Age: 18
DOB: December 19
Height: 162 cm
Weight: 46 kg
Blood type: AB
B/W/H: 85/57/82

Shizuru in My-HiME

The always-calm president of the Fuka Academy Student Council, Shizuru at first appears in episodes involving important school events, or in scenes featuring the Student Council's homeroom, often calmly sipping tea. Making an entrance as a playful, charming and slightly sarcastic individual, she takes care of significant school affairs single-handedly, even patching up for the academy director when required, but tends to leave all the "dirty work" for the executive committee.

She wears a differently colored uniform to denote her status as Student Council President, something fellow Student Council leaders Reito Kanzaki and Haruka Suzushiro also do. Her beauty and distinctive Kyoto-accent have earned her quite a few fans within the academy - And all mostly female. She occasionally lends Natsuki Kuga use of the Student Council's computer in order to look up information relating to the HiME.

In the novel entitled, "Natsuki's Prelude", some background was provided on the reasons influencing Shizuru's decision to run for the Student Council President position. She was originally just a class representative in her second year of highschool. Natsuki, a middle-schooler at the time, had heard a rumor that class representatives had a higher access level within the school's intranet than normal students. Shizuru teased Natsuki and assumed she was inquiring for the sake of altering her attendance record. Natsuki informed her that she wanted to gain access to the school's state of its administration, the director's name and personal record, and a register of the staff members and pupils plus their personal records. Shizuru regretted to inform Natsuki that her access to the intranet was not much higher than that of a typical student. Witnessing Natsuki looking somewhat disappointed, Shizuru mentally came to a decision and entered herself as a presidential candidate.

The novel continues with the fact that elections were held rather late in the year compared to most schools but Shizuru managed to crush her opponent, Suzushiro Haruka, in a landslide victory. She had become the new President, which enabled her high-level access on the school's intranet. Natsuki of course utilized this to her advantage, but never found out Shizuru's true motivation for running.

In the second half of the series, Shizuru's role becomes more significant, as it is revealed that she's one of the twelve HiMEs. Unlike the other HiMEs, she acts solo, without facing either the Orphans, nor the agents of the Searrs Foundation. Instead she focuses on covertly protecting her best friend, Natsuki Kuga, who is also a HiME. It is implied that Shizuru's "HiME mark" is located on her left side, as she is seen placing her hand there on several occasions relating to the HiME, including the interrogation of Yukariko Sanada, before actually being revealed as one. Shizuru's shadow with her element is first seen in episode 20 when she intervenes and has her child, Kiyohime, block Mikoto's attack towards Natsuki.

During the later course of the series, it becomes apparent that Shizuru has a romantic interest in Natsuki, and the suppression of these feelings begin to unbalance her psychologically. After Natsuki is injured by Nao Yuuki and held for ransom Shizuru rescues her and brings her to a friend's house to allow her to heal. During Natsuki's recovery Shizuru's shadow is observed by Yukino's probes disrobing and lying down next to an unconscious Natsuki, though what actually occurred in this incident is left ambiguous. However, after both her HiME-status and her obsession-like love-interest are discovered by Natsuki herself after Haruka confronts Shizuru about her absence from the school and declares Shizuru's love for Natsuki to be "disgusting", Shizuru loses her mental balance and becomes yet another puppet playing to the plan of the Obsidian Lord, killing the Childs and, by extension, the most important people of Nao (her mother) and Yukino (Haruka) as well as members of the First District, for the sake of her beloved.

In a final confrontation Shizuru fights Natsuki, who having accepted her love for Shizuru now has a new most important person and has hence regained her powers, along with Duran increasing drastically in size. Shizuru misunderstands Natsuki's explanation for Duran's increased size, and believes the "omoi" (literally emotion) Natsuki feels for her is hate. An emotional Shizuru believes that Natsuki has rejected her feelings and entraps her under a bell before drawing her into an embrace. However, Shizuru is taken aback when Natsuki kisses her. She tells Shizuru that she loves her and is happy that Shizuru has feelings for her. Natsuki then orders Duran to destroy Kiyohime, which results in an explosive backlash that destroys them both. Natsuki and Shizuru disappear in each other's arms thereafter.

After their resurrection by Mashiro the two seem to have maintained their close friendship and during the day of Shizuru's graduation, their relationship progressed into something much more. The official Sunrise episode guidebook entitled "My-HiME Anime Book Volume 2" has addressed their current relationship status. On page 25, under Shizuru's profile section, it mentions that "Once again, Natsuki spoke affectionate words to the graduating Shizuru. Before one knows, happiness will visit these two."
[edit] My-HiME manga

In the manga Shizuru is not a HiME, and her role is largely reduced. She still provides information to Natsuki, but their relationship is left largely unexplored, Natsuki having feelings towards Yuuichi rather than Shizuru.


Element and Child

Her Element is a large Guandao/Naginata. It serves as a close range weapon, but she can take opponents by surprise with its long range capabilities, as the blade can extend into a chain-like extension, capable of tying someone up or crushing solid metal within its coils. She can attack long range by using the chain to slice through incoming attacks or to slash an opponent with her extended reach. She has once even used her extending blade to cut through the entire side of a cliff, causing part of it to collapse and crumble. Shizuru's use of the weapon combined with her noble and calm demeanor is likely a reference to Sengoku Period noble women, who were expected to know the art of the weapon in order to defend their families. The naginata was also frequently used as a status symbol.

Shizuru's Child is Kiyohime, a cross between a Squid and a Hydra. Its name is most likely a reference to the Japanese legend of the same name. The trapping of Natsuki under the church's bell during their fight is a direct allusion to this myth. Kiyohime's multiple snake heads allow it to attack quickly and repeatedly, and each of its heads can spray an acidic silver poison. Kiyohime is one of the larger Childs in the anime, comparibly similar in size to Mai's Kagusutchi and Mikoto's Child Miroku, and arguably, one of the strongest.


Shizuru in My-Otome

In the alternate-universe version and the sequel of the original series, Shizuru now appears as a Meister Otome and the Deputy Headmistress of Garderobe. She was Pearl #1 when Natsuki was a Coral and is seen in a photograph from Natsuki's school days. In the Drama CD Bonus: Memoirs of Shizuru Viola, Natsuki (who was harboring a crush for her then over-idealized Shizuru~oneesama) was also accepted as her heya-gakari (room attendant). This event involved much disillusionment and guilt for both parties. Eventually though, Natsuki expresses a desire to learn about the 'real' Shizuru and the latter reciprocates (having formerly only thought of Natsuki as another nameless fan girl). She still has got her elegant habit of sipping her tea as her quiet, slow way to deal with any situations.

She is one of the Five Columns (#3 in the order): the strongest Otome in the world who serve not an individual master but Garderobe itself. She materializes in the first episode to fend off a SLAVE and inspires Arika Yumemiya to become an Otome herself. It is strongly implied during the series that her relationship with Natsuki from the original story is now adapted to an actual romantic relationship. They live together in the academy, and are almost never apart. This relationship is confirmed in a Drama CD scene in which Natsuki confesses to Nao that she and Shizuru are an exclusive couple.

Shizuru and Natsuki often tease and confide with each other on various topics, even though Natsuki sometimes feels jealous and envious towards Shizuru. Natsuki's jealousy is particularly evident in response to Shizuru showing (apparent) affection to anyone else she meets. For example, in Episode 2, Shizuru proceeds to kiss Arika suggestively. She obviously does that to tease Natsuki as she stops halfway and looks at Natsuki. Natsuki reacts by sucking in her breath. Then, Arika gets overwhelmed and fainted. There's also a time when Shizuru massaged Natsuki (both in bathing suits) as they talked, making contact with a rather sensitive (not shown) bit of skin if Natsuki's reaction is anything to go by. Shizuru is often idolized and referred by other students as Oneesama because of her elegant fighting style, charisma, beauty, kindness, and sincerity. Shizuru often acts as the surrogate mother/sister to Arika Yumemiya and Nina Wáng, and gives them her support and comfort whenever necessary.

In the first episode of the OVA My-Otome Zwei, Shizuru is petrified by an unknown entity while investigating a mysterious crater. In the second episode it is implied that the victims are still alive despite their nanomachines being solidified, and in the third episode her body along with the other petrified victims are at Garderobe for analysis by Yohko. She and the other victims are eventually cured in the conclusion to the fourth episode.


GEM

Her GEM, from which the power of an Otome derives, is named the Bewitching Smile Amethyst (嬌嫣の紫水晶 Kyouen no Murasakizuishou). Her Robe resembles both her Child from My-HiME as well as the traditional kimono she wore often in that series.

Her Element of choice is a double-edged sword with curved blades that extend into whip-like chains. She utilizes her natural grace and agility in her fighting prowess, making her an elegant yet deadly warrior.


My-Otome Manga

In the My-Otome manga Shizuru Viola is still the first Meister Otome introduced, though her first materialization comes in chapter 12, not as early as in the anime. She duels against Rad in the same chapter and Midori in chapter 18 but fails to win decisively. This Shizuru is Arika's oneesama from the beginning unlike in the anime, where it was initially Akane and then Nao. She was also an early target of Mashiro's infatuation.

Since Shizuru Fujino was not a HiME in the My-HiME manga she is not present among the resurrected HiME from the manga (made evident by the presence of Haruka), but Viola nevertheless does do battle against them though she still wished she had one. However, she is ambushed by Sugiura Midori while comically wondering about her 'black' counterpart (the anime version of Hime's Shizuru, evident in her portrayal as a creepy stalker complete with naginata and "Natsuki Love" bandana). Fortunately, Midori the leader of Schwarz intervenes before the HiME Midori can capitalize on her advantage.


Miscellaneous

* Shizuru's character song, Katakoi Enka, is presented in My-HiME character vocal album vol.2, by her seiyuu Naomi Shindou.
* It has become something of a running gag in many fanarts of Shizuru for her to be holding Scallions (green onion), because in the radio drama of My-HiME Natsuki develops a cold, prompting Midori to suggest an old folk cure of putting a leek up one's behind. Shizuru is immediately taken to the idea, despite Natsuki's severe objections. The Fuuka Taisen PC Game website even features an image of Shizuru spinning the leek in a manner reminiscent of the Loituma Girl [1].
* To show that Shizuru speaks with a distinct Kyoto Accent, the English dub of the series gives her a southern accent in order to differentiate her from the other, "normal" speaking characters.
* She is the 5th runner-up of Anime Saimoe 2005 and the 6th one is Natsuki Kuga.

My-HiME

Character Information
Age: 14
DOB: June 13
Height: 153 cm
Weight: 40 kg (88 lbs)
Blood type: B
B/W/H: 79/56/78

In My-HiME, Nao is a middle school student at Fuka Academy and the roommate of Mai Tokiha's friend Aoi. Although she first appears in the second episode, when a rampaging Mikoto Minagi knocks her down, she is not formally introduced until the seventh, as Mikoto's classmate. At first, she appears to be a child prostitute as she approaches a man who had arranged to meet her over the Internet (where she uses the nickname "Juliet") and they go to a secluded spot. However, before things go any further, she traps the man with the aid of her "Child" familiar and robs him.

She is discovered by Mikoto and they briefly scuffle. Learning of Mikoto's desire to be independent of Mai, her older roommate, and find her brother, she brings the other girl into her morally ambivalent activities. They in turn are caught by Mai and another HiME, Natsuki Kuga, who set free their victim and get into an argument with them. The impending fight is broken up by a drunk Midori Sugiura and Nagi Homura. Nao leaves the area, but not before dropping a set of girders on the others as a parting shot.

After the incident, she forms a rivalry with Natsuki and does not hesitate to tease the older girl. Nao dislikes the idea of joining Midori's "HiME Sentai (Rangers)", but reluctantly agrees in order to combat the Searrs Foundation's invasion. When Nagi informs the HiMEs that they must fight each other's Childs, she leaves the HiME Sentai and declares that she will uphold her own interests first.

Yukariko's deception of the HiMEs into believing that Nao injured her and the subsequent battle against her is the event that precipitates the Ikusahime Carnival proper. After being blinded in the left eye in episode 18, she swears not to forgive any of the other HiMEs and escapes. In episode 19, she sneaks into the hospital where Mai's brother Takumi is warded and attempts to harm him, explaining that she hates Mai, his sister, because the two of them share similarly tragic circumstances, but Mai is liked whereas she is not. Nao's effort does not succeed as Takumi's roommate Akira Okuzaki - who is also a HiME - rescues him and flees into the forest. In Episode 21, Nao injures and captures Natsuki by crashing her motorcycle and holds her hostage, but she is thwarted by Shizuru Fujino, who cuts the cliff side out from under Nao. The redhead survives the fall, however, and captures Natsuki again when the other girl returns to her old apartment after some time under Shizuru's care. Shizuru once again comes to Natsuki's "rescue" and destroys Nao's Child, Julia, with her own Child, Kiyohime. But before Shizuru can kill Nao, Natsuki defends her tormentor, realizing their similar circumstances and feeling sympathy for the middle schooler's lack of companions while growing up. Her most important person is revealed to be her mother, who is shown lying bandaged on a hospital bed after suffering a robbery that effectively orphaned Nao at a young age and gave rise to her hatred of men.

In episode 26, her myriad of date-robbery victims band together to seek revenge against her, but Mashiro restores her powers (and left eye) and she narrowly escapes an ugly fate. She joins with the rest of the re-empowered HiME to destroy the HiME Star, enabling Mai and Kagutsuchi to destroy the Obsidian Lord. After the conclusion of the Festival she becomes a nun at the Fuuka Academy church along with Miyu Greer, an occupation which fans jokingly suspect will not last long.



Mai-Otome

In My-Otome, Juliet Nao Zhang is one of the Pearl Otome at Garderobe and originates from the nation of Artai, being of the same nationality as Nina Wáng, who is assigned to be her room attendant. Arika Yumemiya is later assigned as her room attendant as well. She dislikes her Western-sounding name and prefers to be addressed by her middle name. She has an intense dislike for fellow Pearl Shiho Huit and enjoys seeing her in awkward situations.

Unlike her callous and unfeeling Hime counterpart, Nao's personality is more mischievous than ruthless. She can be quite civil and sensuously charming, and is shown to be a caring big sister towards younger Otome, giving them assistance and guidance concerning adult life, one way or another, as she sees fit; though the appropriateness of Nao's lessons leaves a lot to be desired, as shown when Arika considers it appropriate to massage soap over Erstin with her own naked body in the school baths thanks to her "lessons."

Although she is a good student, Nao deliberately held back in order to avoid getting into the Trias, as she prefers to spend time in the city, where she is known as Juliet. She has a gang known as the Stripes, in which she is the only female and is amusingly made of the men her My-HiME anime counterpart victimized, the "uniform" including a shirt striped in pink and white.

Exactly what she and the Stripes do on the street has never been divulged fully, but it appears to be for the cause of good. This is evident when Nao seeks out and punishes a person who sold off Arika's uniform. Later, when Miya Clochette's gang attempts to rape Arika, Nao and company arrive to save her and later torture them.

Her goal in life was to find a rich man and live comfortably. Unfortunately, that path is closed off to her when Nao is chosen to become the 4th Column, one of a special group of Meister Otome who work directly for Garderobe and the Founder, Fumi Himeno. Unlike Nina, Nao does not side with Nagi and instead works with the other Columns to free Garderobe from Nagi's invasion.

In the end, Nao's gang teams up with Natsuki and assists in bringing Fumi back online, enabling the Otome to Materialise again. In the last episode she is seen seated with the other Columns in a dress that resembles a qipao with a spider ornament on the front of it.

On a lighter note, her rivalry with and love of teasing Natsuki seems to carried over from the previous series, though it is significantly less antagonistic than in My-HiME.