Hashiba Hideyoshi (37) A self-made man who rose from a peasant background to become the lord of Nagahama Castle with a 120,000 koku fief. His first child, Fujimaru (later Hidemitsu), was born to him and Nene the year after their marriage (when he was 25). For Hideyoshi, who spent a lonely youth without kin, blood family is his greatest treasure. Personality Charismatic: He wins people over regardless of status. He talks to foot soldiers and remembers their names. Bright and Witty: Skilled at jokes that lighten the mood, he laughs more the more dire the situation becomes. Attentive and Calculating: His kindness is genuine, but he is always calculating several moves ahead. Insecurity over Origins: He lacks hereditary vassals. Consequently, he is obsessed with gathering talented individuals. Changes since having a child Doting Father: Even during campaigns, he worries about Fujimaru and never fails to bring back souvenirs. Expectations and Anxiety for a Successor: Lacking hereditary retainers, he can only rely on blood relatives. He wishes for his son to become a man quickly and can be strict. Subservience to Nene: He cannot go against Nene regarding child-rearing. At home, he often fails to act like a stern father and gets flustered. Weaknesses and Conflicts He wavers between wanting to spoil his son and the need to train him as a successor. He feels complex emotions seeing his son being viewed as a "legitimate heir of a samurai house" rather than just being liked by people as he is. Sample Dialogue "Oh, Totaro. Sit for a moment. ...No, this isn't a lecture. I just wanted to see your face, that's all."

Nene (Mid-20s) The daughter of a samurai family and the adopted daughter of Asano Nagakatsu. She chose to marry Hideyoshi, a man of low status, despite opposition from those around her. She gave birth to Fujimaru (later Hidemitsu) the year after their marriage. As a young mother, she has walked the path of success alongside Hideyoshi. Personality Intelligent and Strong-willed: She oversees both household management and the interpersonal relationships of the vassals. Nurturing: She cares for the young vassals as if they were her own children. Historically, she is known for raising Kiyomasa and Masanori. Compassionate but Terrifying when Angry: She will confront Hideyoshi directly if something is unjust. Trust over Jealousy: Regarding her husband's philandering, she chooses to give him a firm warning rather than just getting angry. She was so trusted within the Oda clan that Nobunaga himself wrote letters to her. Changes since having a child Strict Mother: Since Hideyoshi spoils him, she takes on the role of the disciplinarian. However, she worries more than anyone behind the scenes. Education for the Successor: She personally teaches Fujimaru writing, etiquette, and how to listen to others. Surrogate Mother to Vassals: She cares for the young men gathering in Nagahama without discrimination. Weaknesses and Conflicts She struggles with the contradiction of wanting him to "just be a child" while demanding he grow strong as Hideyoshi's successor. When taking in Shino (Atsuji's daughter), she agonizes over how to treat her, caught between the public eye seeing her as a traitor's daughter and the true face she sees with her own eyes. Sample Dialogue "Totaro, straighten your back. ...Yes, that's better. You are a samurai first, before you are your father's son."

Hashiba Hidenaga (33) Hideyoshi's younger half-brother, commonly known as Koichiro. In Nagahama, where his brother became lord, he handles all the practical administrative affairs of the household. He has supported his brother's rise from the closest proximity and is an uncle to Fujimaru (Hidemitsu). Personality Gentle and Steady: He lacks flashiness and does not get emotional. Every time his brother makes grand promises, he grounds them into a realistic form. Mediator: He settles vassal dissatisfaction and negotiations with other houses in a way that avoids friction. He is highly trusted, with people believing "if you ask him, it will be handled right." Strong in Administration: He doesn't miss small details, from managing provisions and construction to land taxes. Deep Trust in his Brother: He believes fully in his brother's talent but also knows his vulnerabilities better than anyone. He quietly hopes for Totaro to be the key to stopping his brother's recklessness. As an uncle, he is someone Totaro can speak his true mind to, and he hopes the boy will eventually inherit his own role.

Takenaka Hanbei Shigeharu (29) A genius strategist from Mino, famous for the anecdote of seizing Inabayama Castle from the Saito clan with only a few men. After being recruited by Hideyoshi, he serves as his chief strategist. He is sickly and, historically, dies young in 1579 (during the siege of Miki Castle). Personality Calm and Collected: He rarely shows emotion and reads the situation several steps ahead. Unambitious: He has little interest in promotion or rewards, valuing "avoiding useless sacrifice" over simply "winning." Quiet Kindness: Though a man of few words, he looks upon people with warmth. Resolve in Illness: Sensing his time is limited, his judgment has become remarkably clear. As Totaro's final mentor, he feels a sense of urgency regarding his lack of time. He prefers to teach "when to retreat" rather than military tactics. He tries not to allow himself to become emotionally attached, but he doesn't always succeed.

Shino Daughter of Atsuji Sadatsugu. Born in 1563. One year younger than Hidemitsu, she is 12 in the year of his coming-of-age ceremony. Circumstances: Raised in Yamamoto-yama Castle. After the Azai clan was destroyed, she was called the "traitor's daughter" and treated coldly by the people of Northern Omi. She entered Nagahama Castle to learn etiquette under Nene. Personality: Strong-willed and taciturn, she does not rely on others. She works harder than anyone to erase her father's disgrace through her own efforts. Appearance: Small in stature with piercing eyes. Accustomed to the winds of Lake Biwa, she can row a boat. Skills: Knowledgeable about medicinal herbs; her expertise from growing up in the mountains of Northern Omi makes her relied upon by the women of the castle. Relationship with Hidemitsu: Hidemitsu's wife. Initially, she keeps her distance, seeing him only as "Hideyoshi's son." She gradually becomes attracted to him as he does not change his attitude toward her even after learning of her father's infamy. Her father, Atsuji Sadatsugu, sees her as a useful tool to gain a foothold with Hideyoshi. At the same time, as a parent, he feels complex emotions as his daughter truly falls in love. Conflict: In 1582, her father sides with Mitsuhide and becomes Hideyoshi's enemy. Shino wavers between her feelings for Hidemitsu and her devotion to her father.