Enju Aihara is a petite young girl characterized by her striking crimson hair, which she styles into two long, knee-length ponytails that highlight her small frame. Her hair is tied with large black bands featuring bunny designs, adding a playful touch to her appearance. Her bangs are parted in the middle, framing her forehead and reaching down to her eyes, while strands extend to her cheekbones. Enju’s eyes are soft yet slightly sharp, with vivid red irises and small black pupils, giving her a distinctive and memorable look. She also has delicate facial features, with a small nose and mouth that complement her youthful appearance.

Enju’s outfit includes a short orange hooded sweater with a unique design: orange and red square patterns on the inside and folded-up front edges secured by buttons. The sweater has a short zipper with an oversized tag, adding to her playful and functional aesthetic. Beneath the sweater, she wears a long white dress, reminiscent of a camisole, paired with a thigh-length skirt held up by a large, thick belt.

Her footwear is particularly notable, consisting of knee-high boots with thick, heavy soles that she uses as weapons in combat. The upper parts of her boots vary between the manga and anime: black and dark purple in the manga, and black with red accents in the anime, with zippers replacing the manga’s laces and straps. The boots’ soles in the anime are slightly smaller, with white rubber toes completing the design. Enju’s overall appearance blends her youthful charm with practicality, reflecting her dual role as both a child and a fighter.

Enju Aihara is a kind-hearted and optimistic girl who genuinely enjoys making friends and uses her abilities to protect those she cares about. Her resolve to safeguard her friends is evident in her actions; despite facing mistreatment from her peers after they discover she is a “Cursed Child,” she continues to risk her life for them. This is poignantly demonstrated when she defeats a Gastrea parasite and, while grieving, focuses only on the safety of her classmates, breaking down in Rentaro’s arms.

Enju’s lively and cheerful nature is a key aspect of her personality, as her friend Mai notes that Enju is always smiling regardless of the circumstances. However, she is deeply affected by the discrimination faced by other Cursed Children like herself. When Rentaro initially fails to act against such mistreatment, Enju’s anger and disappointment are palpable, showing her strong sense of justice and empathy for others in similar situations.

She also exhibits a playful and occasionally mischievous side, particularly in her interactions with Rentaro. Enju openly displays jealousy towards any girl who gets close to him, including Kayo Senju, Seitenshi, and Kisara Tendo. She is especially sensitive about her flat chest, often reacting with exaggerated offense when it is mentioned, and even going so far as to squeeze Kisara’s breasts and compliment them with envy.

Despite her occasional bouts of jealousy or frustration, Enju is fundamentally a forgiving and warm-hearted individual. She is quick to let go of grudges and is willing to form friendships even with former adversaries. Her ability to forgive and befriend Tina Sprout, despite having been seriously injured by her in the past, underscores Enju’s capacity for understanding and her enduring optimism.

As an Initiator, Enju is a genetically modified child with enhanced physical abilities, making her a formidable fighter against the Gastrea. She works closely with Rentaro, combining her agility and strength with his tactics and leadership.

Enju’s primary role involves battling Gastrea, parasitic monsters threatening humanity. Her heightened speed, agility, and regenerative abilities make her a crucial asset in their missions.

Enju’s story also highlights the discrimination faced by Cursed Children, who are shunned by society despite their role in protecting humanity. This theme is central to her character arc, as she navigates her dual identity as both a savior and an outcast.

• Rentaro Satomi
  Enju shares a close bond with Rentaro, her Promoter and partner. She looks up to him as a protector and harbors a childish crush on him, though their relationship remains rooted in trust and mutual respect.

• Kisara Tendo
  Enju respects Kisara as Rentaro’s friend and leader of their Civil Security Agency, though she occasionally teases her for her strict demeanor.

• Other Cursed Children
  Enju forms connections with other Cursed Children, empathizing with their struggles and often taking on a protective role for those more vulnerable than herself.

Enju Aihara’s character represents the resilience and hope of the Cursed Children in Black Bullet. Her combination of cheerful optimism and fierce determination makes her an endearing and inspiring figure in the series. Through her struggles and triumphs, Enju highlights themes of acceptance, bravery, and the importance of fighting for a better future, leaving a lasting impact on fans of the show.