Sonjo Monogatari - Nifon's national epic

Sonjo Monogatari (The Tale of Sonjo) is one of key bodies of Nifonese literature and single most influential work of Nifonese poetery ever composed by Empress Rei, commonly regarded as Nifon's national poet. The empress undertook a journey across southern Furukuran sea in her youth, where she managed to read few copies of Mahabharata and Ramayana, and wished that her country will get akin epic. After returning home, the young poet married the Emperor, who however proven to be extremely effeminate and lacking in masculine traits. Thus, to educate her husband in virtues that a man should have, Empress Rei gathered various stories about Sonjo war, and wrote them down for him. Oldest confirmed copy is estimated for year 1692, but it's believed that the epic was composed around year 1690 A.D.

Many believe that it's impossible to properly understand Nifonese and their culture with at least basic knowledge of this story, which, by modern times, has been continuously re-interpreted in manga, anime, film and video games ( it is estimated that at least 40% of Nifonese animes contain at least minor references to this epic ). Popularity that Lord Murakami enjoys among the Nifonese can be compared to that of Charlemagne or King Arthur in Medieval Europe, Rama in South-Eastern Asia or characters from the Trojan war.

The name of Sonjo war (which serves as setting of the story) comes from characters ??, which are alternative readings of surname "Murakami". Historically, it took place between 1537 to 1544, and was centered around rivalry between two noble clans, Murakami and Suda, over domination of Nifon. The conflict completely destroyed any sense of governmental unity in Nifon, leading to the era of warring states when the Imperial court was in Asuka - kyo, and from it's name known as Asuka period. During that time various families strove for power and only in 1603 did Chosokame no Yorimoto managed to pacify the situation in the entire country and establish his Shogunate.

The story begins during the battle between Murakami and Suda clans; Murakami Kenshiro, Kenshin's father, is fighting on side of Suda clan, having prieviously betrayed his own. Suda family wins the battle and vast majority of Murakami clan is slaughtered. Only few survive. Kenshiro is given an administrative position at Shogun's court, but - overcome by guilt of what he had done - commits seppuku few years after the battle. After his death his son is sent to the Imperial Court, spending most of his youth there. Suda clan takes over half of Nifon for itself; begins Christian persecution within their domains as their depravities increase. Their leaders are also secretly practitioners of Shugendo (witchcraft) with various oni, yokai and rakushasas advising them.

In such environment grows young Lord Murakami, then named Ushiwaka. His first position is that of a minor servant at the imperial court alongside his friends Kusunoki Shigeharu and Suda Yoshitsugu. Once, during the visit to the forest, the they save Lu Xinyue, - and exiled former Wenchuani General and Neo-Confucian scholar turned Christian preacher from a group of ronin. As thanks Lu takes Lord Murakami as his student. To relieve himself of Suda clan's suspicion, young Murakami plays a fool, but secretly learns all abilities a lord should have (for example, he goes to the river to play by violently pounding a stick into water; but in fact he is measuring level of waters for his imagined campaigns). L Xinyue, himself a highly successful general before his exile, succeeds in teaching the future lord the art of war, sending him secretely on various assignments in the meantime (such as hunting tengu yokai in the forests surrounding the palace). His association with Xinyue drives first wedges between Suda Yoshitsugu and Murakami.

The Emperor has a dream in which he sees seven large crows devour a crane which subsequently burn themselves in fire. Afraid of his dream, he calls various men of religion to interpret it. None of Buddhist mystics and magicians, are, however, capable. Lu Xinyue does instead; explaining that the Asano clan will hold shogunate only for seven more years; and after that, they shall be deposed and fires of war shall devour the land. This incident grants Lu favor with the Emperor, who protects him from Suda clan wishing his downfall.

One day, Lu Xinyue openly attacks Suda's injustices and the Emperor can no longer guarantee his safety. He therefore decides to send him to a well respected Lord, Sanada Harumune, ruler of Aizu. Murakami, tired of repealing homosexual advances of the degenerate court elite, goes with him. Suda clan, thinking him a fool, are not concerned. Then begins over 700 km march to the North; upon which Murakami recruits a former general turned monk, Kojima Nizaemon, who can't find solace in Buddhism, and forces a band of ronin to become his servants. They fight various mythical beasts, Murakami claims a legendary spear, and seeds for his future conversion are sown. On the trail Murakami also has his gempuku (adulthood) ceremony. Being 16 years old, they reach Aizu.

Lord Sanada, impressed with the young man, agrees to take him in. Murakami chooses to repay by destroying wako pirates plaguing Sanada’s coast on Suda clan’s order. He does so, but slaughter he inflicts during an ambush makes him consider his eternal destiny (this moment will lead to his later conversion on Christianity). During the next battle, Murakai is wounded by spear in his side and spends three days in a near - death experience where a tenshi of the Lord of Heaven shows him jigoku (hell). Three days after being wounded Murakami recovers and coverts to Christian faith.

Subsequently, he hears of the undefeated Ronin of the Spider’s Web Forrest, who singlehandedly slaughters entire groups of samurai escorting caravans carrying salt from a local mine. Murakami chooses to confront him by going undercover, befriending the bandit and replacing his sword with a wooden one, which clenches itself in the sheath when the young Lord reveals his identity to the bandit. However, when it turns out that the local ruler is abusing his subjects; and that ronin is in fact something akin to the Robin Hood, Murakami agrees to spare him. In exchange, the ronin joins the young lord; thus Date Sorin becomes part of Murakami's followers.

With corruption revealed, Lord Sanada makes an order to his vassal to change his ways. This results in open rebellion; after it is pacified, Murakami is appointed a new ruler of said castle by Lord Sanada. Now having a castle and a sizable domain, Kenshin can involve himself in local politics. He form his first - albeit small - army, and establishes his rule on neighboring villages.

Two years later, lord of neighboring province of Hara dies, leaving his only daughter - Lady Hikari - as the heir. Lady Hikari issues a challenge that only the man who beats her in a sword fight can marry her. Both Kenshin and his childhood friend Suda Yoshitsugu compete; Kenshin wins by a trick he learned from Date Sorin, which Yoshitsugu - deeply in love with the woman - considers cheating. Lady Hikari, however, chooses Kenshin.

By marrying Lady Hikari, Lord Murakami is subsequently able to take the entire province for himself following it’s ruler’s death. Sanada considers it an act of rebellion (deceived by Suda clan’s treachery), but Murakami meets him half way without army; Harumune being so moved by Murakami’s approach that he recognizes him as an equal, and the two swear eternal friendship. Neighboring lords attempt to exploit the situation and launch an invasion of their own, but Kenshin defeats them in battles of Nishigo and Nishihara pass, successfully ending their threat.

Meanwhile situation in Nifon is deteriorating. The country is in ruins, and the Asano shogun, so far a puppet of the Suda clan openly attempts to defy them by nominating his own brother, instead of his son via Suda princess. This sparks a succession crisis in which Suda clan attempts to intervene by killing the Shogun and putting his son on the throne. The son, however, resentful for murder of his father – alongside with his mother, a virtuous and talented Onna Bugeisha – turns against his family, leading to Suda clan throwing their weight behind the Shogun’s former brother. The Emperor officially nominates the Shogun’s son and proclaims the entire Suda clan to be renegades, calling for their deposing. The call is answered by dozens of lords from the entire country, wishing to increase their political standing. Fighting erupts all over the islands.

A giant comet, like a fiery serpent, cuts the skies, announcing that the time of honor had begun. Due to infighting the Imperial Court is evacuated to the city of Asuka, marking the beginning Asuka jidai.

Murakami, Sanada and few minor lords of the North build their own alliance against Suda clan. First battle is lost due to mistake of one of minor lords; but the defeat is far from crippling. The winter comes and war is halted. During that time Murakami trains the troops anew; his generals also slay terrible yokai that Suda clan has unleashed upon Nifon to win the population’s support. Next spring, under Murakami leadership, proves to be extremely succesful; Suda clan forces under leadership of Suda Yoshitsugu (now living for no other purpose than vengeance) and Ayanami Ieyasu score several losses. Suda Yoshitsugu is besieged in his castle; where his loyal and virtuous wife (whom he never loved) is attempting to persuade him to let go of his vices. Yoshitsugu, who has been becoming totally consumed by revenge over time chooses instead to stab her in a ritual to permit a powerful kitsune-oni to posess him. Walking out of his castle in a gruesome form of humanoid seven tailed fox, he confronts Murakami in a duel, but power of the fox demon proves to be not enough to overcome the Lord of Heaven who backs Murakami. Yoshitsugu looses and the demon gets exorcised; before their deaths, both Yoshitsugu and his wife repent of their mistakes and convert to Christianity shortly before dying with smiles on their faces. Meanwhile Ayanami Ieyasu swears revenge on Murakami for killing his sovereign and loyalty to Suda Benkei.

Meanwhile, Suda Benkei aka Red Monk is leading Suda clan’s forces in the West and South, defeating all the foes. In one of the battles he is struck in the head, loosing his right eye. He however manages to heal himself using his occult powers; the other warriors think it was a miracle and consider him a walking Boddhistava. This move gives him the final bid to assume the formal leadership of Suda clan.

After much political manouevering and many battles, Murakami reaches central Nifon, but grows proud from his victories. A large council of top ten commanders of Suda clan is held; Benkei enters it uninvited. He reveals his true identity – as the dragon Emperor that two centuries Earlier attempted to take rule over Nifon. He also explains all gathered that true purpose of Ryukai – the mystic order most of suda clan and their allies belonged to – was to preserve the bloodline of the dragons, from which, as they believe, Buddha Matireya will emerge. A quarrel erupts and Ishiro summons fourteen gods and his patron Boddhistava Sanatsu Kumara- only for the kami to transform into wicked demons, and Sanatsu Kumara to reveal his true form of seven headed red dragon. One of Ishiro’s generals, who realized the madness being committed before his eyes, chooses to sacrifice himself to let his lord escape; thus two out of ten Suda’s lords are deposed, and Benkei assumes leadership over the remaining eight.

Meanwhile another figure enters the political scene – Murakami Kenji, Kenshin’s brother, who got separated with him at young age and secured one of minor domains for himself. Kenji is greatly jealous of his brother and attempts to kill him by betrayal during a crucial battle. Soryu Arashi looses his life to let rest escape; Kenshin is again pushed far north and spends most of the year recovering and gathering new armies. Part of the center is dominated briefly by Kenji, who forges alliance with the Shogun’s son. The two fight against both Kenshin and Suda clan; the division permits Suda clan to re-conquer plenty of provinces they have pireviously lost. Finally, Kenji looses battle against Kenshin, and attempts to hang himself to avoid capture; but the rope breaks and he smashes against the rocks, his insides falling out. Shortly after the Shogun’s son looses battle against Benkei and is forced to seek refuge with Murakami. Murakami is also joined by a reformed Suda Ishiro, who is now a Christian and has renounced witchcraft.

After another sets of battles and political maneuvering, the Murakami clan’s forces are approaching Kiyosu. The city finally realizes its mistake and rebels against Suda clan; being reinforced by a squadron of elite samurai led by Lord Sanada. On walls of Kiyosu the morning before the battle, Sanada is visited by Michael the Daitenshi and the two converse during a canto which is commonly referred to as "Nifonese Bhagavad Gita" and read in Kogyokist churches on certain occasions. Lord Sanada converts shortly before the attack; subsequent defense led by the lord of Aizu passes into history. The northern Lord's brilliance can't stop the Suda clan's overwhelming numbers forever; finally, Sanda Maru falls and the walls are breached just before Murakami's army arrives with relief. Subsequently, Suda's forces turn to confront their most hated foe.

Battle of the Field of Dharma begins. Fierce fighting claims lives of thousands of warriors and many heroes. By cunning maneuver, Murakami emerges victorious. Suda Benkei is burned in fire. Shogun’s son dies alongside the Shogun’s brother, and so does General Kojima Nizaemon. Murakami enters Kiyosu and is proclaimed the Imperial Chancellor.

Murakami rules Nifon for ten years. After ten years, one of his vassals is tricked into rebelling and kills Murakami while he is praying in Akechi church. His death shatters fragile peace in Nifon, and feudal tensions emerge again. Meanwhile Lord Chosokame observes birth of a twins; and an agnel shows him a vision of their future; one of them clad in silver armor among fires destroying the Heaven’s foes; another in an expensive robe among cries „Let Shogun live ten thousand years!”.

The text can be accessed here.

COMPOSITION

Ukiyo-e of Date Sorin fighting Ayanami Ieyasu

Book I: Details battle of Mikurajima and it's political fallout, as well as youth of Lord Murakami - his unrealized courtly love to one of princesses which rejects him, rescuing of Lu Xinyue, study under said preacher and other activities.

Book II: Details Lord Murakami's journey from Kiyosu to Aizu and adventures he had during the travel.

Book III: Details how Murakami's activities in Aizu before taking power as Lord of Uji Castle. Conversations in this book speak a lot about matters of statecraft and military strategy and are often taught in Nifonese military academies.

Book IV: Tells the story of Murakami's taking of Uji castle, his rule and subsequent conquest of Hara province. Ends with reconciliation with Lord Sanda.

Book V: Tells the beginning of Sonjo war, intrigues and unrest at Shogun's court. Ends with Imperial call to overthrow Suda clan.

Book VI: Details Murakami's battles against Suda clan up to defeat of Suda Yoshitsugu, who serves as the book's main antagonist.

Book VII: Details rise to power of Suda Benkei (aka Red Monk) and Murakami Kenji; Kenshin being betrayed and driven back beyond the central plain.

Book VIII: Details fall of Kenji Murakami.

Book IX: Details further part of campaign up to beginning of siege of Kiyosu.

Book X: Details conversation of Lord Sanada with Michael the Archangel on walls of Kiyosu. Due to similarity in structure, it's often compared to Bhagavad Gita. Possibly one of greatest expositions of Kogyokist theology.

Book XI: Details siege of Kiyosu and battle of the field of Dharma (Battle of Datsumagahara).

Book XII: Details later lives of the characters up until death of Lord Kenshin.

Book of the Students: Written in form of debate between Suda Ishiro and his wife, exploits spiritual meanings of the story.

CHARACTERS

Modern interpretation of Murakami Kenshin leading his forces

HARA MURAKAMI

Murakami no Kenshin, Imperial Chancellor & Lord of Hara: Main protagonist of the story. He is introduced as a teenager involved in an unfulfilled courtly love; which he quickly discards as "foolish". Later he gradually transforms into a romantic warrior fighting to liberate Nifon from Suda clan's tyranny. Though possessing all the qualities that a fine samurai and lord shall posses, Kenshin nevertheless has many flaws; his desire for benevolence clashes with his personal ambition and pride, which ultimately leads to him being defeated and pushed back into the North while his strategic talent often forces him to choose between honor and soolutions that, while being immoral, are without doubt efficient. Following the battle of Dharma-field he rules Nifon for ten years, before being assassinated.

Kusunoki Shigeharu: One of Kenshin's seven tygers. Descends from cadet branch of Murakami clan. Childhood companion of said lord that accompanied him almost everywhere. Representing many virtues of Bushido and extremely loyal, but at the same time arrogant and unable to reason or empathize with common people. Master of fighting with naginata.

Date Sorin: Former ronin in Lord Murakami's service. Son of a poor samurai, lost his master during battle of Mikurajima. During his time as a ronin, in a state of alcoholic intoxication he killed a dragon with bare hands. Subsequently held a position of a village magistrate before being forced to become sort of a local robin hood after standing up to exploitation of his subjects by the local lord. Defeated by Murakami's ruse, he is pardoned and becomes Murakami's companion. Arguably most skilled fighter with the story, capable of cleaving through an entire rank by himself. Fights with sword so large that few people outside him can lift it and let alone operate. Arch rival of Ayanami Ieyasu - Nifon possesses many legends about duels between the two - whom he finally kills in a final duel during battle of Dharma-field. His character was characterized with an extreme sense of justice, but at the same time Sorin had a tendency to abuse sake and get into fights.

Kusari no Nagato: Nagato is Kenshin's cheif of Shinobi. Formerly a man who comitted dark deeds in the past, Nagato's task is to find redemption throughout his service for Lord Murakami. He rarely speaks, disdains honourable warfare and always has eyes around his head. In addition to that, Nagato has plans and goals of his own - as he manipulates both sides of the conflict, and there is far more to him than it appears.

Nagato earned his surname "kusari" by his fascination with flexible weaponry. His weapon is a chigiriki flail, but he does not disdain other flexible weapons.

Seidoryu Arashi: fourth tyger and oldest of them. Served previously Murakami's father. Wise, but having endless lust for women, which at times if hard for himself to control. Dies after Kenji's betrayal, holding a fortress to allow his Lord retreat to the North.

Sanada Harumune: Lord of Aizu. Old, experienced and extremely cynical. Has been an enemy of Suda clan ever since he took power. Extremely talented commander. Lost his left eye in battle. At first Murakami's sovereign, later acknowledging him as an equal. Survived siege of Kiyosu, albeit with grave wounds that kept him crippled till the end of his life.

Fujikawa Katsuyori: A general of Sanada Harumune who experiences a rise in status to Daimyo during the story. Extremely fanatical Kogyokist; Empress Rei meant to portray through his deeds what happens when faith is not tempered by reason and understanding.

Lady Hikari: Lord Kenshin's wife. During her youth, Hikari lost all her brothers and was left with her father - Lord of Hara - heavily wounded, forcing her to take care of the province herself. To do that, she sought power at all costs, dabbling in various forms of the occult. Finally realizing the price and kind of entities she was dealing with, Lady Hikari renounced witchcraft. Also a famed onna-bugeisha, Hikari swore that only a man who defeats her in a sword fight shall be permitted to wed her. For her hand contended Kenshin and Yoshitsugu, the first one winning the fight by what Yoshitsugu considered cheating, and what Hikari accepted. Though rarely concerning herself with "the affairs of men" Hikari was eager to support her husband when she deemed it necessary.

Lu Xinyue: the Apostle of Nifon. Former Wenchuani general and Neo-Confucian scholar turned Christian preacher and disciple of Konrad Wyss. Lu was exiled from Wenchuan following an intrigue started against him in the court. Arriving in Nifon, he spends a brief period of time in the Imperial court, before leaving for Aizu under orders of Prince Ranmaru (later Kogyoku Emperor) who is concerned about his safety. He is also responsible for Kenshin's education. Dies one year before the beginning of Sonjo war.

Irwin Lindholm aka Miura Anjin: an Aravean Mercenary and commander of Sverte Heaf (Black Host). He and his men join Kenshin's band during their journey to Aizu. Subsequently he becomes one of Kenshin's advisers.

KISO MURAKAMI

Murakami Kenji: Kenshin's brother. Following death of his father, Kenji was sent to Kiso, where he grew under watch of the local lord. Following the beginning of Sonjo war, he took the province for himself and joined the war on his brother's side. Soon, however, he grew envious of his brother, which culminated in Kenji selling his brother for 30 boxes of gold. Subsequently for a certain period of time, Kenji dominates central Nifon, allying himself with Asano Yoshikazu. His career is as short as it is rapid; just a day after Yoshikazu looses a battle against Suda Benkei, Kenji looses a major battle against Murakami Kenshin. To avoid capture, he kills himself; his body falls from a cliff and splashes itself all over the rocks below, ending the traitor's life.

Lady Chacha: an Onna - Bugeisha and Kenji's lover. She is first introduced in the imperial court, as Kenshin's love interest; but is also quickly revealed to be a woman bent on power and stripped of emotion. Following her breakup with Kenshin, Chacha falls into witchcraft. Later on, she hears Yafutsu (Xinyue's disciple) preach and nominally accepts Christianity, but only to increase her own standing. After witnessing Yafutsu heal someone via prayer, she attempts to bribe him into obtaining that power, which ends in her sharp rebuke. She later creates her own mystic system by syncretizing Christianity with the Nifonese folk religion, creating a new mystic system which she convinces Kenji Murakami to embrace. She is captured by Benkei and burned to death following Yoshiteru's loss.

YAHIKO SUDA

Suda Ishiro: one of Kenshin's main antagonists. Born to a lowly concubine of a powerful master, Ishiro is hated by his father, who - seeing him as too effeminate and cause of his mother's death - forces him to become a boy prostitute for his guests. Ishiro finally escapes from his father's castle, and for some time living in the gutter, forced to sell his body to survive. Later, he stumbles upon Suda Benkei, who - in exchange for services - accepts him into his mystic society and trains to take revenge on his father. Ishiro finally accomplishes it and murders his father and his entire family, taking over the title. Subsequently, Ishiro falls deeper and deeper into witchcraft, thinking that only trampling everyone under his foot will prevent him from suffering the fate he did. He also develops a taste for young boys as a result of the trauma in his youth. Ishiro leads Suda clan for first half of the war, before being deposed by Benkei, who reveals to have been merely using him as a pawn. Benkei's plot to kill him, however, fails and Ishiro links with the last lord remaining loyal to him (Kato Teinosuke). Subsequently he marries and embraces Christianity, finally reconciling with Murakami and taking part in battle of Dharma field. Injured in battle, he retires the political world into a self imposed exile into the mountains, where he lives the rest of his days as a poet.

His character is described as extremely self centered and hedonistic. Though Ishiro possesses a considerable strategic and political skill, his own cowardice prevents him from fully utilizing it.

Kato Teinosuke: Suda Ishiro's top lieutenant. A man of noble character, fighting for his master merely because he chose to intervene (albeit for selfish reasons) when Kato family was about to loose it's domain. Famed for his generosity, once gave away half of this palace to the poor of his area. Master of spear play and extremely skillful warrior, one of few who could have contended with Dare Sorin. After Suda Ishiro is betrayed, Teinosuke is the one who supports him and permits his deposed master to return to politics. Following Ishiro's reconciliation with Murakami Kenshin, Teinosuke takes Soryu Arashi's place as a Tyger-General.

IE SUDA

Suda Benkei: The real antagonist of the work. Suda Benkei, also known as the Red Monk, was born to a Rasetsu and a princess from the Imperial line of Nifon three hundred years earlier. As so called "Dragon Emperor" he attempted to restore the power of the Imperial house of Nifon and destroy Kusakabe Shogunate. He failed and was wounded in his head, spending next several hundred years in hibernation and various occult techniques healed his wounds. After his reawakening he founded Ryukai with purpose of infiltrating the existing Nifonese government and establishing power base, also being officially adopted to Suda clan. He recruits young Suda Ishiro to act as a public face of his secret society. The events of Sonjo war, are, in fact, parts of Benkei's master plan to demolish not just feudals fighting against him, but feudal system as a whole and create a centralized, overbearing state that would be a further base for him to "conquer all under heaven" and bring in a new golden age for humanity.

Benkei sees himself as Buddha Miroku (Matireya) incarnate; his philosophy can be described as "Nietzchean before Nietzche". According to the Dragon Emperor, humanity had entered in the "Later age of Dharma", where it had utterly lost any memory of it's original good nature. Thus Benkei believes that his duty is to literally become a new Buddha, transcend the "pathetic" notions of good and evil and impose his own morality on the clueless humanity which will lead it to a new golden age - with himself as a god watching over it.

Ayanami Ieyasu: A veteran samurai warlord fighting under Suda clan. Ieyasu is manifestation of knightly virtue - but at the same time, places more emphasis on rules than on truth, believing that it is duty of a samurai to be loyal until his death no matter the moral issues. He is introduced during the battle of Mikurajima, where he slays champion of Murakami army and Date Sorin's master - Chiba Kawakatsu. Subsequently he fights during the Sonjo war, first as vassal of Suda Yoshitsugu, then - wishing to avenge death of his lord - as fully fledged daimyo under Suda Benkei. Though often attempting to dissuade Benkei from committing evil, he nevertheless carries his orders to the desk. Arch rival of Date Sorin - the two fought several famed duels. Ieyasu is finally slain during battle of Dharma field in the opening minutes, after final fight against Date Sorin.

Suda Yoshitsugu: Murakami's childhood friend from the Imperial court. First cracks between them appear when Murakami is not in favor of degenerate lifestyle of the Imperial Court, which Yoshitsugu is actively embracing. The two part their ways following Murakami's departure to Aizu. They meet again when Lady Hikari is about to choose her husband. Contest for woman's hand ultimately drives a wedge of hatred between two former friends. Yoshitsugu, crazed from love in Hikari, is shattered from his rejection and marries first woman he met during the road. His thirst for vengeance consumes him more and more to the point of an obsession. He receives a major fief and is Kenshin's major opponent during the first part of Sonjo war when Benkei is busy fighting in the South. Finally besieged in his castle, Suda sacrifices his wife in a bid to contract a fox demon, who then possesses his body and fights Murakami. Kenshin, however, wins the battle with Lord of Heaven's help; and Yoshitsugu reconciles with his wife, embracing Christianity just before his death.

Yoshitsugu used to be an attendant of the Shogun for a certain time, thus "Yoshi" in his surname.

Abe no Gyoja: a leader of popular uprising movement known as Yuzu-Ikki. A powerful witch capable of performing many fake miracles, through which he deceives the masses. Aligns himself with Suda Benkei, in whom he sees an avatar of Buddha Matireya (and is later revealed to be Benkei's agent meant to win the common people to his cause). He meets his fate being burned in fir alongside Suda Benkei.

Hojo Moriyasu: One of major vassals of the Suda clan, whose disastrous handling of his armies leads Suda clan to some major defeats. It is only later revealed that Moriyasu is in fact a samurai nobleman named Ko Yaemon, whose family's lands were confiscated by the Suda clan. Wishing for vengeance, Yaemon enacted his plan - first acting as a kagemusha to Hojo Moriyasu, then finally murdering his master and stealing his identity, then intentionally making bad decisions to bring Suda clan to ruin. Moriyasu/Yaemon is killed by Suda Benkei during Suda clan's council when his identity is disclosed.

ASANO SHOGUNATE

Asano Yoshimasa: the current Shogun of house Asano. Tired of being ruled from the shadows by Suda family, attempts to defy them by putting his own brother on the throne, which results in the Sonjo war. Goes mad when the fighting consumes Kiyosu around him.

Asano Yoshiteru: Shogun's brother. Initially opposing Suda clan, allies himself with it following Yoshikazu's rebellion against Suda clan. Subsequently becomes a puppet of Suda clan. Dies in battle of Dharma-field, mutually killing each other with Yoshikazu.

Despite his lust for power and riches, Yoshiteru is a warrior beyond peer capable of competing with likes of Ayanami Ieyasu, Kato Teinosuke or Date Sorin. He is also extreme materialist who became a Buddhist monk solely to exploit religion as a way to make money on people.

Asano Yoshikazu: Shogun's son. Despite being close to Suda clan, Yosuhikazu always remained as virtuous as he could in the environment he was growing in, refusing to participate in witchcraft and abuse his power. Though initially supported by Suda clan, he looses that support after attempt to defy them; causing Yoshikazu to throw his support being the Murakami clan, first behind Kenji, then behind Kenshin. Dies in battle of Dharma-field, mutually killing each other with Yoshikazu.

Lady Yodogimi: Asano Yoshimasa's wife and mother of Asano Yoshiteru. A woman of extreme courage and bravery.

WAKO PIRATES

Chow Fat: A wako pirate defeated by Lord Murakami during his stay in Aizu. Former Naval Colonel of Wenchuan, Chow Fat took part in Prince of Jing's rebellion that was crushed by Lu Xinyue during his time as a general. Following the defeat of the rebels, the disgraced colonel fled to Nifon where he set his base of operations on island of Kawankajima, commanding a fleet of pirates made up of mixed ethnicities. After being hired by Suda clan, his pirates launch a series of attacks on coast of Aizu. Chow Fat is defeated in a series of skirmishes and finally killed by Lord Murakami.

Lady Shi Yang: a wenchuani pirate, "dragon lady" archetype. One of Chow Fat's most trusted lieutenants. Is later revealed to be a princess from deposed Imperial line of Wenchuan for whom piracy is a way of fighting Chagatay occupation of her country. Ends up giving up piracy and marrying Kusunoki Shigeharu.

LEGENDARY CREATURES

Mashira: are Nifonese equivalent to Hindu Vanaras. It is believed that the idea of "Mashira" came to Nifon through buddhist renditions of Ramayana and versions of said Epic that were present in Southern Furukuran sea (in countries such as Tayland) which Empress Rei visited before her conversion to Christianity on Buddhist pilgrimages. However, origin of those creatures is solely Christian. It is taken from the book of Jasher where it is written that "those who said, We will ascend to heaven and serve our gods, became like apes and elephants (Chapter 9 v. 35)", which Empress Rei used to explain origin of legends about Sun Wukong, Ganesha or Hanuman. Mashira were originally from the "Land of Tenjiku", where they settled after their exile in babel and took part in civil strife between the two major forces of the yokai. However, soon after victory in the battle of Lanka was scored, other "youkai" like Hanuman and rest of the "divine crossbreeds" started acting exactly like defeated rasetsu (rakshasas) - eating human beings. Finally a small group disgusted by all the idolatry and violence going around, and remembering a memory of one God they worshiped before they fell into the idolatry, chose an exile and pursuit of remnants of rasetsu that fled from Lanka to Nifon (Empress Rei identifies Suda Benkei as descendant of Reeban / Ravan). Aware of their small numbers, they settled in Nifonese alps where they became the first Ninja. Part of them realized that the Lord of Heaven was the same "one God" and subsequently joined Lord Kenshin's campaign, acting as elite light infantry suitable for skirmishing, raids and ambushes. At least some of them that proven most faithful to God had their curse lifted and became human once again.

Mashira play an enormous role in Nifonese folklore. They are usually portrayed as Ninjas, living in secluded villages deep in the mountains, governed by council of elders. They are also believed to have invented the art of Ninjutsu which they excell at. Multiple Nifonese martial arts styles claim to have been invented by them; including Fusaru - Ryu (Wind Monkey Style) of Ninjutsu, which claims to have been originated by Alyudh, one of Mashira elders that proclaimed his loyalty to Lord Murakami; while school of swordsmanship known as Shinkage Ryu, famed for it's circular footwork was claimed to have been taught to General Date Sorin by another Mashira (the first of their kind to become a Chrisitain preacher), whom Sorin was later forced to slay after he was put under mind control by the Suda clan. At least two Samurai families claim that their ancestors were Mashira who in exchange for exceptional devotion to the Lord of Heaven had their curse lifted.

Due to genetic similarity with Humans and the fact that this mutation is the Lord's curse, Mashira are the only non-fully human speicies that is excluded from extermination order.

Oni: Nifonese term for Biblical fallen angels. Immaterial beings that once were the Tenshi (angels) of the Lord of Heaven, but subsequently joined Satan in his rebellion. They appear in the story several times, usually masquerading as kami or fox-spirits.

Youkai: covers ever almost every group that Nifonese believe carries within itself blood of both mortals and demons (equated with Giants from the Bible). The term may also apply to demons as the Nifonese believe that Giants, not being natural, can not return to the Lord of Heaven and thus are forced to stay in this world.

- Rasetsu (Rakshasas): are believed to be main group of yokai that arose directly as a result of an union of a mortal man and an oni. They are extremely tall, have enormous physical strength and like to eat men. Their nature is irredeemably evil just as their demonic fathers. In the epic they all without exception fight on Suda clan's side and are exterminated upon it's fall.

- Naga: are the special breed of Rasetsu that are believed to be directly from Satan's lineage and thus inherit his reptilian characteristics. They inhabit the underground area known as Agharta, from where Suda Benkei called reinforcements. Naga units joined the battle on the Dharma-field after ranks of Suda clan's broke. Kusunoki Shigeharu slew a particularly terrifying commander of the Naga host.

- Empress Rei mentions also how the oni "sinned against all living things" by creating crossbreeds to corrupt the Lord of Heaven's creations, which are also included in this term.

All kinds of youkai, as abominations of the Lord of Heaven, are to be subject to extermination.

REGIONAL VERSIONS

Because of it's high literally value, Sonjo Monogatari had been widely read outside Nifon. Often, the transmission of Sonjo onto foreign cultures resulted in major editions of it's content.

First non-Nifonese versions of Sonjo Monogatari appeared in Southern Furukuran Sea, where they were carried by the Nifonese mercenaries. Most famous of them was commissioned by Yamada Yukimura, a Nifonese samurai and mercenary who in 1712 became a governor of a province in Tayland. "The Tale of Khun Kun" as it became known, had it's setting moved to South-East Furukuran area and incorporated more themes from local culture. Another famous retelling was tale of Lord Kiem Tin written in 1749 in An Nam, where it quickly became a literary classic. In both editions Kogyokist themes were downplayed or replaced with ones from indigenous religions of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism.

The tale was also carried to Aravea by the Nifei. An Aravean retelling of Kenshin's story in form of a prose was written in 1834 in wake of Romantic religious revivals. In "Tale of Honorable Lord Murakami" Kenshin is portrayed as champion of the protestant cause, and his enemies include Jesuit priests cooperating with Suda clan. This version also includes genealogies of major Nifei clans and story of Kenshin's alliance with Odon Razgriz.

Choe Yu, one of most well known socialist writers from Wenchuan, wrote an inversion of Sonjo Monogatari, where Suda Benkei is portrayed as a champion of the people unfairly loosing to the "bourgeois and religious" Murakami.