Chihiro Ashihara | |
Birthday: | Varies (input by player)
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Age: | 17
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Height: | 155 cm (5'1")
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Family: | |
Occupation: | Successor for the Nakatsu Kuni throne; originally second in line (二ノ姫, Ninohime)
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Innate Element: | Varies (determined by birthday)
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Weapon(s): | Ame-no-Makakoyumi (legendary long bow)
Ame-no-Habaya (legendary arrow) |
Dominate Hand: | Right
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Habit(s): | Tends to stare at people
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Voice Actor(s): | Tomoko Kawakami
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First Appearance: | Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4 |
Chihiro Ashihara (葦原千尋, Ashihara Chihiro, literally "Chihiro of Ashihara") is the main protagonist in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4. She is the player's character for the story. Her name and birthday can be changed to the player's preferences in the game, but she will be known by her default name in official media. If the player uses her default name in the game, it will be audibly spoken by characters.
Throughout the game's script, Chihiro may be alternatively known under one of her titles: Second Lady (二ノ姫, Ninohime), Princess (姫, Hime), General (将軍, Shougun), or Priestess of the Dragon (龍の神子, Ryuu no Miko).
Role in Game[]
Background Story[]
Chihiro is the second and youngest daughter of the Queen of Nakatsu Kuni. She is the reincarnation of the first priestess, and she shares the same hair and eye coloring as her predecessor. Chihiro possesses the mystical power to momentarily glimpse into the minds of living beings, which allows her a very limited perspective of their true thoughts and feelings.
Chihiro, the princess of the royal family, faced frequent bullying and ostracization due to her peculiar hair and eye coloring. Nobles called her the "accursed child" and she would cry in the reed fields. She met a wounded beast and later, a young man named Kasahaya offered his service to her. The Queen tested Chihiro's spiritual abilities when she was seven-years-old, but she was nearly powerless. The Queen shunned her, viewing her as a princess in name only. Chihiro persevered with the encouragement of her older sister and a small group of vassals. When her sister left the kingdom, she was given the legendary bow, Ama-no-Makakoyumi, to guard Nakatsu Kuni. The bow remained in Chihiro's safekeeping, but her sister never returned.
Nakatsu Kuni's capital, Kashihara, fell to Tokoyo no Kuni's forces one year later. Chihiro was frightened by the massacre which took place in her home and tried to search for an escape. As her home burned in the flames, she encountered Nasatya. She mistook him as a person endangered by the flames and pleaded him to escape with her. Moved by compassion, the general decided to spare her. He used his powers to crystallize the flames blocking her escape and erased her memories.
Collapsing afterwards, the princess was eventually rescued by Kazahaya. He joined with Nagi, and they escaped the destruction of their homeland by fleeing through the Loophole of Time. They arrived in the modern world at Kashihara, Nara in the year 2003. Chihiro considered Kazahaya and Nagi to be her foster family since childhood and lived as a normal girl for five years. She had no idea who her parents were or how long she had lived with her two caretakers.
Story Events[]
One afternoon after school, Chihiro hears thunder and worries that Kazahaya will be caught within an impending rainstorm. As she hurries back to her school to hand him an umbrella, she meets Hiiragi. He introduces himself before he breaks the magic spell placed on her memories. Although the experience is painful for her, Chihiro remembers fragments of her past. The seal on her bow is unleashed and she uses it to defend herself against the Tsuchigumo attacking her. Kazahaya and Nagi hurry to her side, but the trio are sent through space-time by Hiiragi to return to Nakatsu Kuni.
Chihiro seeks to help those in need from Tokoyo no Kuni. She encounters Iwanagahime and Nakatsu Kuni soldiers fighting against a corrupted deity and gains access to the dragon god's power to purify it, saving the group. Despite her initial failure, she gains support and is named the Priestess of the Dragon God. Chihiro learns her country is in a miserable state and decides to fight for them. Initially acting on brash impulse, she is eventually defeated by the Nakatsu Kuni troops. However, her courage and compassion inspire the troops to rally under her. Chihiro takes her responsibilities seriously and assembles an unprecedented army from various clans, including the Himuka Clan and the Tsuchigumo. She also cleanses spiritual corruption in the Four Gods' domains.
Chihiro learns through her experiences that the defilements and destruction spread throughout her realm were mainly erected by the "Bloodied Serpent", a being which wishes to absorb her into himself to complete his resurrection. The serpent destroys or corrupts anything within his path in his desire to devour her. The "Bloodied Serpent" eventually catches her off guard during a dramatic battle with the Black Lightning's army by grasping her long hair. Rather than give in to the deity's wishes, Chihiro slices her hair and declares her will to defeat him.
The princess's efforts leads to her reclaiming her homeland and beating the Black Dragon. Her peaceful reign is solidified with Raja's defeat. In an attempt to see if humanity would ever abandon their love for war, however, the White Dragon destroys the world and each timeline she creates to build it anew.
Several reset timelines later, Chihiro and company become aware of the White Dragon's transgressions and confront him directly in the Loophole of Time. The princess swears that she will be a true sovereign of peace and prosperity, an ideal which the White Dragon initially dismisses. She and her allies prove to him the true value of the human heart by showing it to him in combat. Convinced by their determination, the White Dragon leaves the last timeline intact. As promised, Chihiro rules a reign of peace. It is forgotten by later generations of the parallel world and exists only in legends.
Her Aizouban extra event occurs after the game's default ending in spring and before she is dubbed queen. Chihiro has to prepare for the enthronement ceremony with proper decorum and has been receiving strict etiquette and history lessons from Sainokimi for several days straight. Although she is advancing with her studies, it seems there is no end in sight. The princess hasn't seen her friends for days and wonders how they're doing without her.
A messenger asks Sainokimi for a scroll, which he initially dismisses but forces Chihiro to read. She hopes to see her friends on the flying ship, but Sainokimi asks her to wait in locked quarters. Chihiro struggles with the next step. Kazahaya opens the door, and Chihiro embraces him. Hiiragi informs them that the elderly woman will not return, having been sent away on a deceptive errand. Oshihito patronizes his seniors for trickery and admits his desire to see Chihiro again.
The trio explain that it isn't a complete lie that Iwanagahime wants to see Sainokimi, and they estimate they can have two or three hours to spend with the princess. Hiiragi opens the door further to allow her other visitors inside. Futsuhiko inquires for her health and Tooya teleports in to offer her fruits. The soldier mistakes the Tsuchigumo's gestures to mean that Chihiro is ill and both are relieved to see her well. Sazaki flies in through the window to announce the preparations for their banquet are ready, earning him an insult from Nagi on the ground below him. Asvin, the Raja of Tokoyo no Kuni, tells him to cheer up as they lug in the food and table for the party.
The party gets going and everyone is enjoying themselves. Hiiragi relishes Futsuhiko's praise for his strategy and casually states they'll accept punishment together if Sainokimi finds out. Sazaki is goaded by his peers to tell a story to brighten the mood and bumps into Sainokimi in his excitement. She looks at them with a feigned smile and deems they must be ready for their next jobs she has assigned for them. Yet the elderly woman turns and announces that she will retire for the day since she is tired from being dragged around by Iwanagahime. Chihiro is surprised by her kindness, although Hiiragi observes that everyone will pay dearly for it tomorrow. For now, they are happy to celebrate Nakatsu Kuni's future queen.
Alternate Fates[]
The player may choose to alter the game's ending by interacting with other characters. If Chihiro has high ties with them and successfully finished their events, she will unlock a character's respective story route. Her reasons for cutting her hair may also change in a character's scenario. Players can see additional events with these characters in the game's epilogue chapter.
Character Information[]
Personality[]
Chihiro, despite her royal heritage, speaks with practical honesty and directness, reflecting her emotions for her listeners. She can change her personality through conversation options throughout the game. Chihiro is often ignorant of people's feelings and shrugs away her dedication to the throne or her people. At her worst, she is self-centered and never forgives her enemies or betrayals. However, she is a good Samaritan who prioritizes others' needs and is benevolent and amicable. She enjoys creating friendships and is unbiased with her kindness. Chihiro's selfless nature is a subconscious reaction to her childhood shunning and her mother's demands. Despite not gaining her mother's acceptance, her magnanimous tendencies remain within her heart, even in the modern world.
As she experiences the parallel world's war, Chihiro's naivety gradually breaks when she witnesses its grim reality firsthand. Even with her best efforts she realizes she can't save her home without someone dying, whether it be one of her followers or those within the enemy army. With her fairytale delusions faded, Chihiro gains a stronger belief in her peaceful convictions and becomes vigilant. At all times, she aims to end battles with the least amount of bloodshed. She considers her military conduct to be a testament of her intentions as future Queen: protect life, end the war. Her determination fuels her defiance towards the Black Dragon, as she desires to save both lands from its corruptive influence. She may not have the White Dragon's blessings to repel its attempts to absorb her, but Chihiro would rather fight to the bitter end than sacrifice herself to it.
Due to her faith and trust in other people, Chihiro has a habit of overworking herself for those in need. Her immediate reaction upon hearing a call of distress is to come to their aid, sometimes in disregard of current circumstances or the consequences of her actions. She may be completely ignorant of her injuries or health if she is driven to help another. Even her time of brooding is spent mulling over ways to help someone else. Occasionally her predictable reactions causes her friends to tease her, which embarrasses her to no end. Wanting to avoid troubling those closest to her, Chihiro also tries to hide her moments of sorrow or anxiety from them.
Character Symbolism[]
Chihiro is symbolized by the ecru color, which is called kinari in Japanese. It is not a traditional Japanese color and was introduced to the country during the Meiji Period. Its name in either language means "raw" or "unbleached".
Her symbolic item is the bamboo lily, a flower native to Japan. It is also called sasayuri or sayuri, the latter of which means fast growing lily. It obtained its name due to its leaves bearing a resemblance to the ones found on bamboo. The lily has been known to exist in Japan since ancient times as a seasonal decoration, and its bulbs were used as a source of food. Tenjinbara is particularly famous for its expansive lily garden. Within the flower language, it symbolizes purity or elegance. Her flower is referenced in the game's title screen as floating white flower petals.
Her weapon, Ame-no-Makakoyumi, is a legendary bow found within Japanese mythology. Paired with the legendary arrow, Ame-no-Habaya, they were used by Amenowakahiko. Given to him by Takamimusubi, Amenowakahiko was supposed to use them in the pacification of Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni. Instead, he became irritated by the constant chirping of a pheasant and used the divine bow and arrow to shoot it down. The shot held enormous power, killing several innocent bird maidens and other beings that happened to be in its path. Ame-no-Habaya even pierced through the heavens and reached its creator, Takamimusubi. Angered by the spoiled shot and the blood drenched arrow, Takamimusubi declared that Amenowakahiko should pay for his folly. The god threw Ame-no-Habaya back down and it struck and killed Amenowakahiko. If Amenowakahiko had used the weapons as they were intended, they would have been obvious candidates for the Three Sacred Treasures.
Quotes[]
- "If you've got the guts, come and get me!"
- "I'll back you up."
- "Let me fight too."
- "I'm here for you. We can end this together."
- "Don't take me lightly!"
- "This arrow will do it!"
- "I'm glad you're safe."
- "Everyone, please lend me your strength."
- "I-uh-didn't mean it like that. I just meant that it's safer if we stay close to one another."
- "What's the situation? Report."
- "If we go, we might not be able to come back. But we've come this far. We have to press onward."
- "Even if you're a god far beyond our reach in the sky, it doesn't give you the right to just kill people! This won't happen again. Someday, I will have to the power to prevail against you and win. I swear it!"
- "What a terrible wound... We can't leave it be. I know this cloth might not be enough, but please try to make do with this."
- "Don't waste time on someone like me... I am not worthy of receiving anything from the princess."
- "What are you saying? Please take better care of yourself. Clothes can be changed anytime, but no one can hope to find a replacement for you."
- "...Thank you, Princess."
- "That's better. Now, who else is injured?"
- ~~Chihiro and villager
Fighting Style[]
Chihiro starts as a below-average fighter with a basic attack and simple elemental attack magic. Once her abilities are maximized, however, Chihiro becomes the most balanced character in the party. Her healing abilities lets her become self-sufficient, allowing her to endure many battles in the game by herself. If she builds bonds with other characters, she and her comrades can cast powerful magic. Character bonds also boosts the strength of her Oath attack, which has the potential to be the strongest physical attack in the game. Her weakest stat is her defense, but her supportive abilities and high dodge rate can help her overcome her flaw.
Throughout the majority of the game's scenario, the player cannot remove her from battle and her defeat signals the party's defeat.
Chihiro can boost her vitality, defense, magic power, speed, and will power to Level 5 within the menu screen. Here are her optimized stats:
- Attack - 82
- Defense - 79
- Magic - 83
- Speed - 84
Special Abilities[]
The following lists other abilities Chihiro can learn by using the Five Elements the party gathers. Please see the game page for her possible commands in battle.
Name | Maximum Level | Cost | Description |
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Oath (誓約, ukei) |
5 | 15 Will | Can only use with another party member present. Attack power increases based on the success of a quick-time event which begins once the attack is selected. Timer for the sequence shortens based on mistakes the player makes. Successful shots deals massive damage to a single target and has a party member congratulate the player. |
Counter (反撃, hangeki) |
5 | none (passive) | If Chihiro dodges an attack, she may counterattack with a normal strike. Higher levels increases the likelihood of her counter. Only activated against physical attacks. |
Same Attribute Smite (同属性強撃, douzokusei kyougeki) |
5 | none (passive) | If Chihiro performs a normal attack against a foe sharing the same elemental properties as her, her attack will deal greater damage. Higher levels increases the damage of her strike. |
Opposite Element Tolerance (相克耐性, soukoku taisei) |
5 | none (passive) | Lessens damage from an opposing elemental attack in battle. In other words if Chihiro has an innate Water element, she will have better defense against Earth elementals. |
Darkness Resistance (暗闇耐性, kurayami taisei) |
5 | none (passive) | Increases tolerance to darkness (blinding) status ailment. Dissipates at quicker rate at early levels, completely removes the ailment when maximized. |
Kirin's Blessing (麒麟の加護, kirin no kago) |
5 | none (passive) | Automatically restores a fixed amount of Chihiro's Will before her turn begins. Maximum of 15 Will can be restored per turn. |
Insurmountable (不屈, fukutsu) |
5 | none (passive) | Restores lost Will when she is hit by an enemy's attack. The amount of Will restored depends on the level of the ability. |
Heal (回復, kaifuku) |
4 | 10 Will | Restores selected character's health. Efficiency increases based on the battle command and her ability's level. |
Awakening (覚醒, kakusei) |
3 | none (passive) | Strengthens her battle commands. |
Summon (召喚, shoukan) |
5 | 10 Will | Asks a sub-character to use their special ability in battle. Can only call on characters who are present via storyline reasons. |
- Oath button combinations
Chihiro can use this ability as long as one of the main characters are in the current battle party with her. If the player fails to input the combination before the timer runs out, her attack will not hit the enemy.
Character | Button Input |
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Kazahaya | ↑, , ←, , ↓, |
Asvin | ←, →, , , , |
Sazaki | ↑, ↓, ←, →, , |
Nagi | , , , ↓, →, ↑ |
Futsuhiko | ↓, , →, , ↑, |
Hiiragi | ←, →, , , ↓, |
Tooya | ←, ↑, →, , , |
Oshihito | ↑, ↓, , , →, |
Magic[]
This section will only list the basic spells that Chihiro can perform without needing to build relations with other characters. Solo spells use 5 Will, while her team spells use 10 Will for each participating character. Each spell targets a single enemy.
- Shippuu Jin (疾風陣) - Moderate Wood magic.
- Retsuka Shou (烈火掌) - Moderate Fire magic.
- Rekishin Geki (礫震撃) - Moderate Earth magic.
- Kouha Zan (光破斬) - Moderate Metal magic.
- Reisui Bu (蓮水舞) - Moderate Water magic.
- Koufu Jinrai (吼風迅雷) - Stronger Wood magic. Requires a partner with the Wood attribute to be in the party.
- Kouki Endan (紅輝炎弾) - Stronger Fire magic. Requires a partner with the Fire attribute to be in the party.
- Housa Soujin (崩砂双陣) - Stronger Earth magic. Requires a partner with the Earth attribute to be in the party.
- Kaiei Kyouha (界映鏡破) - Stronger Metal magic. Requires a partner with the Metal attribute to be in the party.
- Kousui Zanei (湖水残映) - Stronger Water magic. Requires a partner with the Water attribute to be in the party.
Gallery[]
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de • Banjoyuugi • Hachiyoushou • Iroetebako • Maihitoyo • Pocket Scenario Series • 100man-nin |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 2 |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 • Izayoiki • Unmei no Labyrinth |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de Yume no Ukihashi |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4 |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 5 • Kazahanaki |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 • Gentou Rondo |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 7 |
Characters |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de |
Akane Motomiya • Yorihisa Minamoto • Tenma Morimura • Inori • Shimon Nagareyama • Takamichi Fujiwara • Tomomasa Tachibana • Eisen • Yasuaki Abe • Fujihime • Akram • Iqtidar • Shirin • Sefr • Ran |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de Maihitoyo |
Suefumi Oono |
100man-nin no Harukanaru Toki no Naka de |
Kotengu • Youko • Mamedamuki |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 2 |
Karin Takakura • Yoritada Minamoto • Katsuzane Taira • Isato • Akifumi • Yukitaka Fujiwara • Hisui • Motomi Minamoto • Yasutsugu Abe • Yukari Fujiwara • Misono Fujiwara • Chitose Taira • Kazuhito • Tokitomo Minamoto |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 |
Nozomi Kasuga • Masaomi Arikawa • Yoshitsune Minamoto • Hinoe • Benkei Musashibou • Yuzuru Arikawa • Kagetoki Kajiwara • Atsumori Taira • Ridvan • Saku Kajiwara • Hakuryu • Yoritomo Minamoto • Masako Hojo • Kiyomori Taira • Tomomori Taira • Tsunemasa Taira • Koremori Taira • Tadanori Taira • Nii no Ama • Emperor Antoku |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 Izayoiki |
Shirogane • Hidehira Fujiwara • Yasuhira Fujiwara |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 Unmei no Labyrinth |
Phantom |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de Yume no Ukihashi |
Beidou Xingjun • Nandou Xingjun |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4 |
Chihiro Ashihara • Kazahaya • Asvin • Sazaki • Nagi • Futsuhiko • Hiiragi • Tooya • Oshihito Katsuragi • Iwanagahime • Michiomi Ootomo • Ayuki • Yuugiri • Raja • Nasatya • Shani • Ribhu • Mudgala • Karigane • Sainokimi |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 5 |
Yuki Hasumi • Shun Kiryu • Ryouma Sakamoto • Chinami • Souji Okita • Tatewaki Komatsu • Ouchi Fukuchi • Ernest Satow • Shinsaku Takasugi • Miyako Yakumo • Amami • Four Gods • Sou Kiryu • Isami Kondou • Toshizou Hijikata • Kaishu Katsu • Shintarou Nakaoka • Makoto • Takamori Saigou • Kogorou Katsura |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 5 Kazahanaki |
Rindou • Tadayoshi Oguri |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 |
Azusa Takatsuka • Hajime Arima • Darius • Kohaku • Shuhei Katagiri • Rudkhane • Masatora Honjo • Kudan Hagio • Murasame Satoya • Chiyo Komano • Seishiro Katagiri |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 Gentou Rondo |
Man • Naoya Toudou |
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 7 |
Nanao Amano • Yukimura Sanada • Satsuki Amano • Musashi Miyamoto • Yamato Sasaki • Nagamasa Kuroda • Kanetsugu Naoe • Okuni • Munenori Yagyū |
Other Information |
Sub Characters • Series Terminology • Walkthroughs |