Before the outbreak, Saeko was well-respected as the captain of the Kendo Club at Fujimi High School. Her background in kendo and her disciplined approach to combat are key reasons for the group’s survival. Saeko’s strength, agility, and proficiency in melee combat enable her to handle challenging situations effectively, often taking the lead in battle.

Saeko is known for her stoic and composed personality, as well as her unwavering loyalty to the group. Her combat abilities and leadership qualities make her one of the most reliable members of the team. Despite her outward confidence, Saeko harbors a darker side, which stems from her enjoyment of violence and combat.

Saeko is a tall, slender young woman with long, dark blue hair that reaches her waist and is styled with bangs. Her striking violet eyes and graceful demeanor give her an elegant appearance. Saeko is typically seen wearing her Fujimi High School uniform, consisting of a white blouse, green skirt, and knee-high socks. During combat, she often ties her hair back into a ponytail for better mobility.

As the series progresses, Saeko dons various outfits suited for combat, including armor gifted to her by Souichiro Takagi. She is known for her poised and composed expression, even in the most dire circumstances.

Saeko Busujima is depicted as a kind, caring, and reliable individual with a composed and calm demeanor that sets her apart from the rest of the group. Her stoic nature, particularly during combat, has been described as almost unsettling due to her ability to remain unfazed in even the direst of situations. As the second oldest in the group, after Shizuka Marikawa, Saeko assumes a “big sister” role, considering the emotions and well-being of the other members and offering guidance when needed.

Saeko follows a code of honor that reflects her familial samurai lineage, often adhering to principles akin to the Bushido code. Her behavior and philosophies, such as emphasizing the importance of a man’s decisions, exemplify her disciplined and traditional values. Unlike Rei Miyamoto, who exhibits jealousy over Takashi Komuro’s interactions with other girls, Saeko remains mature and secure, even offering advice to Takashi about relationships and trust.

However, beneath her composed exterior lies a darker, more complex side to her personality. Saeko harbors sadistic tendencies that emerge during combat, where she is often seen smiling or expressing enjoyment in inflicting pain on her enemies. This side of her personality was first revealed four years before the events of the story when she defended herself against a would-be attacker. While initially acting in self-defense, Saeko discovered she enjoyed the feeling of control and the act of causing pain, leading her to view herself as someone unworthy of love. This revelation created an internal conflict, where she grappled with self-hatred and an existential crisis, cloaking her violent nature beneath the facade of a cultured and well-mannered young woman.

Saeko’s conflict comes to a head during her journey with Takashi, where she admits her sadistic nature and her belief that she is “damaged.” Takashi’s acceptance and encouragement help her embrace this side of herself, realizing that her ability to fight ruthlessly is essential for the survival of the group. Even so, Saeko retains her morals and humanity, as demonstrated when she hesitates to harm zombie children, a task Takashi completes without hesitation. She remains deeply self-aware, often comparing herself unfavorably to others, such as Rei, whom she sees as less accustomed to the violence of their new reality.

Despite her darker tendencies, Saeko is capable of warmth and loyalty. She provides a source of strength for the group and fosters camaraderie through her mature and thoughtful interactions. Her lack of modesty, however, sometimes creates humorous situations, such as when she wears only an apron and thong in the group’s safe house, showing no embarrassment even when Takashi is present. This confidence in her appearance aligns with her composed and fearless personality, making her a multi-faceted character who balances strength, vulnerability, and a sense of duty.

Saeko Busujima is a melee combat specialist whose skill in kendo is unmatched, making her one of the group’s most formidable fighters. She possesses immense physical strength, agility, and precision, enabling her to perform powerful, accurate strikes capable of incapacitating or killing enemies with a single blow.

Primary Weapons

Bokuto (Wooden Sword): At the beginning of the series, Saeko wields a wooden bokken (training sword) with lethal efficiency. Her expertise in kendo allows her to use this non-lethal weapon to devastating effect, easily dispatching both human and zombie foes.

Murata-Tou (Katana): After arriving at the Takagi Estate, Saeko upgrades to a Murata-tou, a traditional Japanese sword, gifted by Souichiro Takagi. With this weapon, Saeko’s combat effectiveness increases exponentially, allowing her to cut through multiple enemies with precision and ease. The katana complements her samurai lineage and reinforces her connection to traditional Japanese martial arts.

Secondary Weapon:

Beretta M92 Vertec Pistol: Following the group’s raid on the police station, Saeko equips herself with an M92 Vertec pistol, which she holsters on her thigh. Despite her lack of training with firearms, she carries the pistol as a backup weapon, symbolizing her adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges for the group’s survival.

Saeko’s proficiency in close combat, combined with her superior tactical awareness and weapon versatility, makes her an invaluable asset to the group, capable of holding her own against overwhelming odds.

• Takashi Komuro
  Saeko and Takashi share a deep mutual respect, with Takashi often relying on her combat skills and calm demeanor. Over time, their bond grows stronger, with Saeko revealing her vulnerable side to him.

• Rei Miyamoto
  While Rei and Saeko have different personalities, they work together effectively in combat and share a mutual respect. However, Rei sometimes feels jealous of Saeko’s bond with Takashi.

• Shizuka Marikawa
  Saeko serves as a protector for Shizuka, often shielding her from danger during combat situations.

• Saya Takagi
  Saeko admires Saya’s intelligence and strategizing abilities, recognizing her value to the group despite their different approaches to survival.