Hannya is a top-ranking spy in the Oniwabanshu group. He has a mysterious and tragic past, where he was nearly killed by his own parents and later rescued by Aoshi Shinomori. Hannya is known for his strange, zombie-like face which he changed himself to help with his disguises. He covers his real face with a mask and uses special techniques to confuse his enemies. Even though he looks scary, he is a loyal friend and cares deeply for his teammates. In battle, he uses powerful techniques that make his arms look longer and uses sharp claws. Hannya sacrifices himself to save Aoshi, and after his death, he appears as a ghost to guide his friends.
Hannya is 166 cm tall and weighs 55 kg.
He was born in June 1855 and is 24 years old.
His blood type is A, and his zodiac sign is Gemini.
He comes from a poor farming village, but the exact location is unknown.
Hannya’s real face looks frightening and zombie-like because he changed it himself for his job as a spy.
He usually hides his face with a Hannya mask, which also helps to hide his eyes during fights.
He has a slim and androgynous body, and in some versions, his claws are shaped like cat’s paws.
He wears a tattoo with red and black stripes on his arms to create an optical illusion that makes his arms look shorter when at rest.
Hannya is quiet and keeps a distance from most people.
He is polite to women, especially to Misao Makimachi, who he takes care of.
However, he can be blunt and cold to his male friends and teammates.
Hannya respects Aoshi Shinomori greatly and always puts his team before himself.
He likes his strange face and thinks it is useful for disguise, even when others call him a monster.
As a child, Hannya was almost killed by his parents but was saved by Aoshi Shinomori.
He looks up to Aoshi and learns special martial arts from him, called Oniwabanshu-style Kenpo.
Because of his scary real face, he was never able to become a government officer.
Hannya is a master of Oniwabanshu-style Kenpo, a form of martial arts.
He is great at stretching his arms using the "Arm Extension Technique" and can also stretch his legs with the "Leg Extension Technique" in some versions.
He uses sharp claws attached to his hands for close combat.
The red and black tattoos on his arms trick his enemies, making his arms seem shorter until he attacks.
Hannya takes care of Misao Makimachi and treats her well.
He is very loyal to Aoshi Shinomori, doing everything for him.
He tries to look out for Megumi Takani, who comes from a similar hard background, but puts the Oniwabanshu group's mission first.
He earns the trust of Sagara Sanosuke after fighting alongside him.
Yahiko Myoujin once calls him a "monster" because of his face, but Hannya does not mind.
Hannya is inspired by "The Elephant Man" and "The Spider Man" stories.
His personality is based on Yamazaki Susumu from the Shinsengumi.
His appearance is designed to look like a skeleton.
In the complete edition of the manga, his mask works like a magic mirror to confuse his enemies.
“My real face is just fine for disguises. It comes in handy.”
Early Life
Hannya grows up in poverty and is nearly killed by his parents.
Aoshi Shinomori saves him and he joins the Oniwabanshu group.
He respects Aoshi and learns advanced fighting techniques from him.
The Battle at Kanryuu Takeda’s Mansion
Hannya fights Kenshin Himura and uses his "Arm Extension Technique" to surprise him.
His masked face hides his eyes and makes it hard for enemies to predict his moves.
Even though he has an early advantage, he is defeated by Kenshin, who breaks his mask.
After this, he retreats and later teams up with Sagara Sanosuke, who comes to trust him.
Caring for Misao and Noticing Megumi
Hannya looks after Misao Makimachi, being gentle toward her.
He notices Megumi Takani’s similar hardships but doesn't help her, putting his mission first.
Final Sacrifice
Hannya bravely acts as a decoy to save Aoshi from Kanryuu Takeda’s Gatling gun.
He is fatally wounded and dies trying to protect his leader.
After death, Aoshi buries him with the other Oniwabanshu comrades in a sea of trees, but later their remains are moved to Kyoto.
In the Kyoto Arc, Hannya appears as a ghost to Misao and tells her Aoshi is on his way back.
Differences in the Anime
In the anime version, Hannya shows up more often.
He is the one near Kanryuu Takeda when Kanryuu tries to hire Kenshin Himura.
Hannya also takes Megumi Takani’s knife in the anime, not another character.
During the attack with the gatling gun, Hannya becomes the target in the anime version, and Aoshi tries to protect him.
Hannya’s mask is a symbol of a woman, and his body is slim and not too muscular to match this look.
In newer versions, Hannya’s secret weapon is a small sword from Aoshi, hidden behind his claws.
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