Natsuko Hirose has a strong sense of independence and often struggles to trust others, believing that handling tasks on her own is more efficient. Her impulsive nature and habit of acting on her ideas without hesitation often catch those around her off guard. This drive to accomplish things on her own sometimes alienates her from others, as she finds it challenging to communicate effectively.

As a personal vow, Natsuko decided not to cut her hair until she completes the storyboard for her upcoming movie, resulting in her unique, slightly unkempt hairstyle. Despite her serious demeanor, she has a softer side and tends to be in high spirits when indulging in delicious food, which she considers one of life’s simple joys.

Natsuko has a youthful and vibrant appearance, with short, slightly messy brown hair and expressive eyes that reflect her passion and determination. She is often dressed casually in loose-fitting clothes suitable for long hours of work, such as oversized sweaters, T-shirts, and jeans, often accessorized with a pencil tucked behind her ear or ink stains on her hands. Her appearance mirrors her commitment to her craft and her sometimes disheveled lifestyle as a creative professional.

Natsuko is energetic, driven, and fiercely committed to her passion for animation. Her love for storytelling and visual art fuels her determination, often pushing her to work tirelessly, sometimes at the expense of her health or personal life. Despite her intense focus, Natsuko is approachable and kind, often offering support and inspiration to her colleagues and friends.

However, her single-minded devotion to her work can make her oblivious to her surroundings, leading to humorous or awkward situations. Natsuko’s journey involves learning to balance her creative aspirations with her personal relationships and well-being.

As the protagonist of Zenshu, Natsuko’s journey centers on her challenges and triumphs as an anime director. From managing tight deadlines to navigating creative differences with her team, her character reflects the struggles and joys of working in the anime industry.

The series also explores Natsuko’s personal development as she learns to balance her passion for work with the importance of maintaining her health, relationships, and a sense of perspective. Her interactions with her colleagues and friends often serve as the catalyst for her growth, highlighting the importance of teamwork and self-care.

Studio Team
Natsuko shares a dynamic relationship with her colleagues, from junior animators seeking her guidance to veteran creators challenging her vision. These relationships highlight her role as both a leader and a collaborator.

Friends and Family
Natsuko’s personal life plays a crucial role in her development, as her loved ones provide support and occasionally remind her to step back and enjoy life outside of work.

Rival Creators
Natsuko’s interactions with rival animators and directors often push her to refine her skills and broaden her creative perspective.

Natsuko possesses a unique magical animator tool with a will of its own, though only she can hear its voice. This extraordinary tool allows her to summon a work desk and draw with astonishing speed. Her creations, whether characters, monsters, or changes to her surroundings, spring to life once she completes her illustrations. Beyond just bringing them into existence, Natsuko has full control over her creations, though they disappear after a short period.

Her abilities, however, come with significant limitations. The animator tool only activates during moments of dire need, preventing her from using its powers freely. Additionally, she cannot recreate anything she has drawn before, forcing her to constantly innovate. These abilities come at a great cost to her physical stamina; after using them, Natsuko collapses and remains unconscious for three days, underscoring the immense toll her powers take on her body.