Ruri

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Natsume Ruri (琉璃)
Alias(es)	Ruri
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Sacred Heart Academy Middle School; Art Club 223
Occupation/Role	Middle school student; aspiring manga artist
Residence	Formerly shared a cramped three-tatami apartment with Chikage; later stayed with him in Shibuya before the family recovered its former home. 4 682 718 742
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background & History

Ruri and her older brother, Natsume Chikage, were left relying on one another after their father’s company went bankrupt and the family’s assets were sold. Their parents are later stated to be deceased. 1 18 316

Despite their cramped living conditions, Ruri remains attentive to household finances. She celebrates small windfalls, plans meals around their budget, and worries about the burden Chikage carries. 12 61 219

She maintains outstanding academic results after the family’s decline, rising to first place in her grade and earning a full scholarship. 170

Wanting to contribute financially while still too young to work legally, Ruri begins pursuing manga with her classmate Kaga Reisa. Her first submission is rejected, but she continues seeking reference material, feedback, and inspiration. 172 223 261 262

When members of the Natsume main family attempt to contact or reclaim the siblings, Ruri supports Chikage’s decision to ignore them and remain independent. She later firmly rejects the idea of accepting the main family’s money. 226 260 479

Following Chikage’s growing success, the siblings move to Shibuya and begin adjusting to a more comfortable life while preserving their close daily routine. 682

Chikage later uses his divine power to glimpse Ruri’s future, seeing her as an adult holding an infant presumed to be his child. 668

Ruri is delighted when Chikage becomes able to buy back their former home. She and Reisa ask to accompany him when he retrieves it. 708 718 719

Chikage learns that he and Ruri are not related by blood, a fact subsequently confirmed by DNA testing. He keeps it from Ruri because he fears the revelation would compound her grief over her parents’ deaths, and he remains committed to caring for her as her brother. 732 733 742

Appearance

Ruri is a petite, sweet-looking middle school girl with an elegant, well-mannered bearing. She keeps long hair, often tying it into a neat ponytail, and favors cute, carefully chosen outfits. 169 187 190

• Frequently described as cheerful, adorable, and polite. 169 182 372
• Wears a blue-and-white dress for outings and a floral dress in Shibuya. 101 187
• Has recently experienced a growth spurt. 220
• Wears purple bracelets, including the One-in-a-Thousand Bracelet. 567
• Receives and happily models a lavender-purple swimsuit with white trim chosen by Chikage. 603

Personality

Ruri is affectionate, responsible, and highly protective of Chikage. She waits for him to return home, worries when he travels, helps pack for his tournaments, and consistently tries to ease his financial and daily burdens. 25 344 386

Though outwardly sweet and courteous, she is observant and calculating regarding girls around her brother. She keeps track of potential romantic interests, privately deducts “points” from girls she considers scheming, and reacts especially strongly when her best friend Ando Chizuru asks for help dating Chikage. 78 312 344

She is academically disciplined and ambitious, placing her studies and artistic goals ahead of romance. She has declined confessions from both boys and girls. 170 316

Ruri is also playful and childlike around people she trusts. She enjoys games, mascot activities, plushies, and new outings with Chikage and her friends, while remaining perceptive of changes in their behavior. 260 368 682

Although she claims to support Chikage’s happiness, she is strongly resistant to the idea of him getting a girlfriend and privately prefers remaining by his side herself. 585 650

As Chikage’s relationships develop, Ruri continues to watch them closely. Suspecting that Suzune’s invitation to go out alone with him is a date, she alerts Aoi, Nanase, and Sana in the hope that they will keep Suzune in check. 709

Abilities & Skills

Academic Ability

Ruri is an exceptional student who ranks first in her grade and receives a full scholarship. 170

• Plans to apply to Private Moonlight Academy, where Chikage attends. 327
• Receives additional tutoring from Saionji Nanase, Yukimura Suzune, and Fujiwara Aoi. 327 344
• Is capable of helping Chikage review middle-school material. 479

Drawing and Manga Creation

Ruri has been talented at drawing since childhood and belongs to her school’s Art Club. 172 223

• Collaborates with Kaga Reisa on shoujo manga. 211 218
• Pursues manga publication as a way to support the household. 172 223
• Receives story materials and market research from Konoe Hitomi after an initial submission is rejected. 261 262
• Considers drawing her strongest field and initially intends to guide Chikage when he starts learning to draw. 258
• Begins developing a new manga with Reisa from Chikage’s Look Back storyboards. The story deeply moves both girls and renews Ruri’s determination to draw. 600 601

Household Management

Ruri is capable and conscientious at home, often preparing food, managing purchases, and looking after Chikage’s needs. 12 158 386

• Checks money carefully and remains alert to their financial situation. 61
• Prepares late-night snacks for Chikage and guests. 158 247
• Organizes Chikage’s luggage when he leaves for Fukuoka. 386
• Continues taking responsibility for meals and groceries after the siblings’ move to Shibuya. 682
• Insists on helping Nanase make sweet soup and desserts when the group returns from the water park. 686

Equipment / Items

• One-in-a-Thousand Bracelet — A white-quality special item originally given to Ruri by Chikage. It increases its wearer’s head-turning rate by 15%. Ruri gives it back to Chikage as a good-luck charm before his tournament final; he registers it but intends to return it afterward. 2 567
• Manga manuscripts — Drafts created jointly with Kaga Reisa for submission to publishers. 211 247
• Notebook — Used to record information and judgments about girls close to Chikage. 78 92

Relationships

• Natsume Chikage — Her older brother and closest family member. The siblings depend on one another, and Ruri is fiercely protective of him. Chikage later learns they are not related by blood but conceals this from Ruri and continues to regard her as his sister. 1 25 486 732 733
• Kaga Reisa (Resaki) — Classmate, close friend, commuting companion, and manga collaborator. They frequently visit each other and work together on manga; Reisa also stays with Ruri when Chikage is away. Ruri welcomes Reisa as someone who needs no permission to stay with the family. 147 218 261 447 658
• Ando Chizuru — Ruri’s best friend. Their friendship becomes strained after Chizuru admits she likes Chikage and asks Ruri to help set them up, though Chizuru continues spending time with Ruri and Reisa. 234 344 678
• Fujiwara Aoi — One of Chikage’s friends; initially viewed with suspicion by Ruri, but later supports her manga work and tutors her. 1 218 327
• Saionji Nanase — Chikage’s friend and one of Ruri’s tutors. Ruri eventually judges Nanase to be the least concerning of the girls around her brother. They also cook together after a group outing. 327 370 686
• Yukimura Suzune — Chikage’s friend and one of Ruri’s tutors. Ruri greets her warmly while privately evaluating her as a possible interest in Chikage. She later grows suspicious of Suzune’s invitation to go out alone with him. 92 327 709
• Tsukishima Rin — A potential rival for Chikage’s affection in Ruri’s eyes; Ruri considers Rin strategic after seeing her attempt to get closer to the family. 312 315
• Konoe Hitomi — Chikage’s senior, who gives Ruri gifts and detailed publishing-industry research for her manga. 194 262
• Mido Orihime — A powerful and enigmatic associate of Chikage whom Ruri distrusts due to Orihime’s interest in and high expectations for her brother. 514 533
• Matsuo Yuka — Chikage’s editor, who is fond of Ruri and attempts to win her favor as part of getting closer to Chikage. 372 561
• Natsume Kayo — A cousin from the main family who warns the siblings against returning to it. After the family confines Kayo and tries to arrange her marriage, Ruri welcomes her into the household; she and Reisa later encourage Kayo to explore her interests once she is free. 480 734 737

Story Role / Major Arcs

Supporting Chikage’s New Life

Ruri anchors Chikage’s home life after the family’s financial collapse. She shares his small apartment, encourages his efforts to earn money, and celebrates his shogi victories. 1 12 182

As the siblings’ circumstances improve, she continues supporting Chikage’s work and helps him adapt to their move to Shibuya. 560 682

When the recovery of their former home becomes imminent, Ruri eagerly anticipates returning and asks to accompany Chikage to retrieve it. 708 718 719

Shogi Tournament Supporter

Although initially doubtful of Chikage’s shogi ability, Ruri follows his tournament matches closely and becomes proud of his rapid victories and record-setting performances. 172 182 234

Before his final against Tendō Ryūji, she gives him her bracelet for luck, allowing him to register the special equipment. 567

She watches anxiously as Chikage challenges the Eternal Dragon King and is astonished by his overwhelming strength in the championship match, which ends with his victory and ascension as the new Dragon King. 576 577

Manga Aspirations

Ruri’s desire to help the household motivates her to create manga with Reisa. Her work draws support from Chikage’s friends, who provide tutoring, reading material, reference works, and publishing analysis. 223 261 262

Chikage later offers the pair the story and storyboards for Look Back, while they handle the art. Its account of two artists’ lives moves Ruri and strengthens her resolve to keep drawing. 600 601

Guardian of Her Brother’s Relationships

Ruri closely monitors the growing number of girls interested in Chikage. While she maintains a sweet public manner, she privately assesses them as possible threats to her brother’s affection. 91 312 344

Her concern intensifies as Chikage’s fame, wealth, and social circle expand, leaving her wary of girls whom she believes may try to “steal” him away. 514 585 650

When Suzune arranges an outing with Chikage, Ruri treats it as a possible date and subtly warns Aoi, Nanase, and Sana. 709

Main Family Conflict

When the Natsume main family attempts to bring the siblings back, Ruri is distressed by the prospect. Chikage promises that he will not let them take her away, reinforcing their commitment to independence. 258 260

Ruri later rejects any dependence on the main family’s wealth and supports Chikage’s goal of reclaiming their former home through his own efforts. 479 585

After Kayo escapes confinement by the main family, Ruri and Reisa welcome her into their home and express anger at her treatment. DNA testing later confirms that Ruri is related to the main family while Chikage is not; Chikage keeps this information from Ruri. 734 742

New Experiences in Shibuya

After moving to Shibuya, Ruri embraces new family outings and experiences alongside Chikage and Reisa. She is especially eager to visit a water park, having never been to one before, and enthusiastically rides its water slides with Chikage. 682 685

She also looks forward to joining Chikage’s friends and Reisa in investigating the final one of their school’s Seven Mysteries. 708

Trivia

• Ruri considers keeping track of developments in Chikage’s life to be “one of a little sister’s most important duties.” 423
• She is popular at school and receives love letters and gifts from admirers. 182 316
• She likes rabbit plushies and is easily delighted by plush gifts. 194 368
• Her favorite color appears to be purple, reflected in her bracelets and swimsuit. 567 603
• She is bad at games but enjoys playing them and eagerly asks Chikage for help when she gets stuck. 262