Kuki Shinobu (Genshin Impact)

Who is Kuki Shinobu?

Kuki Shinobu, also known as 久く岐き忍しのぶ in Japanese, graces the world of Genshin Impact as a formidable Electro character. Once a revered shrine maiden at the esteemed Grand Narukami Shrine, she now stands as the trusted sidekick of Arataki Itto and holds the esteemed position of Deputy Leader within the Arataki Gang.

Her tenure as a shrine maiden has endowed her with a profound sense of professionalism and a wealth of certifications, making her an invaluable asset to the Arataki Gang. Kuki Shinobu’s expertise has proven instrumental in navigating the gang through numerous challenges, contributing significantly to their success. Not confined to the realm of mischief and delinquency, she has successfully broadened the gang’s business horizons, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse situations.

Personality of Kuki Shinobu

In stark contrast to her family’s lineage of shrine maidens, Shinobu has chosen an unconventional path, diverging from tradition to navigate the diverse landscapes of life. Experimenting with various trades, immersing herself in Liyue’s academic pursuits, and even aligning with the audacious Arataki Gang, she unabashedly embraces a lifestyle that champions freedom and varied experiences over the monotony of familial duties.

Within the dynamic of her group, Shinobu emerges as the epitome of seriousness and professionalism. Tasked with managing the gang’s legal entanglements and mitigating the fallout from Itto’s exuberant antics, she diligently strives to rectify damages and uphold a sense of order. The denizens of Hanamizaka have come to recognize her competence, seeking her counsel on diverse matters, and leaving impressed with the seamless efficiency of their interactions.

Her strained relationship with parents, who once coerced her into the role of a shrine maiden, lingers as a source of discontent. Shinobu’s resentment stems from a perceived lack of concern for her well-being, a sentiment exacerbated by her disdain for the stifling responsibilities of the job. Despite this familial discord, she maintains a close bond with her sister, Miyuki. Behind a mask that shields her personal affairs from prying eyes, Shinobu navigates the intricate web of her past and present.

When provoked by disruptions to her meticulously laid plans, especially those involving rescuing the Arataki Gang from legal predicaments, Shinobu transforms into a fearsome force. Physical discipline becomes her method of choice, a stern reminder to her comrades that frivolity carries consequences. This stern demeanor, however, earns her an aura of terror among the gang members. In a curious twist, Sayu envisions her as a potential disturbance to her own sleep, convinced that like-minded individuals attract chaos.

Appearance of Kuki Shinobu

Shinobu, opting for the medium female model, stands out with her distinctive features. Her light green hair cascades elegantly, framing a visage adorned with pale skin and eyes that shimmer in a narrow hue of reddish-violet. Adding an extra touch of intrigue, reddish-purple markings grace her skin at the sides of her waist, creating an ethereal and enigmatic allure. In a world filled with vibrant characters, Shinobu’s appearance is a unique blend of colors and details that tell a story of her unconventional journey and individualistic spirit.

Character stories of Kuki Shinobu

In the chaotic tapestry of the Arataki Gang, where uproarious revelry is practically an art form, Kuki Shinobu, the gang’s discreet second-in-command, exists as a silent enigma. Her reserved demeanor and perpetual mask set her apart from the boisterous backdrop created by her fellow gang members.

Regardless of the predicaments the others invariably find themselves embroiled in, this deputy possesses an uncanny ability to untangle the mess with a blend of professionalism and swift efficiency. Whether she’s crafting snacks to replace pilfered treats from children, reviving scratched lacquerware with a fresh coat of paint, or championing the cause of detained comrades, her versatile skills leave onlookers pondering if there’s anything beyond her capabilities.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m certified for everything. There are some industries that just don’t have standardized assessments, so there’s no way to sit for any such tests,” she remarks, her displeasure subtly conveyed even behind her mask. “Also, how can there be lines of work where you can find employment without the right qualifications? It boggles the mind.” Her deep puzzlement proves just as infectious as it is perplexing, creating an intriguing paradox within the gang’s eclectic dynamics.

1st character story

It’s often said that a name card serves as one’s gateway into society. While the idea of adorning these cards with gold and silver embroidery may be a tad perplexing, the efficiency of presenting a small card bearing your name, position, and contact details cannot be denied.

When Kuki Shinobu stepped into the realms of society, the meticulous details on her name card became a subject of profound consideration. “Ex-Grand Narukami Shrine Maiden?” She swiftly quashed that notion as soon as it surfaced in her mind. Just “Kuki Shinobu”? No, that would risk portraying her as an aimless individual, lacking prowess in both word and deed.

Contemplating the acquisition of certifications seemed like a sensible path, a common wisdom embraced by many. Certifications, after all, stand as tangible proof of one’s efforts and serve as persuasive credentials during introductions – valuable assets indeed. After securing a couple of such certificates with ease, Shinobu felt it was time to infuse a bit of vibrancy into her otherwise blank name card.

However, this endeavor presented its own set of challenges. Driven by curiosity and a self-testing mentality, she amassed a multitude of certifications in one fell swoop, causing the prefix section of her name card to swell uncontrollably. “Junior Chef, Tailor, Actuary, Health Manager, Human Resource Manager…”

While possessing a plethora of skills is not inherently negative, there’s a fine line between versatility and the struggle of juggling too many titles – a dilemma Shinobu found herself entangled in.

To this day, the number of name cards she has created eludes her memory. Yet, since joining the Arataki Gang, her very first and enduring title has been a succinct and impactful “Deputy.”

2nd character story

After savoring Kuki Shinobu’s creation, the Roasted Lavender Melon, the Arataki Gang found themselves overcome with emotion, shedding tears and declaring their newfound appreciation for the delectable charm of roasted Lavender Melons.

The distinctive flavor left an indelible mark, unlike anything they had ever experienced through conventional methods of preparation. The question lingered: Did high-class culinary exams teach such specific techniques for Lavender Melon cooking?

In response to their inquiry, Shinobu paused her melon-grilling endeavors and began to weave a tale. Recounting a time when she ventured to the distant land of Liyue to study law, she spoke of her frequent visits to a renowned establishment known as Wanmin Restaurant during her leisure hours.

The culinary delights at Wanmin Restaurant unfolded as a symphony of diversity and inventive techniques, surprising even Shinobu, who held a high-level culinary license at the time. From intricately stir-fried meat slivers drenched in savory sauces to cabbage delicately boiled with the fragrance of chicken soup, the world of culinary possibilities seemed boundless.

Despite possessing expertise in various professions and boasting high certifications, Shinobu emphasized the folly of resting on one’s laurels. She extolled the virtues of daring to explore and break through boundaries set by those who preceded.

The Arataki Gang, while not fully grasping this sentiment, cheered in enthusiastic agreement. Their exuberant cheers only added to the flavorful experience of the Lavender Melons.

Amidst their enjoyment, Shinobu chose to keep the conclusion of her story to herself. In that bygone era, the sous chef of Wanmin Restaurant had overheard her words and urged Chef Mao to present the Salt and Pepper Slime…

Such unconventional culinary delights, Shinobu knew, defied any standardized exam worldwide. The Arataki Gang, unbeknownst to them, would likely not be keen on discovering that their beloved Shinobu had ingeniously utilized slime ooze as a sauce for grilling Lavender Melons.

3rd character story

The Kuki Clan, a venerable lineage of shrine maidens, had for generations considered service to Narukami a profound honor. This tradition persisted in Shinobu’s generation. Following her sister Miyuki’s assignment to the Grand Shrine, Shinobu, too, became an understudy at a young age.

Immersed in this time-honored tradition, Shinobu found herself navigating a labyrinth of rules and regulations. Fasting durations to exhibit sincerity, prescribed ablutions to avoid divine profanity — these guidelines were handed down without an explanation of their origin or decision-making process. Simply put, they were to be followed because they had existed since time immemorial.

Upon her arrival at the shrine, the chill of mountain nights occasionally gripped Shinobu. Alone and determined, she refrained from seeking assistance from fellow shrine maidens. Instead, she diligently plucked thorned plants, weaving them around her body, guided by a traditional belief that this act would secure Narukami’s protection and dispel illness. Throughout the night, she whispered prayers for protection, but when morning arrived, the chill persisted. All she had to show for her efforts was a tingling red mark.

As days unfolded, Shinobu discovered that the rules weren’t foolproof, and the role of a shrine maiden wasn’t as indispensable as claimed by the ancients. The very necessity for the Kuki Clan to embrace the path of shrine maidens became a subject of contemplation and, eventually, renegotiation.

Several years later, having left the shrine behind, Shinobu found herself flipping through a book on herbology. To her surprise, the pages vividly described the paralytic properties of mountainous thorns, historically integrated into medicine to alleviate aches and pains. Shinobu was left speechless, realizing that perhaps rules had underlying reasons, but treating them as unassailable truths was an outdated practice.

Reflecting on her current life, Shinobu couldn’t help but acknowledge her contentment. The realization that rules could be reassessed and a life outside the confines of ancient mandates was possible brought a sense of liberation.

4th character story

In her quest for a job that would afford her true freedom, Kuki Shinobu deliberately turned down respectable job offers, opting instead for part-time outsourced work. One such commission came from an elderly lacquerware professional dealing with a hip injury, and while the task itself posed no challenge for Shinobu, the client’s location was peculiar.

When delivering the meticulously maintained figurine to the Police Station, a chance encounter with a fleeing petty thief nearly sent her days’ worth of work spiraling. In a display of lightning-fast reflexes, Shinobu not only caught the figurine mid-air but also deftly tripped the suspect, allowing bystanders to swiftly subdue the crook. To her surprise, Kujou Sara, who had apparently placed the order, personally thanked Shinobu.

Amazed by Shinobu’s martial prowess, Sara, after learning of Shinobu’s desire for a job that offered genuine freedom, extended an invitation to join the Tenryou Commission. However, Shinobu, hesitating at the prospect of civil service limitations, proposed a unique condition: part-time legal lectures and martial arts training.

From that day onward, Shinobu embarked on a new chapter of part-time work. Sara, attending her lectures and demonstrations, explained earnestly, “It is only right that those who enforce the law should better understand it.” Shinobu, appreciating Sara’s straightforward personality and decisive actions, quickly formed a friendship with her.

Despite Sara repeatedly offering her a full-time position, Shinobu consistently declined, still in pursuit of that elusive “job that brings true freedom.” This quest persisted until an unexpected late arrival by Sara at their usual izakaya meeting spot led Shinobu to drink until midnight.

“Sorry. I was held up by a really rowdy gang…”

“A gang? And what gang could have troubled you that much?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call them ‘trouble’ exactly. They call themselves the Arataki Gang…”

5th character story

The buzz around Hanamizaka swirled with news of the Arataki Gang’s newly appointed second-in-command, sparking a modest but notable stir in the community. Whispers of this deputy’s prowess in etiquette, law, and physical finesse spread quickly, with rumors suggesting that they had swiftly brought the rowdier gang members into line within days of their arrival.

Eyewitness accounts of the deputy’s actions were filled with commendation, proclaiming the long-awaited infusion of politeness and reason into the Arataki Gang’s ranks. However, some harbored concerns about this development, questioning the implications of instilling discipline in an organization known for its lack of conformity.

The Arataki Gang, infamous for their minor disturbances in the past, now found themselves engaged in a spectrum of operations that extended far beyond their usual repertoire. From logistics and transportation to home repair, performance, tax agency, legal consultation, and event management, their endeavors involved considerable capital and, notably, an element of danger.

Speculations ran wild – were they obtaining the necessary licenses for these ventures? And what about the potential for fraudulent activities, inviting scrutiny and intervention from the Tenryou Commission?

Such fears and ominous rumors, however, swiftly dissipated as the Arataki Gang’s subsequent actions spoke louder than speculation. Those who sought their new financial services found their situations miraculously transformed, and the gang’s commitment to transparency and integrity in their processes left many stunned.

Yet, amidst these commendable shifts, the essence of the Gang remained unchanged. The children of Hanamizaka still quivered at the prospect of Arataki Itto claiming their snacks come dinner time, and the return home often involved frustrated young ones.

While the legendary second-in-command worked diligently to instill a sense of order, it seemed that reforming the more unrestrained aspects of the Arataki Gang would indeed be a prolonged endeavor.

Vision

On the day Kuki Shinobu departed from the shrine, she left behind all the trappings associated with her life as a shrine maiden, opting for a fresh start with the most basic of belongings. The weight of her bag, however, immediately struck her as peculiar. Hadn’t she only packed towels?

Upon investigation, she retrieved an unexpected item from the bag – a glittering Vision. Its beauty was so enchanting that even her sister, Miyuki, couldn’t help but gasp. The irony of a shrine maiden fleeing her duties receiving a Vision was not lost on Shinobu. It marked her very first “certification,” bestowed by a god, certifying her newfound freedom.

This divine endorsement played a pivotal role in swaying Miyuki’s initial intention to dissuade Shinobu. Witnessing the sign, Miyuki agreed to assist in convincing their parents of Shinobu’s decision.

It was this connection to her Vision that led Shinobu to willingly surrender it during the Vision Hunt Decree. Not only did she not wish to complicate matters for her friend in the Tenryou Commission, but the Vision was merely one among many certificates she possessed. Shinobu believed that life’s challenges could often be resolved without relying on a Vision, and the most stubborn problems couldn’t be dismissed solely by the power of such a device.

Removing generations of prejudice, seeking true, unbridled freedom, or preventing the well-intentioned interference of the Arataki Gang in her pursuit of reclaiming her Vision – these were endeavors that required more than the influence of a Vision.

1. ^{DICTIONARY ENTRY} Genshin Impact. (n.d.). Kuki Shinobu. In Fandom. [Fandom]
2. ^{ONLINE NEWS} Lawton, T. (2024, June 15). Genshin Impact Kuki Shinobu build. Pocket Tactics. [Pocket Tactics]
3. ^WEBSITE Michael. (2022, May 31). Kuki Shinobu Ascension Mats: Full Ascension and Talent Materials List. Gamerant. [Gamerant]