Born a child of Shigenari Minamoto, a vassal of Shanao's father, Yoshitomo Minamoto, Shungen was brought to Kurama Temple upon the death of his father at the same time as Shanao. Because the two have been together since they were very young, Shungen is aware that Shanao is a woman.

Like Shanao, Shungen was raised at Kurama Temple by Kakunichi. While not as skilled with a sword as Shanao, Shungen is extremely bright and well-read. Despite his small stature and kind appearances, Shungen is extremely brave and protective of Shanao.