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| Yomi. Are we family? | ||
| —Yoru's question on Yomi[3] | ||
Yoru (
Appearance
Yoru, a man in his twenties, possesses a distinctive appearance. He has long, shaggy black hair with bangs that conceal a prominent scar on the upper right part of his forehead, extending to his eyebrows. His deep-set eyes and noticeable dark eye bags suggest a lack of sleep. He has two small hoop piercings in his right eyebrow. His right ear features a cross earring on the helix, three hoop earrings on the snug, and a thicker hoop earring on the lobe, with the left ear mirroring this arrangement.
Yoru also wears a black choker with visible patterns, hiding a neck scar from a childhood suicide attempt. His attire includes a contemporary collared changshan jacket over a black shirt and loose black trousers, combining modern and traditional elements. Additionally, he wears rings on his index, ring, and pinky fingers on both hands.
Personality
As Yoru
Yoru's personality has a darker, more unsettling side. When Alma first encountered Jin Saotome himself at the entrance of Meito Shrine,[4] Jin initially seemed flustered and anxious. He explained that he had been casually exploring and unintentionally ended up at the shrine, which made him appear suspicious and uncertain. Despite this, Jin showed a sense of honesty and vulnerability, as he was visibly emotional and even shed tears when Alma comforted him.[4]
Although, after that interaction, Jin's demeanor shifted dramatically in different circumstances. Initially, he appeared as a somewhat timid and easily emotional individual who enjoyed sweets despite his age, indicating a softer, almost childlike side to his personality. His interaction with Alma, where he accepted a snack and expressed a liking for sweets, further highlighted this gentler aspect of his character.[4]
When Jin was later approached by Yomi, his behavior took a drastic turn.[5] He demonstrated a cold and ruthless nature, as seen when he used some form of unseen strangulation to harm two inebriated women.[5] His lack of compassion was evident in his actions towards the dark-haired woman, whom he forced to swallow a capsule that transformed her into a distorted creature. This incident revealed Jin’s alternate personality capable of cruelty and manipulation, known as Yoru.[5]
This personality is very unsettling and manipulative , often marked by his creepy and constant smile that makes people uneasy.[6] When Tao meets him at Meito Shrine, he greets her with a smile that reminds her of her dead brother, Jin, and makes mysterious comments about who he is, claiming to be the other Jin that Jin created within himself. Even when Tao questions him aggressively and fires a warning shot, Yoru stays calm and threatening.[6]
Throughout their conversation, Yoru never stops smiling, showing his confidence and enjoyment in emotionally manipulating Tao.[6] He remains calm under pressure and taunts Tao with hints about Jin’s death, revealing his cold and calculating nature.[6] Yoru clearly enjoys causing distress, suggesting that Tao already knows the truth about her brother's death and blaming her for it.[6] His manipulative and cruel behavior is further shown when he tries to strangle Tao while still wearing that unsettling smile. His smooth shift from verbal manipulation to physical violence illustrates his ruthlessness and lack of empathy.[6] He further manipulates Tao by purposely bringing out Jin, resulting in Jin having a mental breakdown.
As Jin Saotome
Jin is gentle, caring, and resilient. He faced tough times with quiet strength, always putting his sister Tao's well-being first and staying hopeful despite their hardships.[7] Even as a child, Jin showed his concern for Tao by checking on her and being considerate. Despite their father's abuse, Jin remained supportive and close to Tao, seeking comfort from her.[7]
Jin's sensitivity and emotional depth were clear in how he interacted with his older sister.[7] He would ask about her day and worry about their father's mistreatment. When their mother disappeared, Jin's innocent question about her visiting "God" showed his struggle to understand their harsh reality. Tao's gentle reassurance and promise to protect him highlighted their mutual care and dependence.[7]
As Jin grew older, he stayed emotionally sensitive but became more aware of their difficult situation.[7] He endured his father's abuse without anger or resentment towards Tao, understanding her efforts to protect him. Jin's strength and resilience were evident as he continued to support Tao emotionally, even when she felt guilty for not being able to fully shield him.[7]
Despite everything, Jin kept a sense of hope and optimism. On Tao's birthday, he surprised her with a cupcake, showing his thoughtfulness and desire to bring joy to their lives.[7] He constantly worried about Tao's safety and expressed his concerns about her dangerous work.[7] Jin's longing for a better life and his wish for Tao to quit her risky job showed his deep love and care for her.[7]
Plot
Background
Jin, who now goes by Yoru, had a very difficult and traumatic past. As a child, he lived with his sister Tao and their abusive father. Their mother, a devout follower of an unseen deity, mysteriously turned into a stack of money, leaving Jin and Tao to suffer under their cruel father. He threatened to sell them piece by piece if they ever spoke about their mother's fate, creating a terrifying and hostile environment.
Tao and Jin had a strong bond. Tao often comforted Jin and promised to protect him from their father's anger. Despite her efforts, their father’s abuse continued. When Tao was fifteen, their father, deeply in debt to a violent organization, sold her into servitude under a beastman. Tao’s life became a cycle of violence and hardship as she worked to pay off their father’s debts, enduring constant beatings and degradation.
Jin also suffered during this time. Even though Tao tried to protect him, their father’s abuse extended to Jin, leaving him with bruises and emotional scars. Jin didn’t want to wear short sleeves because of the bruises, and he often winced in pain. He was deeply worried about Tao’s safety as she continued to work under the beastman, fearing she might end up like their mother.
On Tao’s birthday, Jin made her a cupcake with chocolate and biscuit candles, showing his love and concern for her. However, he still worried about her safety and wished she would stop taking risks. Tao reassured him that their freedom depended on earning enough money to escape their abusive situation.
Tao’s time with the beastman continued to be brutal, with relentless beatings. Realizing she couldn’t ask for release, she decided to take extreme measures. She freed herself from heavy chains by cutting off her own arm and killed her tormentor. When she returned home, she found their house destroyed and their father dead, but Jin was missing. Despite the chaos, she hoped Jin had survived, even if he had to do something terrible.
In the present, Tao encountered Yoru at the Meito Shrine and was unsettled by his resemblance to her younger brother Jin. Yoru revealed a scar hidden under his bangs and another concealed by a choker, saying he started calling himself Yoru after getting the scar. He teased Tao, suggesting she was responsible for Jin's death and showing how he had changed from the boy she knew to someone unrecognizable.
Relationships
Familial
Tao Saotome
- Yoru's Relationship with Tao: Tao encountered Yoru at the Meito Shrine, where he greeted her with an unsettling smile reminiscent of her younger brother, Jin. Yoru claimed to be Jin, urging Tao to remember, but she remained resolute and demanded answers, aiming her gun at him. Despite her anger and warnings, Yoru persisted with his eerie smile, revealing a scar hidden beneath his bangs. This provoked Tao to shoot, intentionally missing but making her threat clear. Yoru then asserted that he was not Jin and had adopted the name "Yoru" since the day he received the scar. Despite Tao's demands for the truth about Jin, Yoru teasingly suggested she already knew—implying her own fault in Jin's death. The encounter left Tao in shock, and the tension escalated when Yoru began strangling her, pushing her to the brink of desperation. Just as the situation seemed dire, Alma intervened, attempting to stop Yoru and demanding an explanation for his actions towards Tao.
- Jin's Relationship with Tao: Tao and Jin's relationship was deeply intertwined with their traumatic past. They lived under the oppressive rule of their father, a menacing figure who threatened to sell them off in pieces. Despite the harsh environment, Tao comforted her younger brother, Jin, promising to shield him and affirming their shared dream of escaping their circumstances. As they grew older, their father's violent tendencies continued, leading to physical abuse. Jin, despite being the younger sibling, often expressed concern for Tao, especially when she was subjected to mistreatment by their father. Tao, in turn, felt remorseful for not being able to protect Jin better. Their bond was characterized by a mutual desire to escape their abusive situation and live a life of freedom. Jin's concern for Tao's safety was evident when he questioned her about quitting her perilous work, fearing for her well-being. Despite the hardships, their relationship was marked by moments of solace and shared dreams, highlighting their deep bond and mutual care.
Unnamed Father
Tao and Jin’s father was a cruel and abusive man who mistreated them severely. Tao remembered him as a vile person who threatened to sell them and hurt them both physically and emotionally. He was involved in illegal activities, and his violence worsened over time, causing a lot of pain for Jin.
As their father's abuse increased, Jin suffered greatly. He was physically beaten, and Tao noticed bruises on his arms, which made him reluctant to wear short sleeves. Even though Tao tried to protect Jin from their father’s rage, he still got hurt a lot. Despite everything, Jin tried to support and comfort Tao, showing their strong bond in their harsh situation.
The situation reached a tragic end when Tao, after enduring constant abuse, came home to find their father dead and their house in ruins. Jin was missing, and Tao was left fearing that her brother might have changed into something unrecognizable, a Maga, as she had been warned.
Non-Familial
Alma
Alma first met Yoru at the entrance of Meito Shrine, where Yoru seemed nervous and upset. Despite his suspicious behavior and tears, Alma decided to check if Yoru was being honest by observing and sniffing him. Alma comforted Yoru and gave him a tissue pack with the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency's contact details, assuring him that help was available if he needed it. Alma noticed Yoru was upset because Alma had surprised him while he was looking at Alma’s snacks. Alma decided to share a snack with Yoru, which was emotionally hard for him but helped him connect with Yoru on a personal level.
Later, Alma told Tao about Yoru, describing him as lost, emotional, and hungry, and expressed his disappointment at missing a show.
Yoru was then joined by Yomi, who asked about his food. Yoru described Alma and the tissue pack but didn’t know Alma’s name. Yomi called Alma a "score" and asked Yoru what he thought of him. Yoru found Alma a bit intimidating but not necessarily bad and wasn’t sure about becoming friends. Yomi, who had been watching Alma since birth and had been turned down by him before, planned to take Alma in when they met again. Yomi also thought Alma would keep trying until someone became a big part of his life.
Yomi suggested Yoru should interact with Alma again if they crossed paths, and Yoru agreed. However, their chat was interrupted by two drunk women who invited them to another bar. During this, Yoru used an unseen force to strangle one of the women, causing her death and turning her into a Maga after she swallowed a capsule Yoru gave her. Yomi, witnessing Yoru’s violent side, was intrigued by both his kind and harsh aspects. Yoru then asked Yomi about their family, smiling unsettlingly when Yomi confirmed their relationship.
Later, Alma met Yoru again during a tense moment with Tao and her younger brother, Jin, who now goes by the name Yoru. Alma recognized Yoru from Meito Shrine and remembered a recent discussion about the hanging murderer, who turned out to be Yoru. Alma confronted Yoru, kicking him, but Tao intervened. Yoru, injured, healed himself, surprising Alma since he didn’t know Tao had a brother or that Yoru could heal. Yoru suggested that Tao might not have shared her sibling relationship due to guilt over Jin’s presumed death and hinted at introducing Alma to Jin, his former self.
When Jin appeared, he was initially confused but then shocked and angry to see Tao, triggering painful memories. Jin’s emotional turmoil opened a Maga gate, releasing a swarm of Magas. Alma, noticing Tao’s distress, took charge and fought the Magas. Jin, still in a state of hysteria, used his powers to strangle Alma but was momentarily distracted by Alma defending Tao, who had been searching for Jin for nine years.
Yoru reappeared, stating that Alma was valued more than himself and arranged a brief reunion between Jin and Tao before leaving. Yoru revealed deep family issues, claiming Tao failed to protect Jin, took responsibility for their father's death, and recounted Jin's suffering. Yoru thanked Yomi for giving him a sense of family and vowed to continue killing for him.
Yomi
Yomi is fascinated by Yoru, recognizing both his harsh actions and past difficulties. He sees Yoru as a key player in his plans, valuing Yoru's role in achieving their goals and noting how Yoru's actions have been crucial in their current situation. Yomi also reflects on how Jin became Yoru and how Yoru has accepted his new identity. Yomi views Yoru as an essential ally who has been shaped by their shared experiences. His support and promise of a safe place show his commitment to Yoru and his intention to include him in a broader family setup.
Utsuro
Utsuro describes Yoru as a dark-haired guy with split personalities, originally known as Jin Saotome. She mentions that Yoru once tried to strangle her, leading to her hatred for him.[8]
Abilities & Skills
Hybrid Prowess
- Regeneration: Yoru can heal from injuries very quickly. For example, after being hurt during a fight with Alma, his injured hand completely healed in just a few moments. This ability lets him recover from both minor and major injuries, making him tough to defeat. It’s likely connected to his transformation into a Maga, helping him survive and stay effective in battles where most people would be taken out by their wounds.
- Maga Gate Summoning: When Jin becomes extremely upset, he can open a Maga "gate," which releases powerful and chaotic forces. This gate brings forth a swarm of black crows and a group of Magas, dangerous creatures that create a lot of destruction. The ability to summon the gate reflects Jin’s deep emotional turmoil and his transformation into Yoru, turning his inner distress into a real threat. This power can overwhelm and scare enemies by unleashing these formidable entities.
- Psychokinesis: Yoru has the power to control objects and people using only his mind. This was shown when Jin used psychokinesis to strangle Alma from afar, showing he can influence his surroundings and others without needing to touch them. This mental power makes Yoru a dangerous opponent because he can attack and manipulate situations without physical contact, making him a skilled fighter in both direct and indirect ways.
Etymology
Jin Saotome
The name Jin Saotome (
早 (Sa): This kanji means "early" or "quick," suggesting promptness or speed. It's often used in names to imply being swift or starting early.乙 (O): This kanji traditionally represents the second of the ten heavenly stems from ancient Chinese calendars. In names, it usually doesn’t have a specific meaning but adds a certain style or sound. It can also imply something secondary or supplementary.女 (Tome): This kanji means "woman" or "female." It signifies feminine traits or gender. In names, it often reflects a connection to female qualities or is part of a traditional naming practice.- ジン (Jin): Written in katakana, "Jin" can have various meanings if written in kanji, such as "仁" (benevolence) or "神" (god). The exact meaning would depend on the kanji used for "Jin."
Yoru
Yoru (
Trivia
- Utsuro has confirmed that Jin Saotome has a dual personality disorder, also known as DID.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Gokurakugai Manga: Volume 3 . — Volume Extra, Character Information.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 15 (Pages 34-35).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 4 (Page 33).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 3-11).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 4 (Pages 28-35).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 14 (Pages 1-7).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 14 (Pages 9-20).
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 21 (Page 25). — Utsuro describes the members of Yomi's Family.
| List of Characters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Saragi Anti-Maga Organization | Members | Yoki • Dara • Tao • Alma • Nei • Tatsuomi • Ryu | |
| Troubleshooter Agency | Tao • Alma | ||
| Unknown Organization | Yomi • Yoru • Kanata† • Memeko • Utsuro | ||
| Civilians | Mr. Cho • Auntie • Yaya • Luka Kiyomine • Yukiharu Nishi • Isato Amadera • Maki | ||