Fujiwara no Yukitaka hails from the modern world, born to scientists who deemed him a prodigy. Educated at college level in his early teens, he accompanied elder siblings on experiments in Europe. At fifteen, preparing to board a flight to Japan, he was pulled through a mysterious distortion by the Black Dragon, transported unconscious to a parallel world mirroring 11th century Japan. Found near the capital's riverbank by the childless Minister of the Left and his wife, they adopted him. To ease his transition and spare his adoptive parents burden, he voluntarily underwent a memory-erasing ritual performed by the onmyouji Abe no Yasutsugu, his past replaced with fabricated memories of Fujiwara upbringing. Only his adoptive parents and Yasutsugu knew the truth.
In this world, he rose politically, achieving the ranks of Chamberlain and Chancellor of the Fifth Order after his coming-of-age. By nineteen, he served as Major Imperial General of the Right and governor of Iyo Province. There, he attempted to reform a pirate brigade through societal reintegration. Though the leader, Hisui, cooperated and reduced the brigade's numbers, Yukitaka's term ended abruptly before completion. This fostered lingering distrust toward Hisui, though he maintained hope for Hisui’s eventual reform. After his adoptive father’s death from illness, he prioritized caring for his widowed mother, assuming the roles of Middle Counselor and Kebiishi-Bettō, a position of significant law enforcement authority reserved for high-ranking nobles.
As Byakko of Heaven, one of the Eight Guardians to the White Dragon Priestess Karin, his initial encounters are marked by skepticism. He suspects her or the established priestess Chitose of causing spiritual defilements in the capital and investigates Karin with detached politeness. His perspective shifts as he observes her unfamiliarity with the world; he methodically explains political factions, historical contexts, and his duties to aid her understanding. Witnessing her power to seal vengeful spirits confirms her authenticity, leading him to apologize for his doubts and pledge loyalty to her mission.
His dynamic with Hisui, the Byakko of Earth, is fraught with tension due to their past in Iyo. He threatens to deport Hisui from the capital upon sight but tolerates his presence for Karin’s sake. During their joint quest for a western talisman, Yukitaka questions Hisui’s motives, particularly in the Retired Emperor route where Hisui appears uncooperative with a demon. In the Emperor’s route, Yukitaka instead attempts diplomacy with the demon.
In personal routes with Karin, his repressed memories resurface. In the Retired Emperor storyline, discussions about the modern world trigger fragmented recollections. Physical contact with Karin causes severe pain, revealed by Yasutsugu to risk breaking the memory seal. Fearing the truth, Yukitaka hesitates to remove the seal, receiving comfort through Karin’s symbolic gestures. The Emperor’s route explores his relationship with his half-brother.
In the OVA *Shiroki Ryuu no Miko*, he first encounters Karin during a confrontation with human traffickers, rescuing her and later calming a crowd bullying her for her foreign attire. His initial wariness mirrors his game portrayal. The spin-off *Yume no Ukihashi* depicts him navigating a dream world with fragmented real memories, assisting Karin in breaking a seal on a southern gate alongside Yasuaki.
His innate element is Metal, and he wields an uchigatana. Personal preferences include composing Chinese poetry, the scent of jijuu, the color usumoegi, Japanese clovers in autumn, and satsuma flowers in winter. He frequents locations like Kagura Hill, En Pine Forest, and Jingo Temple.
Titles
Fujiwara no Yukitaka