2025/10/12 Edited to

... Read moreHey everyone, I've been so hyped for the debut of Twisted Wonderland, and with just 17 days left, I couldn't resist diving deeper into one of my absolute favorite characters: Ruggie Bucchi! If you're like me and curious about what makes this Savanaclaw student tick, you're in for a treat. I've gathered some truly fascinating insights into his personality, unique backstory, and even the meaning behind his name that I just had to share! First off, let's talk about Ruggie's personality. He’s often described as a 'clever hyena,' and it really shines through in how he navigates life at Night Raven College. Coming from a background of hardship and scarcity, Ruggie is incredibly resourceful and always thinking about his own survival and those he cares for. He might seem a bit opportunistic, always looking for a good deal or ways to make a quick buck, but it stems from a place of needing to get by. It’s not just about selfishness; it's about making sure he and his family have enough, a trait I find surprisingly relatable. He’s fiercely loyal to Leona, despite also looking out for his own interests, much like the original hyenas from The Lion King who followed Scar but always had their own agenda. It’s this complex mix of cunning and underlying care that makes him such a compelling character. Speaking of his name, did you know 'Ruggie' is thought to be a reflection of his 'rugged' and tough upbringing? It makes so much sense when you consider his background. And his surname, 'Bucchi,' is actually a direct reference to 'ブッチハイエナ' (buchi haiena), the Japanese term for 'spotted hyena'! It’s such a neat detail that perfectly ties into his animal motif and the lore. His connection to the hyenas from The Lion King – Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed – is also really cool. Like them, he often follows a 'lion king' figure, Leona, but always keeps his own survival in mind. It really highlights his wily personality and constant quest to get by, even if it means being a little bit sneaky. Another super interesting aspect of hyenas that influenced Ruggie is their physical traits. Did you know that female hyenas are actually physically stronger and dominant, and often taller than the males in the real world? This fact might have even influenced Ruggie's height in comparison to some of the other Savanaclaw students! And let's not forget those strong hyena jaws. We know Ruggie can bite through a lot more than just meat, even large bones! This 'ravenous appetite' and ability to utilize almost anything for sustenance perfectly reflects his survivalist nature and the original trio's tone. And now for some delightful trivia: Ruggie's favorite food is donuts! This isn't just a random preference; it has a heartwarming backstory. When he was growing up, his family couldn't afford birthday cakes, so his granny would make simple homemade donuts with crispy outsides and warm, fluffy insides instead. It makes me want to bake some right now! It’s such a sweet detail that adds so much depth to his character and explains why he treasures them so much. On the flip side, his least favorite food is anything rotten. He once ate spoiled bone-in steak and got a nasty stomachache, so now he refuses anything that isn't fresh. He'll eat almost anything *if it's not rotten*, including bones, which again, plays into that strong hyena jaw. Finally, a quick fun fact: Ruggie's birthday is April 18th! And get this, National Hyena Day is April 27th. While his birthday doesn't fall exactly on it, it's still in the same month, making April a perfect time to celebrate this cunning hyena. So, next time you see Ruggie, remember all these amazing details that make him such a standout character in Twisted Wonderland. I can't wait to see more of him!