Karura is the wise queen of the southern Karura clan, and southern bushinshou. She and Yasha-Ou are old friends, whom go way back. She joined Yasha and Ashura after the cruel and savage death Taishaku-ten gave to her sickly sister Karyoh-Binga. Karyoh-Binga was a sickly girl, much loved by her sister. She was known for her singing, but was very frail and not able to leave Tenkujou (the Karura clan palace) very much. Taishakuten wanted her to sing for him, and what Tai wants Tai gets. Taishaku-Ten killed Karyoh-Binga, and fed her to his pet beasts; thus driving Karura-Ou insane, making her attempt to kill him. She is spared, but exiled, and to save her clan she pretends to commit suicide. Karura has a bird that shares her life-force named Garuda. Garuda helps her in battles, and most pictures show Karura with Garuda.
Ryu-Ou (aka Naga)
Ryu-Ou is the leader of the Ryu clan, but only because he wanted to follow Yasha and Ashura on their quest. He is one of the most energetic of the group and often picks on Ashura. He is the comic relief in dramatic situations, and likes to boss Ashura around. His mther died when he was young, and his father never appears in the manga or the OAV.