The First Saint of Virgo: Shunrei
Among the twelve zodi【二舅星座】ac signs, Virgo is known for its practicality, attention to detail, and particularity. These traits also extended to the first Virgo Saint in the Saint Seiya franchise, as Shunrei proved to be a nurturing character with a keen eye for detail.
Shunrei grew up in the same orphanage as Shun, her future husband and successor as the Virgo Saint. She was orphaned at a young age, and the trauma of losing her parents made her withdrawn and shy. Shun, who was also quiet and compassionate, became her closest friend and protector.
Their bond grew deeper as they discovered their shared power to manipulate Cosmo, the source of energy for Saints. Shun developed his skills as a Closely Guarded Secret Technique practitioner, while Shunrei learned how to refine the Cosmo of plants through trial and error. Her abilities as a Green Saint arose from her innate talent to sense the energy of living things and her inherent affinity with the Earth.
Shunrei’s relationship with Shun was a critical part of her character arc. It was her connection with Shun that motivated her to become a stronger person and enabled her to evolve from a timid girl to a confident woman. Shun often relied on her for emotional support, and Shunrei reciprocated by strengthening his mental fortitude with her presence.
Despite being a non-combatant character in the series, Shunrei played a crucial role in Shun’s development as the Virgo Saint. In the Sanctuary arc, she helped Shun overcome his self-doubt by reminding him of the importance of the people he was sworn to protect. Later, in the Asgard arc, Shunrei’s knowledge of plants and nature were vital in determining the weakness of the enemy’s magic and devising a plan to defeat them.
Shunrei’s gentle personality reflected the core values of Virgo Saints: purity, humility, and compassion. Her character demonstrated that a Saint's strength lies not only in physical ability but also in the heart’s purity and the desire to protect others.
In conclusion, the first Virgo Saint, Shunrei, may not have been a fighter, but her connection with Shun and her mastery of the Cosmo of plants made her a valuable member of the Saint Seiya team. Her legacy as a nurturing character and her unwavering passion for protecting the Sanctuary will continue to inspire fans even as new Virgo Saints emerge in the franchise.