Oddities of a Historical Variety

Thunder and rain. Sun and Storm.

“Ghosts aren’t real” it’s very fair and rational that you believe that

“Ghosts aren’t real anymore” I’m about to hear a poem or very sad story

Yes, objectively speaking, Kurama and Botan have very few scenes alone together. That’s true. They’re not a pairing that’s heavily “fed” by canon. But “what explicitly exists on screen” and “the narrative potential of a dynamic” are two completely different things.

Yu Yu Hakusho has MANY dynamics with huge potential that never fully get explored because Togashi was still writing in a much faster, more impulsive, more classic shonen-style structure back then. That’s why dynamics/pairings like Kurama + Botan, Hiei + Mukuro, and even Genkai + Toguro all have that feeling of “there’s SO much underneath the surface, but the anime/manga never fully opens the floodgates.”

And honestly, Kurama + Botan feels like one of the relationships with the most quiet potential in the entire series to me, because the thematic compatibility is VERY much there.

It’s also true that Kurama has chemistry with and is shippable with almost every character. To me, that doesn’t weaken the Kurabo ship, it strengthens it.

Fandom often only recognizes “romantic tension” when it comes packaged as rivalry, jealousy, obsession, physical contact, or intense drama. The Kurama/Botan relationship isn’t written as “look at this obvious romance.” It’s written (or hinted at) more like “these two people share a special sensitivity toward each other.” They have a quieter, more intimate, protective kind of energy.

Sorry for rambling, but when it comes to my favorite characters from my favorite anime, I can’t help getting carried away.

Ramble away, anon!! Love to see the energy.

Hope I didn't come sounding off as dismissive! I do agree that there is so much potential. I invite everyone to share their thoughts and opinions (respectfully) and if you want to talk more about YYH, we do have a discord!

For me, it's a ship I haven't put too much thought into personally, so I wish I could offer more interesting thoughts about them, but sadly I don't have much to contribute! But I bet there's someone in the community who would love to pick your brain about this!

~ Mod Lola