Hotaru
Summary
Originally named Keikoku, Hotaru was one of the Five Stars of the Mibu clan, initially dispatched to spy on Kyo. He holds a deep admiration for Kyo’s bloodthirsty and icy demeanor, resenting the softer side that emerged through his interactions with Yuya. His bitterness extends to his older half-brother, Shinrei, another of the Five Stars, stemming from the fact that Shinrei is the valued legitimate heir while Hotaru is the illegitimate son of a concubine. Despite Shinrei’s ignorance of this lineage, Hotaru’s life is consumed by animosity toward his brother, defined by constant opposition. While their father, a Master of the Muryou Saikyou Ryuu School, taught Shinrei to use water, Hotaru devoted himself to fire. Where Shinrei sought strength through friendship and clan honor, Hotaru pursued power through solitude, leading him to battle former allies like Kyo and the Shiseiten, whom he viewed as obstacles to his isolation. After being defeated by Kyo, Hotaru’s life was spared, and he became Kyo’s servant. He remained to recover and eventually arrived to help Kyo when his half-brother was about to defeat him. During their fight, Hotaru learned that Shinrei had always known their relationship, had protected him from their father’s assassins, and secured Hotaru’s position among the Five Stars so they could fight as equals. Shinrei then defeated Hotaru, feigning his death to protect him. When Kyo moved to kill Shinrei, Hotaru intervened, pleading for his brother’s life. He later rejoined the Shiseiten to fight his teacher, Yuan, and his former clan. Hotaru commands black flames, which are hotter than normal fire, and can generate solid flame shields. His techniques include Chikewai, which involves applying blood to his face to boost power; Shakuran Entai, a large-area fire blast; Kaho Enbu, a flame shell that explodes upon breakout; Ma'oh-en, a larger and hotter version of Shakuran Entai; Demon’s Breath, which shoots black fire; and the Hell Crusher, a massive black flame field that leaves a crater. Against Yuan, he uses his ultimate technique, Keikokuken, creating a fire maelstrom that applies Chikewai to burn opponents to death, or to empower allies. He wields a double-sided sword, appearing as one long blade with wraps and a hand guard, with one end shaped like a katana and the other like a long dagger. Despite his deadly skills, Hotaru serves as the comic relief, acting extremely dense and stating the obvious. He forgets his own speeches, gives literal directions in a straight path, and makes foolish declarations during battles. Having realized he is not alone, he becomes deeply concerned with protecting those he cares about, though he does not show it directly. He refers to Kyo as a "friend of combat" and strives to protect him, forming friendships with Benitora, Sasuke, Yuya, and Yukimura, and becoming considered family by Yuan’s relatives. His relationship with Shinrei grows closer, marked by sibling-like rivalry and teasing. Although Hotaru claims to hate water and insists he hates his brother, he consistently shows deep care, stepping in to save and help Shinrei whenever necessary.
