A brand-new samurai, just having passed her gempukku and given her first assignment.
Sakura is a loyalist and continues to support Toturi. This has led to some intense clashes with her sister, Akodo Ume.
Sakura heard someone disparaging Toturi as a coward who ran from his responsibilities and was about to make an example of him when Ikoma Yoriko stopped her. “Striking him down will only show the strength of your sword. Living to prove him wrong will show the strength of your soul.” She has since become enamored with the young woman, looking upon her as a role model.
After visiting Otosan Uchi with Akodo Tadashi, she too joined the Kenjingumi.
Sakura picked through many of the samurai who were dismissed from the Thunder Guard to increase the ranks of the Kenjingumi in Ryoko Owari. So long as they were capable, willing to swear an oath of loyalty to the Emperor, and agree to the Five Rules, she took them. Their ranks have swelled to about 40 as a result. They have purchased a building on Jade Street in the Downhill to serve as headquarters.