Fu Tei serves as a prominent military commander within the Zhao state, a key vassal under the strategist Ri Boku. His early life is largely undocumented, but he joined the Zhao military in his early teens and quickly distinguished himself through exceptional combat talent, leading to recruitment into Ri Boku's inner circle. Personality-wise, Fu Tei exhibits an easy-going, playful demeanor, often joking even during intense battles, creating a sharp contrast with his serious comrade Kaine. He displays significant self-confidence, frequently referring to himself in the third person with the honorific "-sama" or "lord". His primary ambition is to attain a seat among Zhao's prestigious Three Great Heavens. He also demonstrates a tendency to flirt with attractive women, particularly Kaine, often resulting in physical reprimands. Despite his lightheartedness, he shows respect towards worthy adversaries, such as offering Rin Gyoku a quick, honorable death during the Battle of Hika instead of capture and torture. Fu Tei's combat abilities center around immense speed and mastery of dual blades. His formidable agility and reflexes draw comparisons to the prodigious swordswoman Kyou Kai. He employs a fighting style that baits opponents into attacking first, capitalizing on his speed to counter and strike vital areas precisely. He swiftly defeated experienced 100-man commanders Ryuu Sen and Den Yuu during the Battle of Sai. His speed initially gave the protagonist Shin significant difficulty during their duel, though Shin ultimately exploited Fu Tei's reliance on baiting tactics to win. He has also demonstrated proficiency in ranged attacks, killing an enemy soldier with a thrown sword to protect Ri Boku during the Zhao's Retaliation Arc. Fu Tei's military career develops significantly across several major conflicts: - **Coalition Invasion Arc:** As a 3000-man commander, he participated in the Battle of Sai. He engaged Shin in a duel after defeating Ryuu Sen and Den Yuu but was knocked unconscious. He survived being thrown off the city walls and later led his troops against the unexpected Mountain Tribe reinforcements led by Yo Tan Wa, struggling against their elite warriors. - **Conspiracy in the Court Arc:** Following Zhao's defeat in the Coalition War, he accompanied Ri Boku into exile near the Zhao-Wei border. - **Western Zhao Invasion Arc:** He fought at the Battle of Shukai Plains. He participated in the strike on Ma Kou's headquarters on the first day and later led a critical cavalry pincer attack targeting Ou Sen's headquarters, though this was thwarted by Ou Hon and Mou Ten. He briefly dueled Ou Hon during this engagement. - **Zhao Crisis Arc:** He rejoined Ri Boku after his escape from Kantan and followed him to exile in Seika. - **Zhao's Retaliation Arc:** Having attained the rank of General, he fought in the Battle of Gian against Kan Ki's Qin forces. He saved Ri Boku's life with a thrown sword and dueled Rin Gyoku briefly before choosing to spare him, acknowledging his resolve to die with his commander. - **Hango Campaign Arc:** He was placed in the reserve army with Ri Boku and Kaine. He participated in an ambush on A Kou, managing to knock off his helmet. He exchanged blows with Shin during Shin's pursuit of Ri Boku, expressing surprise at Shin's glaive mastery. He retreated with Ri Boku through a tunnel and later led his army against the depleted Ou Sen Army. - **Three Pillars Arc:** He attended strategic meetings in Bu'An Castle. He expressed reluctance when ordered to prepare to aid the state of Han, questioning involvement in another state's conflicts, though he accepted the rationale that it ultimately served Zhao's interests against Qin's expansion. In leadership and tactics, Fu Tei commands significant forces, often leading over 10,000 soldiers. He possesses above-average leadership skills and military knowledge, capable of executing complex maneuvers like Wedge Formations. However, his effectiveness is largely tied to Ri Boku's direction, and he lacks the explosive martial prowess or independent tactical brilliance to command large-scale battles entirely on his own. His visual distinction includes a scar across his right temple, pale skin, blue eyes, and dirty blonde hair. He typically wears commander's armor in light purple, a helmet with a feather, and a scarf covering his nose and mouth, which he uses to protect against allergens. Historically, the character is loosely inspired by the real Zhao general Fu Di, though the manga takes creative liberties, as the historical figure held general rank by 240 BC, unlike his fictional counterpart's earlier career stage.