Shuri (Red King)

Shuri, aka the Red King, was the youngest son of King Ukon and the ruler of the Saikoku, the western and southern regions of Japan. Though initially a ruthless leader and the culprit responsible for Tatara's death and Byakko Village's destruction, his interactions with Sarasa change him for the better.

Appearance
Shuri has short black hair - brown in the anime - and brown eyes. As a king, his attire is militaristic, usually worn with light armor and a red cape. When meeting with Sarasa, Shuri dresses a little more simply, usually donning a tunic and pants. At one point, he shaves his head to pass as a monk while traveling, but his hair quickly grows back.

Personality
Shuri has a great deal of personal growth over the course of Basara. As a king, Shuri was ruthless, crushing anyone he saw as a potential enemy with little to no remorse afterwards. He thought little of his people, and instead focused his efforts on the development of his capital city, Suou, which unintentionally earned him the loyalty of his citizens.

When not acting as a king, such as he did with Shido and Sarasa, Shuri is a very kind person. He's easily excited by new things, and will often run around in a new place, trying new foods and studting the marketplaces.

Over the course of the story, Shuri's militaristic values shift course, targeting the political figures who have wronged him instead of those of innocent villagers. His interactions with Sarasa help him understand people better, and he treats his subordinates with more kindness after meeting her.

History
When Shuri was born, a prophet predicted that he would bring misfortune to his father and the kingdom. As a result, King Ukon branded his son with a slave mark on his back, and told the people that Shuri was not his son, but his slave. Shuri was then taken to live with Shido's family, where the two grew up side by side. As a child, Shuri was described as mischevious and curious, but with a strong desire to prove himself as worthy.

At some point in his childhood, Shuri was given control of the southern and western regions of Japan, becoming the Red King. He and Shido planned the construction of the capital, Suou, and began military campaigns to dispel rebel murmurings, including those regarding the "chosen child", Tatara.