Anji

Anji (アンジー, Anjī) is a supporting character who appears in Suikoden. Anji is the leader of a gang of pirates, a crew which operated on Lake Toran.

History
"Wasting away? Me? Watch your mouth! I'll show you who's wasting away!"

- Anji

Anji, the charismatic leader of a daring crew of lake pirates, held sway over the tumultuous waters of Lake Toran during the Gate Rune War. Despite his piratical nature, Anji was far from malevolent; he upheld his word and adhered to his own personal set of principles. Prior to embracing his pirate persona, Anji's life was steeped in commerce, owning his own vessel as a respected merchant.

However, the call of rebellion against the oppressive Scarlet Moon Empire beckoned, and around SY 450, he, alongside loyal comrades Kanak and Leonardo, took to the waters of Lake Toran as pirates to defy tyranny and fight for a just cause. This choice inevitably led to conflict with the Imperial Navy, particularly with the formidable Sonya Shulen, as clashes between the pirate crew and the Empire became commonplace.

As naval commander and pirate leader, both engaged in multiple battles and raids against each other. Their rivalry escalated when Anji taunted Sonya by pinning a wedding dress to the Floating Fortress of Shasarazade, insinuating her unwed status. Anji's declaration that she should "put this on and be a woman" in particular was said to have rendered Sonya apoplectic with rage.

In retaliation, she arranged for the pirates to capture a supply of high-quality liquor only to lead a raid when the bandits were all drunk, dealing a large blow to their operations. Anji was enraged by what he saw as an underhanded retaliation and so the rivalry between the two continued unabated over the years.

A visit from Tai Ho, Yam Koo, and the hero would see Anji join the Toran Liberation Army. Tai Ho would taunt Anji, insinuating that he and his band were "wasting away". Anji's pride could not tolerate the insult, even amidst his chosen life of constant struggle against the Imperial Navy. After being defeated, he would agree to align his small band with the Liberation Army.

At Toran Castle, Anji and his loyal followers preferred to maintain a distance from the center, finding its formal and stringent atmosphere unsuitable for their free-spirited ways. As the leader of the Pirates unit, Anji played a crucial role in securing dominance over the waters during the Gate Rune War, fighting to assert control over Lake Toran in defiance of the Empire's grasp.

When the war concluded, Anji transitioned back into the realm of legitimate shipping with his devoted subordinates. The prodigious talents he wielded in the high seas led him to achieve remarkable success in his newfound legitimate endeavors.

Enemy
Anji can be fought as an optional enemy in Suikoden. He fights the party alongside Kanak and Leonardo. He must be defeated in order to recruit him.

Trivia

 * Anji was originally supposed to have an important role in the Battle at Floating Fortress Shasarazade, but this had to be abandoned as a water-based battle could not be represented.
 * His name comes from a band Murayama Yoshitaka knew from long ago.
 * His clothing, according to several staff members, is exceptionally warm.