Kenji Matsuyori - Wandering Ronin

Name: Kenji Matsuyori

Nationality: Japanese

Affiliation: None - previously the Ishin-shishi

Gender: Male

Age: 40

Appearance: Kenji has a tough exterior, scarred tan skin that shows the depths of his experience on the battlefield. His eyes are a dark grey hue and normally narrowed, giving him the appearance of a hawk. His hair is dark and graying, tied back into a Samurai queue. He is growing a finely trimmed beard as well, however during long trips it gets a bit frazzled along with his hair.


Personality: Kenji is a bit withdrawn as a person because he wanders so often, being a Ronin as he is. He is normally quiet around others, only speaking when spoken to as a result. After the Revolution ended, Kenji has no real loyalties, especially since the Meiji government never acknowledged his help during the war as well as his comrades sacrifices.

History: Kenji was once part of the Ishin-shishi during the Bakumatsu, being revered among many as one of the best Hitokiri (assassins) that the Pro-Imperial forces could provide. He never failed in any mission, except for his last one - an order to assassinate the leader of the Shinsengumi, Isami Kondo. Before he could land a killing blow, he was found out and attacked by Kondo himself and other members at the headquarters.

He barely escaped with his life, being wounded in multiple areas as he fled from the scene in disgrace. He lived, and even attempted to commit Seppuku, however was ordered to refrain from disemboweling himself, being to valuable of an asset to the Ishin-shishi to die there.

So, Kenji recovered in peace, awaiting for the next call to battle, however it never came. The war ended before he could once again run out into the field of war. He was never given acknowledgement for his services, and never called to serve for the Meiji Government - leading to a strong sense of disenfranchisement on his side. He left the capital, wandering aimlessly as a Ronin, just as so many other Samurai after the Revolution passed. Though he never initiates them, he bides his time by hunting bounties or dueling for a living since he was never taught a trade aside from combat.

Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi, Yumi bow

Fighting Style: Muso Shinden-Ryu

Muso Shinden-Ryu is a school that essentially teaches many different techniques in the art of swordsmanship, with a focus on Iaijutsu or the "Art of drawing sword". It trains the body to be able to draw a katana and strike with great speed, many of the attacks death-blows by all standards. It is exceedingly effective for assassinations in particular.

While Iaijutsu is a focus, wielding a blade outside of the sheath is also taught well, alongside battle-effective hand-to-hand close quarters combat techniques.