Dunan Unification Army

Riou is the name given the hero of Suikoden II in its novelization. He is the silent protagonist of Suikoden II. He also makes cameo appearances in Suikoden I and Suikoden II. Riou is a soldier of the Highland Army's Unicorn Youth Brigade and 16 years old at the beginning of Suikoden II. He wields a Tonfa and becomes the bearer of the Bright Shield RuneAs a child, Riou had been left an orphan by wars and he and a girl named Nanami were adopted by a hero named Genkaku. He grew up in a small Highland town called Kyaro and eventually became friends with Jowy Atreides. Along with Nanami, they would train under Genkaku to become strong fighters. Riou and Jowy went on to join the Unicorn Youth Brigade. When the Youth Brigade is slaughtered by Luca Blight as an instigator for war, Riou ends up separated from Jowy and captured by a band of mercenaries under the command of Viktor. Jowy attempts to rescue him, but the boys were both caught. After several attempts, they manage to escape and eventually reunite with Nanami. Their reunion is fleeting as Riou and Jowy are arrested soon afterwards by their former captain. They are rescued by Viktor and Flik; the boys and Nanami escape from Highland and aid Viktor by recruiting more mercenaries.During the Dunan Unification War, Riou and Jowy are approached by the strategist, Apple, who intends to approach Viktor and provide him information concerning the plans of the Highland Kingdom. After recruiting Tsai and witnessing the insanity of Luca Blight, Riou and Jowy join the Dunan Unification Army. Riou becomes the leader of the Dunan Unification Army after defeating Solon Jhee. However, he soon finds that he must fight against Jowy after Jowy marries Jillia Blight and becomes Commander-in-Chief of Highland Kingdom's army. Both young men end up inheriting half of the Rune of Beginning and must end the war before their friendship is torn apart forever.