Using his sword, Hotohori can be a trying opponent. His Suzaku skill lies in using the sword to fight, though he doesn't kill anyone for no reason. And even when the Emperor accepts that he cannot accompany the Suzaku no Miko, Miaka, on her trip to find the Shinzaho, he gives her his sword to use for protection. And in a fight against Soi, the sword protects Miaka when she uses it.
Once the time of Miaka has ended, Hotohori marries Houki (who looks quite a bit like Nuriko) and has a son, Boushin. But before his son is born, Hotohori is killed in a battle during wartime. He remains a spirit, able to see his wife and child, but they cannot see him. His wife, Houki, is heartbroken, and is sick and bedridden after her son is born. But she regains her composure when she is able to talk to the spirit of Hotohori (using Taka aka Tamahome, as a temporary host for his spirit).
By the end of the 2nd OVA, Hotohori is reborn once again.