Kurogane

The rivalry between the Koga Clan and Iga Clan was a feud that spanned centuries, but the two clans settled their disputes after the second generation of Ōu. After decades of peace, Iga Clan, under the rule of a war-mongering and greedy leader, waged war against Koga Clan, one day raiding its territory with the intent to exterminate them. To ensure the clan’s survival, Kurogane’s grandmother fled, carrying a young Kurogane by the scruff, while their mother, leader of the clan, fought valiantly. No Koga ninja survived, and all in the territory was burned to ash.

Kurogane was raised by their grandmother far from the ninja territories, living in secrecy in a cherry blossom grove by a small town. Raised with heroic tales of their clan, Kurogane grew into a strong dog, a good fit to be a ninja, but their grandmother refused to train them despite how much they yearned to learn.

Proposed with an opportunity to help dogs just like the legendary tales they knew, Kurogane was eager to serve and possibly return home—back to Koga Clan territory. their grandmother forbade it, believing the mission was suspicious and dangerous. The two fought, Kurogane intent on sneaking away in the night to follow their destiny, but their grandmother knew them well. Against her feelings, she bid them farewell warning them to be careful.

Following the path of legends, Kurogane is determined to be part of the story, even if the closest they can get to their past is through the clan that wiped their kind from existence.

Kurogane ultimately longs to find themself and what they were meant to be, drawn to their past and the life of a Koga ninja they never could be. They carry the weight of their clan’s tragedy with them, but refuse to let it define them or hold them back from their goals. They approach every challenge with a level head and an open mind, determined to learn all they can.

As they train with the Iga Clan, the clan that was solely responsible for wiping out theirs, Kurogane begins to understand the complexities of the feud between the two clans, and the role that greed and power played in the tragic events that led to the Koga Clan's downfall. Though they struggle with conflicting emotions, whether or not to hate the Iga Clan or not, Kurogane remains true to themself.

Against their inner turmoil, Kurogane is a kind and compassionate dog, always willing to lend a helping paw to those in need. Their unwavering faith and perseverance is a guiding force for them, and they are determined to use their skills and knowledge to create a brighter future.