Shu

Shu (シュウ, Shū) is a main character in Suikoden II. Shu is the strategist of the New State Army.

Biography
"I'm worth more 100,000 soldiers and I'm on your side now."

- Shu

Shu is an accomplished strategist and trader. He trained under Mathiu Silverberg, but was expelled after using his knowledge for selfish gain. He eventually settled in Radat Town where he became a wealthy and famous trader.

During the early stages of the Dunan Unification War, Apple approached Shu to ask him to join the New State Army. Though at first hesitant to join the war and hostile to the idea, Shu accepted after being impressed by Apple's dedication and willingness to go to any means to acquire his power.

As the chief strategist of the New State Army, Shu came up with many ingenious strategies to help propel the New State Army to victory. He frequently overcame superior numbers through the use of psychological warfare, such as taking advantage of recently conquered South Window soldiers' fears that they would be executed by the Highland Army during a battle against Solon Jhee, faking discord between himself and Ridley in order to have Ridley's unit create an ambush in a subsequent battle, and using a fire attack to trap Leon Silverberg after anticipating Leon's movements in the Battle of L'Renouille.

Leon Silverberg was Shu's biggest obstacle during the Dunan Unification War. They were both able to read each others moves well, making each confrontation especially fraught with danger. In the end, Shu was able to blindside Leon and defeat him by becoming willing to place his own life on the line in his strategies, something Leon would not have dared predicted.

Shu's strategies eventually led the New State Army to victory. Following the war, Shu dreamed of leading a quiet life but continued to play an important role as Chancellor of the Dunan Republic. He would also tutor Klaus Windamier in military strategy in accordance with Kiba's final wishes.

When Teresa Wisemail assumed the presidency of the Dunan Republic in SY 461, Shu would step down from his role as Chancellor. He entrusted the position to Klaus and retired once more to Radat. Though from time to time, Klaus would visit Shu for advice.

Shu was also said to have roused himself from his retirement to aid the Dunan Republic during the Higheast Rebellion.

Personality and Traits
Shu is a brilliant man and a first class strategist. While studying under Mathiu Silverberg, Shu met Apple when the latter was 11 years old. He came to think of her as a little sister, while Apple was taken in by Shu, developing a crush on him.

Though taught by Mathiu Silverberg, Shu followed a different ideology than his teacher, preferring to use his knowledge for profit. Shu and Mathiu were unable to get along and Mathiu eventually expelled Shu. Shu never saw Mathiu again.

As a trader, Shu developed a vast fortune, trading with places as far as the Island Nations and his fame as a trader spread as far as the Toran Republic. His success was said to be because he handled every detail of his trades himself. Shu also had a reputation for politeness and treated his servants well.

As a strategist, Shu did whatever was necessary to guarantee the success of the New State Army, including sending Pilika with a rescue party during a peace conference ambush in Muse City and asking Kiba Windamier to take on a suicide mission during the attack on the Matilda Knightdom.

However, Shu did not consider people as pawns, which he considered Leon Silverberg's attitude as a strategist. Leon equally disliked Shu's attitude, considering Shu's talent wasted. Shu was even prepared to give his own life for the New State Army, although he was rescued by Viktor.