Kanetsugu Gasō
Kanetsugu Gasō |
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| Kanji: | 雅宗 兼次 |
| Romaji | Kanetsugu Gasou |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 16-17 |
| Birthday: | July 1st (Cancer) |
| Height: | 160 cm (5’3″) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Mitsuki Saiga |
| English: | Unknown |
Kanetsugu Gasō (雅宗 兼次, Gasō Kanetsugu), is a supporting character in the anime and manga series Masamune-kun no Revenge. Posing as Aki Adagaki’s long-lost childhood love, “Masamune”, Kanetsugu inserts herself into the story under false pretenses, aiming to gain financial support for her struggling family and to secure a better life for her younger sister.
Though initially introduced as a deceptive obstacle in the protagonist’s plan for revenge, Kanetsugu is gradually revealed to be a complex and sympathetic character, driven by familial love and desperation rather than selfishness or malice. Her presence adds conflict, tension, and emotional depth to the series’ core themes of identity, deception, and love.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Kanetsugu comes from a formerly wealthy family that has fallen into poverty. As the eldest daughter, she bears the burden of caring for her younger sister, whom she loves deeply. When the opportunity arises to impersonate Aki Adagaki’s childhood sweetheart a boy named Masamune whom Aki has been waiting to reunite with Kanetsugu accepts the role.
By pretending to be Masamune, she hopes to secure marriage into the wealthy Adagaki family, thereby solving her family’s financial problems. While her deception is calculated, her motivations are ultimately grounded in protecting and providing for her sister, making her morally conflicted rather than truly villainous.
Appearance
Kanetsugu presents herself as a polished and charming young man when posing as “Masamune.” She dresses in a neat, boyish school uniform and maintains a composed demeanor to preserve her disguise. In her true form, she has a slender feminine build, long light-brown hair, and expressive eyes that reflect her emotional depth.
She is skilled at maintaining her masculine facade, often fooling others with her posture, speech patterns, and expressions though cracks in her act occasionally surface under pressure.
Personality
Kanetsugu is resourceful, determined, and emotionally guarded, often putting on a calm and collected front. She is deeply committed to her goals and is willing to deceive others to protect her sister’s future, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness or being viewed as dishonest.
Despite her deception, Kanetsugu is not malicious. She shows signs of remorse and inner conflict, especially as she grows closer to Aki and begins to understand the emotional consequences of her impersonation. Her love for her family is genuine, and she possesses a strong sense of duty, even if it leads her down morally ambiguous paths.
Role in the Story
The False Masamune: Kanetsugu enters the narrative claiming to be Aki Adagaki’s childhood friend and first love, Masamune. This disrupts Masamune Makabe’s plan for revenge, as Aki quickly warms up to her supposed past love. Kanetsugu’s presence becomes a significant obstacle for Masamune, challenging his emotional resolve and strategy.
Emotional Conflict: As she maintains her deception, Kanetsugu begins to struggle internally. She witnesses the growing affection between Aki and Masamune and feels guilty for manipulating Aki’s emotions. Her bond with Aki, built on lies, begins to weigh on her conscience, especially as Aki shows her unexpected kindness.
Revelation and Resolution: Eventually, Kanetsugu’s true identity and motivations are revealed. Instead of facing harsh condemnation, she is met with understanding by some characters. Her actions, while deceptive, are ultimately viewed through the lens of compassion and desperation, and her arc ends with a sense of bittersweet closure.
Relationships
Aki Adagaki: The primary target of Kanetsugu’s deception. Aki initially believes Kanetsugu is her childhood love and begins to reconnect emotionally. Their relationship becomes complicated as Kanetsugu experiences guilt and conflicting feelings, ultimately respecting Aki’s strength and kindness.
Masamune Makabe: The real “Masamune” and Kanetsugu’s rival in both identity and affection. Their interactions are tense and competitive, but Masamune eventually comes to understand Kanetsugu’s circumstances and does not hold a grudge after the truth is revealed.
Kanetsugu’s Younger Sister: The driving force behind Kanetsugu’s actions. Though never a central figure in the plot, her existence underscores Kanetsugu’s sacrificial nature and highlights the lengths she is willing to go for her family.