TV-Series
Description
Rina Nishio, a second-generation Fafner pilot from Tatsumiyajima Island, possesses brown hair and brown eyes. Her hairstyle evolves from braided pigtails in the original series to a short cut in *Exodus*, and finally to shoulder-length hair with bangs covering her eyes in *The Beyond*. She typically wears the Alvis pilot uniform, choosing casual off-duty outfits like sleeveless orange shirts with light blue shorts or white dresses with sandals. Following her twin brother Akira Nishio's death, she wears an amulet he received from the Human Army during the Fifth Operation Azure.
Initially serving as an operator in the Central Defense Command (CDC), replacing Shōko Hazama, Rina admires Maya Toomi and seeks her approval. Her energetic and confident personality is marked by strong emotional reactions to threats against the island or her family. She shares a close yet contentious bond with Akira, frequently arguing with him while remaining protective. The Human Army's hostility towards Tatsumiyajima fuels her distrust and opposition to Akira's involvement with their expeditionary force.
During *Exodus*, Rina transitions to piloting the long-range combat specialist Mark Neun, a ninth-generation Nothung-model Fafner. This unit is later upgraded to the Mark Neun Kai, nicknamed "Izanami" in *The Beyond*. She also becomes a pilot of the dual-seat Zero Fafner alongside Akira, a role originally intended for their parents, Ikumi and an unnamed father, who died during its initial testing. This event caused Akira temporary mutism. The Zero Fafner requires pilot synchronization and features palm-mounted energy cannons and resonance-wave emitters for breaching enemy barriers. It receives the Canon System upgrade in *Exodus*, enhancing its ability to generate diverse Super Dimensional Powers (SDPs).
Her combat role expands in the Fourth Operation Azure, co-piloting the Zero Fafner with Sui Kaburagi. Initially unaware of Sui's feelings, their relationship deepens over time. By *The Beyond*, they share a strong bond; Rina uses Sui's first name, and he frequently visits her during a three-year coma induced by critical injuries. She awakens and reunites with him, hinting at a romantic relationship.
Her family background profoundly influences her. She later inherits her parents' legacy as a Zero Fafner pilot. After Akira's death, she channels her grief into resolve, participating in high-stakes operations like the Fifth Operation Azure while honoring his memory through the amulet.
Initially serving as an operator in the Central Defense Command (CDC), replacing Shōko Hazama, Rina admires Maya Toomi and seeks her approval. Her energetic and confident personality is marked by strong emotional reactions to threats against the island or her family. She shares a close yet contentious bond with Akira, frequently arguing with him while remaining protective. The Human Army's hostility towards Tatsumiyajima fuels her distrust and opposition to Akira's involvement with their expeditionary force.
During *Exodus*, Rina transitions to piloting the long-range combat specialist Mark Neun, a ninth-generation Nothung-model Fafner. This unit is later upgraded to the Mark Neun Kai, nicknamed "Izanami" in *The Beyond*. She also becomes a pilot of the dual-seat Zero Fafner alongside Akira, a role originally intended for their parents, Ikumi and an unnamed father, who died during its initial testing. This event caused Akira temporary mutism. The Zero Fafner requires pilot synchronization and features palm-mounted energy cannons and resonance-wave emitters for breaching enemy barriers. It receives the Canon System upgrade in *Exodus*, enhancing its ability to generate diverse Super Dimensional Powers (SDPs).
Her combat role expands in the Fourth Operation Azure, co-piloting the Zero Fafner with Sui Kaburagi. Initially unaware of Sui's feelings, their relationship deepens over time. By *The Beyond*, they share a strong bond; Rina uses Sui's first name, and he frequently visits her during a three-year coma induced by critical injuries. She awakens and reunites with him, hinting at a romantic relationship.
Her family background profoundly influences her. She later inherits her parents' legacy as a Zero Fafner pilot. After Akira's death, she channels her grief into resolve, participating in high-stakes operations like the Fifth Operation Azure while honoring his memory through the amulet.