Gyousou Saku  

Boku Sou, 乍驍宗 / 朴綜

General Saku from Kouki Province, whose real name is Sou but who goes by Gyousou, was first introduced when Taiki and Sanshi were on the mountain observing the candidates as they climbed up the trail. When Gyousou offered incense, he frightened Taiki so much that he called off the ceremony. The next time they met, Gyousou was punching Goson for causing a disturbance on Mt. Hou. Despite his rough exterior and warrior-like demeanor, Gyousou always came across as violent to others. Risai believed it was his ambition that scared Taiki, while everyone else agreed that his hardness was exactly what the kingdom needed. When Taiki calmed down around Gyousou, they went on a hunt for youma together and stopped for the night. During their rest, Gyousou asked why Taiki was afraid of him. He wanted to know in which ways he fell short because he felt qualified to be king. Taiki explained that his fear was due to the fact that he smelled badly of blood, but Gyousou was satisfied with this explanation and assured Taiki that he would find a good leader someday. Gyousou's main character flaw was his pride. He was willing to resign as a Sen-nin and general because he was not chosen as king. This hasty exit was seen as him tucking his tail between his legs and running in shame. However, his ego, along with his callousness, were the perfect foil for Taiki's gentle innocence, making them an unexpected yet startling pair. When Taiki finally chose Gyousou as king, he seemed to come down a notch in arrogance. He renamed Taiki to Kouri, which was a peak high on a mountain where the dead are believed to walk, and called Keiki to Tai because he was worried about Taikis depression. He also helped prove that Taiki was not wrong and assuaged his young kirins conscience. Gyousou balanced power and compassion quite nicely, making him an impressive potential king. Despite his mysterious disappearance, it is clear that he would have made a good ruler.