Hinoe

Hinoe is a recurring character from the series, Natsume's Book of Friends. She is a powerful youkai in the form of a human who had a thing for Reiko and understandably her grandson who resembles her. Hinoe is a beautiful woman. She has long, dark-blue hair that is tied with golden ornaments and a silver hairpin, ghostly pale skin and willowy body. She wears a traditional michiyuki coat with vivid colors and flowers over her kimono. Hinoe also wears purple lipstick and eye shadow while also having long, purple fingernails. She has red eyes. Hinoe can float in the air and is sometimes seen sitting in trees. She smokes tobacco from a long pipe. She is proud and looks down on others, although she is secretly kind-hearted. She also has a twisted sense of humor. Like most ayakashi, she gets bored rather easily and would help Takashi out if he asked and if she feels like doing so. She seems to hate men, though the reasoning behind this has not been disclosed. However, she has a grudging affection for Takashi because of his uncanny resemblance to his grandmother Reiko. She gradually learns to like Takashi as an individual. This affection grows to the point of strong attachment and deep fondness such that she openly worries for Natsume’s safety, gives him advice and information about yokai, protects him, acts as a sort of mentor, displaying strong affection and cuddling him, and threatening anyone who harms him. She seems like an ordinary youkai although it is hinted many times that she is possibly one of the stronger youkai, perhaps on the same level as Misuzu and Madara. She possess several magic scrolls and has a lot of knowledge about youkai (Karu episode), has a lot of strong acquaintances, and is respected by both Madara and Misuzu.