Maya Ōba is one of the main female characters in the anime Guardian Hearts. She is a ninja known within her clan as Black Maya. Although she is a runaway ninja for reasons that are never explained, she continues to identify herself as a member of her clan and strictly follows its traditions. One of those traditions demands that any outsider who learns a ninja’s identity must be killed. When Kazuya discovers her ninja tools and realizes who she is, Maya attempts to kill him, but the Guardian Heart Hina intervenes to protect him. During the ensuing fight, Kazuya helps Maya escape, which puts her in his debt. According to clan customs, debts must be repaid, so she moves into his home to find a way to return the favor. She initially harbors strong resentment toward Kazuya, especially because the clan’s rules force her to become his wife after he sees her naked twice and kisses her twice. Over the course of the series, however, her feelings soften as she recognizes his reliability and kindness. She begins to believe that Kazuya is her fated husband, and by the end she accepts that role, though she still struggles to openly express her emotions. Maya also bears a deep grudge against the Guardian Heart for defeating her in combat, and she later forms an unlikely friendship with Kurusu and Chelsea as the three of them scheme together to get back at the Guardian Heart. In the sequel OVA Guardian Hearts! Power UP!, Maya confesses her love for Kazuya and later gives him a Christmas present, telling him that it does not matter who he loves as long as she is allowed to keep her love for him, and she kisses him, vowing not to give up. Her notable abilities include traditional ninja skills such as stealth, combat prowess, and the use of various ninja tools. Throughout the story, Maya evolves from a hostile and duty-bound outsider into a loyal and caring, if still reserved, partner.