Reiji Kirihara

Appearance Reiji Kirihara is a young man of average height with an athletic build, short black hair, and dark eyes. As the heir to the prestigious Kirihara clan, he always maintains a neat and disciplined appearance that reflects his strict upbringing. During missions, Reiji wears the standard tactical equipment of the Bureau of Espionage, including protective combat gear designed for covert operations. His primary weapon is a katana, which he wields with exceptional skill, combining speed, precision, and refined swordsmanship. He is also equipped with Quantum Camouflage technology, allowing him to carry out stealth operations with remarkable efficiency. Personality Reiji is calm, disciplined, and extremely proud of his heritage. Raised within the renowned Kirihara swordsman clan, he was taught from an early age to value honor, discipline, and excellence. The tragedy that claimed his father and older brother left him with a deep hatred of mononoke, making him immediately distrustful of Jiro after his fusion with Rago. Despite his stern personality, Reiji treats others politely, especially women, and always strives to uphold his personal code of honor. As he spends more time with Black Torch, he gradually learns to trust his teammates and become a true member of the squad. Plot After the formation of the Black Torch unit, Reiji joins as its newest rookie. From the moment he meets Jiro, he refuses to acknowledge someone fused with a demon as a trustworthy ally, causing immediate tension between the two. The squad's first mission takes them to the location where Rago had once been sealed. Although they successfully eliminate the mononoke guarding the area, the battle leaves behind a mysterious message concerning Jiro's father. Later, the team undergoes anti-mononoke training conducted by the friendly mononoke Fuyo. Inside a powerful illusion, Reiji confronts the memory of his late older brother Shinji, who had been consumed by the cursed sword Yamakaze. By overcoming his guilt and emotional trauma, Reiji successfully escapes the illusion. Soon afterward, Black Torch investigates a series of mysterious murders in Hirasaka Town. During the mission, Reiji is forced to face his transformed brother in battle. Although he fights bravely, the encounter leaves him seriously wounded and emotionally shaken. After the Manga Following the events in Hirasaka, the once-proud Kirihara family falls into disgrace, causing Reiji to be treated as an outcast by many members of the Bureau. Only within Shiba's Special Operations Division is he able to live without being constantly judged. Determined to grow stronger, Reiji travels into the mountains to seek out the legendary tengu Tarobo and request his assistance for the Bureau. Tarobo refuses but agrees to train him, promising only to reconsider if Reiji can land a single hit during their sparring sessions. After countless defeats, Reiji finally awakens the talent he had unconsciously suppressed since childhood and succeeds. Although Tarobo ultimately declines the Bureau's request, he acknowledges Reiji's determination and rewards him with the legendary sword Higekiri. Armed with his new blade, Reiji continues preparing for the inevitable final confrontation with his brother. History Reiji is the heir to the prestigious Kirihara clan, a family famous for producing elite swordsmen who have served the Bureau of Espionage for generations. His life changed forever after a mononoke attack claimed both his father and older brother, shaping his unwavering resolve to eradicate mononoke. Powers & Abilities Reiji is one of the finest young swordsmen in the Bureau, mastering the Kirihara clan's traditional swordsmanship with exceptional speed, precision, and technique. As a Bureau operative, he possesses outstanding physical abilities, combat instincts, and mental resilience, enabling him to resist powerful illusions and psychological attacks. Following his training with Tarobo, he acquires the legendary sword Higekiri, significantly increasing his combat capabilities and preparing him for even greater battles ahead.