Sumio is a loyal and skilled bodyguard who serves Wakamiya, an important character in the YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master series. Although Sumio is shorter and has a darker skin tone, his sword skills are some of the best, and he graduated at the top of his class from a famous training school. He grew up in the western provinces, where he became childhood friends with Wakamiya. As someone with a low background, Sumio works hard, is respected for his abilities, and always stays by Wakamiya’s side. He also has special connections with other characters, which lead to many interesting story moments.
Sumio is smaller and slimmer than many other warriors.
He has sun-tanned, dark skin that makes him look full of energy, almost like an active child.
Even with his size, he looks confident and lively, showing his tough spirit.
Sumio is hardworking, loyal, and very good at making friends.
Though he holds a low social status, he never gives up.
In public, he talks very politely to Wakamiya, but when they're alone, he speaks like an old friend.
He likes to help, is honest, and sometimes acts before thinking, especially around people he doesn’t get along with.
Sumio comes from Ariake Village in the western provinces.
He is one of the yamagaro, a group not highly ranked in society.
Despite this, he finished first at Keisoin, the top training academy for warriors.
He grew up with Wakamiya and has always been close to him.
Sumio is seen as someone Wakamiya trusts completely.
Sumio and Wakamiya share a strong friendship, being childhood friends from the same village.
Wakamiya trusts Sumio more than anyone else and feels safe with him around.
He doesn’t get along with Rokon, who guards Wakamiya’s older brother, Natsuka.
Sumio dislikes Rokon so much that he avoids even talking to him, saying, “I don’t like him because he never listens.”
Sumio is also close to Masuho no Susuki because they are both from the west.
He tried to help Masuho no Susuki by suggesting she get close to someone like Yukiya, but this only made her angry with him.
- “Nice to meet you again, Yukiya!”
- “I don’t like him because he never listens.”
Sumio’s Role as a Bodyguard
Sumio works as the only bodyguard for Wakamiya, the prince.
He never leaves Wakamiya’s side and is always watching to keep him safe.
Because of this, he is often seen at important court events and is well-respected for his bravery and sword skills.
Friendship and Conflict
Sumio’s close friendships are important in the story.
His childhood bond with Wakamiya makes them work well together.
His bad relationship with Rokon, Natsuka’s bodyguard, brings in moments of comedy and conflict.
Sumio’s attempts to match Masuho no Susuki with someone of higher rank, like Yukiya, end up causing trouble instead of helping, and make her mad at him.
Growing Trust with Yukiya
At first, Sumio and Yukiya are just teammates, but their friendship gets much stronger after a key moment in the story.
Sumio trusts Yukiya, and the two start to feel like real friends, working together to support Wakamiya.
Changes in Feelings
After his plan with Masuho no Susuki fails, Sumio is told to never come near her again.
But their story keeps going, and changes in their relationship are shown in the short stories “Shinobu Hito” and “Warau Hito.”
Sumio sometimes gets so close to Wakamiya that he literally becomes his “horse,” giving him rides.
His strong loyalty and sense of duty make him an important character in the story.
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