Homura Kōgetsu (ホムラ・コウゲツ) is a young swordswoman from Oedo (オオエド, Ōedo), a planet styled after Edo-period Japan.[ch. 57] Abandoned at a young age by her mother, Kurenai,[ch. 47, 59] she is raised and mentored by Valkyrie Yuna in the use of "Soul Blade" (ソウルブレイド, Sōru Bureido), an Ether Gear that produces swords of solid Ether.[ch. 21] Homura lacks a social filter due to encouragement from Valkyrie to overcome her previously shy and quiet nature,[ch. 47] which results in her habitually voicing her thoughts and intentions by mistake.[ch. 19] Initially viewing Valkyrie as only a beloved teacher during her training,[ch. 57] she embarks on a five-year search for her after Valkyrie disappears,[ch. 29] having come to regard her as a mother figure.[ch. 67] Homura's search leads her to join the Edens Zero crew, where she also declares her intent to duel Shiki,[ch. 21] whom she considers to be a worthy opponent for inheriting the title of "Demon King" from Ziggy, Valkyrie's undefeated rival.[ch. 28] After discovering Valkyrie's death on Sun Jewel,[ch. 58] Homura replaces her within the Four Shining Stars and assumes the name "Valkyrie Homura",[ch. 68] later hoping to wish to Mother for a reunion with her teacher.[ch. 100] Mashima chose the name "Homura", which means "flame" (炎, homura), to give an impression of the color red and fire;[vol. 9] this also influenced Kurenai's name, which means "crimson" (紅, kurenai).[vol. 8] He commented that he introduced the character earlier than he planned, originally intending to include two other male characters within the crew before her and the Four Shining Stars' appearance.[vol. 4]