Riku

"Come on now. Weren't you listening?... I absolutely loathe the Four Perils. The only time I'd be willing to take a life is if I'm taking it from someone that I love."

- Riku to Jyūbei

is a character in Hanyō no Yashahime. He is a mysterious young financier of Shikabaneya, a demon bounty-hunting business owned by Jyūbei, the corpse dealer.

History
Little is known of Riku's history or his nature, other than he is at least 200 years old and has been Lord Kirinmaru’s loyal retainer for most, if not all, of those years, apparently having been raised by the demon lord’s older half-sister Lady Zero. When Lord Kirinmaru received word that his rival Tōga, the dog-demon ruler of the Western Lands, had received fatal injuries during an epic battle with the dragon-Yōkai Ryūkotsusei, he tasked Riku with gathering medicine to save him before his impending death. Though Riku managed to acquire the medicine needed to save Tōga’s life, he arrived to late; the great dog demon having sacrificed his life to save his human lover Lady Izayoi and their half-demon son Inuyasha in a final battle with the human samurai lord Takemaru of Setsuna. By the time Riku arrived, Lady Izayoi’s mansion was already set ablaze and Tōga and Takemaru dead inside. When Riku delivered news of Tōga’s death to Lady Zero, who was secretly in love with her brother’s rival, she was so overcome with grief that she made a desperate wish upon the sacred Shikon no Tama to be rid of her grief forever. Watching her as she made this wish, Riku would witness the creation of the seven Rainbow Pearls, which contained Lady Zero’s lost emotions within them.

Sometime later, Riku became a pirate though he set a standard of never robbing women, children, or those in need. While it’s not known when he first met Jyūbei, he became his patron and the main financier and client of his demon bounty hunting business, gaining his respect and loyalty by using his powers to reward him with much wealth.

Personality
Riku generally is a very friendly and easygoing individual despite being a pirate. He possesses gentlemanly mannerisms and speaks in ways that are sophisticated yet warm and welcoming to people he has just met. However, this affable nature appears to hide an unknown true nature and agenda which he masks behind a face of friendliness and optimism. Riku also seems to possess rather mixed views regarding humans. Despite remaining civil with them, he harbors the belief that no good can ever come from loving a human, only destruction. Despite this, he laters calls humans beautiful creatures, due to the how quickly their lives and existence comes to an end.

Although he is capable of handling things on his own, he will not act unless it is something that he wants to do personally, preferring to let others unknowingly take care of those problems for him. He is shown to be a master manipulator, playing both the Shikyō and the half-demon princesses into doing his dirty work and benefiting  Off their success and failures without them even knowing. He has also shown himself to be a bit sadistic as well, as seen when he took smiled in satisfaction as Homura was burned alive by his own rage. Despite his manipulative nature, Riku does reward those that aid him, as he is the one that has been hiring Moroha to kill various yōkai for him, paying her through Jyūbei. He also fairly rewards Jyūbei himself, using his earring to create gold in order to pay his servant.

He also seems to be very knowledgeable about important events, telling the audience, as a fourth wallbreaker, the story of what happened until Episode 15 (Hanyō no Yashahime). He warned Kagome about the Grim Comet and Kirinmaru wanting to kill her child and the half-demon twins. Apparently, he also knows that Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha are granddaughters to the Great Dog Demon as he addresses them as "Half-demon princesses." He is aware that Towa inherited her father's Sōryūha.

Riku also seems to have an interest in the subject of love, though it seems he has been unable to truly grasp it.

During the flashback opening of Episode 21, it was shown that 200 years ago, Riku possessed a much different personality. He was shown to be practically emotionless and somewhat less intelligent as he was unable to understand basic concepts and suffered misunderstandings from the words of others.

He seems to have taken an instant interest in Towa, befriending her shortly after meeting her. However, he has expressed disappointment in her skill with her blade in comparison to her father. Despite this, he seems to be keeping an eye on her progress in developing her powers. Eventually, this interest in Towa seems to have evolved into an attraction towards her. Despite still wanting to take the silver Rainbow Pearl in her eye, he wanted to have a “date” with her first and made it clear that he wanted to take it without hurting her. When Tōtetsu attacked them, not only did he risk his life to protect Towa but he was also willing to sacrifice himself so that she could escape.

Physical Description
Riku is a handsome young man with green eyes and auburn hair worn to his neck, with part of it styled into a Japanese topknot, as well as two long bangs along the sides of his face.

Outfit
Riku wears a striped blue and dark blue kosode with torn edges along the sleeves, a white hadajuban undershirt, a beige haori jacket with red and black stripes along the collar, a light blue sash tied along his waist, purple hakama leggings with thin vertical dark purple stripes, a pair of black suneates around his shins, and a pair of white tabi on his feet with waraji straw sandals.

He wears a round blue earring on his left ear.

Powers & Abilities
Not much is known about his abilities, although it is said he could easily kill the Shikyō if he actually desired it.

Earring
His main weapon is a little round blue earring on his left ear. Some of its abilities are:
 * Matter Manipulation: By flicking his earring, Riku can alter and control any form of matter (both organic and inorganic), such as manipulating water (boiling water in Episode 21), producing gold dust and even disintegrating living beings like Kyūki.
 * Summoning: By touching his earring, Riku is able to call Takechiyo at his command and also summon miasma bug.
 * Teleporting: As of in Episode 21 (Hanyō no Yashahime), Riku can flickering his earring to transport from one place to another.
 * His sword: By flickering his earring, he summoned his own weapon his sword when he fought Tōtetsu during the night of the new moon to protect Towa.

Kikujūmonji
He possessed the Katana shortly, after stealing from the Deputy Shogun of Kanto, but didn't use it.

Rainbow Pearls

 * Blue Rainbow Pearl: TBA
 * Purple Rainbow Pearl: TBA
 * Green Rainbow Pearl: TBA
 * Orange Rainbow Pearl: TBA
 * Silver Rainbow Pearl: TBA

Relationships

 * Towa Higurashi

Riku and Towa have their first encounter when Towa heads outside to look for Mt. Musubi and the Dream Butterfly in Meeting through an Apple. When Riku approaches Towa is she instantly on alert and on guard, but Riku assures and promises Towa that he doesn’t mean anything suspicious. Riku initially mistakes Towa as a samurai, but later calls and addresses Towa as “hime-sama” meaning princess and Towa-sama (Lady Towa). Riku quickly tries to befriend Towa and wants to gain her trust. Riku ask Towa to help him with finding his ship since both of them appear to be lost. Towa later leads him to a river where Riku shows his ability in manipulating water, using his blue rainbow pearl. Towa is immensely impressed and Riku says that anyone can do it with a little bit of concentration. Towa then invites Riku to a picnic with modern food. Riku takes a bite of an apple and remarks the apple’s delicious flavor. After a lunch break, is Riku seen leaving on a boat after thanking Towa for her kindness. Riku leaves behind a stolen katana from Ogigayatsu Hiiragi Danjo as a parting gift for Towa but she later ends up being captured as a culprit by Yotsume disguised as Sōkyu.

Riku immediately seems to have a significant interest in Towa and says in a conversation with Jyūbei that he likes her, considering her to be a “fine young woman”. Riku is almost always seen having a kind and curious approach towards Towa, wanting to know her opinions on different situations. Riku is also aware that Towa is Sesshōmaru’s daughter, implying his interest and recognition in her. Riku even stated that Towa inherited The Azure Dragon Wave from Sesshōmaru. In private however, he mockingly expresses disappointment when her power proves inferior to her father’s. Despite this, he still possesses a significant interest in her development as she slowly becomes stronger. He also, unlike others, shows a fair amount of patience and amusement with the habits she exhibits from living in the modern world, even though he doesn’t truly understand what they mean sometimes. By the time of episode 21, Riku’s interest and fondness for Towa seems to have turned into a genuine attraction for her. When Riku decided the time had come for him to collect Towa’s Rainbow Pearl he confronts her on a night of the New Moon during which her powers fade and she becomes fully human. Rather than simply taking it from her by force however, Riku remained polite and civil towards Towa, even calling her “exceptionally beautiful” in her human state and gently caressing his fingers on her cheek. Towa was visibly flustered by Riku’s advances and compliments, unaware that he was planning on taking her Pearl. Riku afterward has tea with Towa and shares his knowledge of the Rainbow Pearls with her. Riku also talks about a madam and a master that he is under. Riku later mentions to Towa that he wants to assemble all the seven Rainbow Pearls, including Towa’s, Setsuna’s, and Moroha’s pearls and return them to the madam. When Towa realized this, she prepared to fight Riku just as he attempted to take the Silver Pearl, painlessly, out of her left eye. Before he could though, Tōtetsu, the last surviving Peril, suddenly arrived and attacked Towa. Though they both served Lord Kirinmaru, Riku was angered over Tōtetsu ruining his “date” with Towa (seemingly more so than foiling his attempt to steal the Pearl) and chose to defend her from the gluttonous demon, risking his life and shielding her with his own body, which left him critically injured. He also appeared surprised and somewhat touched when she refused to leave him and was worried for his condition despite briefly being enemies but moments ago. Taking a moment to rest, Towa questioned Riku on why he would protect her when she is an enemy of his master. In answering her, Riku partially revealed his feelings of love for Towa which left her shocked and caused her to blush. When Tōtetsu eventually found them again, Riku urged Towa to runaway and save herself, showing that he was willing to sacrifice his life for her’s despite still wanting the Silver Pearl inside her eye. After Riku killed Tōtetsu and Towa had regained her demonic powers, he hugged her and took great relief in her safety, much to her shock and fluster. In gratitude for saving her, Towa handed Riku her Pearl though she quickly regretted this when she remembered he worked for Lord Kirinmaru. Based on his conversations with her regarding the nature of love, it is heavily implied that Riku has fallen in love with Towa.


 * Setsuna

Towa introduced her sister and Moroha to Riku, but personally they haven't talked to each other. Setsuna only listens when Riku and Towa talk. She deems him as a threat because he has the same scent as Kirinmaru.


 * Moroha

Moroha has to kill the Shikyō as a bounty hunter for Riku, so she cares more about his reward. Even if the quest is a trap.


 * Jyūbei

Jyūbei receives the quests that Moroha has to perform. It is yet unknown how long they have known each other, but at one point in the past, he gave Jyūbei the green Rainbow Pearl.


 * Takechiyo

He addresses Riku as "Lord Riku" and follows the order to transport him and the Half-Demon-Princesses when its needed.


 * Sesshōmaru

While it’s unknown if they have met, Riku has been shown to be very knowledgeable of Lord Sesshomaru and holds him in high regard. He seems to possess knowledge of Lord Sesshomaru’s powers and abilities, such as the Azur Dragon Wave attack. He also has a particular interest in his daughters, particularly Towa whom he seems to have feelings for. Due to his respect for Lord Sesshomaru’s power, Riku seems to place high expectations on his daughters, voicing his disappointment when they fail to live up their father’s reputation. Despite his respect for Lord Sesshomaru, Riku is not without his criticisms of him, believing his decision to mate with a human like Rin to be foolish and inviting of nothing but destruction.


 * Tōga

While it’s unknown if Tōga and Riku met when the former was still alive, it is shown that the latter holds him in high-regard. It was later revealed that Riku was charged by his master, Lord Kirinmaru, with saving Tōga after he had received lethal injuries from his epic battle with Ryūkotsusei in the valley. Under his master’s orders, Riku gathered the medical herbs needed to save Toga’s life, but did not arrive in time to treat him before his flight to rescue his lover Lady Izayoi. Thus Riku’s failure inadvertently resulted in Tōga’s demise in his final battle with Takemaru, as well as his madam Lady Zero’s decision to use the Shikon Jewel to purge her emotions. Despite Tōga having been dead for over 200 years, Riku continues to hold the fallen demon-lord in high regard and respects those who come from his bloodline.


 * Kagome Higurashi

They first met during the night of the lunar eclipse, shortly before the Grim Comet traveled close to the earth and warns her about it. When he states that Kagome is pregnant and that her quarter-demon child will be in danger should Kirinmaru wake up from his slumber, she quickly trusts Riku's words and warning her friends, husband and half brother-in-law about Lord Kirinmaru's plans against their unborn daughters.


 * Kirinmaru

He states to Zero that Riku is loyal to him and trusts him with a not nearly described matter.


 * Zero

Being the elder sister of the demon lord he serves under, she calls him an indolent person.


 * Kyūki

After she is defeated by Towa's Azure Dragon Wave, Riku appears. She only says his name, before he reduces her to dust and bones, taking the Demon's purple Rainbow Pearl. They clearly know each other as servants of Lord Kirinmaru.


 * Konton

They meet up in Episode 17 (Hanyō no Yashahime), where Riku went to a cave to support Konton luring the Half-Demon Princesses into a trap. Konton doesn't seem to trust Riku fully, because he states that Riku wasn't helpful in the past, but still accepts his help. After Konton is defeated in Episode 18 (Hanyō no Yashahime), Riku is looking at the headless corpse without a word and takes the blue Rainbow Pearl with him. Riku has stated that he hates the Shikyō for having poor taste.


 * Tōtetsu

Like with the other Four Perils, Riku and Tōtetsu share a mutual dislike towards one another, though both are usually forced to tolerate one another as they both serve Kirinmaru. Despite his loathing towards the Peril, Riku is capable of admitting when he can prove to be useful in his schemes. He offers the gigantic glutton as a focal point for Konton's eight field trap for the Half-Demon Princesses. Riku eventually becomes displeased when Tōtetsu appears to attack Towa, who had become fully mortal due the new moon, while Riku was attempting to take her Silver Rainbow Pearl. Furious over his “date” with Towa being rudely interrupted because of him (seemingly more so than foiling his attempts to get her pearl), Riku’s hatred for the enormous glutton grows to point where he attempts to kill him with the monster gladly retaliating. During the struggle, Tōtetsu was able to seriously injure Riku as the latter risked his life to protect Towa from the former’s attacks. Eventually however, Riku was able to slay Tōtetsu when he was distracted by the arrival of the other half-demon princesses. Before Tōtetsu succumbs to his wounds, Riku has one final discussion with him noting how while he may kill only those he loves, he despises him so much that he will make an exception in his case. This incident most likely made Tōtetsu the peril Riku hated the most.

Trivia

 * Riku's loyalty is still unknown, as he serves Lord Kirinmaru but acts on his accord to further increase his strength by collecting all seven Rainbow Pearls in order to call upon the ancient great power that they are the keys to for his own purposes.
 * In Episode 21 (Hanyō no Yashahime), Riku is called a puppet repeatedly. This implies he is a unique Kugutsu with a will of his own.
 * Riku possesses a strong fondness for modern foods and beverages, remarking how they are the most delicious things he has ever had.
 * Riku seems to had contact with Europeans or at the very least knows about European culture. This can be seen from his reference to the Christian concept of the forbidden fruit and that his sword is visibly European, likely Spanish, in origin. Being a pirate, he may have learned of and acquired such things from raiding European ships, which did operate in Japanese waters during the Warring States Era.

Media Appearances

 * Episode 7 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 8 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 14 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 15 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 17 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 18 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 21 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 22 (Hanyō no Yashahime)
 * Episode 23 (Hanyō no Yashahime)

Riku