Riboku, historically known as Li Mu, originated from the Zhao state during the Warring States period. Profound loss marked his youth when half his family perished in wars. Consumed by rage, he led a reckless charge in an unspecified conflict, killing the enemy commander but losing his remaining comrades, leaving him the sole survivor burdened by guilt and emptiness. His outlook shifted after encountering the enigmatic warrior Houken in a forest; Houken spared him upon recognizing his despair. This meeting prompted Riboku to abandon frontline combat and dedicate himself entirely to military strategy. Physically, Riboku possesses a tall, muscular frame bearing visible battlefield scars. He has long blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, blue eyes, and a small black goatee. His typical attire is a long blue robe with a fur collar over a white tunic. He sustained a scar across his right temple during a confrontation with the Qin general Kan Ki. Personality-wise, Riboku expresses disdain for warfare and disinterest in fame or power, openly desiring a peaceful life as a farmer raising sheep and building a family. Paradoxically, he demonstrates ruthless pragmatism in military affairs. He condoned interrupting the duel between Houken and Ou Ki to ensure victory and orchestrated betrayals of alliances when strategically necessary, such as after Qin's acquisition of Sanyou. His loyalty to Zhao is absolute, driving him to protect the state at personal cost, though he adheres strictly to non-violent political opposition against corrupt leadership. His military capabilities are multifaceted. As a strategist, he possesses an intelligence stat of 100. His approach emphasizes meticulous pre-battle preparation, logistics, terrain advantage, and misinformation campaigns. Key strategies include manipulating intelligence flow to hide troop movements before the Battle of Bayou and isolating enemy forces using formations like the Cage Formation against Kan Ki. He engineered the Coalition Army invasion of Qin after recognizing Shou Hei Kun's move into Wei as a strategic threat. His tactical innovations include "Origin Tactics," adapting instinctual warfare methods into structured command after analyzing Duke Hyou. In leadership, his stat of 99 reflects exceptional ability to inspire loyalty, evident in vassals like Kaine and Fu Tei willingly sacrificing themselves for him. His popularity surged among Zhao's populace after the victory at Bayou. As a combatant, Riboku is a master swordsman who briefly overpowered Shin during their duel and assassinated the Qin general Ma Kou with a single strike. He also demonstrates proficiency with polearms like the podao from his youth. His "assassination tactics," developed fighting the Xiongnu, involve swift cavalry strikes to eliminate enemy leaders during vulnerable moments. Beyond warfare, Riboku excels in military architecture. He designed multi-layered defensive networks in western Zhao, intentionally modified Retsubi to facilitate recapture, and upgraded Gyou into an impregnable fortress. He initiated construction of a 250-li Great Wall south of Kantan three years prior to Qin's invasion, integrating existing castles for enhanced defense. Narratively, Riboku serves as Zhao's primary strategist and Qin's foremost adversary. He masterminded the deaths of legendary generals Ou Ki and Geki Shin through tactical superiority and underhanded methods. His formation of the Coalition Army nearly resulted in Qin's destruction, though unexpected reinforcements at Sai forced his retreat. Despite political demotion after this defeat, he continued directing Zhao's defenses. During Qin's invasion of western Zhao, his strategies trapped three Qin armies, but political interference from King Tou Jou prevented victory. Even after imprisonment and persecution by corrupt Zhao officials, he prioritized Zhao's safety over personal escape. His final known act involved defending Zhao against Qin's advance at Hango Fortress, adhering to his duty until the kingdom's collapse.