Born heir to the Hōjō clan, holders of de facto power over the Kamakura shogunate through the position of shikken, Hōjō Tokiyuki understood early that he would likely inherit his father Takatoki's role as a puppet ruler. Nevertheless, he prioritized Kamakura's peace and prosperity above personal power. His childhood exhibited a carefree, rebellious streak; he frequently skipped lessons for leisure or fled servants sent to retrieve him, resisting his predetermined future rather than acting from cowardice. His life shattered in 1333 when trusted general Ashikaga Takauji betrayed the Hōjō, orchestrating Kamakura's fall. This resulted in the shogunate's collapse, Takatoki's suicide, and the near-annihilation of the Hōjō clan. Tokiyuki narrowly escaped death thanks to his uncle Yasuie, who entrusted him to Suwa Moritaka (or possibly Suwa Yorishige, as accounts vary). Moritaka extracted Tokiyuki under deception, a moment marked by tragedy as a distraught wet nurse committed suicide. Tokiyuki was then taken to Shinano Province (modern Nagano). In Shinano, Tokiyuki found sanctuary with Suwa Yorishige, high priest of Suwa Grand Shrine and self-proclaimed embodiment of the war god Suwa Myōjin. Yorishige recognized Tokiyuki's exceptional talent for evasion and survival. He concealed Tokiyuki as a servant boy named "Chōjumaru" (later "Koizumi Chōjumaru"), becoming his adoptive father and mentor. Yorishige reframed Tokiyuki's escapism as a vital strategic skill, declaring him the "Elusive Samurai" destined to "shake heaven and earth." Under Yorishige's guidance, Tokiyuki underwent rigorous training in academics, martial arts, and strategy while forging alliances. Physically, Tokiyuki is a boy with light complexion, long ink-black hair often tied in a ponytail with decorative ribbons, and distinctive purple eyes. His attire evolved: elegant pre-fall garments featured the Hōjō mitsuuroko emblem; as a shrine assistant in Suwa, he wore simpler Shinto robes with inverted Hojo symbols. After a time skip (around 1337), his hair was shorter in a high ponytail, often adorned with a white ribbon commemorating Yorishige. His clothing retained purple and white elements, incorporating star and vine patterns. Tokiyuki's personality transformed profoundly. Betrayal and loss initially left him despondent and ready for death. Yorishige reignited his will to live, channeling his innate thrill-seeking into a strategic asset. Tokiyuki experiences exhilaration and heightened focus in life-threatening situations, transforming evasion into an art form during combat. This ability evolved beyond instinct into a tactical tool for reconnaissance, distraction, and leadership coordination. Despite trauma, he retained a kind core, deeply valuing peace and the well-being of allies and civilians. He grappled with trust issues and an inferiority complex over perceived inadequacies as a leader and warrior, gradually learning to rely on and inspire loyalty in others, fostering camaraderie with his retainers. Yorishige assembled young protectors for Tokiyuki, the Elusive Warriors. Key members include Shizuku (Yorishige's adopted daughter, a shrine maiden skilled in logistics and minor divine arts), Kojirō Nezu (a gifted young swordsman), Ayako Mochizuki (a physically strong swordswoman), Genba Kazama (a thief and information broker adept at disguise), and Fubuki (a calm strategist and dual-wielding swordsman). Tokiyuki formed strong bonds, viewing Shizuku as a sister and forging a deep friendship with Kojirō. These relationships became central to his strength, enabling collective achievements. Tokiyuki's defining ability is his preternatural talent for evasion, agility, and speed, honed to superhuman levels. He effortlessly dodges attacks, navigates complex terrain, and escapes pursuit that overwhelms adults. This proved indispensable for battlefield scouting, baiting enemies, and creating openings. Initially inept at direct combat, he trained in swordsmanship and archery, wielding a standard katana with a green hilt and occasionally the Hojo heirloom sword Onimaru. His combat style relies on evasion and precision strikes. During the Nakasendai Rebellion, he initially wore heavy armor but switched to lightweight gear for mobility. In 1335, Tokiyuki launched the Nakasendai Rebellion to reclaim Kamakura. Allied with Suwa and using elusive tactics, he captured the city from Ashikaga Tadayoshi (Takauji's brother). Ashikaga Takauji swiftly counterattacked, routing Tokiyuki's forces within 20 days. Yorishige committed suicide during the retreat, a profound loss. Tokiyuki subsequently cut his hair short and adopted Yorishige's white ribbon as a memento. Following defeat, Tokiyuki sought reconciliation with Emperor Go-Daigo of the Southern Court, acknowledging his father's failures while expressing unwavering hatred for Takauji's betrayal. Pardoned by the Emperor, he formally joined the Southern Court forces. He campaigned against the Ashikaga, raising armies in Izu and participating in key battles. In 1352, he aided Nitta Yoshioki in recapturing Kamakura a third time. After a subsequent defeat forced Nitta's retreat, Tokiyuki fled to Sagami Province, where Ashikaga loyalists captured and executed him on June 21, 1353. Tokiyuki harbored complex relationships with enemies. His hatred for Ashikaga Takauji, born of betrayal and familial destruction, drove him throughout his life. Conversely, he developed nuanced respect for Ogasawara Sadamune, the Shinano governor and skilled archer who initially hunted him, viewing Sadamune as a mentor figure despite their adversarial roles. His journey transformed him from a carefree heir into a determined leader defined by resilience, strategic evasion, and an unwavering commitment to reclaiming his homeland and confronting his betrayers, navigating the upheavals of the Nanboku-chō period.