Ran Ichihashi stands as the narrative's primary antagonist, having wrested control of the Wakame-gumi clan from Akuji's grandfather, Ippatsu Yamamoto. She projects the image of the legitimate household head through traditional attire and demeanor, yet her leadership is fundamentally self-serving. Defined by a calculating and power-obsessed nature, she exploits authority solely for personal gratification, disregarding clan traditions or values. She commands loyalty from those harboring grievances against the Yamamoto family, including figures like Haruko Tsujiya, some formerly aligned with Ippatsu. When Akuji Yamamoto returns from prison, she refuses to relinquish clan control, actively mobilizing forces to thwart his efforts to reclaim his birthright. Her actions are driven by a desire to inflict maximum humiliation and suffering upon Akuji, savoring his defeat as a source of personal pleasure. She possesses brown hair, often styled in a bun or braid, distinctive pink eyes, and consistently appears in traditional clothing such as a kimono, frequently accompanied by a pipe.