Kikunojo

Kikunojo 	Kikunojo
 	
菊之丞, Kikunojo お菊, O-Kiku 残雪の菊之丞, Kikunojo of the Lingering Snow 鉄の国で一番美しい剣士, Prettiest Swordsman in The Land of Iron 	菊之丞, Kikunojo お菊, O-Kiku 残雪の菊之丞, Kikunojo of the Lingering Snow 鉄の国で一番美しい剣士, Prettiest Swordsman in The Land of Iron
Personal 	Personal
Birthdate 	September 9
Gender 	Male
Status 	Alive
Age 	Part I: 18-19 Part II: 22-24
Height 	Part II: 218.4 cm
Classification 	Samurai
Occupation 	Retainer of Mifune's Family
Affiliation 	Land of Iron Nine Red Scabbards
Family
Unnamed Father 	Family
Unnamed Father
Nature Type Water Release 	Nature Type Water Release
JutsuJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleTo add more just copy+paste 	JutsuJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleJutsu exampleTo add more just copy+paste
Kikunojo (菊之丞, Kikunojo) more commonly referred to by her title of Kikunojo of the Lingering Snow, Kiku or O-Kiku, is a samurai from the Land of Iron and a retainer for Mifune's family and serving as one of his Nine Red Scabbards.
==Background==
As the first of Mifune's Nine Red Scabbards, Kikunojo holds a prestigious position as a retainer to General Mifune. Her role involves not only combat duties but also serving as a key figure in maintaining the safety and honor of the Land of Iron.
Kikunojo’s journey is marked by a profound transformation that reshaped both her personal identity and her role within the Land of Iron. Originally born male, Kikunojo was celebrated as “the most beautiful swordsman in the Land of Iron,” a title that underscored both her remarkable martial prowess and her exceptional physical beauty. Her early reputation was built upon her formidable skills with a sword and her striking appearance, which set her apart even among the elite samurai.
However, this acclaim did not fully encompass Kikunojo’s inner self. Her father's death was a pivotal moment in her life, acting as a catalyst for deep personal reflection and change. The loss of her father, who had been both a mentor and a paternal figure, left Kikunojo grappling with her identity and purpose. In the wake of this profound loss, she found the strength to confront her true self and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Embracing her true identity, Kikunojo made the courageous decision to live as a woman. This transition involved more than just a change in external presentation; it represented a significant shift in how she understood and expressed herself. She adopted feminine pronouns and began to embody traits traditionally associated with femininity, such as a more nuanced emotional expression and an appreciation for elements of beauty and grace in her life.
Despite this transformation, Kikunojo remained deeply committed to her samurai principles and skills. Her transition did not diminish her dedication to her role as a warrior; rather, it added new layers to her understanding of strength and honor. She continued to wield her sword with unparalleled skill, upholding the same code of conduct and discipline that had defined her earlier life. Her samurai spirit was now complemented by a new, deeply personal sense of self, merging her past achievements with her present identity.
== Appearance ==
Kikunojo is an imposing figure, standing at an impressive 218.4 cm (7 feet 2 inches), which sets her apart from her peers and contributes to her commanding presence. Her striking beauty is renowned throughout the Land of Iron, a contrast to her formidable samurai prowess. 
Her long, dark hair flows gracefully down her back, its rich hue reminiscent of twilight. This luxurious mane is framed by square bangs that hover just above her eyebrows, highlighting her indigo eyes—a vivid and captivating feature that reflects her keen perception and inner strength.
The sides of her face are adorned with shoulder-length strands of hair that accentuate her delicate features, creating a balanced and harmonious look. Her eyes, with their deep indigo color, are often described as both mesmerizing and intense, capable of conveying both warmth and authority.
Kikunojo’s evolution in fashion is a testament to her personal journey. In her earlier years, she adhered to the traditional masculine attire of samurai, which included robust, armor-like garments designed for battle. However, following the death of her father, Kikunojo underwent a profound transformation. 
She began to embrace a more feminine appearance, marked by a shift to elegant, softer clothing that includes intricately designed kimonos and ceremonial robes. This new wardrobe is often characterized by flowing fabrics, intricate patterns, and rich, vibrant colors that complement her striking appearance.
One of the most notable changes is her use of red lipstick, a symbol of her embrace of a feminine identity. This cosmetic choice is not just a personal preference but also an expression of her newfound self and a nod to her inner strength and confidence. The contrast between her traditionally masculine samurai background and her contemporary feminine presentation creates a unique and compelling image, embodying both her respect for her past and her pride in her present self.
== Personality ==
Kikunojo epitomizes the archetype of a confident and battle-hardened warrior, forged through years of rigorous training and battlefield experience. Her confidence is not merely a reflection of her formidable combat abilities but also of her unwavering sense of purpose and self-assurance. Her presence commands respect, and her reputation as a formidable fighter is well-earned. However, her strength extends beyond the battlefield; it is deeply intertwined with her moral convictions and personal values.
At her core, Kikunojo possesses a profound sense of justice that drives her actions and decisions. This sense of justice is not just about adhering to the rules but about a deep-seated commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding the principles of honor and fairness. Her sense of right and wrong guides her interactions and decisions, making her a staunch advocate for those who cannot defend themselves. This moral compass is central to her identity as both a samurai and an individual.
Despite her formidable nature, Kikunojo’s demeanor is characterized by warmth and approachability. She is known for her friendliness and the genuine concern she shows for those around her. Her protective nature is evident in her actions, as she goes to great lengths to shield her allies and the people she cares about from harm. This juxtaposition of strength and kindness makes her a beloved figure among her peers and a trusted ally to those in need.
In her interactions, Kikunojo occasionally uses the archaic pronoun “sessha” when referring to herself. This choice is a nod to her samurai heritage, reflecting the formal and respectful language traditionally used by samurai of old. By incorporating “sessha” into her speech, she honors the historical and cultural significance of her role while also emphasizing her respect for the traditions that have shaped her. This linguistic choice also serves to reinforce her connection to her samurai roots, distinguishing her formal interactions from her more personal and relaxed demeanor.
== Abilities ==
Combat Skills and Swordsmanship:
Kikunojo is widely celebrated for her extraordinary swordsmanship and combat prowess, distinguishing herself as one of the most skilled samurai in the Land of Iron. Her expertise in the art of swordplay is the result of rigorous training and a deep dedication to mastering her craft. Her combat abilities are not just a testament to her physical strength but also to her strategic mind and unparalleled technique.
Training and Techniques: From a young age, Kikunojo underwent intense training in the traditional samurai arts, focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of combat. Her training encompassed a range of classical sword techniques, including precise strikes, fluid movements, and defensive maneuvers. This foundation in traditional techniques has equipped her with a deep understanding of swordsmanship, allowing her to execute complex moves with grace and efficiency.
Kikunojo's training was not limited to rote practice; it also involved rigorous mental discipline and strategic thinking. She mastered the art of anticipating her opponent’s moves and exploiting their weaknesses, a skill that enhances her effectiveness in combat. Her ability to maintain focus and composure under pressure is a testament to her mental fortitude and training.
Blending Tradition with Innovation: While Kikunojo's skills are deeply rooted in traditional samurai techniques, she has also developed a distinctive fighting style that reflects her personal approach to swordplay. This unique style integrates traditional techniques with innovative tactics, creating a hybrid approach that sets her apart from other samurai.
Her fighting style is characterized by a fluid and adaptive approach, allowing her to transition seamlessly between aggressive attacks and defensive maneuvers. She incorporates elements such as rapid, precise strikes and elegant, sweeping movements, blending them into a cohesive and dynamic form of combat. This fusion of old and new techniques enables her to handle a variety of opponents and combat scenarios with exceptional versatility.
Kikunojo is also known for her ability to adapt her techniques based on the specific demands of a fight. Whether facing a single adversary or multiple opponents, she adjusts her strategy and tactics to maximize her effectiveness. This adaptability is a key component of her combat prowess, allowing her to maintain an edge in diverse and challenging situations.
Reputation and Legacy: Kikunojo’s reputation as a formidable swordsman is well-earned, and her skills are often the subject of admiration and respect among her peers and adversaries alike. Her combat style, which blends traditional techniques with her innovative approach, has set a high standard for swordsmanship in the Land of Iron.
Her legacy as a warrior is not only defined by her technical abilities but also by her impact on the practice of swordplay. She serves as an inspiration to other samurai and martial artists, demonstrating that mastery of the sword involves both honoring tradition and embracing personal innovation.