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
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. 226 260

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

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

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

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

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. 1 25 486
• Kaga Reisa (Resaki) — Classmate, close friend, commuting companion, and manga collaborator. They frequently visit each other and work together on manga. 147 218 261
• Ando Chizuru — Ruri’s best friend. Their friendship becomes strained after Chizuru admits she likes Chikage and asks Ruri to help set them up. 234 344
• 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. 327 370
• 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. 92 327
• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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