Tsuru Arai

Those who know her best describe Tsuru as a 'free, wild spirit'. Others call her 'cheeky', 'provocative' or 'mischievous'. It all depends on which side of her one elicits. Many describe her style of justice as 'stern yet fair'. She is known to not give help or dispense advice, even if it's clearly needed, unless she is explicitly asked for it.

As a Holy Being, Tsuru can often have a snooty, nose-up aura about her, however, deep down inside she cares greatly about human suffering. Despite this, she is often described by some as 'arrogant', 'holier-than-thou' or 'a bitch', especially by those who don't know her. However, she would be the first to assist someone in need.

As a Tengu who embraces "Bunbu Ryodo" or "The Way of the Warrior-Poet", Tsuru practices both martial arts as well as scholarly arts. In particular, she enjoys calligraphy, flower arrangement, singing enka and playing the koto and shamisen.

Often a surprise to the laypeople, Tsuru loves Earthly food and drink and can often be seen eating and drinking, often to excess. It's not unusual to see her stumbling around, face red from drink and slurring her words. She can sometimes be found napping in random places or under trees, sleeping off her food and/or drink. She's been in numerous bar fights and has been kicked out of many bars and restaurants for instigating.

A Tengu who hails from Mt. Haku near Ishikawa, Japan, "Tsuru Arai" is her adopted Earth-bound name as a true Tengu name is unpronounceable to Earth-creatures. She is currently at the beginning of her "1/3 Alms", a Tengu Rite that requires every Tengu who wishes to keep their Holy status to live on Earth for 100 years for every 300 years spent in Heaven. During this time, they must, at a minimum, not cause a disturbance and although they are heavily encouraged to actively assist in suppressing evil around the world, many Tengu will spend the 100 years meditating at the closest Shrine. While the Tengu may travel anywhere in the world during the 100 years, in order to ascend back to Heaven, they must return to their Port of Entry which, for Tsuru, is Mt. Haku. A Tengu may choose when to start their first Alms but it must begin "at no younger than 200 years old but no older than 600 years old". Tsuru is currently on her 3rd Alms. As of late, Tsuru has toyed with the idea of becoming a "Bosatsu Tengu" or a "Tengu who remains on Earth to serve those in need and relieve suffering". She's not made her final decision yet.