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Previously on Dragon Ball /to-G/, we had discussed anime color theory, and how the rainbow of hair and eye colors are used as visual shorthand to establish and reinforce character traits. And while I've brushed on the topic before, let's use a Carmine case study to examine how Gamufreaku uses Pokemon teams to tell a story.
At the start of the first act of the Teal Mask's story, we travel through a rice paddy and are introduced to the kindly people of Mossui Town... and Carmine. Later, we're told the story of the oni/ogre.
In mythology, an oni represents the opposite of the Japanese ideal: they are loud, aggressive, rude thugs. While all the other locals like the Caretaker are quick to accommodate their new guests, Carmine is even quicker to try and chase us off. When wandering Kitikami later on, multiple townsfolk and Trainers remark on being intimidated by Carmine's behavior and avoiding her. Even though she sees herself as the protector of her community, Carmine is an outcast.
In her initial battle, Carmine leads with a Poochyena--she puts up an Intimidating front, but we know that Poochyena and Mightyena will quickly drop its mask and turn submissive around a stronger opponent. After Poochyena, she uses a Vulpix, then a Poltchageist. From a gameplay perspective, this clues the player into the idea of catching another Convergent Evolution that underscores the themes of Scarlet & Violet's main plot. From a story perspective, these two choices don't mean much to our outsider's perspective until after the battle is over.
In the real world, foxes are adept at hunting down the rodents that would threaten rice crops. Within the realm of Shintoism, foxes are the earthly representatives of the kami Inari--goddess of rice, tea, and prosperity--and protect her shrines. Inari's domain is one of the guiding principles of Shintoism and Japanese culture.
