If ever there existed an individual who had been ignored, put down, trodden on, and undervalued by society, Kaneshiro was that person. He was the youngest of three siblings, with two older sisters who would grow up to be powerful members of the waka-doshiyori. Jun'ichi by contrast, could only obtain employment as a mere spearbearer.

It wasn't as though the family expected much from him. Kaneshiro males were historically weak and far too typically passive. In due course, Jun'ichi even became known only by his family name, so unimportant had he become to them.

Kaneshiro, as he became known by, was wholly aware of his position. He had acted quite passively throughout his youth, for nothing was ever expected of him. It was at the annual family gathering that he finallly found the compulsion to direct his life. The gathering required that all living members come forward when called and present an offering to those who had passed away. Kaneshiro was the only one not called. It was as though his entire family had forgotten him — as though he didn't exist.

Upon returning to his post as a spearbearer, the thought that he was so unremarkable festered in his mind and drove him into action. He turned all his will upon advancement. Ravenously, he progressed until he became a full samurai, an officer of the sword under Motoko Nobunaga. But it was not enough to earn him respect, not from his family, and not from himself.

It was that deep upset in himself which eventually drove him to be reckless on the battlefield. He would throw himself headlong into archery barrages and break enemy lines, giving no thought to his personal security. Scarcely could medics bandage him after a fierce battle before he was out again, raising hell.

Eventually, his Daimyo and commanding officer took notice. Motoko took it upon herself to appoint him the rank of Hatamoto — guardian, if only to appease his thirst for advancement. He had finally attained a rank work remarking. Never again did his name go unspoken, though he requested he be called "Kaneshiro". He had gotten used to it, if nothing else.

There was one other duty he had to perform however. It was all that remained for him to earn his family's respect: Marriage.

Luckily, his mother had already arranged a good match. The Hitohiro family's daughter, Ryoko, was coming of age, and a union would strengthen both families. But Ryoko had no intention of being married. When her parents insisted, Ryoko took a vow of roninship and left Yagyu, leaving Kaneshiro to wonder.

It has been years since he last saw her.