Erina Winkler

**Erina Winkler** (エリナ・ウィンクラー, *Erina Uinkurā*) is one of the major characters in *Kindergarten WARS* series, written and illustrated by You Chiba.

She is the principal of Kindergarten Noir, which is responsible for taking care of the children of important people in the government. She is the boss of most of the kindergarten teachers in addition to having been in the military. She has the power to hire the assassins she wants, as well as having the power to eliminate them if they don't follow her orders.

## Appearance

Erina's hair has a gentle reddish tone, similar to a light shade of Carmine Pink. It cascades down in a long style, usually tied up in a traditional ponytail, with a few uneven strands delicately hanging in the front. Her usual outfit resembles a cosplay uniform that brings to mind a maid's attire. The black dress she wears is notably long, extending down to at least her Achilles area.

## Personality

As a former member of the military, Erina possesses impressive physical prowess and the skill to make swift decisions without hesitation. Furthermore, she carries a demeanor that appears unemotional and aloof, often coming across as intimidating. Despite her seemingly cold nature, she acknowledges and rewards her team for successfully completing missions while also disciplining them when necessary.

## Plot

### Background

Very little is known about Erina's past and personal history, except for her previous involvement in the Military Force as a soldier. Additionally, she was assigned the responsibility of ensuring complete protection for Lyla. This task involved utilizing former criminals, who now serve as temporary teachers, to safeguard the kindergarten where Lyla and other children attend, placing Lyla's safety as the highest priority.

## Relationships

### Non-familial

* **Gordon Z. Sky:** Gordon serves as the vice principal in the garden and often engages in discussions with Erina. He trusts her abilities despite finding her methods quite extreme.

* **Lyla:** Erina shares a deeper connection with Lyla beyond the typical student-teacher relationship at the Kindergarten. Their true relationship remains a mystery, but there's a rumor suggesting that Erina established the kindergarten specifically to safeguard Lyla.

* **Luke Smith:** Erina holds Luke in high regard, considering him the most formidable member of the kindergarten.

* **Mack and Una Mauri:** Serving as teachers in the violet class, Erina frequently relies on them for protecting the establishment. They regularly patrol together during the nights and attend crucial events.

* **Rita, Doug, and Hana:** As teachers of the dandelion class and the newest additions to the kindergarten, Erina tends to push them to gain more experience by being demanding.

* **Natsuki Inomoto:** Recently hired by Erina, Natsuki was formerly an assassin from Asakusa. Unfortunately, he was killed by Leo due to a mission failure. Erina later intervenes, saving Natsuki and his brother, intending to compel them to work for her.

## Etymology

* The name **"エリナ・ウィンクラー" ("Erina Winkler")** is a Japanese rendering of the name "Erina Winkler" in a romaji (Romanized) form. When used together, "エリナ・ウィンクラー" represents a name with a combination of a relatively common Japanese first name "Erina" and a surname "Winkler," which has Germanic origins denoting a person connected to a corner or bend. This combination could be a result of cultural mixing or fictional creation for a character's name in a Japanese context.
	+ **"エリナ" ("Erina")** is a common Japanese transcription of the name "Erina" or "Elena" in English. It doesn't have a specific etymology in Japanese but is often used as a given name.
	+ **"ウィンクラー" ("Winkler")** is a surname that originates from Germanic roots. In German, "Winkler" means someone associated with a corner or a bend. The name likely comes from the Middle High German "winkelære," which combines "winkel" (corner) and "ære" (man).

## Trivia

* Erina's family name was disclosed within the pages of Chapter 53.

## References

*Kindergarten WARS* Manga: Chapter 53 (Page 8).