Usami, Shiina

Overview

Usami Shiina, affectionately known as Usa-chan, is the twenty-eighth girlfriend of the protagonist Rentaro Aijo in the manga series ‘The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You’. She is a second-year student at Ohananomitsu University Affiliated High School, Class 6, and a member of the Rentaro Family.

Personality

Shiina has a unique and contradictory personality. On one hand, she loves being in crowded places and feels a sense of comfort and security among large groups of people. However, she also has a tendency to dilute her presence in these situations, often blending in to avoid drawing attention to herself. This behavior stems from her fear of being alone, which is so intense that she feels like she’s going to die if she’s left by herself.

Role in the Story

Shiina’s introduction to the story is marked by her deliberate attempt to join the Rentaro Family. She had been observing the family from afar, noting the increasing number of members and wanting to be part of it. After thorough analysis of the family dynamics and the characteristics of Rentaro’s girlfriends, she decides to take action. She confesses her feelings to Rentaro, but initially faces rejection. However, Rentaro’s genuine interest in her and his willingness to make her feel less lonely lead to a romantic connection between them.

Relationships

Shiina’s relationship with Rentaro is central to her character development. Her initial confession and subsequent interactions with him are pivotal in overcoming her loneliness. She also forms a bond with Mimimi, another member of the Rentaro Family, though their relationship is initially strained due to Shiina’s overwhelming behavior. Shiina’s tendency to fill conversations with repetitive mentions of the other person’s name, as seen with Rentaro and Mimimi, highlights her intense focus on the people she cares about.

Significant Plot Points

• First Appearance: Shiina first appears in Chapter 168, where she is introduced as the twenty-eighth girlfriend of Rentaro Aijo.
• Joining the Rentaro Family: Shiina’s decision to join the Rentaro Family is a significant plot point, as it marks her transition from a lonely individual to a member of a supportive group.
• Relationship with Mimimi: Shiina’s interactions with Mimimi are crucial in understanding her character. Her initial overbearing behavior towards Mimimi leads to a temporary distance between them, but ultimately, they reconcile, and Shiina learns to appreciate Mimimi’s help in overcoming her personal issues.

Conclusion

Usami Shiina is a complex and intriguing character in ‘The 100 Girlfriends’ manga. Her unique personality, marked by a love for crowded places and a fear of being alone, makes her a compelling addition to the Rentaro Family. Her relationships with Rentaro and Mimimi are central to her character development, showcasing her growth from a lonely individual to a valued member of a supportive community.