Kaiji Sakomizu: unsung hero?

Watching Mai-HiME, I'm struck with the idea that Natsuki's kind-hearted contact, Takumi & Akira's homeroom teacher & Watanabe Shin'ichi's major (animated) rival for the crown of Japan's finest head of curly-locked hair Kaiji Sakomizu is somewhat underappreciated as an heroic character.

First off, as Ishigami reminds him, the higher-ups at First District do not look kindly upon anyone feeding information to HiME. He knows pretty well that going against them could lead to serious consequences, being painfully aware of the fate of Saeko. Yet, whilst Ishigami is swiftly brought to heel by Nagi after his abortive bid to claim the power of the HiME Star, Sakomizu continues to provide Natsuki with information & (grudgingly-heeded at best) advice. Additionally, Sakomizu emerges in Natsuki no Prelude as a sympathetic figure among the faceless suits who work for First District, so his relationship with Natsuki is of long standing. Even after the fall of the organisation at the hands of Shizuru, he still maintains a relationship with the girl. Of course, it's possible that Reito & Nagi tolerate this (whether Sakomizu is cognisant or not of any such indulgence) as it does not greatly interfere with their machinations, though, for all Sakomizu knows, his patronage of Natsuki places him in grave danger.

So? Hero or not? Any ideas?

Don't forget that Sakomizu was also aware of Shizuru's love for Natsuki, and it being the source of her genocide.

To me, Sakomizu is heroic in a sense. He looks out for Natsuki here and there. When the opptunity presents itself, the man does come through for her. Take episode 9 for example, where Natsuki investigated her mother's old facility stomping grounds. Mai prevented Natsuki from murdering the police officer, turning in willingly. Rather than blow Natsuki's cover, Sakomizu makes the save for her with a clever trap for the security.

Unfortunately, no wrestling mask can hide that gut, nor that afro. :3

Mr. Sakomizu often provides Natsuki with information, which is quite risky for him. He plays it off smoothly while tending to his gardening. Now, sometimes Natsuki listens to him, sometimes (due to her temper), she doesn't. No matter what situation plagues his secret agent HiME friend, he will always take it upon himself to protect her.

Recall back to John Smith about to spill the beans on Dr. Saeko Kuga. Sakomizu didn't want Natsuki knowing the awful truth, so he pleaded Smith to shut his face. Knowing he was in no position to speak against authority. Both Sakomizu and Ishigami were rouges in their own way. Only Sakomizu's actions were done in good faith.

I'm still shocked that he (and the others) didn't pass away after eating the Cake Wars entries...

Thanks for the response Luu-sama.

Luu Sky Sapphire wrote:To me, Sakomizu is heroic in a sense. He looks out for Natsuki here and there. When the opptunity presents itself, the man does come through for her. Take episode 9 for example, where Natsuki investigated her mother's old facility stomping grounds. Mai prevented Natsuki from murdering the police officer, turning in willingly. Rather than blow Natsuki's cover, Sakomizu makes the save for her with a clever trap for the security.

Unfortunately, no wrestling mask can hide that gut, nor that afro. :3

Agreed - and he did it knowing the price Saeko & Natsuki paid after Saeko attempted to double-cross First District. This could easily have been an event horizon: all it needed was First District to get wind of police statements about a mysterious tubby afro man and Sakomizu could've found himself over a cliff. He's pretty edgy during the scene, and states that he panicked a little when he thought momentarily that they may have been First District operatives rather than ordinary police officers.

Luu Sky Sapphire wrote:Recall back to John Smith about to spill the beans on Dr. Saeko Kuga. Sakomizu didn't want Natsuki knowing the awful truth, so he pleaded Smith to shut his face. Knowing he was in no position to speak against authority.

Indeed. He knows Natsuki pretty well and his misgivings about Natsuki probing into the circumstances of her mother's demise proved prescient given her subsequent heroic BSOD. I do like Highman's analysis of Sakomizu's feelings (from the other thread I started) as guilt associated with his failure to save Saeko seems a likely motivation for his championing of Natsuki.

Luu Sky Sapphire wrote:Don't forget that Sakomizu was also aware of Shizuru's love for Natsuki, and it being the source of her genocide.

I do like that scene, especially Natsuki's resolution to eschew Smith's revelation and believe in the heroic Saeko, probably based on information from Sakomizu. The scene really highlights Sakomizu's avuncular relationship with Natsuki.

Luu Sky Sapphire wrote:I'm still shocked that he (and the others) didn't pass away after eating the Cake Wars entries...

LMAO oh yes. Probably his most heroic exploit. Talk about suffering for one's vocation.

Thanks again for the response Luu-sama!