Editing Narimasa Asano

{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image               = Narimasa Asano.jpg
| caption             = Narimasa Asano
| name                = Narimasa Asano
| birthdate           = [[2998]]
| died                = 
| othernames          = 
| affiliation         = [[Draconis Combine]]
| rank                = ''[[Tai-sho (rank)|Tai-sho]]''<ref name=FMDC76>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 76: 1st Genyosha: Legacy of Yorinaga</ref>
| title               = 
| position            = 
| profession          = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]
| parents             = 
| siblings            = 
| spouse              = 
| children            = 
}}
'''Narimasa Asano''' was an officer in the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] who became a key supporter of [[Theodore Kurita]] as commander of the [[Genyosha]].

==Personal History==
===Early Life and Career===
Born on [[Algedi]],<ref name=LSP16NA>''Luthien'', p. 16: Personalities: Narimasa Asano</ref> Asano began his military career as an officer with the elite [[Second Sword of Light]], the most prestigious unit in service to the [[Draconis Combine]]. In [[3013]], he participated in the battle of [[Mallory's World]], witnessing the death of [[First Prince of the Federated Suns|First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]] of the [[Federated Suns]] at the hands of Asano's commanding officer, [[Yorinaga Kurita]]. After Davion's death, the triumphant Second withdrew. By the time the Second returned to Mallory's World in [[3016]], the young Asano held the rank of ''[[Chu-sa]]'' and was Yorinaga Kurita's top aide. Asano again played witness, this time to the [[Phantom 'Mech|legendary duel]] between Kurita and [[Colonel]] [[Morgan Kell]] of the [[mercenary]] [[Kell Hounds]] on 31 January 3016. When Kurita proved unable to defeat Kell in accordance with the code of ''[[bushido]]'', he ordered all DCMS forces to retreat from the planet. Asano would later defend his commander's actions and would be punished with a demotion to ''[[Chu-i]]'' and a transfer to the [[Fifth Rasalhague Regulars]], a far less respected unit.<ref name=LSP16NA/><ref name=ER3062-7677>''Era Report: 3062'', pp. 76–77: Major Personas: Narimasa Asano</ref> According to Asano, Kurita's entire command lance would be disbanded and transferred to other units on the orders of [[Coordinator of Worlds|Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]] himself.<ref name=WEG197>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 197: Asano discusses his disgrace</ref>

Asano continued to serve the Dragon, never abandoning his duty. At one point, Asano was nearly transferred to serve the infamous [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] in his feud against the [[Gray Death Legion]]. The idea made him contemplate ''[[seppuku]]''.<ref name=WEG197-2>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 197: Asano discusses his further career</ref>

===Genyosha===
[[File:Genyosha -Brigade logo.png|right|thumb|The [[Genyosha]]]]
In early [[3027]], Yorinaga Kurita was recalled from exile on [[Echo|Echo V]], and ordered to form the Genyosha, a new, elite unit that would allow Kurita to instill his "heart and mind" on all the Combine's warriors. Although specifically refused an invitation, Asano knew he had to rejoin his mentor and abandoned his post, traveling 230 light years disguised as a manual laborer, to where the Genyosha were training on [[Nashira]]. He was immediately arrested by [[ISF]] Liaison officer [[Shinzei Abe]], who viewed his leaving his old unit without orders to be tantamount to treason. Asano was tortured for two days before he was dragged into Yorinaga Kurita's presence, where Abe demanded the authority to execute him. Instead, Yorinaga Kurita accepted Asano into the Genyosha and restored Asano to the rank of ''Chu-sa''.<ref name=WEG195>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 195: Asano's travels to Nashira and meeting with Yorinaga Kurita</ref> When Abe threatened to further investigate Asano, Kurita killed him in a ''kendo'' "accident."<ref name=WEG198>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 198: Yorinaga Kurita indicates his intent to kill Shinzei Abe</ref>

Asano participated in the so-called [[Silver Eagle Incident]], the Genyosha's attempt to kidnap [[Archon-Designate]] [[Melissa Steiner]] in the [[Styx]] system and achieved at least one credited kill.<ref name=WEG344>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 344: Asano's ''Crusader'' destroys a Kell Hound ''[[Panther]]''</ref> There they were foiled in their efforts by the Kell Hounds, though not before [[Patrick Kell]], Morgan Kell's brother and the Hounds' acting commander, sacrificed himself.<ref name=WEG341-348>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 341–348: The Genyosha fight the Kell Hounds on Styx</ref>

By late October, Asano and ''[[Sho-sa]]'' [[Tarukito Niiro]] had brought the Genyosha up to four BattleMech [[Company#Company|companies]] in strength, working under orders from Yorinaga and the Coordinator.<ref name=WR5859>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 58–59: Asano and Niiro report to Yorinaga</ref> Asano then introduced his commander to [[Akira Brahe]], Yorinaga's son, who he had not seen since before the duel on Mallory's World years earlier. Asano proposed Brahe, formerly of the [[11th Legion of Vega|Eleventh Legion of Vega]], be put in command of the Genyosha's "Rasalhague Company," reasoning that the ''Chu-i'' was half Scandinavian and had spent most of his life in the [[Rasalhague Military District]]. After hearing his son's tale, Yorinaga accepted Asano's recommendation.<ref name=WR6063>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 60–63: Asano introduces Akira Brahe</ref>

===Fourth Succession War===
Shortly afterwards, the [[Fourth Succession War]] broke out. The Genyosha were sent to assault the Davion world of [[Northwind]] in January [[3028]], based on an ISF report that the Kell Hounds were one of the units defending it. However, instead of the Kell Hounds proper they found [[Bradley's Bravos]], a mercenary unit who had only recently joined the Kell Hounds as their third battalion. While the Genyosha was fighting on Northwind, the main body of Kell Hounds struck their base on Nashira. Not finding the Genyosha there, they completely destroyed the base, though not before evacuating all civilians.<ref name=WR278281>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 278–281: Asano is present during the meeting with the ISF</ref> In April [[3029]], the Genyosha traveled to back to Nashira to observe the damage. From there, they traveled to [[Ryde]], expecting to meet their adversaries there.<ref name=WC6566>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 65–66: Yorinaga and Akira Brahe observe Kell's "Star map"</ref> Although they did not find the Hounds on Ryde in June,<ref name=WC135137>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 135–137: Brahe and the Genyosha leave a message</ref> the stage was set for the final confrontation.

On 24 October 3029, Asano was with the Genyosha when they finally confronted the Kell Hounds on [[Nusakan]] in the [[Isle of Skye]]. The Hounds had just effectively destroyed the [[Fifth Sword of Light]], who had fought alongside the Genyosha on Northwind and whose commander, [[Palmer Conti]], sought to steal the honor of destroying the Kell Hounds. The Fifth's survivors were ordered back, allowing Yorinaga and Morgan Kell to duel each other once again. To the surprise of all, the mercenary commander did not defend himself, instead seeming to ignore Yorinaga's attacks until finally performing a ceremonial bow. When Yorinaga attempted to return the bow, he found his 'Mech had shut down from constant weapons fire and the desert heat. Kurita acknowledged that "to win while refusing to fight" was the true apex of being a warrior, ending the duel.<ref name=WC308Y>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 308: Yorinaga's 'Mech overheats</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW2-79N-KYK>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 79: Nusakan, The final duel of Morgan Kell and Yorinaga Kurita</ref>

Later that same day, Asano stood alongside the Genyosha and Kell Hounds as his mentor and commanding officer, Yorinaga Kurita, performed ''seppuku'' with Brahe serving as his second.<ref name=WC314315A>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 314–315: Asano witnesses Yorinaga's death</ref> Almost immediately thereafter, Asano renounced his loyalty to Takashi Kurita, instead pledging his loyalty to the Coordinator's son, Theodore Kurita, who alone among the Combine's leaders had shown Yorinaga and the Genyosha the respect and honor they were due.<ref name=WC317A>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 317: Asano pledges himself to Theodore Kurita</ref> During the Fourth Succession War, Asano, now the active commander of the Genyosha, served with distinction, becoming the unit's ace MechWarrior with 15 'Mech and three aerospace kills.<ref name=LSP16NA/>

===Serving the Dragon's Heir===
[[File:Theodore Kurita HistBrushWars.jpg|left|thumb|Theodore Kurita]]
By January [[3031]], now ''[[Tai-sa]]'' Asano was a trusted member of now ''[[Gunji-no-Kanrei]]'' Theodore Kurita's training command staff on [[Xinyang]], working alongside Theodore's wife and second-in-command [[Tomoe Sakade]] as well as [[Fuhito Tetsuhara]] and former [[Wolf's Dragoons|Dragoons]] [[Dechan Fraser]] and [[Jenette Rand]].<ref name=HD248>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 248: Asano and Fraser discuss the Genyosha's progress</ref> Although the Genyosha and [[Ryuken]] regiments were ordered dissolved by Takashi Kurita and their soldiers dispersed throughout the DCMS,<ref name=HD245246>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 245–246: Takashi orders the training regiments dispersed</ref> the ''Kanrei'' and his staff planned to turn this to their advantage, spreading the new military doctrine throughout the Combine and eventually reforming the regiments.<ref name=HD250251>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 250–251: Fraser and Sakade describe Theodore's plan</ref> The Coordinator had previously stripped the Genyosha of their right to answer only to him, placing the elite troops under the command of the district warlords after Yorinaga's death. The ''Kanrei'' effectively countermanded this order by commanding that the Genyosha report directly to him.<ref name=FMDC75GCS>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 75: Genyosha: Black Ocean, Command Structure</ref> By the time ''Kanrei'' Theodore's plans were realized a few short years later, the Genyosha had been formed into two of the most well-trained and elite regiments of the Combine with Asano in overall command, personally commanding the [[1st Genyosha|First Genyosha]].

During the [[Ronin War]], the Genyosha were among the loyalist units sent by the ''Kanrei'' to put down the rebellion. Asano and the First Genyosha secured [[Jarett]] in May [[3034]],<ref name=HBW120>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 120: Deployment Table, Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery</ref> while the [[2nd Genyosha|Second Genyosha]] arrived on [[Engadin]] in early June under radio silence on merchant DropShips, launching a surprise attack on the [[9th Rasalhague Regulars|Ninth Rasalhague Regulars]] with both [[artillery]] and [[aerospace]] assets. The Second completely destroyed the ''Ronin'' forces while liberating a [[ComStar]] [[HPG]] facility. When the [[2nd Freemen|Second Freemen]] of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]'s [[KungsArmé]] arrived to garrison Engadin, the Second Genyosha peacefully left the world.<ref name=HBW111E>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 111: Engadin, The Second Genyosha destroys the Ninth Rasalhague Regulars</ref>

===War of 3039===
In [[3039]], [[Hanse Davion]] finally launched the long-awaited invasion of the Draconis Combine, using the combined might of the [[AFFS]] and [[LCAF]] in an attempt to crush the Dragon once and for all. House Kurita was ready, however, as ''Kanrei'' Theodore Kurita led his troops in a bold counterattack. In July, Asano led both Genyosha regiments to the Nashira system, the site of their old base. Nashira had fallen to the [[1st Federated Suns Lancers|First FedCom RCT]] and the [[Delta Regiment (12th Vegan Rangers)|Delta Regiment]] of the [[12th Vegan Rangers|Twelfth Vegan Rangers]]. Both enemy formations remained on planet, though they continued to face heavy opposition from local resistance cells and the planetary government.<ref name=HW39-83N-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 83: Nashira, local resistance</ref>

Despite being slightly outnumbered by the Steiner-Davion occupiers, the Genyosha enjoyed advantages in skill, superior weaponry, determination and the support of the local citizenry. Asano unleashed the warriors of the First Genyosha against the Davion troops, initially holding the Second in reserve. The AFFS troops and mercenaries were spread throughout the planet, attempting to suppress the insurgents. These detachments soon found themselves isolated against the elite Genyosha forces, and were soon overwhelmed. While the First attacked the city of New Anaheim, the Second dropped directly on the Logan City spaceport, engaging in a pitched 12 hour battle that forced the First FedCom to retreat into the city. Asano deployed two of his battalions to reinforce the Second, preparing for a major push on the entrenched allied positions in Logan City. Asano's initial thrust forced elements of the Vegan Rangers back and out of the city's suburbs, though the offensive stalled as the Kuritans closed on the city itself. Before the Genyosha could attack again, allied reinforcements (the [[7th Donegal Guards|Seventh Donegal Guards]]) arrived from [[Caph]], threatening to surround the Genyosha between their hammer and the anvil of the First FedCom and Twelfth Vegan Rangers, still entrenched in Logan City. Recognizing his situation, Asano pulled his forces out of harm's way, allowing the Lyrans to take the spaceport. In the following weeks, Asano and the Donegal Guards' skilled commander, [[Daniel Voss-Steiner]], engaged in a subtle battle of thrust and counterthrust, as the more numerous allied force attempted to overcome the skill and weaponry of the Genyosha. Every time the allies managed to recapture a mining facility, they would find another under attack by the Kuritans.<ref name=HW39-8384N-2>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 83–84: Nashira, the battle of Nashira</ref>

During this time, insurgent activity was continuing, sapping the strength of the occupiers. Although most of these attacks were small, a chemical terrorist attack at Raven Ridge proved to be another turning point in the Nashira campaign. The incident (allegedly perpetrated under the ISF's direction) cost the lives of over two hundred allied soldiers, horrifying Asano and his Genyosha, who up until then had considered the conflict to have been an honorable battle. Asano not only ordered his troops to assault the group responsible, he also made his unit's medical staff, with specialists in chemical warfare, available to the allied troops. Afterwards, the conflict was reduced to a simmer, as both sides found their appetite for battle slipping. When the recall order was issued to the allied troops in October, Voss-Steiner obeyed the order, praising Asano's efforts in dealing with the Raven Ridge incident even while many Lyran soldiers found the withdrawal to be a bitter pill to swallow.<ref name=HW39-84N-3>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 84: Nashira, Raven Ridge</ref><ref name=HW39-85PD>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 85: Pandora's Box, Raven Ridge aftermath described</ref>

Though the Raven Ridge incident stained their victory, the Genyosha was nevertheless successful in the largest single conflict of their existence. The First Genyosha took serious losses and the Second also took heavy damage, but their honor was nevertheless intact. Asano and the First Genyosha returned to their main base on [[Shitara]].<ref name=HW39-139>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 139: Deployment Table, Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery: Genyosha</ref>

Although almost certainly eligible for a promotion by this point, Asano declined any rank higher than ''Tai-sa'' in deference to his old mentor and the Genyosha's founder, Yorinaga Kurita.<ref name=FMDC76O>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 76: 1st Genyosha: Legacy of Yorinaga, Officers</ref><ref name=LH?1?>''Lethal Heritage'', p. ??: Shin regards Asano's appearance and rank{{cn}}</ref>

===Clan Invasion===
As of early [[3050]], Asano was still in command of the elite First Genyosha, still based on Shitara. Because their loyalty lay with the ''Kanrei'' and not the Coordinator, their loyalty was officially considered "questionable".<ref name=20YU40-1G>''20 Year Update'', p. 40: Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery Deployment Tables</ref> Then the [[Clan Invasion]] struck the [[Inner Sphere]]. The Combine was hit hard by [[Clans]] [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bear]], with dozens of worlds falling to the seemingly invincible invaders. In July of 3050, the ''Kanrei'' held a key strategy meeting on [[Marshdale]], attended by Asano, Theodore's son and heir, [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro Kurita]], the ''[[yakuza]]'' [[Shin Yodama]], and other distinguished DCMS commanders.<ref name=LH?1?/> There, Theodore unveiled [[Operation SAKKAKU]], a plan to lure the Jaguars into a trap where they would face most of the most elite regiments in the Combine — the Genyosha. They would be given a new designation — "Yuutsu" — with a new unit history, leading the Jaguars to underestimate them as a new unit. Further, the Combine would choose the location of the battle, the planet [[Wolcott]], using the thick fog and trees of the hot marshes to reduce the effectiveness of the Clan weapons. Finally, Hohiro Kurita and Shin Yodama—escapees of the Jaguars' [[Battle of Turtle Bay (3050)|victory on Turtle Bay]]—would be placed in overall command of Wolcott's defenders, effectively baiting the enemy.<ref name=IC57W>''Invading Clans'', p. 57: Wolcott, preparations are made for the battle of Wolcott</ref><ref name=LH?2?>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. ??: Theodore outlines his plan{{cn}}</ref> (Although Asano would retain field command over the Genyosha.)

On 2 October 3050 the Battle of Wolcott was fought, with both regiments of Genyosha and supporting conventional units facing the [[225th Jaguar Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|225th Jaguar Battle Cluster]] and the [[Swath Keshik (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Swath Keshik Trinary]]. In addition to the terrain, the "Yuutsu" 'Mechs were covered with strips of reflective metallic foil. [[Vibrabomb]] emplacements, [[Savannah Master]] hovercraft attacks, and hidden supply depots completed the Combine defenses. The Clan 'Mechs were totally unprepared for the conditions of the battle, as their advanced sensor equipment proved completely ineffective. Cornered at every turn, the Jaguars were forced to surrender and retreat.<ref name=IC5758W>''Invading Clans'', pp. 57–59: Wolcott, the battle of Wolcott is described</ref><ref name=LSP5H>''Luthien'', p. 5: History, the battle of Wolcott is described</ref><ref name=LH?3?>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. ??: the battle of Wolcott is fought{{cn}}</ref> Wolcott became the first Inner Sphere world to be successfully defended against a Clan attack.

Asano later accompanied the ''Kanrei'' and his family to [[Outreach]], where the leaders of the Inner Sphere met and discussed strategies against the Clan invaders.<ref name=BL?1?>''Blood Legacy'', p. ??: Victor recognizes Asano with the Kurita delegation{{cn}}</ref>

===The Battle of Luthien===
[[File:Thor vs Scorpion.jpg|right|200px|[[Battle of Luthien (3052)|The Battle of Luthien]]]]
When the Clan Invasion resumed in late [[3051]], the Combine received word from a [[ComStar]] [[Sharilar Mori|spy]] that Clans Smoke Jaguar and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] would attack [[Luthien]], the Combine's capital. On 22 November, Asano attended a meeting of the top military commanders on-planet. There, they were informed of the coming [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|attack]], and Asano pointed out that as important as Luthien was, it was not the whole of the Combine and that they would be best off not recalling the Ryuken or other units, who would serve House Kurita best by attacking the Clans' supply lines and defending other worlds. He likewise expressed approval for [[Case ''Tako'']], effectively stripping the [[Federated Commonwealth]] border of units, relocating them to the Clan front.<ref name=BL?2?>''Blood Legacy'', pp. ??: Asano attends meeting of DCMS military commanders{{cn}}</ref> On 25 December, Asano was present when Wolf's Dragoons and the Kell Hounds arrived, sent by Hanse Davion to keep the Black Pearl of the Combine from falling.<ref name=BL?3?>''Blood Legacy'', pp. ??: Asano notes the arriving DropShips{{cn}}</ref> It was at this time that he once again met his old comrade, Akira Brahe, for the first time in more than twenty years.<ref name=BL?4?>''Blood Legacy'', pp. ??: Asano exchanges greetings with Akira{{cn}}</ref>

When the attack finally came in January [[3052]], Asano's Genyosha and the other defenders were ready. When the Smoke Jaguars pushed through the initial defensive line of the [[1st Sword of Light|First Sword of Light]], the [[Otomo]] and the [[2nd Legion of Vega|Second Legion of Vega]] attacked the northern flank while Asano and the Genyosha struck from the south, Asano and his men personally engaging the [[5th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Fifth Jaguar Regulars]]. The elite Combine warriors inflicted heavy damage and faded away before the Clans could fully respond.<ref name=LSP44>''Luthien'', p. 44: The Wave Breaks: Scenario 6, Cat's Claws</ref> During the climactic battle of the [[Kado-guchi Valley]], Asano and the First Genyosha joined with elements of the Kell Hounds against the [[315th Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|315th Battle Cluster]], completely crushing the Clan unit.<ref name=IC61L>''Invading Clans'', p. 61: Luthien</ref> It was in no small part due to Asano's contributions that the DCMS and their mercenary allies ultimately prevailed.

===''Shitenno''===
As of [[3054]], Asano still commanded the First Genyosha, which by that point was considered recovered and at full strength. Still based on Luthien, their loyalty to the Combine was considered completely unquestioned as Coordinator and ''Kanrei'' now presented a united front.<ref name=OR28-1G>''Objective Raids'', p. 28: Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery Deployment Tables</ref> In one of his final acts as commander of the Genyosha, Asano incorporated a plan for the rebuilding of the Second Genyosha, which had been reduced to only a battalion in strength in the aftermath of the Clan Invasion. At Asano's urging, the ''Kanrei'' temporarily excused the survivors from active duty. A battalion's worth of veterans from throughout the DCMS were then transferred in, and another battalion would be drawn from the military academies, new soldiers and officers specifically trained for the Genyosha's style of fighting.<ref name=FMDC77>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 77: 2nd Genyosha: Lord Theodore's Vanguard</ref>

After Theodore Kurita ascended to the role of Coordinator, Asano was ultimately promoted to the rank of ''[[Tai-sho (rank)|Tai-sho]]'', formally taking his place in Theodore Kurita's ''shitenno'', his circle of closest advisors.<ref name=FMDC76/><ref name=ER3062-77LC>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 77: Major Personas: Narimasa Asano, After the invasion</ref> In January [[3056]], he advised Theodore to place the Coordinator's son and heir, Hohiro Kurita, in command of the First Genyosha, with overall control of both regiments.<ref name=FMDC76/> Asano also worked with the Second Genyosha's commander, [[Laura Nelson]], mentoring her in forming a cohesive command, a goal finally realized in June [[3057]] when the Second returned to active service.<ref name=FMDC77/> Although he advised the Coordinator on many matters, he spent much of his time resolving the conflicts between those who adhered to the old-school code of ''bushido'' and those who favored Theodore's reforms.<ref name=ER3062-77LC/> In October [[3058]], he accompanied the Coordinator and the royal family in attending the [[Whitting_Conference#First_Whitting_Conference|First Whitting Conference]] on [[Tharkad]], forming a new [[Star League]] and planning [[Operation BULLDOG]].<ref name=GC?1?>''Grave Covenant'', p. ??: Asano sits at Draconis Combine's table{{cn}}</ref>

==Personality and Traits==
Unlike many higher-ranking DCMS officers of his time, Asano held very few personal ambitions, instead devoting himself entirely to the Dragon. As such, by the time of the Clan Invasion, his reputation was considered to be above reproach.<ref name=ER3062-158>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 158: Playing in 3062 — Major Personalities of the Late Clan Invasion: Narimasa Asano</ref> His devotion was particularly evident in his regard for his commanding officer and mentor, Yorinaga Kurita, as Asano risked his career and his life to join Yorinaga's Genyosha. Yorinaga became Asano's tutor on the path of ''bushido'', forging the young officer into the personification of a new breed of samurai, and he would become a key contributor in the modernization of the DCMS. Yorinaga's death had a profound effect on Asano, and the impact of that event would be apparent on him for the rest of his life. It may have prematurely aged him in physical appearance, as within two years of Yorinaga's death, he was described as having a "thatch of white hair" and a "lined face" despite still being in his thirties.<ref name=HD248/> In his later years during the Clan Invasion, [[Shin Yodama]] would describe him as "slightly built and smaller than average... yet possessed so much power of personality that a number of the less secure officers shot occasional glances at him or behaved as though his gaze was somehow scalding."<ref name=LH?1?/> Upon the summons for the first Luthien conference, Yodama further described Asano as having a very calm demeanor, even as other top military officers showed signs of fatigue and agitation.<ref name=BL?2?/> By the latter part of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], he was considered one of the foremost military minds in the Inner Sphere, even by former enemies such as [[Nondi Steiner]].<ref name=GC?2?>''Grave Covenant'', p. ??: Nondi Steiner mentions Asano{{cn}}</ref>

==BattleMechs==
[[File:3050U Hatamoto-Chi.jpg|right|thumb|A ''[[Hatamoto-Chi]]'']]
When he first joined the Genyosha, Asano piloted a ''[[Crusader]]''.<ref name=WEG294>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 294: Asano's 'Mech named</ref> During the Battle of Luthien, Asano's choice of 'Mech was a ''[[Warhammer]]'',<ref name=LSP45A>''Luthien'', p. 45: The Wave Breaks: Scenario 6, Game set-up: Attacker</ref> chosen perhaps out of respect to his old mentor who had piloted a similar 'Mech. Apparently sometime shortly afterwards, Asano began using a ''[[Hatamoto-Chi]]'' as his regular 'Mech.<ref name=LSP16NA/>

==Notes==
* There is a possible discrepancy regarding Asano's age. According to multiple sources, he was present at the death of Ian Davion on Mallory's World. However, based on the information in both the ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)|Luthien]]'' and ''[[Era Report: 3062]]'', Asano would have been 15 at that time, which seems far too young to be serving in a [[Sword of Light]] regiment, much less as an officer.<ref name=LSP16NA/><ref name=ER3062-7677/> The developers have yet to [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=7157.0 address this issue].
* Page 44 of ''[[The Kell Hounds]]'' sourcebook lists a ''Chu-i'' Minoru Akiri piloting a ''Crusader'' and fighting alongside Yorinaga Kurita against the Kell Hounds during the Silver Eagle Incident at Styx.<ref name=TKH44>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 44: Phantom 'Mechs: Game set-up, Defender</ref> This is presumably intended to be Asano, as ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' indicates that Asano was the only ''Crusader'' pilot in that group of Genyosha.<ref name=WEG294/>
* It is unclear when Asano began using a ''Hatamoto-Chi''. His profile in the ''Luthien'' scenario pack indicates that he was using one entering the battle,<ref name=LSP16NA/> yet a scenario from the same publication makes clear he used a ''Warhammer'' while fighting the Smoke Jaguars.<ref name=LSP45A/> This suggests he did not actually receive the ''Hatamoto-Chi'' until after the battle.
* Special Rules can be found for Narimasa Asano in ''Era Report: 3062'', p. 158.
{{quote|''The strength of the [[House Kurita|Dragon]] flows as deeply in her veins as in any warrior's.''|Narimasa Asano, in regards to [[Omiko Kurita|Omi Kurita]]}}

==Portrait Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Narimasa Asano 1.jpg|In 3052
Image:Narimasa Asano 2.jpg|In the field
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 3062]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]''
* ''[[Grave Covenant]]''
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]''
* ''[[The Kell Hounds]]''
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]''
* ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)|Luthien]]''
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]''
* ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]''
* ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Draconis Combine Characters|Asano, Narimasa]]