Ryoko, known as Ryoko Hakubi, is a space pirate who was defeated by Yosho nearly 700 years before her release by Tenchi. Prior to this, she was enslaved by Kagato. Her age is at least 5,000 years, though she claims only 2,000. Created by Washu using one of her egg cells, Ryoko is indirectly Washu's daughter. Washu combined her DNA with that of the amorphous Masu creatures to create Ryoko. She possesses three red gems, which are the source of her full energy, also provided by Washu.
The gem on the inside of Ryoko's left wrist allows her to summon powerful 'demon' spirits, enabling physical attacks to pass through them. The gem on her right wrist controls these spirits, while the third gem on her throat grants her full power. Ryoko can create false gems, hiding one as an earring on her left ear. This fake gem is less potent than the originals and helps balance her abilities but lasts for a limited time. In OAV 3, it was revealed that the true gems contain the powers and godhead of Washu-kami-sama, one of the three Chousin Goddesses. It remains unclear how much of her mother's power Ryoko can use independently.
Ryoko has numerous other abilities: flight, teleportation, intangibility, creating energy swords and blasts, regenerating limbs, creating doppelgängers, telekinesis, forcefields, matter manipulation, molecular restructuring, firing hair needles, and telepathy with Washu and Ryo-Ohki. She shares an advanced internal database with Ryo-Ohki, allowing constant oversight of her universal coordinates. Some abilities come from Washu, while others result from her Masu genes or design. She may have gained shapeshifting abilities from merging with Zero.
As a character, Ryoko is highly emotional, easily upset, and short-tempered, especially around Ayeka. Deeply in love with Tenchi, she admits her feelings in Episodes 5 & 6. While trapped in a cave, she created an astral body to watch Tenchi grow up, hoping to be with him. However, her initial frightening introduction distanced Tenchi from her for a long time. When Washu appears, she critiques Ryoko's sex appeal and asks her to call her "mommy." Ryoko starts fearing Washu when she conducts experiments on her unwillingly.
Ryoko has no taste buds and doesn't need to eat; her energy comes from the gem on her wrist. She eats socially and enjoys sake but can nullify alcohol effects instantly. She doesn't need to breathe and can survive in space's vacuum. Ryoko seemed to enjoy being electrocuted by Ayeka, quipping about being more of a sadist. With Ryo-Ohki destroying many planets under Kagato, she might not have been joking. Ryoko is childlike and gullible due to her limited experiences. She is sensitive about her age, crying when called a mummy by Ayeka.
In "Ai Tenchi Muyo," Ryoko wears an elaborately designed leotard with matching white leg boots, sporting a simpler hairstyle compared to previous series.
