Rihito Shibata

Rihito's most first appearance in the first manga series' first chapter.

### Butler Skills

Fast reflexes, incredible speed, talented skills, improvisation master, high endurance and stamina, nigh-perfect butler.

### Is Bad At

Sports (with the exception of cricket) (currently learns baseball)

## Manga & Anime Information

### Manga Debut

Chapter 1, Volume 1

*"I am the only butler that you need, Mei-sama! Remember that!"*
—Rihito Shibata to Mei Hongo.
**Rihito Shibata** (柴田理人), *Shibata Rihito*) is the deuteragonist of the *Mei-chan no Shitsuji*, *Mei-chan no Shitsuji DX*, *Mei-chan's Butler: Butlers of Midnight* and it's *television drama adaptation*. He is a young butler who is extremely skilled and talented into various fields, Rihito is currently working as a butler for the Hongo Family, where they possess the best butlers and maids for many generations. As a young girl named Mei Shinonome lost her parents in an accident, Rihito learned she was the new successor of the Hongo Family and was sent by Kintaro to protect Mei from anything or anyone against her.

Rihito comes from the Hongo Estate's butler family, where they train the best butlers and maids for many generations: his grandfather was part of the Hongo Family's first generation of butlers, while his father is from the 2nd generation of butlers and his mother being the current leader of the maids. In addition, he is the older brother of Kento Shibata, who also trains to become the best butler for Mei.

## Personality

Like the majority of butlers, Rihito is mostly known for his calm and composed attitude toward his lady and other people he encounters, either be friends or foes. He always values to respect a rude behaved individual, while making some sneaky remarks to taunt them.

## Appearances

### Physical Appearance

Rihito is a very tall and thin man with a lean build physique. Under his clothes reveals well developed muscles, the evidence he remains in good physical condition.

### Clothing & Outfits

Most of the time, Rihito wears the standard butler outfit which consist of a dark jacket and a black tie.

## Butler Information

### Overview Information

Rihito Shibata is so far one of the strongest butlers in the whole franchise, all thanks to his vast array of skills and inhumane abilities. During situations, he can precisely determine the following events that will occur next and planning strategies to avoid the the undesirable scenarios all thanks to his keen foresight.

## Relationships

### Family & Relatives

* **Kento Shibata** (Younger Brother): Their rivalries will never end, as they both have a strong determination and common goal: to serve the best lady in the world, who is none other than Mei Hongo.
* **Taizo**: Though not mentioned, it is hinted he respects his father.
* **Maria Redford** (Mother): Though not mentioned, it is hinted he respects her mother.
* **Hideto Shibata** (Grandfather): Rihito also respect his grandfather, even though the old man tends to be a bit grouchy or silly at times.
* **Chris Redford** (Uncle): Their relationship is unknown, though Chris seems to not have a liking on Rihito because of his stoic and cold nature, calling him "scary".

### Friends & Allies

* **Mei Hongo**: He serves Mei Hongo and will protect her until he dies, the dedication of a butler.
* **Izumi Ryuonji**: Rihito deeply trust her, since she is a perfect lady with the skills of a leader and known for her great intelligence.
	+ **Kiba**: He seems to trust Kiba, despite the latter's numerous catastrophic clumsiness.
* **Fujiko Natsume**: Since Fujiko is a close friend to Mei, Rihito trusts her.
	+ **Nezu**:
* **Miruku Mamahara**:
	+ **Daimon Goro**:

### Rivals & Enemies

* **Aoyama** (Rival): Ever since his first defeat, Aoyama has grown a grudge against Rihito (in addition of Kento).
* **Rika Kayama** (Former Enemy):
* **Emiri's Mother** (Former Enemy):
* **Miwako Ryuonji**:
* **Bill**:
* **Irfan**:
* **Zaki & Jin**:

### Others/Neutrals

* **The Mayor**: During the trouble between Mei and Emiri's strict mother, Rihito made a call to Kintaro about the situation and the old man went to say "hello" to the mayor. The mayor also seems to know about the full history of the Hongo Estate and what they are capable of.
* **Sakuraba**: Both never had a real friendship, only respects each others.

## Gallery

Rihito's appearance in the series' first volume and first chapter.The endless sibling rivalry of the Shibata Brothers, often bickering against each others.Mei trying to hold her giggles with the brothers (they heard her laugh).The Shibata Brothers on the manga series' 9th volume (cover).
## Trivia

* A popular theory from fans believe he is the same butler who saved Mei from the dark woods when she was younger. Both butlers have a very similar body frame and appearance, although this has yet to be confirmed.
* Although Rihito's butler information claims he hasn't been shocked yet (in the first chapters), there were several instances where he was caught by surprise in the mangas. Such moments can be listed as:
	+ Mei's incompetence at (*basically*) everything and anything.
	+ Tami constantly digging up holes and underground tunnels into Mei's room (featuring her butler, Kanzaki).
	+ Mei willingly offers some of Kento's hairs to Miruku, eagerly planning to cast a curse on him.
	+ Irfan asking Mei to become his first queen, as well the beginning of the entire Husband Candidates Saga.
	+ Mei's dirty apron and her chocolate gift to him.
* Rihito, along with his brother Kento, can be seen as the "mascots" of the entire franchise due to their numerous appearances on the volumes' covers.
	+ Rihito is among the most popular characters according to some fan vote polls.