Kazuma Sohma

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Kazuma Sohma (草摩籍真 Sōma Kazuma) is a fictional character in the manga and anime series entitled Fruits Basket. He is a Karate teacher at his own dojo at the Sohma main house and is part of the "inner clan" of the Sohma family.

Kazuma has taught martial arts to Kyo, Yuki, Kagura, and Hatsuharu. Kazuma, who raised Kyo and is his adoptive father, has an especially strong bond with Kyo. He thinks of Kyo as his son, and Kyo likewise views him as a father. Kyo holds him in high regard, calling him shishō, or "master", rather than simply "teacher". His exact age has not been given, but Natsuki Takaya once said that although she draws him young, he's in his forties.

Contents

1 Role in story

1.1 Kazuma's grandfather
1.2 Relationship with Kyo
1.3 Relationship with Isuzu \"Rin\" Sohma

Role in story

Despite being a relatively seldom-seen character, Kazuma has an important role as a surrogate parent and father figure to several members of the Sohma family. Along with teaching several of the younger members of the zodiac martial arts, he has sheltered Isuzu Sohma when her family life became too stressful and dangerous. Kazuma's kind and understanding nature make him someone Shigure Sohma seems to trust greatly, as it is implied the two have close relationship. Despite being a non-cursed member of the Sohma family Kazuma seems to have quite a bit of influence in matters such as Kyo's future and is well respected among the Jyunishi.

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Kazuma's grandfather

Kazuma's grandfather, before Kyo, was the cat of the Chinese Zodiac. Like all of those possessed by the cat in the Sohma family, he was kept isolated from the world in a small cell (aka. The Neko Room, The Cat Room) once he was finished with his schooling. He lived there for the rest of his life.

While imprisoned he had a female servant who catered to him and kept him company. She stayed with him even to the point of bearing his child. When asked why she remarked that Kazuma's grandfather was "just too pitiful" (Chapter 114). Kazuma is afraid that something like this may be occouring between Kyo and Tohru, a thought he greatly dislikes. However, despite his grandmother's cruel attitude and Kazuma's displeasure at her reasoning, Kazuma confirmed that she made his grandfather happy. Kazuma's grandmother bears a resemblance to an elderly servant that caters to Akito and Ren and makes frequent appearances in the manga.

When Kazuma met his grandfather only once as a child. At that meeting, his grandfather offered Kazuma a candy (possibly a daifuku bun). Kazuma coldly refused, telling his grandfather that he couldn't accept the candy because it was cursed. However, his grandfather just kindly smiled at him, Kazuma believes this was as if to say "I forgive you" (Chapter 34).

Kazuma's grandfather died soon after (indicated by Kazuma's remark in Chapter 34 "My granfather died, and I grew up"). Because he was the Cat Kazuma's grandfather was not allowed to be burried within the Souma grounds. As far as Kazuma is concerned this is just as well because his grandfather finally got to be free of the Sohmas (Chapter 66). He was buried far enough away from the Sohma Complex that Kazuma actually had to go on a journey to go visit his grandfather's grave. Kazuma began to see what his grandfather had gone through from a different perspective and started to feel guilty about the way he had treated his grandfather as a child.

Kazuma and Kyo sparring

Relationship with Kyo

After Kyo's mother had committed suicide, Kazuma took him in and began to raise him as his own son. The other members of the Sohma clan looked down with pity upon Kazuma for raising him, saying that Kyo could not even be disciplined by his own father and that it wasn't fair to Kazuma. However, when he heard them say this, he lifted Kyo up and told him "From now on, you will be breathing air from a higher place".

Though his first intention of raising Kyo was to make amends for the way his grandfather was treated, he actually began to form a bond with Kyo and the two became like father and son. As Kyo grew, he began to resent the way the other Sohmas pitied Kazuma for raising him, and began rejecting Kazuma as his father. While Kyo's intent was to keep Kazuma's feelings from being hurt by what the other Sohmas thought, Kazuma still wanted to be Kyo's father. As a result, he began to distance himself from Kyo, not wanting to force his feelings upon him. It wasn't until after Kazuma revealed Kyo's true form to Tohru Honda that Kyo once again began to call him his father.

Kyo had been living with Kazuma until he was ready to enter high school. It was then decided that he would reside at Shigure Sohma's house. Kyo still visits Kazuma at the dojo three times every week for training.

Relationship with Isuzu \"Rin\" Sohma

After an incident involving Haru, Hiro Sohma, and Isuzu Sohma (see Relationship with Haru in Isuzu Sohma), Rin has been living and recoving in the care of Kazuma until the present date.

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