Narumi Kanai
Narumi Kanai |
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| Kanji: | 鐘井 鳴海 |
| Romaji | Kanai Narumi |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 24 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 183cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Kenji Nojima |
| English: | Adam Noble |
Narumi Kanai (鐘井 鳴海, Kanai Narumi), is a key character in Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai). He is the homeroom teacher of Hanabi Yasuraoka, the main female protagonist, and serves as the object of her deep, unrequited love. Narumi is a literature teacher at Hanabi’s high school, and his gentle demeanor, warmth, and kindness make him highly admired by his students. Hanabi has been in love with him since childhood, and her affection for him becomes the driving emotional force of her character’s development.
Despite his importance in Hanabi’s emotional life, Narumi’s own love life becomes more complicated as he eventually marries Akane Minagawa, a fellow teacher at the school, and they have a child together. Narumi’s relationship with Akane becomes a key part of the story, as it creates emotional tension and conflict, especially with Hanabi’s unresolved feelings for him.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Narumi Kanai has known Hanabi Yasuraoka since she was a child, which adds a layer of emotional complexity to their relationship. Hanabi has loved him for many years, but Narumi’s feelings do not mirror hers. Instead, his love interest shifts to Akane Minagawa, who works as a music teacher at the school and is a former tutor to Mugi Awaya, another student.
Narumi’s background, while not fully explored in Scum’s Wish, centers around his role as a teacher, his personal life with Akane, and the emotional distance he maintains from Hanabi. His past relationships, particularly his growing bond with Akane, are essential to the development of the story and the emotional conflict that unfolds between the main characters.
Appearance
Narumi Kanai has a mature and calm appearance, fitting for his role as a teacher. He has short, dark hair and a refined, well-kept look that conveys both authority and approachability. His facial expressions tend to be warm and caring, making him an easy person to approach for his students. Narumi’s overall appearance reflects his balanced nature he is not overly striking, but there is a quiet charm about him that attracts those around him, particularly Hanabi.
His attire usually consists of a school uniform or professional clothing suited for his role as a teacher, further reinforcing his composed and authoritative presence at the school. While Narumi is not a flashy character in terms of appearance, his emotional depth and the relationships he forms make him a key figure in the narrative.
Personality
Narumi Kanai is a gentle, considerate, and approachable individual. He possesses a calm and nurturing personality, which makes him popular with his students. Narumi is caring but somewhat emotionally distant, particularly when it comes to Hanabi. Despite his kindness, he is not fully aware of the depth of Hanabi’s feelings for him, and he does not reciprocate her romantic affection.
While he is capable of deep affection, particularly toward Akane Minagawa, his relationship with Hanabi remains more in the realm of a teacher-student dynamic, and his emotional attachment to her is primarily paternal rather than romantic. Narumi’s personality reflects the conflict between emotional fulfillment and the responsibilities that come with his position as a teacher. His growing relationship with Akane, culminating in marriage, further complicates the emotional landscape of the story, adding tension and heartbreak, especially for Hanabi.
Role in the Story
Hanabi’s Unrequited Love: Narumi is the object of Hanabi’s deep affection. She clings to her idealized version of him, rooted in childhood memories. Her unrequited love for him forms one of the emotional cores of the story, motivating many of her actions and internal conflicts.
Relationship with Akane: Narumi eventually becomes romantically involved with Akane Minagawa, unaware at first of her manipulative behavior and emotional detachment. However, as Akane begins to open up and show vulnerability, Narumi offers her unconditional love and acceptance, providing her with a chance at redemption.
Fatherhood: By the end of the series, Narumi marries Akane, and she takes his surname, becoming Akane Kanai. The two eventually have a child, although details about the child are minimal. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life symbolizing hope, forgiveness, and maturity.
Relationships
Hanabi Yasuraoka: Hanabi’s unspoken feelings for Narumi drive much of her emotional struggle. She idealizes him, but eventually comes to realize that he cannot reciprocate her feelings, prompting her own journey toward self-discovery.
Akane Minagawa: Initially a manipulative seductress, Akane sets her sights on Narumi as a target. However, Narumi’s genuine affection and belief in her better nature lead her to reflect on her behavior and ultimately embrace a more honest, emotionally open path.