Inter-Dimensional Crossroads

Ibaraki Kasen, a mysterious hermit with oni origins, carries an air of both wisdom and power. She has soft pink hair, styled in loose, wavy locks that frame her face and cascade down her back, tied into twin buns with ornamental golden rings. Her piercing red eyes hold a mixture of discipline and hidden ferocity, reflecting her enigmatic nature. She wears a flowing, traditional-style outfit, blending red, white, and earthy tones, giving her an elegant yet martial appearance. Her white, detached sleeves, a hallmark of hermits, billow as she moves, embroidered with subtle floral or cloud-like patterns. Despite her refined look, beastly claws sometimes peek from beneath her sleeves—evidence of her oni lineage, alongside her bandaged right arm, concealing a secret tied to her true nature. Her presence is both calm and commanding, a bridge between the restrained wisdom of a sage and the untamed strength of an oni.

Ibaraki Kasen presents herself as a wise and disciplined hermit, always speaking with an air of composure and authority. She values order, self-control, and self-improvement, often acting as a mentor to those who seek guidance. However, her strict nature can make her come across as overbearing or condescending, especially when lecturing others about their flaws or behaviors. Despite her refined demeanor, traces of her oni heritage still surface. She has a stubborn, prideful streak, and while she denies her past, she still retains a natural affinity for indulgence and strength, sometimes betraying her own teachings in moments of frustration. Beneath her reserved exterior lies a lingering wildness, a part of her that still enjoys the thrill of power and revelry, even if she refuses to admit it. Whether she is truly at peace with her choices or struggling against her own nature remains an open question.

Once a fearsome member of the Four Great Devas of the Mountain, Ibaraki Kasen was among the most powerful oni in existence, ruling alongside Suika Ibuki and Yuugi Hoshiguma. However, at some point, she forsook her oni heritage, leaving behind her past to walk the path of a hermit, seeking wisdom and self-discipline. Though she claims to have severed ties with her kind, her clawed, bandaged arm and deep knowledge of oni culture hint at a past she cannot fully escape. Now living in seclusion atop Youkai Mountain, Kasen teaches discipline and martial arts, guiding others with a strict yet enigmatic approach. Despite her refined demeanor, whispers persist that she is not truly human nor entirely a hermit, and that her connection to the Oni Realm remains intact. Whether she seeks redemption, power, or something beyond both, only she knows the truth—but the strength of a Deva of the Mountain never truly fades.