Kaoruko Hanayagi is a second-year student in the Actor Training Department of Seisho Music Academy's 99th Graduating Class. As granddaughter of the head of the prominent Senka-ryu traditional Japanese dance school run by her family, she received extensive childhood training in traditional arts like Japanese dance, tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy, incense-smelling ceremonies, koto, and English conversation. This prepared her to succeed as the 12th head under the name "Suisen Hanayagi." Raised in privilege, she displays refined skills in traditional song and dance, consistently winning national competitions where she repeatedly defeated rival Tamao Tomoe. Her upbringing fostered a heavy reliance on childhood friend Futaba Isurugi, depending on her for menial tasks and emotional support. Kaoruko speaks in a Kyoto dialect and initially presents as shy, hiding behind Futaba when meeting new people. Despite a typically smiling demeanor, she exhibits a calculating and ambitious nature, openly aspiring to become the world's finest dancer. She displays laziness and inconsideration, frequently burdening Futaba, yet demonstrates intense focus and work ethic when pursuing her goals. Her relationship with Futaba Isurugi is complex and deeply interdependent. Though Kaoruko often teases Futaba and imposes on her, she recognizes her achievements are inseparable from Futaba's support. This dynamic occasionally creates tension, but their bond remains foundational. Kaoruko's interactions with Tamao Tomoe evolve significantly; initially dismissive of Tamao's perceived weaknesses and self-sacrificing tendencies, Kaoruko later acknowledges Tamao's growing determination during competitive revues, developing a sense of rivalry and mutual respect that pushes both to improve. Across revue performances, Kaoruko's character develops. Her introductions often reflect self-assurance, declaring alongside Futaba, "I'll have you follow me till the very end!" Later performances, particularly in film, reveal deeper introspection through lyrics referencing seventeen years of shared history with Futaba using seasonal flower metaphors: camellia for spring longing, sweet flag for summer vows, maple for discordant autumn farewells. This culminates in winter's narcissus symbolizing decisive separation: "cut it, throw it away, and let it fall." This signifies her acceptance of necessary partings for growth. After an incident nearly causing her to abandon Seisho, Kaoruko reconciles with Futaba's choice to pursue a different path. She returns to Kyoto to assume leadership of the Senka-ryu school, grappling with Futaba's entrusted motorcycle as a representation of new responsibilities. Her future entails maintaining the school's traditions while navigating her own artistic identity.