wakaosa soruen

A steadfast companion to Uruki, Soruen has known him since he was twelve. In battles, he wields both gunpowder and a sword. Uruki's mother entrusted her child to Soruen's father, Tauru, and Soruen. They raised Uruki while constantly evading assassins targeting the exiled crown prince. Over time, Soruen and Uruki grew as close as brothers.
When Soruen turned twenty-one, his father Tauru died protecting Uruki from assassins, urging Soruen to safeguard Uruki with his life. After Tauru's death, the mentally fragile nine-year-old Uruki decided to jump off a cliff. Though Soruen held onto Uruki, he momentarily considered letting go so he could live a normal life. However, realizing their mutual dependence, Soruen saved Uruki and vowed to stay by his side. Since then, Soruen has always appeared whenever Uruki needed him, and they locate each other using the scent of the Toka seed, which they both carry.
Soruen becomes the first to notice that Uruki is falling for Takiko, encouraging him to pursue those feelings. He even comes to Takiko's aid when Uruki cannot. Soruen protects Uruki with his life until he sacrifices himself at the Oroko Valley to ensure Takiko and Uruki reunite without being captured by Kutō soldiers. Before dying, he leaves Takiko with his Toka seeds so she can share the bond he had with Uruki. Soruen's death devastates Uruki, who only overcomes his grief once Soruen's soul is properly sent to heaven through a Hoshikaeri ceremony.