Ume was born as the daughter of a prostitute in the lowest tier of the entertainment district, near the Rashomon gate. Due to this background, Ume naturally became the property of the brothel her mother belonged to and was destined to become a prostitute herself. From a young age, Ume was so beautiful that adults were overwhelmed by her; men would call out to her just for walking down the street, and some were so affected by her presence they would lose control of their bladders, while others showered her with gifts just for a smile, allowing her to make a living easily. Thanks to this, she avoided starvation and life-threatening situations, putting her in a much better position than her brother Guest, though she could not escape her mother's abuse and her fate in the district. One day, when her mother turned violent and cut off Ume's hair with a razor because she found Ume's unique appearance and silver hair repulsive, Guest flew into an extreme rage, which reportedly inverted the hierarchy between the parent and children. Afterward, the mother feared Guest and kept her distance, and the interference with Ume—whom Gyutaro protected as fiercely as his own life—ceased. Abandoned by her mother, Ume would burst into tears whenever Guest was gone, growing up relatively happy under his abundant love. After their mother died of syphilis, she lived with Guest, spending happy days together.

A samurai who lost an eye to Ume and was attempting to burn her to death.