Oni

**Oni** (鬼 (おに) ) are a humanoid species with a unique type of blood which they can manipulate in various ways. This ability may remain dormant for most of an Oni's life, causing many of them to be unaware of their lineage as a result. When an Oni's abilities do finally manifest, usually shown by a pair of ethereal horns which sprouts from the top of their head, it's referred to as an "*awakening*".

The Oni are engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Momotarou, who seek to oppress and eventually eradicate them. The Oni Corporation is an organization which exists in responds to this threat and severs to provide assistance and protection to all Onis.

## Origin

All Oni can trace their lineage back to Kishin, the original Oni who almost annihilated the Momotarou.

After his defeat, Kishin began to couple with humans to produce the modern Oni species, members of which possess limited strength in comparison to their ancestors.

However, there do exist a small number of Oni who inherited the Kishin bloodline more strongly than others and express distinctive traits as a result; these individuals are known as the "Children of the Kishin".

## Children of the Kishin

The Children of the Kishin are born only when the Oni population is nearing extinction at the hands of the Momotarou. Each one of the Children expresses one of eight individual attributes over which they have some level of control. These are:

* **Fire (**炎 (えん) 鬼 (き)  ***Enki*)**

**Shiki Ichinose** — Even before tapping into his Kishin powers, Shiki has demonstrated himself to be virtually impervious to fire, allowing him to walk through a burning hospital without issue. When he does use his flames, Shiki can surround his body in them and cause them to spread from each attack he lands on an opponent.

* **Wind (風 (かぜ)  *Kaze*)**

Hayate Todoroki — Todoroki commands a gust of wind and can freely control its movement. This wind is able to rip things apart.

* **Darkness (闇 (やみ)  *Yami*)**
* **Earth (土 (つち)  *Tsuchi*)**
* **Ice (氷 (こおり)  *Kōri*)**
* **Light (光 (ひかり)  *Hikari*)**
* **Thunder (雷 (かみなり)  *Kaminari*)**
* **Water (水 (みず)  *Mizu*)**

As per tradition, all eight children are born around the same time. Due to their unique blood, the Children of the Kishin all possess enhanced physical strength equal to that of a berserk state Oni as well as increased regenerative abilities. Unfortunately, the price for such power is a shortened lifespan, with Children of the Kishin all dying young and potentially as early as ten years after awakening.

## Biology

Oni blood is not detectable from birth, making it impossible to identify an Oni prior to their awakening. At the point of awakening, their blood mutates and they develop characteristics specific to the species (i.e. the ability to manipulate blood, regeneration), as well as horns sprouting from their head.

Due to the power of their blood, many Oni struggle to control it upon awakening and enter a dangerous, berserk state. In this state, the Oni physically transforms and they are not conscious of their words or actions.

Those who are able to conquer their berserk state and control their blood are considered capable for training under the Oni Corporation and can be admitted to Rasetsu Academy. Those who are unable to overcome this are considered a threat that the Oni Corporation is responsible for neutralizing.

Oni produce more blood than humans do, although they are at risk of anaemia if they use their blood too much or too often. Aside from general research into the species, there is particular interest in the research of Oni blood for medicinal purposes - this is one reason why the human political elite continue to collude with the Momotarou Corporation.

## Abilities

Through bloodletting, Oni initiate a process called **Blood Eclipse Release** (血蝕解放, *Chishoku Kaihō*), releasing the blood within their body and allowing them to manipulate and shape it based on experiences, interests and personal trauma, and control its density and strength. One common usage of Blood Eclipse Release is the creation of specialized weapons, such as Shiki’s arsenal of firearms, but the technique can also be used for things like reconnaissance and healing.

**Regeneration** is another characteristic of the Oni, although the speed varies based on the individual. Children of the Kishin have exceptionally high regeneration abilities.

## Lifestyle

Many Oni live civilian lifestyles and are not affiliated with the Oni Corporation or similar organizations. In some cases, they gather and live together in Oni villages, separate from humans, but most live undetected amongst the general population.

## Group

Group In Oni appear.

* Oni Corporation
* Kikuko Unit

## References

1. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 31 (pp. 4-6)
2. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 31 (p. 6)
3. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 31 (p. 17)
4. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 33 (p. 3)
5. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 90 (pp. 7-14)
6. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 75 (pp. 11-12)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 25 (p. 3)
8. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 2 (p. 5)
9. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 8 (p.2)
10. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 10 (pp. 13-14)
11. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 31 (p. 9)
12. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 10 (pp. 2-3)
13. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 95 (pp. 7-8)
14. ↑ *Tougen Anki* manga: Chapter 31 (p. 8)