Yurako

When she is first seen Yurako is believed to be Sana, a woman believed to have been killed 900 years earlier in the Heian era. Sana's death was witnessed by man, but the woman calling herself Yurako had an uncanny, twin-like appearance and an infatuation with Mao that seemed to suggest she had survived her supposed death. She allied herself with Hakubi and Shiranui and used her commanding voice against Mao and his allies.

Eventually Yurako revealed her true history to Nanoka. She was raised in isolation by the master of the Goko Clan. Kept sequestered away from everyone she absorbed inbound curses that were reversed by their enemies. Her life was one of torture and lonliness as she remained inside a cell deep within a cavern. Her body absorbed poisoned curses, marring her face severely as the cruel master of the clan visited her and inked sutras into her skin.

Yurako escaped from her prison but soon was hunted down. During her flight from the cavern Mao found her and showed kindness to her, a simple inquiry asking if she was alright. This gentle act of compassion made a tremendous impression upon Yurako, a young girl who had suffered nothing but abuse and inhuman treatment. Yurako was returned to her prison but was able to view the temple grounds from her hole. She watched Mao and came to learn of his infatuation with Sana, a woman who's face she would eventually adopt as her own.

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The Meaning Behind the Name - 幽羅子

Yurako is written with interesting kanji. The "yu" (幽) is taken from the work "yuuki" (幽鬼) meaning "ghost". The "ra" (羅) is taken from "rasetsu" (羅刹) which translates as "Rakshasa", a type of demonic creature in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. "Ko" (子) is a feminine name ending which literally means "child".