Machi

**Machi** (マッチ, *Matchi*) is one of the characters of the one-shot Japanese manga series, *Roku no Meiyaku,* which is written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono.

## Appearance

Machi is quite tall and has striking brown eyes, along with jaw-length blonde hair that he sometimes styles into small pigtails on each side. His hair also features straight bangs that reach just above his eyebrows. He typically dresses in a relaxed, Hawaiian-inspired shirt, often layered with a white undershirt, and pairs this with black pants.

## Personality

Machi, as described through Roku's recollections and interactions, appears to have been a cherished friend with a significant presence in Roku's life. Their friendship was founded on shared experiences, and they often met beneath a bridge where Roku brought bread for Machi. Machi's bond with Roku seemed to be built on loyalty and companionship, and they held a special place in Roku's heart.

Machi's loyalty extended to a commitment to dangerous tasks, even when faced with adversity. During a confrontation with their Father, Machi displayed a resolute commitment to their assignments and a willingness to take responsibility for their actions. This suggests a sense of duty and determination in Machi's character.

Furthermore, Machi's playful nature emerged in interactions with Lucille, where they humorously agreed with Roku's remarks. This indicates a light-hearted and playful side to Machi's personality, which likely added to the depth of their friendship with Roku.

Machi's importance in Roku's life was further underscored by Roku's willingness to make a significant sacrifice in their memory, as he placed bread on Machi's grave as a customary practice. This practice suggests that Machi had a lasting impact on Roku, and their friendship continued to hold great meaning even after Machi's passing.

## Relationships

* **Roku:** Roku and Machi share a deep and enduring friendship. Roku describes Machi as his friend, albeit noting his initial perception of Machi's intelligence. They have a longstanding connection that extends back to their childhood when they first encountered Roku's Father. Despite Roku's initial assessment, he fondly recalls their interactions beneath a bridge, where he regularly brought bread for Machi, who would also request cigarettes.

Their bond strengthens over time as they spend countless moments together, even training to become skilled fighters. However, their friendship takes a tragic turn when Machi loses his life, deeply affecting Roku. This tragedy leads Roku to distance himself from his father's actions and seek a path of his own.

A poignant memory illustrates the depth of their friendship, highlighting the closeness they shared. In this memory, Machi implores Roku to carry on if he were to perish, promising not to forsake their companionship. Roku's unwavering commitment to this bond is made evident when he raises his blood, symbolizing his dedication to their enduring friendship.

* **Their Father:** Roku's Father, a former assassin recruited by the powerful Koryukai family in town, enters the narrative. He berates Roku and Machi for their failure to eliminate a child they were assigned to kill two years prior. Accusing them of disregarding his instructions to carry out the killings, he fosters a sense of tension and disappointment.

In response, Roku and Machi explain their approach, which involved intimidation to dissuade their targets from affiliating with the Dragon Society. This explanation further deepens the divide between father and son, highlighting their differing perspectives on following orders and achieving their objectives.

Despite his Father's initial harshness, he eventually apologizes to Roku. However, this reconciliation is overshadowed by the tragic death of Machi during their confrontation, adding an immense strain to their already fragile relationship.

## Plot

### Background

Machi is a significant figure in Roku's life, having been his childhood friend and later companion at a previous job, during which they routinely met beneath a bridge where Roku would bring bread for Machi. Roku and Machi's childhood friendship began when they encountered Machi's father while getting some food. This friendship endured as they spent numerous moments together, including training to become skilled fighters.

During a confrontation with Machi's father, Roku and Machi found themselves in trouble for failing to eliminate a target they were assigned to kill, leading to Machi's death. Machi's death was a pivotal moment in Roku's life, leading to a series of events where Roku sought vengeance against those responsible, including his own father.

Machi's memory played a crucial role in Roku's final confrontation with his father and the other assassins, as he drew his own blood to signify his commitment to the deal with Lucille.

Roku's actions during this confrontation led to the demise of his father and the other assassins, as he embraced his newfound powers. Roku and Lucille then visited Machi's grave after Roku's fight with their father, continuing the tradition of leaving a loaf of bread there, symbolizing his enduring connection to Machi.

## Operational Proficiency

### Abilities and Skills

* **Skilled Swordsmanship:** Machi is Roku's childhood friend and companion. They spent numerous moments together and even trained to become skilled fighters. They were assigned by his Father to eliminate targets for the Dragon Society, but they used intimidation instead of outright killing. Machi was willing to commence the killings as per his Father's instructions, but Roku aligned himself with Machi's decision.

### Weaponry

* **Sword:** Just like Roku, when he was alive, Machi also used a sword as his weapon.

## Trivia

* Machi was Roku's childhood friend and companion at a previous job.
* Roku and Machi would often meet beneath a bridge, where Roku would bring bread for Machi.
* Machi was described as lacking in intelligence, and Roku fondly recalled their interactions.
* In their childhood, Machi and Roku encountered Machi's Father, who later became an assassin for the Koryukai. They maintained their friendship throughout their childhood and trained together to become skilled fighters.
* Roku and Machi were assigned to eliminate targets for the Dragon Society but chose to intimidate the targets instead of carrying out the killings. Machi died as a result of their disobedience and rebellion against their Father's orders.
* Roku and Lucille visited Machi's grave, where Roku expressed his sorrow, indicating a continuing connection to his friend's memory.