Kadowaki Ayako, formerly Kakizaki Haruie, navigates existence across lifetimes, her identity reshaped through centuries. Once male in a past life, she transitioned to a female form via "kanshou" (possession), retaining memories while embracing her current role as a spirited 21-year-old college student. Her fearless demeanor fuels motorcycle races on her Yamaha FZR400 "Ecchan" and sharpens her prowess as an exorcist combating supernatural forces.

Bound by unyielding loyalty to the Uesugi clan, Ayako supports Kagetora (reincarnated as Takaya Ougi) and Nobutsuna Naoe, often prioritizing their volatile dynamic over personal stakes. Her resolve intertwines with a centuries-spanning quest: after her gender transition, she sought peace with past lover Shintarou Sone, only to lose him to a vengeful spirit. Compelled to find his reincarnations, she clashes with duty when confronting Araki Murashige—Shintarou’s latest incarnation—during the OVA *Rebels of the River Edge*. Tasked with aiding Takaya’s investigation into Murashige’s desertion from the Ikko sect, she faces the agony of choosing between love and obligation.

In the Showa-era prequel *Yonakidori Blues*, post-WWII Japan sees her as Mari, a singer living alongside Kagetora (alias Kenzo Kase). Assumed by others to be romantically linked, she sidesteps such notions, rejecting suitor "N" to safeguard Kagetora’s mission. Here, she mediates spiritual conflicts among reincarnated historical figures, balancing playful charm with the gravitas of ancient responsibilities.

Ayako’s journey weaves tradition with adaptation, her vibrant exterior masking unresolved ties and the toll of immortal duty. Across eras, she embodies resilience haunted by vulnerability—a warrior tethered to history yet navigating the relentless currents of time.