Renko Hikawa

**Renko Hikawa** (氷河 煉子, *Hikawa Renko*) is the main female protagonist of the series and a student of Year 1 Class B.

## Appearance

Renko is a young sixteen-year-old girl, possesses a distinctive and eye-catching appearance that sets her apart from her peers. Her signature ensemble includes a large black gas mask, serving both as a mysterious accessory and a means of self-suppression against her murderous personality. She also wears black headphones which always seem to be blaring death metal loudly. Her striking feature is her long silver hair, cascading down her back in a shimmering cascade. Renko is often wearing a turquoise and hot pink parka with adorable black horns atop her head. Underneath her parka, she dons a black tank top and a short skirt and black and pink striped socks.

Upon closer inspection, when Renko removes her jacket, intricate tribal tattoos adorn her arms in elaborate designs. The most captivating aspect of Renko's appearance is revealed when she takes off her gas mask, unveiling a pair of mesmerizing blue eyes with striking red pupils. Additionally, Renko possesses a small canine tooth, a unique trait inherited from her mother, Reiko, adding a subtle touch of individuality to her smile.

Renko takes pride in her physical attributes, particularly her large breasts, which she carries with confidence and poise. This aspect of her appearance often draws attention and adds to her allure; particularly with Kyousuke Kamiya.

## Personality

Renko possesses a multifaceted personality that sets her apart from her classmates. While generally easygoing and lighthearted, she exhibits a distinct obsession with her own breasts, often teasing others, particularly Eiri, about their perceived lack of size. Her playful banter and mischievous nature bring a sense of levity to the otherwise tense environment of Purgatorium School of Rehabilitation. Renko's affections extend beyond her playful teasing, as she harbors a deep and obvious crush on Kyousuke. At times, her feelings for him take a dark turn, evolving into a yandere-like obsession. Her infatuation with Kyousuke becomes a driving force behind her actions, which can be both protective and possessive in nature. When her emotions reach a boiling point, Renko's true psychopathic nature emerges. The removal of her mask becomes a catalyst, unleashing her into a state of full-blown psychosis where all her emotions are intricately linked to killing.

The mask serves as a suppressor, containing her more dangerous tendencies and limiting her personality. In this state, she radiates an intense killing intent, leaving a chilling aura in her wake. Despite her twisted desires, Renko's fixation on Kyousuke has its limitations. As he does not reciprocate her love, she finds herself unable to carry out any harm against him. The absence of his affection leaves her feeling incomplete, as the emotional connection of "love" intertwines with her need for killing. She often expresses frustration, claiming she cannot hear the rhythm of killing without Kyousuke's reciprocation.

Renko's sociability allows her to forge connections with various students within the school. She can often be found in the company of other classmates, engaging in conversations, cracking jokes, and occasionally expressing childish complaints. Her sociable nature allows her to navigate the complex web of relationships within Purgatorium School of Rehabilitation, enabling her to act as a bridge between Kyousuke and other students such as Chihiro Andou, Bob, and Kuuga Makyouin.

## History and Crime

Renko's origins is revealed that she is not a typical human being, but an artificial creation brought to life by her mother, Reiko Hikawa. Reiko, a brilliant scientist, developed a line of lethal killing machines known as GMK48. The purpose behind these creations was to assemble a team of assassins capable of eliminating other highly skilled assassins. Renko, a product of this innovative technology, was designed with enhanced physical capabilities, heightened senses, and specialized combat skills. As a member of the GMK48 line, her purpose was solely centered around the act of killing. This designation as one of Reiko's Murderer's Murderers underscores the lethal nature and immense potential Renko possesses as an assassin.

However, Reiko, burdened by guilt and conflicted over the inhumane actions of her own creation, sought a way to humanize Renko. With a desire for her daughter to experience genuine human connections and gain insight into the essence of humanity, Reiko made the decision to enroll Renko in Purgatorium Remedial Academy. It was within the confines of the school that Renko could interact with other students, learn about human emotions, and perhaps find a path away from her programmed destiny. Despite her attendance at the academy, Renko's connection to her true purpose as an assassin remains strong. Occasionally, she leaves the confines of the school to fulfill her duties as one of Reiko's creations, venturing out on covert missions to eliminate designated targets. These excursions outside the school serve as a reminder of her origin and the weight of her actions, highlighting the internal conflict she experiences between her programmed nature and her exposure to the complexities of human existence.

As a result of her deadly calling, Renko's estimated number of victims is chillingly high, potentially numbering in the three digits; however Renko herself adits she lost count. This staggering statistic only serves to underscore the magnitude of her abilities and the profound danger she represents when unleashed upon her targets.

## Trivia

* Renko's last name, Hikawa, can be translated as "frozen river". This might also be a reference to her eyes, which are often described as "frozen blue".
* Renko's first name can be translated as "molded daughter", in an obvious reference to her being an artificial human.