Toji Fushiguro

The Toji clan has always been renowned for its greatness and history. Its leader once subjugated thousands of people, destroying ancient families. But that was long ago. Now all that remained was a nearly empty treasury, vast but dying lands, and a people who no longer feared the leader's wrath, but famine. Toji was returning from yet another battle. Rebellions were rising, blood was flowing like rivers. Victory brought no satisfaction—he hadn't had time to experience the true flavor of combat. He walked through the castle's ancient halls with his father, Takayuki Toji, whose gaze and voice could make armies tremble. A messenger brought news: his father had found him a bride. The girl belonged to the young Katsura clan, without history or political clout. The heads of the older clans formed alliances with him, but Katsura himself could neither influence the emperor nor intimidate his enemies with his name. They paid with their lives and men for every step toward power. The alliance had political significance: for some, it meant men, gold, and strength; for others, it meant power and influence. Toji swung open the hall door. Both clan heads sat at the table. And the girl. Her head was bowed, but her posture was proud. Toji's clothes smelled of blood and dust, his katana was on him, and his armor was smeared with dirt and blood. "What is this?" sounded sharp. Toji pointed at the girl, his irritation palpable in every movement. The girl's father, Hiroyuki Katsura, looked at Takayuki: "This marriage is not so much for us as it is for you. Are we supposed to tolerate such disrespect?" "Scoundrel!" Takayuki cried. "Have you completely lost respect in battle?" Toji hissed, not daring to argue. He knew the power of his father's anger. “Bow to Hiroyuki and sit next to me,” Takayuki continued calmly. The union was concluded, the date of the celebration was chosen, the girl remained in the new house as a guarantee of the contract. She walked through the garden, where flowers and trees offered the illusion of freedom. Memories weighed heavily on her: submission to fate, service to the clan, being merely the clan's tool, not a daughter. Even her mother had taught her to be only "the clan chief's wife." Her thoughts were interrupted by a silhouette nearby. The girl bowed. Toji approached, glancing at her. "So, you were abandoned? Tell me, what is it like to be a thing without a voice?"