Ronin were essentially samurai who had lost their lords, resulting in their status as masterless warriors. This predicament often arose from dishonor or the death of their masters, leaving them without the traditional support or purpose that came from serving a feudal lord. Consequently, these wanderers roamed the land in search of new opportunities, hoping to offer their skills and loyalty to a new master.

This lifestyle reflected the complex social and ethical codes of the samurai culture. Ronin faced challenges in maintaining their honor while navigating a world that often viewed them with suspicion. Their quest for acceptance was not just about survival; it also involved a deep struggle for dignity and purpose within the rigid hierarchies of feudal Japan.