Kaagi[]

During their investigation into Toturi's disappearance, Ginawa and Hiroru found an abandoned monastery rife with Goju and fought their way to the center of the building. There they discovered Kitsuki Kaagi, who had been imprisoned and presumed dead for the past ten years. Kaagi told of his imprisonment by his brother Kitsuki Iyekao, who had become a willing minion of the Darkness, and had been attempting to corrupt his brother for the past decade. [27] [28]

Toturi is Found[]

Others succeeded where Ginawa had failed. Toturi was found in Morikage Castle by Otaku Kamoko and Tsuruchi and taken to a safe place by Otaku Xieng Chi and some Unicorn scouts. [29] While they did not find Toturi, Ginawa and HIroru did discover the underlying threat to the Empire: the Shadow. [30]

Madness of Toturi[]

Toturi's Return

Madness of Toturi

They came back to Otosan Uchi and after the seppuku of the Imperial Chancellor Takuan both were convinced that the Emperor was not himself. Ginawa was shocked by the actions Toturi took after his return. [31]

Siege of Sleeping Mountain[]

For a while Ginawa was commanded by Takuan in the Imperial Legions that fought the Naga in the Siege of Sleeping Mountain. [32]

Kolat[]

Ginawa and Hiroru came to the presence of Toturi I, who in his maddened state hardly recognized his old friend Ginawa. Toturi ordered them into exile, and Ginawa saw that he was indeed the real Toturi, but knew that something evil had entered the Emperor's mind. Toturi had been found but not yet saved. [33] Ginawa and Hiroru did not believe that the man who was found in the ruined castles of the Isawa was the Emperor. They met secretly at night with Doji Shizue, when two kolat appeared. The first of these conspirators was Kage, who spoke some gaijin trigger words that forced Shizue, a Sleeper Agent, to stab Hiroru. Kage lobbied to retrieve Hiroru and place him under his tutelage to become his successor. Ginawa refused to allow this and managed to kill the second Kolat, Asahina Dorai. Shortly after, Imperial Guards led by Toku arrived, thinking Ginawa was a murderer. Kage fled with Shizue, while Ginawa was apprehended by Toku for murder. [34] They were imprisoned for weeks in the Imperial Palace, Hiroru still not having recovered from his wounds. [35]

The Emperor Married[]

Ginawa 3

Ginawa wielding Revenge

In the moments following Lord Moon's death at Hitomi's hands, Ginawa confronted the Emperor. He found he could not bring himself to kill Toturi, but instead smuggled the mad Emperor to a hideout where Hiroru was recovering from his wounds. Isawa Kaede, the Oracle of Void, appeared, and she healed Hiroru and transported Toturi to Phoenix lands, where the Oracle married Toturi in order to save his soul. [35]

Volturnum[]

Kaede sent Hiroru and Ginawa to the ancient city of Volturnum in the Shadowlands. [36] While passing Kyuden Kakita on their way to the Shadowlands, the two met Kakita Kaiten who told them that the Shadow was destroying the very souls of the dead and that ancestors had been slaughtered by the hundreds. [37] When they reached Volturnum Hiroru talked with the Tenth Kami, Ryoshun. While Hiroru came back to Rokugan with Ryoshun, Ginawa went his own way. Ginawa sought the Ninja who had killed his master in order to take revenge. [36] Ginawa eventually found and killed him. [38]

Oblivion's Gate[]

Ginawa reached Oblivion's Gate, killing many minions of the Shadow. He had a vision of his friend Hiroru. and saw through the gate many faces of dead people, such as Togashi, Doji Shizue, Yoritomo Tsuyu, Matsu Agetoki, and Kakita Yoshi. On the other side of the gate the Goju were slaughtering the souls of the dead. He heard sounds of battle coming from where Shadowlands forces had blocked the Empire's armies, preventing them from reaching Volturnum. From nowhere appeared a thousand samurai, who marched down to conquer the city, protected by the magic of Phoenix shugenja and Scorpion guile.

Spirit Army Rally in Jigoku[]

Ginawa fighting a Shadowspawn

Ginawa fighting a Shadowspawn

Another army had begun to gather along with the banners of the seven Great Clans. It was an army of the dead, led by Doji Hoturi, Isawa Tadaka, and Toturi. On both sides of the gate the Goju began to kill; in jigoku the souls of the raised army, and at Volturnum, the samurai that assaulted the city. Then the Darkness was broken by the appearance of Ryoshun. A light grew above the armies in Jigoku, tearing apart the sky with its sudden blaze. But Goju Adorai used his magic to seal the Gate. [39]

The Emperor Returns[]

Ginawa grasped Toturi's hand and pulled him through to the Empire as the gate was sealed. [40]

Hiroru's Goodbye[]

Amaterasu's Furnace

Hiroru entering Amaterasu's Furnace

Ginawa followed his friend to the brink of Amaterasu's Furnace, and watched him walk into the flames in search of Shizue's soul there. [41]

Daimyo Ginawa[]

Akodo Ginawa 2

Daimyo Akodo Ginawa

Following Rokugan's victory at the Battle of Oblivion's Gate in 1133 and the naming of the Lying Darkness by Lady Moon through Takao, Emperor Toturi I reinstated the Akodo family. Because Lady Moon named the Lying Darkness "Akodo", a name no longer in use, the many Goju serving the Lying Darkness became members of the Akodo family. Toturi named his old friend Akodo Ginawa, the new Akodo Daimyo. [42]

Sensei[]

Restored to his family, Ginawa began to teach new Akodo bushi. One of his finest students was Akodo Ijiasu. [43]

Defeating the Unicorn[]

Eager to both expand his holdings and test the powerful Lion Clan, Moto Gaheris commanded his army in a strike across Firefly River in 1136. The returned Akodo smashed a Moto and Iuchi offensive into the Ikoma provinces. Akodo Ginawa's victory in the Battle of Firefly River was unexpected. [44]

Spirit War[]

During the War of Spirits, a spirit Akodo former Lion Clan Champion demanded that Kitsu Motso return the Clan to his command. Motso refused [45] and, with the support of Ginawa, convinced many of the Lion Spirits to accept his leadership and that of Toturi. [44] [46]

Nimuro's Advisor[]

In 1150 the solitary Kitsu Motso died without an heir. Ginawa and Matsu Ketsui distanced themselves from the position of Lion Clan Champion. Ketsui suggested her son Matsu Nimuro as a successor, and Ginawa supported the suggestion. Toturi agreed, though he required Ginawa serve Nimuro as advisor for as long as the new Champion required his aid. [47]

Allegiance to the Shogun[]

Ginawa joined Kaneka before the death of Toturi, giving him the support of the Akodo family. [48] [49]

Revenge[]

After the War Against Shadow Ginawa had decided he no longer needed to wield a sword of steel [50] and left Revenge in the custody of the Lion. The Council of Five requested to study the Bloodsword [51] and Ginawa presented it to the Phoenix. [52]

Kaeru Joins the Lion[]

In 1159 Ikoma Sume met the Kitsu Daimyo, Kitsu Juri, and Ginawa, to inform them about an agreement with the Kaeru family. The Kaeru could remain as governors of the City of the Rich Frog and they in turn would provide the Lion with funds. Juri objected, due to the dark nature of Kaeru trades and its ronin lineage, but Sume assumed responsibility for the trade, and Juri forgave the formerly ronin Ginawa for mixing the word ronin with the word dishonor. [53]

Akodo's Remains[]

Ginawa was present alongside the other daimyo of the Lion Clan in 1159 when Lion Clan Champion Matsu Nimuro revealed the letter from the Dark Oracle of Water Matsu Turi announcing the discovery of the remains of Akodo. Turi demanded a Matsu vassal of true lineage in exchange for the remains; Matsu Domotai volunteered for the duty in 1160. Domotai committed seppuku rather than serve Turi once the remains were safely in Lion hands. [54]

Fighting the Tsuno[]

A Tsuno pack wearing a sashimono of parley arrived at Shiro Akodo to challenge the dojo's sensei, Akodo Dokaru, who Ginawa had known since he was a ronin boy in Toturi's Army. Ginawa killed three of the pack, and the surviving beast was sent back to tell his master how the other three had died. [55]

Kaede's Return[]

In 1160 the Empress and Oracle of Void, Toturi Kaede, had returned to the Mortal Realm at Kyuden Seppun. She commanded the gathering of the Four Winds at the city to unite and defeat Daigotsu and to destroy the City of the Lost with its Temple of the Ninth Kami, channel of Shadowlands worship ofFu Leng. Ginawa was present as one of the most prominent and powerful samurai in the Empire when the Winds were gathered and prepared the Four Winds March. [56]

War of the Rich Frog[]

In 1165 the Unicorn unleashed a full-scale assault on the City of the Rich Frog. The young commander of the City, Akodo Ijiasu, was one of the first casualties. Akodo Ginawa appointed Ijiasu's senior officer, Akodo Tadenori, as new commander. [57]

Successor[]

Ginawa served the Lion as daimyo until 1165. During this time, Akodo Shigetoshi was believed to be Ginawa's chosen successor. [58] Ginawa did not choose Akodo Minako, as she was like a daughter to him. [59] Shigetoshi was the perfect embodiment of all that the Akodo valued, and his prestigious lineage was the final factor. Shigetoshi accepted the honor and ascended to the position of Akodo family daimyo when Ginawa chose to retire. [60]

Heigai[]

Heigai

Heigai

At over sixty years of age, [61] Ginawa stepped down as the Daimyo of the Akodo, retired from the samurai life and became a monk named Heigai. He served the Shogun Kaneka as an advisor, and was one of the few men Kaneka trusted. [62] [63]

Gozoku[]

In 1166 Heigai, already a Gozoku member, was informed of Doji Takeji's report, that told of the connections the Gozoku had with the Shadowed Tower. Whoever was in charge of this new Gozoku were the same people in charge of the Shadowed Tower. Takeji was kept safe and pressured to disclose the identity of the leader. Doji Yasuyo, Kaneka's wife-to-be, marched into the house Takeji was in at Toshi Ranbo, believing the Shogun had kidnapped the Crane. Heigai knocked her down and awaited the arrival of Kaneka. The Shogun explained Takeji's situation, that the Emperor was surrounded by Gozoku conspirators, and that he was a Gozoku member, but was trying to prevent the Emperor from making any more foolish mistakes and giving the conspiracy another chance to sink their hooks into him. Yasuyo undrestood his focus, and joined Kaneka. [64]

The Wanderer[]

Toturi III had been secluded since the Imperial Court received a visit from Daigotsu's ambassador. In 1168 Kaneka moved his army to the Imperial City to protect it during the Emperor's period of seclusion. [65] Shortly after Kaneka departed alone on an unknown journey, and Shiba Danjuro had to conceal his absence in the capital. [66] When it was known the Emperor was not in seclusion but had ventured into the Shadowlands the Shogun's coffers were used to fund an expedition to protect Naseru. [67]

Gift of the Shogun[]

In 1168 Kaneka had been wandering in the Empire disguised as a nondescript warrior known simply as "the Ronin". From Horiuchi Shoan's orphanage he sent word to Rikako that he wished to extend an offer to each of the Great Clans: to endorse his occupation of Toshi Ranbo only so long as the Emperor remained indisposed. In return the Clans would be served by one of the greatest of the Shogun's Advisors. Danjuro was tasked with announcing the Gift of the Shogun to the Imperial Court. Rikako gathered the advisors, informed them of the task set before them, and then met with Danjuro. She showed him the letter, which asked Rikako to make the announcement to the Empire. [68] It piqued the interest of many clans. Kaneka returned to the Capital after an absence of two months. [69]

Death[]

Akodo Ginawa 3

Akodo Ginawa

Heigai was an aged man, close to death, cared for by Kitsu Yutaro and Sachiko in the Castle of the Swift Sword. Ginawa had sent message to Isawa Mizuhiko, wielder of the bloodsword Judgement, who visited him in 1176 alongside his yojimbo Shiba Morihiko. Heigai knew that Mizuhiko's soul was in conflict, and only with help could he master the spirit of the bloodsword. Ginawa counseled the Phoenix to throw the blade away, but Mizuhiko refused. Heigai challenged him to a duel, declaring that if Heigai was the winner, the Tensai had to discard the cursed blade. Two days later, Heigai died dueling Mizuhiko. [70]

After Death[]

Ginawa moved for a brief period to Maigo no Musha, where he met his old friend Hiroru and the guardian of the Spirit Realm, Sanzo. There he saw the spirit of his beloved Setsuko, the woman he had loved, which filled him with longing and remorse. [71]

See also[]

External Links[]


Preceded by:
Family disbanded 		Akodo Daimyo
1133 - 1165 		Succeeded by:
Akodo Shigetoshi


References

  1. ↑ Unexpected Allies, p. 8
  2. ↑ Unexpected Allies, p. 4
  3. ↑ Unexpected Allies, p. 7
  4. ↑ Clan War: Toturi's Army and Yoritomo's Alliance, p. 29
  5. ↑ Unexpected Allies, pp. 4-6
  6. ↑ A Dark Path’s Beginnings, Part I, By Ree Soesbee
  7. ↑ One man will kill his master...
  8. ↑ Unexpected Allies, pp. 6-9
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 A Dark Path’s Beginnings, Part II, By Ree Soesbee
  10. ↑ Unexpected Allies, pp. 9-11
  11. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 14-16
  12. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 46-49
  13. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 96-98
  14. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 132-134
  15. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 162-163
  16. ↑ Way of the Wolf, pp. 68-69
  17. ↑ Way of the Wolf, pp. 106-107
  18. ↑ Clan Letter to the Toturi's army #7 (Imperial Herald v2 #3)
  19. ↑ Hidden Emperor, p. 11
  20. ↑ Kachiko's Tale (Jade)
  21. ↑ Rulebook Story (Hidden Emperor 2)
  22. ↑ Rulebook Story (Hidden Emperor 4)
  23. ↑ Rulebook Story (Hidden Emperor 6)
  24. ↑ Hidden Emperor, p. 14
  25. ↑ The Storming of Morikage Castle, Part 1, by Ree Soesbee
  26. ↑ Let Him Escape (Dark Journey Home flavor)
  27. ↑ Hidden Emperor, pp. 26-27
  28. ↑ Kitsuki Iyekao (Dark Journey Home flavor)
  29. ↑ The Storming of Morikage Castle, Part 3, by Ree Soesbee
  30. ↑ Toturi's Army, by Edward Bolme and Ree Soesbee (Imperial Herald #16)
  31. ↑ Rulebook Story (Dark Journey Home)
  32. ↑ Small Farm (Siege of Sleeping Mountain flavor)
  33. ↑ Rulebook Story (Honor Bound), by Ree Soesbee
  34. ↑ Rulebook Story (Pearl), by Ree Soesbee
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Hidden Emperor, p. 54
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Rulebook Story (Fire and Shadow), by Ree Soesbee
  37. ↑ Clan Letter to the Crane #11 (Imperial Herald v3 #3)
  38. ↑ Bloodstained Rage (Fire and Shadow flavor)
  39. ↑ The Herald's Tale
  40. ↑ The Emperor Returns (Soul of the Empire flavor)
  41. ↑ Amaterasu's Furnace (Spirit Wars flavor)
  42. ↑ Hidden Emperor, p. 82
  43. ↑ A Matter of Loyalty, by Shawn Carman
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Secrets of the Lion, p. 8
  45. ↑ Ancestral Dictate (Spirit Wars flavor)
  46. ↑ Imperial Histories, pp. 226-227
  47. ↑ Secrets of the Lion, p. 9
  48. ↑ The Will of Heaven, by Rob Heinsoo
  49. ↑ Unexpected Allies (Spirit Wars flavor)
  50. ↑ Akodo Ginawa (Gold flavor)
  51. ↑ Secrets on the Wind - Part 1, by Rich Wulf and Shawn Carman
  52. ↑ Fires of the Heart, by Lucas Twyman
  53. ↑ Honor's Grave, by Shawn Carman
  54. ↑ A Lion's Honor
  55. ↑ Way of the Samurai, p. 5
  56. ↑ Fight For Tomorrow, Part IX
  57. ↑ Clan Letter to the Lion (Imperial Herald v2 #9)
  58. ↑ Akodo Shigetoshi (Diamond flavor)
  59. ↑ Akodo Minako (Hidden City flavor)
  60. ↑ Lotus Personalities: Akodo Shigetoshi
  61. ↑ Great Clans, p. 124
  62. ↑ A Forgotten Saga, Part 3
  63. ↑ War Council (Hidden City flavor)
  64. ↑ All Glory to the Righteous Emperor, by Rich Wulf
  65. ↑ Brothers, by Shawn Carman
  66. ↑ To Defend the Emperor, Part 1, by Shawn Carman
  67. ↑ To Defend the Emperor, Part 3, by Shawn Carman
  68. ↑ A Forgotten Saga, Part 3, by Shawn Carman
  69. ↑ Vacant Throne, p. 43
  70. ↑ Judgment, Part 1, by Lucas Twyman
  71. ↑ Judgment, Part 2, by Lucas Twyman



Lion This Lion Clan related article is a stub. That means that it has been started, but is incomplete. You can help by adding to the information here.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms
Advertisement

Fan Feed

More L5r: Legend of the Five Rings Wiki