Ayari

**Ayari** (アヤリ) is the one of the characters in the manga series *Wild Strawberry*. Ayari identifies as a cadet and operates within the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad, which falls under the command of Hikishima.

## Appearance

Ayari's distinguishing features include long, black hair that extends down to her waist. She sports a distinctive, somewhat uneven fringe that falls just above her eyes. As part of her attire, Ayari adorns herself with drop-type earrings on both ears and a black choker featuring a small circular metal pendant.

Her clothing choice consists of a middle-school sailor-style uniform, featuring a sailor collar adorned with two white stripes and a prominent ribbon tied neatly at the front. Over this, she wears a substantial jacket reminiscent of a varsity style with thick collar. This jacket proudly displays the Funeral Flower Force logo on the right chest, along with her squad affiliation, which is the 7th Squad under the leadership of Hikishima.

## Personality

Ayari, the female member of the Flower Funeral Force recognized by her logo-emblazoned jacket, revealed her quick and confident personality when a Jinka linked to her sawtooth weapon behaved inappropriately, earning her the playful moniker "pervy plant." Despite showing signs of allergies to the Jinka's pollen, she didn't let it hinder her determination. Ayari held the position of a cadet within the Flower Funeral Force, rather than a full-fledged member, and wielded a unique tool known as flower-pruning shears, specially designed to control the power of Jinkas.

Her complex relationship with Jinkas stemmed from a childhood memory, leading to a strong aversion toward them. Even when Kingo urged her to befriend a Jinka, she vehemently disagreed, and the mere idea made her physically ill. In her belief, only the Special Flower Funeral Forces had the ability to locate the Mother Jinka and reverse transformations. However, she was taken aback when Kingo proposed joining the Special Flower Funeral Force to independently reach the Mother Jinka.

Initially amused by the notion, Ayari's demeanor turned serious as she issued a challenge to Kingo, asking him to prove that the Jinka within him posed no harm by engaging in combat. Employing a technique reminiscent of her former partner's underhanded tactics, this encounter ultimately led to Kingo's transformation. Despite his altered appearance, Ayari commended his unwavering determination to demonstrate his non-threatening nature.

Throughout their interaction, Ayari exhibited a blend of playfulness and assertiveness. She didn't hesitate to call out Makoto for not stepping in to assist when she was in jeopardy during the confrontation, showcasing her willingness to stand up for herself. In a teasing manner, she also poked fun at Kingo's attempts to earn favor and lightheartedly suggested he might be feeling a bit fearful.

## Plot

### Background

Ayari, with a hint of remorse, struck Kingo's face as a way to show her dislike for Jinkas and clarify their role in self-neutralization. This revelation brought forth a powerful childhood memory for her, one that involved being in a stairwell filled with blood, highlighting her complicated feelings toward Jinkas. She strongly expressed her negative response to Kingo's idea of befriending a Jinka, which even made her sick.

## Relationships

### Non-Familial

* **Kingo:** Ayari encountered Kingo during the same incident with the misbehaving Jinka. Kingo inquired about the presence of a Jinka with her due to her affiliation with the Flower Funeral Force. Ayari displayed signs of an allergic reaction to the Jinka's pollen. She also observed Kingo's ability to summon Kayano's aid. Kingo expressed his pressing need to reach the Mother Jinka to restore Kayano's humanity, which Ayari initially deemed impractical. However, Kingo's determination led him to propose joining the Special Flower Funeral Force, surprising Ayari. She issued a challenge to Kingo to prove the innocuous nature of the Jinka within him. They engaged in combat, and Ayari extracted Kingo's heart, revealing her birthday and goal of joining the Special Flower Funeral Force. Despite their conflict, Ayari acknowledged Kingo's determination.
* **Makoto:** Makoto arrived on the scene and questioned Kingo about his identity. Ayari was present during Makoto's arrival and observed his eccentric behavior. Makoto recognized signs of dehydration in Kingo and gave him a bottle of water. Ayari playfully teased Kingo for trying to earn Makoto's favor. She also questioned Makoto's decision not to intervene when she was in danger during the fight. Ayari and Makoto were part of the group that traveled to the Flower Funeral Force headquarters.
* **Hikishima:** Ayari, along with Makoto and possibly other members, is a part of the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad under Hikishima, who is the Funeral Director.

## Operational Proficiency

### Abilities and Skills

* **Combat Proficiency:** Ayari is a skilled combatant, trained by the Flower Funeral Force to counter Jinka threats effectively. She possesses the necessary combat skills and techniques to engage in battles against Jinkas.
	+ Ayari wields a unique weapon referred to as a "sawtooth weapon." This weapon has the capability to deploy and control Jinkas, making it a powerful tool for combat.
* **Jinka Control:** Ayari can command Jinkas through her sawtooth weapon, allowing her to use them strategically in combat situations. She can also retract Jinkas into the weapon when needed.
* **Combat Maneuvers:** Ayari can execute combat maneuvers with precision and speed. She has demonstrated the ability to deploy two sizable sawtooth blades from her weapon for offensive strikes.
* **Allergic Resistance:** Despite her allergic reaction to Jinka pollen, Ayari can endure it and continue to function effectively in combat situations, although it may cause her to sneeze.
* **Strategic Thinking:** Ayari displays strategic thinking and adaptability in combat scenarios, as evidenced by her swift response to the misbehaving Jinka and her ability to perform complex combat techniques.
* **Combat Experience:** Ayari's experience in combat is evident from her proficiency with her sawtooth weapon and her ability to take on challenging opponents.
* **Plant-based Abilities:** Ayari has a unique connection to plants, especially Jinkas, and can utilize them effectively in battle.

### Weaponry

* **Flower Pruning Shears (Sawtooth Weapon):** Ayari's primary weapon is a sawtooth weapon. This weapon not only serves as a means of offense but also as a tool to control and deploy Jinkas in combat situations. It can produce two sizable sawtooth blades for attacks.
* **Flower-Pruning Shears:** Her sawtooth weapon is also referred to as flower-pruning shears. These shears are designed specifically to control a Jinka's power, making them an essential tool for a member of the Flower Funeral Force.
* **Jinkas:** While not a traditional weapon, Ayari can deploy and control Jinkas through her sawtooth weapon, using them effectively in combat.

## Etymology

The name **"アヤリ" (Ayari)** is a Japanese name written in katakana, which is typically used for foreign or non-traditional names, and its etymology may not have traditional Japanese meanings associated with kanji characters. Instead, it is a phonetic rendering of a name.

## Trivia

* Ayari displayed signs of an allergic reaction to the Jinka's pollen, frequently sneezing during the incident.
	+ Ayari vomited when Kingo suggested befriending a Jinka, which evoked an intense adverse reaction in her.
* Ayari is skilled in combat and assumed a combat stance, wielding two sizable sawtooth blades.
	+ Her weapon is called "flower-pruning shears," designed to control a Jinka's power.
	+ She ordered the Jinka to retract into her sawtooth weapon, which initially responded with a perceived threat before complying.
* Ayari expressed her aversion to Jinkas and explained their use to harness power for self-neutralization due to limited alternatives.
* She has a poignant childhood memory involving Jinkas and blood in a stairwell, which highlights her complex relationship with Jinkas.
* During this ordeal, Ayari revealed that her birthday is on May 6th, and her goal is to join the Special Flower Funeral Force.
* She holds the rank of a cadet within the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad, where Hikishima serves as the Funeral Director.

## References

*Wild Strawberry* Manga: Chapter 7 (Page 12).
*Wild Strawberry* Manga: Chapter 3 (Page 14). — Ayari first seen sneezing.
*Wild Strawberry* Manga: Chapter 4 (Page 6). — Ayari revealed her weapon.