Zhēngfú

How would you feel if you were the oldest son that was promised great things to have it be taken away and given to your younger brother? Now how would you feel if that same younger brother was weaker than you in combat as you grew up? And finally, how would you feel when your father lost the kingdom and left you behind and alone? These were the exact emotions that Zhēngfú felt throughout the Eight-Year War, his origins were planted within this time.

Zhēngfú is the oldest child born of Emperor Huo, he was taught at a young that the firstborn son would rule after their father. It was tradition and there was only one time when it didn't happen. He was roughly three years older than his younger Zhōng who was three years older than Xing. As such, Zhēngfú learned how to read and understand the lineage of their family. He understood that the Ninja Sword is very powerful that it would destroy any of his enemies. Zhēngfú grew up close to his father, he wanted to be like him and rule like him when he came of age, but that all changed when the Eight-Year War began. Zhēngfú's perfect world he lived collapsed when he watched his younger brother pledge the vows and his father declare him as his successor.

Throughout the war, Zhēngfú's responsibilities were the ones he believed his brother should have. He was angry and frustrated at his brother and father, there was nothing anyone could do to encourage him. Zhēngfú however didn't need their comfort, he was better than Zhōng in most things such as their sword style, education, and strategy. This made him look down on his brother who struggled and discovered a quiet way for him to control Zhōng. Knowing his brother didn't have a killer instinct, Zhēngfú would advise him on decisions that would bring fear to his brother's name. But before he could control his brother from the shadows, all of them had to flee into the shadows as the war was over.

Zhēngfú stayed at a farm to hide from the new leaders of the Ninja Empire. He never liked it at first but was willing to help Hannah if needed to be. It isn't clear how long he stayed exactly but after a year, Zhēngfú left the farm to begin his own journey. Zhēngfú would travel throughout the empire, secretly meeting the lords that were loyal to his father and his brother. He was gathering men and preparing for the counterattack on the New Empire. After years of rebuilding the ranks, Zhēngfú knew he could be emperor if something happened to his brother. He knew Zhōng became stronger and more fearful so he devise plans to kill him. Though they didn't work, Zhēngfú now knows how to weaken him and within a year, he initiated his second attack on Zhōng by targeting Princess Zhen. This attack was supposed to weaken Zhōng and have him refuse the destiny that was given by their father. Fortunately, it worked and all Zhēngfú needed to do was lead his army to war. Zhēngfú knew his brother wasn't a threat anymore but he still needs him to be destroyed before anyone else, otherwise Zhōng would counterattack him.

Now that his brother is gone and broken, Zhēngfú knew that he'll return. All he needs to do is force his brother to come back and face him. That will be when he'll kill him and finally have the empire under his control once again. The only question is what to do with the prisoners he has.