Shura Kirigakure (霧隠 シュラ Kirigakure Shura) is an Upper-First class Exorcist and Rin Okumura's mentor. She trained under the guidance of Shiro Fujimoto to obtain the title Meister as a Knight. She officially works as an Inspector for the Vatican, but has infiltrated True Cross Academy, first as a student under the name Yamada, and later as a teacher for the Exwires.
Appearance
Shura
Shura has long hot pink hair with yellow ends that resemble flames, green eyes (pink in the anime), a curvaceous figure with large breasts which Rin considers larger than Shiemi's and marking on her chest and abdomen which act as seals for various items. She is usually seen wearing a very revealing bikini top, along with shorts and sometimes with stockings as the bottom part of her outfit or also wearing a denim jacket. After she is assigned to become a teacher at the Exorcist Cram School, Shura starts wearing an unbuttoned school jacket and a tie. She also carries a license that states her name and position, as well as a key with coat of arms on it, which symbolizes her position.
Personality
Shura when she is drunk
Shura has a rather laid-back personality and uses slang; such as using yer instead of your, you're, or you. She is also noted to be rather blunt, speaking freely about sensitive topics, as well as not being hesitant in pointing out others' flaws. Even with her superiors, she is not afraid to challenge them, which on a few occasions resulted in a physical conflict.
Like Rin, she often slacks off, and would rather drink and let others do work. However, when needed, Shura can be serious and focused, as seen when she duels Amaimon and being able to depict the fact that Rin's flames take over him because of his fear. She is also fiercely loyal to Father Fujimoto, despite denying his ways. Insulting or playing around with Shura can lead to being punished. When disguised as Yamada she appeared to be a game freak.
Shura is currently hiding her true age by stating to everyone that she is 18, when Yukio has alluded to the fact that she is 26.
History
Shura as a child
Seventeen years before the start of the series, Shiro Fujimoto saved a young Shura from a path of evil, and took her as his apprentice.[3]
She eventually earned the title Meister as both a Knight and a Doctor sometime within five years before the start of the series. Early in Rin's life, Shiro requested in their last meeting that if he were to die, she should teach Rin to wield the Demon slaying sword Kurikara, saying that no one knew more about Demon swords than she did. She stubbornly refused, lashing out that he was throwing away his life for the son of Satan.
Synopsis
True Cross Academy arc
"Yamada"
Shura first appears disguised as a young man, named "Yamada", attending the Exorcist Cram School at the True Cross Academy. "Yamada" didn't get along with the others, due to the fact that he kept his face hidden under a hoodie and always concerned with playing his PSP. When "Yamada" saves Rin from Amaimon, during their fight in the amusement park, she reveals her true identity as Shura Kirigakure, an Upper First Class Exorcist and an inspector for the Vatican.[4]
After revealing herself, Shura, escorted by Yukio, takes Rin to the True Cross Order Japanese Branch Headquarters, which is located beneath the True Cross Academy. They meet Mephisto Pheles and Shura questions him on why he withheld information about Satan's son from the Vatican. Shura then takes Rin into an interrogation room where she reveals that she was a student of Shiro Fujimoto's. She then fakes an injury in order to take Kurikara away from Rin. After seeing Rin's blue flames she draws her sword and explains that she was given orders to eliminate anything related to Satan and tells him that she is going to kill him. Just before she can stab him in the chest, Rin grabs her blade and states that he will become the Paladin to prove that Shiro was right for letting him live.[5]
Later on that night Shura informs Mephisto that she will be postponing her report to the Vatican, but she will continue to observe Rin. As she is about to leave she asks Mephisto one more time what he is scheming and he tells her that he wants to bring peace to Assiah. The following day Shura introduces herself to the class at the Exorcist Cram School, where she will be teaching magic circles, sealing techniques, and sword techniques.[6]
Training Camp arc
Shura warns Rin
Shura, along with Yukio, take the Exwires into the forest section of the True Cross Academy campus for a summer training camp. When they arrive at the camp site Shura supervises Izumo and Shiemi while they draw a protective circle around the camp and prepare dinner. After dinner Shura drunkenly attempts to help Yukio explain the contents of the training camp and throws an empty beer can at his head when he tries to tell everyone her real age. Before Rin goes into the forest, Shura stops him and tells him not to use his flames, and reminds him that she is still an inspector for the Vatican[7]
Shura and Yukio see Rin's flames
Soon after the Exwires enter the forest Shura notices that, despite her warning, Rin has already used his flames, which causes Yukio to worry; however, Shura reassures him that it is so dark in the forest that anyone how saw his flames would've been too blinded by them to know what they were. While she is talking with Yukio she notices Mephisto and Amaimon lurking in the treetops.[8] Later on when Yukio wakes Shura up to tell her that is it past four in the morning, they both see a signal flare go off so Shura sends Yukio to go collect whoever set it off while she stays at the camp.[9] Shura later greets Shiemi, Rin, Konekomaru, Renzo, and Ryuji as they arrive back at camp with the lantern where Izumo and Nemu are already waiting.[10]
Shura fights Behemoth
Suddenly, Amaimon attacks the camp with his familiar, Behemoth, but Shura quickly takes action and attacks Behemoth. She then calls to her own familiar to activate the barrier around the camp that repels Amaimon and Behemoth, as well as preventing them from entering again. Renzo then asks if this is part of the training camp and Shura responds by telling him that the training camp is over and that they need to prepare for Amaimon's attacks. She then dowses all the Exwires, except Rin, in holy water to protect them.[11] In private she gives Rin back Kurikara and tells him that the next time Amaimon attacks she wants him to leave with it, but Rin refuses to take it; she then tells him that he can't fight without his flames which convinces him to finally take his sword. While she is talking with Rin, Shiemi begins to wander off into the forest and as she does Shura notices a parasite from a Chuchi in Shiemi's neck. Amaimon appears and takes Shiemi causing Rin to chase after him while Shura fends off Behemoth, warning Rin that Amaimon won't go easy on him.[12]Shura later, with Yukio's help, leads the Exwires out of the forest while Rin continues to fight Amaimon.[13]
As Shura and the others leave the forest they are stopped by Arthur A. Angel, the current paladin, who reminds Shura of the orders she was given form the Vatican. When Mephisto arrives with Rin, whom is still in his demon form, Arthur sarcastically asks Shura if she thinks the beast spouting blue flames looks related to Satan. Arthur then attempts to execute Rin, but is stopped by Shura attacking him. Soon, however, Arthur has her restrained and asks her why she is protecting the spawn of Satan.[14] After receiving a call form the Grigori, Arthur takes Shura and Rin in as witnesses in Mephisto's Trial; Shura watches silently during the trial and after the trial she agrees to teach Rin how to use his sword.[15]
Shura challenges Yukio
The following day Shura arrives late, in her pajamas, for Rin's first training session and informs Rin that she and Yukio are going to be a lot tougher on him now that they are his coaches. She then explains that for his first lesson Rin will be practicing controlling his flames using candles. As Rin practices with the candles Shura challenges Yukio to a game they used to play when they were younger. Their game ends in a draw due to Rin accidentally melting the batting cages that they were using. While Rin cleans up the mess Yukio receives a phone call informing him and Shura about a Coal Tar infestation, and they decide to go and bring Rin along with them.[16]
Impure King Revival arc
When Shura arrives at the scene of the occurring incident, with Rin and Yukio, Saburota Todo explains that the cause of the incident was the Left Eye of the Impure King being stolen. [17] Later Shura is with Mephisto, who announces that the entire incident was a distraction while the genuine Left Eye was stolen; Shura states that she has her familiar tracking the Left Eye, because she was suspicious of Todo. [18]
The following morning Shura went to see Rin on top of a building, where he was doing flame control training; Shura informs him that he will be going to Kyoto.[19] She then escorts Rin to a train and tells him to sit up front while she goes to check on things in another train car, where all of the Exwires are being vaccinated. As the train departs Shura explains the current situation and announces that their mission is to nursed the injured Exorcists at the Kyoto Branch, and reinforce their weakened security. She then sits down and falls asleep, but is soon awoken by the Exwires arguing. She punishes them using Bariyon and warns them not to wake her up again.[20]
Shura thanks Torako
Upon arriving in Kyoto, Shura thanks Torako Suguro in advance for taking care of everyone from the Japan Branch for such a long time; she then tells Ryuji, Renzo, and Konekomaru to go say hello to their relatives, because this is the first time they've been home in a while. She instructs Rin, Shiemi, Izumo, and Nemu to go assist in the treating of patients.[21] Later that evening Ryuji asks Shura for permission to climb a mountain so he can go see his father, but she refuses to let him go claiming it would be irresponsible to let him climb a mountain after the sun has set. She then gives the Exwires bento boxes and juice pouches for dinner.[22]Later on Shura realizes that she accidentally gave them shochu with tonic water, an alcoholic beverage, instead of juice.[23]
Shura drags Rin away
During breakfast the next morning, while Renzo and Rin are planning on inviting Shiemi and Izumo to the pool, Shura reminds Rin that he needs to be training and takes him to go begin training.[24] While training, as Rin is extinguishing a fire, Shura tells him to imagine lighting the candle with a "po" and then tells him to go clear his head for a bit. She then admits to herself that she isn't sure if he is making any progress.[25] After Rin finally lights the candles correctly Shura congratulates him and says that he is finally at the starting line of being able to manipulate his flames at will. They then see smoke coming from the Kyoto Branch Office and decide that they should hurry over there.[26] When they arrive they discover that Mamushi Hojo conspired with Todo to steal the Right Eye of the Impure King.[27]
Shura, with Rin by her side, watches as Ryuji confronts his father, Tatsuma Suguro, and aks him to tell the truth to everyone. Tatsuma replies that he can't because it is a secret he wants to take to his grave; as he begins to walk away he is stopped by Rin and Shura is surprised, because she didn't even notice that he moved. When Ryuji tells his father to leave and never come back Rin become enraged, and Shura has to break through a crowd of people to stop him. She subdues him by chanting a sutra and reminds him of the conditions he was given at the trial, but instead of listening Rin insults her so she knocks him out. After he passes out she asks for help quarantining him and, when asked, tells Yaozo Shima that she has an explanation of the events that just transpired. Sura then receives a phone call from Yukio and goes to meet him.[28]
When she arrives Yaozo announces that he is calling an urgent meeting since all of the people in charge are together. During the meeting it is said that Mamushi and Todo most likely have both the Left and Right Eyes of the Impure King. No one knows what actually happens when the eyes are brought together, but according to legends of the Myōō Dharani they release a new extremely noxious miasma.[29] Shura states that their top priority should be to locate Mamushi and Todo. Yaozo informs her that they are following all possible leads right now, but they seem to have disappeared without a trace.[30]
Shura goes to check on Rin in his holding cell and asks him if he's calmed down yet. After making sure he was felling alright she hand him a letter that Tatsuma had asked her to pass along. Neither Shura nor Rin can read the letter because of his handwriting, but Yukio can so they listen as he reads it aloud. Yukio stops reading for a second to talk about how amazing it is that Tatsuma had met Shiro and that Kurikara previously belonged to Ryuji's family, but Shura tells him to hurry and finish reading.[31]
Shura gives Rin Kurikara
At the end of the letter Tatsuma requests that Rin use Kurikara to defeat the Impure King and while Yukio is skeptical, Shura states that the letter is addressed to Rin so he should decide what to do. Upon Rin saying that he wants to help Tatsuma, Shura brings forth Kurikara an says that he needs to try unsheathing it before he can be allowed to fight. Rin discovers that he can't unsheathe the sword and Shura states that after going on a rampage earlier he has completely lost confidence in himself.[32] Shura finds the other Exwires and informs them that Rin has been given the death sentence because of his outburst earlier. She gives Kurikara and Tatsuma's letter to Ryuji and gives everyone camouflage ponchos so that they can save Rin.[33]
Shura goes to help
Shura decides against telling Yukio that she had the Exwires release Rin, figuring he is under enough stress already. She then asks Yaozo what the plan is and he tells her that they are going to summon Ucchusma, but they need at least ten upper class tamers in order to summon it, so Shura offers to help.[34] As the miasma spreads everyone, including Shura, is ordered to retreat. As Shura looks up she sees the true form of the Impure King.[35] Upon hearing that Ryuji and Rin are inside the barrier fighting the Impure King and the Shiemi and Izumo are trying to save Tatsuma, Shura rushes into the forest to go help everyone.[36] When she finally finds Rin and Ryuji inside the barrier she tells Rin to go fight the Impure King while she protects Suguro, because he is the only one that can defeat the Impure King.[37]
Later on Shura meets with Yaozo and Mephisto to discuss Rin's situation regarding his execution; Yaozo says he will tell the Vatican everything that Rin did to help and then he leaves to go get some rest. Mephisto tells Shura that she shouldgo get some rest as well, but instead she stays and tries to get answers out of Mephisto, first by flirting with him and then by threatening him. When she leaves she tells Yukio that even if Rin was sentenced to death Mephisto would protect him.[38]
Terror of the Kraken arc
Shura announces the target
The next day, just before leaving Kyoto, Shura entrusts the pursuit of Todo and the resolvement of all loose ends to Yaozo. She then gets a phone call from Mephisto. After arriving at Kyoto station Shura announces that they aren't going back to True Cross Academy and orders everyone to buy a swimsuit. When they make it to the beach, Shura explains that their target is a Kraken. While waiting for the Kraken to appear Shura relaxes on a towel and watches as the Exwires play in the water. Soon she hears the siren signaling that the Kraken has entered a 100km radius. She orders all Middle Second Class Exorcists and Exwires to get thier flamethorwers ready, but not to enter the water until the Kraken closes in. When the Kraken attacks an overhead helicopter Shura watches as Rin, Shiemi, and Yukio get into boats and charge towards the Kraken. The Kraken sinks their boats prompting Shura to call off the operation.[39]
Shura explains how to defeat a Kraken
Shura manages to contact Rin, Yukio, and Shiemi, and finds out that they are on a small island that can be seen from the beach. She informs them that the Kraken won't go near the beach because of a Sea God that protects it, but there should be a shrine to the Sea God on the island; she tells them to call her when they find the shire and then she ends the call.[40] When they find the Sea God Shura orders them to present tributes and pay homage to the Sea God so that it can fight the Kraken. She informs everyone on the beach of the current situation and tells them to be on stand-by.[41] Shura is enjoying a meal on the beach when the Kraken appears and she notices that the Sea God has also appeared. Using a megaphone she orders everyone to prepare for battle and gets ready herself by summoning her sword. Shura watches as the Sea God battles the Kraken, stating that it is a great war between monsters. When the Kraken is on the verge of death it multiplies itself causing everyone to panic, except Shura who tells eveyone that the duplicates will disappear once the glabella of the real Kraken is struck.[42]
True Cross Academy Festival arc
Illuminati arc
Current Events
Powers & Abilities
Knight (騎士, ナイト, Naito): Shura is a powerful Upper First Exorcist and is noted to be an excellent wielder of the sword, especially demon swords. She fights using Kirigakure Ryū - Makengi(Hidden Mist Style - Demon Blade Technique).
- Dabō (lit. Serpent Fang): Shura launch projectiles made of air slices at the opponent.
- Gara Gara (lit. Absolute Emptiness): This technique causes the enemy to lose its demonic power, as used against Rin in the Great Cell. When the snakes pass over the enemy, the enemy loses its demonic power and traits like regeneration.
- Hebiransu (lit. Snake Lance): This technique transforms Shura's Demon sword into a longer form with a wavy edge, much like the curves of a snake. In addition, the area near the tip of the blade gains an eye. This technique requires blood to be spread along the blade of the sword.
Doctor (医工騎士, ドクター, Dokutā): Shura is also noted to have a Meister as a Doctor, but she states that she is not a conventional doctor. It is unknown what she means by this.[43]
Aria (詠唱騎士, アリア, Aria): Shura is capable of suppressing Demons effectively by chanting mantras such as the 'Rokuji Myouou' which she uses to calm down Rin when he gets enraged during the Impure King incident. It is unknown if she has actually obtained the Meister of Aria.
Tamer (手騎士, テイマー, Teimā): Shura's familiar is a Naga, which she uses to create barriers and to track people or things. It is unknown if Shura has obtained a Meister as a Tamer.
Sealing:Shura has some talent in sealing, as she was able to seal Rin's Demon stage by chanting. Additionally, she is able to seal both Kurikara and her own blade in her abdomen and chest, respectively.
Spectral Awareness: As she is an Exorcist, Shura had to perform the Mashō Rite, thereby allowing her to see Demons.[44]
Trivia
- Though being an Exorcist affiliated with the Vatican, she states the she never once prayed to God.
- Her pastimes and talents are foot massages, hot stone spas, and bothering animals.
- She gets 8 hours of sleep on average.
- Her favorite genre of manga is romance.
- Her favorite type of guy is strong and collected.
- She is a descendant of the female ninja clan, Kirigakure.
- Her breasts are much bigger in the manga - her cup size is an F.
Quotes
References
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 9, Page 5
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 11, Page 29
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist, Chapter 10, Pages 12-13
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 9, Page 43
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 10, Pages 5-29
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 10, Pages 34-38
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 11, Pages 16-34
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 12, Pages 10-12
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 12, Page 21
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 12, Page 42
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 13, Pages 2-8
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 13, Pages 10-20
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 13, Page 40
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 14, Pages 6-18
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 14, Pages 20-40
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 15, Pages 18-45
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 16, Page 7
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 16, Page 36
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 17, Pages 2-3
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 17, Pages 7-23
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manag: Chapter 18, Pages 6-7
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 19, Pages 11-12
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 19, Page 34
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 20, Pages 8-9
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 20, Pages 30-32
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manag: Chapter 21, Pages 24-26
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 21, Page 32
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 22, Pages 4-24
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 22, Pages 26-30
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 23, Pages 2-3
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 23, Pages 12-29
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 25, Pages 30-40
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 26, Pages 15-17
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 27, Pages 5-10
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 31, Pages 2-3
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 31, Pages 26-28
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 32, Pages 21-22
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 34, Pages 14-20
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 35, Pages 3-31
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 36, Pages 8-11
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 36, Pages 17-18
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 37, Pages 2-14
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist, Volume 4, Chapter 15, Page 45
- ↑ Ao no Exorcist Manga: Chapter 2, Page 23