Kaoruko Hanayagi, granddaughter of the head of the prestigious Senka-ryu traditional Japanese dance school, was steeped in rigorous training from a young age. Her education encompassed Japanese dance, tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy, incense-smelling ceremonies, koto, and English conversation. This privileged upbringing cultivated a tendency toward laziness and reliance on others, particularly her childhood friend Futaba Isurugi, whom she frequently tasked with menial chores or fetching items. Despite her refined skills and consistent national dance competition victories, she often felt burdened by her responsibilities, attempting to run away only to be retrieved by Futaba. She attended Keian Private Women's College, Junior High Division, before enrolling at Seisho Music Academy. Kaoruko presents a complex character. Initially shy around strangers, she hides behind Futaba, yet reveals a mischievous and calculating nature once comfortable, enjoying teasing others while reacting defensively to being teased. She speaks in an elegant Kyoto dialect, often maintaining a smiling demeanor that masks her fierce ambition. Deep pride in her traditional abilities fuels her desire to become the world's best dancer, though this ambition sometimes clashes with her work ethic; she neglects practice or avoids effort, leading to stagnation. At Seisho, her initial lack of dedication resulted in an uninspired audition failure, prompting her to try and manipulate Futaba into fixing the situation. This culminated in the Revue of Promises, a confrontation with Futaba that forced Kaoruko to confront her complacency. Her victory in that revue, partly achieved through underhanded tactics like threatening to remove her stage button, reaffirmed her commitment to honing her talents for Futaba, her primary inspiration. Her relationship with Futaba is central. Kaoruko depends on Futaba emotionally and practically, yet initially misinterpreted Futaba's competitive drive as a threat to their bond. Tension peaked when Futaba secretly trained with Claudine Saijo, sparking jealousy. Their revue duel resolved these misunderstandings, solidifying their dynamic: Kaoruko renewed her promise to strive for excellence in response to Futaba's unwavering support. Their interdependence extends to their stage personas; their revue weapons and costumes blend their signature colors, symbolizing their partnership. When Futaba pursued a path involving motorcycles, Kaoruko reluctantly accepted the change, though she grumbled about the new responsibilities. Kaoruko's rivalry with Tamao Tomoe, whom she consistently defeated in annual dance competitions, further shaped her. She openly criticized Tamao's self-sacrificing tendencies and lack of resolve, considering it an insult to her family's school. During the Revue of Canis Major, however, she acknowledged Tamao's increased determination, feeling newfound pressure to maintain her superiority. This rivalry evolved into mutual respect, with Kaoruko privately monitoring Tamao's progress despite publicly denying interest. In revues, Kaoruko wields a naginata named "Daffodil" (Suisenka), historically associated with female warriors. Her performances feature poetic declarations emphasizing her heritage and ambition, such as "I'll have you follow me till the very end" or references to blooming her "own flower." These lines often incorporate seasonal motifs and traditional idioms, reflecting her cultural background. Her revue attire blends elements like red-violet jackets with golden piping and tulle skirts, merging classical elegance with theatrical flair. Following graduation, Kaoruko is slated to return to Kyoto to inherit leadership of the Senka-ryu school as its 12th head, adopting the title "Hanayagi Suisen." This role signifies her acceptance of family legacy and continued evolution beyond reliance on others. Her experiences at Seisho, particularly reconciling with Futaba's independence, prepared her to navigate this future while maintaining their partnership.