Toturi's father did not choose this path out of love or power. The move was calculated to strengthen the loyalty between the feuding families The Matsu had been gaining significant power through the many combats and skirmishes with the Crane, and threatened to usurp the Akodo power within the house. The Akodo were weak, and their armies had diminished. in order to keep the two families at peace, Akodo Daio married Matsu Sodohime.
When the family‘s first child was born, he was celebrated by the Akodo as an heir to his father’s house. However, the Matsu. expecting a daughter, immediately turned upon the boy with suspicion - he would clearly be a wea and a failure. At five years of age young Toturi was taken to the Akodo dojos, to be trained in kenjutsu. Even at such an early age. Toturi's training proved disastrous. The child was meek and thoughtful, more interested in the Tao than in warfare. Despite numerous sessions of instruction and drilling, Toturi simply seemed to have no talent, and worse, no interest in martial prowess.
The Akodo soon came to agree with the Matsu - the boy was useless.
In order to save face, Toturl’s father sent his son to a monastery within the Phoenix lands Isolated from his Clan. Considered an embarrassment to his family, Toturi lived with the monks for more than ten years. He dedicated himself to the study of tactics and strategy, as well as writings of enlightened masters such as the famous Uikku. His teacher, Master Suana, was the Acolyte of Water in the Brotherhood, and took the boy into his care. He soon found that Toturi had a quick mind, a clever wit, and an eagerness to learn. He educated him in ancient texts, often studying late into the night over some obscure work of an ancient general.
The only Lion Clan member who paid any attention to the boy was Akodo Kage. Kage did not want him to grow up completely untutored in the martial arts. For ten years, he traveled to the monastery, claiming that he wanted meditation and time to study the Tao - but used much of the time to work with the struggling lad. When Kage retired and became the Akodo sensei, he asked Toturi's father to send for the boy, but his request was refused.
Back at home, Toturi's parents turned their attention to their second son, a boy born three years later. The child, Akodo Arasou, grew to manhood under the eye of the Lion Clan, who studied every move he made, afraid he might turn out to be a ‘failure’ as well. Arasou’s force and courage was great, and his skill with the blade impressed even his Matsu sensei. The teacher soon refused to teach any other students and spent all his time guiding the boy's natural ferocity. Arasou seemed to have all the aptitude for war and violence that Toturi lacked, and although he was a difficult child, he was loved by the Matsu, who considered him a 'proper’ son. Arasou was proclaimed Heir to the Akodo line on the day of his first major victory against the Unicorn. His skill soon became legendary, achieving heights of military conquest through strength, daring and cunning.
Arasou and Toturi met only rarely, when Toturi came home for festivals and formal occasions. The two children were as different as night and day. Toturi studied life, contemplated tactics, and relied on intelligence and wisdom. Arasou had little time for studies, preferring to spend his days learning new weapons skills and gaining strength. While Arasou hunted, Toturi meditated. Arasou challenged the bushi of other clans and fought with ruthless abandon, while his brother practiced martial arts to understand and unify the body and the spirit.
When Arasou was seventeen and Toturi was twenty, Arasou was betrothed to Matsu Tsuko, daughter of the Matsu daimyo. This was an unprecedented move, because if Arasou became the Champion of the Lion, it would mean the Matsu and Akodo leadership would be one. Nevertheless, both Arasou and Tsuko demanded that the match be made.
They were perfect for each other - brave, reckless, and daring, determined to prove the Lion's might against the other clans oi Rokugan. They fought side by side, and loved boldly.
For nearly a year, they delayed the marriage. Arasou boasted that he would give his new bride the gift of Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho (Violence Behind Courtliness City), an ancient palace stolen from the Lion by the Crane. It was to be a neutral ground from which the two families would begin their union.
However, during the battle to capture the city, Arasou was killed. His uncle, the heirless Lion Champion, was wounded beyond hope of recovery. Soon after, the Lion Champion died as well. Too old to sire another son, Toturi’s father was forced to recall him from seclusion to lead the Akodo.
Toturi was not ready to be a daimyo, much less a war leader, but he threw himself into the task with the skill and wisdom learned from Master Suana. Under his guidance, the Akodo grew in strength. Although Toshi Ranbo wo Shie Shite Reigisaho was never successfully retaken, the Lion thrived. However, Tsuko never became reconciled to Arasou's death, and did not accept Toturi. She still considers him a pacifistic, weak-spined substitute for the glory the Lion would have gained under Arasou.
In three years, Toturi has never failed his duty to the Throne or to his clan. He considers strategy more important than bloodshed, a strange view which sets him apart from many Lion. His skill in tactics and his ability to negotiate have given him the reputation of a good daimyo, if not a good warlord. The years of studying hand-to-hand combat with the monks has given Toturi an advantage with kenjutsu, and he spends much time in the company of Akodo Kage. Under the guidance of Kage, Toturi is combining his talents, to become a competent and deadly swordsman.
After Matsu Tsuko claimed the Championship of the clan for herself, Toturi stepped down from the position, renouncing his name as well to prevent being part of any future intrigue. Since doing so he has become spoken of as "Toturi the Black".
Toturi's open letter: For the Empire