Wanyuudou’s concept art.

Wanyuudou presents the image of a seemingly ordinary elderly man, yet his true age belies this façade, extending over 400 years, with hints that he could be even older due to his origins as a tsukumogami. His ageless form, like that of Ai and her other companions, has remained unchanged throughout the centuries, preserving a visage that masks his rich and storied past.

He is completely bald, giving his head a shaven appearance, while his black hair can be seen in his thick, prominent eyebrows. His eyes are notably narrow, often appearing closed, but they widen dramatically during his transformation into a wheel, revealing their true black hue.

Draped in traditional Japanese garments, Wanyuudou typically dons a dark reddish-brown haori over a khaki yukata, secured with a black obi. Beneath, he wears a white nagajuban, complemented by straw zōri and black tabi. A light gray fedora sits atop his head, adding a touch of elegance, while a red scarf often adorns his neck, further enhancing his unique style.

In Three Vessels, Wanyuudou’s attire shifts to a more muted palette, featuring a brown haori over a dark gray yukata and a purple nagajuban underneath. Though he continues to wear his signature fedora, the red scarf becomes a rare accessory.

Reflecting on his distant past, when he first appeared as a human, he wore a simple white outfit, layered with a black sweater, and eschewed tabi for his zōri. A large straw hat adorned his head, with strings tied under his chin, marking a stark contrast to his current appearance.

As a straw doll, he takes on a haunting black hue, bound by a red string around his neck. His other forms include a wooden wheel, with his face as the hubcap, enveloped in an unquenchable flame. He can even transform into a fiery carriage, with his wheel form serving as the left wheel, colored in ominous black and red, and emblazoned with the black symbol that signifies those bound by Ai’s service, destined for hell after death.

Wanyuudou embodies a serene and composed demeanor, often radiating a calmness that belies the weight of his extensive experience. His reluctance to resort to aggression reflects his thoughtful nature; he navigates even the most challenging situations with a remarkable coolness, rarely allowing his temper to flare. This level-headedness is complemented by his vast knowledge, particularly in supernatural matters, where he often serves as the voice of reason among Ai’s companions. His insights frequently illuminate paths that others may overlook, showcasing his ability to piece together complex puzzles well before his peers catch on.

Though he generally maintains a serious air, Wanyuudou has a playful side that occasionally surfaces through light-hearted jokes. While not overtly comedic, his wit is endearing, and he often accompanies his quips with a warm smile that brings a sense of levity to darker moments. His habit of smoking adds a layer of intrigue to his character, emphasizing his contemplative nature as he ponders the world around him.

Affectionate toward his fellow companions and Ai herself, Wanyuudou fosters strong bonds within the group. However, his playful banter often turns into playful annoyance towards Kikuri, with whom he seems to have a love-hate dynamic.

Wanyuudou’s journey begins not as a man, but as the left wheel of a grand two-wheeled carriage, which served a royal family more than four centuries ago. This transformation into a tsukumogami—a spirit born from an object after it has existed for at least 100 years—hints that he may have been part of the royal lineage for even longer, perhaps over 500 years.

The tranquility of Wanyuudou’s existence came to an abrupt end during a fierce conflict that engulfed the royal family. As chaos erupted, three valiant warriors, tasked with safeguarding the princess and her entourage, commandeered the carriage in a daring escape. The driver, with two warriors riding defensively on the back, raced along the edge of a perilous cliff. However, fate was cruel; enemy fire arrows struck the carriage ablaze, causing it to careen off the edge. While the warriors jumped to safety, the princess and all inside met a tragic end as the carriage plummeted and burned.

Separated from the wreckage, Wanyuudou, the left wheel, rolled away, continuing to burn as he transformed from a mere object into a youkai, taking on a haunting new form. The remnants of the carriage were now infused with a new essence—a wooden wheel with a human face, eternally shrouded in flames that could never extinguish. In his newfound existence, Wanyuudou found purpose in terrorizing those who dared traverse the cliffside, running up and down the precipice at night, becoming a ghostly figure feared by villagers who whispered tales of his vengeance.

As rumors of his spectral presence spread through the nearby villages, Wanyuudou was branded as a malevolent spirit holding a grudge against humanity. It was during one of her undercover visits that Ai Enma, the enigmatic Hell Girl, heard these whispers of the restless wheel. Intrigued, she sought out Wanyuudou, their meeting marking the beginning of a profound connection. Recognizing his potential, Ai invited him to join her, offering Wanyuudou a new human form and a purpose that transcended his past.

Thus, Wanyuudou became the first of Ai’s companions, closely intertwined with her own transformation into Hell Girl, both occurring in a time long forgotten—approximately 400 years ago.

In the aftermath of Ai’s demise during the events ofThree Vessels, Wanyuudou sought solace in a more ordinary life as a construction worker. However, peace was fleeting. When Kikuri, one of Ai’s companions, appeared with news of Ai’s return, Wanyuudou was swiftly drawn back into the fold. He assumed a new role as a janitor at Yuzuki’s school in Saigawara City, finding fulfillment in supporting the next generation. As the narrative unfolded, he was the only companion who stood by Yuzuki when she momentarily took on the mantle of Hell Girl, ultimately returning to Ai’s side once more when she reclaimed her identity.

Travel Between Realms
Wanyuudou possesses the rare ability to traverse the boundaries between the normal world and the Realm of Eternal Twilight. This allows him to join Ai Enma, Kikuri, and the other companions in their supernatural endeavors.

Magical Attire Transformation
Wanyuudou can magically change his clothing at will, adapting his appearance to suit various investigative situations or to blend in with the clients and antagonists Ai encounters.

Memory Manipulation
With a wave of his hand, Wanyuudou can craft illusions in the minds of others. This ability allows him to manipulate memories, making people believe he is someone familiar or that they share a long history with him, which can prove invaluable during missions.

Straw Doll Transformation
At Ai’s request, Wanyuudou can transform into a straw doll, which is black with a distinctive red string tied around his neck. When initiating the transformation, he often tosses his red scarf or tilts his hat forward, showcasing his quirky personality even in this form.

Wheel Form Transformation
Embracing his origins as a tsukumogami, Wanyuudou can revert to his original form as a wooden wheel. In this spectral state, his face replaces the hubcap, and his rim is perpetually ablaze. This form allows him to move freely, levitate, and set objects ablaze with a mere glance, making him a formidable presence.

Carriage Manifestation
Wanyuudou can also transform into the very carriage he once served, appearing in striking black and red hues adorned with a black symbol that marks those bound by Ai’s service. In this form, he moves independently and can levitate, serving as a transport for Ai when she embarks on her missions.

Vehicle and Wheel Possession
A unique ability allows Wanyuudou to possess any wheel or vehicle, granting him control over its movements. This includes everything from common cars to complex machinery, such as turbines used in power generation, showcasing his deep connection to wheels and transportation.

Martial Arts Mastery
Despite his calm demeanor, Wanyuudou is a skilled martial artist. He has displayed impressive strength and combat skills, effectively defending his companions, as evidenced when he halted a moving truck with his bare hands, preventing it from plummeting off the cliff—a testament to his formidable capabilities.

Fire Manipulation
Born from the flames of his tragic past, Wanyuudou wields fire-related powers with ease. He remains perpetually on fire in his wheel form, unharmed by the flames. He can ignite objects nearby and shoot precise fire projectiles from his hands in human form, making him a dual threat both in combat and support roles.