Matsu

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Matsu
Born:	Unknown
Died:	42
Titles:	Matsu Daimyo
People

Matsu was the most hot-headed and arrogant woman in Rokugan. This reputation is only surpassed by her legendary fury on the battle field. Her wrath was visited with such intensity that few survived. 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 [1]

Contents 1 Life Before the Lion Clan 2 Matsu's Relationships 2.1 Matsu and Akodo 2.2 Matsu and Kakita 3 War Against Fu Leng 3.1 Gathering Thunder 3.2 Day of Thunder 4 Ashes Returned 5 Warning the Lion 6 References

[edit] Life Before the Lion Clan

Prior to joining the Lion Clan Matsu had led a life of banditry and slaughter as a part of the Tribe of Noriaki, even falling in love with Mutsuhito, the son of the bandit leader. She had come to realize how meaningless her life of murder had been, and secluded herself in a small village where she would teach the use of weapons in defense. Eventually Akodo came to the village, and at first she thought he was just another killer like the rest. Over time the Kami proved himself, and Matsu finally understood the true meaning of honor.^[2] The tribe were defeated by the Kami and Seppun at Seppun Hill, and Mutsuhito led what few remained into the Shadowlands to the south.^[3]

[edit] Matsu's Relationships

[edit] Matsu and Akodo

Matsu and Akodo loved each other, but Matsu always refused to marry him. Akodo challenged her to 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 lost on purpose.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Matsu and Kakita

"Let there be enmity between us, little man." -Matsu [4]

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 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.^[5][6]

[edit] War Against Fu Leng

[edit] Gathering Thunder

"I am ready." -Matsu [7]

When Shinsei approached the Kami at the height of the War Against Fu Leng with a plan to defeat Fu Leng, Hantei declared that one member of each Great Clan would be sent on the mission. Ikoma Jujinin attemted to step forward to take the Lion's place, but Matsu knocked him to the floor and took the spot. Matsu then travelled with Shinsei and Mirumoto to gather the other Thunders. After the death of Doji Yasurugi all hope seemed lost, but his twin sister Doji Konishiko stepped forward to take his place. Matsu was not convinced this little girl could be up to the task, but was quickly quitened after Konishiko disarmed her.^[7] Matsu never asked permission from Akodo to leave, although it is disputed why. Some historians say she left in order to save Akodo the pain of ordering her to go, others to avoid having to disobey him if he ordered her to stay. She left with only her armor and katana, leaving her wakizashi behind to be passed down her family line. ^[8]

[edit] Day of Thunder

"I will bring Fu Leng such an end that the Empire will sing of it for one thousand years. In my sword, the wind. In my heart, courage. In my eyes, death. Let the Shadowlands remember my name and fear all those who bear it." -Matsu [2]

Matsu regretted never saying goodbye to her family and Akodo, but did not let that get in the way of doing her duty on the Day of Thunder. After the Seven Thunders and Shinsei reached the keep of Fu Leng, they quickly became trapped and were assaulted on all sides by obsidian samurai. The leader of the samurai was Mutsuhito, Matsu's former love. Matsu slew Mutsuhito, but not before the man could mortally wound the Phoenix Thunder Isawa. While Isawa, now dying, performed the ritual to bind Fu Leng, Matsu and the other Thunders bought him the time. Matsu engaged Fu Leng himself in combat, but was killed by the Dark Kami in a tempest of black fire leaving only ashes of the Lion Thunder.^[2]

[edit] Ashes Returned

1100 years later, Matsu's ashes were returned by Matsu Benika from the Tomb of the Seven Thunders.^[9]

[edit] Warning the Lion

In 1170, the spirit of Matsu sought out the presence in Yomi of the visiting Kitsu Daimyo, Kitsu Katsuko. Acting on her words, Katsuko summoned Matsu Daimyo Matsu Kenji and the samurai Matsu Benika to the Hall of Ancestors. There, though arts of the Kitsu, she addressed the two samurai-ko. She offered mild praise to each for their accomplishments, though advising them not to become complacent in them. But she then said that their honor and dedication to Bushido earned them a warning. It was then that she gave Rokugan the first warning of the coming upheaval in the heavens and impending doom of Lord Sun and Lady Moon. ^[10]

[edit] References

Preceded by: None

Matsu Daimyo ? - 42

Succeeded by: Unknown

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