Ibara Naruse
Ibara Naruse |
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| Kanji: | 成瀬 荊 |
| Romaji | Naruse Ibara |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 18 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Haruka Tomatsu |
| English: | Erica Lindbeck |
Ibara Naruse (成瀬 荊, Naruse Ibara), is the lead protagonist of the Coppelion anime series. A third-year high school student, Ibara is a skilled and highly capable individual who plays a pivotal role in the narrative. As a senior to her friends Aoi Fukasaku and Taeko Nomura, Ibara serves as a natural leader, guiding them through the challenges they face in a post-apocalyptic world. She is the leader of the Coppelion Medic Unit, a group of genetically-engineered students tasked with rescuing survivors from the aftermath of a nuclear disaster.
Ibara’s heightened athletic abilities and combat skills make her a key figure in the survival of the Coppelion team. Her leadership, determination, and unwavering commitment to the safety of others are central to her character arc. As the story progresses, Ibara’s inner strength and emotional growth become more apparent, as she is forced to confront the complex realities of the world around her.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Ibara Naruse’s background is shaped by her status as a member of the Coppelion Medic Unit. The Coppelion are a group of genetically-engineered individuals designed to withstand radiation, a result of a nuclear disaster that devastated Japan. Ibara and her team were created as part of this initiative to enter the contaminated Tokyo and rescue any survivors left behind in the ruins.
Raised as part of this unique program, Ibara developed heightened athletic capabilities and combat skills, making her an ideal candidate for the Medic Unit. She and her fellow Coppelion members were trained to survive in the harshest conditions, navigate the dangers of radiation, and assist those who were unable to escape the disaster.
While her training as a leader and medic is crucial to her role, Ibara also carries the emotional weight of being one of the few people left capable of understanding the true cost of the disaster. Her deep sense of responsibility is tied to the survival of the human race, particularly the people she encounters on her missions, whom she views as her duty to protect.
Appearance
Ibara Naruse is a tall and athletic young woman, reflecting her enhanced physical abilities. She has short, dark hair, which is typically styled in a practical manner to suit her active lifestyle. Her eyes are sharp and focused, often conveying a sense of determination and strength. Ibara’s facial expression is usually serious, but there are moments when her emotions break through, revealing a softer side to her character.
Her attire typically consists of the Coppelion uniform, designed to withstand the radiation of the post-apocalyptic world. The uniform is practical, functional, and durable, complementing her role as both a medic and a soldier. Her overall appearance exudes a sense of competence, confidence, and resilience, making her an imposing figure on the battlefield.
Personality
Ibara Naruse is a strong, decisive, and responsible individual. Her leadership skills are evident in how she takes charge of the Coppelion Medic Unit, leading by example and ensuring that her team remains focused and effective under pressure. Ibara is highly capable, with both physical and mental attributes that make her a powerful force in the world of Coppelion.
Despite her tough exterior, Ibara is also deeply empathetic. She cares for the people she encounters and often places their well-being above her own. This selflessness is a central part of her personality and is one of the reasons why she is chosen to lead the Coppelion Medic Unit. However, Ibara’s responsibilities weigh heavily on her, and she often struggles with the emotional toll of her role as a leader.
Her journey is one of balancing her leadership duties with her own emotional growth. As the series progresses, Ibara must confront her own vulnerabilities and learn to rely on others, rather than carrying the burden alone. Her relationship with Aoi Fukasaku and Taeko Nomura plays a significant role in her personal development, as they help her understand the importance of teamwork and emotional connection.
Role in the Story
Mission to Tokyo: Ibara is deployed into the radioactive ruins of Tokyo along with Aoi and Taeko as part of a rescue and recovery mission. From the start, she takes charge of their efforts, using her physical and medical training to search for and aid survivors. She treats victims of radiation exposure, protects her teammates, and faces off against various threats in the wasteland.
A Leader Against Orders: Over time, Ibara clashes with military commanders who prioritize data and protocol over human lives. Her refusal to abandon survivors even when ordered to do so brings her into direct conflict with command, highlighting her deep sense of justice and moral clarity.
Facing Ethical Dilemmas: Ibara’s journey brings her into contact with various groups, including rogue soldiers, survivors, and other Coppelion units. These encounters test her ideals and force her to confront the blurred lines between duty, loyalty, and compassion. Her internal struggles and acts of defiance against unethical authority help shape the emotional backbone of the story.
Relationships
Aoi Fukasaku: Aoi is Ibara’s close friend and teammate, though their personalities often contrast. While Aoi is more timid and emotionally fragile, Ibara remains protective of her, often taking on the role of emotional anchor within their unit.
Taeko Nomura: Taeko serves as the unit’s animal specialist and medic-in-training. Ibara treats her as an equal and values her medical insights and calm demeanor, trusting her with vital responsibilities during missions.
Commander Onihei Mishima: Though their relationship begins formally, Ibara’s repeated confrontations with Onihei over ethical concerns show her willingness to challenge authority. Despite their differences, Onihei respects Ibara’s strength and conviction.