Nicknames: Otome-ken (Sword Maiden)

Age: 23

Gender: Female

Rank: Troop Captain

Specializations: Power Strikes, Judo

Personality: Haruka strictly adheres to laws and the code of the samurai. She believes evildoers must be punished and will not overlook even minor offenses. Despite her strict discipline, she is rather soft-spoken, often preferring to be the listener than the speaker. She is confident, but does not boast about her abilities. She seeks justice and honor, but has little interest in glory. If one can get past her stern demeanor, though, they will find a kind heart that truly cares for people.

Biography: Haruka was the daughter of a Samurai and grew up with 5 older brothers. As a child it was clear that she had little interest in becoming a "proper lady." She romped about her father's estate with her brothers and even cried less than them. She would pretend she was a boy to attend the martial arts lessons that were provided for her brothers under the alias "Haku." As she grew older, it became apparent to the teacher that she wasn't a boy, but he simply laughed it off and allowed her to continue her lessons since she was not showing any signs of falling behind.

As Haruka reached adulthood, her father tried marrying her off to suitors, hoping she would settle down into a peaceful life. He regretted being so lenient with her during childhood, though, as she seemed to give off a frightening aura. Whether or not this was intentional, she would not say, but she observed decorum to the letter so none could complain. Her father then presented her a challenge. He would allow her to continue practicing her swordsmanship to her heart's content, but if he could find a suitor who could defeat her in combat, she must marry that man. She still remains unmarried.

When the Boshin War broke out, Haruka's father remained a staunch shogunate supporter. He spoke out vocally against the Imperials, calling them Western Dogs. This made him an early target for the imperial forces. The Orihara estate was besieged by superior far superior forces wielding Western rifles. They fought bravely, but stood little chance. As Haruka prepared to face her fate in battle, a handmaiden, acting on her father's instructions, served her some drugged tea. Haruka passed out and was whisked away to safety. She was spared from the massacre since the Imperial forces decided it was better to spare the women and children.

Haruka would not forgive the Imperials or her handmaiden for denying her an honorable death. She rejected the idea of living out her days as a commoner, and fell in with the Shinsengumi. She had never felt more at home. Here, she could carry out justice and fight the evil that had destroyed her family.

Fighting Style: Haruka's swordsmanship appears simplistic to the untrained eye. It consists primarily of basic strikes and stances. However, rather than striving for elegance, her master taught her brutal efficiency. You needn't rely on tricks if you strike more swiftly and powerfully than your enemy. Haruka focuses on crushing enemies with relentless powerful strikes. However, she was also taught Judo for those times where she is separated from her blade. Her unarmed fighting style is the mirror image of her swordsmanship. Biding time, waiting for the enemy to move, and using their own strength against them. Before her estate was raided, her Master gave her a final lesson: combine these two styles to create the true essence of Orihara swordsmanship. She trains diligently hoping to achieve this pinnacle of technique, but knows she still has a long way to go.

Preferred Weapon(s): Katana