Hakurou is the leader of the Mt. Reikaku bandits prior to Eiken. He seized command at a young age after he surpassed others with his armed might and intellect. He is a prominent character in Genrou Den and is mentioned in Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play.
Character[]
Hakurou sees through people in a unique manner, in contrast with his successor, Eiken. At first, he refuses to let Tasuki join the Mt. Reikaku bandits because of his Celestial mark, knowing the young boy's destiny lies elsewhere. However, after listening to Tasuki, he relents, knowing the life of a bandit will help prepare him for his future.
While perceptive of situations and emotions, Hakurou rarely wears his heart on his sleeve. However, his serious demeanor, a result of years of banditry, gives way to tenderness in moments between his men, especially as he takes on a father-figure role for Tasuki. This not only garners the leader admiration from his fellow bandits but an attachment to him.
Although not infallible, Hakurou is a trustworthy leader and, in return, the bandits of Mt. Reikaku value him dearly and the majority continue to grieve for him around the time of the original series.
Story[]
Genrou Den[]
At 23, Hakurou meets a 15 year-old Tasuki and, after the warrior's relentless requests, lets him into the Mt. Reikaku bandits. He becomes a mentor and father-figure to Tasuki and teaches him how to survive in his new walk of life, all the while grooming Tasuki and his rival, Kouji, for command.
One day, Hakurou falls ill and shows no signs of improvement. He decides to pass the Tessen on to Tasuki and Kouji. However, Tasuki believes that Hakurou will live despite the incurable illness. He leaves the mountain in search of a medicine but Hakurou passes away before he can return. Eiken steals the Tessen and assumes command.
Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play[]
After Tasuki meets Miaka, he learns she is searching for the Suzaku warriors. Instead of revealing his identity, Tasuki points her to Hakurou's tomb and claims his old leader was a warrior. Undeterred, Miaka seeks out powers of a great healer in Chokou, hoping to bring Hakurou back to life. After Tasuki defeats Eiken and reveals himself as a Celestial Warrior, Hakurou's grave is left undisturbed.