Hayase

Hayase (ハヤセ, Hayase) was a government official from Yanome who became obsessed with the immortal. Even after her death, her legacy endured through the Guardian Force and her restless spirit merging with a Nokker.

Background
Little is known about Hayase's past, but she seemed to be a respected authority figure, as she had numerous subordinates under her command and was entrusted with overseeing the sacrificial ritual to the Spirit Bear in Ninannah.

After Fushi left Yanome, Hayase spent about four years searching for him, eventually meeting him again on Jananda Island, where she tried to claim him for herself. Though she ultimately failed, she left a lasting impression on Fushi that persisted for several generations in the form of the Guardian Force and her descendants, most notably Hisame, Kahaku, and Mizuha. So strong was her obsession with the immortal entity that she merged with the Nokker that assaulted her and would reincarnate through her descendants in hopes that her will would be fulfilled.

Appearance
Hayase was an imposing woman with black hair and dark eyes. She initially had a short bob cut, and wore a dark blue bodysuit and plated armor covering her limbs.

After her encounter with Fushi, her attire consisted of a ragged, yellow collared, red and dark blue cloak, and her hair had grown long while her face and body bore significant scarring from when she was injured.

Personality
Stoic, cunning, and authoritative, Hayase was a competent leader who took her job seriously and with Yanome's interests in mind. Though capable of being friendly and compassionate, her manipulative facade did little to hide her disregard for others' lives, and she never hesitated to coerce or remove those who resisted her.

She quickly adapted to difficult situations and had little issue giving orders under duress. She was also well versed in manipulating people whenever it suited her or her objectives, lulling March and Parona into a false sense of security, and persuading a fourteen-year-old Tonari into guiding Fushi to Jananda so she could have him to herself.

After encountering the immortal, she gradually became more unstable and possessive of Fushi as her fascination with his powers turned into obsession. Her personality became more intense and disturbed as she regularly professed to him her twisted love and desire to bear Fushi's children, much to the immortal's disgust. She also considered death a kind of freedom and thought of March and Parona's deaths by her hand as her "gifts". She was even enamored with the thought of dying so her form could be used by Fushi and by extension, live forever.

Abilities
Hayase was a formidable opponent on the battlefield, being both an excellent archer and versatile weapon master. She was skilled with the bow, throwing knives, and numerous melee weapons, and few could catch her off guard or match her in a direct confrontation.
 * Expert Fighter

Her physical ability and endurance bordered on superhuman, as she was able to deflect arrows with a polearm, outmaneuver Fushi in all his forms, and physically tear a Nokker out of her arm.
 * Peak Human Condition

When a living being dies, its fye can pass on to paradise, remain wandering the world as an incorporeal spirit, or be reincarnated by the Beholder. In contrast, Hayase's unusually strong spirit allowed her to manifest in her descendants directly, namely those who did not yet possess a fye, meaning she could only reincarnate every other generation once her current incarnation's daughter became pregnant. While her reincarnations do not retain her memories and are essentially their own individuals, they tend to share personality traits in addition to being influenced by their ancestor's last wish.
 * Reincarnation

Quotes

 * "My name is Hayase. I have been ordered to look after you until the ritual is complete. Move back please. No men may come near her. We must not allow her to be tarnished." - Introduction to March's Parents (Chapter 2)
 * "Allow me to warn you: if you run away, Lara will die in your place." - To March (Chapter 2)
 * "It's been a while, Fushi. Poor March, right?" - To Fushi (Chapter 42)
 * "How does it feel controlling that woman? She's so light and nimble, isn't she?" - To Fushi (Chapter 43)
 * "The western Morning Glory is quite potent." - To Fushi after poisoning him (Chapter 6, Chapter 43)
 * "Poor thing. You don't know of love, do you? I just need a little time. If you would only entrust your body to me for one night, I could teach you all about love." - (Chapter 52)
 * "Kill me, Fushi. I want you to kill me. Then we'll be together forever, right? Kill me and become me. I am stronger than any of your current vessels. Isn't that enticing?" - (Chapter 52)
 * Don't go, Fushi! You need me!!" - (Chapter 52)

Trivia

 * After being mauled by Fushi, in the form of the Oniguma, Hayase grafted Parona's skin onto her own after killing her.