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| Don't let your heart become maga, Alma. Your blood isn't inherently good or evil. So slay evil and save others. Live your life as a human. | ||
| —Tao's words towards Alma.[4] | ||
Tao Saotome (
In spite of her reserved demeanor that might come across as intimidating when upset, she also exhibits a compassionate side that extends help to those in need. She operates a troubleshooting agency and takes care of Alma as an employee. Beneath her role as a "troubleshooter," she also functions as a specialized "assassin," targeting Magas. While she demands substantial fees for assignments within her agency, she undertakes Maga-related tasks without charge. She is a consistent smoker and has a slightly unconventional habit of sticking out her tongue. Her appetite is hearty, albeit not on par with Alma's. Her preferred weapon is a pistol, utilizing ammunition derived from Alma's blood to combat Magas.
As a member of the Saragi Anti-Maga Organization, she affectionately refers to the group as her "home." Her hair features a platinum silver shade with a black base, although in the oneshot Gokurakugai: Trouble on Third Avenue, her hair takes on a salmon pink color, with her bangs cascading to the right side. Her eyes in this instance are a sky blue. Alma addresses her using the "-san" honorific.
Profile[]
She possesses a reserved demeanor and can be quite intimidating when angered. Publicly, they function as a troubleshooter agency, yet covertly, they operate as skilled assassins focused on handling Disaster Beasts.[5]
Appearance[]
Manga[]
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Tao is a tall woman with mature features and a well-proportioned body. Her platinum blonde hair has subtle pale purple highlights, and a small mole rests under her left eyelid. She sports black fingernails and typically wears her long hair in a braided style, draping it on her left side.
Her attire includes an off-white coat with rolled-up sleeves, layered over a black sleeveless jumpsuit reminiscent of a qipao, along with a white waist belt. Complementing her ensemble are black high-heeled boots that contrast with the wide-leg design of the jumpsuit's pants. The coat features patches on the front, a prominent Saragi Anti-Maga Organization logo on the larger back section, and a smaller one on the left sleeve. When at the office and in a relaxed state, she may be seen wearing the jumpsuit with sleeves pushed up and pants down, devoid of any embellishments, signifying a comfortable look for the day.
Tao's accessories consist of round lavender-colored sunglasses for outdoor outings, a black glove with a gold knuckle that adorns her left hand, and an ethnic-inspired golden earring with a small black tassel hanging from it.
Tao's left wrist tattoo
When Tao was younger, her father handed her over to a Beastman at the age of fifteen to pay off his debts. At that time, she had a tattoo on her left wrist—a small square with three increasingly smaller circles inside. Though she still had her left wrist, she endured relentless beatings from the Beastman and his associates. Tao realized that asking for release was pointless as her days blurred into a continuous nightmare, reinforcing her desperate need to return home.
Determined to escape, Tao made a bold decision to fight back. Trapped by heavy chains, she took extreme measures, sacrificing her own arm to break free and killing the man who was beating her that day. With adrenaline pumping, she sprinted home, only to find a devastating scene: her house destroyed and her father's lifeless body at the entrance.
Because of her self-inflicted injury, Tao now uses a prosthetic hand, likely created by Yoki, which she conceals under a black leather glove.[6]
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Oneshot[]
In the oneshot version, Tao maintains her mature features, tall stature, and curvaceous body. Her hair carries a rose gold hue, with predominant dark brown roots. The braided hair, reaching chest length, drapes over her left shoulder. Typically, she opts for athletic pants, dons a black tank top beneath, and casually drapes an off-white jacket over her shoulders. Completing her ensemble are flat shoes reminiscent of traditional hanfu footwear.
A set of matching tattoos adorns both of her forearms, featuring diagonal lines coiled within a circle. Her left bicep hosts a tattoo depicting two dragon shapes forming an ouroboros, with one dragon above the other and a touch of scarring partially veiling it. Another inked design illustrates a dragon ascending her chest and neck while swaying side to side.
On her left ear, she wears three distinct piercings: one on the lobe, one on the top helix, and one on the tragus. Her right ear boasts three piercings as well: a gauge, upper lobe, and inner conch. Among her ear lobe piercings, the first is adorned with a black tassel, while a hoop earring embellishes her right ear gauge.
In the oneshot depiction, her younger self showcases shoulder-length hair with lengthy bangs that extend past her eyes. Between her short-haired phase and her current hairstyle, she sported chest-length hair paired with long bangs. During her youth, she favored a light tank top and athletic shorts as her attire.[7]
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![Tao, younger version drawn by Yuto Sano.[8]](/wiki/File:Author%27s_Illustration_-_Tao_(Young_Version).png "Author's Illustration - Tao (Young Version).png (696 KB)")
Personality[]
Tao's initial introduction presents her as composed, seated at her desk with the tendrils of a cigarette blending into her commanding presence. During her interaction with a recent client, she displays a firm demeanor, confidently managing the discussion about the agency's fees. Her way of speaking and carrying herself combines an air of charismatic toughness with a steady feminine essence. While her character's foundation might draw parallels to earlier shonen series, Tao breaks new ground by representing a strong female figure. Beyond her evident qualities of strength, resolve, and her role as the agency's leader, Tao also exudes genuine kindness and takes on a nurturing role with the young Alma. Although her character remains somewhat enigmatic, the story hints at an undisclosed history that could bring added depth to her persona.
Tao possesses a calm and composed manner;[5] she concentrates on new information, especially if it piques her attention. She upholds her own values as she goes about her actions. Her commanding nature is apparent in how she often corrects Alma and in her dealings with their first client, Mr. Cho, who finds her intimidating, a feeling echoed by Luka. Beneath her seemingly unemotional exterior, she has a compassionate side that prompts her to assist those in need without expecting anything in return.
Within their organization, Tao, as an adult, occasionally steps into the role of an older sister for Alma and Nei due to their comparative youth among their colleagues. Their decisions often require Tao's approval, emphasizing the reliance placed on her judgment.
Despite her outward appearance of detachment, Tao reveals a compassionate side, occasionally intertwined with her interest in financial matters. This is highlighted in the oneshot, where she takes on the case of Nene, a girl with limited resources, stirring memories of her own challenging past. Tao's generosity extends to cases that warrant significant aid, sometimes even foregoing fees. Nevertheless, symbolic payments are occasionally accepted; for instance, she engages in conversations with Isato about his problems in exchange for cigarettes, underscoring the empathetic stance of the troubleshooters. As Alma's guardian and senior colleague, Tao's influence is evident in Alma's behavior.
Relationships[]
Manga[]
Familial[]
Jin Saotome[]
Jin would provide comforting words to his older sister on their sleep.
Tao and Jin were very close, always protecting each other from their abusive father. They dreamed of escaping their difficult life together. Tao made many sacrifices because she wanted to keep Jin safe. From a young age, Tao comforted Jin and promised to shield him from their father's abuse. Their mother had vanished mysteriously, and they were told not to talk about it. Despite their hardships, they supported each other and shared a dream of a better future.
When Tao turned fifteen, she was forced into servitude to pay off their father's debt, facing abuse and mistreatment. Jin also suffered from their father’s violence and tried to hide his bruises. Tao felt guilty and more determined to protect him. She worked hard under a harsh Beastman, enduring brutality to secure their future. Her main concern was always Jin’s safety.
On Tao's birthday, Jin surprised her with a cupcake, showing his love and worry for her well-being. He wished she would stop risking her life and live safely. Tao reassured him, saying they needed to earn enough money to escape. Their bond remained strong, with Jin continually supporting Tao emotionally.
Yoru[]
Tao meets Yoru!
When Tao met Yoru, who looked like her lost brother Jin, she was suspicious and demanded explanations. Yoru's strange behavior and the revelation that he was Jin's alternate personality led to a violent confrontation. Despite the confusion, Tao's main concern was finding out what happened to Jin.
Tao entered the Meito Shrine and saw someone who looked like her younger brother, Jin, but he called himself Yoru. She pointed her gun at him, demanding answers. Yoru insisted he was Jin and urged her to remember, but Tao warned him not to move. Yoru, with an eerie smile, showed a scar under his bangs, causing Tao to fire a warning shot. He then revealed another scar hidden by a choker, saying he took the name "Yoru" after getting the scar, implying he wasn't Jin anymore. Yoru taunted Tao, suggesting she knew the truth about Jin's death and hinting that she played a role in it. Despite her anger and confusion, Tao demanded to know what had happened to Jin.
Yoru began strangling Tao, who struggled to understand, overwhelmed by memories of her brother. Just as the situation became critical, Alma arrived, stopped Yoru, and demanded an explanation for his actions towards Tao.
Unnamed Father[]
The beastman recruited Tao to work under him
Tao's relationship with her father was marked by violence and exploitation. He was a threatening figure who once counted money in front of Tao and her younger brother, Jin, after their mother returned home as a stack of money. He warned them not to speak about it, threatening to sell them off. Tao saw her father as a vile man and expected to become his next target after their mother's departure. Despite the harsh circumstances, she couldn't cry for her mother.
Her father often demanded money from Tao to pay off his debts, leading to physical confrontations. During one such fight, Jin was hurt while protecting Tao from their father's anger. Tao tried to calm him down by promising money if he would spare Jin. Eventually, she started working for a beastman to pay her father's debts, enduring constant beatings and harsh treatment. Despite her suffering, she was determined to protect Jin and secure their freedom.
At fifteen, Tao was handed over to the beastman because of her father's debts, drastically changing her life. The beastman mocked her father, highlighting his despicable nature. Tao's life transformed from enjoying childhood treats to enduring deprivation and hardship, illustrating the harsh realities she faced.
Tao arrived their destroyed home with her lifeless father's body lying in the entrance
Tao discovered Jin's bruised arms, realizing their father's abuse had worsened since she began working for the beastman. She felt guilty and expressed the need to save more money. Despite their dire situation, Jin reassured Tao, acknowledging that she had protected him by giving in to their father's demands.
On her birthday, Jin surprised Tao with a cupcake, expressing concern for her safety and wishing she would quit the dangerous work. Tao explained why she had to continue, emphasizing their need for money to escape. Despite Jin's worries, Tao reassured him of her protection and hugged him tightly.
Trapped in the beastman's hideout, Tao endured relentless beatings and realized it was futile to ask for release. She resolved to fight back, sacrificing her arm to free herself and killing her tormentor. When she returned home, she found their house destroyed and her father's lifeless body, but Jin was missing. Despite the chaos, she held onto the hope that her brother had survived, even if it meant he had done something drastic.
Non-Familial[]
Alma[]
Alma has proven immensely valuable to Tao in their troubleshooter work, especially in detecting clients' falsehoods through his acute sense of smell. Despite the age difference, their relationship has both a sibling-like and coworker dynamic, facilitated by their shared office space and Tao's reserved demeanor. Typically, Tao assigns Alma errands, like fetching cigarettes or providing extra money for his meals. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in authorizing Alma's Maga transformation, a crucial aspect of their job to eliminate maga creatures. She signals this by uttering "Kai" when Alma adopts his combat stance, signifying his readiness to engage magas using his hybrid abilities.
Yoki[]
Yoki assumes the responsibility of customizing Tao's firearm for their Maga elimination missions. Additionally, he oversees compensatory payments for damages caused to nearby establishments. Tao occasionally relies on him to mediate with Nei and Alma, who are the youngest members of their group, using bribes to manage situations when they become unruly.
Dara[]
As an adult member within their organization, Dara shares certain similarities with Tao, primarily due to their shared status as adult women. However, unlike Tao's poised and intimidating demeanor, Dara presents a warmer disposition. She expresses her care for fellow Maga Killers through physical affection, akin to Yoki, particularly after the successful completion of missions when they all return to their home base.
Tatsuomi[]
Serving as the agency's informant, Tatsuomi shares information regarding disaster-related events with Tao, receiving compensation in return. While Tao generally maintains a certain degree of separation during their interactions, particularly when Tatsuomi exhibits overly flirtatious behavior, this might stem from his evident fondness for women. His tendency to encroach on her personal space when he engages with her likely reflects his attraction to the opposite sex.
Nei[]
Most often, Nei sought Tao's approval. This encompassed Tao's responses to food and her acknowledgment of Nei's dedication to her tasks.
Oneshot[]
Alma[]
In the introduction of the Oneshot, the narrative detailed her initial encounter with Alma. Alma was apprehended while attempting to ensnare individuals on Gokurakugai's streets. As the story progressed, Alma transitioned into a partnership with her at their Troubleshooter Office. Their services catered to clients seeking solutions in exchange for payment. Despite her reserved disposition, she displayed a fondness for Alma, effectively acting as a sibling figure. This affection was evident in her provision of pocket money to cover Alma's snacks. Additionally, given her senior status, it is implied that she holds financial responsibilities within their dynamic.
Nene[]
She exhibited a caring older sister's affection towards Nene, despite their recent acquaintance. An illustrative example is her attentive demeanor while Nene shared her family's background. The emotional moment was marked by Nene's tears and a heartfelt embrace. Subsequently, as they parted ways, Tao returned the money that had been taken from Nene's family by the Club Therian beastmen.
Unnamed Beastman[]
While the beastman's identity remained undisclosed, she received assistance and upbringing from a beastman during her childhood when she was lost in the streets.
Abilities and Skills[]
Natural Prowess[]
- Close Range Gunfight: Tao possesses unparalleled quickdraw reflexes, enabling her to swiftly draw her firearm and take aim with remarkable speed. Her precision aiming skill complements this ability, allowing her to accurately target Magas even in the chaos of close-range gunfights. Her close quarters marksmanship skill further enhances her effectiveness, enabling her to accurately hit Magas even in the midst of fast-paced confrontations. Whether under pressure or in the heat of battle, Tao's ability to engage and incapacitate Magas with her rapid firing technique and precise aim makes her a formidable force in close range gunfights.[9]
Equipment[]
Specialized Hand Gun[]
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Tao, holding her specialized gun
Tao's specialized hand gun lies in its ammunition: specially crafted bullets made from Alma's own blood, drawn from the Karmic Stake embedded in his heart. The collaboration between Tao, Yoki, and Dara resulted in a weapon with unprecedented effectiveness against Magas.[10][11]
Each bullet carries the essence of Alma's hybrid abilities, making them potent tools for combating the Magas. When Tao fires these rounds, they have the ability to not only strike but also obliterate the Magas, tearing them apart with astonishing force.[10][11]
Etymology[]
The name Tao Saotome (
早 (Sa): This kanji means "early" or "quick," suggesting promptness or speed. It's often used in names to imply being swift or starting early.乙 (O): This kanji traditionally represents the second of the ten heavenly stems from ancient Chinese calendars. In names, it usually doesn’t have a specific meaning but adds a certain style or sound. It can also imply something secondary or supplementary.女 (Tome): This kanji means "woman" or "female." It signifies feminine traits or gender. In names, it often reflects a connection to female qualities or is part of a traditional naming practice.道 (Tao): This kanji means "road," "way," or "path." It can also refer to the philosophical idea of "the way" in Taoism. The usual readings are "michi" in the Japanese reading and "dou" or "tou" in the Chinese reading. In names, it is often read as "Tao."
Trivia[]
- In the manga, Tao's handgun was intricately customized, with its ammunition crafted from Alma's blood. This blood was obtained from the Karmic Stake that had emerged within his chest.[9]
- Tao assumes the crucial role of controlling the chant that restrains Alma's Maga transformation. The Karmic Stake, lodged in his heart, cannot be removed unless Tao utters the "Kai" chant. This mechanism essentially signifies that Alma's ability to engage in combat with Magas is contingent upon Tao's involvement.[12][13][14][15]
- In both the serialized manga and the oneshot, Tao has a notable affinity for smoking, a habit she indulges in even upon waking.[16] She often assigns Alma with the task of procuring her cigarettes, occasionally providing him with additional funds to cover his own food expenses, considering his hearty appetite.[17]
- Regarding the additional illustrations in Volume 3, providing character details, she likes Chinese cuisine and junk foods but has a dislike for alcohol and green peas. Her pocket contents include cigarettes, a 100-yen lighter, and candies.[3]
- In Volume 3, her complete name, Tao Saotome (
早 乙 女 道 Saotome Tao), was revealed and introduced for the first time.[3]
References[]
- ↑ "Gokurakugai Oneshot". — Page(s) 51.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 14.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Gokurakugai Manga: Volume 3 . — Volume Extra, Character Information.
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 58-59).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Character Information". Jump SQ Gokurakugai Official site.
- ↑ Official colored covers
- ↑ "Gokurakugai Oneshot".
- ↑ "Younger Version of Tao". — from Yuto Sano's Tweet.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 45).
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 46).
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 3 (Pages 28-33).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 55).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 2 (Page 36).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 3 (Page 19).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 5 (Pages 17-27). — Nei explaining Alma's weakness.
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 5/5 (Page 4).
- ↑ Gokurakugai Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 17). — Alma running some errands for Tao's cigarettes and some supplies.
[]
| List of Characters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Saragi Anti-Maga Organization | Members | Yoki • Dara • Tao • Alma • Nei • Tatsuomi • Ryu | |
| Troubleshooter Agency | Tao • Alma | ||
| Unknown Organization | Yomi • Yoru • Kanata† • Memeko • Utsuro | ||
| Civilians | Mr. Cho • Auntie • Yaya • Luka Kiyomine • Yukiharu Nishi • Isato Amadera • Maki | ||
| List of One-shot Characters | |
|---|---|
| Love Soldier Caroline | |
| Characters | Caroline • Protein • Takeyama Shigeo • Shigeo Look-a-like • Attacker 1 • Attacker 2 • Attacker 3 • Attacker 4 • Attacker 5 |
| Dobanobado | |
| Characters | Doba • Mizuto • Teacher |
| Watashi no Maou-sama | |
| Characters | Princess • Demon Lord |
| Lawless Kid | |
| Characters | Orga • Harika • Nick • Mr. Fido • Government Captain |
| Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken | |
| Characters | Tao • Alma • President Zhang • Yaya • Yona • Yuma • Auntie • Leopard Mobster • Mobsters • Nene's Mother • Nene's Father |