Kindred Spirits

Tsunami and Sasami: Kindred Spirits

Kindred spirits is a concept first introduced in Pretty Sammy. It's the idea that a powerful magic sorcerer can bestow magic powers upon a regular human, transforming them into a magical girl if they 'share the same soul.' The original Japanese term is 魂を同じくする (tamashii wo onajiku suru), which directly translates to 'to share the same soul.'"

Rules and Requirements

In most continuities, it is part of the trial the final chosen queen candidate of Juraihelm has to pass before they officially ascend to the throne. The chosen queen candidate is only allowed to visit Earth once to find a girl there who is very similar to them, one whom they "share the same soul" (in the original Japanese) or whom they are "kindred spirits." This magical girl then has to fulfill a mission on their behalf, usually restoring the Gemini balance towards good. If they succeed, they will get the throne.

Officially, Tsunami and Pretty Sammy were the only duo in the queen selection process. But, secretly, Ramia also found her own kindred spirit, Misao Amano, as Pixy Misa, to sabotage Tsunami.

Selection Process

Ramia's First Encounter with Her Kindred Spirit, Misao Amano

While the exact process by which they find their champion is unknown, it likely involves magic, given the chosen girl isn't picked at will but rather found. And even if it's not obvious at first glance, both the magic patron and their champion display very similar personalities, and even a similar physical appearance (such as clothing and hairstyles) This indicates both the magic patron and their magical girl champion share a special link and affinity.

For instance, Tsunami, who tried to feign being wise and serious, was in fact just as airheaded as Sasami.

Exceptions

In the original Pretty Sammy OVA and its namesake first novel, there wasn't an explicit mention of the kindred spirits requirement. In fact, it seemed like Rumiya simply chose Misao, on his sister's behalf, to become Ramia's magical girl by mere chance. In the first radio play, Magical Night 1, Rumiya chooses Misao simply because she seems able to match Pretty Sammy with her "cuteness". However, Rumiya might have been biased due to him having a crush on Misao in both instances. In subsequent PS novels, it is explicitly confirmed that Ramia and Misao are indeed kindred spirits. And so were Sasami and Tsunami. Suplemental material also confirms the kindred spirit system is also at play in the OVAs.

In the Pretty Sammy Novel Universe, Ryo-ohki stated that the magic that created Pixy Misa is a feat only the highest levels of sorceresses can accomplish, and even then, they have to be kindred spirits. This is not a hard rule. In other continuities, such as Magical Project S, it's possible that a girl who is not a kindred spirit can become a magical girl if they have access to a magic baton, as was the case with Konoha and Eimi.

Similarities between kindred spirits.

Tsunami and Sasami

Tsunami and Sasami are strikingly similar. Both are blue-haired, airheaded women with similar hairstyles, who are popular, extroverted, and well-liked, albeit somewhat goofy. While they aren't portrayed as intellectually gifted, they compensate with their kindness and selflessness. Furthermore, both are unaware they have a friend who is secretly jealous of them. It's likely not a coincidence in the meta series they are also merging into a single being.

Ramia and Misao

Ramia and Misao are more similar than they initially appear, despite one being a meek, shy Japanese girl and the other a mighty sorceress attempting a coup in a magical dimension

Once depowered and amnesic, Ramia becomes as gentle as Misao.

Ramia is characteristically openly flamboyant, while Misao is usually reserved and melancholic. However, Ramia, stripped of her memories and powers, revealed a soft side of her own, mirroring Misao's typical behavior.. However, they share underlying similarities, including a shared vulnerability to extreme depressive moods in moments of despair(albeit in Ramia's case it's rare because she is usually in a position of power).

When Misao loses her inhibitions as Pixy Misa, she mirrors Ramia's usual energetic personality, a fact first noted by Rumiya. Both, in their unrestrained forms, are motivated, intelligent, and prefer to have others handle their tasks. They are also short-tempered, secretly envious of a blue-haired friend, and exhibit bombastic, yet goofy, behavior. They share a tendency to resort to physical bullying, particularly against Rumiya, but also towards others, and are prone to exaggerated emotional displays in general. Furthermore, both crave the spotlight.

Known Examples of kindred spirits

• Tsunami-- Sasami Kawai (Pretty Sammy)
• Ramia--Misao Amano (Pixy Misa)
• Unkown benefactor--Romio

Trivia:

• Given that, within the meta-series, Tsunami and Sasami are in the process of merging into a single being, the concept of 'kindred spirits' could acknowledge their connection and similarities, while preserving them as separate beings.
• This concept was dropped in Sasami:Magical girls club continuity given all magical girls were born with their powers. And none seem to be linked to anyone in particular besides their friendship.