Maori Kasuga

**Maori Kasuga** is a playable character in the *Arcana Heart* series. She is the second eldest of the four Kasuga sisters, with Tsuzune the eldest, and Koito and Kouta the youngest, who specialize in exorcism. Traditional and motherly, she is good friends with Heart Aino and Saki Tsuzura.

Her Arcana is **Ohtsuchi**, the Arcana of Earth.

## Bio

*For the longest of times the Kasuga Family has been performing blessings, exorcisms, purification, and other rituals. As the second eldest out of four siblings, Maori is in charge of directing her sisters during their rituals. With her sisters by her side, the four can unleash a magical arrow that never fails to repel demons.*

## Appearance

Maori has the appearance of a typical shrine maiden. She has fair skin and big brown eyes with thick lashes and long, straightened black hair that resembles an angular hime cut. Her forelocks are held by gold ribbon. She has a large bust and shapely figure.

She wears a normal Shrine Maiden outfit, composed of a white and red dress with white toe socks and red strapped sandals.

She is shown to wear the Misono Academy uniform with a maroon and white vest, as seen in her bonus CG and Heart's ending CG in the first game.

## Personality

A joyfully busy girl, when she isn't working or lending a hand to those who are troubled, she's watching over her little sisters or keeping an eye on Heart. She enjoys those little moments when she gets a chance to relax, such as attending school, which she thinks is actually pretty fun.

She is friendly and well-liked due to her calming nature, and she is very motherly towards others. Her hard-working personality makes her very reliable in times of need. She rarely ever loses her temper, but while she is relaxed in how she treats people like Heart, she is very strict when it comes to upholding tradition. She is prideful of them and will always bravely defend her beliefs.

While she is aware of her curvy frame, she dislikes any sort of improper attention being brought upon it and is likely to scold those who act dirty around her.

## Story

### *Arcana Heart*

Maori, along with her sisters are requested by the Ministry of Elemental Affairs to use their powers and investigate the Skies above Tokyo.

### *Arcana Heart 3*

*Main article: Maori Kasuga/AH3 Storyline*
For generations, the Kasuga family has assisted the Celestial Union with demon-related matters but on occasion they will tend to the Planar Rifts that periodically pop up around the country. Like the Union, she is suspicious of Petra.

## Quotes

* *"If you have an evil aura, my sisters and I will purify it."*
* *To the gods beyond our world, please lend me your powers.* (*Pre-Battle*)

#### Arcade Mode

***Arcana Heart***

* 1st *Congratulations! Don't relax your discipline yet, though, or pride will be your fall.*
* 2nd *Number two on the rankings? Your hard work is beginning to pay off.*
* 3rd *You have been added to the rankings! What a joyous day! Let's train harder.*
* 11th+ *You completed Arcade Mode! That was splendid. You should be proud.*
* 11th+ *How do you feel today? Was I helpful? We should do this again.*
* 11th+ *Thank you for spending your time with me. I'll be waiting right here...*

#### Continue Screen

* Arcana Heart
* Arcana Heart 3

* *\*yawn\* Huh? No... No, I'm not yawning... That battle was riveting.*
* *The best way to train is to keep fighting. You should continue your training.*
* *Rest is a vital part of one's training.*
* *We should persevere! Our destiny still has to be fulfilled.*
* *The Kasuga Family always finishes what it starts.*
* *As long as I'm alive, the Kasuga Family will not know defeat. Please, consider your actions...*
* *Press →↓↘ + Attack for Ouka. Your opponent will soar like a bird afterwards.*
* *Press →↓↘ + Attack for Sekka. It can only be used in air, though, so be careful.*
* *Press ←↓↙ + Attack for Tumujigake. This attack summons Tsuzune from behind me.*
* *Press ↓↓ + Attack for Raishinotoshi. This attack summons Tsuzune from above.*
* *Press ←↓↙ + A + B (Gauge Used) for Hama no Shishiku. This is my older sister Tsuzune's secret attack.*
* *Press ↓↘→ + Attack for Hikejigake. This attack summons Koito from behind me.*
* *Press ↓↙← + Attack for Hikejigake. This attack summons Kouta to surprise my opponent from behind.*
* *Press ↓↘→ + A + B (Gauge Used) for Taima no Zuikaku. This is Koito and Kouta's secret attack.*
* *Press →←↙↓↘→ + A + B (Gauge Used) for Karaitonoya. The more we work together, the stronger it will be.*

- *There are still things that I must accomplish! For now, I need to focus on just moving forward.*

- *It was our own inadequacies that caused this disaster... At the very least I would like to clean up the mess for which we are responsible.*

- *I haven't given my best effort yet! I refuse to admit defeat when I still have strength to stand. I'd sooner die than go down in humiliating defeat!*

- *More important than protecting the honor of the Kasuga family, I need to find the courage to defend my own... Otherwise, I will lose everything...*

- *Right now, we face a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. However, we have no choice but to overcome it. Proceed with caution.*

- *I beg of you, have mercy on this poor soul. Please, just this once!*

- *We have no choice but to continue. Should we allow this vile scourge to spread further, it will not only bring shame to our family names, but to our descendants as well.*

- *\*Sigh\* Huh? I mean...oh dear... I wasn't sighing because of you...maybe...*

#### Story Mode

***Arcana Heart***

* Before Battle
* After Battle
* Revenge
* After Revenge

* *Heart, I can't tell you why, but please don't get involved in this. I'm asking you as a friend...* (*Heart Aino*)
* *Saki, please don't try to stop this on your own... I beg you. Let me sisters and I handle this...* (*Saki Tsuzura*)
* *The Thousand Years Protector must be tired. Please, allow the Kasuga Family to take care of this.* (*Kamui Tokinomiya*)
* *You're the new Millennium Guard!? My sisters and I would like to train with you, if you don't mind?* (*Konoha*)
* *Lilica, we're in the same class at school...but there's rules against demon blood in the shrine...* (*Lilica Felchenerow*)
* *The Crimson-Eyed Criminal!? Why are you here? Somehow, I don't think you're here to worship...!* (*Lieselotte Achenbach*)
* *I knew I sensed a magical force. Yoriko, dear, what is that staff you're holding...?* (*Yoriko Yasuzumi*)
* *A sword of that size... in the shrine? I'm sorry, but those aren't allowed in here...* (*Fiona Mayfield*)

- *Saki, this burden is too much for you alone... Please, let me and my sisters handle this...* (*Saki Tsuzura*)

- *Please, allow us to lend our skills, Miss Thousand Years Protector. We are more familiar with this era.* (*Kamui Tokinomiya*)

- *You should be by your master's side. It is more admirable to fulfill one's duty than to roam the streets.* (*Konoha*)

- *I'm not aware of the Ministry holding any Chinese scientists in custody... I'm sorry; I wish we could help you.* (*Mei-Fang*)

- *You cannot abandon your studies, Lilica. We'll see you at school, I hope.* (*Lilica Felchenerow*)

- *Yoriko, I'd love to hear how you found that kitty-staff...* (*Yoriko Yasuzumi*)

- *Perhaps a poem will satisfy you: To perform the task that is right, One doesn't require a spotlight.* (*Kira Daidouji*)

- *The Thousand Years Protector was defeated? I still can barely believe this has happened... I don't know the outcome, but as head of the Kasuga Family, it is my duty to purify you.* (Kamui Defeated)

- *I know that there will always be people who hate you, but I'm still saddened by this...*

- *Please excuse my actions. I am sorry.*

- *Please find it in your heart to forgive what I have done to your friend.*

***Arcana Heart 3***

* Before Battle
* After Battle
* Revenge
* After Revenge

* *The scope of the current crisis is far greater than the previous incident... I must ask you to not involve yourself further and leave everything to us.* (*Heart Aino*)
* *Miss Aino, I have a favor to ask of you. Would you please give me your celestial stone? I can't tell you why right now, but it's important...* (*Heart Aino with Celestial Stone*)
* *There is an evil presence involved in this incident that the Union is not yet aware of. Miss Tsuzura, at any time should you feel in danger, please get to safety immediately.* (*Saki Tsuzura*)
* *Please hand over the celestial stone in your possession. And as for the rumor that the celestial stones will grant wishes... That is a blatant lie.* (*Saki Tsuzura/Lilica Felchenerow/Yoriko Yasuzumi with Celestial Stone*)
* *It seems that the Rosenberg Branch's knowledge of the situation is far superior to ours, but could this incident be connected to the Drexler Institute, Millennial Guardian?* (*Kamui Tokinomiya*)
* *So you've managed to obtain a celestial stone. Millennial Guardian, stay alert. It's almost a certainty that the Drexler Institute will be coming after you.* (*Kamui Tokinomiya with Celestial Stone*)
* *Konoha, while I do applaud your enthusiasm in the execution of your duties, I'd feel much better if you were to stay closer to the Millennial Guardian.* (*Konoha*)
* *This incident...it's far beyond anything I could possibly imagine. Please, you must give me your celestial stone and forget everything you've seen.* (*Konoha/Akane Inuwaka with Celestial Stone*)
* *It seems that Miss Lagerkvist is willing to dance with the devil, as it were. Aligning oneself with members of the Chinese Army...* (*Mei-Fang*)
* *Miss Felchenerow, I dislike destroying the hopes of others especially those as enthusiastic as you, but... The celestial stones will not make wishes come true!* (*Lilica Felchenerow*)
* *Thank you for agreeing to the Celestial Union's request for assistance. Your help is greatly appreciated.* (*Lieselotte Achenbach*)
* *Miss Yasuzumi, please do not be misled by the rumors. The celestial stones do not have the power to grant wishes!* (*Yoriko Yasuzumi*)
* *I take it that you are here for the celestial stones as well. I thought you, of all people, would be intelligent enough to discount all of the vulgar rumors concerning them.* (*Kira Daidouji*)
* *I don't mean to pry, but would you know anything about the Drexler Institute? Their supposed connection to the spirit plane interests me greatly.* (*Fiona Mayfield*)
* *There's no need to fight. It'd be in the best interests of both the Japanese Celestial Union and Rosenberg to share information.* (*Petra Johanna Lagerkvist*)
* *Zenia Valov. I cannot believe that you would demean yourself by working under Petra Lagerkvist...* (*Zenia Valov*)
* *According to Elsa, even if you were to regain your physical form you'd still be a demon. Therefore, I must keep my guard up.* (*Clarice de Lanza*)
* *I have to admit that having Terry Yodogawa expelled from the U.S. branch of the Celestial Union was...unfortunate in the extreme, but do not give up on it just yet.* (*Catherine Kyoubashi*)
* *Miss Albright, have you become accustomed to life in Japan? If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask for my assistance.* (*Dorothy Albright*)
* *Miss Inuwaka, I understand that you're still in training... But there is no need to hide your true intentions. Fighting for the good of another is truly honorable.* (*Akane Inuwaka*)
* *It is a relief to find that you're not involved with the Drexler Institute or the planar rifts...this time.* (*Angelia Avallone*)
* *My name is Maori Kasuga of the Celestial Union. It is a pleasure to finally be able to meet the illustrious Weiss of Rosenberg.* (*Weiss*)
* *I can feel the presence of two celestial powers nearby... This doodle of yours, you aren't controlling it, are you? It's actually moving on its own, or am I mistaken?* (*Eko*)
* *You must be Rosenberg's rogue Aesir, Scharlachrot... What brings you here?* (*Scharlachrot*)
* *I feel a wave of strange Celestial powers from you. ...... It can't be, you're dual-wielding an Arcana and a Geist? I didn't thought that would be possibe......!* (*Minori Amanohara*)
* *I understand that I am asking for a great deal, but please, you must give me your celestial stone. It's for your own good.* (*With Celestial Stone*)

- *I agree completely, Ms. Aino. Hm... Will reversing the distortions really solve the problem?* (*Heart Aino*)

- *That's right, but it is risk I am willing to take. The Institute is hunting down those who possess the stones, and I'd rather they come to me on my terms.* (*Heart Aino with Celestial Stone*)

- *Celestial stones? I've only ever seen one in my life, but... Words cannot describe their beauty.* (*Saki Tsuzura*)

- *I'm truly sorry, Saki, but I cannot give you this with a clear conscience. It's far too dangerous for anyone to possess.* (*Saki Tsuzura with Celestial Stone*)

- *I can feel their presence, but thank you for the warning. It must be the work of the Drexler Institute...* (*Kamui Tokinomiya*)

- *I would never ignore the warnings of the Millennial Guardian. I vow that I will stop the Drexler Institute's foul schemes and bring them down.* (*Kamui Tokinomiya with Celestial Stone*)

- *Dear Konoha, I know how much you care about Kamui, but family is important, too. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you went home occasionally.* (*Konoha*)

- *Really? I never thought about it in quite that way before. I mean, we've known each other for so long... Well, I'll be counting on you from now on, okay?* (*Mei-Fang*)

- *Miss Felchenerow, I have no choice but to tell you that the rumors regarding the celestial stones are naught but lies! The stones cannot grant wishes!* (*Lilica Felchenerow*)

- *Um... Please don't say things like that... And keep your hands to yourself. I can't give you the stone as it seems to be the key to this incident.* (*Lilica Felchenerow with Celestial Stone*)

- *U-Um...Miss Achenbach... Would you please refrain from saying such things while pointing at my chest...* (*Lieselotte Achenbach*)

- *Miss Yasuzumi, I have to be honest with you. The power of the celestial stones is far beyond what humans can hope to control. Your desire for them will only lead to tragedy.* (*Yoriko Yasuzumi*)

- *It is just as you said, Miss Yasuzumi. I cannot give you the stone as it is vitally important to my work.* (*Yoriko Yasuzumi with Celestial Stone*)

- *Um...I'm really sorry to be the one telling you this, but it is we who will take possession of the stones and use them as necessary.* (*Kira Daidouji*)

- *I'm afraid that is beyond my capabilities. Miss Mayfield, please calm down. I don't mean to disappoint you, but spiritual power on that scale does not come with being a priestess.* (*Fiona Mayfield*)

- *Thank you for the warning. However, I've been on my guard this entire time. As this incident is a reesult of human intervention, I suggest you be careful as well, Miss Lagerkvist.* (*Petra Johanna Lagerkvist*)

- *I wasn't aware we had to. I don't mean to imply that the spiritual is superior, but it seems to be more consistent than the physical, which can be manipulated by math and science.* (*Zenia Valov*)

- *I'm sorry that you feel that you cannot get along with me, whatever the reason. Perhaps it was something I said...?* (*Clarice de Lanza*)

- *I'm probably just being paranoid, but I have the sneaking suspicion that you don't like me very much... Was it something I said...?* (*Clarice de Lanza with Celestial Stone*)

- *You know, I've been asking myself the exact same question for some time now. Perhaps it'd be for the best if no one finds them...* (*Catherine Kyoubashi*)

- *Why must you make me repeat myself ad infinitum?! What I do isn't magic...though it may appear so to the uninitiated...* (*Dorothy Albright*)

- *I feel the same way. There are too many things that remain unexplained. Miss Inuwaka, please be careful.* (*Nazuna Inuwaka*)

- *Miss Inuwaka, please be careful. This is indeed a celestial stone, but there's more to it than what you've heard...* (*Nazuna Inuwaka with Celestial Stone*)

- *I'm afraid that I cannpt comply with your request. This rift is extremely dangerous; it is NOT a tourist attraction. I would recommend that you go to Toushougu or Gifu instead.* (*Angelia Avallone*)

- *Sorry, but the stones are the cause of the incidents plaguing the world. To just hand over the stones to you would be irresponsible in the extreme.* (*With Celestial Stone*)

- *The Kasuga family makes it a point to never allow personal matters to interfere with official business. However, should you hurt a friend... I should do the mature thing and overlook the fact that you hurt Miss Aino/Tsuzura/la Conti. But I'm not going to. I will purify your tainted soul and exorcise my malice.* (*Heart/Saki/Elsa Defeated*)

- *The Millennial Guardian has dedicated her life to protecting us all, yet you dare attack her? You are twisted and evil... We of the Kasuga family will exorcise the evil that stains your soul. Prepare yourself.* (*Kamui Defeated*)

- *If I was in your shoes I probably would have done the same thing. I have no intention of reprimanding you.*

- *I am all too aware that some of our duties instill hatred in others... ...But that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.*

- *If you'll excuse me, I have urgent business to attend to. I hope you and your friends will take better care of yourselves.*

#### Victory Screen (Versus Mode)

* Arcana Heart
* Arcana Heart 3

* *Ohtsuchi, we serve you faithfully and use your power to purify sin.*
* *All life is precious. Please take better care of yourself.*
* *The Kasuga Family would like to say a prayer after that battle.*
* *No matter what my role is, I must perform it as expected of me. It seems my role here is... to win.*
* *I sense hesitance and frustration in you, but that's alright. I also sense you're a very kind person.*
* *In the Kasuga Family, we train very hard. Perhaps next time, you can join our training? 4:00 AM sharp...?*
* *Rest for a while. You look tired.*
* *I have to clean the shrine, and my sister has paperwork to do... If we're done here, we need to get back!*
* *I have to say it, but I'm a professional at this... So, no hard feelings...?*
* *If we're done here, I should really go prepare Koito's and Kouta's lunches... Tofu salad sandwiches.*
* *People are depending on us to win. We cannot let them down.*
* *The Kasuga Family shares this victory with the gods. We have all learned to fight together as one.*
* *I apologize for winning and leaving, but I need to do laundry. If you want a rematch, give me a minute...*
* *A parade of people dressed like me and my sisters...? I never knew people admired us this much...* (*Herself*)
* *No matter how much you look like us, you cannot replace the true Kasuga Family. We've been training.* (*Herself*)
* *You look so much like me that I'm not really sure which of us is the real Maori...* (*Herself*)

- *Though you may possess extraordinary spiritual powers, I will never relinquish my role as the head of the Kasuga family! My pride will not allow it!* (*vs. herself*)

- *One of the Kasuga clan offers her sincere gratitude to the deity Ohtsuchi.* (*Arcana Blaze Finish*)

- *The Karaito is the most sacred of artifacts passed down through the Kasuga household. I hoped that the day would never come when I would be forced to use this relic...* (*Critical Heart Finish*)

- *Miss Aino, whenever I'm close to you, I always feel as if you're sharing something priceless with me. Thank you... Heart.* (*vs. Heart Aino*)

- *Miss Tsuzura, it was you who taught me that physical strength alone is not enough... that a strong mind and a strong heart are both necessary to succeed.* (*vs. Saki Tsuzura*)

- *I must thank you for sparring with me, Millennial Guardian. I learned a great deal from our match and I hope to be able to practice with you in the future.* (*vs. Kamui Tokinomiya*)

- *Konoha, thank you so much for keeping Koito and Kouta entertained for me. You're welcome to come over and play with them anytime.* (*vs. Konoha*)

- *The absolute fusion of spiritual energy and martial arts... Fighting you with conventional attacks is useless. I would very much like to face you in combat again.* (*vs. Mei-Fang*)

- *While it is important to fully enjoy life, education and learning self-discipline are also important. Could you at least try not to be so irresponsible...?* (*vs. Lilica Felchenerow*)

- *Miss Achenbach, I'm not sure how to put this... The aura of absolute evil that engulfs you has shrunk considerably since I last saw you. It's quite a relief...* (*vs. Lieselotte Achenbach*)

- *After seeing you two for myself, I don't think that there is a need to exorcise you anytime soon... And Miss Yasuzumi, please take care of yourself.* (*vs. Yoriko Yasuzumi*)

- *Miss Daidouji, I understand your reasons for hating the Celestial Union, but as it is often said, 'You reap what you sow.* (*vs. Kira Daidouji*)

- *Miss Mayfield, please return as soon as you can... Miss Tsuzura and everyone are waiting for you.* (*vs. Fiona Mayfield*)

- *The traditional Lagerkvist fighting style... I cannot help but be awed by its effectiveness. I am honored that we work towards the same goal.* (*vs. Petra Johanna Lagerkvist*)

- *Zenia Valov, why do you choose to fight? It is like a dagger to the soul...* (*vs. Zenia Valov*)

- *Miss la Conti, your technique is as formidable as ever. It was truly an honor to fight against one who walks a path similar to my own. I learned a great deal from our match.* (*vs. Elsa la Conti*)

- *...Um, Miss di Lanza. I might be mistaken, but I could have sworn I sensed some murderous intent from you...* (*vs. Clarice de Lanza*)

- *An all-purpose weapon created using celestial engineering? I now understand how developed the final product is... Perhaps there will be a practical application for it someday.* (*vs. Catherine Kyoubashi*)

- *I know I've mentioned this before, but what we do transcends mere magic. It's really... Irritating... for you to keep calling what I do 'magic.* (*vs. Dorothy Albright*)

- *Miss Inuwaka, I am currently in the middle of an assignment. If you wish to fight, could you not wait until later?* (*vs. Akane Inuwaka*)

- *The ninjutsu of the Inuwakamaru is quite impressi-- Ah! Koito, Kouta, Nazuna is very tired right now! You can play with her next time.* (*vs. Nazuna Inuwaka*)

- *An ethereal being such as you intervening in the material plane is a recipe for disaster. I ask that you refrain from any further actions on your part.* (*vs. Angelia Avallone*)

- *An angel who wields both celestial and arcane powers... I should have known it was you all along. I trust you will use your powers for good this time.* (*vs. Weiss*)

- *To have such immense celestial power at such a young age... I wonder if this young girl is truly happy? We must all protect this poor young child.* (*vs. Eko*)

- *Scharlachrot, you have already been freed from the clutches of the Drexler Institute, so why must you continue to cause so much chaos?* (*vs. Scharlachrot*)

- *I am always helped by my sisters. To be able to not feel lonely at any time, I can't be any more happier than this.* (*vs. Minori Amanohara*)

- *I sense a strong will in you. How about you learn a little more on controlling your powers correctly?* (*vs. Pistrix*)

- *Your moves, it seems you have experience in sparring against another of Kasuga's. Who are you?* (*vs. Dark Heart*)

## Etymology

* The name **Maori** means "dance" (舞) (**ma**) and "weave, weaving" (織) (**ori**).
* Maori's surname **Kasuga** means "spring" (春) (**ka**) and "sun, day" (日) (**suka**/**suga**).

## Trivia

* Maori attends Archery Club on Mondays and the Tea Ceremony Club on Wednesdays.
* She lives at the Kasuga Family Shrine with her three sisters.
* She (secretly) loves chocolate.
* She dislikes meat dishes.
* During fits of jealousy, Clarice believes that Maori and Elsa are in a relationship.
	+ However, Maori is one of the only girls who is not involved in any sort of *two-girl romance* shipping in the series, likely due to her insistence of sticking to tradition or because she just doesn't have any interest.
* She has the third largest bust size compared to the rest of the females in the series, with Mei-Fang and Parace L'sia being the bustiest.
* Her palette swaps give resembles to C.C from *Code Geass*, Yuzu Hieda from *Asagiri No Miko*, Hanyuu Furude from *Higurashi: When They Cry*, Reimu Hakurei's PC-98 design from the PC-98 entries of the *Touhou Project* series, and Mana Tatsumiya from *Mahou Sensei Negima*.
* She is the only sister in her family to have black hair, with her other siblings having blue or purple hair coloring.
* Maori was mention by Saki during Heart's ending in *Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel*, mentioning that she was being a little late while willing to listen to Heart's story till she arrives.