OVA
Description
Kubinashi is a yōkai of the Nura Clan, instantly recognizable by his head floating detached from his shoulders, lacking a neck. He possesses blond hair fading to black, amber eyes in anime depictions, and typically wears a black scarf over an olive-green kimono layered with a blue-green jacket, complemented by traditional straw sandals and leg bandages. He stands 168 cm tall and weighs 62 kg, with a birthday recorded as June 15.
Originally human, Kubinashi acted as a chivalrous thief in Hitachi Province, stealing to aid the poor. He and a companion were slain by yōkai, leading him to transform into one himself to pursue vengeance against their kind, earning the infamous title "The String Assassin of Hitachi Province." His solitary quest ended when Rihan Nura, the Second Head of the Nura Clan, defeated him. Though Rihan initially intended execution, he spared Kubinashi at Kejoro's plea. Kubinashi then joined Rihan's Hyakki Yakō through the sakazuki ritual, signifying loyalty and familial bonds within the clan.
Kubinashi's personality evolved significantly. As a vengeful spirit, he saw comrades as hindrances and was violently irritable. Exchanging sakazuki with Rihan tempered his hostility, though he remained blunt and occasionally vulgar. The birth of Rihan's son, the future Third Head Rikuo Nura, further softened him, fostering a gentler, more polite, and deeply loyal nature. Despite this growth, he struggled with alcohol intolerance and a weakness for female attention. The clan's devastation by Tsuchigumo during the Kyoto campaign against Hagoromo Gitsune triggered a relapse into his vengeful, solitary mindset; he nearly died confronting Ibaraki Doji alone before Kejoro intervened physically and emotionally, restoring his commitment to teamwork and clan solidarity.
Within the Nura Clan, Kubinashi frequently handles domestic duties like laundry and cleaning. He wields red strings imbued with his "Fear" as weapons, capable of constricting targets and hardening to chain-like strength when infused with supernatural energy, earning his combat moniker "I’ll cut you with my thousand blades." He served as a caretaker and mentor to young Rikuo, teaching him games like cat’s cradle. Following Rikuo's formal ascension as Third Head, Kubinashi was promoted to the elite commander class, overseeing a designated territory.
His relationships emphasize loyalty and historical bonds. He addresses Rikuo as "Rikuo-sama," reflecting respectful devotion. His long-standing friendship with Kejoro, predating her own transformation into a yōkai, remains a stabilizing influence, demonstrated during their Kyoto battle. He also shares camaraderie with fellow clan members like Yuki Onna (Tsurara Oikawa), Kappa, and Aotabo.
Originally human, Kubinashi acted as a chivalrous thief in Hitachi Province, stealing to aid the poor. He and a companion were slain by yōkai, leading him to transform into one himself to pursue vengeance against their kind, earning the infamous title "The String Assassin of Hitachi Province." His solitary quest ended when Rihan Nura, the Second Head of the Nura Clan, defeated him. Though Rihan initially intended execution, he spared Kubinashi at Kejoro's plea. Kubinashi then joined Rihan's Hyakki Yakō through the sakazuki ritual, signifying loyalty and familial bonds within the clan.
Kubinashi's personality evolved significantly. As a vengeful spirit, he saw comrades as hindrances and was violently irritable. Exchanging sakazuki with Rihan tempered his hostility, though he remained blunt and occasionally vulgar. The birth of Rihan's son, the future Third Head Rikuo Nura, further softened him, fostering a gentler, more polite, and deeply loyal nature. Despite this growth, he struggled with alcohol intolerance and a weakness for female attention. The clan's devastation by Tsuchigumo during the Kyoto campaign against Hagoromo Gitsune triggered a relapse into his vengeful, solitary mindset; he nearly died confronting Ibaraki Doji alone before Kejoro intervened physically and emotionally, restoring his commitment to teamwork and clan solidarity.
Within the Nura Clan, Kubinashi frequently handles domestic duties like laundry and cleaning. He wields red strings imbued with his "Fear" as weapons, capable of constricting targets and hardening to chain-like strength when infused with supernatural energy, earning his combat moniker "I’ll cut you with my thousand blades." He served as a caretaker and mentor to young Rikuo, teaching him games like cat’s cradle. Following Rikuo's formal ascension as Third Head, Kubinashi was promoted to the elite commander class, overseeing a designated territory.
His relationships emphasize loyalty and historical bonds. He addresses Rikuo as "Rikuo-sama," reflecting respectful devotion. His long-standing friendship with Kejoro, predating her own transformation into a yōkai, remains a stabilizing influence, demonstrated during their Kyoto battle. He also shares camaraderie with fellow clan members like Yuki Onna (Tsurara Oikawa), Kappa, and Aotabo.