Alma

* Colored
* Manga
* Oneshot

**Alma** (亜 (ア) 瑠 (ル) 馬 (マ) , *Aruma*) is one of the main protagonists in Yuto Sano's manga series, *Gokurakugai*. He's a young man with disheveled red hair, interspersed with deep blue strands. Notably, he has pointed canine teeth and eyes of a pale aqua hue. His physical prowess is exceptional, and he has a robust appetite.

He's born as a "Half-Maga Child," originating from the intersection of Magas and humans. He teetered on the verge of falling victim to Maga, but Tao's intervention saved him, leading him to join a problem-solving agency as an employee. Authorized by Tao, he can extract the Karmic Stake from his chest, employing a cleaver-like blade to combat Magas. In confrontations with non-Maga adversaries, he resorts to punches and kicks. Sharing living quarters with Tao in the agency's premises, he contributes to household tasks, including laundry. He's a participant in the Saragi Anti-Maga Organization, which opposes Magas, alongside Tao. In the oneshot, he sports marine blue hair and eyes transitioning like a sunset. Possessing a keen sense of smell, he's capable of detecting falsehoods, a trait that, according to Alma, can be discerned "through a glance."

Tao affectionately addresses him as "Al."

## Profile

Possessing exceptional physical abilities and a voracious appetite, the "Half-Maga Child" is a being born between humans and monsters known as "Maga," created from the corpses of humans and animals. Alma, whose heart was on the verge of succumbing to maga, is taken under Tao's care and rescued from the brink of becoming a Maga.

## Appearance

### Manga

Alma, a young man of average height, initially appears to possess a slender build beneath his loose Tangzhuang top. However, in reality, he boasts a well-defined and athletic physique. His unique appearance includes long, pointed fangs, which could be attributed to his Half-Maga nature. His striking features comprise disheveled red hair adorned with pointed bangs at the front, complemented by relatively large blue-gray eyes. On the manga cover, a touch of maroon tints his hair.

In the serialized edition, slight adjustments were made to Alma's design. His red hair maintains its unkempt style with front-pointing bangs, and his eyes continue to be distinctly large and blue-gray. A reddish hue, somewhat maroon, adorns his hair in a color reminiscent of the one depicted on the manga cover. Attired in a unique fusion of a red and black hoodie adorned with numerous pins and patches, Alma draws inspiration from Tangzhuang attire, though his outfit leans towards a slightly looser fit. The emblem of the Saragi, symbolized by a snake, graces the back of his hoodie and the left sleeve. His pants and shoes echo the style observed in the Oneshot.

Notably, to facilitate swift access to his concealed Maga weapon—a crucial tool tethered by the Karmic Stake within his chest—one button knot on Tao's hoodie has been intentionally omitted near his chest area.

At the core of Alma's chest lies the Karmic Stake, featuring a handle that, when drawn, transforms into a blood-infused weapon akin to a cleaver. The spike is linked to the blade through a structure resembling bone and vertebrae, with the spike itself resembling the weapon's hilt. Upon extraction of the Karmic Stake, his left eye's white portion darkens, while his iris lightens, acquiring a cat-like appearance. Emitting a smoke or flame-like energy, his eye undergoes a noticeable transformation. The cleaver, utilized as needed, is then seamlessly returned to its place within his chest.

Interestingly, Alma's fangs play a part in his transformation. They become more prominent as he employs his Maga abilities, visible even when his mouth is closed while transformed. Notably, these fangs appear to grow when his Maga skills are activated, an effect that contrasts with their discreet positioning when he is not in his transformed state.

Alma, Chapter 1's colored panelAlma, pulling out the Karmic Stake emerged within his heartAlma's half-maga transformationAlma's full Maga transformation
### Oneshot

In the oneshot, Alma exhibits the typical height for teenage boys of his age. His striking features include notably large orange eyes and teal hair, expertly styled into a spiky and pointed arrangement. His attire consists of black pants paired with a black Tangzhuang top, complemented by a white t-shirt layered underneath. Adorned with piercings, he wears one lobe earring on his right ear and two on his left ear, although these piercings aren't observable in the subsequent chapters of the serialized oneshot version. His footwear comprises black shoes closely resembling traditional Chinese martial artist shoes.

A consistent accessory is his black baseball cap, which he dons wherever he goes. He often rotates the front of the cap, with its visor positioned to the rear, particularly during combat engagements.

In his younger days, notably during his initial meeting with Tao when they were both in their youth, Alma's customary attire includes the characteristic black Tangzhuang top paired with an underlying t-shirt. However, he is not observed wearing any black baseball caps during this period. Tao encountered him during a phase where he was involved in robbing the town's residents. In response to his actions, she confronted him and administered a form of retribution by subduing him physically.

Alma's introductionAlma, eating at the BaoLai RestaurantAlma, about to punch the mobstersAlma, arrived at the Club Therian with Tao
## Personality

Tao, who serves as both Alma's colleague and guardian, carries herself with a composed and earnest attitude, standing in stark opposition to Alma's vibrant nature. Alma often indulges in playful and innocent actions, concealing a perceptive aptitude for noticing and comprehending subtleties that might elude others. Notably, he possesses an extraordinary talent for detecting lies through scent in serialization and through the person'a eyes, a capability that occasionally frustrates him when he identifies falsehoods driven by inconsequential motives.

Alma harbors a profound gratitude for Tao, who has embraced the role of caregiver in his life. He expresses camaraderie by playfully sharing common dislikes, aligning his feelings with Tao's. As a sign of deference, he addresses her as "Ms. Tao" and seeks her approval when tasks are accomplished, with successful completion of missions often rewarded with meat treats.

Operating in tandem with Tao, Alma contributes through his vitality and martial skills, handling the physical aspects of their endeavors. This division of roles bolsters his self-assuredness in martial arts and combat prowess. With a knack for foreseeing swift resolutions in battles, he approaches opponents with fervor, often anticipating the engagements to be brief.

In sharp distinction from his colleague and present guardian, Tao, Alma comes across as a vibrant and spirited individual. He consistently approaches circumstances with a sense of playfulness and innocence, despite this demeanor concealing his ability for keen observation. Even when appearing nonchalant during conversations, he adroitly grasps overlooked particulars and effortlessly recollects insights gathered from casual dialogues.

Alma's tastes in food are modest, evident in his readiness to participate in shared meals. On one occasion, he conveyed his openness to undertake missions even without financial compensation, as long as food is provided as a form of remuneration.

## Relationship

### Manga

* **Tao:** Their relationship in the serialization is not intricate, yet Tao assumes the role of a guardian for Alma, providing him with a home and a place to reside, as depicted in the one-shot. Tao likely takes responsibility for key aspects such as finances, shop arrangements, budgeting, and provisioning, evident in the efficient operation of their establishment. Moreover, Tao serves as the authority who determines whether Alma can employ his weapon during their encounters with Magas, effectively guiding their combat strategies.

* **Dara:** As members of the Anti-Maga Organization, also referred to as the Saragi Headquarters, Dara exhibits a distinct sibling-like care towards Alma. Their amicable relationship is evident in the meticulous manner with which she conducts the blood-drawing procedure, ensuring his comfort throughout the process. It can be reasonably inferred that they share a strong bond and harmonious rapport based on the level of ease and reassurance Dara provides during these moments.

* **Yoki:** In contrast, Yoki shares a similar deep bond with Alma as he does with Dara, as evidenced by the warm embrace he extends to both Tao and Alma upon their arrival at the Headquarters. Yoki displays a remarkable level of attentiveness, particularly following Alma's blood extraction sessions, during which Alma replenishes his strength by consuming the packed foods he brings along. Assuming a role akin to an older sibling, Yoki offers encouragement to Alma and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent and nourishing diet to endure the challenges they face, especially during their battles.

* **Tatsuomi:** The dynamic between Tatsuomi and Alma can be likened to the classic clash between cats and dogs. This comparison holds true not only in the Extra Pages of Chapter 3 but also extends throughout Tatsuomi's entire introduction, where they frequently engage in arguments and disagreements. Considering Alma's insatiable hunger, it is likely that if Tatsuomi were to leave his food unattended in their office, he would willingly allow Alma to consume whatever was within reach.

* **Auntie and Yaya:** It can be observed that Auntie and Yaya share a close relationship with the store owner and staff due to the proximity of their workplace. The Troubleshooter's Office is conveniently situated directly above the Hourai Restaurant, where both Auntie and Yaya are employed. This closeness is further demonstrated by Yaya actively involving them in their duties as Troubleshooters, even though they are not receiving compensation for their services. Additionally, Yaya openly shares important information about the recent incidents on Gokurakugai, as described in Chapter 1. Another indication of their strong bond is Alma's occasional assistance to Auntie in the restaurant's kitchen while Yaya tends to the tables, taking orders from one table to another. This collaborative effort underscores their interdependence and willingness to support each other within their respective roles.

### Oneshot

* **Tao:** They don't have a particular complexity relationship in the manga serialization, but Tao is the one who gave Alma a home and a place to stay in Oneshot, so it's fair to say that she is Alma's guardian since she was the one who took care of him. It is safe to assume that Tao is in charge of the important aspects of their shop, including money, shop rentals, budgeting, food, and other things, based on how their business is run.

* **Nene:** Nene has only ever met Alma since her sisters were kidnapped. Nene was about to steal Tao's wallet from Alma, who was then running errands to buy Tao some cigarettes, but thanks to his quick reflexes, Alma was able to grab and capture her. He then brought Nene to their office and offered Nene help in regards to her problem. He played a major role in bringing the beastmen who abducted Nene's sisters to justice.

* **Auntie and Yaya:** Auntie and Yaya work at the BaoLai Restaurant, which is directly above the their agency's office, so it is safe to assume that the two troubleshooters get along well with the owners and employees of the business.

## Plot

### Background

Limited information is accessible concerning his background, apart from a discernible association with Yomi within his self-proclaimed familial context, as well as the initial encounter with Tao, as delineated in Oneshot. In his younger years, Alma, engaged in petty theft within the Gokurakugai streets, was apprehended by Tao. Subsequently, Tao subjected Alma to a physical altercation, leaving him vulnerable and marked with contusions. While incapacitated on the ground, Alma's confession unfolded in response to Tao's observation regarding his audacious attempt at theft. Alma acknowledged resorting to pilfering out of necessity, driven by his lack of financial means, likely aimed at securing sustenance.

## Abilities and Skills

### Natural Prowess

* **Endurance:** Alma possesses exceptional endurance, allowing him to sustain prolonged physical exertion and withstand challenging circumstances. His stamina surpasses that of an average individual, enabling him to endure and persevere through intense physical activities, extended fights, or situations requiring prolonged focus. Alma's heightened endurance grants him the ability to push through exhaustion, recover quickly from fatigue, and maintain a consistent level of performance for extended periods.

* **Hand-to-Hand Combat:** Alma is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, exhibiting exceptional proficiency in unarmed combat techniques. With years of training and practical experience, he has developed a deep understanding of striking, grappling, and defensive maneuvers. Alma's hand-to-hand combat expertise allows him to effectively engage in close-quarters combat, adapt to different fighting styles, and efficiently neutralize opponents without relying on weapons or external equipment. His mastery of hand-to-hand combat enhances his overall combat effectiveness and makes him a formidable adversary.

* **Martial Arts:** Alma is a practitioner of various martial arts disciplines, which further enhances his combat prowess. He has extensively trained in multiple martial arts styles, combining their techniques to create a unique and personalized fighting style. Alma's mastery of martial arts grants him a heightened level of agility, flexibility, and coordination, enabling him to execute complex moves, swift strikes, and fluid defensive maneuvers. By harnessing the principles and philosophies of martial arts, Alma maximizes his combat efficiency, focusing on both offensive and defensive techniques to gain the upper hand in battles.

* **Durability:** Alma possesses remarkable durability, making him highly resistant to physical harm. His body can withstand powerful blows, impacts, and attacks that would incapacitate or severely injure ordinary individuals. Alma's durability allows him to endure attacks from superhuman opponents, shrug off significant damage, and continue fighting even in the face of overwhelming odds. This enhanced durability not only stems from his regenerative abilities but also from his overall physical conditioning, making him a formidable force to reckon with.

* **Lie Detection:** Alma possesses a distinctive capacity to discern falsehoods through two distinct methodologies. In the visual format of "Oneshot," he can ascertain a person's veracity by observing their gaze. Alma's finely honed intuition allows him to interpret micro-expressions, nuanced shifts in ocular movements, and other visual cues indicative of deceit. This skill empowers him to accurately detect instances of dishonesty. Within the manga series, Alma's lie detection proficiency is illustrated through his olfactory senses. He possesses an exceptionally heightened sense of smell, enabling him to detect physiological alterations that manifest when an individual is untruthful. By detecting subtle changes in body odor or the emission of chemical signals associated with deception, Alma can effectively determine the veracity of a statement. Both his visual and olfactory lie detection aptitudes synergize to enhance his remarkable investigative prowess, rendering him an indispensable asset in scenarios where matters of trust and deception assume pivotal significance.

### Hybrid Abilities

* **Maga Transformation:** With the people he works with, Alma is known to be half-human and half-Maga, thus his Maga Transformation is no longer a surprise to Tao, who has seen it a few times before. Alma would transform into his Maga form by pulling out the spike, which Tao and himself identified as a "Kai" that emerged from his heart. Pulling out the spike that had emerged from his heart would turn it into a cleaver knife-like weapon made of his blood. His power and speed appear to improve as he transforms.

* **Regenerative:** Alma possesses an extraordinary regenerative ability, enabling him to rapidly heal injuries and recover from physical damage. Whether it's minor cuts and bruises or more severe wounds, Alma's regenerative powers expedite the healing process, allowing him to recover in significantly shorter timeframes compared to ordinary individuals. An illustrative instance of Alma's hybrid ability is the remarkable instant regeneration of his left arm. This phenomenon occurred when Kanata, assuming her Maga mode subsequent to his transformation, bit and cut Alma's arm under the influence of Yomi. Surprisingly, Alma's arm underwent a rapid and complete restoration, exhibiting an exceptional regenerative capability. This manifestation showcases the extraordinary restorative powers inherent in Alma's hybrid nature, enabling him to swiftly recover from significant injuries with remarkable efficiency.

* **Enhanced Strength:** Alma's maga heritage imbues him with Enhanced Strength, an extraordinary ability that endows him with physical power surpassing that of an average human. This heightened strength allows him to perform remarkable feats of physical prowess, such as delivering powerful blows in combat. In situations demanding raw physical might, he possesses a considerable advantage.

## Etymology

The name **"亜瑠馬"** (read as *"Aruma"* in katakana as *"亜 (ア) 瑠 (ル) 馬 (マ) "*) could carry a symbolic meaning that combines elements of "sublimity," "beauty," and "strength." The combination of these kanji suggests a name with a sense of elevated beauty or strength that is not immediately obvious or secondary in nature.

* **亜 (ア, A):** This kanji represents "sub-" or "second," often used to signify something related to the Asian region or to indicate something of inferior rank compared to the original.
* **瑠 (ル, Ru):** This kanji refers to the lapis lazuli gemstone. It symbolizes beauty, clarity, and transparency.
* **馬 (マ, Ma):** Literally translates to "horse." Symbolically, it can represent strength, vitality, or energy.

## Trivia

* Alma openly expresses his strong aversion to every blood extraction procedure he undergoes, finding them unsettling. However, when questioned by Dara about the specific nature of the first and second experiences, he fails to recall and articulate them. Consequently, on subsequent visits to the Saragi Headquarters with Tao for additional blood extractions, Alma diligently prepares a sizable backpack filled with assorted treats. This gesture serves as his personal coping mechanism, as he promises himself to consume all the treats following the procedure, with the intention of replenishing the blood he has lost.
* As part of their regular medical regimen, it is necessary for them to undergo periodic medical examinations and undergo blood extraction from Alma. This procedure is carried out to facilitate the use of Alma's blood as ammunition for Tao's firearm, as Yoki explains that Tao's weapon is specifically constructed using Alma's blood.
* Alma's vulnerability emerges in his inability to engage in combat independently on missions. His reliance on Tao is essential, as she possesses the capacity to utter the "Kai" chant, which restrains his Maga transformation and prevents him from succumbing to its wild effects during missions focused on Maga extermination. Initially unaware of this crucial aspect, Alma encountered a significant challenge when he joined Nei for a mission in Sakaemachi Shopping District. During this event, he encountered difficulty in extracting the Karmic Stake from his heart, a restraint that regulates his Maga abilities.
* Regarding the additional illustrations in Volume 3, providing character details, he enjoys Chinese cuisine, grilled meat, and Chinese buns, and has no specific dislikes. His pocket contents consist of a Zippo lighter, miscellaneous trash, and loose change.
* In Volume 3, Alma's kanji 亜 (ア) 瑠 (ル) 馬 (マ)  was revealed for the first time.

## References

*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 3 (Page 6).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 9 (Page 18),Yomi emphasizes that Alma's rebellious nature is primarily influenced by his current age of 15.
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Volume 3 . — Volume Extra, Character Information.
 "Gokurakugai Oneshot". — Page(s) 1-2.
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 59-60).
 "Character Information". *Jump SQ Gokurakugai Official site*.
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 47).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 54-56; 59-60).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 2 (Pages 35-36).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 60-61).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 10-12).
 "Gokurakugai Oneshot". — Page(s) 51.
 "Gokurakugai Oneshot". — Page(s) 51.
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 2 (Page 36).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 3 (Page 24).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 8 (Pages 18-19). — Alma's right arm was cut off by Kanata.
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 10. — Alma's right arm got regenerated..
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 2 (Pages 8-10).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 2 (Page 9).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 5 (Pages 25-27).