Aoki, Ruri

Overview

Ruri Aoki is the central character of the manga series ‘RuriDragon’, written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo. She is a high school student whose life takes a dramatic turn when she wakes up one morning to find horns growing out of her head, revealing her true nature as a half-dragon.

Personality

Ruri is depicted as a timid and sensitive character, often worried about how others perceive her. Her transformation into a half-dragon amplifies these insecurities, as she struggles to control her newfound powers and navigate her relationships with her classmates and family. Despite these challenges, Ruri shows resilience and determination, striving to live a normal life despite her extraordinary circumstances.

Role in the Story

As the protagonist, Ruri’s journey is the core of the narrative. Her transformation and subsequent struggles serve as a metaphor for self-acceptance and the challenges of adolescence. Through her experiences, the manga explores themes of identity, diversity, and the importance of support from loved ones.

Relationships

Family

• Mother, Umi: Ruri’s mother is a supportive and understanding figure. She helps Ruri understand her dragon heritage and encourages her to control her powers. Umi’s calm and nurturing demeanor provides a stable foundation for Ruri as she navigates her new identity.
• Father: Ruri’s father is a dragon who lives in a shrine on a high mountain. He is depicted as a caring and somewhat traditional figure, adhering to dragon etiquette but also showing a desire to connect with his daughter. His interactions with Ruri are heartwarming and reveal a deep love for his family.

Classmates

• Kashiro: A classmate who sits next to Ruri and offers her support and help. Kashiro’s kindness and understanding are crucial in helping Ruri feel more at ease in school.
• Yuka: A friend who visits Ruri and encourages her to return to school. Yuka’s friendship provides Ruri with emotional support and helps her feel less isolated.

Significant Plot Points

• Discovery of Dragon Heritage: Ruri’s transformation into a half-dragon is the pivotal moment that sets the story in motion. Her struggle to understand and control her powers drives the narrative.
• Control Training: Ruri undergoes training to control her fire-breathing abilities, which is a significant step in her journey towards self-acceptance and mastery over her dragon heritage.
• School Life: Ruri’s interactions with her classmates and her efforts to maintain a normal school life despite her new identity are central to the story. These interactions highlight the challenges of being different and the importance of support from peers.

Abilities

Ruri’s half-dragon nature grants her several unique abilities:

• Fire-Breathing: Ruri can breathe fire, which she initially struggles to control. Through training, she learns to manage this ability.
• Enhanced Metabolism: Ruri’s body can recover quickly from injuries, such as burns, due to her dragon metabolism.
• Horns: Ruri grows horns, which are a physical manifestation of her dragon heritage.
• Discharge and Poison Injection: As the series progresses, Ruri develops the abilities to discharge and spray poison, further complicating her control over her powers.

Conclusion

Ruri Aoki’s character in ‘RuriDragon’ is a compelling exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges of adolescence. Through her journey, the manga offers a warm and engaging story that celebrates diversity and the power of support from loved ones. Ruri’s transformation and growth make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist.