The Jubokko (樹木子, "Jubokko") is a demon tree that, according to folklore, appears in former battlefields where many people have died in order to suck up large quantities of blood from the dead and life force.
In many cultures it is known as the Ninmenju (人面樹, "Human Face Tree", English TV; "Man Eating Demon Tree") due to the rather repulsive human-faced fruit it produces. It is currently protected by the wise-men of the Kuwabara Clan.
Background[]
Unlike the God Tree (神樹, Shinju, English TV: Divine Tree), Jubokko is a complicated, sentient individual who can think and function independently. According to folklore, it was once a powerful monk sage who sought immortality by consuming the blood and flesh of those who died, even absorbing their life force. Some claim that he was a member of the Kuwabara Clan.
Because of the great amount of nature energy and life energy he absorbed, after his death the monk became a tree, one that grew larger and larger over time. Although they deny it, early members of the Kuwabara would sacrifice their dead and the dead of their enemies to the tree, causing it to grow larger and larger over time. Rumors had it that simply walking near the ever-growing tree would be the end of a person, the tree sapping the life force from those nearby. To this day the Kuwabara are guardians to the tree, evoking barriers and protective spells around it. Jubokko is located in the Land of Tea.
Personality[]
Jubokko is a wise tree yōkai with immense wisdom. He has lived far longer than most could ever dream and, as such, can offer the greatest counsel to anyone seeking him out. However, being a tree and an ancient being he doesn't have the most dynamic personality. He does, however, have a very elderly demeanor. Despite his stationary nature he is well-learned on world occurrences and even shinobi techniques and power.
He will not communicate with those he deems unworthy, able to perceive one's intent and determine whether or not they are worth his time. When he does offer himself to others, he will materialize a face to speak with them, noting how it is easy to understand someone when you can see them. Jubokko does not like war or conflict and can see through presumptuousness using his great wisdom.
Human Faced Fruit[]
Abilities[]
- Foretelling
- Life Force Absorption
- Will and Intent Perception
- Wood Manipulation
- Illusion Techniques
Trivia[]
- According to Japanese folklore, the ninmenju (人面樹) was a tree that bore human-faced fruit that had a bitter, sour taste.
- If a person laughs at the tree, the head-shaped flowers will laugh back at that person. If they laugh too strongly, the heads will wilt and fall off the trees.