Kinzoku

While he has not yet progressed to making weapons, Kinzoku is considered a master armour smith. The Armor Smiths most often accompany the Minimoto Army to war as they both maintain the army's gear, but they also choose the worthy unblessed to gift with a new suit of armour, allowing them to truly become Ashigaru.

The Bless Ki Feat allows you to reinforce an unblessed model where it is needed mid-game, and Irokane Protection is invaluable for Samurai and Ashigaru alike when your opponent has those Pierce weapons that counter your armour. However, it is the Empower Ki Feat that opens up a whole new way to play the faction, and combined with Leadership and the unique courage effect, running many unblessed models is very viable. It also opens options for other models, such as the Shugenja and unarmoured bears.