Masaru Saiga
Masaru Saiga |
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| Kanji: | 才賀 勝 |
| Romaji | Saiga Masaru |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 11 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 5’6 |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Chihiro Ueda |
| English: | Sarah Natochenny |
Masaru Saiga (才賀 勝, Saiga Masaru), is a young boy who unexpectedly inherits a large fortune following the death of his father. His inheritance, however, is not without its challenges, as it brings unwanted attention from other members of his family who are determined to claim the fortune for themselves. As a result, Masaru finds himself on the run, navigating a world of deception, betrayal, and danger.
Masaru’s journey is one of survival and resilience, as he learns to protect himself while trying to outmaneuver those who wish to take advantage of his inheritance. His character is shaped by his determination to maintain his freedom and keep what he has inherited from those who would exploit him.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Masaru Saiga was born into a wealthy family, and after the sudden death of his father, he became the sole heir to a vast fortune. However, the death of his father triggers a power struggle within the family, with relatives plotting to take his inheritance. These challenges force Masaru to flee and find a way to protect himself from the growing threats around him.
Though young, Masaru is forced to grow up quickly as he faces the harsh reality of his situation. His story revolves around his escape from those who seek to take what belongs to him, and his ability to outsmart and evade them becomes central to his survival. While he tries to avoid direct confrontation, Masaru’s journey is filled with moments of personal growth, as he learns how to navigate the complexities of his inheritance and the dangers that accompany it.
Appearance
Masaru Saiga has a youthful, innocent appearance that belies the challenges he faces. He has short, dark hair and a somewhat soft expression, which makes him appear younger than he truly is. His eyes are wide and expressive, conveying both vulnerability and determination, especially when he finds himself caught in dangerous situations.
While on the run, Masaru’s attire changes depending on the circumstances, often appearing in casual, practical clothing that allows him to blend in while avoiding attention. Despite the turmoil in his life, his appearance still maintains a sense of naivety and innocence, which contrasts sharply with the dangerous world he is thrust into.
Personality
Masaru Saiga is intelligent, resourceful, and quick-thinking, traits that are essential for his survival as he evades those seeking to steal his inheritance. Though he is young, his experiences force him to mature rapidly, and he learns to rely on his wits and instincts to navigate the increasingly perilous situations he faces. Despite his youth, Masaru displays a strong sense of independence and an unwillingness to be manipulated by those around him.
At his core, Masaru is a character driven by a desire to protect himself and maintain his autonomy. He is not inherently aggressive or confrontational, but he will fight to retain what is rightfully his. His emotional depth is revealed as he struggles with the burden of his inheritance, and his journey involves not only physical escape but also emotional growth as he learns the true cost of wealth and power.
Role in the Story
Inheritance and Betrayal: Masaru’s life turns upside down after his father’s death. Inheriting the vast Saiga fortune makes him a target of kidnappers and murderers many of them his own relatives. While running for his life, he’s saved by Narumi and Shirogane, who become his guardians and guide him through the dark world of puppeteers and automata.
Discovery of the Saiga Legacy: Under Shirogane’s protection, Masaru learns about the Shirogane and automaton war, a conflict stretching back centuries. He discovers he is a key figure in this battle due to his bloodline, which is intricately connected to alchemical secrets and the origin of the automata.
From Prey to Protector: Though he starts as someone needing protection, Masaru matures and steps into a more active role. He learns to control puppets and takes a stand against the automata and those who seek to use him. His empathy and moral clarity also help others around him including Shirogane and Narumi come to terms with their own inner conflicts.
Relationships
Narumi Katō: Narumi becomes Masaru’s protector and older brother figure. At first, Narumi sees Masaru as a burden, but he quickly grows fond of him. Their bond deepens over time, especially as both become central players in the fight against the automata.
Shirogane (Éléonore Saiga): Shirogane is assigned to protect Masaru and serves as both a maternal figure and eventual close companion. Their relationship is central to the story, as Shirogane’s own past is tightly connected to Masaru’s destiny. Over time, she deeply cares for him, and their bond becomes emotional and complex.
Sadayoshi Saiga: Masaru’s deceased father, whose mysterious legacy and manipulations continue to affect the plot. As the story unfolds, Masaru must confront the truth about Sadayoshi’s actions and their consequences on the world.