Sakakibara Ayaka

, is a character in the Tensei Pandemic manga series. She is a famous fashion designer and Sakakibara Kyousuke's older sister.
==Plot==
As a successful fashion designer, Ayaka is a role model of notable influence to her younger brother, Kyousuke.
She is introduced in the story while Hinata, dressed as a girl and assuming the identity of "Hinako," walks along with Kyousuke to a talent exhibition. Pulling up, Ayaka invites Kyousuke and "Hinako" to join her at a photoshoot for an underwear brand, along with her photographer and "love partner."
The two watch from the side as Ayaka's photoshoot unfolds. Kyousuke, admiring his sister's talent, confides in "Hinako" that he feels he'll never measure up to her achievements. When Ayaka takes a short break from her photoshoot, Hinata compliments her passionate performance. Ayaka reveals that the theme of the shoot is "love" and extends an invitation for Hinata to model as Kyousuke's "love partner." Kyousuke protests this, but Ayaka entices him with the prospect of getting his own exhibit at this year's New York Fashion Week. Despite his internal conflict, Kyousuke would still firmly decline, not wanting to involve "Hinako" in something she finds uncomfortable. However, sensing Kyousuke's internal struggle, Hinata steps forward and agrees to model alongside Kyousuke.
As Hinata puts on the set of underwear, Kyousuke immediately recognizes it as one of his earlier designs. Ayaka admits that she grabbed it from his room on her way to the shoot. Kyousuke protests her intrusion, but Ayaka brushes it off, insisting that this is a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent.
Feeling a bit more at ease knowing that she's wearing something Kyousuke created, Hinata begins with the photoshoot. However, the photographer struggles to capture a satisfactory shot. Observing this, Kyousuke, feeling frustrated, tells his sister not to blame "Hinako" and criticizes his own work, believing it's not good enough to produce any decent photos. Ayaka, however, laughs in response, assuring him that his clothes already look like they were made by a professional.
Ayaka then asks Kyousuke why he creates clothes. He answers that, like her, dreams of people around the world wearing his designs. She probes further, asking if he imagines the faces of the people he designs for. The image that immediately comes to Kyousuke's mind is his friend Hinata. Flustered, he explains that Hinata was simply the most fitting model.
Ayaka, slightly surprised but understanding, tells him that he has real talent. However, she points out that his work has been held back by feelings of shame and guilt, a reluctance to fully embrace dressing others in his designs. This resistance, she says, is transmitted to those who wear his clothes as well. She encourages Kyousuke to try to get rid of this feeling, and think about what she wants from the person wearing his clothes.
Encouraged by Ayaka's words, Hinata tells Kyousuke not to worry and to share his true feelings, reassuring him to think of her as that friend. Kyousuke, opening up, confesses that what he really wants is for that friend to always be by his side. Ayaka, satisfied with his answer, takes it quite literally — she instructs the photographer to place Kyousuke beside Hinata for the photoshoot. Kyousuke protests, but his sister insists that this is an important step to make sure he never forgets about his feelings. She reminds him that "Hinako" accepted this challenge because of him, and urges him to do it for her.
Kyousuke, still concerned that "Hinako" might be uncomfortable, refutes his sister, but Hinata once again reassures him that it's okay. Though Kyousuke doesn't quite understand the kindness he's receiving, the photoshoot proceeds. Ayaka watches, pleased to see Kyousuke stepping out of his comfort zone. Yet, she reflects that it's still not enough. She believes that true greatness in a creator's work happens when a creator opens their heart and the wearer fully accepts it, creating a mutual trust known as "love."
After the session, Kyousuke woud decline Ayaka's earlier offer of granting him an exhibit at New York, vowing to get there with his own skills. Afterwards, Ayaka hands Kyousuke and "Hinako" two tickets to Mouseland.
After a three-year time skip, Kyousuke is now helping with some of the designs for his sister's brand, and occasionally turns into a girl to model.
==Chapter Appearances==
==References==
==Navigation==