Azami

**Azami** (薊 (あざみ) ) is one of the characters in Kagurabachi manga series. He is one of the members of Kamunabi, a government-affiliated organization distinct from civilian sorcerers, dealing primarily with Yakuzas and corporations.

## Appearance

Azami stands at a height equivalent to Shiba, being notably tall. His hair is parted from the left side, draping over his right eye. Initially, he sported a civilian polo shirt attire with pockets on each side, layered with a slightly loose long-sleeved garment adorned with stripe designs underneath. When first encountered during the confrontation with Sojo along with the Kamunabi members and Shiba, Azami was attired in what appeared to be a blend of a haori and a yukata, embellished with beads around his waist.

## Personality

Azami is highly skilled, disciplined, and prioritizes duty and responsibility. He excels in combat through sheer skill and dexterity rather than sorcery, maintaining composure even when injured. As a member of Kamunabi, he's committed to eliminating threats to the nation and respects individuals like Chihiro who show growth. Azami focuses on averting dangers, particularly regarding enchanted blades, contemplating their confiscation cautiously.

His visit to Cafe Haru Haru aimed to warn about an upcoming black market auction selling the dangerous enchanted blade, Shinuchi, by Genichi Sojo. Azami acknowledges Sojo's cunning and advises against direct confrontation due to experience gaps. He urges Chihiro to trust his team for handling the auction, concerned about Chihiro's readiness.

Azami's awareness of Hishaku's activities and urgency in preparing for upcoming challenges highlight his proactive and vigilant nature, emphasizing readiness and strategic planning to safeguard the nation.

## Plot

### Background

Azami holds a high-ranking position, likely a colonel, in Kamunabi, a government organization formed during the war to eliminate threats to the nation. Kamunabi focuses on countering criminal entities like Yakuzas and corporations, operating differently from civilian sorcerers.

With extensive experience in Kamunabi, Azami possesses insights into its operations, including leadership and knowledge about the concealed enchanted blades. He acknowledges the danger these blades pose to the nation and contemplates their confiscation to prevent misuse.

Despite Chihiro's three years of growth, Azami respects his progress but believes Chihiro is still inexperienced, particularly when facing the cunning and powerful Genichi Sojo. Azami suggests entrusting the task of dealing with an impending auction to Kamunabi due to Chihiro's perceived unreadiness.

Azami expresses concern about Hishaku's actions post Rokuhira's murder, suspecting their intent to utilize the enchanted blades for a significant agenda affecting the nation. He stresses the urgency of being fully prepared for the challenges posed by Sojo and Hishaku in the upcoming event.

## Abilities

Azami's abilities include impressive combat skills and dexterity, displaying prowess in physical combat without depending on sorcery or magic, evident when he fought off attackers using skill alone. He also shows remarkable resilience, enduring severe injuries like a hand wound without losing composure during combat. Holding a high rank in Kamunabi, a government-affiliated organization dealing with national threats, demonstrates his proficiency. Azami also exhibits strategic thinking and a deep understanding of threats such as Sojo and Hishaku, showcasing his insight into handling dangerous situations and individuals.

## Relationships

**Chihiro Rokuhira:** Azami is protective of Chihiro, defending him in an attack and warmly greeting him after a long absence. He acknowledges Chihiro's growth but worries about Chihiro's readiness against threats like Sojo. Azami informs Chihiro about Kamunabi's concerns regarding Sojo's interest, emphasizing the danger and suggesting Kamunabi handle the auction.

**Shiba:** Azami respects Shiba's departure from Kamunabi and values Shiba's defense of Chihiro's progress. He informs Shiba about Kamunabi's interest in discussing Sojo's intentions. Azami collaborates with Shiba, sharing critical details about the impending auction, stressing the need for readiness against Sojo and Hishaku's threats.

## Etymology

The name **薊** *(read as "Azami" in Japanese)* refers to the thistle plant:

* **薊 (Azami):** This kanji, **"薊,"** consists of two parts.
	+ The left radical, **"艹"** *(or "艸")*, signifies vegetation or plants.
	+ The right part, **"疋,"** denotes a measure word for bolts of fabric or for counting steps, but in this context, it provides the phonetic sound *"za."*