Shutaro Kurusu
Shutaro Kurusu |
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| Kanji: | 栗栖 秀太郎 |
| Romaji | Kurusu Shutaro |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 25 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 179cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Tasuku Hatanaka |
| English: | Zach Aguilar |
Shutaro Kurusu (栗栖 秀太郎, Kurusu Shutaro), is the primary protagonist of the Mars Red series. He is an A-class vampire and a rookie soldier in the Imperial Army of the Empire of Japan. Shutaro is also a member of Code Zero, a special squad within the Kongo Iron Soldier Plan, which is a project designed to create powerful soldiers to fight the supernatural threats of the world, particularly vampires.
As an A-class vampire, Shutaro possesses extraordinary strength, speed, and other enhanced abilities. His transformation into a vampire is central to his character development, as he navigates the complexities of being both a soldier for the Empire and a vampire with an insatiable thirst for blood. Throughout the series, Shutaro’s journey revolves around coming to terms with his identity, his place in the ongoing conflict, and his moral struggles with his vampire nature.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Shutaro Kurusu was originally a human who, due to unforeseen circumstances, was turned into a vampire. His transformation was part of the Imperial Army’s Kongo Iron Soldier Plan, where vampires are trained and utilized as powerful soldiers. Shutaro’s A-class vampire status indicates that he is among the most powerful vampires, a key asset in the ongoing battle against supernatural threats and rivals.
Despite his transformation, Shutaro’s sense of duty and loyalty to his country is what initially drives him. He joins the Imperial Army as a rookie soldier, believing in the mission of the Kongo Iron Soldier Plan, but his internal conflict grows as he deals with the consequences of his transformation into a vampire. Shutaro is faced with the struggle between his new, bloodthirsty instincts and the remnants of his human values, making his journey an exploration of identity, loyalty, and self-control.
His involvement with Code Zero, a special squad tasked with dealing with vampire-related threats, further complicates his life as he must balance his military duties with his new nature as a vampire.
Appearance
Shutaro Kurusu has a striking, youthful appearance, typical of his status as a rookie soldier. His vampire nature likely gives him a slightly otherworldly aura, perhaps with pale skin and sharp, intense eyes that reflect his supernatural abilities. Shutaro’s facial features are defined, with a serious, determined look that conveys his inner struggles.
His attire typically consists of a military uniform suited for his role in the Imperial Army. As a soldier in the Kongo Iron Soldier Plan and a member of Code Zero, his uniform is likely standard for his division but may also include specific insignia or accessories that indicate his status as an A-class vampire and his importance in the military.
Though his appearance reflects his military role, there is an underlying tension between his outward discipline and his internal conflict, which is conveyed through his expressions and demeanor.
Personality
Shutaro Kurusu is a character defined by his strong sense of duty and internal conflict. As a rookie soldier, he is initially eager to prove himself and demonstrate his worth to the Empire, but his newfound vampiric nature complicates this. Shutaro’s personality reflects a deep internal struggle between his loyalty to his country and the uncontrollable urges that come with being a vampire.
Despite his vampiric instincts, Shutaro retains much of his human compassion and moral compass. He is thoughtful, serious, and duty-bound, often weighing his actions carefully. However, the constant battle between his human values and the monstrous aspects of his vampirism adds layers of complexity to his character. Shutaro is often haunted by the consequences of his transformation, leading him to question his role in the Empire’s mission.
While he may appear cold or distant at times, Shutaro is deeply affected by his relationships with those around him. His struggle to maintain control over his bloodlust and his identity as both a soldier and a vampire is a central theme in his personal growth throughout the series.
Role in the Story
A-Class Vampire and Soldier: Shutaro’s role as an A-class vampire and a rookie soldier of the Imperial Army places him at the center of the ongoing conflict. As a member of Code Zero, he is tasked with handling vampire-related issues and fighting against supernatural threats. His skills as a vampire make him a formidable soldier, but his internal conflict over his nature often complicates his duties.
Conflict with Vampirism: Shutaro’s journey throughout Mars Red is primarily about his struggle with his vampiric nature. As an A-class vampire, he possesses incredible strength, speed, and regenerative abilities, but these powers come with the constant temptation of bloodlust. Shutaro must learn to control these urges while fulfilling his role as a soldier, which often places him in morally ambiguous situations. His character arc revolves around navigating these challenges and coming to terms with what it means to be both human and vampire.
Moral Struggle: Shutaro’s personal struggle is one of the series’ key themes. He questions his own identity, torn between his past as a human and his current existence as a vampire. The choices he makes, particularly in relation to his comrades and the larger conflict at hand, will ultimately shape his path in the story.
Relationships
Code Zero Team Members: Shutaro’s relationships with other members of Code Zero are central to his development. His team members are likely to serve as both comrades and emotional support, as they share similar struggles related to being vampires and soldiers. While he maintains a sense of distance due to his internal conflict, his bond with his fellow soldiers will grow over time as they face dangerous missions and challenges together.
Ranmaru (The God of Misfortune): Though not a major focus, Shutaro’s relationship with Ranmaru could be explored in the story, particularly given Ranmaru’s presence in the supernatural world. Their interactions could provide further insight into Shutaro’s character and his role in the larger conflict.