The Gozoku was originally a political alliance of the Scorpion, Crane, and Phoenix Clans during the late fourth and early fifth centuries. The triad essentially controlled the workings of the Empire for over 40 years, until their power was broken by the ascension of Hantei Yugozohime to the Imperial Throne. In the 12th century, Bayushi Atsuki, returned through Oblivion's Gate, attempted to form a second Gozoku. They gained a fair amount of power for some time, but were broken after only a few years of operation.