Surpassing Age and Time - Kouichi/Raimei (Nabari no Ou)
Title: Surpassing Age and Time: The Owl and the Samurai
Author: main_titles
Words Count: Somewhere around 5,000 - I suck at editing things out.
Fandom: Nabari no Ou (manga)
Pairing: Kouichi/Raimei
Spoilers: Up to Chapter 61
Notes: This essay deals with the manga only since the anime had it's own original ending and the manga is still on-going. This means quotes are all from scanlations (collected from many, many different places) so their accuracy is questionable. All of the inaccurately colored in panels were done by me. ;)
The Story
Apathetic orphan Rokujou Miharu had a relatively normal life working in his family's restaurant before nindo club started to recruit him. Turns out he is the current host of the Shinrabanshō (essentially all the knowledge in world) and ninja's across Japan are out to claim it for themselves. This newfound danger convinces him that joining the nindo club might not be a bad idea after all. However, it's not Miharu this essay focuses on.
Which brings us to the stars of this essay...
The Lovebirds
one more literally than the other
Aizawa Kouichi
The fact that everything dies is what makes life so powerful.
At first glance, Kouichi appears to be a pretty laid-back guy. He has a very agreeable personality and a positive attitude. We learn early on that Kouichi is actually a very serious and ruthless ninja. The first chapter alone features him stabbing Miharu in order to stop the Shinrabanshō from activating. His appearance is unusual: he has white hair and red eyes.
Shimizu Raimei
What I believe in above all else is my skill and this sword.
In a world of ninjas Raimei is an oddity. She claims to be a samurai and for the most part doesn't care about learning ninjutsu. She drags her sword - Kurogamon - almost everywhere she goes. She can be brash at times but it's a part of her charm.
The Beginning
Kouichi is arguing with Thobari-sensei - he wants to recruit more ninjas from the surface world but Thobari disagrees - when Raimei appears from a ventilator shaft in the ceiling. It's love at first sight... or not. She attacks Kouichi because she thinks he is the Shinrabanshō. After the misunderstanding is cleared up, she introduces herself.
At the request of Raimei, Thobari agrees to take Miharu to see Kotarou. During the train ride to Fuuma Village, Raimei tries to liven up the mood. She suggests they talk about their love lives. Miharu has no interest in this line of discussion and Kouichi starts blubbering about a crush he had as a first grader. He then calmly asks if she has a boyfriend. "Hitting on me?" she responds - triggering a massive blush on his part. He denies it and simply tells her he admires her. She tells him he's not her type.
In Fuuma they are attacked by Kairoushuu and at one point Yoite uses Kira on Kouichi's head - it is not a pretty sight.
After the attack Raimei decides she needs more training. Naturally, she drags Kouichi along with her. A member of Fuuma remarks how energetic Kouichi seems for someone who had just been seriously wounded. He does, however, have some difficulty fending of Raimei with one arm in a sling.
That night Kouichi and Raimei meet up with Miharu. He singles out Kouichi in particular and asks what Kouichi wants with the Shinrabanshō's power. Kouichi answers with a question.
When they go back to Banten Raimei asks to stay at Kouichi's for the night (she says that it's expensive staying at lodgings) and he reacts rather comically but eventually gives in. Unfortunately However, she gets a phone call and has to leave.
The next day a woman appears with the ability to read minds. She mentions how Raimei, Kouichi, Miharu, and Thobari are all keeping secrets from each other. Kouichi tries to play off his secret but she calls him out on it. Thobari agrees on the behalf of Banten to listen to her. She offers him information that will aid in removing the Shinrabanshō in exchange for an assassination.
As she leaves she tells Raimei to spill her secret. Raimei tells the other three that information about Raikou's whereabouts have come to light. Raimei is encouraged by Thobari and Kouichi to investigate it.
During the assassination attempt, Thobari is unable to kill the target and endangers his life. Luckily for him, Kouichi steps in and shoots the man. Kouichi even ties up the lose ends and sets someone else up for the blame.
Raimei and Raikou
In which Raimei's past is explored and her character is given depth
Meanwhile, Raimei goes home on the fifth anniversary of the Shimizu clan's destruction. Raikou appears and Raimei tells him she will judge him for his crimes against the Shimizu clan. He asks her whether she will question him about that day. She doesn't want to hear his excuses. They begin to fight and - in a moment of anger - Raikou cuts her across the midriff and tells her stay out of anything to do with Nabari.
Meanwhile, Kouichi tells Thobari he will go find Raimei. Before leaving he gives Thobari a piece of advice to mull over.
Kouichi finds Raimei in the hospital. He finds out Raikou took her sword from her, crushing her pride. As soon as she's able to Raimei storms out of the hospital intending to get it back. Kouichi tells her anger is clouding her judgement and she snaps at him because he sounds too much like Raikou. She tells Kouichi - while grasping at her wound - why she is so angry. She does not thank Raikou for sparing her life. Kouichi calls out to her and Gau hears him. Kouichi and Raimei easily capture him.
Gau asked Raikou about Raimei when Raikou suffered a breakdown after his meeting with her. He tells Gau how Shimizu clan was really destroyed.
It started with the head of Shimizu clan, the sibling's mother. When one of Raikou's classmates wanted revenge on the people that killed her parents Raikou is moved to help her. But when he brings up the idea to his mother he receives the piece of advice he spends the rest of his life going against. When the young girl dies without having her revenge, Raikou snaps. For the next few years he grows to hate his mother deeply. His anger even catch the attention of Raimei. At fifteen, Raikou gets caught up in a coup d'état led by his uncle, Iroku. But things go wrong and Iroku kills his defenseless brother. Both Raikou and his mother are horrified. Iroku becomes crazed and the clan members start fighting amongst themselves. Iroku attacks Raikou and with no time to do anything else his mother protects him at the cost of her life.
He confronts his uncle and kills him... while Raimei looks on. Raikou makes the decision to take the blame for everything and tells her he is joining Kairoushuu.
After Gau finishes sharing all this, Raimei runs away to confront her brother again. Gau tries to run after her but Kouichi stops him.
Raimei finds her brother gathering chrysanthemums. Raikou tells her she needs to fight him if she plans on staying involved in Nabari. She tells him she is not as weak as he thinks.
While they fight she tells him he did not need to shield her from the truth. She did not enjoy hating and blaming him. She breaks down and sobs and he apologizes. Raimei wants him to leave Kairoushuu but he refuses. She argues with him and soon they are fighting again. At one point, Raikou lunges at her. However Gau runs in front of Raimei. He tells them they are family and must stop fighting.
At the hospital Raikou and Raimei finally reconcile. Raikou is upset with himself for hurting Gau and for dragging him into their conflict in the first place. He breaks down and it's Raimei's turn to consul him.
He leaves and returns to Kairoushuu, but this time their parting leaves no hard feelings. Raimei returns to her friends and gives the startled Miharu a hug instead of poor Kouichi who has his arms outstretched for her.
Kouichi's Secret
Where Kouichi's true nature is revealed
Banten is invited to Alya Academy and while there they bump into several Kairoushuu members. During the night, both the Kairoushuu group and the Banten group are attacked by students from Alya Academy. Raimei ends up bumping into Miharu and they search for the source of all the commotion. They bump into the white-haired student council member, Shijima and retreat into the basement. They fight with Shijima but it does not go well. Even when she is injured she shakes it off.
Kouichi finds him stuck with Thobari, much to his disdain. Raikou and Yukimi appear and Yukimi is taken aback by the nonchalant Kouichi standing in the hallway. Kouichi is annoyed because Thobari is bandaging up one of the kids that attacked them. Kouichi jokes that he wouldn't mind joining Kairoushuu if only to get away from Thobari's overly kind ways. They hear loud noise from the basement and begin to head there. At one point Raikou and Kouichi end up sadistically tickling a student for information.
While on their way to the basement, Kouichi is captured and held at gunpoint but Yukimi creates a distraction. Kouichi escapes and attempts to kill his former captor. Thobari tries to stop him... and Kouichi lets him have it. While his back is turned he is shot. As he falls over and he blames Thobari for his death and tells him he can not protect those dear to him with his current mindset.
Now everyone but Kouichi become trapped in the basement. While the await their fate, Raimei asks Thobari where Kouichi is. He freezes up and does not answer. So Raikou tells her he died. She freaks out and starts yelling - but Raikou tells her stop because they must conserve oxygen.
In reality, Kouichi actually shrugs off the bullet and tracks down the people trying to kill the headmaster, though he does look a little different than usual. He remarks "It would have been nice if I had died." He is shot even more times and the headmaster's would be murderer asks Kouichi why he won't die - Kouichi tells him he can't. When the commotion is finally over the headmaster finally comments:
White hair... Immortal... You're... Could you be her... [ * ]
*friend/partner/etc - the headmaster is not mistaking Kouichi for a girl.
Kouichi ignores his comments and takes him to the basement to let everyone trapped out. There he is greeted by Shijima who tells him he's late.
The next person to greet Kouichi is Raimei. She calls out his name and tells him she was worried he died. She appears completely different from the last time we saw her.
Later on, Kouichi slips away with Shijima. They have a conversation in the woods while birds flock around them. Eventually, Shijima leans against him and turns into Shiratama - Miharu's cat.
When they are back at Banten Junior High, Kouichi and Raimei bump into Thobari. Kouichi decides he will finally tell the both of them the truth. He is immortal and in order to offer them proof he tries to show them the place where he was shot but Raimei doesn't approve of his stripping habits. He shows her anyway and the gravity of the situation hits her. She stands in front of him and her heart starts beating loudly as she reaches out to touch him.
We then find out the reason of his immortality: one of the Shinrabanshō users carried out living body experiments and Kouichi was one of his creations. Eventually, the man died and Kouichi was left to wander Japan, trying to find a way to die. Ten years earlier he arrived in Banten and became the adopted son of the Aizawa family. He tells Thobari and Raimei that he wants Miharu to use the Shinrabanshō to kill him.
He tells the two exactly why he wants to die: he no longer wants to see those he cares about grow old and die right in front of his eyes. He then lets himself fall backwards and to his surprise both Raimei and Thobari run and catch him. Raimei tells him it's because he is immortal that he must take care of himself.
Things Get Complicated
Where their friendship blossoms into something more
Author's Note: So far I have been summarizing the events that involve Kouichi and Raimei. This was just in case people haven't read the first few arcs in a while since they did come out some time ago. Anyway, now the true shipping begins. Everything that follows is my interpretation of events, and well, it's pretty nice here in Fangirlville. ♥
The next section of the Kouichi/Raimei saga opens with Raimei glaring at the Aizawa family as they are eat. Kouichi goes and meets her outside. She wants to visit Thobari's house with him. He agrees and compliments her hat. She throws off his compliment and he doesn't know how to respond.
She tells him that she made a promise with Miharu to steal Thobari's scroll. Kouichi is not surprised since she is easy to read. She feels annoyed at herself and lists her faults. Kouichi tells her that a straight-forward personality is not something to feel bad about. He thanks her for acting normally around him. "A confession?" she asks and his heart thumps louder as he attempts to play it off. But she becomes serious quickly and thanks him for his kind words.
Some days later, Kouichi is attacked. He can't find the perpetrators and while searching for them he bumps into Raimei. They head off together in search of the attacker. Kouichi just manages to avoid being directly hit by a bullet and makes a joke out of the situation for Raimei's sake.
Shijima tracks down Kouichi and they begin to discuss the situation, leaving Raimei to feel left out of the conversation. She points this out and immediately demands to know what kind of relationship they have. Shijima hints that she and Kouichi share a destiny and points out he even chose her clothes. Kouichi - appearing annoyed and flustered - tells Raimei this is oversimplifying things.
Three days have pass and it seems as if Raimei has been staying with Kouichi the whole time. Neither of them has gotten much sleep
, but Kouichi insists she must rest. She gives him one of her most unguarded looks and attempts to ask him something... but she falls asleep before she can say anything more.
When Miharu is kidnapped, Kouichi and Raimei are quick to go find him. Shijima even helps them and finding Miharu becomes top priority. Kouichi knows this, and knows he might be the only one that can find him. But it comes at a price.
Kouichi's eyes become distorted as he allows his natural night vision to kick in. Shijima notices what he is up to and warns him: if he changes back it will be hard for him to regain his current form. He takes off his glasses and begins to transform anyway. As he transforms he hears his name being called out - it's Raimei.
He looks at her before transforming and she watches him change into an owl. She finally knows what he is. We get a beautiful panel of him as an owl and then we see Raimei, watching him fly across the sky from below.
Kouichi relays information to Shijima about Miharu's location while Raimei and Yoite follow close behind. At one points Raimei becomes frustrated and yells out to Kouichi: Kouichi! You Bastard-!! You're gonna explain everything from the beginning when this is all over!
Kouichi is just surprised that she still calls him by that name, still sees him as "Kouichi" even in his current form.
After Miharu uses the Shinrabanshō to erase Yoite Miharu sleeps for an entire month. When he wakes up he finds Kouichi - except it's not the Kouichi he remembers but a much younger one. It seems that Kouichi has trouble altering his form too quickly.
Some time later a meeting is held about the Shinrabanshō. Here Kouichi appears to be much older than usual. He can't seem to revert back to his previous age. Raimei asks him about his inability to change back. He asks her if it's weird and she grumbles "yes." Shijima appears and tells Raimei that Kouichi has no skills when it comes to changing his appearance. He can hold his form for long periods of time and through much stress and strain, but the fine-tuning is a problem.
Raimei asks Kouichi if he still wants Miharu to kill him. He smiles as he thinks about how straightforward she is. He tells her it is their dream as immortals. She asks:
Does that mean you want... [to die] right away?
He remembers the moment when she wanted to tell him something before falling asleep. "Right away" is his answer. She is quiet for a moment... and then punches him so hard that he reverts back to his owl form. She ignores this sudden transformation and struggles to find the words that can convey her emotions.
You guys have lived a long time and all but, but I... to me... Kouichi is Kouichi!
She stops shouting and leans over to hold his wings. She tells him she understands his feelings. She lets go of his wings as they become hands again. He has reverted back - without consciously trying - to the 14-year-old Kouichi Raimei is used to. As Kouichi's face lights up in joy, Raimei runs away. It seems like she has realized something.
Why, Hello There Angst
Where Kouichi is given a reason to live but apparently he's kind of an idiot stubborn
Raimei's revelation has only thrown her into more disarray. She technically still has no place to live and at this point I don't think she could handle staying with Kouichi. Just being in Banten is something she doesn't want at the moment. She leaves and goes back to the Shimizu clan's land. She notices that someone has been clearing the land and low and behold she finds Raikou and Gau who have long since deserted Kairoushuu to pay back Yoite for saving Gau's life. Raimei looks on, surprised to find the two there. Raimei suggests they return to Banten but Raikou tells her he will not. He has once again taken on the burden of establishing balance in Nabari. He knows it sounds ridiculous, but he wants to restore the Shimizu clan. For Raimei, something in Raikou's speech clicks. She no longer feels lost. She thinks of Kouichi and then Miharu comes to a conclusion:
I must see the world of Nabari from the point of view of the Shimizu clan again ...we'll make it a lighthouse that will point the way with an unwavering light through the storm of uneasiness...The Shimizu clan will not let anyone use the Shinrabanshō again.
Back in Banten Kouichi worries about Raimei. Miharu tells Kouichi to email her. Kouichi remembers her last words to him and becomes lost in thought.
While watching the news at night (apparently Shijima loves the weather forecast) Kotarou appears to discuss the Shinrabanshō. Thobari gives up Banten's scroll to Kotarou. Kotarou appears devoted to peacefully removing the Shinrabanshō from Miharu.
On another day Kouichi stares at his cell phone, no doubt wanting to contact Raimei. Shijima takes notice and doesn't approve. She tells him not to start feeling attached to life now of all times. He doesn't respond.
On Raimei's side of things, the Shimizu "clan" has become active once more, investigating Kotarou. They don't agree with Kotarou's willingness to use people and his shady dealings. As they discuss this, Gau bursts in to inform them that he spotted Shijima and Kouichi in the area. Raimei becomes lost in thought.
Raikou goes to open the window and Raimei stands behind him, bewildered because Kouichi stands outside it with Shijima. He greets her and she remains quiet. Shijima tells them the purpose of the visit: Kotarou wants them to to stop snooping around. Kouichi leaves first but before he is gone he tells them that they are right about Kotarou - he definitely plans to use the Shinrabanshō. Raimei finally speaks and asks what they mean by that.
Kouichi relates the story of how they met Kotarou. The two immortal animals had human hearts but they (Kouichi in particular) also wished for human bodies. Kotarou helped them achieve that. Kouichi tells them Kotarou wants to destroy the Shinrabanshō after he uses it to kill Kouichi and Shijima. Gau asks how they are sure he will do this and Shijima says she and Kouichi trust Kotarou. Kouichi informs them that Thobari has also put his faith in Kotarou. The two immortals start leaving and Raimei finally bursts. She runs up to Kouichi and tells him something he likely doesn't want to hear.
What will become of "Kouichi?!" If you really want to die then die after you have lived properly as Kouichi!
Raikou places a hand on her shoulder and then approaches Kouichi. Raikou tells him he will not allow anyone to use the Shinrabanshō and that he will stake his life on preventing this. Kouichi respects this decision but Shijima becomes annoyed and attacks Raikou. Kouichi joins in on the fight and Raimei yells at the two immortals to stop, saying there must be a better way to solve things, a way to release them from their immortality without killing them and without using the Shinrabanshō. Shijima mocks her and then jumps to attack her. Raikou jumps in the way and saves his sister. It is then that Kouichi notices Gau. He makes a move towards Gau and Raikou loses it. He slashes Kouichi on the side and Raimei can't stop herself from yelling out. Kouichi tells Raikou to promise to withdraw before someone precious is lost. As he leaves Raimei yells at him but he disappears before he can hear her final words: Are you thinking that you aren't included [as one] of these precious people? Though there is no meaning in screaming when he's gone... Stupid me! Kouichi, you idiot! Raikou and Gau merely look on as she punches the ground. I think It's safe to say that Raimei's feelings for Kouichi have surpassed the friendship level.
The Shimizu trio don't listen. They continue their investigation and Raikou sneaks into a meeting between Kotarou and Kairoushuu's leader. He finds out the horrifying truth: Kotarou has been cooperating with Kairoushuu for the last ten years. Raimei is shocked because this means everyone from the Fuuma village may have betrayed her.
The trio is then attacked by a group of Kairoushuu ninjas, including the new Kira user. The Kira user has the upper hand and Raikou loses focus. Just as he is about to be stabbed by one of the enemy ninja Kouichi appears and kicks the perpetrator out of the way. Raimei and Kouichi exchange looks as she says his name softly. Shijima appears after knocking several other of the enemy ninja. A few of the wounded ask why she and Kouichi are doing this since they were told to protect the two immortals. The Kira user and Kouichi stare at each other and a silent understanding passes between the two of them. The enemy withdraw and the Kira user tells them that "the story will soon start moving towards it's ending."
After they are gone, Raimei calls out Kouichi's name again. He appears to be angry as he tells her that he warned them. Raikou interrupts and asks if they knew about the partnership between Kotarou and Kairoushuu. He says it will be okay since everything is going smoothly. Raimei starts to interrupt but Raikou stops her. They all continue to debate until Shijima's patience end.
Kotarou, Kouichi, the Shimizu clan... whatever. She wants to die and she's prepared to eliminate anyone that tries to stop her from reaching her goal. Raimei answers by sheathing her sword.
Seconds later she changes her mind and attacks Kouichi, once again telling him she can't let him use the Shinrabanshō. Instead she comes up with a solution. She insists that she will fight to protect her ideals, even if it costs her life. She will protect Nabari, she will protect Miharu from being used, and she will protect her own heart.
A fight breaks out and Raikou is stabbed by Shijima. She comments that Kouichi better not be opening his heart up to Raimei, now of all times.
Naturally, he is.
"The one who lives" and "the one who cannot die"
"Person" and "Beast who holds a human heart"
They cannot live the same way ever
Kouichi lectures on as he and Raimei engage in a bloody battle. She slashes him across the body and cuts her in several places. Still she wont stop, not even when he asks her to. The punch each other in the face in desperation and then jump back from each other. Raimei picks up Black Gammon and attacks him... he slices the blade in half.
She falls to the ground, her will to fight extinguished. Kouichi approaches her and begins to call her name. She yells at him: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!
But he continues anyway.
"I'm glad I could live in the same generation as you. You're clumsy, and quick to fight, and kind, and honest to everyone, aren't you?
He reminisces about how the Aizawa family brought up Kouichi kindly but they never knew about the "bird" him. He believed knowing about the bird would only bring them sadness.
When Raimei found out about the bird she behaved in her usual way, not treating his two identities as separate people. Her words "Kouichi's just Kouichi" could not leave his heart. Now matter how hard he tried to shake her off, to make her reject him, she would not leave him. She always reached her hand out to him.
There were always kind people, in every generation, but Raimei-san you're more... special and surpassed both age and time. You took my heart.
She begins to cry. She doesn't want to him to die. She wants to go to school with him and Miharu. She wants all of them to be together again. But she can't look him in the eye as she says it. Perhaps because she knows things aren't that simple, or perhaps because she knows she wants much more than that from him.
She continues to plead with him and then - as the sun shines down - they embrace.
She falls asleep against him and he leans her against the wall. The cat Shijima passes by and he knows he must follow her. He leaves Raimei his coat to keep her warm and says goodbye once again.
WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN
Or The Who/When/Where/What/Why/How?
I was first exposed to Nabari no Ou through the anime adaptation. I was impressed by it but didn't really like the ending. So I picked up the manga. I started to notice something I had only slightly payed attention to in the anime - Kouichi and Raimei have great chemistry. As I read they continued to have little moments that I couldn't help but pick on. Kouichi seemed to understand Raimei's feelings during her arc with Raikou. The way Raimei reacted at news of his death was extremely telling about her feelings towards him. And then when she finds out he's immortal she reaches towards his heart. After that she even jumps out to save him from falling, knowing full well he can't die. Raimei's slight jealousy of Shijima made Kouichi quickly explain that he and Shijima aren't like that. All of it builds up until it explodes and they are no longer a simple side ship of the manga, but a full-blown spotlight hogging, character defining relationship.
It all happens the moment Raimei watches Kouichi change into an owl. The way he glances at her is full of emotion; he looks at her almost regretfully. And she looks up and sees him. Not Kouichi changing into an owl, but just Kouichi changing forms. Following the spread of him soaring through the sky is Raimei looking up, watching him. When she later on calls his name Kouichi realizes she has not separated his two forms from each other. Somewhere in the back of his mind he must have been afraid that she would just see an owl and reject him for not being human.
It's months later when they meet again. Kouichi is in his human form but he's been unsuccessful in returning to his previous age. It's hammered into the readers that he lacks precision. So when Raimei punches him back to his owl form he must have been upset that his weeks of hard work were destroyed. But he appears to be calm as she reaches down to hold the tips of his wings. The moment is beautiful, but the mangaka obscures Raimei's face, hiding her expression. It would give away to much about her true feelings. But, then again, her actions speak loudly enough. And so do Kouichi's. Her touch is enough to make him return to the "right" age. What more can you want from a ship?
In retrospect, her running away is heartbreaking because it signifies the moment things can no longer return to the way they were before. When they are separated they keep thinking about each other. Kouichi's feelings are the most unknown at this point. Or rather his awareness about them is unknown. When he meets her again it's under official business. He remains stoic for the most part while she slowly becomes more and more emotional. When he tells her he still wants to die she tells him why he can't die just yet: she wants him to live properly as Kouichi. Raimei might as well be saying she wants him to grow old and spend his life with her. So when he Kouichi leaves again - even when she's said all this - she is devastated and falls to her knees.
There last meeting (as of August 2009) finally shows us Kouichi's true feelings. He destroys her sword and she loses her sense of self. What is she fighting for anyway? Originally, she wanted Miharu not to use the Shinrabanshō because it put him in danger. But at this point, what she really wants is for Shinrabanshō not to be used to kill Kouichi. She isn't trying to keep Nabari balanced, she's trying to protect herself from getting hurt. Does she even deserve to wield Black Gammon at this point?
Kouichi must realize some of her anguish and he decides not to keep his feelings to himself anymore. He tells her he is glad to have been able to live at the same time as her, glad to have lived long enough to meet her. Her kindness went beyond anyone else's. He wanted her to reject him and when she continued to reach out to him he wanted to reach back. Her age doesn't matter, nothing matters. She took his heart regardless. She cries at his confession (I'd like to add that I generally start sobbing my heart out becoming tear-eyed at his confession, too) and tells him not to die. They then share one of most amazing hugs ever, and it's long overdue (which makes it even better).
I can't help but connect to these two characters. They are both so different from each other but they have that special quality many authors struggle to show their audience.
Despite how many years Kouichi's lived it has always been just Shijima and him at the end of the day. And she's hardly the affectionate type. So even though he is well over two centuries old his maturity level plummets when dealing with Raimei. He's afraid to even send her an email. He checks his phone for messages from her. He worries about her frequently. But when he meets her he tries to act like he has done none of these things. It's so ridiculously unlike his normal acrid self. He is ruthlessly effective as a ninja, constantly conflicting with the much more merciful Thobari. But he never badgers Raimei for her kindness. Instead he seems to admire her for it. His feelings towards her creates a huge conflict for him. He is afraid of her returning that affection. But she does, asking him to live out his life as Koiuchi... with her. All he has ever wanted was to die, but she is making him doubt his wish.
Raimei's current state is wonderfully symbolized in the covers of Chapters 60 and 61. She is no longer reaching out to him and hoping he will join her on his own initiative. No, she is now grasping on to him, stubbornly refusing to let go. As long as she has the power to, she will not let him die.
I don't know where these two will go from here. All I know is that I will eagerly watch their progress, even if it ends tears. I can only hope for them to have a happy ending.
Fandom Guide
The main Nabari no Ou community is the wonderful nabari_no_ou. It's serves as an archive for fanwork, a news source, and a place to answer questions.
Fiction
Stutter Bird by furtherthannear
Perhaps by roseille
Ventricle by scratchmist
path of the children by furtherthannear
Unfair by lamentado
Art
Qashqai @ deviantART
By 兎月 桃乃 @ Lepus
Qashqai @ deviantART
flufie @ deviantART
Kurama-chan @ deviantART
weeshabangxd @ deviantART
Other
AMV by Mitsuru1546
MMV by YoiteDes
MMV by 2muchpink
many icons by heymisspan
Author: main_titles
Words Count: Somewhere around 5,000 - I suck at editing things out.
Fandom: Nabari no Ou (manga)
Pairing: Kouichi/Raimei
Spoilers: Up to Chapter 61
Notes: This essay deals with the manga only since the anime had it's own original ending and the manga is still on-going. This means quotes are all from scanlations (collected from many, many different places) so their accuracy is questionable. All of the inaccurately colored in panels were done by me. ;)
The Story
Apathetic orphan Rokujou Miharu had a relatively normal life working in his family's restaurant before nindo club started to recruit him. Turns out he is the current host of the Shinrabanshō (essentially all the knowledge in world) and ninja's across Japan are out to claim it for themselves. This newfound danger convinces him that joining the nindo club might not be a bad idea after all. However, it's not Miharu this essay focuses on.
Which brings us to the stars of this essay...
The Lovebirds
one more literally than the other
Aizawa Kouichi
The fact that everything dies is what makes life so powerful.
At first glance, Kouichi appears to be a pretty laid-back guy. He has a very agreeable personality and a positive attitude. We learn early on that Kouichi is actually a very serious and ruthless ninja. The first chapter alone features him stabbing Miharu in order to stop the Shinrabanshō from activating. His appearance is unusual: he has white hair and red eyes.
Shimizu Raimei
What I believe in above all else is my skill and this sword.
In a world of ninjas Raimei is an oddity. She claims to be a samurai and for the most part doesn't care about learning ninjutsu. She drags her sword - Kurogamon - almost everywhere she goes. She can be brash at times but it's a part of her charm.
The Beginning
Kouichi is arguing with Thobari-sensei - he wants to recruit more ninjas from the surface world but Thobari disagrees - when Raimei appears from a ventilator shaft in the ceiling. It's love at first sight... or not. She attacks Kouichi because she thinks he is the Shinrabanshō. After the misunderstanding is cleared up, she introduces herself.
At the request of Raimei, Thobari agrees to take Miharu to see Kotarou. During the train ride to Fuuma Village, Raimei tries to liven up the mood. She suggests they talk about their love lives. Miharu has no interest in this line of discussion and Kouichi starts blubbering about a crush he had as a first grader. He then calmly asks if she has a boyfriend. "Hitting on me?" she responds - triggering a massive blush on his part. He denies it and simply tells her he admires her. She tells him he's not her type.
In Fuuma they are attacked by Kairoushuu and at one point Yoite uses Kira on Kouichi's head - it is not a pretty sight.
After the attack Raimei decides she needs more training. Naturally, she drags Kouichi along with her. A member of Fuuma remarks how energetic Kouichi seems for someone who had just been seriously wounded. He does, however, have some difficulty fending of Raimei with one arm in a sling.
That night Kouichi and Raimei meet up with Miharu. He singles out Kouichi in particular and asks what Kouichi wants with the Shinrabanshō's power. Kouichi answers with a question.
When they go back to Banten Raimei asks to stay at Kouichi's for the night (she says that it's expensive staying at lodgings) and he reacts rather comically but eventually gives in. Unfortunately However, she gets a phone call and has to leave.
The next day a woman appears with the ability to read minds. She mentions how Raimei, Kouichi, Miharu, and Thobari are all keeping secrets from each other. Kouichi tries to play off his secret but she calls him out on it. Thobari agrees on the behalf of Banten to listen to her. She offers him information that will aid in removing the Shinrabanshō in exchange for an assassination.
As she leaves she tells Raimei to spill her secret. Raimei tells the other three that information about Raikou's whereabouts have come to light. Raimei is encouraged by Thobari and Kouichi to investigate it.
During the assassination attempt, Thobari is unable to kill the target and endangers his life. Luckily for him, Kouichi steps in and shoots the man. Kouichi even ties up the lose ends and sets someone else up for the blame.
Raimei and Raikou
In which Raimei's past is explored and her character is given depth
Meanwhile, Raimei goes home on the fifth anniversary of the Shimizu clan's destruction. Raikou appears and Raimei tells him she will judge him for his crimes against the Shimizu clan. He asks her whether she will question him about that day. She doesn't want to hear his excuses. They begin to fight and - in a moment of anger - Raikou cuts her across the midriff and tells her stay out of anything to do with Nabari.
Meanwhile, Kouichi tells Thobari he will go find Raimei. Before leaving he gives Thobari a piece of advice to mull over.
Kouichi finds Raimei in the hospital. He finds out Raikou took her sword from her, crushing her pride. As soon as she's able to Raimei storms out of the hospital intending to get it back. Kouichi tells her anger is clouding her judgement and she snaps at him because he sounds too much like Raikou. She tells Kouichi - while grasping at her wound - why she is so angry. She does not thank Raikou for sparing her life. Kouichi calls out to her and Gau hears him. Kouichi and Raimei easily capture him.
Gau asked Raikou about Raimei when Raikou suffered a breakdown after his meeting with her. He tells Gau how Shimizu clan was really destroyed.
It started with the head of Shimizu clan, the sibling's mother. When one of Raikou's classmates wanted revenge on the people that killed her parents Raikou is moved to help her. But when he brings up the idea to his mother he receives the piece of advice he spends the rest of his life going against. When the young girl dies without having her revenge, Raikou snaps. For the next few years he grows to hate his mother deeply. His anger even catch the attention of Raimei. At fifteen, Raikou gets caught up in a coup d'état led by his uncle, Iroku. But things go wrong and Iroku kills his defenseless brother. Both Raikou and his mother are horrified. Iroku becomes crazed and the clan members start fighting amongst themselves. Iroku attacks Raikou and with no time to do anything else his mother protects him at the cost of her life.
He confronts his uncle and kills him... while Raimei looks on. Raikou makes the decision to take the blame for everything and tells her he is joining Kairoushuu.
After Gau finishes sharing all this, Raimei runs away to confront her brother again. Gau tries to run after her but Kouichi stops him.
Raimei finds her brother gathering chrysanthemums. Raikou tells her she needs to fight him if she plans on staying involved in Nabari. She tells him she is not as weak as he thinks.
While they fight she tells him he did not need to shield her from the truth. She did not enjoy hating and blaming him. She breaks down and sobs and he apologizes. Raimei wants him to leave Kairoushuu but he refuses. She argues with him and soon they are fighting again. At one point, Raikou lunges at her. However Gau runs in front of Raimei. He tells them they are family and must stop fighting.
At the hospital Raikou and Raimei finally reconcile. Raikou is upset with himself for hurting Gau and for dragging him into their conflict in the first place. He breaks down and it's Raimei's turn to consul him.
He leaves and returns to Kairoushuu, but this time their parting leaves no hard feelings. Raimei returns to her friends and gives the startled Miharu a hug instead of poor Kouichi who has his arms outstretched for her.
Kouichi's Secret
Where Kouichi's true nature is revealed
Banten is invited to Alya Academy and while there they bump into several Kairoushuu members. During the night, both the Kairoushuu group and the Banten group are attacked by students from Alya Academy. Raimei ends up bumping into Miharu and they search for the source of all the commotion. They bump into the white-haired student council member, Shijima and retreat into the basement. They fight with Shijima but it does not go well. Even when she is injured she shakes it off.
Kouichi finds him stuck with Thobari, much to his disdain. Raikou and Yukimi appear and Yukimi is taken aback by the nonchalant Kouichi standing in the hallway. Kouichi is annoyed because Thobari is bandaging up one of the kids that attacked them. Kouichi jokes that he wouldn't mind joining Kairoushuu if only to get away from Thobari's overly kind ways. They hear loud noise from the basement and begin to head there. At one point Raikou and Kouichi end up sadistically tickling a student for information.
While on their way to the basement, Kouichi is captured and held at gunpoint but Yukimi creates a distraction. Kouichi escapes and attempts to kill his former captor. Thobari tries to stop him... and Kouichi lets him have it. While his back is turned he is shot. As he falls over and he blames Thobari for his death and tells him he can not protect those dear to him with his current mindset.
Now everyone but Kouichi become trapped in the basement. While the await their fate, Raimei asks Thobari where Kouichi is. He freezes up and does not answer. So Raikou tells her he died. She freaks out and starts yelling - but Raikou tells her stop because they must conserve oxygen.
In reality, Kouichi actually shrugs off the bullet and tracks down the people trying to kill the headmaster, though he does look a little different than usual. He remarks "It would have been nice if I had died." He is shot even more times and the headmaster's would be murderer asks Kouichi why he won't die - Kouichi tells him he can't. When the commotion is finally over the headmaster finally comments:
White hair... Immortal... You're... Could you be her... [ * ]
*friend/partner/etc - the headmaster is not mistaking Kouichi for a girl.
Kouichi ignores his comments and takes him to the basement to let everyone trapped out. There he is greeted by Shijima who tells him he's late.
The next person to greet Kouichi is Raimei. She calls out his name and tells him she was worried he died. She appears completely different from the last time we saw her.
Later on, Kouichi slips away with Shijima. They have a conversation in the woods while birds flock around them. Eventually, Shijima leans against him and turns into Shiratama - Miharu's cat.
When they are back at Banten Junior High, Kouichi and Raimei bump into Thobari. Kouichi decides he will finally tell the both of them the truth. He is immortal and in order to offer them proof he tries to show them the place where he was shot but Raimei doesn't approve of his stripping habits. He shows her anyway and the gravity of the situation hits her. She stands in front of him and her heart starts beating loudly as she reaches out to touch him.
We then find out the reason of his immortality: one of the Shinrabanshō users carried out living body experiments and Kouichi was one of his creations. Eventually, the man died and Kouichi was left to wander Japan, trying to find a way to die. Ten years earlier he arrived in Banten and became the adopted son of the Aizawa family. He tells Thobari and Raimei that he wants Miharu to use the Shinrabanshō to kill him.
He tells the two exactly why he wants to die: he no longer wants to see those he cares about grow old and die right in front of his eyes. He then lets himself fall backwards and to his surprise both Raimei and Thobari run and catch him. Raimei tells him it's because he is immortal that he must take care of himself.
Things Get Complicated
Where their friendship blossoms into something more
Author's Note: So far I have been summarizing the events that involve Kouichi and Raimei. This was just in case people haven't read the first few arcs in a while since they did come out some time ago. Anyway, now the true shipping begins. Everything that follows is my interpretation of events, and well, it's pretty nice here in Fangirlville. ♥
The next section of the Kouichi/Raimei saga opens with Raimei glaring at the Aizawa family as they are eat. Kouichi goes and meets her outside. She wants to visit Thobari's house with him. He agrees and compliments her hat. She throws off his compliment and he doesn't know how to respond.
She tells him that she made a promise with Miharu to steal Thobari's scroll. Kouichi is not surprised since she is easy to read. She feels annoyed at herself and lists her faults. Kouichi tells her that a straight-forward personality is not something to feel bad about. He thanks her for acting normally around him. "A confession?" she asks and his heart thumps louder as he attempts to play it off. But she becomes serious quickly and thanks him for his kind words.
Some days later, Kouichi is attacked. He can't find the perpetrators and while searching for them he bumps into Raimei. They head off together in search of the attacker. Kouichi just manages to avoid being directly hit by a bullet and makes a joke out of the situation for Raimei's sake.
Shijima tracks down Kouichi and they begin to discuss the situation, leaving Raimei to feel left out of the conversation. She points this out and immediately demands to know what kind of relationship they have. Shijima hints that she and Kouichi share a destiny and points out he even chose her clothes. Kouichi - appearing annoyed and flustered - tells Raimei this is oversimplifying things.
Three days have pass and it seems as if Raimei has been staying with Kouichi the whole time. Neither of them has gotten much sleep
, but Kouichi insists she must rest. She gives him one of her most unguarded looks and attempts to ask him something... but she falls asleep before she can say anything more.
When Miharu is kidnapped, Kouichi and Raimei are quick to go find him. Shijima even helps them and finding Miharu becomes top priority. Kouichi knows this, and knows he might be the only one that can find him. But it comes at a price.
Kouichi's eyes become distorted as he allows his natural night vision to kick in. Shijima notices what he is up to and warns him: if he changes back it will be hard for him to regain his current form. He takes off his glasses and begins to transform anyway. As he transforms he hears his name being called out - it's Raimei.
He looks at her before transforming and she watches him change into an owl. She finally knows what he is. We get a beautiful panel of him as an owl and then we see Raimei, watching him fly across the sky from below.
Kouichi relays information to Shijima about Miharu's location while Raimei and Yoite follow close behind. At one points Raimei becomes frustrated and yells out to Kouichi: Kouichi! You Bastard-!! You're gonna explain everything from the beginning when this is all over!
Kouichi is just surprised that she still calls him by that name, still sees him as "Kouichi" even in his current form.
After Miharu uses the Shinrabanshō to erase Yoite Miharu sleeps for an entire month. When he wakes up he finds Kouichi - except it's not the Kouichi he remembers but a much younger one. It seems that Kouichi has trouble altering his form too quickly.
Some time later a meeting is held about the Shinrabanshō. Here Kouichi appears to be much older than usual. He can't seem to revert back to his previous age. Raimei asks him about his inability to change back. He asks her if it's weird and she grumbles "yes." Shijima appears and tells Raimei that Kouichi has no skills when it comes to changing his appearance. He can hold his form for long periods of time and through much stress and strain, but the fine-tuning is a problem.
Raimei asks Kouichi if he still wants Miharu to kill him. He smiles as he thinks about how straightforward she is. He tells her it is their dream as immortals. She asks:
Does that mean you want... [to die] right away?
He remembers the moment when she wanted to tell him something before falling asleep. "Right away" is his answer. She is quiet for a moment... and then punches him so hard that he reverts back to his owl form. She ignores this sudden transformation and struggles to find the words that can convey her emotions.
You guys have lived a long time and all but, but I... to me... Kouichi is Kouichi!
She stops shouting and leans over to hold his wings. She tells him she understands his feelings. She lets go of his wings as they become hands again. He has reverted back - without consciously trying - to the 14-year-old Kouichi Raimei is used to. As Kouichi's face lights up in joy, Raimei runs away. It seems like she has realized something.
Why, Hello There Angst
Where Kouichi is given a reason to live but apparently he's kind of an idiot stubborn
Raimei's revelation has only thrown her into more disarray. She technically still has no place to live and at this point I don't think she could handle staying with Kouichi. Just being in Banten is something she doesn't want at the moment. She leaves and goes back to the Shimizu clan's land. She notices that someone has been clearing the land and low and behold she finds Raikou and Gau who have long since deserted Kairoushuu to pay back Yoite for saving Gau's life. Raimei looks on, surprised to find the two there. Raimei suggests they return to Banten but Raikou tells her he will not. He has once again taken on the burden of establishing balance in Nabari. He knows it sounds ridiculous, but he wants to restore the Shimizu clan. For Raimei, something in Raikou's speech clicks. She no longer feels lost. She thinks of Kouichi and then Miharu comes to a conclusion:
I must see the world of Nabari from the point of view of the Shimizu clan again ...we'll make it a lighthouse that will point the way with an unwavering light through the storm of uneasiness...The Shimizu clan will not let anyone use the Shinrabanshō again.
Back in Banten Kouichi worries about Raimei. Miharu tells Kouichi to email her. Kouichi remembers her last words to him and becomes lost in thought.
While watching the news at night (apparently Shijima loves the weather forecast) Kotarou appears to discuss the Shinrabanshō. Thobari gives up Banten's scroll to Kotarou. Kotarou appears devoted to peacefully removing the Shinrabanshō from Miharu.
On another day Kouichi stares at his cell phone, no doubt wanting to contact Raimei. Shijima takes notice and doesn't approve. She tells him not to start feeling attached to life now of all times. He doesn't respond.
On Raimei's side of things, the Shimizu "clan" has become active once more, investigating Kotarou. They don't agree with Kotarou's willingness to use people and his shady dealings. As they discuss this, Gau bursts in to inform them that he spotted Shijima and Kouichi in the area. Raimei becomes lost in thought.
Raikou goes to open the window and Raimei stands behind him, bewildered because Kouichi stands outside it with Shijima. He greets her and she remains quiet. Shijima tells them the purpose of the visit: Kotarou wants them to to stop snooping around. Kouichi leaves first but before he is gone he tells them that they are right about Kotarou - he definitely plans to use the Shinrabanshō. Raimei finally speaks and asks what they mean by that.
Kouichi relates the story of how they met Kotarou. The two immortal animals had human hearts but they (Kouichi in particular) also wished for human bodies. Kotarou helped them achieve that. Kouichi tells them Kotarou wants to destroy the Shinrabanshō after he uses it to kill Kouichi and Shijima. Gau asks how they are sure he will do this and Shijima says she and Kouichi trust Kotarou. Kouichi informs them that Thobari has also put his faith in Kotarou. The two immortals start leaving and Raimei finally bursts. She runs up to Kouichi and tells him something he likely doesn't want to hear.
What will become of "Kouichi?!" If you really want to die then die after you have lived properly as Kouichi!
Raikou places a hand on her shoulder and then approaches Kouichi. Raikou tells him he will not allow anyone to use the Shinrabanshō and that he will stake his life on preventing this. Kouichi respects this decision but Shijima becomes annoyed and attacks Raikou. Kouichi joins in on the fight and Raimei yells at the two immortals to stop, saying there must be a better way to solve things, a way to release them from their immortality without killing them and without using the Shinrabanshō. Shijima mocks her and then jumps to attack her. Raikou jumps in the way and saves his sister. It is then that Kouichi notices Gau. He makes a move towards Gau and Raikou loses it. He slashes Kouichi on the side and Raimei can't stop herself from yelling out. Kouichi tells Raikou to promise to withdraw before someone precious is lost. As he leaves Raimei yells at him but he disappears before he can hear her final words: Are you thinking that you aren't included [as one] of these precious people? Though there is no meaning in screaming when he's gone... Stupid me! Kouichi, you idiot! Raikou and Gau merely look on as she punches the ground. I think It's safe to say that Raimei's feelings for Kouichi have surpassed the friendship level.
The Shimizu trio don't listen. They continue their investigation and Raikou sneaks into a meeting between Kotarou and Kairoushuu's leader. He finds out the horrifying truth: Kotarou has been cooperating with Kairoushuu for the last ten years. Raimei is shocked because this means everyone from the Fuuma village may have betrayed her.
The trio is then attacked by a group of Kairoushuu ninjas, including the new Kira user. The Kira user has the upper hand and Raikou loses focus. Just as he is about to be stabbed by one of the enemy ninja Kouichi appears and kicks the perpetrator out of the way. Raimei and Kouichi exchange looks as she says his name softly. Shijima appears after knocking several other of the enemy ninja. A few of the wounded ask why she and Kouichi are doing this since they were told to protect the two immortals. The Kira user and Kouichi stare at each other and a silent understanding passes between the two of them. The enemy withdraw and the Kira user tells them that "the story will soon start moving towards it's ending."
After they are gone, Raimei calls out Kouichi's name again. He appears to be angry as he tells her that he warned them. Raikou interrupts and asks if they knew about the partnership between Kotarou and Kairoushuu. He says it will be okay since everything is going smoothly. Raimei starts to interrupt but Raikou stops her. They all continue to debate until Shijima's patience end.
Kotarou, Kouichi, the Shimizu clan... whatever. She wants to die and she's prepared to eliminate anyone that tries to stop her from reaching her goal. Raimei answers by sheathing her sword.
Seconds later she changes her mind and attacks Kouichi, once again telling him she can't let him use the Shinrabanshō. Instead she comes up with a solution. She insists that she will fight to protect her ideals, even if it costs her life. She will protect Nabari, she will protect Miharu from being used, and she will protect her own heart.
A fight breaks out and Raikou is stabbed by Shijima. She comments that Kouichi better not be opening his heart up to Raimei, now of all times.
Naturally, he is.
"The one who lives" and "the one who cannot die"
"Person" and "Beast who holds a human heart"
They cannot live the same way ever
Kouichi lectures on as he and Raimei engage in a bloody battle. She slashes him across the body and cuts her in several places. Still she wont stop, not even when he asks her to. The punch each other in the face in desperation and then jump back from each other. Raimei picks up Black Gammon and attacks him... he slices the blade in half.
She falls to the ground, her will to fight extinguished. Kouichi approaches her and begins to call her name. She yells at him: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!
But he continues anyway.
"I'm glad I could live in the same generation as you. You're clumsy, and quick to fight, and kind, and honest to everyone, aren't you?
He reminisces about how the Aizawa family brought up Kouichi kindly but they never knew about the "bird" him. He believed knowing about the bird would only bring them sadness.
When Raimei found out about the bird she behaved in her usual way, not treating his two identities as separate people. Her words "Kouichi's just Kouichi" could not leave his heart. Now matter how hard he tried to shake her off, to make her reject him, she would not leave him. She always reached her hand out to him.
There were always kind people, in every generation, but Raimei-san you're more... special and surpassed both age and time. You took my heart.
She begins to cry. She doesn't want to him to die. She wants to go to school with him and Miharu. She wants all of them to be together again. But she can't look him in the eye as she says it. Perhaps because she knows things aren't that simple, or perhaps because she knows she wants much more than that from him.
She continues to plead with him and then - as the sun shines down - they embrace.
She falls asleep against him and he leans her against the wall. The cat Shijima passes by and he knows he must follow her. He leaves Raimei his coat to keep her warm and says goodbye once again.
WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN
Or The Who/When/Where/What/Why/How?
I was first exposed to Nabari no Ou through the anime adaptation. I was impressed by it but didn't really like the ending. So I picked up the manga. I started to notice something I had only slightly payed attention to in the anime - Kouichi and Raimei have great chemistry. As I read they continued to have little moments that I couldn't help but pick on. Kouichi seemed to understand Raimei's feelings during her arc with Raikou. The way Raimei reacted at news of his death was extremely telling about her feelings towards him. And then when she finds out he's immortal she reaches towards his heart. After that she even jumps out to save him from falling, knowing full well he can't die. Raimei's slight jealousy of Shijima made Kouichi quickly explain that he and Shijima aren't like that. All of it builds up until it explodes and they are no longer a simple side ship of the manga, but a full-blown spotlight hogging, character defining relationship.
It all happens the moment Raimei watches Kouichi change into an owl. The way he glances at her is full of emotion; he looks at her almost regretfully. And she looks up and sees him. Not Kouichi changing into an owl, but just Kouichi changing forms. Following the spread of him soaring through the sky is Raimei looking up, watching him. When she later on calls his name Kouichi realizes she has not separated his two forms from each other. Somewhere in the back of his mind he must have been afraid that she would just see an owl and reject him for not being human.
It's months later when they meet again. Kouichi is in his human form but he's been unsuccessful in returning to his previous age. It's hammered into the readers that he lacks precision. So when Raimei punches him back to his owl form he must have been upset that his weeks of hard work were destroyed. But he appears to be calm as she reaches down to hold the tips of his wings. The moment is beautiful, but the mangaka obscures Raimei's face, hiding her expression. It would give away to much about her true feelings. But, then again, her actions speak loudly enough. And so do Kouichi's. Her touch is enough to make him return to the "right" age. What more can you want from a ship?
In retrospect, her running away is heartbreaking because it signifies the moment things can no longer return to the way they were before. When they are separated they keep thinking about each other. Kouichi's feelings are the most unknown at this point. Or rather his awareness about them is unknown. When he meets her again it's under official business. He remains stoic for the most part while she slowly becomes more and more emotional. When he tells her he still wants to die she tells him why he can't die just yet: she wants him to live properly as Kouichi. Raimei might as well be saying she wants him to grow old and spend his life with her. So when he Kouichi leaves again - even when she's said all this - she is devastated and falls to her knees.
There last meeting (as of August 2009) finally shows us Kouichi's true feelings. He destroys her sword and she loses her sense of self. What is she fighting for anyway? Originally, she wanted Miharu not to use the Shinrabanshō because it put him in danger. But at this point, what she really wants is for Shinrabanshō not to be used to kill Kouichi. She isn't trying to keep Nabari balanced, she's trying to protect herself from getting hurt. Does she even deserve to wield Black Gammon at this point?
Kouichi must realize some of her anguish and he decides not to keep his feelings to himself anymore. He tells her he is glad to have been able to live at the same time as her, glad to have lived long enough to meet her. Her kindness went beyond anyone else's. He wanted her to reject him and when she continued to reach out to him he wanted to reach back. Her age doesn't matter, nothing matters. She took his heart regardless. She cries at his confession (I'd like to add that I generally start sobbing my heart out becoming tear-eyed at his confession, too) and tells him not to die. They then share one of most amazing hugs ever, and it's long overdue (which makes it even better).
I can't help but connect to these two characters. They are both so different from each other but they have that special quality many authors struggle to show their audience.
Despite how many years Kouichi's lived it has always been just Shijima and him at the end of the day. And she's hardly the affectionate type. So even though he is well over two centuries old his maturity level plummets when dealing with Raimei. He's afraid to even send her an email. He checks his phone for messages from her. He worries about her frequently. But when he meets her he tries to act like he has done none of these things. It's so ridiculously unlike his normal acrid self. He is ruthlessly effective as a ninja, constantly conflicting with the much more merciful Thobari. But he never badgers Raimei for her kindness. Instead he seems to admire her for it. His feelings towards her creates a huge conflict for him. He is afraid of her returning that affection. But she does, asking him to live out his life as Koiuchi... with her. All he has ever wanted was to die, but she is making him doubt his wish.
Raimei's current state is wonderfully symbolized in the covers of Chapters 60 and 61. She is no longer reaching out to him and hoping he will join her on his own initiative. No, she is now grasping on to him, stubbornly refusing to let go. As long as she has the power to, she will not let him die.
I don't know where these two will go from here. All I know is that I will eagerly watch their progress, even if it ends tears. I can only hope for them to have a happy ending.
Fandom Guide
The main Nabari no Ou community is the wonderful nabari_no_ou. It's serves as an archive for fanwork, a news source, and a place to answer questions.
Fiction
Stutter Bird by furtherthannear
Perhaps by roseille
Ventricle by scratchmist
path of the children by furtherthannear
Unfair by lamentado
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