Hanhaba Shiranui

Obi is intensely work-oriented. When Hansode Shiranui completes an assignment, Obi congratulates her before immediately moving on to the next task.

Her small appearance is misleading. Hansode reacts with surprise that Obi has not retired, indicating that the Household leader is considerably older than she looks.

Even in dangerous circumstances, Obi can maintain an unnervingly professional demeanor. Her loyalty to the Shiranui Household and its duties takes precedence over ordinary expectations of comfort or personal safety.

Obi is extremely elusive. When Medaka Kurokami attacks her, she appears capable of disappearing in smoke and reappearing elsewhere, behavior consistent with illusion or substitution techniques.

The precise mechanics of this ability are never formally named or explained, so it is not established as an Abnormality, Minus or Style.

Her authority over the Shiranui Household is also significant. She assigns work to its members and oversees a family organization that has spent generations producing doubles for other people.

Obi receives Medaka and her companions when they enter Shiranui Village in search of Hansode. She explains aspects of the Household and its work while remaining committed to the village's traditions.

Her leadership becomes particularly important because the village is not merely Hansode's home. It preserves a system extending thousands of years into the past, with the Household repeatedly preparing people to act as doubles.

Obi is attacked and used as an improvised weapon when Iihiko enters the confrontation, yet continues performing her role within the village despite her injuries.

Hansode Shiranui is Obi's relative and one of the Household members whose assignments she oversees.

Hakama Shiranui and Hanten Shiranui are Obi's relatives within the wider Shiranui family.

Iihiko Shishime is the ancient figure preserved through the Shiranui Village's traditions. Iihiko treats Obi brutally during his confrontation with Medaka's group, even swinging her body as a weapon.

Medaka Kurokami enters the Shiranui Village while searching for Hansode and confronts Obi over the Household's intentions.