
Mayuko Nise
Mayuko Nise |
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Other Names | Mayu |
Kanji | 真由子二瀬 |
Romaji | Mayuko |
Profile | |
Gender | Female |
Age | 16 |
Birthday | June 19th |
Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Hair Colour | Blonde |
Eye Colour | Green (anime), Brown (manga) |
Occupation | Student |
Status | Alive |
Relatives | N/A |
First Appearance | |
Manga Debut | Chapter 23 |
Arrive Debut | Chapter 22 |
Anime Debut | Episode 1 |
Character Voice | |
Japanese | Shiki Aoki |
English | Jennie Kwan |
“ | ” | |
— Mayuko Nise
|
Appearance

Mayuko’s full apperance.
Mayuko is characterized by her distinct, rugged style and striking features. She has blonde hair styled in a messy ponytail, with green eyes in the anime adaptation and brown eyes in the manga. A small mole just below her left eye subtly accentuates her intense gaze. She sports dark-red, high-cut shoes with side patterns that add to her unique look.
Her attire is a classic school uniform, featuring a white, long-sleeved button-down shirt, layered with a blue jacket, and accessorized with a red tie. A plaid skirt completes the outfit, along with thigh-high hose and red-and-white shoes. As she navigates the brutal skyscraper world, her shirt eventually becomes tattered, revealing a striped bra underneath, until she later finds a replacement. This combination of a traditional uniform and rugged wear-and-tear speaks to the fierce battles and harsh environment she endures.
Personality
Mayuko’s past is marked by deep wounds from constant bullying and neglect by both her classmates and family, leaving her distrustful and isolated. Her guarded, almost ruthless demeanor only intensifies upon entering the skyscraper world, where survival seems to demand a hardened, cold-blooded exterior. However, everything changes when she encounters Yuri Honjo. Initially closed off and serious, with a blunt and realistic outlook on her harsh new reality, Mayuko begins to reveal a softer side. Despite her tough persona, she blushes easily when Yuri shows her any affection, hinting at a vulnerability beneath her stoic façade. Over time, Mayuko lets her guard down around Yuri, forming a bond of genuine closeness and loyalty.
In Season 1, Episode 4, she reassures Yuri’s brother, Rika Honjo, with a fierce declaration: “Don’t worry, Yuri will be under my protection.” Her loyalty runs so deep that it occasionally fuels a strong sense of jealousy, as she fears Yuri may be taken from her by others. This intense protectiveness leads her to declare, “I’ll kill all of them,” if Yuri is ever harmed. This blend of loyalty, vulnerability, and fierce protectiveness makes Mayuko a complex and intriguing character.
Abilities
Mayuko is a skilled knife wielder, a talent made evident by the number of adversaries she’s defeated. Her proficiency with knives only intensifies upon acquiring the traits of an “angel” through a defective smiling mask. With this enhancement, Mayuko gains abilities beyond normal human limits, allowing her to execute swift, near-superhuman combat moves. Later, to confront the formidable “Great Angel,” she undergoes a process of defragmentation, erasing parts of the mask’s restrictive programming. This modification unlocks an even greater level of strength and agility, transforming her into an even more powerful fighter in the dangerous skyscraper world.
Relationships
Yuri Honjo
To Mayuko, Yuri is more than a friend; she is a lifeline in a hostile world. Mayuko’s loyalty to Yuri is so profound that she’s willing to confront any threat—no matter the cost—to keep Yuri safe, even if it means wearing the risky “defective” smiling mask to protect her. This fierce protectiveness often manifests in her willingness to do whatever is necessary to guard Yuri, taking on a role that feels as much a vow as it does a friendship.
Mayuko’s possessiveness can sometimes bring out flashes of jealousy, particularly when Yuri interacts closely with others. For instance, when Yuri and Kuon are deep in conversation, Mayuko’s jealous and subtly hostile reaction hints at her deep emotional bond, though at times it appears humorously exaggerated for effect. This complex mix of devotion, protectiveness, and vulnerability highlights the depth of Mayuko’s attachment to Yuri.
Etymology
The name Mayuko carries layers of meaning, with “真” (ma) signifying “real” or “genuine,” “由” (yu) implying “reason” or “cause,” and “子” (ko) meaning “child.” Together, Mayuko’s name suggests a “genuine child with purpose”—a fitting nod to her unwavering loyalty and depth of character.