Makoto

**Makoto** (真琴) is the one of the characters in the manga series *Wild Strawberry*. Makoto identifies as a member of 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad, which falls under the command of Hikishima.

## Personality

Makoto, the male member of the Flower Funeral Force, is a diligent and disciplined individual. During a mission, he prioritizes following orders and the team's leader's decisions over personal choices, even if it means not intervening in a dangerous situation. He is observant and quick to recognize signs of dehydration, as seen when he assists Kingo by giving him water during a mission, emphasizing the importance of Jinkas staying hydrated to thrive.

Makoto is also practical and somewhat frugal, as he dismisses Kingo's gratitude for the water as standard issue and mentions the cost of water even in Tokyo. He is always prepared and encourages others to join him, evident when he urges the team to join him on a ride he brought.

He has a compassionate side as well, reflected in his care for animals, particularly his dog Chikuwa, and his concern for Kingo's well-being during the mission. Makoto imparts valuable advice to Kingo about gaining strength and technique to face the challenges they will encounter in their quest to reach the Mother Jinka.

Makoto is depicted as a skilled fighter, swiftly defeating a massive Jinka with his "Full Bloom, Rashomon Vine" attack. He imparts valuable advice to Kingo about gaining strength and technique to achieve his goals, emphasizing the challenges they will face in the forbidden zone where the Mother Jinka resides.

Upon arriving at headquarters, Makoto plays a supportive role in welcoming Kingo to the team and participates in a celebratory Takoyaki party. He also goes on a convenience store run and appreciates Hikishima's unconventional takoyaki, showcasing his adaptable nature. His interaction with Kingo showcases his sense of responsibility as a mentor and his commitment to ensuring that Kingo can control the Jinka within him. He remains firm in his duty, even stating that he would be responsible for eliminating Kingo if he were deemed weak.

## Plot

### Background

Makoto's background is not extensively detailed, but his interaction with Kingo during a mission suggests that he has experience in dealing with Jinkas and follows a strict code of conduct. He also owns a dog named Chikuwa, which reflects his familiarity with animals.

## Relationships

### Non-Familial

* **Hikishima:** Makoto's relationship with Hikishima is marked by their roles in the Flower Funeral Force. Makoto is part of the force, while Hikishima is the Funeral Director of the 7th Funeral Force Squad. When Kingo joins the team, Hikishima sets a condition for his acceptance, emphasizing the need for Kingo to have full control over the Jinka within him. Makoto plays a role in Kingo's acceptance into the squad and supports Hikishima's decision.
* **Chikuwa:** Makoto's relationship with Chikuwa, his dog, is briefly mentioned when Makoto reflects on how Chikuwa was never afraid of Jinkas. This implies a bond between Makoto and his dog, indicating a connection to animals and Jinkas in the story.
* **Ayari:** Makoto's interactions with Ayari involve their participation in the Flower Funeral Force. Ayari takes on driving duties during a mission, and they share a light-hearted conversation during a Takoyaki party at the headquarters. Makoto is seen purchasing beverages with Ayari and interacting with her when she offers Kingo a glass of water. Ayari also shares information with Makino via her phone about Hikishima's age and self-consciousness about his height. There is no significant romantic or personal relationship mentioned between Makoto and Ayari.
* **Kingo:** Makoto's relationship with Kingo is primarily professional as they both belong to the Flower Funeral Force. Makoto provides Kingo with a bottle of water during a mission and warns him about taking suspicious actions. They discuss Kingo's identity as a Jinka and his goal of reaching the Mother Jinka to save Kayano. Makoto supports Kingo's desire to become stronger and provides guidance on achieving his goal. Additionally, Makoto informs Kingo about the trial period and the consequences if he fails to control the Jinka within him.

## Operational Proficiency

### Abilities and Skills

* **Combat Skills:** Makoto displays impressive combat skills when a massive Jinka threatens their group. He assumes a fighting stance and executes a powerful attack called "Full Bloom, Rashomon Vine," swiftly defeating the Jinka in one strike.
* **Knowledge of Jinkas:** Makoto imparts knowledge to Kingo about the nature of Jinkas, emphasizing the necessity of gaining strength and technique to reach the Mother Jinka. He also reflects on his experiences with Jinkas, mentioning that his dog, Chikuwa, was never afraid of them.

### Weaponry

* **Flower Pruning Shears:** Much like Ayari, Makoto employs large buster sword-like Flower Pruning Shears when facing Jinkas. However, unlike Ayari, his approach relies primarily on sheer strength and extensive combat experience, without utilizing the Jinka aspect of his weapon.

## Etymology

* The Japanese name **"真琴" (Makoto)** can be interpreted as a name that conveys qualities like truthfulness and purity, which are highly valued in Japanese culture.
	+ **真 (Makoto):** This character means "truth" or "genuineness" in Japanese. It represents sincerity, honesty, and authenticity.
	+ **琴 (Koto):** This character refers to the traditional Japanese musical instrument known as the "koto." The koto is a stringed instrument with a long, narrow wooden body and movable bridges, producing a distinctive sound. It's often associated with traditional Japanese music and culture.

## References

*Wild Strawberry* Manga: Chapter 6 (Page 19).