By 212 T-K, five great daimyo had risen to power and dominated their various territories: Bokkai of the Takaikabe Mountains, Jinzaburo of the Outer Sea, Ikku of the Sprawling City, Mamiko of the Endless Forest, and Ruriko of the Purple Plains. Each ruled with an equally iron fist, rising to power by destroying their rivals and consolidating their hold on Ikaiguchi. For decades they fought, and the legacy of their war was passed down to their children. The land burned once more, until the people of Ikaiguchi had forgotten what they were fighting for. It was not until the coming of a cunning ronin that conflict was brought to a dramatic end.
Benjiro Sorano, resentful of the destructive conflict, took it upon himself to end the war by cunning, rather than force of arms. Over the years, he presented himself to each of the five daimyo under a different guise and proved himself loyal to their cause. Every one of these arrogant leaders grew to rely on Benjiro. When he finally had their undivided trust, he led them into his trap. Benjiro forged letters from each of the five, requesting a meeting with one of the others to discuss an alliance. When all five daimyo were lured to the appointed place, only to discover they had been tricked, they flew into a rage. The ensuing violence led to one remaining daimyo left alive, but mortally wounded. It was the sword of Benjiro Sorano that cut down the final daimyo and ended their costly war.
In the aftermath, Benjiro yearned to return to his humble farmstead and live out his years in peace. Alas, it was not to be. Instead, the sages of Ikaiguchi beseeched him to take power for himself and unite Ikaiguchi as a singular empire. No longer would clan fight clan, but they would live in harmony under the rule of a single emperor. Reluctantly, Benjiro took the throne and became Ikaiguchi’s first emperor.