Soruen Wakaosa

A loyal retainer of Uruki, Soruen has known Uruki since the former was twelve years old. He uses gunpowder and a sword in combat. Uruki's mother had entrusted the infant to Soruen's father, Tauru, and Soruen. They raised Uruki while living on the run, avoiding the assassins who would be sent to kill the outlawed crown prince. Soruen and Uruki grew as close as brothers. When Soruen was 21 years old, Tauru died defending Uruki from assassins and told Soruen to protect Uruki with his life. Mentally fragile after Tauru's death, nine year old Uruki decided to jump off a cliff. Soruen held on to Uruki, but was tempted to let go of the boy so he could live a normal life. However, realizing that he needed Uruki as much as Uruki needed him, Soruen saved the boy's life and vowed to remain by his side. Since then, he has always appeared when Uruki has needed him and they are able to find each other using the scent of the Toka seed, which both men carry all the time. Soruen becomes the first to realize Uruki is falling in love with Takiko, urging him to pursue those feelings, and comes to Takiko's aid when Uruki is unable to. Soruen protects Uruki with his life until he sacrifices himself at the Oroko Valley to ensure that Takiko and Uruki are reunited and neither is captured by Kutō soldiers. He leaves Takiko with his Toka seeds so that she will share the same bond he held with Uruki. Soruen's death devastates Uruki and Uruki is only able to overcome his grief when Soruen's soul is properly sent to heaven with a Hoshikaeri (lit. Return to the Stars) ceremony.