Series & First Appearance
Keyaru, also known as Keyaruga, is the main protagonist of the anime and light novel series "Redo of Healer" (originally titled "Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi"). He first appears in the manga in Chapter 1, and the anime adaptation debuted in January 2021. The series was created by Rui Tsukiyo.
Profile at a Glance
Keyaru is a 14-year-old Healing Hero who possesses the unique and devastating ability to heal and manipulate memories, making him both a healer and a formidable antagonist. Initially allied with other Heroes, he shifts to a vengeful path after enduring brutal treatment and betrayal. His signature abilities revolve around healing and memory manipulation, making him a complex character steeped in themes of revenge and redemption.
Personality & Motivations
Keyaru’s character is marked by a significant transformation from innocence to vindictiveness. Pre-betrayal, he displayed kindness and naivety but was subjected to horrific abuse that warped his personality into that of a sadistic and cruel figure. He adopts a cynical worldview and often treats others as tools for his revenge, using terms like "toys" for his companions. Despite this, he maintains a moral line, refusing to harm those who haven’t wronged him and occasionally showing empathy towards those seeking their own forms of retribution. His thirst for vengeance is both a motivating factor and a source of internal conflict, with moments where he appears to struggle against forming genuine bonds.
Abilities / Powers
Keyaru possesses a range of potent abilities derived from his Healing Hero status:
- Heal: Can restore health and even revert damages to their original state, absorbing pain from others in the process.
- Imitation: Gains fighting skills and experience from those he heals, allowing him to adopt their strengths.
- Predator: Absorbs levels and mana from others, enhancing his own capabilities or incapacitating magical enemies.
- Corruption: Causes internal destruction to a target with a single strike.
- Upgrade: Modifies his own or another’s stats, albeit at the cost of others.
- Transmutation: Alters an individual’s form, memory, or mental state.
- Shapeshift: Changes his appearance using the Upgrade ability.
- Memory Erasure: Can erase, alter, or implant memories through physical contact.
These powers evolve throughout the series, showcasing his skills’ versatility and intensity as his character develops.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Keyaru’s story begins with his recruitment into the Heroes, only to face severe abuse from his allies, particularly from Flare, Blade, and Bullet. His transformation begins after discovering his ability to use the Philosopher’s Stone to travel back in time, where he seeks to turn the tables on those who tormented him. Major events include:
- Capture and Abuse: Keyaru’s early experiences shape his personality, driving him to snap under constant cruelty and leading him to his vengeful quest.
- Revenge Against Flare: After defeating the Demon King and using the Philosopher’s Stone, Keyaru tortures and erases Flare’s memories as part of his vengeance.
- Forming Alliances: As Keyaru builds a new party, he employs his manipulative tendencies while also showing moments of care, complicating his motivations.
Through these arcs, Keyaru develops into a character representing both the devastation of unrelenting abuse and the unyielding desire for revenge.
Notable Relationships
Keyaru’s relationships are pivotal to his character arc:
- Flare Arlgrande Jioral: Initially his captor and an antagonist, her character becomes central to his revenge plot as he manipulates her memories.
- Freia: Keyaru’s companion who represents a mix of genuine kindness and manipulation, showcasing the complexities of his emotional landscape.
- Kureha Clyret: Another victim who Keyaru assists, highlighting his newfound moral code amid his cruel endeavors.
These relationships serve as conduits for Keyaru’s evolving perspective on trust, betrayal, and personal connections.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable scenes occurs in Episode 3 where Keyaru, after achieving revenge on Flare, states, “The strong deserve to be treated well.” This line captures the essence of his character: strength is often married to cruelty in his eyes, but he also acknowledges the moral implications of power in a new light. His treatment of his companions often oscillates between affection and cold calculation, leaving viewers gravely aware of his inner conflicts.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
"Redo of Healer" gained notable attention for its controversial themes and graphic content, sparking discussions on the portrayal of trauma and revenge in storytelling. Keyaru has garnered a significant fanbase, ranking 1,778 in member favorites. The character is voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in Japanese, with Giancarlo Sabogal providing the English voice. Keyaru’s story is informed by complex themes of power dynamics, survival, and the psychological scars of abuse, making him a subject of intense analysis among fans and critics alike.
In summary, Keyaru serves as a multidimensional protagonist, embodying the themes of trauma, revenge, and moral ambiguity, making "Redo of Healer" a distinctive narrative within the fantasy genre.
