Shuri Himejima

Shuri Himejima was a Shinto priestess (miko) from a respected shrine belonging to the Himejima Clan, one of the Five Principal Clans. She was the wife of Baraqiel and the mother of Akeno Himejima. Shuri was known as a gentle, calm, and compassionate woman. She was deeply devoted to her family, acting as a loving mother to Akeno and a supportive partner to her husband. Despite her soft demeanor, she also possessed a strict and intense personality trait, which later manifested more strongly in her daughter. This aspect of her character was controlled and rarely shown, but it reflected her strong inner resolve. Although the Himejima Clan strictly followed Shinto traditions and rejected non-human beings, Shuri herself did not hold prejudice toward supernatural entities. She fell in love with Baraqiel despite his status as a Fallen Angel—an act considered heretical by her clan. Fully aware of the consequences, including rejection and punishment, Shuri chose to leave the Himejima household of her own will in order to live with him. She later gave birth to their daughter, Akeno. Shuri remained deeply affectionate and attentive toward both her daughter and her niece Suzaku, maintaining a close relationship with Suzaku even after separating from the clan. Understanding that her continued existence placed Akeno in danger due to the clan’s rigid laws, Shuri accepted her situation calmly, with her primary concern being her child’s safety. During her final meeting with Suzaku, Shuri embraced her warmly and praised her kindness, expressing confidence that Suzaku would retain her compassionate nature even as the future heiress of the Himejima Clan. This moment reflected Shuri’s belief in kindness as a strength rather than a weakness. Shuri was also fiercely protective of her family. When practitioners were sent to eliminate Baraqiel, she refused to surrender Akeno to them. In the end, she gave her life to protect her daughter.