On Ruby Seas, Tenaciously

After the Garlean Empire departed the Eastern Shores, a power vacuum was created.
In its wake, an opportunistic force took hold of the Hingashi Underworld. A fierce yet mystifying individual who resides in the shadows, pulling the strings and seeking to expand his sphere of influence. His past shrouded in the unknown leads to many questions but few answers. All that is known is the danger that revolves around such an individual and the ruthlessness employed to maintain his hold on his position of power.This cunning and unrelenting individual is willing to provide opportunities to those who show loyalty and will not hesitate to inflict swift retribution upon his enemies to bring them to heel.
The choice is simple.
Serve, or die.

Ancestral Tales

Born into a world fighting for his life from the moment he entered, Gao's father, Hiro, had no choice in learning that life was rarely charitable. His parents were honest folk, fishing their living, and one of his only escapes from the harshness that otherwise surrounded him and his family were the times he could forget the troubles of the world, joining his father on the small boat that served to feed the family, and make the small amount of coin that kept them literally afloat. The way the sunlight would glint off the waves as his old man cast his nets caught his imagination, and he would often dream of hopeful, better times, wishing the twinkling light was koban just begging to be scooped out of the water.As he grew into his soon to be impressive frame, the young Hingan began to see the world as it really was. The incessant clan wars were a fertile breeding ground for those with less honourable intent, and the history of the Yakuza was well known, even to Hiro. His own family, as poor as they were, weren't immune, and he would often find his parents working all hours of the day or night to make sure they had enough gil to pay for 'business insurance'. Seeing the dark suited foot soldiers lack for nothing, given respect, even if out of fear, gave a young Hiro his own ideas about how to change his fate.He'd heard of the recruiting, the tales of the secret fights in the dark back alleys of the towns and cities, and the one thing he had in his favour was his physique. Matched with his quick wits, it didn't take him long to attract attention, and before he knew it, he was running illicit booze and deliveries of somnus, and getting rewarded with more than fish. His parents, however, did not approve, even when they realised that they were no longer harassed for money, and that Hiro was able to provide for them, insisting they no longer needed to put the boat out three times a day. He had thought they would be pleased, relieved even, but when the worried looks from his Mother, and the disapproving ones from his Father, became too much for him, he simply stopped going home. He was earning enough to pay for his own apartment, moving up in the ranks slowly but surely, and his own business savvy began to evolve, from small investments in his own endeavours, to larger, more legitmate ones in local businesses.Before long, Hiro had amassed no small amount of koban, and a reputation in his own clan that meant he was given the honour of representing them overseas. The call of the waters never left him, so given the chance to travel over them, he used a considerable chunk of his amassed wealth to buy 'Tenacity', what came to be his pride and joy. A yacht large enough to carry a useful amount of cargo, if needed, but she mainly served as a pleasure vessel, his own personal statement to those he met and did business with. And the glitter of the waves never lost their thrall over him. It was on one of these journeys across the seas that Hiro met the woman who would become his wife, and Gao's mother, Akiko. He had entrusted the hiring of crew to one of his lieutenants, and over many journeys, despite the never ending and ever changing faces of the women who seemed to circulate around his clan, Hiro found himself drawn time and again to the kind, soft features of this charming woman. Before long, they were wed, a time of great happiness and celebration, and not long after, Gao was brought into the world.Gao's life could not have been more different to Hiro's. Wanting for nothing, brought up in the lap of luxury, Gao would learn the meaning of money, and hard work both, as his father would not bear the thought of history repeating itself. He taught Gao all he knew, and even though the wealth and success of the clan would mean he would inherit an Empire, Hiro would not entertain the idea that Gao could not make it on his own. And it was to this end that Hiro and Akiko made a decision that would influence Gao's world forever. A trip overseas, a secret arrangement, and the next thing he knew, Gao was introduced to a young Miqo'te who took his breath away. He had no idea why the Kami had chosen for them to be together, simply that she was here, and it took no time at all for Gao and Sapphire to fall in love, marry, and have four children, all under the watchful eye of his father, Hiro.The time soon came for Gao to take the mantle from his father, and as he mourned his passing, his Mother leaving him only a scant few years later, Gao's thoughts turned to his own children, and the need to provide a lasting legacy for them all. No mean feat, when the clan wars began to rage once more, spurred on by the Garlean's thirst for war, and their incessant need for troops to send into battle. It was this hunger that all but cut Gao's heart out, when his first born, Obsidian, never returned from yet another senseless campaign. He had volunteered, of course, to spare the family the dishonour, as well as the harsh treatment the Garlean's would mete upon those who did not help feed their war efforts, either with koban, or flesh and blood. Gao swore to himself that he would not have any of his daughters lost to the evil schemes of the invaders, and doubled his efforts to expand his empire and influence. If he could not blackmail or threaten for their safety, he would pay for it, by the Kami.And so, to the present. And a Hyur with much to be grateful for, and yet so much to concern himself with. A beautiful, loving wife and three wonderful, if a little carefree, daughters, Emi, Dia and Ruby. The ever present mistrust his family attracted, the senseless sneering at the Miqo'te genes in the family, grated against his normally quiescent nature, and woe betide anyone, Hingan or gaijin, that even looked sideways at any of his girls. Being the head of one of the most powerful clans in Shirogane, most knew to pay the utmost respect. It also didn't hurt that rumours of certain individuals simply disappearing after having quietly made a scathing remark about a tail, or the flick of a fur covered ear, were enough to deter most from such folly.Gao Kurosawa, husband, father, head of a powerful household. And yet, even now, still entranced, just as his own father, by the glint of the light on the waves of the Ruby Sea. If he isn't knee deep in deals and sculduggery, you will most likely find him on the deck of the Tenacity, on occasion enjoying the company of his favourite daughter, Ruby (don't tell her sisters!), who simply can't resist the treats her father pulls from the waters with his trusty rod. Hiro taught him many things, but the one that fills his heart the most was the passing on of his grandfather's skills with a line and a hook, and just the right bait to catch the tastiest of morsels.

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Out of Character?

Curious? Want to know a little more before taking that first step? It always pays to do a little background check, right?

Over 50 cis male with a playful and mischievious streak a mile wide. Gamer, single Dad, and a lover of well crafted escapes, be they innocent or otherwise.Gao is canonically married, and loves his Sapphire deeply, but, as might be revealed once you get to know him, due to certain influences, his penchant for illicit flirtations means that Gao is very much polyamorous and keeps an open mind on any potential liaison. Not sure? Then just ask. I would rather talk about a grey area than assume and make an ass out of u and me.I exist in the GMT(+0) zone (technically (+1) right now, thanks to summertime) but curiously play mostly on Elemental - Tonberry. English is my first, and disappointingly, only language, and you should be aware that I very much enjoy the E part of RP, so please bear that in mind if you choose to engage with me.NO interaction with minors, or lala seeking to ERP. Sorry/not sorry.

Contact

You can find me on Discord at #knightfox
You can find me on Twitter @GaoKurosawa