Yaone
In Saiyuki, Yaone serves as the alchemist for Kougaiji, the youkai prince. She's best known for her cool demeanor and her arsenal of weapons—a short spear, explosives, and various poisons—which she's not afraid to use. Beyond combat, she doubles as a babysitter for Kougaiji's younger sister Lirin, a role that defines much of her daily life.
Yaone's loyalty to Kougaiji runs deep. She was originally marked for death by the woman-eater Hyakuganmaoh, but Kougaiji saved her, and she's been devoted to him ever since. That gratitude has never wavered, even when circumstances force her to work alongside the Sanzo Party.
Her main rival is Hakkai, and fans often note how much they have in common—both are unnervingly calm and collected in a fight. There's an odd chemistry between them; some have speculated that Yaone reminds Hakkai of his deceased lover Kanan. Occasionally they even end up fighting on the same side, whether against a common enemy or just existing in the same space as the broader Sanzo Ikkou. But make no mistake: Yaone makes it clear her allegiances belong entirely to Kougaiji, no matter what.
Content compiled by AnimeList.moe from publicly available sources.
