Kureto Hīragi

Kureto Hīragi (柊 暮人) is character involved with significant ruling related events in the Seraph of the End series. From the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga, Kureto is the Lieutenant General of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army whose goal is to exterminate all the vampires in Japan. Of all the family houses, he is a member of the strongest one, the Hīragi Family. Tended to by Aoi Sangū, he has designs on establishing control over the surviving humans on the planet.

Before the world ended, Kureto's experiences in First Shibuya High School are detailed in the prequel Seraph of the End: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen light novel series, and its own manga adaption. He seeks to find the person who is manipulating the Hīragi family. Not fully aware of events to come, Kureto grapples with the Hyakuya Sect rising to prominence. Around the time it was developed, Kureto would acquire the Cursed Gear sword, Raimeiki.

Establishing control over Japan in the ruined world, although leading army forces against vampires, Kureto's rampant paranoia and need to interrogate humans under him to check for traitors no matter how unlikely, in his view leaves him one step ahead. Working with Guren Ichinose he fuels a seraph experiment to assist in the war against those he has no use for. Having become the head of the Hīragi Family by murdering his own father, Tenri Hīragi, he would be targeted for possession by Shikama Dōji.

Appearance
He is a tall, young man with short black hair and reddish brown eyes. He has thick eyebrows that are slightly angled up at the ends. During his time throughout First Shibuya High School, his hair was somewhat more kept, and notably more lighter on top. Where the centre of his fringe was slightly longer in the centre, from the angle of his eyebrows, and the length in sections of his hair, it was generally the case there was an equal distance between them.

The uniform worn on the premises consisted of a long-sleeved, and raised collar jacket. There were featured red sections such as on the end of the sleeves, and in the collar area. An emblem was emblazoned on the left chest area. Relatively large buttons fastened the jacket together. This was the same navy blue like color as the pants he wore. On other occasions, Kureto wore a short-sleeved white shirt. Again, it featured a raised collar, was buttoned with all of them done up, and bore an emblem.

As an adult, Kureto continues wearing uniform based attire. The standard Japanese Imperial Demon Army uniform is worn which consists of a black tailcoat with red details including the with gold trim on each of the sides. Two rows of gold buttons are on the front of the tailcoat. An placed on the right shoulder is connected to just under the collar, which features a crescent moon decoration, specifically a waxing crescent moon design.

The same black colored uniform trousers are worn. Around Kureto's waist he wears a relatively large web belt. Parallel white lines running horizontally across the top and bottom of the belt, where a black section is in the middle of them. The belt buckle is a prominent appearing golden circular buckle, of which the prongs are not visible. Along with that, Kureto wears a pair of white gloves, an armband on his left arm. In addition, Kureto wears black shoes.

Personality
Arrogant and powerful from an early age, Kureto does not tolerate any disrespect, perceived or real, from lower-rank families. He is manipulative, ruthless, and treacherous (Shinoa describes him as a "monster" ), and will not hesitate to abandon his comrades if he no longer finds them useful. In fact, he finds that being able to abandon one's own friends as a strength. Expecting everyone to submit to him with absolute loyalty, Kureto would even go so far as to threaten them to do his work. As such, Kureto is very confident with himself, his plans and his actions. Some of the basis for this is to sustain that Hiragi clan he was raised in.

"I have one goal in everything I do. My role is to secure all profit and interest in any given situation for the Hīragi Clan, and the Order of the Imperial Demons."

- Revealing to Shinya what he supports, his family house.

Preparations are made when interrogations are planned for others. Ultimatums are often delivered which seem made to put those he is interrogating on the spot. The situation is made clear where often targeting close ones of who he is speaking to are involved to pressure them further. From threatening Shinoa when questioning Guren, to having Yoichi and Kimizuki restrained and stabbed by guards to trouble Yu, he demands answers to questions all the while. Even when answered honestly, Kureto will have friends injured, it is not so much an exercise in ascertaining the truth, rather a display of what he is prepared to do. Articulating clearly what will happen in any case, Kureto seeks answers as fast as possible after an interrogation set-up is established.

"You can drop the act, already. If you’re as powerless as you say, then you’re going to die in this gymnasium, right here and now. If you’ve been lying and are stronger than you say, then we’re going to inject you with a truth serum and torture you until we find out how you are connected to the Thousand Nights."

- Interrogating Guren, where torture and the threat of death is used.

In seeking information from those at his mercy, Kureto does not seem to consider the unlikelihood that someone would actually know what he is after. Questioning Yu on his "Hyakuya" surname, Kureto did not take into account that Yu as a child was raised in a vampire city, so would not have the knowledge that it was connected with the spell developing Hyakuya Sect organization. Suspecting Yu of being a vampire sympathizer and a spy for the army based on how he acted around his friend Mika, he thinks to set a random vampire in a room to check his reaction. Satisfied with the response, Kureto then ordered Yu to battle Shinya, again convinced that the willingness to fight was a method of rooting out traitors. Willing to have others die, indifferent to the risk of information being lost with them, Kureto has his own violence based view of how to shed light on a matter.

"No, I only believe what I see with my own two eyes. That’s why I haven’t killed you. Or Shinoa. We need to figure out what the Thousand Nights’ motive is for sharing this information, instead of letting their propaganda turn our heads. We tried to get answers out of the messenger from the Thousand Nights, but unfortunately our interrogator got carried away with the questioning. The messenger died prematurely."

- To Guren, he gathers information, trusting his own views, and takes into account how false information can be a problem.

Being comfortable with violence serves Kureto well where fighting is concerned. Having an ambition of wiping out every vampire on the planet is not just a daydream for him, Kureto acts to make it a reality. Intending to rule the world, where practically his army gives him that opportunity, Kureto states that he will turn it into a "vampire-free paradise." In planning to gather every surviving country and unite them as one in a campaign for world domination, Kureto means to make Japan the center of all nations. Commented by Guren this is "something a kid would make up" does not dull Kureto's enthusiasm.

Large scale murders are undertaken to fulfil his vision of a better future. After the weary soldiers of the Moon Demon Company had managed to complete their exceptionally challenging orders of defeating vampire nobles, although Kureto remorselessly sacrificed the survivors, he sincerely believed that they died heroically. It was thanks to their sacrifice that he was able to revive the Seraph, which is all the regard Kureto had for them.

"Don't fuss. Theirs was a glorious death for the sake of humanity's future. Thanks to the few sacrifices of this experiment, many will be saved. This... is just. It is ''right."

- His response when Narumi reacts to the annihilation of his squad to fuel a seraph experiment.

In his focus on the larger picture, Kureto even seems to consider his life as not being worth that of the world's destruction. Speaking to Guren that if he cannot be saved, Kureto stated then he is allowed to kill him. Shown to be willing to give his life to take out Mahiru as he believes her to be a monster, Kureto felt if he was saving humanity from her, his life would be a small price to pay. Never kowtowing, and anticipating scenarios that would induce immobilization in others, Kureto is prepared for a decisive response against ruinous forces.

"Another catastrophe will end the world. Again. God seems determined to smite us. But even if God himself is our enemy, humanity will still push forward into the future!! Aoi! Crush that second seraph!"

- Resolute given that a unaccounted for seraph has appeared.

Sensing weakness from his perspective, Kureto sets out to murder his own father, Tenri. Judging that him failing to lead on the front lines disqualified Tenri from being leader of the family, and army, Kureto acted to overthrow him, and kill any of his own soldiers who took his side. His own limbs cut off, Kureto had tactically planned for Abaddon, under the Fifth Trumpet's trumpet's command, to fire into where Tenri was. Stabbing through Tenri, he did not lower his guard upon his apparent victory and was not distracted by words. Having a suspicion about it, Kureto had them confirmed by seeing a monster. Immediately lunging to plow his sword into Shikama Doji, he then attempted to resist his possession. Indulging weakness, Kureto spoke of trusting Guren and Shinya, though for the purpose of creating desires for his demon to consume in order to help resist being possessed by Shikama Doji.

For all his ruthlessness, Kureto possesses a sense of self-righteousness. Regarding anyone who is willing to sacrifice others for pure greed, with no goal, as evil, Kureto firmly believes that a leader must be responsible for their followers. It is due to this attitude that he shows nothing but disgust at his brother. Seeing his incompetence and cowardice as being useless and idiotic, Kureto has a similar view towards his father. In coldly rebuking Tenri Hīragi, he openly comments that it was the duty of a king to keep their subjects safe. Kureto's version of utilitarianism convinces him that if sacrificing the minority will be able to save a larger amount of people, then he will gladly dirty his hands with the blood of innocent people.

"But if you have no vision, no end goal, then you're better off dead. Anyone who sacrifices others for simple greed, with no vision... They're evil."

- While committing evil acts himself, Kureto does not see them as that.

Able to overcome personal suspicions and enter a business-like professionalism with individuals he deems worthy, Kureto is also capable of showing kindness. Treating his loyal subordinates well, this can extend to Guren. Although initially suspicious of Guren as a potential spy, Kureto comes to value him as his henchman after seeing him carry out his orders. With Guren coming to be his right-hand man, Kureto admits he trusts him, and may very well mean it. Before trust was established, Kureto had gifted Guren an extremely powerful new sword. A Hīragi family heirloom no less, it was a weapon was strengthened through the hatred and fear of the people it had slain. Apparently a well-meaning gift to someone he considered worthy, Kureto starts to keep an eye on Guren.

Remarkably he would even show a surprising deal of sympathy at times, such as to Guren. Such infrequent displays do not affect Kureto's normalized behavior of remaining brutal overall though. Odd considering his views on one being shaped by their environment, by all accounts Kureto acts to stay ahead of the curve, and feels instilling savagery in someone is the means to achieve that. For him, it all leads to creating useful units to carry out his purposes.

"No, it’s what I want. It’s what I’m here for. In the end, people are blank slates. Hollow. Like an empty box. They’re formed by their environment. They become a person in the process of fulfilling the role assigned to them… Don’t waste time worrying about something like that right now, Shinya. I will grant you your new role in life. As long as you follow me, you will find new purpose. I am your one true leader."

- Views on people, and consistently forging them into tools to act on his behalf.

While Kureto lies and enjoys doing so, he can keep his word, which depends on whatever course he has already set his mind on. When Guren gained more information on the Cursed Gear experiment in exchange for ensuring that the Order of Imperial Moon be spared from being deemed traitors, that was upheld. In trying to save Guren, notably not killing him despite it being the easiest thing to do for his position, and proceeding to make the Order of Imperial Moon's experiment on the Cursed Gear look as if it was his orders, this allowed the members to be spared. Taking this upon himself, Kureto benefitted as it then gave Guren the opportunity to chase after Mahiru, a threat to Kureto. To this end, Kureto turned himself into a victim and allowed Guren to steal his helicopter.

Even though Guren did not fulfill his goal of killing Mahiru by the deadline, Kureto was still satisfied by the results nevertheless. The only one who voted against the execution of Sakae Ichinose, while Kureto is harsh and ruthless, it is not to the extent that his father is. After Sakae was ultimately executed, Kureto, although cold when telling Guren that the execution was complete, expressed some pity. Kindness towards him was shown by allowing him to be consoled by his friends. Perhaps his attempt of trying to find light in the dark for others' sake, Kureto joked about wanting to be thanked by Guren. When Guren did thank him for opposing the execution of Sakae, he did not gloat on his superior position, but stated it was natural, before leaving.

For a sense of humor, Kureto looks utterly unamused after Guren was badly beaten by Tenri. Laughing without feeling behind it when Guren challenged him then offered a handkerchief and a drive home, Kureto is unfazed when Guren calls him weak. After assuring Shinya there was nothing to worry about regarding Narumi's perceived insubordination, Kureto took more than a little pleasure in announcing all was well since he was going to die anyway.

History
He and Mahiru were in competition to be the next head of the Hīragi family. The student council president of First Shibuya High, he maintained his position as top of his class since first entering the school. His claim to Guren that his decisions hold more weight at the school than the principal's was accurate.

At some point, Kureto was beside Mahiru observing an arena fight between Shinya and Seishirō. With that battle over, Kureto faced Mahiru in combat and told her to not dare hold back. Surprised that Mahiru had a grasp of his shoulder, Kureto was thrown over her. Hurled to the ground, he found a spell tag had been placed on his forehead. With Mahiru sat on him, Kureto ordered her to stop messing around. He remained there even with the spell tag removed.

Events of 2012
Kureto watches Shinya and Guren when the former reveals what the Hīragi Clan knows about the attack on First Shibuya High. Observing from a distance, Kureto witnesses Shinya punch Guren, unaware that this was done to stop him getting suspicious about them working together.

Three days later, Kureto is present in the examination involving Mito and Norito occurring in the gymnasium. When Guren arrives for his fight, Kureto asks if he sold any information to the Thousand Nights. Convinced this is not the case, Kureto then wonders if Guren was working for them. After this is denied, Kureto does not believe him as Guren has enough motive to. Told he is overestimating him, Kureto's response is that if Guren is as weak as he appears, he could have never survived the attack so he was obviously hiding his true strength. Kureto then wonders of that strength poses a threat to the Hīragis, hence the reason they are here.

Kureto orders Shinya to kill Guren. When Shinya questions why he has to do it, Kureto tells him that if he does not want to draw suspicion to himself then he will do it. After Shinya reluctantly agrees, and hits Guren hard, the strike does not kill him, so Kureto asks why he held back. Backhanding him, Kureto tells Shinya that he has lost his trust and now he will be investigated as well to determine whether he has been working with the Thousand Nights.

Turning to face Guren next, Kureto warns him if that if he was lying and is stronger that he says then he will be injected with truth serum and tortured until they find out how he is connected to the Thousand Nights. Attacking him with the intent to kill, Kureto forces Guren to fight seriously. Prevailing, Kureto knocks Guren unconscious.

"Are you serious? Only a fool would care about something as childish as that. You’re no fool either, are you, Guren? You were planning to lose to me. I’ve already gotten a good idea of how strong you are. You’re clearly very capable. We’re going to investigate you now to determine whether you’ve been working with the Thousand Nights. Should our suspicions be cleared, we’ll put you to use as a valuable new soldier for the Hīragi Clan. Truth serum and torture will be waiting for you when you wake. Until then, sleep well, Guren Ichinose."

- Having bested Guren, he has outcomes in mind depending on what happens next.

Arriving after Guren has been interrogated by someone acting on his behalf, Kureto tells Guren that his father came to the compound to ask that Guren be let go. They took his father into custody and questioned him, where Kureto states he told them everything that Guren did, such as receiving an invitation from the Thousand Nights. Where he reportedly did not come to a decision, Kureto considers that this war started while he was considering his answer. Adding that his father is very weak, Kureto details that he broke down and talked five hours. Then stating that Guren's father died, Kureto adds his heart gave out in the end. Then assuring Guren that his father is not dead, Kureto clarifies that they revived him and sent him home.

Although calling him strong, Kureto says it is as he said, that Guren is just one person. Continuing that strength does not change anything, Kureto judges that the Ichinoses are nothing but crawling ants when compared to the Hīragis, meaning that he is not a threat to them. Proceeding to ask him to become his right-hand man, Kureto declares it will be a chance to improve the Ichinose familys' status. Questioned what will happen if he refuses, Kureto threatens to have having the entire Ichinose Clan destroyed. With Guren agreeing to become his underling, Kureto promises Guren a stronger weapon more suited to his abilities.

When Guren skips school, Kureto calls him over the phone with the instructions to come back. Having something that he wants to do for him, Kureto specifies for Guren to be there by nine o'clock. Within the student council president room, it has been arranged for Guren to meet Shinya outside the doors, as well as Mito, and Goshi. After Aoi Sangū invites them inside to where Kureto is sat, he hands them documents which include photos showing Ueno park. This location was mentioned on the news as someone had sprayed a poison which killed the animals there.

Having heard of the report, Kureto reveals to the group that what was said on the news was a lie. The Imperial Demons' intelligence bureau determined that the entire Ueno district was being used as the site of an experiment by the Thousand Nights, and Kureto details that apparently there was an accident. The Thousand Nights now appear to be using all their resources to try and cover up whatever happened.

Informing the group that the Imperial Demons' have been aware that Ueno was being used this way, since they did not expect a war with the Thousand Nights, they never investigated further. However things have changed as the Thousand Nights broke their non -aggression pacts and Kureto asserts they are now at war. Divulging that that the Imperial Demons' sent seventeen squad units last night, and every single one of them was destroyed, Kureto mentions that is why the group is here. Having decided to put together a special team together, Kureto judges the mission is too difficult for any regular troops.

"The Thousand Nights has already broken our non-aggression pact. We are at war."

- His conclusion on the Ueno zoo incident, and revealing details to Guren's group.

In two hours, Kureto explains that the Imperial Demons will send four squads into Ueno zoo from the northeast section. This will serve as a diversion while the group slips in. Leaving it up to them to decide on who the leader of the squad, Kureto feels that as long as they produce results, he does not care how things are done. Finding that group picks Guren as that team leader, Kureto is fine with that. Before Guren leaves, as agreed, Kureto hands him a new weapon called Hoarfrost, which is a enchanted sword.

Calling Guren at the end of class, Kureto orders him to go to the student council room during lunch the next day. During that time, Kureto contacts Guren and orders he meet with him. After Aoi delivers Guren to the gymnasium basement, Kureto has Shinoa Hīragi there who appears to have been beaten and tortured. Commenting on Guren's face contorting into an expression of disgust, Kureto agrees with his hate of torturing kids. Then remarking that such things do not matter for a Hīragi, he points out that Shinoa is smiling then states she has been trained to never let loose a single word during torture.

Questioning Guren about the Thousand Nights meeting, Kureto enquires if Mahiru is the traitor. Seeing that Guren remains silent, before eventually saying he does not know, Kureto has a few more questions but does not gain an answer. Continuing with probing questions, Kureto's accusations are denied by Guren.

Stating that the messenger sent by the Thousand Nights did not survive, Kureto glances at the neighboring room, which has blood seeping through the walls. When Guren comments about letting a child see that, Kureto comments that the Ichinose are gentle. Kureto appreciates how Guren knows he cannot win against him. After Guren walks over to Shinoa, pats her head, and releases her restraints, she asks permission to stand up, but Kureto orders her to remain seated.

Revealing that Shinoa was not actually tortued and that this is actually all makeup, Kureto says she would not reveal anything anyway. When Shinoa stands up, and shares she is bored, Kureto commands her to stay. An additional order is for Shinoa to leave the makeup on for when he questions Shinya later. Explaining this was all to gather information, Kureto affirms he will trust Guren. Then, Kureto shares he already knows Guren met Shinoa, so he will kill her first. Grabbing Shinoa by the neck, Kureto is charged at by Guren. Blocking his attack, Kureto threatens to break Shinoa's neck.

Receiving a text from Mahiru telling him to do as he pleases, Kureto shows the message to Guren and Shinoa. Seeing Shinoa begin to tear up, Kureto talks about Mahiru and states Guren is the opposite of her. Labelling Guren as idiotic trash being used by that woman, Kureto calls Mahiru a beautiful monster. However, he says that Mahiru might listen to Guren. On that, Kureto wants Guren to give Mahiru a message if he encounters her, that she should return to the Hīragi. Saying he will permit Mahiru to marry Guren, he wants to keep her in the family. Advising Guren to hold Mahiru and never let her go, Kureto adds or else he should kill her before she destroys everyone around her.

Sending Mahiru's IP address to Guren, he orders him to meet and persuade Mahiru. Questioned whether he or Mahiru is stronger, Kureto tells him Mahiru is stronger. After Guren sends a message to Mahiru, his phone rings and Kureto sees him answers it. Where Mahiru is on the other end, she asks to speak with Shinoa, yet under Kureto's orders, Guren puts the phone on loud speaker. As Shinoa reports that everything went as expected, it is stated that Guren, Kureto, and Aoi are listening to their conversation. When she asks about their father, Kureto answers that he does not know she is missing. Called a liar and accused of her crimes, Kureto is said to have actually did everything instead of her out of jealousy. Stating no one will believe her, they talk for a bit.

Mocked for prolonging their phone call, Kureto is said to have been tracking her instead of hanging up immediately. Mentioning he found her, Kureto is then informed that his special ops are already dead. A student suddenly enters the room and Kureto hears the report that his conversation is being broadcasted across the entire school. Where it affects him, a sound-muffling talisman at the edge of the door is noticed by Guren.

Ordering Guren to end the call, Kureto listens as Mahiru says many students will die again. Taking the phone and turning off the speaker, Kureto counters that she is going to cause innocent deaths. As the blame is placed on himself, Kureto orders a meeting to sentence the traitor, Mahiru, before hanging up.

"Her control of the situation is amazing, isn’t it? She truly is smart. With this one email, she made me question everything I was thinking. Was it wise to kill Shinoa? To kill you? To kill Shinya? Who are my enemies, and who are my friends? How much of this scenario has she engineered? Am I being played? We’ve been getting caught with our pants down since the very beginning of this. Too many lives were sacrificed the day the Thousand Nights attacked the school. And Mahiru’s been the one in the driver’s seat all along."

- Speaking to Guren about Mahiru.

Questioning Guren if he knew about any of this, the question is deflected. Kureto decides that Mahiru single-handedly pitted the Imperial Demons against the Thousand Nights. Giving it some thought, Kureto then speaks that Guren is a human, not a monster like Mahiru. Telling him to become his comrade, Kureto wants to solve this situation with as few casualties as possible.

It is currently August 21st, and Kureto releases Shinoa and Guren. That night, the Brotherhood of a Thousand Nights attacks the school. During the chaos, Kureto is called by Guren who has a report on Mahiru. Additionally, Kureto is asked by Guren to kill him if he loses control during this experiment, then says he is going to the school.

"This is the epicenter, Shinya. Where everything is happening. I’m not talking about some huge battle across Japan. That’s child’s play. That sort of thing that could happen at any given time, on any given day. What’s happening here… might very well be the evolution of the human race. If the cursed gear is perfected, and we can regulate it as an organization, everything will change. Japan, the world… It will all belong to the Order of the Imperial Demons. My job is to make sure that happens."

- Understanding the situation as cursed gear is developed.

Where enchanted weapons could be resorted to before, Kureto registers the advancements made with weaponry.

"We’ve managed to rein in the impulses of the curse. We’ve created a version where we can control its power. It’s a rational weapon, with a large margin of safety. And what’s the problem with that? What could you and Mahiru ever hope to accomplish wielding weapons you can’t control?"

- Discussing Guren how the drawbacks of weapons has been addressed.

Under pressure, Kureto tasks Guren with killing his sister, Mahiru. To enforce this, Kureto uses those Guren knows as leverage to try and force his hand. Meanwhile, Kureto's attention is on research.

"If you want to protect your friends, then kill Mahiru. You have one month. If you haven’t killed her by that time, I’ll start by killing your father. If another month passes and you still haven’t done it, I’ll kill a hundred of your followers. But I have faith that you’ll manage to kill Mahiru before then. You’re very talented. By the way, we’ve already taken a sample of your blood. The research will continue. If they discover anything, I’ll have them share it with you. There’s nothing else left for you to do here. Go home and rest."

- Ordering Guren to deal with Mahiru and occupied with other matters he can handle.

After the Brotherhood of a Thousand Nights attacks, Kureto orders Shinya to head to the school. With the assistance of Shinya, and Sakae Ichinose’s cooperation, Kureto helps arrange to save Guren, who has been possessed by Noya.

Calling Mahiru and explicitly describing how he will torture Guren, in addition to her laughter, Kureto hears she is going to Kyoto.

"The Order of the Imperial Demons stands behind me. I will defeat you from within the bounds of human reason. You may be willing to go to any length, but I plan to create a different future from the one you’ve been careening toward."

- Supported, Kureto has his own vision compared to Mahiru.

Visiting Guren and ordering him to kill Mahiru within forty-eight hours, Kureto states or else he will kill Guren’s father, and the rest of the Order of the Imperial Moon. Calling Aoi, and stating that Guren betrayed them and cut him down, Kureto orders Sakae’s death. This is all a ruse in order to trick Mahiru, where Kureto with Aoi are aware that this is all a lie. After Guren and his group escape to the roof, Kureto’s helicopter is stolen and taken to Kyoto.

Despite Kureto’s objection, the council heads overrule him and decide to execute Sakae for his arrogance. Contacted by Guren, he had sent a helicopter, and Kureto meets at his apartment that night. Kureto is informed by Guren about Saitō.

By December 10th, Kureto sends in Guren and his gang to take care of students that have become possessed by demons at the school. While Mahiru appears as a vampire, she escapes. On December 20th, Kureto leads two hundred soldiers to destroy one of the Thousand Nights’s research facilities, but is intercepted by Lucal Wesker with a group of vampires. Kureto and his soldiers are permitted to go as Lucal only drinks the blood of children.

On December 23rd, Kureto learns from Guren details from the investigation into the abandoned Hyakuya Orphanage in Shibuya. Although reports from the Nii and Kuki families say the children have been killed, it appears they were alive recently. Mika’s diary is dated for December 18th. Informed by Guren, he realizes the Nii and Kuki families are traitors. Mahiru then arrives in front of them with the Nii family army.

Second Shibuya High Arc
Lieutenant General Kureto Hīragi sits in on the meeting with ruling members of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, including his family members Tenri Hīragi, and Seishirō Hīragi. The meeting includes Lieutenant Colonel Guren Ichinose who is snoring during it, although Kureto does not say anything, only giving an annoyed glance over Guren's laziness.

Shinjuku Arc
Alongside Major General Shinya Hīragi and the Shibuya Main Army, Kureto arrives at Shinjuku. The city was under an all-out siege from an army of Vampires, including nobles from Seventh Progenitor Ferid Bathory, and thirteenth progenitor Crowley Eusford, in addition to seventeenth progenitors Chess Belle with Horn Skuld. His arrival effectively saves Guren and Moon Demon Company members from the gathering of vampires who had captured them. With his own soldiers ready, Kureto is certain in what he will do.

"Whoever defies humanity... defies the Japanese Imperial Demon Army... or dares defy us, the Hīragi family... must be taught a very thorough, painful lesson."

- Arriving in Shinjuku to fend the vampire invasion off.

Ordering his troops to capture the vampire nobles alive, although they successfully capture or kill many non-noble vampires, Kureto would not gain known nobles. Kureto arrives too late to witness Special Private Yūichirō Hyakuya's transformation, and gives no sign later on of knowing that it even occurred.

Post-Shinjuku Arc
Some time later, Kureto was involved with Special Private Yoichi Saotome and Special Private Shihō Kimizuki being brought to the Shinjuku Central Army Headquarters First Office. They had been bound and interrogated, where likely unknown to him, Kureto had been told what Shinoa directed them to say. In bringing Mitsuba Sangū as well, her treatment was much more favorable. Questions concerned whether Yu was a spy, where intel notes Mitsuba's answer that he could not be. In valuing family names, Kureto likely had a say in Mitsuba receiving a promotion to Second Lieutenant because she is a member of the prestigious Sangū family, even though she described herself as being useless during the battle.

When Yu arrives, a starving imprisoned vampire with broken chains jumps at Yu, where Kureto observes the scenario unseen in the dark. After Yu kills the vampire without hesitation, the lights are turned on and Kureto declares it was a test to weed out traitors. Claiming this makes at least one verifiable occasion with reliable witnesses where Yu killed an unarmed vampire without hesitation, Kureto then states it is only one occasion.

In the First Office, Kureto directs Yu to show him his swordsmanship without activating his demon curse. Not responding to Shinya warning Yu against trusting him, Kureto promptly orders his demon, Raimeiki, to possess him. Effectively activating his curse at an advanced level, Kureto uses his cursed gear against Yu despite telling him to not do such a thing. Called out by Yu for cheating, Kureto keeps his sword ready.

When Yu complains that was not fair, Kureto retorts that the battlefield is not fair. Approving of Yu obeying his superior's orders without question, Kureto feels that it is hard to believe Yu is a subordinate of Guren. Upon an attack being launched by Yu from behind while he is talking, Kureto can count on being defended by his aide, Aoi. Consequently, Kureto takes back his words and affirms that Yu is definitely Guren's subordinate.

Moving to order Shinya to attack Yu next, Kureto witnesses the manifestation of Byakkomaru. Finding the match ending quickly, Kureto sees Yu defeated. Although Shinya declines to give his name, Kureto provides it. Stating that Shinya was originally from a junior branch family, Kureto adds he was despised for it. Kureto says that if Yu wanted to kill Shinya, no one would care.

It turns out that this interview was largely to fish out a vampire spy hiding in their ranks, and Kureto was testing both Shinya and Yu. Snapping his fingers, a pair of soldiers drag Yoichi and Kimizuki into the room where both have been disarmed, bound, and gagged. Kureto states he will kill them if Yu resists. Describing Yu as a rare talent, who qualified for a Black Demon series weapon in a short time, Kureto says this is also true for Yoichi and Kimizuki. Addressing how Yu is the only one who did not have a thorough background check done first, Kureto asks Yu about his origin and mission.

When Yu is confused and denies knowing what he was talking about, a soldier stabs Kimizuki through the left shoulder. Commanding Yu to tell him the truth, Kureto then orders Yoichi to be stabbed as well. After Yu says he will tell them everything he knows, Kureto simply speaks that no one goes against the wishes of the Hīragi family.

Questioning whether Yu is a survivor of the Hyakuya Sect, he mentions it was once the most powerful organizations in Japan. Confused, Yu answers that it was the just the name of the orphanage he grew up in, to which Kureto explains that the Hyakuya sect was an organization that used orphanages to collected orphaned children for numerous insane human experiments. Guessing that Yu and his family were probably just a batch of Hyakuya guinea pigs, Kureto asserts that Guren is trying to manipulate whatever experimentation the Hyakuya did to Yu for his own purposes.

Promptly requesting that Yu become his subordinate, Kureto offers his hand. When Yu says he does not care and asks for Yoichi and Kimizuki to be released, Kureto hears that Guren would never stoop this low. In response, Kureto states that is why Guren will never catch up to him. Kureto says that if Yu stepped forward to become his subordinate, he would have killed him. He releases the three soldiers.

Nagoya Arc
Before a group of five vampires outside in the sunlight, starving and bound by chains, Kureto awaits Guren to arrive before saying he wants to see if he can force them into becoming demons. On that, Kureto mentions the ones who do become demons are much weaker than the replicas of the stronger weapons. After the vampires are shot, Kureto hears Guren say that he will not have him killed because he is useful.

Asking Guren how he created so many successful candidates of the Black Demon Series, he is told it was because of luck. Speaking that any person who bears a Black Demon was a human experiment at some point, Kureto adds but mastery is rare even with that. He requests that Guren share the fruits of his experiments with the Hīragi.

Wondering if Guren is planning a coup, Kureto hears this accusation denied. When Guren questions what hostage he has for him today, Kureto answers he has been too busy since the attack to kidnap any of Guren's aides. Revealing his dream to Guren, first, Kureto wants to eradicate all the vampires in Japan. Then, he will crush any surviving human organizations, and unite the world under the Japanese Imperial Demon Army.

"First, I'm going to eradicate all vampires in Japan. Then, I'm going to find all other surviving human organizations and crush them... uniting the entire world under the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. Japan will be the center of the world. I will build a vampire-free paradise."

- Open about his ultimate plans with Guren.

Asking about what Guren's ambitions are, Kureto requests he join him if it is smaller than that. Kureto hears Guren say he is already following him. Stating that the vampires use weak and simple strategies because they underestimate humanity, Kureto explains how vampire enclaves do not get along or share information. Further accurate knowledge Kureto has is that the nobility is responsible for keeping the society under control. By eliminating them, Kureto feels the remaining vampires will fall apart.

Mentioning that there are twenty five vampire nobles in Japan, Kureto claims to know where ever single one of them is. Kureto's information is gathered from child spies he sends into vampire cities. Stating that vampires do not bother to remember the faces of humans, Kureto puts this down to them being too cocky, and only seeing humans as brainless livestock.

Essentially assigning Guren a suicide mission, Kureto plans to undermine the nobility given the knowledge that the vampires will bring down their army on Tokyo one month from now. Intending to have Guren launch a pre-emptive strike with a force of one hundred soldiers, and his three black demon wielders, Kureto directs him to attack Nagoya. There, Kureto says for Guren and his forces to wipe out the vampire nobles, and conquer their base.

In the meantime that Guren is distracting, and defeating nobles in Nagoya, Kureto will lead the rest of the army elsewhere. Although it is using Guren as a distraction, Kureto observes although killing off nobles will help their cause as well. Kureto declares he will show Guren a world where the humans make the vampires into cattle.

Kureto is overseeing Seraphs being prepared for transport in large crates. Angels 6 and 7 are mentioned specifically. On their father's orders, Kureto finds Seishirō has arrived with some soldiers in order to assist him. With Seishirō announcing that their father will not tolerate failure, Kureto laughs. Speaking to him that their father can be angry in Hell, Kureto provokes Seishirō.

"If I fail now, all of humanity will die. Father can feel free to be as mad at me as he likes... in Hell."

- Unconcerned with his and Seishirō's father's orders, and heading to Nagoya to stem the vampires there.

There is no need for action on his part though, Kureto finds Aoi and other soldiers have wiped out the unit Seishirō brought with him before he even notices. Furthermore, Kureto is updated by Aoi that preparations are complete. When Seishirō hears that he is getting on a helicopter, Kureto is questioned where he is going. Where the vampires are headed to Shinjuku to attack them, Kureto states he will imprison them in Nagoya.

After Seishirō threatens to report him for defying their father, Kureto draws his sword. With him panicking, and begging for his life, Kureto judges that Seishirō's obedience to those in power makes him useful. Accordingly, Kureto tells Seishirō to wait in the brig until he returns with "supreme power." Kureto does not explain his plans to Seishirō.

Informed by Aoi that the subject is in unstable condition with severe pain, Kureto orders the drug dosage to be increased to force it back into submission. When she warns that action may kill the subject, Kureto simply says humanity will die if it does not hold out anyway. The only status report he has from Guren is, "Everything's fine" and after laughing at it, Kureto orders his soldiers to hurry.

Arriving at the Nagoya airport in a truck with Aoi, he identifies himself to the surviving Moon Demon Company members. For those who took part in the campaign he assigned to Guren to attempt to destroy vampire nobles in Nagoya, he congratulates them on their successful mission. Delivering a speech, Kureto declares that thanks to their glorious sacrifices, humanity will now achieve complete victory over vampire-kind. Concluding with the words that he will take over now, Kureto instructs them to put down their weapons and be at ease.

"Soldiers! I am Lieutenant General Kureto Hīragi! One of the rulers of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army!! Well done on your successful mission! Thanks to the glorious sacrifices of the Moon Demon Company, humanity will finally achieve complete victory over vampire-kind! I shall take over from here. All of you put down your weapons and be at ease!"

- A speech to the survivors of the Moon Demon Company, shortly before he orders their execution.

Approached by Shinya and asked what exactly is going on, Kureto ignores his question and instead asks where Guren is. When Shinya states Guren has been captured by the vampires, Kureto questions which personality let that happen. Wondering if Guren really intends to fool him, Kureto's remarks puzzle Shinya, so mockingly asks if he has not figured it out yet. Kureto states that Guren's original and weaker personality is desperate to save everyone and liked them enough that he probably tried to put on a brave face. When Shinya requests more information, Kureto orders him to be silent.

Casually ordering Aoi to kill the "sacrifices," he disarms Shinya when he is demanded to wait given what he just said. As Narumi approaches to ask what he is talking about, Kureto questions who he is before restating his order for the soldiers to drop their weapons. With Narumi pointing out how many of them have died already, Kureto remarks on his passion then asks for his name. After Shinya quickly shouts at Narumi to not tell Kureto his name, he says Shinya cannot do anything to protect him anyway.

Pleaded by Shinya to just let them leave, Kureto speaks that he is in a particularly good mood today. Immediately afterward, Kureto announces that everyone is going to die anyway. Ordering the experiment to begin, Aoi carries out the command where chains launch from the ground at the surviving members of the Moon Demon Company. The chains stab at the survivors, where Rika Inoue and Shūsaku Iwasaki are some of the casualties, and hang their corpses in the air.

Finding Narumi enraged over the losses, Kureto smiles and says they had a glorious death for the sake of humanity's future. Attempting to rationalize his actions as just and right, Kureto then notices Shinoa. Offering to let her live so long as she obeys him, at seeing Shinoa order everyone to flee, Kureto orders her death and with that, three chains launch at her.

His attempt to murder Shinoa thwarted by Yu, who has arrived with Mika, he notes that three of the surviving soldiers are Guren's soldiers with the black demons. Regarding Yoichi and Kimizuki as well, with Kureto's words, chains erupt out of one of the trucks. After Mika, with Yu, and Kimizuki block them, Kureto feels the black demon wielders have matured. Musing having them for himself, Kureto then feels that their owner will dispose of them.

An army of vampires arrive at Nagoya airport led by third progenitor Krul Tepes, who curse the insolent humans for their recent attack, and in response Kureto summons his own army. Ordering them into battle, Kureto needs to buy time for the experiment to be completed. The vampires and humans wage war, until Guren walks onto the battlefield, at which point Kureto announces to him that it is time to begin.

Warning Aoi that Heaven will smite them, Kureto proclaims they will take that power and control it. Then orders his soldiers to bind the seraph completely, the being is revealed to be Mirai Kimizuki, who was experimented on previously under Kureto's observations. The result Kureto gets here is that Mirai is turned into the Fifth Trumpet: the angel of destruction. The bing is under Kureto's control, and he decides to feed the rest of the sacrifices to the demon, Abaddon that has been summoned, to stabilize it.

Suddenly, a pillar of fire appears, and Kureto questions what it is. A soldier reports that he is an unknown Seraph of the End currently activating within that pillar. When he demands to know how that is possible, Kureto hears the soldier state it may have been created from a different organization, or else this might be a spontaneous occurrence.

If the seraph is left alone, Kureto feels a catastrophe will once again end the world. Commanding Aoi to crush the second seraph, Kureto has Abaddon directed by the seraph under his control attack this new one. The seraph flies away from Abaddon's blast, and Kureto sees that the new seraph is Yu. Ordering a second attack from Abaddon, when Yu raises a barricade of earth before him it successfully blocks the attack. A soldier reveals to Kureto that Yu has the Second Trumpet and is the King of Salt.

Concerned that Yu could overcome Mirai, he orders Aoi and his troops to kill the second trumpet. After Yu manifests a sword, Kureto is in shock as he slices the manifestation of Abaddon in half.

Post-Nagoya Arc
Three months later, outside at the entrance to Sanguinem, vampires quickly retreat in the face of what Kureto and his forces have brought. As vampires call for their kind and the progenitors to escape, Kureto walks through the thing smoke alongside Guren onto the battlefield.

Co-operatively, Kureto fights side by side with Guren against the vampires with their demon weapons. Commanding Raimeiki to attack the enemies before him, Kureto's breach of the vampire city is assisted by Mirai in her Seraph form, as she is being accompanied by other Japanese Imperial Demon Army soldiers throughout the war.

When Kureto returns to Shinjuku, he tells Guren of his plans to kill his father, Tenri Hīragi. Having reached this decision because Kureto feels Tenri no longer has the right to lead, he orders Guren to help him. Also, Kureto demands that Guren convince Shinya to join them.

"Humanity must come together as a single, united force to fight against this rotten world. That's why the time is right. I am going to kill Father... and announce the coming of a new generation. Once that happens, I expect a faction war to erupt in Shinjuku. You are going to quell it."

- Upfront about his plans to Guren concerning Tenri, the leader of his family, and army.

Osaka Arc
In a car outside Shibuya, after talking to his demon, Kureto orders Aoi to activate the Seraph of the End in order to take over Shibuya. As the soldiers loyal to him, and Mirai attack the city, Kureto is seen heading towards the audience chamber with Aoi and a soldier racing behind him. The soldier reports that seventy percent of the soldiers have surrendered while thirty percent continues to resist, and Kureto orders them to be killed, which the soldier affirms before leaving.

As they come closer to their destination, Kureto and Aoi bring up how tough Tenri would be, and the likelihood that he could no longer a human, as no head of the Hīragi family had been a human for centuries. Asking Aoi if he has any chance of winning, Kureto is reassured that he will. Kureto hears from Aoi that she will always be by his side.

Reaching the chamber, Kureto slices the doors down to see his father and some soldiers waiting for him. Assailed by enchanted chains from Tenri, this confirms Kureto's suspicions of his father no longer being human. Consequently, Kureto calls upon Raimeiki's power as he charges at his father.

During the fight, Kureto is able to close in on Tenri, but his attack gets blocked. Demanding for his father to step down, Kureto finds the suggestion refused while a chain appears to strike him from behind. Assisted by Aoi stopping that attack with a barrier, which traps the enchanted snake like chain from reaching Kureto, he is taunted by Tenri for his attachment to her. Responding by beheading him, Kureto finds the chains reattach Tenri's head to his body.

Told by Tenri that as a Hīragi he has no need for comrades, Kureto retorts that a king is not without people to protect. Where Tenri wants to prove Kureto's weakness, he finds his father's chains launched at Aoi. Compelled to save her, Kureto is affected by this distraction as his leg and sword wielding arm are cut off by Tenri's chains.

Brought to his knees, Kureto is scorned by Tenri who feels he has not grown in eight years. Cutting off his line of conversation, Kureto feels enough time was given for Abaddon to fire a beam at the building. Seizing his detached arm as he dodges the beam, Kureto moves to impale Tenri's blasted body through the throat and into a building.

"How do you like that, Father? Everything went according to plan. Right down to you dropping your guard when I 'protected a useless underling' and promptly launching into a long-winded monologue on my failings."

- Having succeeded in having Abaddon blast Tenri, he exchanges final words with his father.

Demanding for Tenri to tell him who has been manipulating the Hīragi Family, he is told that it is a god that will be passed onto him. Before Tenri dies, Kureto is advised by him to trust no one, while still keeping his confidence. As Kureto is praised for defeating him while maintaining his human heart, he is named the head of the family.

Noting how easy his victory was, Kureto wonders what next when he is greeted by a voice. On the side of the building he is on, Kureto finds a man with six wings before him. Demanding his identity, Kureto is asked what Tenri called him. Answering that Tenri mentioned an old god, Kureto finds this causes the angelic man to laugh as he explains he is not that as God has a more twisted personality than he. The comment leads Kureto to believe that the man knows this god personally.

At once stabbing the man through the chest, Kureto tells him that he has prepared for years to kill him. Having prepared for his sword not being enough, which the angelic being hints as much with his remark that he would be grateful if he succeeds, Kureto's plan includes Abaddon.

Arranged for Abaddon to fire towards him, Kureto finds the winged man stop the demon's attack with a verbal command from this distance. Hearing a comment that he started the Seraph of the End experiment, Kureto is then grabbed by him and begins to be possessed. Kureto finds the man introduce himself as Shikama Dōji, the first vampire.

Following the encounter, Kureto regains consciousness and is able to stop his fall by impaling his sword through a building. Wondering if he is possessed, Kureto asks Shikama Doji aloud what he plans to do with him, but is met with silence. Looking forward, Kureto sees Raimeiki. Receiving confirmation that Shikama Doji is the first vampire, when Kureto asks Raimeiki if she met the first vampire before, he is reminded that she, as a demon, has no memories of her previous life.

Awake with Aoi by his side, Kureto's limbs have been re-attached and healed. Realizing that he has replaced Tenri as the puppet for the demon he met, Kureto focuses on indulging his greed as a desire to contain it. Kissing Aoi is done to fuel this, and Kureto asks Raimeiki if that was enough. Not trusting himself, and entertaining forbidden desires, Kureto considers the concept of trusting someone. Feeling he can rely on them, Kureto summons Guren and Shinya.

Shibuya Arc
After being possessed by Shikama Dōji, he is seen sitting on a throne in a wide room. When Shinoa squad and Guren squad arrive at Shibuya, he permits only for Guren, with Shinya and Shinoa to enter the room. All the while Kureto has Shikama Dōji beside him.

Initiating talk with Guren to say it is about time he has gotten back, Kureto adds that he has ordered him to protect Shinjuku. Wondering where was he, Kureto denies Guren protected Shinjuku and states that disobeying orders leads to executions. Told to go ahead and execute him, Kureto hears he could have handled it on his own since he already killed Tenri. Affirming it is true since he always handled everything on his own, Kureto is advised to quit his whining.

Speaking he does not forgive traitors, he executes them, Kureto draws Raimeiki. Confidently stating he does not stand a chance against him even when it is noted he is outnumbered, Kureto indeed proves his decisive superiority over Guren and his comrades. Now possessed by Shikama Dōji, he is dramatically stronger than before. Easily incapacitating Shinya who drew his black demon instantly, Kureto proceeds to attack Guren but his attack is blocked.

Effortlessly beating Guren anyway, Kureto disarms and has his sword on his throat, but stops. Asked if he is actually going to execute him, Kureto says he would love to, but he does not have time due to his current issue. Questioned if that issue is supposed to be with his current surge of power of his cursed gear, Kureto reveals this is not his power he is using.

After being asked by Guren what happened to him while he was gone, Kureto says after he killed Tenri, what has been possessing him moved to himself. Gathering it is the one that has possessed every head of the Hīragi family for generations, Kureto details that Raimeiki is holding it for the time being, but she cannot hold it forever. Certain that it will eventually invade his heart, Kureto considers Shikama Doji would take over his body.

Questioned if the possession would kill him, Kureto says he doubts it, but considers potentially losing his sanity. Unsure what the outcome would be, when asked by Guren what has been possessing him, Kureto answers that he says he is not a god. Questioned again what does he want them to do for him, Kureto replies if he ever goes insane he is to be killed, but does desire to be saved.

Having had handcuffs placed on him, Kureto is teased by Shinya about how weak and defeated he appears. Desiring to increase the strength for Raimeiki to hold off Shikama Dōji longer, Kureto is called a masochist by Shinya. Explaining that he is being self-destructive, it is a desire to wallow he does not care about anything but to provide more power to his demon.

Visited by Guren, who he is also teased by when Shinya shares the masochist impression with him, Kureto is annoyed by both of them. Asking Guren how Shinoa is doing, it is detailed that she has been affected. While Kureto hears that she is not bothered by Shikama Dōji in the least, it is added that it went after Mahiru before, which surprises him a little. Saying she was always above him, Kureto listens to Guren explain that Mahiru protected Shinoa until she was capable of handling him herself.

Raising if there is a way to prevent it taking over its host, Kureto hears Guren does not know. Although Kureto is reassured that he will be saved, the feeling is that there is not much time left.

After finding Yu tied up, who wants a way to turn himself and Mika back into humans, Kureto laughs at him. Questioned why he is chained, Kureto answers him that many things happened and Kureto laughs more about Yu's perceived idiotic actions. The action purposeful, Kureto notes Shinya observe that laughing strengthens Raimeiki. Knowing that, Kureto is annoyed at Shinya, but he is encouraged to laugh more often, even if it is not something interesting. When Yu notes Kureto has changed, Guren informs him that he is just possessed by an unknown monster.

With Shikama Doji having struck Shinoa, who is turning into a vampire, Kureto physically shoves Yu. Telling them to get lost, Kureto has everyone withdraw and orders the researchers nearby to take Shinoa to the lab as she is transforming. Asked by Yu if he is going to save her, Kureto then hears he met with Shikama Doji. His interest piqued, Kureto questions if he did meet it, then what he said to it.

Learning that Shikama Doji knew Yu and Asuramaru, despite Mika's warning not to release such information, Kureto benefits from Yu not caring as long as Shinoa is saved. This allows Kureto to question who Yu is for "that monster" to know him, more specifically what Yu is. When Yu offers himself for examination to unlock his memories, this instantly results in Kureto having soldiers detain him without a word on his part.

Promulgating that as of now he no longer has any freedom and is their experimental subject, Kureto is beseeched by Yu to save Shinoa. Turning away and addressing him as a "guinea pig" Kureto instructs Yu not to give him orders. Remaining behind, Kureto is noticed by Guren as no longer being under Shikama Dōji's control. Noting himself that the monster suddenly stopped attacking him, Kureto suspects that even though he himself is the family head, it went after Shinoa being Mahiru's sister after all.

Changing the topic of conversation to Yu, he asks Guren what he knew of him though gets no answers even after pointing out that Yu was a favorite of his. Enquiring where Guren dug him up, Kureto learns that it was Mahiru who found Yu. Hearing her name come up again, prior to her death, Kureto knows she worked with Saitō who was also in the Hyakuya Sect, and whose name he states out loud.

With it being kept a secret for so long, Kureto wonders why Guren is releasing new information now. Wanting to hear it all, Kureto guesses a curse is involved as to why Guren cannot reveal any details. Making no headway there, not even what will happen if Guren does share what he knows, Kureto damns the situation. Needing to know what is going on, with vampire progenitors, demon curses, Kureto wonders what happened to human concerns.

Stating that if Guren cannot answer, not to, but at least listen, Kureto clarifies that the monster went after Mahiru first. Guessing that Mahiru must have taken some sort of action to deal with it, Kureto speculates on the connection with Saitō and whether Mahiru chose him if he had a grudge against the First. Trying to discern what Guren is able to tell him, Kureto wants to know about Saitō's goal. Also wanting to know Guren's goal, Kureto is perplexed by his denial of answers. Asking what he is caught up in, Kureto also has questions of who or what is possessing him.

Later joining Guren and Shinya, he assists them in working to subdue Mika after he attacks due to suspecting them of being puppets of the First. After Mika dodged Shinya's assault rifle blast, Kureto is ready with his sword crackling with electricity. Ordering Raimeiki to roar, the lightning emitted from his cursed gear leaves Mika on the ground swordless. He stands by passively as Guren attempts to reason with Mika.

After Guren tells Shinya and himself about Shikama Dōji where it is considered if they can stop him, Kureto voices his opinion that they have no choice but to do so. Even if they are trying to kill a god, Kureto states they decide their fate for themselves.

"We have no choice but to stop it. Even if we are simple puppets turning our toy swords on a god… …We will decide our fates for ourselves."

- Answering Guren’s question on whether they can stop the First.

Dismissing Shinya's light teasing about his cool one liner, Kureto is firm that they must stop the First no matter how many sacrifices they make. After a wounded Ferid tells them to run, Kureto and the group are surprised by Shinoa's arrival, who summons multiple scythes at them.

As he fends off the scythes from Shikama Doji who is possessing Shinoa's body, Kureto is positioned behind Guren. Receiving an emergency message from one of his soldiers, Kureto is alerted that enemies have been spotted outside the walls. Remarking that of all the rotten times, Kureto asks who is it. Hearing that it is the Hyakuya Sect, and witnessing the First withdraw from their battle, Kureto declares that they join the battle against this new foe. Calling for Aoi to bring the Seraph of the End online, Kureto adds for her to pass the order to all units to not allow the Hyakuya Sect to enter Shibuya's walls.

Asking about their situation and enemy numbers, Kureto hears it is unknown and unclear. Informed by Aoi that the sky is filled with attack helicopters, he orders them shot down and to deploy all their archers. Adding to activate the Seraph of the End, Kureto does not know how enemy helicopters got so close without being detected. Unsure what their sentries were doing, Kureto is told by Aoi that they used a curse based camouflage to conceal themselves. Considering it his mistake as he was so absorbed in fighting the vampires, Kureto feels he forgot to consider the possibility that they had human enemies remaining, then states that is his mistake.

Stepping outside onto the battlements, curse marks begin covering Kureto's face. Observing that they have more missiles than he can deal with, Kureto thinks what the next best course of action would be. As helicopters begin to fire, Kureto orders his archers to concentrate on the choppers, he will take care of the missiles himself. Kureto instructs Raimeiki to go wild, to the limit. Leaping to the sky, Kureto produces a lightning storm causing anything it makes contact with to explode.

Post-Shibuya Arc
As sizeable fires burn around the city, and the Hyakuya Sect order a retreat with their mission announced done, Kureto shouts orders to not let any operatives escape, to pursue and capture them.

Appearing still, Kureto is carried by second progenitor Urd Geales, and brought alongside Shinya to the location of a prison where the head of the invasion, Saito is. Turned over by third progenitor Lest Karr, he lies unconscious, and remains so as his body is pierced by a chain from a pentagram that Saito has created. Inactive, Kureto has no say, and is only used, as the strongest vampires enact their plan to capture the First. Where Shikama Doji is indeed captured and confined to the prison, Kureto is not seen as the progenitors discuss the First's son, Mikaela and the idea for his resurrection.

Natural abilities
Seen to be highly intelligent from a young age, Kureto displays great ability in making rational decisions. This is displayed in the light novel where he figures a way to get out of Mahiru's plan. Making the effort to defeat her every possible way he can, Kureto also sensibly uses his intellect as well. Also intelligent enough to keep a perceptive eye on Guren, this makes him suspicious of Guren's agenda.

While acting as if Guren were an accomplice, Kureto's intellect was honed over time. Sensibly, Kureto came to think that Guren was planning a coup. Easily seeing through his lies, Kureto paid attention to his success in creating three candidates of the Black Demon Series, dismissing that as arising from mere chance. Additionally, Kureto observed how Guren was undertaking matters his own way behind the shadows. Having enough knowledge of him, Kureto was the only one aware about Guren having a second personality, something that even Shinya, who is close to Guren, was not able to figure out on his own.

Along with that, from knowing the experiment on the Cursed Gear, he has adept knowledge on the science regarding it. Academically gifted, and applying it, Kureto processed what it took in order to master the power of the demon inside the weapons. In order to perfectly tame the demon's power, complete control of the desires within is required. Aware of this, Kureto could successfully guide and reason with Guren to snap him out of Noya's influence.

Intentional or not, his seriousness apparently becomes a charisma, which combined with his family name, is enough that he is able to earn the loyalty of many of the soldiers. Boldly heading forward, he can inspire a significant portion of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to join him in his fight against his father, Tenri who has ruled the army for a significantly long time.

His combat abilities are incredible, where Kureto is particularly in swordsmanship. That he has great physical might is shown as he could control Raimeiki, a demon with a lightning ability that brought great strain to his body. Acquiring this demon weapon at a young age, it was something that even the exceptionally talented Guren Ichinose could not do at that time. During their late teens, Kureto's skills in swordsmanship was almost equal to Guren. He was one fo the few who Guren had little options but to take him seriously despite still holding back to keep up with him. When Kureto used his complete control over the power of his cursed gear, he quickly overpowered the suppressed Guren. Able to surpass Guren's physical strength and speed, while going all out with his newly-formed power, Kureto could corner him by the wall one-sidedly, effectively winning the fight.

In the event where Guren was using the full power of Noya, with his almost equal skills and slightly superior speed, Kureto could effectively stalemate him long enough to make Guren distracted, before proceeding to defeat him again. Kureto also soundly defeated Yu, a renowned fighter despite his age, in a very short space of time. Aoi Sangū, one of the most talented members of the Sangū Family, acknowledges Kureto's strength where it is an accurate reflection of it, rather than being commented due to possible personal feelings that she has.

While temporary possessed by Shikama Dōji, he gained a tremendous boost in physical power. Capable of simultaneously getting up from his throne, while also disarming Shinya, he could then defeat and disarm Guren within a matter of seconds. Freed from his influence, Kureto's combat prowess had not diminished despite the strain of resisting the possession attempt. Where Mika has defeated Guren in combat before, and made his way through squadrons of Moon Demon Company soldiers, Kureto could join Guren and Shinya to land a lightning based attack to subdue him, where the other two could not touch him. Beset by the First's scythes, Kureto could fend them off.

Cursed Gear

 * Raimeiki (雷鳴鬼): A possession-type demon weapon of the Black Demon Series. Raimeiki takes on the form of a black katana, with a glowing green streak down the middle. Able to call on Raimeiki to possess him, this results in his arm wielding the sword to be enveloped with streaks of lightning, which require great physical strength to endure and control it.

Invoking the weapon allows Kureto to move at lightning speed instantly, with the added benefit of allowing him to catch his opponent by surprise before they can react to it. The demon weapon serves to be both a defensive and offensive mechanism. He can also shoot lightning from the blade to allow for significantly powerful ranged strikes.

Additionally, Kureto is able to activate Raimeiki to its maximum limit, this allows him to even produce a massive amount of electricity. During the assault on Shibuya, which involved a sizeable of missile launching aircraft, Kureto displayed an extreme electrical generation to strike down both missiles and the helicopters they were coming from.

Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen
Quotes from the seven prequel novels in the Seraph of the End: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen series.

Catastrophe Book 2
Quotes from the second Catastrophe novel titled Seraph of the End 2: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen:

"I don’t believe you. You have motive. You bear a grudge against the Hīragi Clan, and would have seen the merit in joining with the Thousand Nights. You’ve been lying, pretending to be weaker than you are. That’s proof enough."

- While they are reasons that make sense, parts of the first of his suspicions regarding Guren would be baseless.

"…Hmph. It seems the next leader of the Ichinose Clan has finally shown his true colors."

- Observations on Guren.

"By the way, your father came to the compound to make a complaint. He insisted that we let his son go. We took him into custody for questioning. He told us exactly what you did. That the Ichinose Clan had received an invitation from the Brotherhood of a Thousand Nights, but you couldn’t come to an agreement. And then this war started while you were still considering your answer. Your father is very weak. He broke down and talked for five hours before you did. His heart even gave out, in the end."

- Mentioning Sakae to Guren to torment him.

"That’s the first real emotion you’ve shown, isn’t it? That expression of anger? Everything up until now has just been an act, hasn’t it? Even under torture, you only shared information you deemed to be safe, didn’t you? Incredible. I should commend you. It’s not often that someone of such talent is born into such a lowly, minor clan. Don’t worry. Your father isn’t dead. We revived him and sent him home. You’re very strong, Guren. But it’s like you said. You’re just one person. Being strong doesn’t change anything. The Ichinose Clan are nothing but crawling ants in comparison to the Hīragi Clan. You could never be a threat to us. We see that now."

- Judging Guren, and firm in his belief on family clans.

"You asked if I was playing principal. You should understand that my decisions hold more weight at this school than the principal’s. The principal of this school would march to his own death, if I so ordered it. The same applies to you, Guren Ichinose. You and the principal are in the same position at this school. I am the master, and you are my followers. Understood?"

- A boastful, yet accurate claim of his influence on First Shibuya High.

"As long as you produce results, I don’t care how you get things done."

- Something Kureto practices himself.

Catastrophe Book 3
Quotes from the third Catastrophe novel titled Seraph of the End 3: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen:

"This level of torture is nothing to a Hīragi. Just look at her. She’s smiling."

- Speaking to Guren about Shinoa.

"Your opinion of me doesn’t matter. You don’t plan on lecturing me now about what an ugly, dirty world we live in, do you?"

- Uncaring of Guren's words, and dismissive of perspectives he already knows.

"I’ve decided to trust you. You are one of my most valued retainers, after all."

- Rare words concerning trust to Guren.

"Haha. You should see your face. This is why I trust you, Guren. Because of your humanity. Because you couldn’t abandon Shinoa just now. By the way, I actually announced Shinoa’s death sentence last night. I did it through channels that I knew the Thousand Nights, and anyone else keeping tabs on the Hīragi Clan, are aware of. Of course, I also made sure that you and Shinya wouldn’t catch wind of the verdict. In any case, what do you suppose happened?"

- A planned effort to check how multiple parties would act.

"Mahiru is frightening. She always has been. Not at all like you, Guren. You’re the kind of person who draws his blade in the heat of the moment because the little sister of some girl you like is about to get killed. But that’s also why I trust you. You have humanity. You would never betray your friends. You’re not one of the people at the center of all this. You’re just some slob fool who got used by a woman."

- Honest impressions of people, and knowing them well.

"Enough with the pleasantries. You betrayed the Hīragis and ran away. Because of you, countless friends and comrades of ours are dead. What was the point of all that killing? Why did you disappear?"

- An exchange with Mahiru.

"You’ve lost your mind, Mahiru. What you’re doing will spread death indiscriminately."

- An accusation towards Mahiru.

"I won’t allow this. I won’t allow you to blatantly massacre our followers in this way. I will protect my people."

- His resolve in the face of Mahiru's perceived goals.

Catastrophe Book 4
Quotes from the fourth Catastrophe novel titled Seraph of the End 4: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen:

"It doesn’t matter how we get there. In the end, I still come out the winner."

- An affirmation to Shinya.

"Hahaha. When the demon tried to tempt me, I wasn’t thinking of Mahiru. My desires lie elsewhere."

- Sharing details of a demon interaction to Guren, and who it didn't involve.

"Don’t do it. Hold on to your reason. This is your weakness. Anytime someone else is hurt, you promptly lose your cool."

- Providing his viewpoint to Guren.

"The clan leaders wanted to ‘exterminate every last Ichinose rate,’ but I told them you had only been researching cursed gear under my orders. I protected your people."

- Having conversed with other clam members, and having a say where he could cover Guren.

Catastrophe Book 5
Quotes from the fifth Catastrophe novel titled Seraph of the End 5: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen:

"I think I’ll kill Guren either way, even if you don’t care… I’ll torture him for three days, starting today. First I’ll hack off his arms and legs, then I’ll carve out his eyes, slice out his tongue, and start shredding his body into a million little pieces. And then I’ll kill him. I’ll do it right here, in this warehouse. Either come back right away or I’ll drag Guren here in your place…"

- Barbarically describing his vicious intent to Mahiru to coerce her into co-operating with him.

Catastrophe Book 6
Quotes from the sixth Catastrophe novel titled Seraph of the End 6: Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at Sixteen:

"In any case, I’m glad to see you didn’t get yourself killed today. You’re an important piece on my board, Guren."

- Pleased a unit can be used for another day.

Seraph of the End Manga
Quotes from the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign, also known as Owari no Seraph manga, where Kureto is an adult.

"After today, I'm going to be the hero who saved the world."

- A declaration to Seishirō where he means to energize a seraph.

"Are you telling me to ignore his insubordination? Ah well. I am in a particularly good mood today. Plus, they're all going to die anyway. Begin the experiment."

- His attitude to Shinya concerning Narumi's frustrations on how so many have died, then ordering Aoi to kill the surviving soldiers.

"It was for the sake of humanity's future. You killed people too. You did it because you knew it meant something."

- To Guren, trying to justify the deaths of others.

"Then on whose shoulders are we to stand?! Who are we to lead?! A king with no people to protect is no king at all!!"

- Disagreeing with Tenri Hīragi that he needs no one.

"Defeating father has only made me the new puppet in his place. To resist that control, I need more greed. More desire. Desire..."

- His thoughts concerning Shikama Doji acting to possess him, before kissing Aoi Sangū to fuel the desire for his demon to keep him at bay.

"If I go insane, kill me. But, if you can... save me."

- Speaking to Guren, Shinya, and Shinoa after he explains his situation on being possessed by Shikama Dōji.

Trivia

 * Kureto 「暮人」 means "Dusk person."
 * Hīragi 「柊」 means "Holly."
 * Kureto likes fishing.
 * In chapter 14, Kureto promises to give Guren a reward for his efforts in Shinjuku. It turned out to be chocolate ice cream.
 * He and Seishirō are biological brothers.
 * Despite being slightly inferior to Guren, he has never been bested by Guren in a fight and has defeated him in each and every time they fought due to Guren either holding back, getting distracted or was unable to use his full power.
 * According to the official fanbook:
 * Interest/Likes: [Interests] A bright future for mankind/An environment where his subordinates can work easily [Likes] A good pillow for sleeping
 * Favorite food: Black tea/Carbonated drinks
 * What he looks for in the opposite sex: Females who can give birth to superior children/Females who aren’t obedient to him