Kobayashi
Kobayashi |
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Full Name | Kobayashi |
Rōmaji | Kobayashi |
Personal Information | |
Age | 25 |
Birthday | April 23 |
Gender | Female Male (transformed by Ilulu temporarily in Episode 15 and 16) |
Hair Color | Red |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Relatives | Unnamed Parents |
First Appearance | |
Manga Debut | Chapter 1 |
Anime Debut | Episode 1 |
Portrayal | |
Japanese Voice | Mutsumi Tamura |
English Voice | Leah Clark |
Appearance
Kobayashi’s full appearance.
Kobayashi is a bespectacled young woman with bright red hair, typically styled in a ponytail with loose bangs framing her face. Her eyes are hazel brown, which Tohru jokingly refers to as having a “dead fish” look. She is notably flat-chested, a trait she sometimes laments, especially when comparing herself to the female dragons in their human forms. On one memorable drunken occasion, she even playfully demanded that Tohru or Lucoa share some of their “blessings” with her.
Her professional wardrobe consists of a white button-up shirt, a tie, and dark slacks. In her free time, Kobayashi opts for casual and comfortable outfits, including a light blue button-up shirt, a hoodie, a yellow t-shirt, or a light brown cardigan layered over a white shirt.
Before meeting Tohru, Kobayashi often maintained a stoic and reserved demeanor. However, her interactions with the dragons have softened her personality, making her more approachable and often seen smiling with genuine contentment.
She stands at 160 cm tall, with measurements of B70/W60/H70.
Personality
Kobayashi expression.
Kobayashi is known for her calm and composed demeanor, earning her a reputation as kind-hearted and dependable among her friends and colleagues. With a pragmatic and level-headed approach, she often serves as the voice of reason when handling the antics of her dragon companions. Despite her composed nature, she has a tendency to appear indifferent and enjoys lounging lazily whenever she has the chance to relax at home.
However, her personality takes a dramatic turn when she’s intoxicated. In her drunken state, Kobayashi becomes rowdy and assertive, often letting her fascination with maids take center stage. During these moments, she isn’t shy about subjecting Tohru to her impulsive whims, much to the dragon’s amusement or confusion.
Background
Little is known about Kobayashi’s childhood. It is revealed that both her parents were busy with work, which meant neither could attend her school’s sports festivals. Additionally, a small glimpse into her younger years shows that she had a particular fondness for burgers, often asking for them during her elementary school days.
Plot
Kobayashi is a 25-year-old programmer and office worker whose ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn after a drunken night in which she pulls a divine sword from a dragon named Tohru. As a result, Tohru becomes her devoted maid, and Kobayashi finds herself living alongside a growing group of eccentric dragons.
While typically stoic and level-headed, Kobayashi has a wild streak when intoxicated, often leading to chaotic situations. Her drunken escapades frequently leave her with hangovers, during which the rest of the cast ends up catering to her needs.
Kobayashi has a particular fascination with maids, a theme that often influences her interactions with Tohru. Due to her androgynous appearance—marked by a flat chest and lack of overt femininity—she is sometimes mistaken for a boy. Interestingly, her first name remains a mystery throughout the series.
Relationships
Tohru
Initially, Kobayashi was often frustrated with Tohru’s lack of understanding of human norms, such as licking her clothes or deeming humans inferior. However, over time, Kobayashi grows accustomed to Tohru’s eccentricities and even begins to show small gestures of affection, like holding her hand or making efforts to fulfill Tohru’s wishes to ease her troubles. When Tohru’s father demanded she return to the dragon world, Kobayashi defended her, risking her life for Tohru’s sake.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Kobayashi begins to develop romantic feelings for Tohru. In Chapter 48, it is confirmed that Kobayashi has started to reciprocate Tohru’s feelings. By Chapter 97, she openly admits her love for Tohru during a flight, surprising the dragon with her confession. Tohru is overcome with joy, dancing through the sky with euphoria, leaving Kobayashi a bit overwhelmed from the experience.
Kanna Kamui
Kobayashi forms a deep bond with Kanna, whom she often treats like a daughter. She works tirelessly to take a day off to attend Kanna’s school sports festival, proudly acting as her guardian. Kobayashi takes a hands-on approach in Kanna’s education and well-being, encouraging her studies and spoiling her with treats and gifts. In the anime, Kobayashi’s relationship with Kanna strengthens their resolve to confront Tohru’s father, with Kanna transforming into her dragon form to help.
Makoto Takiya
Takiya is Kobayashi’s close colleague and friend. They often bond over their shared interest in maids and butlers, discussing it over drinks at a local bar or at Kobayashi’s apartment. Their friendship remains platonic, but they trust each other enough to ask for help with personal matters outside of work.
Ilulu
Ilulu initially appears as an adversary to both Tohru and Kobayashi, opposing Tohru’s connection with humans, particularly Kobayashi. When they first meet, Kobayashi is distressed by Ilulu’s destructive behavior. However, after Ilulu is defeated by Tohru and Kobayashi saves her from another dragon, they form an unlikely bond. Kobayashi welcomes Ilulu into her home alongside Tohru and Kanna, treating her similarly to Kanna—though she is often annoyed by Ilulu’s large chest. Ilulu becomes fond of Kobayashi, even expressing a desire to have children with her, much to Tohru’s dismay.
Quetzalcoatl
Kobayashi’s interactions with Quetzalcoatl are relatively minimal, though when they first meet, she unintentionally offends Quetzalcoatl by calling her outfit “slutty” and questioning her appearance. Despite this awkward start, they become more comfortable with each other as time progresses and engage in more open conversations.
Elma
Elma, a colleague of Kobayashi’s, develops a mutual respect for her. Kobayashi often offers her help with both work-related and personal challenges, and in return, Elma shows her gratitude in various ways.
Shota Magatsuchi
Kobayashi looks after Shota when requested by her manager, Mr. Magatsuchi, offering her support when needed.
Fafnir
Kobayashi maintains a cautious distance from Fafnir, perceiving him as a potentially dangerous figure. However, they seem to coexist peacefully when discussing mundane matters, suggesting a level of mutual tolerance despite the general mistrust.
Kimun Kamui
Kobayashi’s first encounter with Kanna’s father, Kimun Kamui, occurs without her knowing his true identity. They share a drink, and Kimun even follows her back to her apartment. However, upon learning of his connection to Kanna, Kobayashi becomes wary, believing him to be a dangerous figure intent on reclaiming Kanna for her powers. After Kanna’s sudden departure, Kobayashi’s determination to save her leads her to ask Tohru to accompany her to the dragon world, not only to rescue Kanna but to confront Kimun. Ultimately, Kimun’s redemption comes when he allows Kanna to choose where she wants to live, earning Kobayashi’s respect.
Etymology
The surnameKobayashi (小林) is of Japanese origin, combining the characters for “small” (小, ko) and “forest” (林, hayashi or bayashi). Together, the name can be interpreted as “small forest,” reflecting a natural, serene image often associated with peaceful woodlands or a small grove.