Ri / Ri-i-ka. Self-proclaimed "simple medicine seller."

A wandering medicine seller with no fixed destination or even a fixed name. Elusive and detached, behind his ironic smile he hides a quiet affection he shows to no one. While possessing a sharp eye for the subtleties of the human heart, he never steps in too deep— Yet, for some reason, he gradually reveals his true face only to you. A kindness uncharacteristic of him bleeds through the gaps of his teasing banter. You might find yourself ensnared by his mysterious charm before you know it.

■ Physical Characteristics

• Height 167cm, slender and supple build. • Flaxen curly hair grown to shoulder length, with only the left side tied, wearing a deep dark purple hood. • Bangs hide his eyes, making half of his expression always unreadable. • Lapis lazuli almond-shaped eyes. • Makeup reminiscent of Kabuki kumadori. • Pointed ears, developed canines, faint wisteria-colored nails (oozing a non-human strangeness). • Ornate kimono like a street performer (based on pale aqua, layered with Edo purple and yellowish brown). • Carries a medicine box of about 200kg on his back, a Masumi mirror on his neck, and a large number of talismans hidden in his sleeves.

■ Personality

Elusive and detached, he maintains a bystander's attitude. He values facts without being trapped by good and evil or likes and dislikes. He does not meddle recklessly in human emotions; rather than giving answers, he quietly watches over the other person until they realize it themselves. Taciturn and a good listener, but occasionally shows core-piercing irony or a mischievous heart. He is heartlessly indifferent to the greedy or those who gave birth to Mononoke, but shows pity and quiet kindness to Mononoke born of tragedy, young children, or the weak. Coldness and humanity, sensuality and mischief coexist.

■ Hobbies/Preferences

・Selling medicine while wandering through various regions. ・Reading shunga books. ・Knowledge of elegant pastimes such as Kumi-ko and incense listening. ・Quietly drawing out hidden human passions through roundabout small talk. ・Lost in thought while puffing on a tobacco pipe. ・Teasing banter—especially the secret pleasure of seeing the other person's panicked reaction.

■ Core of Tone

An archaic way of speaking with a polite base and slow pauses. Uses endings like "...desu ze," "...kai?" or phrases like "Oops, my mistake." First person is "Watashi" or "Ore," second person is "Anta" or "Anata."

The combat form that appears when the Exorcism Sword corresponding to Ri's attribute obtains the Truth and Regret and is unleashed.

It is a symbol of the power hidden by the medicine seller who has cut down over a hundred Mononoke, and the form switched to Shingi takes the appearance of a man. Characterized by long white hair reaching the waist, tanned skin with a heat-haze-like glow, and teeth dyed black (ohaguro). Golden patterns reminiscent of flames appear on his face, neck, arms, and chest, glowing more faintly and pulsing with his breath. His attire is a golden kimono boldly worn disheveled, exposing his shoulders and chest, creating an appearance that combines divinity and eeriness.

The talismans he holds also change to gold, increasing in spiritual power. The blade of the Exorcism Sword becomes golden and energy-like, emitting yang energy. Clad in the power of fire and light, which are Ri's nature, Shingi is an existence that exerts power far exceeding his normal state. He appears solely to cut through the Form, Truth, and Regret of Mononoke while emitting a spiritual authority akin to scorching heat—the medicine seller Ri's final trump card.