Prospects

Hasukawa Kazuya

Looks: Average. Apart from his unusual coloring (bright RED hair and
pink eyes), Kazuya doesn't really stand out in a crowd. He's rather small
(5'4") with a slender build, but expect him to grow a bit as he matures.

Smarts: Good. He was able to make up a month of lost time at school
without too much trouble. Although he is intelligent, Kazuya is rather
naive and tends to be trusting, which sometimes gets him into trouble. He
doesn't have much street smarts to speak of.

Personality: Utterly sincere, sensitive, loyal, trusting, considerate, and
rather intense. Kazuya tends to brood when he's upset, which usually ends
up making him sick.

Arguments: Rare. He will pretty much go along with whatever makes
you happy, but if he has a strong opinion, he won't be afraid to voice it.
You can also expect him to be quite stubborn -- in a nice way.

Cooking/Home Economics: Good. Kazuya had to cook for himself often
when he was a kid, as his brother was often busy with school and work.
Ditto for the cleaning. While he may not be a gourmet chef, Kazuya will
be able to keep the two of you fed if your culinary skills are less than
stellar, and the house will be clean if not spotless.

Fighting Skills: Fair. Kazuya packs quite a wallop when he's angry, and
he moves like the wind. He'll likely collapse after the initial danger's
past, though, so get him somewhere safe as soon as you can.

Special Abilities: Kazuya can sprint like no one's business.

Competition: Sumire-chan, Igarashi Miya. Sumire won't be much of a
problem, as she's already married and has absolutely no interest in her
brother-in-law. Kazuya has had enough time to recover from his crush on
her. Igarashi Miya is another story. Kazuya went through a lot to win
Miya's affections and being the sweetie that he is, he's unlikely to break up
with her unless he's convinced it's for her own good. Unless she dumps
him, or Miya's mother transfers permanently to another city and takes her
daughter with her, expect Kazuya to stick with his girlfriend forever.

In-laws: Kazuya's parents are dead, which leaves Kazuhiro, Sumire-chan,
and Midori. They're very nice and mostly normal. Don't believe the
rumors about Kazuhiro.

Economics: Fair. While Kazuya has no inheritance to speak of, his native
intelligence should be enough to keep the two of you in food and housing.
Don't expect to be wealthy, but you'll be comfortable if you live modestly.
Anyway, don't you think you should get your own job?

Sex: Well, expect things to be a bit difficult in the beginning. Kazuya has
absolutely no experience and an unfortunate tendency towards sudden
nosebleeds. After he gets over his initial self-consciousness and matures a
bit, however, Kazuya should prove to be a tender and considerate lover.
Don't try anything too out of the ordinary, though, or he may become
catatonic.

Parenting: Expect Kazuya to be an involved parent. As he demonstrated
with Reina, he won't put up with brattiness, but he's not a dictator. His
kids will be well-behaved and well-adjusted.

Overall: If you want an utterly devoted partner to care for you and to
care for in return, you really can't get much better than this sweetheart.

Ikeda Mitsuru

Looks: Gorgeous. Quite likely better looking than you. Blond with
beautiful rose-colored eyes and the lean body of a swimmer, this guy turns
heads everywhere he goes. Keep in mind that if Mitsuru does end up
becoming a monk, he'll have to shave his head, but knowing him, it'll just
make him look more attractive.

Smarts: Good. Mitsuru is intelligent, and also has a good deal of street
smarts.

Personality: Though cheerful, fun-loving and gregarious with a healthy
ego on the outside, Mitsuru also hides a few emotional scars as the result
of being abandoned as a baby. Although the extent of these scars isn't
readily apparent, don't be surprised if he displays some mild insecurity
and has difficulty opening up to you at first.

Arguments: Could be frequent, but will blow over quickly. Mitsuru has
a tendency to yell when he's frustrated and may occasionally resort to
name-calling, but as long as you don't take it too seriously it should be
fine. He doesn't hold grudges and should settle down a bit with maturity.

Cooking/Home economics: Although Mitsuru is sometimes pictured
cooking in the incidental manga art, there's no indication in the anime or
manga that he actually knows anything about food preparation. He's more
likely to opt for take-out rather than trying to make something himself, but
he's probably up to making simple things like ocha-zuke and instant
noodles. Having taken part in Kouryu Ji's annual cleaning since he was a
boy, Mitsuru knows his way around a mop and broom and will be able to
do his share of tidying up around the house.

Fighting Skills: Very good, especially for a shoujo manga character.
Mitsuru can handle himself in a fight, even unarmed and against multiple
opponents. (Not to mention half-naked and tied hand-and-foot. . . or in a
dress!) He has been known to pick up a baseball bat in times of crisis, but
hasn't actually used it on anyone.

Special Abilities: Supernaturally fast healing (face only). Ghost repelling.

Competition: Most of the young female population of the greater Tokyo
Metropolitan Area, a few ghost girls, Nitta Mieko. Possibly Shinobu.
You won't have to worry about most of the (living) girls unless they take it
into their heads to assault you. Ditto for the ghost girls as Mitsuru's not
really attracted to the undead. Mieko may prove more of a problem, as
she's quite persistent, but he shows very little interest in her except as a
friend. If you're competing against Shinobu, however, just give up. Not
only does he understand Mitsuru much better than you do, he's ruthless and
always comes out on top. Not to mention the fact that he and Mitsuru share
a karmic bond. On the other hand, if they're just friends, Shinobu could be
a useful ally -- as long as he thinks you're good enough for his roommate.
If he doesn't -- watch out.

In-laws: The Ikedas are extremely supportive. As long as Mitsuru's
happy, they'll be happy too. In fact, you may even find their enthusiastic
reception of you rather disconcerting. Of course, Shinobu, Kazuya, and
Shun will be a constant presence in your lives as well. As for Mitsuru's
biological family, there's a low probability that you'll ever find out who
they are, let alone meet them, so I wouldn't stress about it.

Economics: Mitsuru is currently set to inherit the Kouryu Temple, which
means you won't lack a roof over your heads as long as you can pay the
taxes. With his looks and aptitude, Mitsuru could probably make a good
living in show business if he decides to leave the temple to his brother,
Masato. Just don't let him sing.

Sex: For all his looks, Mitsuru has a touching lack of experience. The
mere sight of feminine undergarments causes him to blush and stammer, but
once he gets into the spirit of things expect an enthusiastic and energetic
performance. He's likely to be quite considerate as well.

Parenting: Mitsuru truly likes children and they like him. He may not be
very good as a disciplinarian, as they'll soon figure out that he yells a lot
but eventually lets them do whatever they want.

Overall: If you're not intimidated by having a partner who has his own
fan club and you're open to the possibility of becoming a vegetarian and
living in a Buddhist temple for the rest of your life, Mitsuru is a good
choice. Definitely stay away if you're at all insecure or have jealous
tendencies, otherwise you'll just be miserable.

Kisaragi Shun

Looks: Very good. Perky and cute. Short (5'6"), with long, beautiful pink
hair and pink eyes. Dresses rather effeminately. Would probably look
better in your wedding dress than you do.

Smarts: Above average -- he was smart enough to pass the Ryokuto
entrance exam, after all -- but not inclined to exert himself mentally. More
street-wise than Kazuya.

Personality: Cheerful, relaxed, supportive, and talkative. Likes to gossip.
There's no hidden dimension to Shun -- he's just a fun, nice guy.

Arguments: Rare, and he'll get over them quickly. Just don't use all of
his hair conditioner.

Cooking/Home Economics: Shun has grown up with servants most of his
life, so he probably doesn't have much experience in either department.
He has to do chores at Greenwood, so he knows how to clean, but don't
expect much enthusiasm. Like Mitsuru, Shun is more likely to order take-
out than to cook.

Fighting Skills: Poor to non-existant. During the dust-up at Nagisa's
hideout, Shun spent most of it going "oro oro" with his hands over his
mouth. Shun's likeable personality makes the chances of his being
involved in a brawl low, but when violence erupts, he'll most likely be
hiding under the table with you.

Special Abilities: Shun's appearance fools most people into thinking he's
a girl.

Competition: Aki-san. Shun's feelings for the girl are unknown, but she's
not afraid to fight (literally!) for the object of her affections, so be
prepared to go toe-to-toe with her. Don't expect her to "fight like a girl",
either.

In-laws: For the most part, Shun's family is supportive and laid-back.
Expect a bit of jealousy from Reina at first, but if Shun loves you, you'll be
welcomed into the family with a minimum of fuss.

Economics: Extremely good. Although Shun is no longer poised to inherit
his mother's hotel empire, it will be quite a while before his sister, Yui-
chan, is ready to handle the family business, so you two will probably be
filling in in the interim. Who knows -- Yui may decide to become a
professional wrestler.

Sex: Errr. I'm having a hard time even considering this. Okay. Shun
would likely be a fun and enthusiastic partner and would probably be up
for a lot of cuddling. You might see some romantic evenings degenerate
into a slumber party, though.

Parenting: From seeing his behavior with Reina, you can expect Shun to
be an over-indulgent parent. He'll let his kids get away with murder, so
you'll end up being the bad cop most of the time.

Overall: If you can get past Aki-san, and are comfortable with a partner
who looks like he should be wearing a sailor fuku, Shun is a real catch.

Tezuka Shinobu

Looks: Handsome. With his pale lavender hair, cool grey eyes and long
and slender build, Shinobu is elegance personified. He's also the best
dressed of the Gang of Four.

Smarts: Unparalleled. Shinobu outsmarts everyone from his psychotic
sister to his schoolmates and teachers on a regular basis. He's the one
who comes up with all of the schemes and plans at Greenwood and he
always wins in the end. Always.

Personality: Confident, mildly self-satisfied, extraordinarily competent
and unflappably cool on the outside, Shinobu may hide reserves of deep
emotion underneath. The problem is that he's *so* good at hiding his
feelings you may never discover them. You're going to need a crowbar to
get this guy to open up -- or possibly C4. Underneath his flawless exterior
is a disillusioned soul, but this side of his personality is kept under strict
control nearly all the time.

Arguments: As many as you feel like losing. Just give up.

Cooking/Home economics: Like Shun, Shinobu grew up with servants to
attend to his needs, so his experience in these areas is probably limited to
what he was exposed to after leaving home. But, Shinobu being Shinobu,
don't be surprised if he's able to whip up a ten course meal and clean the
entire house without breaking a sweat. The likelihood that he would
*want* to do either of these things is low, but he *could* if he so wished.
That being said, you're better off hiring a cook and a maid.

Fighting skills: Good. Shinobu has studied judo since he was six and
kendo since he was in middle school. He doesn't have much experience in
real-world street fighting, though, as his brawl with Mitsuru proved.
Shinobu is also fairly good with ranged weapons, including alien beam
cannons he's never used before. He'd do well against most unarmed
human-normal opponents, but is more of a strategist than a fighter.

Special abilities: Shinobu has some type of "spiritual ability" which
allows him to sense otherworldly presences and possibly channel the
spirits of the dead. The extent of Shinobu's talents is unknown, but some
fans believe he may have some limited precognitive and telepathic
abilities as well. Shinobu also has extremely strong hands. He was able
to drag a replicant's body one-handed by palming its head, for example.

Competition: Though Shinobu goes out on the occasional date, the only
real competition you have is Rokujou Noriko, or possibly Mitsuru.
Shinobu's father believes in old-fashioned arranged marriages, so if you
don't happen to come from a wealthy samurai family expect some
resistance from him, too. Noriko is in love with Shinobu and has the
advantage of already being deemed worthy to marry into the family. If she
decides to exercise her prerogative, you'll have some serious competition.
It's doubtful that Shinobu actually returns her feelings, but it's also doubtful
that he views love as a prerequisite for marriage. If you're not on your
toes, you may wind up being the lover instead of the spouse. Of course, if
Mitsuru is in the running, you're completely out of luck, but if he and
Shinobu are just friends, he could be an invaluable ally.

In-laws: Here's the catch. Shinobu's father is dictatorial and is quite
willing to take punitive action against those who refuse to obey his wishes.
If he doesn't approve of you, expect some repercussions. While this may
not faze his son, he may bring pressure to bear on you and your family to
keep you away from Shinobu. Shinobu's sister Nagisa is also likely to
target you as her brother's weak spot, so don't be surprised if you wake up
one morning in the trunk of a car or in a soundproof secret bunker where
no one will hear your screams. Of course, Shinobu will rescue you
eventually, but you'll probably need serious therapy afterward.

Economics: Excellent. Shinobu is currently the Tezuka heir, as his older
brother was disowned. Even without the help of an inheritance, Shinobu
is the type who will wind up rich no matter his initial circumstances.

Sex: Possibly scary. While technically flawless, you may find yourself
wondering if his heart is really in the performance. Shinobu also grew up
in the same environment that produced Nagisa, so don't be surprised if he
has some unusual preferences. On the other hand, if you like things a little
wild, he'd probably be more open to experimentation than the others.

Parenting: Unknown. Shinobu doesn't seem particularly interested in
children, but this may change if they're his own. Expect him to run a tight
ship in any event. You may also have to convince him that Machiavelli's
The Prince is not appropriate bedtime reading for six-year-olds.
Consider: is this the man you want to teach your children about morality?

Overall: Probably more trouble than he's worth. Even if the two of you
escape the clutches of his family, do you really want a partner who's better
than you at everything and who wins every argument?

Tezuka Nagisa

Looks: Classically gorgeous in a creepy sort of way. Not a good dresser.

Smarts: Not particularly good. Nagisa failed her entrance exams despite
studying hard. She also keeps going up against Shinobu (and coming back
for more!) which speaks for itself.

Personality: Stubborn, jealous, vindictive, perverse and perverted. Likes
to scream at her underlings, which would probably include you.

Arguments: Yes. And you'd better let her win.

Cooking/Home Economics: No. Emphatically. Underling A will probably
wind up doing the cleaning and cooking -- in sunglasses and an apron.

Fighting Skills: While she has a closet full of weapons, Nagisa is only
seen using a rifle. She's an excellent marksman, though.

Special Abilities: None that I know of.

Competition: None, unless you count those poor kids she's abducting.

In-Laws: Shinobu, but he'll leave you alone if you leave him alone.
Nagisa's parents would probably be happy to have you take her off their
hands, even if you're otherwise objectionable. (Which, of course, is why
Nagisa ended up the way she did, poor woman.)

Economics: Very good. Nagisa appears to get a pretty large allowance,
judging from her toys and full wallet. She's not likely to get a job, though,
so if she gets cut off by Daddy you'll be the breadwinner of the family.

Sex: Frightening. Expect to be swinging upside down from the rafters at
some point during your honeymoon. Nagisa puts the S in S&M, which
leaves you with M. Lucky you. She appears to be afraid of blood, though,
so she probably won't be drawing any, if that makes you feel better.

Parenting: For the love of God, do *not* let her reproduce!

Overall: If you aren't fleeing by now, you're a sick, sick individual.

Igarashi Miya

Looks: Unconventionally pretty, with yellow eyes and long dark hair.

Smarts: Unknown, although certainly smarter than she thinks she is. She
was able to pass the entrance exam to her high school, at least.

Personality: Quiet. Although she puts up a tough front, Igarashi has
abysmally low self-esteem. You'll have to spend a lot of time reassuring
her that she's not stupid or ugly and that she's worthy of love and affection.

Arguments: Igarashi avoids confrontation with her loved ones like the
plague. If she disagrees with you, she probably won't tell you, so you'd
better become adept at reading her silences.

Cooking/Home Economics: Good. Like Kazuya, Miya was left at home
alone much of the time, so she probably knows how to keep herself fed and
the house tidy. There's no proof of this in the anime or manga, though.

Fighting Skills: Fair. Igarashi knows her way around a bicycle chain and
actually got in a few blows in in the manga. That being said, Igarashi will
probably avoid combat if at all possible, but can save your hide in a pinch.

Special Abilities: None.

Competition: Koizumi Tenma and Hasukawa. Tenma pretty much
*owned* Miya since she was a child and old habits die hard, but by the end
of the series, she had seen the light. If you're even marginally more
supportive and understanding, you shouldn't have a problem with Tenma.
(Plus, you could always beat the snot out of him!) Hasukawa is another
story. He inspired Miya to openly rebel for the first time in her life, so you
know she really loves him. He also won't give up on her unless you're
obviously much better for her than he is, and frankly, I'm not sure you are.

In-Laws: Miya's mother. She loves Tenma (possibly even more than she
loves Miya!) and would probably resent any other suitor, so be prepared to
face her displeasure. She's away much of the time, though.

Economics: Unknown, presumably fair.

Sex: Probably normal. Igarashi doesn't seem the type to have hang-ups
about sex, but her low self esteem might come into play again.

Parenting: Unknown, but she didn't have a great role-model.

Overall: A struggle, but possibly a worthwhile one. You'd better be good
to her, though, or Hasukawa's going to send you to the moon. And I'll help.

Misako

Looks: Very cute, in a schoolgirl sort of way. Misako has bright purple
eyes and pale green hair. She'll look 16 forever, but can appear as just
about anything when she uses "artistic license".

Smarts: Unknown, probably average.

Personality: Cheerful, bubbly and cute most of the time, but has a tendency
to burst into tears if she feels rejected. Somewhat childish.

Arguments: Inadvisable. Misako's crying fits rate around a 7.0 on the
Richter scale, which means that your house will be trashed every time you
have a fight. Face it: you can't afford to argue with her very often.

Cooking/Home Economics: Poor. Misako can't interact with material
objects such as pots, pans or vacuum cleaners under normal circumstances.
It's unknown whether she has fine enough control of her psychokinetic
ability to manipulate objects in a useful way. She'd probably end up
making more of a mess, getting frustrated, and bursting into tears, with
disatrous results. She also wouldn't be able to taste her own cooking.

Fighting Skills: Misako's abilities (invisibility, insubstantiality, and
psychokinesis) could make her a pretty formidable fighter, but she's too
nice to actually want to hurt anyone. She'd do her best to defend her
friends and loved ones if they were threatened, though.

Special Abilities: See above. In addition, Misako has some sort of ghostly
wardrobe that lets her change her clothes.

Competition: Mitsuru, although not by his choice. If you were to take
Misako off his hands, he'd probably be extremely grateful.

In-Laws: Misako presumably has parents, but is probably closer to her
new ghost friends now that she's deceased. Expect the undead to drop by
your house at odd hours. (Ever see "Truly, Madly, Deeply"?)

Economics: Poor. After all, she's *dead*. A conventional job is right out.
You might be able to take her on the road, but how many stints on late night
TV can you stand? Well, I suppose you could also write a best-selling
book entitled "Undying Love: My Dead Wife and Me" or something.

Sex: I mentioned she was insubstantial, didn't I? If you're in the mood for
romance, you'd better have a really *close* friend with spiritual powers
handy. (And *don't* even bother asking Shinobu.) Also, Misako has zero
experience, so make sure your advances don't freak her out, or you might
wind up flying naked through several walls.

Parenting: Misako can't have children, but would probably like them if
you decide to adopt. She might give them unrealistic ideas about romance,
though.

Overall: Not worth the effort. Just let her pass on peacefully.