TV Special
Description
Sakura Kaname, born Sakura Kaname, is the daughter of Seiichirou and Kiyomi Kaname. Her father ran the family dojo where she trained in martial arts, fostering her deep admiration for him. Evacuating to an Alvis shelter with classmates during the first Festum attack on Tatsumiyajima, she returned home to learn of her father's death in the battle. This profound loss fueled her desire for revenge, motivating her to volunteer as a Fafner pilot soon after. Assigned to Mark Drei as a first-generation pilot, she demonstrated high aptitude in training but struggled in actual combat, failing to meet expectations. This caused her significant distress, particularly her inability to save fellow pilots, leading to intense self-criticism that only strengthened her resolve to fight.
Her relationships evolved through the conflicts. She maintained close bonds with childhood friends Kenji Kondou and Mamoru Kodate, often leading their activities and sparring. Kenji held long-standing romantic feelings for her, which she gradually returned. Following the events of Dead Aggressor, she married Kenji, taking the surname Kondou. They had a son, Eiichirou, and adopted Fei Kishi, an orphaned girl whose parents died in battle. As a mother, Sakura comforted Fei by explaining her parents sacrificed themselves to protect others, encouraging Fei to live on in their honor. When Kenji considered rejoining combat, Sakura secured his promise to return alive, fearing Fei might otherwise seek vengeance through piloting, mirroring Sakura's own past motivations.
In Exodus and The Beyond, her role shifted to mentorship and leadership. She served as an instructor for new pilots, observing and commenting on their combat abilities during deployments. She showed protectiveness towards juniors, notably demanding Mark Drei's deployment when they were overwhelmed, though intervention proved unnecessary. Professionally, she taught physical education, assisted with administrative duties like waking a neglectful Kenji, and worked with Kazuki Makabe to evaluate new pilot candidates, expressing dissatisfaction with his methods.
Her involvement spanned key events: attending memorials for fallen comrades and farewell parties for expeditionary forces. During the Second Plan L, she supported Kenji's risky participation, prioritizing his promise to return safely. After major battles, she attended funerals, offering emotional support like assuring Kenji that Chizuru Toomi's death was not his fault. Following the Fifth Operation Azure, she returned to Tatsumiyajima with her family, visited her mother's grave, and participated in the Tanabata Festival by crafting lanterns for deceased family members. She later witnessed Kenji and Kazuki's departure from the island, reflecting on her attachment to their temporary home, Wadatsumijima.
Her relationships evolved through the conflicts. She maintained close bonds with childhood friends Kenji Kondou and Mamoru Kodate, often leading their activities and sparring. Kenji held long-standing romantic feelings for her, which she gradually returned. Following the events of Dead Aggressor, she married Kenji, taking the surname Kondou. They had a son, Eiichirou, and adopted Fei Kishi, an orphaned girl whose parents died in battle. As a mother, Sakura comforted Fei by explaining her parents sacrificed themselves to protect others, encouraging Fei to live on in their honor. When Kenji considered rejoining combat, Sakura secured his promise to return alive, fearing Fei might otherwise seek vengeance through piloting, mirroring Sakura's own past motivations.
In Exodus and The Beyond, her role shifted to mentorship and leadership. She served as an instructor for new pilots, observing and commenting on their combat abilities during deployments. She showed protectiveness towards juniors, notably demanding Mark Drei's deployment when they were overwhelmed, though intervention proved unnecessary. Professionally, she taught physical education, assisted with administrative duties like waking a neglectful Kenji, and worked with Kazuki Makabe to evaluate new pilot candidates, expressing dissatisfaction with his methods.
Her involvement spanned key events: attending memorials for fallen comrades and farewell parties for expeditionary forces. During the Second Plan L, she supported Kenji's risky participation, prioritizing his promise to return safely. After major battles, she attended funerals, offering emotional support like assuring Kenji that Chizuru Toomi's death was not his fault. Following the Fifth Operation Azure, she returned to Tatsumiyajima with her family, visited her mother's grave, and participated in the Tanabata Festival by crafting lanterns for deceased family members. She later witnessed Kenji and Kazuki's departure from the island, reflecting on her attachment to their temporary home, Wadatsumijima.