OVA
Description
Maria Tachibana is a central character in the Sakura Wars series, particularly in Sakura Wars 2 where she serves as the vice-captain of the Imperial Combat Revue's Flower Division, also known as the Teikoku Kagekidan. Of mixed Russian and Japanese heritage, she was born in Kiev and has a striking appearance with platinum blonde hair cut in a bob, which obscures one of her green eyes.
Her background is marked by profound hardship. As a teenager, she fought in the Russian Revolution, an experience that left her with deep emotional scars and a reputation for fierce combat, earning her the nickname Kazuar, meaning cassowary. The trauma of the revolution, during which she lost a lover, made her initially cold, reserved, and reluctant to form emotional bonds with others. After leaving Russia, she briefly turned to a life of crime using her spiritual powers before being scouted by Major Ayame Fujieda and recruited into the Flower Division.
Maria's personality is defined by composure, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. She is the voice of reason within the often chaotic group, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor even in battle. She was originally the leader of the Flower Division due to her maturity and tactical experience, but she struggled to unite the bickering members. Recognizing her own limitations, she requested that someone more capable be brought in to lead, which led to Ichiro Ogami becoming the new captain. Initially, she resented Ogami's arrival and was uncertain about his fitness for leadership, but after he selflessly saved her during a mission, she developed deep trust and loyalty toward him, becoming his steadfast second-in-command.
In Sakura Wars 2, Maria's trust in Ogami is already well established from the events of the first game. Early in the story, she is temporarily absent while on a diplomatic errand to maintain relationships with the organization's backers. Her role in the narrative is that of a reliable tactical advisor and a capable fighter. A key moment occurs during a summer holiday trip, when she and Ogami investigate a broken communication device, uncover a trap set by an enemy group, and work together to thwart the plot. This event demonstrates her ingenuity and strategic thinking. Throughout the game, she provides essential support to the team, both on stage as a talented actress who often plays dashing male roles, and on the battlefield as a skilled marksman and Koubu pilot.
Her relationships with the other members of the Flower Division evolve from initial distance to genuine warmth. As she overcomes her past trauma through the support of her comrades, particularly Ogami, she becomes a more open and caring individual, willing to lay down her life for her friends. She remains, however, the most collected and emotionally controlled member of the group. In her personal route, Ogami accompanies her on visits to a key backer of the Imperial Combat Revue, where he comforts her and encourages her to find new reasons to live despite the tragedies she has endured.
Maria's notable abilities include exceptional marksmanship, with her weapon of choice being an Enfield Mk.1 Star Revolver. She is also a brilliant strategist and tactician, with firsthand experience of warfare that sets her apart from her teammates. As a Koubu pilot, she operates a dark purple or navy blue unit armed with a high-caliber rifle and machine gun, allowing her to attack from range. She also possesses an ice-based special attack in keeping with her Russian heritage. Her leadership qualities, calm judgment, and unwavering sense of duty make her an indispensable member of the Flower Division, embodying responsibility and reason in the face of adversity.
Her background is marked by profound hardship. As a teenager, she fought in the Russian Revolution, an experience that left her with deep emotional scars and a reputation for fierce combat, earning her the nickname Kazuar, meaning cassowary. The trauma of the revolution, during which she lost a lover, made her initially cold, reserved, and reluctant to form emotional bonds with others. After leaving Russia, she briefly turned to a life of crime using her spiritual powers before being scouted by Major Ayame Fujieda and recruited into the Flower Division.
Maria's personality is defined by composure, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. She is the voice of reason within the often chaotic group, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor even in battle. She was originally the leader of the Flower Division due to her maturity and tactical experience, but she struggled to unite the bickering members. Recognizing her own limitations, she requested that someone more capable be brought in to lead, which led to Ichiro Ogami becoming the new captain. Initially, she resented Ogami's arrival and was uncertain about his fitness for leadership, but after he selflessly saved her during a mission, she developed deep trust and loyalty toward him, becoming his steadfast second-in-command.
In Sakura Wars 2, Maria's trust in Ogami is already well established from the events of the first game. Early in the story, she is temporarily absent while on a diplomatic errand to maintain relationships with the organization's backers. Her role in the narrative is that of a reliable tactical advisor and a capable fighter. A key moment occurs during a summer holiday trip, when she and Ogami investigate a broken communication device, uncover a trap set by an enemy group, and work together to thwart the plot. This event demonstrates her ingenuity and strategic thinking. Throughout the game, she provides essential support to the team, both on stage as a talented actress who often plays dashing male roles, and on the battlefield as a skilled marksman and Koubu pilot.
Her relationships with the other members of the Flower Division evolve from initial distance to genuine warmth. As she overcomes her past trauma through the support of her comrades, particularly Ogami, she becomes a more open and caring individual, willing to lay down her life for her friends. She remains, however, the most collected and emotionally controlled member of the group. In her personal route, Ogami accompanies her on visits to a key backer of the Imperial Combat Revue, where he comforts her and encourages her to find new reasons to live despite the tragedies she has endured.
Maria's notable abilities include exceptional marksmanship, with her weapon of choice being an Enfield Mk.1 Star Revolver. She is also a brilliant strategist and tactician, with firsthand experience of warfare that sets her apart from her teammates. As a Koubu pilot, she operates a dark purple or navy blue unit armed with a high-caliber rifle and machine gun, allowing her to attack from range. She also possesses an ice-based special attack in keeping with her Russian heritage. Her leadership qualities, calm judgment, and unwavering sense of duty make her an indispensable member of the Flower Division, embodying responsibility and reason in the face of adversity.