Hayase

Hayase (ハヤセ) was a government official of Yanome who became obsessed with the immortal.

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 and her legacy would endure for generations. So strong was her obsession that her spirit merged with a Nokker, which would then be passed down to 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.

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 thought of March and Parona's deaths as her "gifts". At that point, she considered death a kind of freedom, and 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 natural leader who 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 Janada so she could have him to herself.
 * Charisma

She 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.
 * Combat

Hayase's physical ability and endurance bordered on superhuman, as she was able to deflect arrows, outmaneuver Fushi in all his forms, and tear a Nokker from her arm.
 * Peak Human Condition

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." - 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)
 * "Because of that, she suffered more than she needed to." - To Fushi (Chapter 43)
 * "You cannot even defeat this one person!" - To Fushi (Chapter 43)
 * "The western Morning Glory is quite potent." - After poisoning Fushi (Chapter 6, Chapter 43)

Trivia

 * After she was severely injured by Fushi, she used Parona's skin to repair her face.

Appearances
{{Appearance
 * Episodes =

Spirit Bear Arc

 * 2. A Rambunctious Girl (Debut)
 * 3. A Small Evolution
 * 4. A Large Vessel
 * 5. Those Who Follow

Jananda Island Arc
}}
 * 14. Janada, Island of Freedom (Cameo)
 * 16. The Children's Dreams
 * 17. The Defeated
 * 18. To Move Forward
 * 19. Wandering Bloodlust
 * 20. Echoes