Ichiro Hikenru was an old friend of his lord the Badger Clan Champion Ichiro Kihongo. When in 1170 scouts saw a massive army of yobanjin in the Northern border of the Empire, Hikenru was sent to winter court at Kyuden Bayushi to warn the Empress Iweko I of the impending attack. Shortly after the Northern Towers of Flame were overrun in the opening phase of the War of Dark Fire.