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Did You Know?

Docy turns out that context is a key part of learning.

Onionlinks

Onionlinks

Did You Know?

Docy turns out that context is a key part of learning.

Kurena Kukumila

Kurena Kukumila is a primary supporting character in the 86 -Eighty Six- series and is the protagonist of Valkyrie Has Landed. She is also known by her Personal Name,Gunslinger (ガンスリンガー, Gansuringā).

Kurena serves as a platoon leader in the Eighty-Sixth Strike Package’s Spearhead Squadron and specializes as the squadron’s long-range combat specialist, utilizing her exceptional marksmanship to support her comrades from afar.

Appearance

Kurena Kukumila is characterized by her chestnut-colored hair, indicative of an Agate, and golden, cat-like eyes, reminiscent of a Topaz. She wears her hair in a neat short bob style. Kurena is notably described as the most well-endowed member of the Spearhead Squadron.

While serving in the Spearhead Squadron, Kurena donned a desert camouflage combat uniform layered over an olive drab tank top, reflecting her readiness for combat.

After her rescue by the Federacy, Kurena adopts a more refined appearance, buying high-heeled boots, a stylish hat, and a dress with a fur-trimmed cape, showcasing her femininity and newfound freedom. Upon returning to combat, she switches to the Federacy’s steel-colored panzer jacket uniform.

While many female Processors opt for long trousers with their uniforms, Kurena stands out by choosing to wear a skirt, highlighting her unique sense of style even in a military setting.

Photo Section with Captions

Personality

Kurena Kukumila harbors an intense hatred toward the Alba, stemming from a traumatic childhood experience. She witnessed Republican Alba soldiers murder her parents in cold blood—her mother and father were shot for the soldiers’ entertainment while she and her sister were present. This incident deeply scarred her, as did her sister’s forced conscription into the Processor ranks, from which her sister never returned.

This hatred manifests in harsh treatment of Lena, whom Kurena views as pretentious and self-righteous due to Lena’s Alba heritage and privileged background. Kurena avoids Lena whenever possible and struggles to see past her prejudice.

Kurena’s traumatic past also left her with a fear of large, imposing figures, as demonstrated when she fled in panic upon encountering the Reverend, whose burly physique reminded her of the soldiers who caused her family’s suffering.

Despite her tough exterior, Kurena has a more vulnerable and softer side, seen during the squadron’s brief respite in the Federacy’s capital. She showed a keen interest in fashion and shopping, embracing a sense of normalcy and femininity. However, like the other survivors of Spearhead, her personal space remained spartan and minimalistic, reflecting her lingering scars and practical mindset.

Background

Kurena Kukumila, the youngest member of the Spearhead Squadron, was born on May 6th RY 352 / SY 2133 in the Republic city of Charité, where she lived with her family before the war against the Legion began.

In RY 358, after the Republic issued Executive Order 6609, her family was forcibly relocated to a concentration camp. During their relocation, the camp guards—primarily conscripted criminals and thugs due to the Republic’s shortage of manpower—decided to amuse themselves by engaging in “target practice.” They selected Kurena’s parents from the crowd and shot them repeatedly in front of her and her older sister. The traumatic event left Kurena deeply scarred and with a seething hatred for the Alba, who were responsible for her family’s suffering. This hatred only grew stronger when her sister, her last remaining family member, was conscripted as a Processor and later killed in combat.

In RY 363, at the age of 11, Kurena herself was conscripted into the Republic’s military and sent to the battlefront. Two years later, she was assigned to Shin Nouzen’s squadron, where she became part of the infamous Spearhead Squadron.

While under Shin’s command, Kurena bore witness to his mercy killings of mortally wounded comrades, which fascinated her. She admired his strength and willingness to bear the emotional burden of ending their suffering while honoring their memories by carrying their names. These qualities inspired Kurena to hone her marksmanship to an extraordinary level, aspiring to one day repay Shin’s kindness by extending the same mercy to him if the need arose.

However, as Kurena came to understand Shin’s unmatched abilities and his seeming invincibility, she realized she could never truly reach his level. Believing that she would die long before Shin ever needed her mercy, Kurena eventually abandoned her aspirations, though her admiration for him remained.

Abilities

Combat Skill
Kurena Kukumila is widely regarded for her exceptional marksmanship, a skill that earned her the personal name Gunslinger. Her prowess with long-range weaponry sets her apart from other Processors, making her a key asset to the Spearhead Squadron.

To complement her unique fighting style, Kurena’s Reginleif unit has been specifically modified for sniping roles. It features a longer-barreled 88mm cannon, designed for enhanced ballistic stability, enabling her to make precise and devastating shots from significant distances. Additionally, her unit’s firearm-control and posture-control systems have been customized to further enhance her sniping accuracy and optimize its performance in long-range combat scenarios.

Kurena’s skill allows her to eliminate high-priority targets with precision, often supporting her comrades by covering their advances or providing critical firepower in battles against overwhelming Legion forces. Her expertise not only reflects her dedication to honing her abilities but also demonstrates her ability to adapt to the challenges of modern warfare, where specialized skills often determine survival.

Trivia

    • Rank Differences: In the 86 -Eighty Six- novels, Kurena holds the rank of Ensign, indicating her role as a platoon member. However, in the anime adaptation, she is portrayed as the leader of Platoon 6, which promotes her to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
    • Symbolic Flower: Her associated flower, as featured in the Blu-Ray & DVD Bonus Box Art, is the Thistle, which symbolizes resilience and strength.
    • Admiration for Shin: Kurena finds Shin’s blood-red eyes to be the most beautiful color in the world, reflecting her admiration and deep feelings for him.
    • Internment Number: Her internment number during her time in the Republic was E380-30703.

These details provide additional insight into Kurena’s character, highlighting her resilience, unrequited admiration for Shin, and her evolving role within the 86 universe.