Sword of Desperation

Kanemi's devoted young niece and caregiver, Rio has stayed by his side since her aunt's death. She is loyal and protective, torn between her affection for Kanemi and the pressure to marry. Her quiet strength grounds Kanemi amid the court's dangerous intrigues, and she hopes for a safer future for him and their child.

A renowned samurai who murders Lady Renko and quickly becomes a pawn in Tsuda's political machinations. He endures a gruelling year under house arrest, wrestling with the crime and the forces shaping his fate. Kanemi wields the fabled Sword of Desperation, a technique born of near-death that becomes central to the conflict.

A powerful Edo-era daimyō who commands a formidable court. His rule is challenged by Renko's influence and the schemes of his advisors, yet he remains the ultimate authority to which others answer. He faces the burden of maintaining order as rival factions press for change, and he ultimately bears responsibility for the fate of Kanemi.

Renko is a controversial figure whose fiscal ambitions and political machinations draw sharp opposition from officials and Obiya. Her push for lavish spending and higher taxes to fund temple renovations fuels resentment and fear of weakening the clan. Her actions catalyze the day’s crisis and the fragile balance of power within the court.

The chief advisor who engineers Renko's political downfall to consolidate power for himself and Sun-Ukyo’s court. He directs Kanemi toward the assassination and then positions himself to reap the rewards of the crisis. Tsuda’s calculated maneuvers reveal the depth of court corruption and the fragility of loyalty.

A stern military commander who opposes Renko’s influence and aspires to replace Ukyo with a rival lord. Obiya’s disillusionment with Ukyo drives him to assert power through force and political maneuvering. He duels Kanemi in a brutal confrontation, meeting his end at the hands of the samurai.