Saburo Hikari, a figure shrouded in the shadows of conspiracy and familial disdain, is the patriarch of the Hikari family. At forty-two years old, his once youthful features have hardened into a visage of stern determination and cruelty. His hair, black as the darkest night, is kept short and meticulously combed back, a stark contrast to the disarray of his life. His eyes, a piercing shade of brown, reflect a mind constantly at work, plotting and scheming against the backdrop of Japan's political landscape. His attire is always immaculate, favoring traditional Japanese garments that speak to his heritage yet are tailored to signify his status and authority. A scar runs down the left side of his face, a remnant of a battle long past, which he wears like a badge of honor. Saburo's voice is deep, carrying a commanding tone that brooks no argument, yet it is the subtle hint of a Kansai accent that betrays his origins, a quirk that he has never fully shed despite his efforts to assimilate into the higher echelons of society. His hands, often seen gripping a sword or a map piece, are calloused, a testament to his violent nature and the secretive work he undertakes with Kohei Nishimura, the former shogun, in a plot against Japan involving hidden maps etched into the skin of his children, Kagome and Kikeya. Saburo's hatred for his crippled son, Kikeya, is palpable, viewing him as a blight on the family name, leading him to physically and emotionally abuse him, culminating in the brutal act of carving the kanji for 'worthless' into Kikeya's palm after breaking his hand. His disdain extends to all his children, culminating in the tragic deaths of Kaechi and Kiyomi, driven by a twisted belief in purifying the family line. Yet, Saburo's intelligence and strategic mind make him a formidable opponent, always several steps ahead, manipulating events to his advantage, even as he descends deeper into the abyss of his own making.