Name: Saiko (西光) Or Fujiwara no Moromitsu (藤原 師光)
Birth/ Death: (Birth not recorded-1177)
Appearance: Book 1 Episode 12 ,13; Book 2 Episode 1, 3
Bio:
A monk and a prominent member of the Shishi-no-tani group that conspired to overthrow the Taira clan. His two sons were both high in rank and notorious for their disrespect and violation of laws. His first son, Morotaka, was a governor of Kaga, and his second son, Morotsune, was responsible for the clash at the Ugawa temple (2:13). Saiko and his sons blamed the beloved abbot Meiun for instigating the monks of Mount Hiei's decent on the palace and thus were responsible for his exile. When Tada no Yukitsuna revealed the conspiracy to Taira no Kiyomori, Saiko was captured by Kiyomori and his men. From there, Saiko mouthed off to Kiyomori and was tortured into confessing to the conspiracy. Afterwards he was executed, and his sons (one in exile and one in prison) were found and executed as well.