shoukou

Shoukou serves as the governor of Shisui Prefecture in the Wa Province of Kei. His administration is marred by extreme corruption and exorbitant taxation, which jeopardizes the delicate stability of Youko's reign as the new Queen of Kei. When Shoukou's carriage fatally strikes the blind boy Seishuu, Suzu persuades a resistance movement, led by Koshou and Sekki, that the moment to rise against Shoukou has arrived. Youko allies with the rebels upon learning that Shoukou was behind the abduction of her mentor, Enho. In the novels, upon his eventual capture, Shoukou's appearance—immensely obese yet attempting to hide from Youko—shocks both her and the rebels. His physique starkly illustrates the depth of his corruption and self-indulgence. In contrast, the anime portrays Shoukou as a more menacing figure. He recruits the deranged Asano and appears slender, confident, and defiant against the will of the Heavens. However, during a sword duel with Youko, once he realizes he faces the ruler of Kei, he surrenders. In both versions, Suzu demands Shoukou's execution, but Youko insists on questioning him about who enabled his misconduct, refusing to let anyone kill him.