Moronao Kono serves as the steward of Ashikaga Takauji and the self-proclaimed leader of the Tengu clan within the Ashikaga faction. His background is rooted in a long and trusted service to the Ashikaga family, having been Takauji’s trusted aide since childhood and known as the perfect butler of the household. He was instrumental in the fall of the Kamakura shogunate, aiding his lord in the betrayal and destruction of the Hojo clan, and later crushing the insurgency led by Suwa Yorishige and forcing the surviving Hojo leaders to take their own lives.

In personality, Moronao is characterized by a serious, distrustful attitude. He rarely extends trust beyond his younger brother, Moroyasu, and his lord, Takauji. He tends to take advantage of others at his convenience, viewing most people with suspicion. His most striking trait is a chilling and ruthless logic; he prioritizes efficiency and results over sentiment or tradition, making his decisions based on what will most effectively achieve victory. This pragmatic and often brutal mindset leads him to be seen as a cold and forceful figure by those around him.

His primary motivation is to serve the will of Ashikaga Takauji and to maintain the strength of the Ashikaga regime. He believes in using overwhelming force and decisive action to secure power, and he does not hesitate to employ harsh measures against enemies. His actions are driven by a desire to win by any efficient means available, and he shows little regard for the processes or human cost involved.

Within the story, Moronao occupies the role of a high-ranking enforcer and military commander for the Ashikaga side. He is responsible for executing Takauji’s orders on the ground, both in political governance and on the battlefield. He is a major antagonist to the protagonist, Tokiyuki Hojo, as he is directly involved in hunting down the remnants of the Hojo clan and suppressing any rebellion against the Ashikaga. His presence underscores the uncompromising and reality-driven nature of the Ashikaga faction.

Key relationships include his deep loyalty to Ashikaga Takauji, whom he has served since childhood. He shares a strong bond of trust with his brother Moroyasu, working alongside him in military campaigns. He is also involved in the internal power dynamics of the Ashikaga, notably holding bitter opposition to Takauji’s younger brother, Tadayoshi, a conflict that eventually escalates into a broader civil war within the regime.

Moronao’s development is tied to his unwavering commitment to his lord and his eventual decline. He rises to a position of great influence as the first to hold the title of shogun’s deputy, but his violent and imperious nature creates many powerful enemies. His opposition to Tadayoshi eventually forces him into a truce, after which he and his brother are compelled to retire and become monks. Despite this attempt at withdrawal, he is captured and executed by forces seeking revenge, ending his life as a direct consequence of his earlier actions.

Notable abilities include high-level combat skills and proficiency in governance. He is both a capable warrior and a savvy administrator, able to manage the political and military affairs of the Ashikaga household. His practical intelligence allows him to handle complex situations with a focus on what is effective, whether in planning military campaigns or in courtly management. He is also a skilled strategist in suppressing insurrections, as demonstrated in his successful campaign against the Suwa forces.