I’m writing this because I’ve been following the “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” manga up through Volume 9 (as of early 2025), and I’m absolutely intrigued by how the anime or live-action adaptation may handle Aoi’s character. Many wonder if she’s the true heroine of this eccentric vampire-comedy—or something more. Let’s dive into the details!
Spoiler Alert: This article contains major story details about Aoi Shinozuka. Please read at your own discretion.
Who Is Aoi Shinozuka?
Aoi Shinozuka (篠塚 葵) is introduced as Rihito Tatsuno’s classmate in Volume 1 (Chapter 2). She’s a somewhat naïve but kind-hearted high school girl who becomes a major point of tension—inadvertently—between Rihito and the 450-year-old vampire, Ranmaru Mori.
- First Encounter: Aoi literally bumps into Rihito on their first day of high school. This chance meeting sparks Rihito’s immediate crush, but ironically, Aoi’s biggest fascination ends up being Ranmaru.
- Vampire Obsession: As early as Volume 1 (Chapter 3), we learn that Aoi has a keen interest in anything involving vampires. So, when Ranmaru accidentally reveals hints of his true nature, she’s naturally (and comically) drawn to him.
Aoi’s Relationship Web
Aoi finds herself in a tricky spot—admired by Rihito but increasingly drawn to Ranmaru’s mysterious aura. Let’s explore these dynamics.
Rihito Tatsuno
- Rihito’s Feelings: He develops a crush on Aoi right away in Volume 1 (Chapter 2), confiding in Ranmaru about his newfound love.
- Aoi’s Initial View: She sees Rihito as a friendly classmate and remains oblivious to his romantic feelings until later volumes (particularly Volume 2 (Chapter 7), when misunderstandings ramp up).
Ranmaru Mori
- Eccentric Vampire: Ranmaru is secretly living at Rihito’s family bathhouse and is fixated on “18-year-old virgin blood.”
- Aoi’s Curiosity: By Volume 1 (Chapter 4), she’s so captivated by the possibility of Ranmaru being a “real vampire” that she starts calling him “Vampire-sama.”
- Unexpected “Heroine” Aspect: As revealed in Volume 2 (Chapter 8), Aoi’s innocent fascination inadvertently disrupts Ranmaru’s plan to keep Rihito pure, prompting comedic chaos.
Key Episodes Centering on Aoi
- Volume 1 (Chapter 5):
Aoi narrowly escapes a dangerous encounter with a stranger. Ranmaru comes to the rescue, strengthening her infatuation with him. From here on, Aoi’s role expands as she gains deeper suspicion—and partial awareness—of Ranmaru’s vampire identity. - Volume 2 (Chapter 9):
Tension flares when Aoi’s older brother (nicknamed Franken) learns that Ranmaru has been meddling in her private life. Aoi, caught between her brother’s overprotective streak and her fascination with Ranmaru, experiences comedic whiplash. - Volume 3 (Chapter 12):
Aoi begins realizing that Rihito harbors deeper feelings for her. She’s torn between seeing him as just a dear friend and acknowledging his affection. Meanwhile, her “crush” on Ranmaru confuses Rihito to no end. - Volume 4 (Chapter 15):
Aoi’s reactions spark new misunderstandings. She innocently stokes Ranmaru’s panic regarding Rihito’s “pure blood,” leading Ranmaru to orchestrate a series of wild detours to keep them apart—or so he thinks.
Her Potential Role with Devils—and Is Death Involved?
While “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” does feature vampire hunters and supernatural elements, Aoi’s storyline doesn’t revolve around devils per se. She has no direct ties to vampire hunter missions or mortal peril beyond comedic scuffles. There’s no canonical suggestion (through Volume 9) of her facing a fatal end. Instead, she’s more a catalyst for chaos—and possibly for Ranmaru’s slow shift in priorities, as he starts questioning if “perfect blood” is his only goal.
Where She Stands By Volume 9
By early 2025, the manga is ongoing:
- Romantic Triggers: Aoi’s dynamic with Rihito is still playful and somewhat ambiguous. She remains oblivious to the depth of his affection.
- Fascination with Ranmaru: She continues to admire the “vampire side” of Ranmaru, inadvertently undermining Ranmaru’s plan to keep Rihito’s innocence intact.
- Anime Expectations: The anime, launched in 2025, may or may not adapt Aoi’s storyline verbatim. Fans anticipate differences in how her connection to Ranmaru and Rihito might unfold, especially since the manga isn’t finished.
FINAL THOUGHT
I find Aoi’s presence delightful. She brings an air of innocence to a chaotic bathhouse world, making her essential as a comedic (and possibly romantic) anchor. Her role as a possible “heroine” is just as important as it is unexpected, and I’m eager to see how future chapters—and the anime—expand on her developing relationship with Rihito and Ranmaru.
We’ve explored how Aoi Shinozuka evolved from a simple classmate into a pivotal figure driving much of the comedic and romantic tension in “Baban Baban Ban Vampire.” Her genuine adoration of vampires leads her to Ranmaru; meanwhile, Rihito struggles with unrequited love. As Volume 9 (with Volume 10 on the way) teases more twists, many questions remain: Will Aoi discover the full extent of Ranmaru’s identity? And will Rihito finally convey his feelings without interruption?
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