TV-Series
Description
Kashuu Kiyomitsu is a tsukumogami, a sword spirit brought to life, who serves as one of the primary characters in Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru. Forged in 1684 by a swordsmith of the same name, his history is marked by hardship from its very beginning, as he originated in an impoverished environment among a marginalized group in society. After being forged, he came into the possession of Okita Souji, a legendary member of the Shinsengumi. It was during this era that Kashuu fought in the Ikedaya incident of 1864, where he was broken at the tip. The damage was irreparable, and as a result, he was discarded by his beloved master Okita. This traumatic event of being abandoned due to his damage is the central, defining experience of his existence.
Personality-wise, Kashuu projects an image of someone who is confident, glamorous, and somewhat vain, with a particular obsession with keeping his appearance pretty and his nails perfectly decorated. He can come across as mischievous, quirky, and slightly capricious, often complaining about chores or trouble. However, this flashy exterior is a carefully constructed facade that masks deep-seated insecurities. The core of his personality is a profound fear of being unloved and abandoned again. He genuinely believes that the only way to secure affection and avoid being thrown away is to remain as physically attractive and "pretty" as possible at all times. Despite his tsundere tendencies, where he hides his true feelings behind a smile or a serious look, he is deeply caring, reliable, and will always go out of his way to help his comrades.
His primary motivation is to be loved and accepted by his current master, the Saniwa. As the very first sword to be manifested at the Hanamaru Citadel, he carries the responsibility of a senpai figure and is often chosen to guide and orient new swords due to his experience. He desperately wants to prove his worth and avoid repeating the tragedy of his past, striving to be useful in battle and charming in daily life to secure his place. This also fuels his desire to be a reliable leader and friend to the other swords.
His most significant relationship is with Yamatonokami Yasusada. Both were once wielded by Okita Souji, forming a duo known as the Okitagumi. On the surface, they are polar opposites who quarrel constantly, but in reality, they are very close friends who understand each other intimately. Kashuu often helps the less experienced Yasusada adjust to life at the citadel, and they share a unique bond over their connection to their former master. A notable action that showcases his growth is giving Yasusada a hairpin to fix his bangs after the latter was injured in battle, symbolically sharing his own method of maintaining appearance to cope with hardship.
Throughout Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Kashuu solidifies his role as a central pillar of the citadel. He takes on the duty of guiding newcomers like Tsurumaru Kuninaga, Doudanuki Masakuni, and Monoyoshi Sadamune, showing his patience and reliability. He participates in various sorties, including dangerous missions to the Edo period, and engages in light-hearted but competitive training exercises with his fellow swords. His character development is subtle, focusing on his gradual acceptance that he is valued for more than just his appearance. By being chosen as a leader and relied upon by both the Saniwa and his comrades, he confronts his fear of abandonment and learns to build trusting relationships without relying solely on his looks.
In combat, Kashuu wields his own spirit in the form of a sword, displaying skill in swordsmanship, great agility, and tactical capability. When he sustains severe injuries, he can enter a state known as "awakening," which allows him to unleash an attack of significantly greater impact. Outside of battle, his most notable non-combat ability is being exceptionally skilled at nail art and decoration, a practice that is central to his daily routine of maintaining his "pretty" image.
Personality-wise, Kashuu projects an image of someone who is confident, glamorous, and somewhat vain, with a particular obsession with keeping his appearance pretty and his nails perfectly decorated. He can come across as mischievous, quirky, and slightly capricious, often complaining about chores or trouble. However, this flashy exterior is a carefully constructed facade that masks deep-seated insecurities. The core of his personality is a profound fear of being unloved and abandoned again. He genuinely believes that the only way to secure affection and avoid being thrown away is to remain as physically attractive and "pretty" as possible at all times. Despite his tsundere tendencies, where he hides his true feelings behind a smile or a serious look, he is deeply caring, reliable, and will always go out of his way to help his comrades.
His primary motivation is to be loved and accepted by his current master, the Saniwa. As the very first sword to be manifested at the Hanamaru Citadel, he carries the responsibility of a senpai figure and is often chosen to guide and orient new swords due to his experience. He desperately wants to prove his worth and avoid repeating the tragedy of his past, striving to be useful in battle and charming in daily life to secure his place. This also fuels his desire to be a reliable leader and friend to the other swords.
His most significant relationship is with Yamatonokami Yasusada. Both were once wielded by Okita Souji, forming a duo known as the Okitagumi. On the surface, they are polar opposites who quarrel constantly, but in reality, they are very close friends who understand each other intimately. Kashuu often helps the less experienced Yasusada adjust to life at the citadel, and they share a unique bond over their connection to their former master. A notable action that showcases his growth is giving Yasusada a hairpin to fix his bangs after the latter was injured in battle, symbolically sharing his own method of maintaining appearance to cope with hardship.
Throughout Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Kashuu solidifies his role as a central pillar of the citadel. He takes on the duty of guiding newcomers like Tsurumaru Kuninaga, Doudanuki Masakuni, and Monoyoshi Sadamune, showing his patience and reliability. He participates in various sorties, including dangerous missions to the Edo period, and engages in light-hearted but competitive training exercises with his fellow swords. His character development is subtle, focusing on his gradual acceptance that he is valued for more than just his appearance. By being chosen as a leader and relied upon by both the Saniwa and his comrades, he confronts his fear of abandonment and learns to build trusting relationships without relying solely on his looks.
In combat, Kashuu wields his own spirit in the form of a sword, displaying skill in swordsmanship, great agility, and tactical capability. When he sustains severe injuries, he can enter a state known as "awakening," which allows him to unleash an attack of significantly greater impact. Outside of battle, his most notable non-combat ability is being exceptionally skilled at nail art and decoration, a practice that is central to his daily routine of maintaining his "pretty" image.