Ran Yakumo is a kitsune shikigami with nine fox tails who serves as the primary assistant to Yukari Yakumo, the Youkai of Boundaries. Despite Yukari's laziness, Ran handles most of the actual management and maintenance of Gensokyo's barrier and the region itself. She is responsible and diligent in her work, though her master often treats her as a tool and physically disciplines her when mistakes occur. Ran also has a shikigami of her own named Chen, a nekomata. Despite the difficult nature of her position under Yukari's command, Ran remains loyal and continues to perform her duties to maintain the stability of Gensokyo and the peace between youkai and humans.