TV-Series
Description
Masaru Saiga, an eleven-year-old heir to the Saiga family fortune, inherits 18 billion yen after his father Sadayoshi Saiga's death, making him a target for assassination and abduction by wealth-seeking relatives. Initially living modestly with his mother, he moves in with his father following her death only to face abuse and neglect from half-siblings. His grandfather, Shōji Saiga, assumes guardianship, warning him of imminent dangers and providing a protective suitcase filled with puppets.
Physically, Masaru has medium brown hair, hazel eyes, and prominent dark-brown eyebrows. He typically wears a white school shirt with light blue accents, knee-length shorts, and knee-high socks. Initially prone to tears and burdened by guilt over others' suffering, he matures significantly after witnessing Narumi Kato's apparent death and enduring repeated attacks. He suppresses his tears and confronts threats directly, retaining deep empathy while developing strategic thinking and resolve.
Originally possessing no exceptional skills, his abilities evolve dramatically. Ingesting Aqua Vitae grants him rapid healing and slowed aging (to one-fifth the normal rate). Multiple failed consciousness-transfer attempts by Faceless (Sadayoshi's alias) inadvertently bestow expert puppet control, dismantling prowess, and physical resilience. He demonstrates analytical brilliance by replicating Shirogane's puppet techniques and mastering sword skills after accessing Shōji's memories. He commands unique puppets like a flying broom-riding pumpkin and wields inherited knowledge to counter automata.
His background reveals he, like his half-siblings, is not biologically related to Sadayoshi. Sadayoshi intends to use Masaru's body as an immortal vessel, as Masaru is the reincarnation of Bai Jin—the alchemist founder of the automata-spreading Midnight Circus. This plan intertwines with Shirogane (Éléonore), whom Sadayoshi aims to marry after possessing Masaru. Masaru's journey involves rescue by martial artist Narumi Kato and protector Shirogane, joining the Nakamachi Circus, and kidnapping by the Kuroga clan. During captivity, he experiences Shōji's memories, learning Aqua Vitae's secrets, automata origins, and Éléonore's significance as a Soft Stone bearer.
Key relationships shape him: Shirogane serves as his stoic guardian, with Masaru later developing unrequited romantic feelings while prioritizing her happiness. Narumi becomes a mentor whose resilience teachings solidify his resolve; a pivotal slap from Narumi halts his self-blame. Sadayoshi embodies his primary antagonist; Masaru thwarts his consciousness-upload by exploiting his healing factor to purge the invading presence.
Masaru's story culminates in outmaneuvering Faceless/Sadayoshi, accepting Éléonore's love for Narumi, and ensuring her well-being. His name, meaning "victory," reflects his triumph over familial and supernatural threats. Physical scars from battles mark his body, symbolizing his transition from a vulnerable child to a strategic fighter who values protection over vengeance.
Physically, Masaru has medium brown hair, hazel eyes, and prominent dark-brown eyebrows. He typically wears a white school shirt with light blue accents, knee-length shorts, and knee-high socks. Initially prone to tears and burdened by guilt over others' suffering, he matures significantly after witnessing Narumi Kato's apparent death and enduring repeated attacks. He suppresses his tears and confronts threats directly, retaining deep empathy while developing strategic thinking and resolve.
Originally possessing no exceptional skills, his abilities evolve dramatically. Ingesting Aqua Vitae grants him rapid healing and slowed aging (to one-fifth the normal rate). Multiple failed consciousness-transfer attempts by Faceless (Sadayoshi's alias) inadvertently bestow expert puppet control, dismantling prowess, and physical resilience. He demonstrates analytical brilliance by replicating Shirogane's puppet techniques and mastering sword skills after accessing Shōji's memories. He commands unique puppets like a flying broom-riding pumpkin and wields inherited knowledge to counter automata.
His background reveals he, like his half-siblings, is not biologically related to Sadayoshi. Sadayoshi intends to use Masaru's body as an immortal vessel, as Masaru is the reincarnation of Bai Jin—the alchemist founder of the automata-spreading Midnight Circus. This plan intertwines with Shirogane (Éléonore), whom Sadayoshi aims to marry after possessing Masaru. Masaru's journey involves rescue by martial artist Narumi Kato and protector Shirogane, joining the Nakamachi Circus, and kidnapping by the Kuroga clan. During captivity, he experiences Shōji's memories, learning Aqua Vitae's secrets, automata origins, and Éléonore's significance as a Soft Stone bearer.
Key relationships shape him: Shirogane serves as his stoic guardian, with Masaru later developing unrequited romantic feelings while prioritizing her happiness. Narumi becomes a mentor whose resilience teachings solidify his resolve; a pivotal slap from Narumi halts his self-blame. Sadayoshi embodies his primary antagonist; Masaru thwarts his consciousness-upload by exploiting his healing factor to purge the invading presence.
Masaru's story culminates in outmaneuvering Faceless/Sadayoshi, accepting Éléonore's love for Narumi, and ensuring her well-being. His name, meaning "victory," reflects his triumph over familial and supernatural threats. Physical scars from battles mark his body, symbolizing his transition from a vulnerable child to a strategic fighter who values protection over vengeance.