Yukina vs. Yuzu Kurosaki (The Loving Sisters)

VS.

This is it ladies and gentlemen, February's last Bleach Hakusho post is here. But fear not - March's upcoming Bleach Hakusho posts have yet to begin. So let's end February on a good note by introducing these two lovely ladies, Yu Yu Hakusho's Yukina, Hiei's sister, and Bleach's Yuzu Kurosaki, 1 of Ichigo's sisters. Why these two you may ask? First off, these lovely ladies are supportive, caring, and kindhearted people that can do no harm. They are genuine in my opinion - genuine sisters that have an impact on our main heroes. You can't really say that with all brothers and sisters, but in this case, I think they are the ideal sisters of their respective older brothers. Though not strong or possessing any combat capabilities, I find them both to be interesting characters that share love and kindness towards everyone around them. Without further ado, I will be comparing Role in Story, Personality, and Relationship to Protagonist (Ichigo & Hiei).

Role in Story (Yukina)

Yukina was introduced at the very end of the Spirit Detective Saga where she was being held captive by Gonzo Tarukane & The renowned Toguro Brothers. It was there where Yusuke & Kuwabara fought the Toguro Brothers for the first time and her fated meeting with Hiei, unbeknown to her that Hiei is her long-lost older brother. Afterwards, Yukina accompanies Keiko, Shizuru (Kuwabara's older sister), & Botan w/Team Urameshi to be the cheerleaders for Team Urameshi in the Dark Tournament held by the Black Black Club. She, for the longest time, has been looking for her long-lost brother, who was cast away from her home. She is born as an ice apparition, meaning that she can manipulate ice to make crystal tears and is proficient in healing. In the end, she entrusts Hiei with the necklace meant for her brother, hinting that she may have accepted Hiei as her long-lost brother. 

Role in Story (Yuzu)

Yuzu is Ichigo's and Karin's sister. Unlike her siblings, she can somewhat, but not see spirits & hollows. She doesn't play much of a pivotal role in any storyline of Bleach, but plays the motherly caretaker of the Kurosaki home alongside her father, Isshin. She cleans, vacuums, and cooks, much like a mother would. Ever since Masaki's death, Yuzu has taken over as the mother figure in the Kurosaki household. She deeply worries over her brother's safety, but knows he's old enough to take for himself. Yuzu is unaware of her family's situation - Ichigo being a Shinigami/Quincy, Isshin being a former Shinigami, and Karin's familiarity with Shinigami. During the Fullbringer arc, however, Karin & Yuzu were under the impression that they've known Tsukishima (who used his Book of End fullbringer on them) for a long time, but Ichigo tried to persuade otherwise that he was the enemy despite Yuzu and Karin's perceptions on him. To date, she has yet to shown interest in Ichigo's affairs with the Shinigami.

Personality (Yukina)

Yukina is a kindhearted girl who fears for the safety of her friends. She constantly is on the look out for her long lost brother, unaware that it is actually Hiei. She is genuinely a pure-hearted girl who can't do no wrong, but it's unfortunate that she was taken advantage of by Gonzo Tarukane and her tears made from crystal. Afterwards, she goes on to support Team Urameshi's endeavors. 

Personality (Yuzu)

Yuzu is a motherly figure in the Kurosaki household. Ever since her mother's passing, Yuzu does everything in her power to keep everyone safe and together. Like any younger sister, she worries for the safety of her family, but at times has a playful side shown when she is playing with Kon (dressing him in a dress). She is a very empathic person and as a result, she's responsible as a caretaker + a ongoing student. 

Relationship to Hiei

Yukina is unaware that Hiei is her actual brother, but comes to accept Hiei as her brother as she entrusts him with the necklace meant for her brother. It is heavily hinted that she knows Hiei is her brother since he is overprotective of her and was the first one to save her from Gonzo Tarukane's tyranny. It is safe to say she genuinely cares and worries over Hiei's safety and has placed a lot of trust on him as a friend and a brother. 

Relationship to Ichigo

Yuzu genuinely worries over Ichigo's safety and as a result, wonders about his whereabouts. Like I said previously, Yuzu is the mother figure in the house and cooks, cleans, vacuums, and even gives Ichigo haircuts. It is safe to say that despite Yuzu only seeing visible outline of Spirits/Hollows, she knows that everyone is doing their best to protect each other from harm as she tries to do her part as well. 

Verdict

Now you think I'd give this victory to Yukina because she didn't grow up with her brother. There needed to be much more development between Yukina and Hiei, which wasn't the central focus of Yu Yu Haksuho. In fact, both the relationships with Hiei & Yukina and Ichigo & Yuzu aren't tackled as much, but to be fair - Yuzu has more development than Yukina's character. You see Yukina's eagerness to know her brother whereas Yuzu had to fill in the shoes of their deceased mother. That puts a lot of responsibility on such a young and empathic child, you feel bad for her because that isn't how kids at that age usually act. Yukina at a young age was born from a Ice Apparition, never met her younger brother, and you don't really see much til her capture by Gonzo Tarukane. What happened during her time growing up? We never saw her journey and I think that she could've used more story whereas Yuzu had plenty to go on despite limited screen-time. With Yuzu, you see her go from a defenseless little sister to being a motherly, kind-natured girl who does both the house chores AND is a student. She rarely acts her own age + being a student on top of it all, that must take a toll on Yuzu. With Yukina, we didn't really see her growth as a person or her resolve in finding her brother - we just see her trying to put the piece together of who her brother is after meeting Yusuke's team. With Yuzu, we see her go from a carefree child to a loving, responsible, and caring sister - a transition that is most impressive and admirable. This victory goes to Yuzu for she has more to prove + endures so much despite her age. Sorry Yukina, but the clear victory goes to Yuzu. 

I hope you enjoyed February's last Bleach Hakusho post. More to come in March. Bleach Hakusho posts all throughout March on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays (unless specified). Yu Yu Hakusho is tied with Bleach 6-6 (I'm too lazy to list them all, haha). Until then, you stay classy now.