Hirotsune was a hatamoto or senior retainer of the former ruler, as his ancestors had been for several generations. His older brother was  the lord of Fusai but since early youth he has followed the fortunes of Yotaro's father and then of Yotaro, traveling with him and protecting him against the dangers of the way. Returning with him to their homeland, he hopes to find that his family's former followers in Fusai will still heed his call.

He is a man of sturdy muscular build, perhaps forty years of age, with a reserved manner. His face is set in stern lines; his eyes are dark and keen.