Series & First Appearance
Natsume Hyuuga is a character from the manga and anime series "Gakuen Alice", created by Tsubasa Fukuchi. He made his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga, which began serialization in 2002.
Profile at a Glance
Natsume is a 11-year-old male and serves as one of the central characters in the series. He is a Special Star student at the Alice Academy, primarily known for his exceptional intellect and fire-related Alice abilities. Despite his genius-level intelligence, Natsume often skips classes, leading to a mixed reputation among his peers.
Personality & Motivations
Natsume is characterized by his cold demeanor, which makes him feared by many students at the academy. His isolation stems from his dangerous powers and the bullying he endures due to baseless rumors about him being a murderer. He harbors deep suspicions of adults and their motivations, believing they exploit their authority to harm students. Initially resistant to social connections, he grows closer to his classmates, particularly Mikan Sakura. His jealousy, especially regarding Mikan’s interactions with other male characters, adds complexity to his character and showcases his protective nature. Notably, he evolves from being cold and distant to showing a more caring side as he embraces friendship.
Abilities / Powers
Natsume possesses the fire Alice, allowing him to generate and control fire. This ability is incredibly powerful but comes with severe limitations; it takes a toll on his body and shortens his lifespan with frequent use. Throughout the series, he often demonstrates symptoms such as coughing blood or losing consciousness due to the strain of his powers, which complicates his role in missions assigned by the Academy. As the story progresses, despite the risks to his health, he continues to use his powers, driven by the desire to protect Mikan and Ruka.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Natsume’s journey is marked by several pivotal moments. The initial rumor surrounding him, falsely labeling him a murderer, leads to his enrollment in the Academy and shapes his solitary behavior. His bond with Mikan begins when they are paired as partners by their teacher, Narumi, leading to gradual personal growth and an unraveling of his emotional walls. A significant turning point occurs in Chapter 50, during a Christmas party, where he kisses Mikan, deepening their connection and highlighting his development from a troubled individual to someone capable of love. The narrative also explores his motivations to undertake shady missions to safeguard his sister Aoi, whose tragic backstory intertwines with his own, ultimately driving the plot forward. In later chapters, Natsume’s relentless search for Mikan after her abduction by the Academy illustrates his commitment to her welfare, culminating in mutual confessions of affection and their eventual marriage in the epilogue.
Notable Relationships
Natsume shares a close friendship with Ruka Nogi, who understands his struggles and supports him during tough times. His dynamic with Mikan serves as the crux of emotional and narrative development in the series. Initially, Natsume is protective but jealous, often clashing with other male characters in his attempts to keep Mikan close. His relationship with his younger sister, Aoi, significantly influences his motivations and backstory, providing emotional depth to his character.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One standout moment occurs in Chapter 50, during the Christmas party, where Natsume kisses Mikan, marking a pivotal transition in their relationship. This scene resonates well with fans, as it encapsulates the culmination of their mutual feelings after a series of emotionally charged interactions. His jealousy-driven antics are also memorable; for example, he often resorts to kicking older boys for getting too close to Mikan, showcasing his fierce protectiveness.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Natsume is voiced by Akira Ishida in the Japanese version of "Gakuen Alice," with his English counterpart being Kirk Thornton. His character is highly favored by fans, as reflected in 1,299 member favorites on various anime platforms. Natsume’s character design, combining the archetypical "bad boy" persona with layers of complexity, captivates audiences, allowing viewers to appreciate his depth beyond mere stereotypes. The themes of power and its consequences explored through Natsume’s fire Alice contribute significantly to the overarching narrative, making him a compelling figure in the series.
Through these layers of complexity, Natsume Hyuuga emerges as a multi-faceted character who embodies the struggles of isolation, responsibility, and the quest for interpersonal connections, making him a fan-favorite in "Gakuen Alice."
