The fourth son of five, Komparu Mineo had a typical mixed upbringing of always getting hand me downs that were three brothers old and nearly always last to get something new. But he had one thing his brothers didn't have, that was his father breathing down his neck to be something. Ever since he was the baby and up until the birth of the youngest fifth son Atsushi, when Mineo was 10 years old, he could get a way with almost anything by playing the, "Ah! He's daddy's little boy!" card. While his elder brothers were all part of his father's plan to increase their family's status, he was free to do what he wanted.

The Komparu clan are vassals to the Takeda clan, who rule Shiriuchi. They in turn are vassals to the Kakizaki clan who are the leading clan on the island.

Mineo's eldest brother Hiroshi had become the Gatekeeper to the main gate of Shiriuchi Castle; the next brother Masami is in line to become the youngest clan member to be in charge of a watch at the castle. Taro, his third brother, is a slight disappointment in that he is a priest in the nearby Buddhist Monastery, but their father was no longer furious and had become proud of the fact that all his sons had become successful at whatever they do.

That said, Mineo was still a dutiful son and when he came of age his family's honour was paramount. He learnt his bushi skills and that honour and respect for clan elders was the ultimate aim in life. But he was inquisitive and when a doctor moved in next door he was intrigued by the smells and lines of drying plants in the garden. While he didn't want to become a doctor, the doctor gave him an interest in plants and herbalism. Also, as his mother believed that he would not have to marry for position like his elder brothers, she persuaded him to learn a musical instrument as a way of attracting a good wife. But always he wanted to prove himself and please his father.

So when his father was asked by the Kakizaki to supply a son to aid in Ainu clearances, Mineo quickly volunteered before his brothers could even speak or his father could ask, partly to please his father and partly as his elder brothers all had good clan jobs or were in line to get them. By volunteering he had ensured that they could keep or get the jobs without losing honour for not volunteering and thereby insured his father's plan for their family's place in the clan was safe.

So with a tearful farewell from his mother he left the clan home in Shiriuchi. His eldest brother presented him with his wakazashi, as thanks for saving him from having to volunteer, while his father gave him the katana he had used as a young bushi. Not a family heirloom but a practical blade.

Off he set with high hopes and a little trepidation