At first glance, Tokaku Azuma exudes the presence of a cold, calculating assassin—someone capable of taking down anyone for any reason. She typically wears a white short-sleeved collared shirt paired with a plaid tie, a plaid skirt, and tall light brown boots. Her striking blue hair and eyes add to her intense and intimidating appearance.

Tokaku Azuma is initially distant and cold, keeping others at arm’s length. She strongly dislikes when people get too close to her, particularly when they address her by her first name—except for Haru, who is the sole exception. Over time, however, Tokaku’s attitude begins to soften as she develops deep feelings of care and loyalty toward Haru.

Tokaku Azuma is the primary protagonist of Akuma no Riddle, with Haru Ichinose serving as the deuteragonist. A highly competent and strong individual, Tokaku struggles with social interactions, often appearing distant, cold, and unapproachable. She is blunt and often brusque in her speech, reinforcing her icy exterior. Beneath this tough facade, however, she hides a more vulnerable side, one that gradually comes to the forefront as her relationship with Haru deepens.

Tokaku as a baby.

History
Tokaku hails from the prestigious Azuma family, a legendary clan of assassins with a long history stretching back to the Heian period. Along with the Kuzunoha clan of the west, the Azuma are considered among the most skilled assassination families in the country. Tokaku’s mother, a renowned assassin within the Azuma clan, died shortly after giving birth to her, leaving Tokaku in the care of her grandmother. From a young age, Tokaku was trained in the deadly arts of assassination.

Her mother’s reputation as a respected assassin casts a shadow over Tokaku’s upbringing, while her aunt, Mako, is seen as a disgrace for failing to live up to the family’s deadly legacy. Before her death, Tokaku’s mother asked Mako to make sure Tokaku did not follow the same path. In an attempt to shield her from this fate, Mako tried to convince Tokaku to leave her grandmother’s home and live in the city with her. However, Tokaku’s grandmother intervened, calling Mako “the disgrace of the Azuma Clan.” In a desperate move, Mako attempted to kidnap Tokaku, leading them to a family shrine where Mako shared that Tokaku’s mother would always be watching over her, preventing her from taking a life. Unfortunately, their escape was thwarted by Tokaku’s grandmother, and Mako was killed before Tokaku’s eyes.

After her grandmother’s death, Tokaku was enrolled in Academy 17, and later transferred to Myōjō Academy, where her story truly begins.

Academy 17
Tokaku attended Academy 17 for an unspecified time before the events of Akuma no Riddle, likely after her grandmother’s passing. During her time at the academy, she came under the tutelage of Kaiba, who enrolled her for reasons unknown, humorously claiming it was because “she’s an idiot.” At Academy 17, Tokaku’s physical abilities set her apart from her peers. In the anime, she is the only student to complete an obstacle course, while in the manga, she impresses with her precision, perfectly striking a target during practice.

Black Class
Tokaku’s time at Myōjō Academy begins when Kaiba enrolls her in the infamous Black Class, a group of assassins tasked with eliminating Haru Ichinose. Upon meeting the class, Tokaku is appointed temporary rollcall manager and quickly notices the distinct scents of her fellow students, with Haru’s scent being the most memorable.

During an attack on Haru by Isuke Inukai, it is revealed that, despite Tokaku’s formidable assassin skills, she has never actually killed anyone. This surprising fact becomes a key part of her character as she grapples with her past and her evolving feelings toward Haru.

Tokaku Azuma is highly skilled in the use of knives, excelling in both throwing and close combat. Her remarkable reflexes, agility, and speed make her a formidable opponent. While she typically relies on more direct assassination methods, she has yet to actually kill anyone. Her physical abilities and senses are above average, allowing her to detect subtle details that others might miss. For instance, Tokaku can identify an assassin by their scent and even locate hidden spaces, such as a concealed room in the library. She has also demonstrated exceptional awareness by successfully identifying all of Kōko Kaminaga’s bombs, showcasing her keen perception and environment-awareness.