Hi, I’m ReLyf. I’m a big fan of the Sengoku Basara series, especially "Sengoku Basara 2: Heroes" and "Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi." I find the action and historical settings really captivating. I also have a deep love for the Persona series, with "Persona 5 Royal" being my favorite.
One of the main reasons I’m so drawn to Persona 5 is because of Haru Okumura. Haru’s character fascinates me on so many levels. On the surface, she appears as a sweet and reserved girl from a wealthy family, living a life many would envy. However, she harbors a complex inner world shaped by the immense pressure from her father, Kunikazu Okumura, who controls nearly every aspect of her life. Haru’s journey from being her father's subservient daughter to becoming a confident and self-assertive member of the Phantom Thieves is incredibly compelling.
Her double life as a Phantom Thief is particularly interesting. Despite her gentle demeanor, Haru has a surprisingly dark side, which manifests in her thrill for combat and her sadistic enjoyment in fighting Shadows. She often contrasts her polite and refined exterior with a chilling assertiveness, especially when dealing with those who wrong her or her friends. This juxtaposition is what makes her so intriguing to me. She is not just a one-dimensional “good girl”; she has layers of complexity that reveal a deeper, more intense personality.
Haru’s appearance and personal style also play a big role in why I adore her. Her chic and sophisticated fashion sense, from her elegant school uniform modifications to her detailed Phantom Thief outfit, reflects her unique blend of refinement and rebellion. It’s like she uses her fashion to subtly assert her individuality in a world where she often feels controlled and manipulated.
But what really captivates me about Haru is her hidden yandere-like traits. Despite her outwardly kind and gentle nature, Haru has a surprising intensity and a sociopathic streak that make her an incredibly intriguing character. Her polite yet eerily blunt demeanor, especially when she calmly expresses her disdain for those who cross her, adds a layer of unpredictability and danger to her character that I find fascinating. This dark, almost contradictory side of her personality, where she derives a thrill from combat and displays an unsettling calmness in the face of conflict, really sets her apart from other characters. It’s this mix of gentleness and latent intensity that makes her so compelling to me.
Additionally, Haru’s backstory and personal struggles resonate with me. Her journey of self-discovery, breaking free from her father’s control, and seeking her own path in life, is both inspiring and relatable. Her growth from a sheltered, obedient daughter to a strong-willed individual who is not afraid to stand up for herself and her friends is truly admirable. Haru’s ability to maintain her kindness and empathy, despite her challenging circumstances and the betrayal she faces, showcases her inner strength and resilience.
In essence, Haru’s character embodies a blend of innocence and complexity that makes her deeply fascinating. Her journey of self-liberation, her unique personality traits, and her ability to balance her gentle nature with a hidden, darker side, make her a character that I’m deeply drawn to and continually captivated by.
If you’re interested in discussing these games or have any questions, you can reach me on Discord at .alif. I’m always up for a chat with fellow fans.