#yadada

RELATIONSHIPS - How much does the Ronin like their companions? Would they trust them to have their back? Do they trust them at all? Would they consider a romantic relationship with them or would they keep things strictly platonic?

Masashi:

 She keeps a closer eye on Masashi because, part of her tells her “it’s your job,” while the other says “he’s only a kid.” Aya isn’t afraid to let him do what he wants and tell him what he needs to know. Seeing him improve his, shugenja powers, she’s more than just proud and impressed…but she’s a bit wary of it. 

  As their journey ventures, she grows more attached to the kid and believes that one day, she could turn around without worry, knowing that he’s going to be more than capable in having her back. well if tht time ever comes. she doesnt really depend on him rn.

  Protecting Masashi holds…meaning–a childish innocence. She projects herself in him and knows that the world is cruel. So, she spares her candid tongue for the sake of purity. 

  Romance–Uhhhh, she likes to tease the kid and finds him cute, sometimes? She thought about the possibility and wouldn’t mind waiting for the kid, if her feelings ever blooms into something more. But right now, she sees him more as a her grandson. 

Toshio:

  Their relationship was rocky at the start. Being tested to battle some ruffians without so much as to leave a couple of coins–nah, wasn’t going to fly with her. Though, after going through the whole ‘emperor’s dream’ and ‘spirits are real’ mumbo jumbo…she let that whole thing slide. 

  She does oogle longer than she should when they’re alone and doesn’t deny that he is attractive. This emotionless statue isn’t just for staring, though. She’ll say a few things just to get a reaction out of him and the group. More or less, successful than naught, which amuses her.

  Aya doesn’t completely trust him either, but trusts to know how to get them out of a tough situation. She feels that he doesn’t even fully trust her, so she’s always on her toes when he wants to ask about things he doesn’t need to know. 

  However, she’s aware that his intentions are for the best and they were able to understand one another as time goes on. Toshio was someone she was able to have those heart-to-heart conversations with. Learning a little more about the missions and life from each other.  

  Hand touching, shoulder-to-shoulder, in your face–this guy… She won’t lie, she enjoyed those little moments. A romantic relationship, huh? It doesn’t sound so bad.

Hatch:

  Her proclaimed “best friend” and drinking buddy. She actually really like the guy. Aya was relieved she wasn’t the only one who knew street smarts–well, less smarts and more street…fighting. Least, she wasn’t also, the only one who knew how to shed a few blood. She takes comfort in knowing that they had some similarities.

   Hatch is a doofus who wears his heart on his sleeveless top. However, Aya finds his gullibility to very troublesome. But when they’re not in danger, she’ll take those harmless chances to play little tricks on him, once in awhile. Sees him as this..better version of herself, so is envious of his kind-hearted and trusting character. she’s the foil

  She doesn’t mind giving him a couple words of wisdom and helping him out when he needs something, if it raises a nose. There seems to be a soft spot around here somewhere. Can trust him to knock a few heads together, wander on his own and call out to rescue Momoko.

  If Hatch hadn’t showed that he cared for her well-being, she wouldn’t be feeling the little frustration in her heart. She didn’t need a strong, smelly knight in obsidian armor, but boy…did it skipped a few beats. She can probably see a possible relationship, but knowing that he’d propose after meeting someone for a couple of weeks….maybe, a one night instead…

Momoko:

  Their first meeting was just as problematic for Aya as meeting Hatch at that back alley, but even more so when you’re dotted with poison. Pretty uncharacteristic of her to jump in the way of that dart, but it was more like mindless reflex.  

  Despite everything, Aya was captivated by her intelligence and…busts. She was a huge help to the group and wouldn’t mind laying on her lap another time. A woman doctor? Don’t see that much around, but neither do demons, spirit realms, or an ex-assassin-turned-bodyguard, so, it’s whatever..  

  They also share similarities in regards to tragic backstories. After everything that happened with Shiroyama, she can trust her to an extent when it comes down to formulating a plan and it’s execution. Aya will unconsciously check up on Momoko every once in awhile.

   Aya wasn’t dense. So, finding out Momoko had broke out of their contraband of friendship, for…her? The signs were there, but… how could someone bring themselves to love her? When she confessed, Aya couldn’t return it after recent events and a scar she couldn’t stomach to bear. It was…a nice feeling, though. To be loved by someone. It pains her swollen heart.

Jun:

  A bug that keeps buzzing–they have history, no doubt about it. He was a childhood friend, another student of Gensai and her first love. Neither titles were a good thing in her book. 

  [tbh, i dont have a relationship description rdy for them yet bc i’d rather wait for connell’s story to continue to adapt into.]]

DELVING INTO CHARACTER

Any special backstory to their name? What does it mean?

  Aya, intended to mean “colorful,” by her parents, but written as “truth” by Gensai. She never delved too much into the meaning, but takes solace in knowing that it’s a normal and common name. unlike her backstory amirite. what a mess

What do they wear? Do any of their clothing hold any special significance?

  She wears an old, torn black kimono with a red undergarment + hakama and a beige wrap. Also a couple of limb armor, for protection. 

  The only thing that’s worn for sentimental value is the black kimono from when she had trained under Gensai.

Does the Ronin have any noteworthy physical traits or scars?

  Pretty fit and slim, with a lot of scars on her body. Has a couple of roughed up lines on her face from fights she’s been in, but can be washed and treated. Other than that, not many that are noteworthy. except for that stomach scar

How does the Ronin behave and/or speak around strangers? How do they behave and/or speak around their companions or people they trust?

  Usually, Aya doesn’t start talking, until you do. On occassion, she’ll step up, if she has business with you.

  The way she speaks to strangers and her companions aren’t much different: witty comments, smirky lines and hints of light sarcasm. Only more cautious and assertive with strangers. Aya is typically charming, so she can keep the flow of conversation along with her tantalizing. 

  She’ll divert attention or will be completely silent if she doesn’t feel comfortable talking about certain topics.

Are they extroverted or introverted?

  Mixed, but leaning towards introverted. Aya is more outgoing when there’s drinks on the table, but she mainly keeps to herself.

What would the Ronin’s alignment be (Neutral-Good? True Neutral? Etc.)? Why?

  True Neutral, because she does want she wants regardless of consequences. She doesn’t care about what people think at this point. Unless you’ve made an impact on her, she’ll keep her actions in mind.

What do they like? Dislikes? Is there any reason why they like/dislike it?

  Likes massages (she tries to convince Masashi to give her massages, and sometimes she’s successful), dumplings, stories/tales, and spending a couple of ryo on cho-han. The smell of miso and watching things that glow (stars, lanterns, bugs, fire, etc.) also brought her comfort.

  Dislikes heights, rust, and listening to wind chimes. She used to love the sound of those metal jiggles, but it brought back dark memories. Also, politics; never cared too much for those either.

Does the Ronin have any hobbies? Are they good at it?

  Fishing, singing, whittling… a simple country gal. She’s pretty good at singing, whistling and sometimes find herself humming to sleep–something she used to do to put Jun to sleep.

  However, not so good at whittling. It was a hobby she picked up when loitering outside the Hashimoto estate with Masashi. Would always end up making some sort of sharp stake rather than the fish from the pond as intended, but still practices in her spare time. 

Does the Ronin have any unique quirks?

   Aya pays attention to details, but very briefly, which makes it hard for her to stay focus on something unless she forces herself to concentrate. (Which could be why she’s not so great at whittling.) Will notice the little scars, the lines on wood, texture of hair, the smell of blood–she’d be really good at wine-tasting–but would move on from things very quickly.

  Shakes her leg, clicks her tongue, and secretly believes in fortune-telling.

What is the Ronin bad at? Are they embarrassed by it? How would they react if their companions pointed it out to them?

  Reading, because she can’t, but is only embarrassed when it’s pointed out in a room full of people. 

  Also, sleep-talking; tells herself that she shouldn’t be too surprised, because she knows that she does it a lot, but still reacts shockingly and sometimes, flustered if someone mentions it.

What frustrates the Ronin? What do they usually do to calm themselves down?

  Trash talking. She does it a lot from time to time herself, but no one, in general, likes it if it’s directed at herself or her friends, unless they’re looking for a beating. Also, having to constantly repeat herself and questions she doesn’t want to answer.

  Aya calms herself down by cleaning her sword, taking a walk, or drinking.

What makes the Ronin happy? Is it something small or something extravagant? Something tangible or abstract?

  When people praise her for doing something. She’ll sheepishly grin or smirk and feel good for awhile.

  Catching a big fish or having a huge feast at the table. Listening and strumming string instruments also, makes her a happy.

What does their voice sound like? Do you have a headcanon for them?

  I’ve always imagined a smooth, but deep voice. My headcanon would be Miyuki Sawashiro, aha. Roles like Bishamon from Norgami, Celty from DRRR, Seo Yuzuki from GSNK, etc–are more like how I imagined it. 

  She has a nice singing voice, too.

Any other headcanons about the Ronin?

Personality-wise, she’s more suited for the drifter trait, but has a protective streak in some instances. 

The sketchy ref sheet above shows three stages of Aya in her life. from how I’d like to imagine it at least (right-to-left).

Last img is Aya losing control of the Jigoku Itto-Ryo before running away from Jun and Gensai.

Middle img is her currently during her travels to eliminate the spirits.

First img is like a future version of Aya when she’s finally at peace with her life and powers.

BOOK 1 CHOICES

Did Ume-Ume leave her home? Stayed.

Who was poisoned? The Ronin or Hatch? Aya.

Who grabbed Momoko before she fell? Hatch.

Who did the Ronin request for? The Shinto or Jijinto guard? The Shinto.

Did the Ronin spare or kill Daisuke? Spared.

Did the Ronin let Momoko save her work? Saved her work.

BOOK 2 CHOICES

How did the Ronin deal with Jun/Junko’s return throughout the book? Haha.. Wild party, man…

How well did the Ronin fair during the first shogi tournament? Flying colors, actually.

What was the final fate of the Gold General, Anzai Sukenobu? Beheaded him.

Did the Ronin try to set up Momoko and Hatch together? Why or why not? Not at first, but eventually did, because it was hard to say no to the kid.

Did the Ronin let Masashi/Masami cast the spell to help with the date? Yup.

How did the Ronin react to Momoko’s confession? Did they try to stop her from leaving? Didn’t return the feelings, told her to stay, but let her go in the end.