OVA
Description
Amagiri Kuju is an oni, a powerful demon-like being, who serves the Satsuma Domain during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period in Japan. He is a fictional character portrayed as a mature and incredibly strong individual, recognizable by his long red hair typically tied in a ponytail and his bright cyan eyes. His attire consists of traditional dark clothing, including a black haori featuring a distinct white snake pattern forming an infinity symbol on the shoulders, complemented by long gloves. As an oni, he prefers to fight with his bare fists rather than a sword, a choice that underscores his immense physical power. His background establishes him as the leader of a demon clan that is an offshoot of the Kazama clan, making him a distant relative and vassal to Chikage Kazama. His clan owes a debt of honor to the Satsuma Domain for protecting them, which is the reason for his allegiance.
In terms of personality, Amagiri is defined by his unwavering politeness, reserve, and respect for others, regardless of whether they are friend or foe. He is consistently seen using formal and traditional speech, and he carries no weapons, believing that to do so would "invite conflict". He deeply dislikes unnecessary fighting and will often politely ask potential opponents to reconsider, preferring to settle arguments peacefully. When battle becomes unavoidable, he typically aims to end the fight with a single, decisive blow, hoping the damage is enough to make his opponent stop. Despite believing in the inherent superiority of demons over humans, he does not define superiority solely by power or combat skill. Instead, he values strength of heart and the spirit of a true warrior. He is notably stoic and emotionless, rarely changing his facial expression or raising his voice, and is never seen losing his temper. He shows respect to his enemies by bowing to them when taking his leave and is capable of apologizing when he or his subordinates are in the wrong.
Amagiri's primary role in the story is as a constant companion and advisor to Chikage Kazama, though his ultimate loyalty lies with the Satsuma Domain. His actions often put him in opposition to the Shinsengumi, the group the story primarily follows. One of his key motivations is serving the interests of his clan and the Satsuma, which sometimes involves attempting to capture the female protagonist, Chizuru. He is also driven by a sense of honor and a desire to uphold the way of the oni, which leads him to look down upon the artificial demon soldiers known as the Rasetsu, viewing their existence as disgusting.
His key relationships are central to his character. His relationship with Chikage Kazama is one of service and counsel, where he often has to scold the more reckless and aggressive Kazama for his emotional involvement with humans. He has a notable adversarial relationship with Shinsengumi member Hajime Saitou, acknowledging Saitou's power and even thanking him when a conflict is resolved with words rather than violence. In some versions of the story, he serves as Saitou's primary demonic rival. He also has a significant, and brutal, history with Heisuke Toudou, whom he easily defeats on two occasions, inflicting wounds so severe that Heisuke is forced to become a Rasetsu to survive.
Throughout the narrative, Amagiri shows some development. While remaining loyal to Kazama, he demonstrates a pragmatic side and is not blinded by his master's personal vendettas. In the second season, he unites with Kazama and another oni, Shiranui, against a common enemy who is creating daytime Rasetsu. In a significant moment, he reveals to Saitou that the power of the Rasetsu is not magic but a depletion of their own life force, meaning that using their abilities slowly kills them. He advises Saitou to warn the other Shinsengumi members who have taken the Rasetsu serum. Later, when Kazama becomes too emotionally invested in a battle with Toshizou Hijikata, Amagiri warns him that continuing will make him an outcast among demon society. When Kazama refuses to listen, Amagiri steps back, indicating that he will not follow his master into self-destruction, ultimately declaring that Kazama is no longer their concern.
Regarding his notable abilities, Amagiri possesses the superhuman strength, speed, and durability common to oni, which makes him a formidable opponent without the need for a sword. He is capable of defeating skilled swordsmen with a single punch. As an oni, he also has the ability to assume a more powerful demon form, which he uses to overwhelm his enemies in critical battles. His greatest strength, however, may be his wisdom and restraint, which makes him a far more dangerous and unpredictable adversary than a simple brute.
In terms of personality, Amagiri is defined by his unwavering politeness, reserve, and respect for others, regardless of whether they are friend or foe. He is consistently seen using formal and traditional speech, and he carries no weapons, believing that to do so would "invite conflict". He deeply dislikes unnecessary fighting and will often politely ask potential opponents to reconsider, preferring to settle arguments peacefully. When battle becomes unavoidable, he typically aims to end the fight with a single, decisive blow, hoping the damage is enough to make his opponent stop. Despite believing in the inherent superiority of demons over humans, he does not define superiority solely by power or combat skill. Instead, he values strength of heart and the spirit of a true warrior. He is notably stoic and emotionless, rarely changing his facial expression or raising his voice, and is never seen losing his temper. He shows respect to his enemies by bowing to them when taking his leave and is capable of apologizing when he or his subordinates are in the wrong.
Amagiri's primary role in the story is as a constant companion and advisor to Chikage Kazama, though his ultimate loyalty lies with the Satsuma Domain. His actions often put him in opposition to the Shinsengumi, the group the story primarily follows. One of his key motivations is serving the interests of his clan and the Satsuma, which sometimes involves attempting to capture the female protagonist, Chizuru. He is also driven by a sense of honor and a desire to uphold the way of the oni, which leads him to look down upon the artificial demon soldiers known as the Rasetsu, viewing their existence as disgusting.
His key relationships are central to his character. His relationship with Chikage Kazama is one of service and counsel, where he often has to scold the more reckless and aggressive Kazama for his emotional involvement with humans. He has a notable adversarial relationship with Shinsengumi member Hajime Saitou, acknowledging Saitou's power and even thanking him when a conflict is resolved with words rather than violence. In some versions of the story, he serves as Saitou's primary demonic rival. He also has a significant, and brutal, history with Heisuke Toudou, whom he easily defeats on two occasions, inflicting wounds so severe that Heisuke is forced to become a Rasetsu to survive.
Throughout the narrative, Amagiri shows some development. While remaining loyal to Kazama, he demonstrates a pragmatic side and is not blinded by his master's personal vendettas. In the second season, he unites with Kazama and another oni, Shiranui, against a common enemy who is creating daytime Rasetsu. In a significant moment, he reveals to Saitou that the power of the Rasetsu is not magic but a depletion of their own life force, meaning that using their abilities slowly kills them. He advises Saitou to warn the other Shinsengumi members who have taken the Rasetsu serum. Later, when Kazama becomes too emotionally invested in a battle with Toshizou Hijikata, Amagiri warns him that continuing will make him an outcast among demon society. When Kazama refuses to listen, Amagiri steps back, indicating that he will not follow his master into self-destruction, ultimately declaring that Kazama is no longer their concern.
Regarding his notable abilities, Amagiri possesses the superhuman strength, speed, and durability common to oni, which makes him a formidable opponent without the need for a sword. He is capable of defeating skilled swordsmen with a single punch. As an oni, he also has the ability to assume a more powerful demon form, which he uses to overwhelm his enemies in critical battles. His greatest strength, however, may be his wisdom and restraint, which makes him a far more dangerous and unpredictable adversary than a simple brute.